Monday, June 15, 2026

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"The IOI reunion brings back old memories" ... Jung Eunwoo, who is now a plastic surgery clinic manager, shares her feelings after retiring from the entertainment industry

According to a recent report by Sports Seoul, Jung Eunwoo, a former member of the girl group PRISTIN, recently shared an update on her current life working as a manager at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam and opened up about her feelings after leaving the entertainment industry.

On the 14th, an interview video featuring Jung Eunwoo was released through the Youtube channel '1ma2c Magazine.'

In the video, Jung Eunwoo spoke about her life after leaving the entertainment industry, saying:

"Not long after the group disbanded, I started working at a certain hospital. It was also located in Gangnam and a lot of recognizable celebrities came there."

She continued, "Some people recognized me. Some would even ask, 'Why are you working here?' Since I was young back then, I felt a little bit embarrassed."

She added, "They were just asking out of curiosity, like, 'You used to be a celebrity, so why are you working here?' But looking back, I think I was dealing with my own inferiority complex about it."

Looking back to her idol days, Jung Eunwoo admitted:

"I still had lingering feelings about the entertainment industry. I'm past the age where I could become an idol again. For me, the most enjoyable time to sing now is just in the bathroom while showering."

Meanwhile, Jung Eunwoo participated in 'Produce 101' in 2016 as a trainee under Pledis Entertainment. She finished in 21st place and did not make the final lineup of IOI. She later debuted in PRISTIN alongside Lim Nayoung and Zhou Jieqiong, but the group disbanded in 2019. In November of the same year, she re-debuted in HINAPIA with former PRISTIN members Minkyung, Yebin, and Kyungwon, but the group wrapped up its activities after about nine months.

Continue reading "The IOI reunion brings back old memories" ... Jung Eunwoo, who is now a plastic surgery clinic manager, shares her feelings after retiring from the entertainment industry
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'4 different versions of Kim Saeron's voice recordings' ... The truth behind Garo Sero Research Institute's fabricated exposé targeting Kim Soohyun

According to a recent report by Sports Chosun, MBC's 'Straight' recently uncovered the reality behind Garo Sero Research Institute's 'fabricated exposé' targeting Kim Soohyun based on police investigation results.

On the 14th, MBC's 'Straight' aired an episode titled 'A Social Weapon: Garo Sero Research Institute's 'Exposé' Business.' This episode focused on how Kim Se-ui, who was recently arrested on charges including defamation, carried out his exposés. Specifically, it covered the tracks of the informant involved and the voice recordings of the late Kim Saeron that were released by Garo Sero Research Institute back in May.

According to 'Straight,' the informant in question had approached Kim Soohyun's agency first before giving the recordings to Garo Sero Research Institute. The informant allegedly demanded money and product advertising from Kim Soohyun's agency in exchange for a voice recording, which claimed that Kim Saeron briefly dated Kim Soohyun after she became an adult. However, the informant later gave a completely different voice recording to Garo Sero Research Institute, which claimed that Kim Saeron had been dating Kim Soohyun since she was in middle school.

In other words, both of the voice recordings used the late Kim Saeron's voice, but were edited and distributed with different narratives. The episode reported that the informant had also gave voice recordings to multiple media outlets, includingYoutubers, and that at least four different versions have been identified so far.

Kim Soohyun's legal representative, attorney Go Sangrok, stated on the broadcast:

"The fact that there are multiple versions of these recordings, all using Kim Saeron's voice but containing completely different stories, proves that they cannot be authentic."

Furthermore, the episode also reported that police found the recordings highly unreliable because the alleged conversations supposedly took place before the underage dating allegations had even surfaced.

'Straight' pointed out that although Garo Sero Research Institute claimed the National Forensic Service had verified the recordings, the forensic agency had only reviewed the materials at the request of police. Because the original files were never submitted, the forensic agency reportedly concluded that they were unable to verify them.The episode noted that the fabricated recordings and unverified accusations damaged not only the late Kim Saeron's reputation, but also caused significant harm to Kim Soohyun.

