THE BOYZ's Younghoon shading on 'PD Note' episode of MC Mong and Cha Gawon? ... "I'm glad more people know about it now"

According to a recent report by Sports Chosun, THE BOYZ's Younghoon left a highly meaningful remark on a fan communication platform which led many fan to speculate about its meaning due to its timing and wording:

"I was watching TV today and something interesting came on. I'm glad it seems that more people have become aware of it now. I hope everything gets resolved well for all the victims."

The reason is because on June 2nd, MBC's 'PD Note' aired an episode titled 'MC Mong and the chairwoman's K-pop business secrets.' In this episode, 'PD Note' raised allegations that MC Mong and One Hundred Label Chairwoman Cha Gawon were in an inappropriate relationship and engaged in illegal gamblings together. The episode also claimed that Cha Gawon had personally misused advance payments totaling 115 billion KRW belonging to One Hundred Label and its subsidiaries and that artists under the company, including Lee Seunggi and Baekhyun, were charged exclusive contract fees over three times higher than the standard in the industry.  

In response, Cha Gawon denied all the allegations, stating, "Not a single KRW of the advance payments was used for purposes other than production costs." MC Mong also rejected all claims made by 'PD Note,' calling them fabricated, and announced plans to pursue a lawsuit seeking approximately 100 billion KRW in damages.

Amidst this situation, Younghoon's message has drawn attention because he is currently involved in a legal dispute with One Hundred Label.

In February, nine members of THE BOYZ, excluding New, notified One Hundred Label that they were terminating their exclusive contracts due to a breakdown of trust, unpaid settlements, and other issues. Last month, the court approved the members' request for an injunction to suspend the validity of their exclusive contracts. 

However, One Hundred Label countered, stating, "We have already paid signing bonuses of 1.5 billion KRW to each member of THE BOYZ, totaling 16.5 billion KRW," and arguedthat the members should repay an amount corresponding to the remaining duration of their contracts. 

Continue reading THE BOYZ's Younghoon shading on 'PD Note' episode of MC Mong and Cha Gawon? ... "I'm glad more people know about it now"

SECRET confirms reunion after 12 years ... "We are currently preparing for a comeback"

It has been reported that girl group SECRET is preparing for a comeback roughly 12 years after their last promotions. 

On the 4th, representatives from RBW stated to MHN Sports:

"It is true that SECRET is currently preparing for a comeback. More detailed information regarding the comeback will be announced at a later date."

Earlier on the same day, JoyNews24 also reported that SECRET members Jeon Hyosung and Jung Hana are moving forward with a reunion project. According to the report, the two are preparing to promote as a three-member group with the addition of a new member. 

This project is reportedly being organized and produced by RBW. The group is said to be considering reinterpreting and releasing new version of SECRET's hit songs.

Notably, just a day before the comeback reports surfaced, Jeon Hyosung drew attention by leaving a meaningful post on her personal social media account. Alongside several photos, she wrote:

"Trying out the 'Shy Boy' makeup again. Bringing back 2011. First things first, let's gather all Secret Time."

In the pictures, Jeon Hyosung captured with styling from SECRET's golden days. She perfectly recreated the concept used during promotions for their hit song 'Shy Boy,' leading fans to enthustiastically react while anticipating a potential reunion. 

However, the reunion project will not include all of the original members. Han Sunhwa, who left the group in 2016, is currently focusing entirely on her acting career. Meanwhile, Song Jieun is also not actively pursuing music activities at this time. As a result, Jeon Hyosung and Jung Hana will lead the group's new chapter alongside a new member.

Debuting in 2009, SECRET became one of the representative 2nd Gen girl group with hit songs like 'Magic,' 'Madonna,' 'Shy Boy,' 'Starlight Moonlight,' 'Love is Move,' and 'Poison.' The group built a strong identity with their bright, approachable image alongside solid vocal skills, earning widespread popularity during their peak years.

In particular, since the group activities had effectively stopped following the release of their mini-album 'SECRET SUMMER' in 2014, this comeback news has been especially welcomed by fans. Attention is now focused on what kind of image and music SECRET will present when they finally return to stage once again after such a long hiatus.