Meanwhile, the Gangnam Police Station referred Kim Se-ui to the prosecution on the 4th on charges including defamations and violations of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes. Kim Se-ui is accused of repeatedly distributing claims and recordings alleging that the late Kim Saeron had dated Kim Soohyun while she was still underage.

In response, Kim Soohyun's agency, Gold Medalist, released a statement, saying:

"Although (Kim Soohyun) is not direct parties to the case, we sincerely thank those who waited for the legal process and spoke out to uncover the truth."

They added, "We are also grateful to those who conducted their own investigations to uncover the truth of the matter and to everyone who helped us and make sure that the reality behind this case became widely known."

COMMENTS:

1. [+369][-45] But why did it take them so long just to prove that the recordings were fabricated???? That's what I'm really curious about.

2. [+332][-46] There were so many lawyers trying to gain views on Youtube by using unverified materials from Garo Sero Research Institute, claiming that Kim Soohyun was now screwed and stuff. They should be disciplined by the Bar Association too. The reporters who recklessly spread the stories deserve to get dragged just the same.

3. [+311][-25] Putting Garo Sero Research Institute aside, I genuinely don't understand her parents. Normal parents wouldn't come out to the media after their daughter passed away, talking abouth whether she dated someone in middle school or not. Especially when their relationship was bad enough that they didn't even know she got married.

4. [+136][-91] I just feel so sorry for Kim Saeron.

5. [+91][-12] The ones who make the absolute least sense is Kim Saeron's parents.

Continue reading '4 different versions of Kim Saeron's voice recordings' ... The truth behind Garo Sero Research Institute's fabricated exposé targeting Kim Soohyun
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"What is the standard?" ... Jang Wonyoung's departure screening sparks a formal complaint

Sports Kyunghyang has exclusively reported that the controversy surrounding IVE Jang Wonyoung's attitude during an identity check at Gimpo Airport has escalated into a formal civil complaint filed against the Korea Airports Corporation. The complaint is not focused on the idol's attitude itself, but rather demands clarification on what exact standards the airport uses to verify passengers' identities.

It was confirmed on the 15th that a civil complaint requesting clearer standards regarding identity verification procedures at Gimpo International Airport's departure terminal had been submitted to the airport's Security Management Department.

The complainant pointed out that at Incheon International Airport, passengers are specifically instructed to remove masks, hats, and sunglasses so staff can verify their identity before departure. Accordingly, they questioned whether the same standards apply across all airports operated by the Korea Airports Corporation and whether passengers can easily find the standard operating procedure regarding those requirements. The corporation is expected to respond by the 23rd.

The complaint originated from a video showing Jang Wonyoung departing from Gimpo Airport last month. On May 30, Jang Wonyoung underwent identity verification while departing for Shanghai, China, through Gimpo International Airport. When the employee asked her to lower her mask to match her face with her passport, Jang Wonyoung lifted her hat and pulled down her mask, complying with the procedure. However, some people argued that she had not responded sincerely enough to the request, leading into an 'attitude controversy.'

The complainant argued, "If passengers are required to follow such procedures, the rules should be easily accessible to everyone." They also demanded that if such rule exists, the corporation must state its official name, the department in charge, the specific clause, as well as explain whether the rule is applied equally to all passengers at Gimpo Airport and other airports under the corporation. The complaint also noted that unclear regulations can create additional workload for the staff.

Furthermore, the complainant requested confirmation whether the exact same standards are applied equally to all passengers regardless of their social status or public profile, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities.

Under Article 15 Clause 3 of South Korea's Aviation Security Act Enforcement Decree, all airport operators must compare boarding passes with identification documents to verify the passenger's identity. If it is difficult to verify the passenger's identity from the photos alone, they may conduct additional checks through questioning. In practice, Incheon International Airport explicitly states on its informational signs at the very first step of security screening that passengers should temporarily remove masks, hats, and sunglasses for identity verification purposes.

COMMENTS:

1. [+1,722][-36] Fans keep defending her by saying that she handed over her passport with both handsㅋㅋ But that's not even the issue hereㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ If an ordinary person were wearing a hat and a mask, would they be allowed to pass? Even if your hair gets messed up, you would still be told to take off your hat and remove your mask. Is being an idol some kind of a special privilege? Since she had to lower her mask two or three times, she seemed annoyed and crossed her arms because she was sulkingㅋㅋㅋ

2. [+1,533][-27] Ordinary people are told to remove their hats, masks, and sunglasses. On the other hand, she kept her hat on and only pulled down her mask for a brief second, which is not exactly fairㅋㅋㅋㅋ

3. [+1,144][-23] Her fans made this a bigger deal than it should be by claiming that the staff was the one in the wrongㅋㅋㅋ

4. [+165][-3] Why does everyone brush this off? This isn't the first or second time she's come across as very unfriendly...

Continue reading "What is the standard?" ... Jang Wonyoung's departure screening sparks a formal complaint
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Wonhee talks about her older brother: "We don't keep in touch, he doesn't talk about me"

TenAsia highlighted ILLIT Wonhee's upcoming appearance on SBS' 'AGJ' that will air on the 15th at 10.10 PM (KST), where she reveals that she doesn't keep in touch with her older brother.

In this episode, ILLIT's members show off the hidden talents they had never revealed before. In particular, Yunah transformed into an ostrich and ran around the set. The MCs highly praise her, saying, "This is the best hidden talent we have seen recently."

Iroha, who is known for her powerful dance lines, was asked to express a 'dragon soaring upward' through dance, and even engage in an impromptu dance battle with host Tak Jaehoon, who seems to be unable to contain his excitement.

The members also share their childhood photos, proving that they had idol-material looks from an early age. Wonhee revealed, "My dad said that I looked the prettiest when I couldn't speak. He started not liking it once I began talking." She also reveals that she has an older brother, saying:

"We don't keep in touch. My brother doesn't tell people that I'm his younger sister."

ILLIT and the MCs then compete in a heated lyrics-guessing game for a Hanwoo set on the line. Following this, ILLIT participates in a random play dance featuring their hit songs, including their recent popular track 'It's Me.' Even with the music played at double speed, they impress everyone with their perfectly synchronized choreography.

Continue reading Wonhee talks about her older brother: "We don't keep in touch, he doesn't talk about me"

Lee Junyoung shares handwritten letter: "I don't know where to begin"

OSEN has reported that actor and singer Lee Junyoung has personally delivered the news of his military enlistment through a handrwitten letter.

On the 14th, Lee Junyoung posted a lengthy handwritten letter on his social media, informing fans about his enlistment.

In the letter, he began by writing, "I have spent months wondering and thinking where to even begin this story. That's why I ended up writing this myself. I am already rewriting this for the tenth time." He continued:

"I thought it would be better for me to tell you myself rather than having you hear the news through an article, so I decided to write this. I never imagined I'd be the one delivering this kind of news myself, but yes! I will be enlisting on July 21."

Lee Junyoung shared his feelings, "Before knowing my enlistment date, I used to think, 'What's the big deal? If I had to enlist, I'd just go.' But once I actually received the date, I found myself thinking about a lot of things for the first time in a while." He showed his affection for his fans by adding, "I spent a long time wondering how I should break this news to you all first. Now that I'm writing this down word by word, I feel like my heart has become a little lighter." He added:

"I will serve well and come back healthily, in my own way. Until the day I greet you again, I sincerely hope that all of you stay healthy and spend happy, meaningful time wherever you are. Thank you for always cherishing and supporting me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year x2."

Meanwhile, Lee Junyoung is currently starring in the ongoing drama 'The New Employee Chairman Kang' and is scheduled to enlist on July 21 to fulfill his mandatory military service.

Continue reading Lee Junyoung shares handwritten letter: "I don't know where to begin"