Continue reading SECRET confirms reunion after 12 years ... "We are currently preparing for a comeback"

Park Jihoon reveals his dream role after 'Weak Hero' and 'The King's Warden' success: "I want to become the worst person in the world"

Singer and actor Park Jihoon has revealed the role he wants to take on in the future in a recent interview with Newsen.

Park Jihoon had already built his experience as a child actor long before making his debut in 2017 with Wanna One through Mnet's 'Produce 101 Season 2.' Since then, he has starred in dramas such as 'Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency,' 'Love Revolution,' 'At a Distance, Spring Is Green,' 'Love Song for Illusion,' 'Weak Hero Class 1,' 'Weak Hero Class 2,' movie 'Beautiful Audrey,' and more. In particular, he also starred in 'The King's Warden' which was released in February and attracted a cumulative viewers of 16.88 million viewers as of June 2nd, earning nicknames like 'Danjong Oppa' and '16 million viewers actor.'

From Yeon Sieun in 'Weak Hero,' to Lee Hongwi in 'The King's Warden,' and now Kang Sungjae in 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier,' Park Jihoon already has several signature roles recognized by the public. In a recent interview with Newsen, he shared, "I'm always grateful when people call me by my character names. Sometimes, it feels even better than hearing my own name." He continued:

"When people called me 'Sungjae-ya' instead of 'Jihoon-ah' during the filming of 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldierm' it made me feel like I was doing a good job. When someone unconsciously calls me by my character name, it feels amazing."

Park Jihoon also shares the type of character he wants to challenge himself next:, "If I have one wish, I'd love to play a bad guy. Most of the characters I've played have been kind-hearted people who stand up against injustice. Honestly, I'm curious about how I would portray a villain role." He added: 

"I want to become the worst person in the world. You know how when an actors stars in a daily dramas and the aunties in the restaurant would get completely immersend and talk about them? I'm curious about how people would look at me if I played a villain role in a successful project. I'm curious about what I would feel on set while portraying that role and how I would express it."

Continue reading Park Jihoon reveals his dream role after 'Weak Hero' and 'The King's Warden' success: "I want to become the worst person in the world"

'Danjong Oppa' Park Jihoon declares his enlistment in the Marine Corps next year: "Even if my agency opposes it, I'm going"

Singer and actor Park Jihoon has declared his intention to enlist in the Marine Corps next year in a recent interview with Newsen. 

Park Jihoon is currently starring in the TVING's 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier' as Kang Sungjae, a private who gradually becomes a legendary military cook. Because of his standout performance, the drama is achieving huge success on its release platforms. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama started off with a viewer ratings of 5.847% and later rose to 7.9%, dominating its time slot across all channels. It also maintained its No.1 position on TVING. 

As someone who has yet completed his mandatory military service, Park Jihoon claimed to have experienced the military life indirectly from the drama, saying, "We filmed the training scenes in the mountains in freezing weather. It felt like I could get frostbite if I didn't have heat packs all over my body. Whenever the director shouted 'cut,' I would rush into the tent to warm up by the heater." He also showed his passion as a military enthusiast, saying:

"I found those brief moments were enjoyable. Whenever I had to film scenes with a rifle, I would get into shooting positions and aim. I was completely immersed by myself, like an elementary school kid playing pretend. It's a shame there isn't any behind-the-scenes footage of it. I had so much fun running around, hiding behind trees, and joking around, but none of it was captured. It's such a bum."

However, when asked whether the drama would help prepare him for the real military service, Park Jihoon replied, "No. I don't think it will help. I think the actual military life will be completely different. It will be much tougher than this, especially since I'm going to apply for one of the more demanding units. I think will be far more challenging and exhausting." 

He added, "It made me realize just how exhausting it must be for military cooks. They wake up earlier than everyone else and finish later than everyone else. They may not be out in the middle of battlefields, but they have their own difficulties. We filmed at Gangrim Guard Post which has relatively few personnel, but I imagine it would be much harder for military cooks in larger units or dining facilities."

While it is human nature to choose the easier path, Park Jihoon's determination to join the Marine Corps remain unchanged, saying:

"Since I only get one chance to enlist, I might as well go somewhere challenging. Calling it 'unique' might sound a bit odd. I'm not saying the other branches aren't special, but the Marines require applicants to pass additional tests. I think going through that process would teach me valuable lessons."

Since the Marine Corps enlistment age limit is 29, Park Jihoon, who turned 28 this year, effectively has about one year remaining to apply. Regarding his enlistment plans, he said:

"I'm not sure exactly when yet, but if possible, I should go sooner while it's still easier physically. To be honest, I have to enlist next year. I don't know what month, but next year is my final chance to join the Marines, so I absolutely have to enlist next year." 

 

He also emphasized his determination to enlist in the Military Corps, saying:

"Even if my agency tells me not to enlist in the Marine Corps, I'm going to anyway. I'm enlisting next year. Please make sure to write it down like that in the article. I don't want to postpone my enlistment anymore. I want to fulfill my obligations to serve the country next year. Of course, I still need to apply and pass the tests, but even if I fail that the test, I still want to join the Marines. I'm not saying this because there's someone in my family who in the Marines, it's just that I want to. I'd be very grateful if you could write in the article that I'm enlisting next year."

When asked if he has any worries regarding his military hiatus, Park Jihoon answered, "A lot of actors seem to have pre-filmed projects released while they're serving in the military, so fans might think, 'Oh? He's already back?' I'm not sure about the details of my future schedules, but I think that kind of arrangement would probably be the ideal situation." 

Continue reading 'Danjong Oppa' Park Jihoon declares his enlistment in the Marine Corps next year: "Even if my agency opposes it, I'm going"

NCT ex-member Mark launches one-person agency Upper Room

According to a recent report by Sports World , NCT's ex-member Mark has established a creative company called Upper Room. 

On the 4th, Mark's representatives officially announced the launch, stating:

"Upper Room is a creative company established by Mark alongside colleagues whom he has built deep mutual trust with. Centered around music, the company plan to organically connect various creative fields, including video, visual art, and performance, to expand Mark's artistic vision in a more multidimensional way."

The name of the company symbolizes more than just a physical space. It represents a space where people who share the same vision can gather to exchange ideas and discover new possibilities. 

Mark is taking on a new role as both the co-CEO and an independent creator of the company. To mark the company's launch, they launched announcement films inspired by the 15th-century metal movable-type printing on the 3rd. It emphasizes the importance of human-created works and deep respect for creators in an era where technology evolves rapidly. It was also highlighted that no AI-generated images were used, with all visuals produced by hand to convey the message Upper Room wants to deliver.

Along with this, the company also unveiled visual films titled 'Written' and 'The Wind.' These will be followed by four more visual films scheduled for releas on the afternoon of the 4th, which together will form a single connected narrative.

Each films follows the emotions and personal growth of a young man standing before a new chapter. Through striking visuals, they capture moments where anxiety and anticipation, question and certainty, overlap. While each film appears to tell a separate story, they ultimately connect into a single journey. This is expected to symbolize the fresh beginnings and opportunities that Upper Room will unfold in the future.

Meanwhile, Mark officially parted ways with SM Entertainment this April, wrapping up all his activities with NCT, including NCT 127 and NCT Dream.

Continue reading NCT ex-member Mark launches one-person agency Upper Room

Yoo Seonho challenges himself to perform in a musical: "I kept having nightmares about going on stage unprepared ... So anxious and worried about making mistakes"

According to a recent report by Newsen, Yoo Seonho appeared as a guest on the broadcast of SBS PowerFM's 'Kim Youngchul's PowerFM' that aired on the 4th alongside his co-star in the musical 'The Days,' Seo Hyunchul. 

During the broadcast, Kim Youngchul asked Yoo Seonho, "Since 'The Days' is your first-ever musical, aren't you nervous? Seo Hyunchul once said that when he did his first musical, he practiced a single song for six hours and would even sing it in his sleep. Have you ever sung in your sleep?" 

In response, Yoo seonho answered, "This is my first time starring in a musical show. I'm not the type of person who gets very nervous, but I noticed that I became really tense whenever I headed to the practice room." He continued: 

"I don't dream often in my sleep, but during the early stages of practice, when I obviously wasn't fully prepared, I kept having the same dream repeatedly. In my dream, I would go on stage in a completely unprepared state, then I'd make mistakes. That's when I would suddenly snap awake." 

Continue reading Yoo Seonho challenges himself to perform in a musical: "I kept having nightmares about going on stage unprepared ... So anxious and worried about making mistakes"