SBS drama breaks ratings records again with just two episodes left before finale

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With only 2 episodes remaining until its finale, an SBS drama has once again surpassed its own records. The main character's revenge on the villains has perfectly satisfied viewers' frustrations.

SBS' Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3' (Written by Oh Sangho, directed by Kang Boseung, produced by Studio S, Group Eight, and BA Entertainment) follows the story of a mysterious taxi company and taxi driver Kim Do-gi as they carry out revenge on behalf of wronged victims.

Returning after 2 years since Season 2, 'Taxi Driver 3' has gained praise for its cinematic direction, the even stronger chemistry of 'Rainbow Dark Heroes,' its solid world-building that bridges the seasons, and the great villain lineup. As a result, the drama swept various domestic and international box office indicators from its first week of broadcast. In its second week, it broke through the double-digit viewership ratings and has been on a roll ever since. Furthermore, at the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, lead actor Lee Jehoon (as Kim Do-gi) won his second Daesang for the 'Taxi Driver' series.

With just 2 episodes left until the finale, 'Taxi Driver 3' is once again breaking various records as it reaches its climax. The most recent episode peaked at 18.5% with averages of 15.1% in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and 14.2% nationwide, setting its new personal best for nationwide ratings. Notably, the ratings of viewers aged 20-49 soared to 4.8% and peaked at 5.75%, easily taking first place among all broadcasts in the new year.

According to the 'FUNdex' rankings released by Good Data Corporation for the first week of January (29/12/2025 - 04/01/2026), 'Taxi Driver 3' ranked #1 in the TV-OTT drama category, while Lee Jehoon took the #1 spot in the TV-OTT integrated cast buzz rankings.

It's performance on streaming platforms is just as overwhelming. In the first week of January rankings released by KinoLights, 'Taxi Driver 3' ranked #1 across all content, including dramas, movies, and variety shows. According to FlixPatrol, it also held the #1 spot on Netflix's Korea TOP 10 series category released on 5th of January. Additionally, the drama recorded an average rating of 9.2 (as of 6 January) on the global database IMDb, proving its irreplaceable presence in the competitive content market.

Meanwhile, viewers are expressing their regret as the show is near its ending. The final episodes set to air this coming Friday (9th) and Saturday (10th), expected to feature a revenge service set against a military base background. Expectations are rising as 41-year veteran actor Kim Jongsoo (as Oh Wonsang) confirmed as the final villain and a special appearance by Jeon Sonee (as Yoo Seonah) also announced. 

Continue reading SBS drama breaks ratings records again with just two episodes left before finale

Goo Junyeop spotted cleaning the tombstone of his late wife Barbie Hsu ... "Looking for a house nearby"

 

https://m.entertain.naver.com/ranking/article/477/0000587445

It has been reported that Goo Junyeop continues to watch over the grave of his late wife, Barbie Hsu, even in the new year.

On the 4th, Taiwanese media outlet ET Today reported, "Goo Junyeop was spotted visiting Chin Pao San in the new year, cleaning his wife's tombstone."

Previously, a post on an online community drew significant attention as a netizen shared that had visited the Chin Pao San cemetery in Taiwan, where Barbie Hsu is buried, and witnessed Goo Junyeop meticulously cleaning her tombstone.

The netizen, who claimed to be a fan of the late Barbie Hsu, explained that they encountered Goo Junyeop on their way to leave the cemetery. They shared that Goo Junyeop was carrying a large bag and cleaning every corner of the tombstone with care. The netizen also shared that they left quietly because they felt too sorry to even greet him.

Taiwanese media also released pictures, reporting that Goo Junyeop has been spending nearly every day near Barbie Hsu's grave.

Last year, local residents report that Goo Junyeop was looking for a house near Chin Pao San and that he had visited newly built apartments in the area.

Barbie Hsu passed away last February at the age of 48 due to acute pneumonia after contracting the flu while traveling in Japan with her family.

Barbie Hsu and Goo Junyeop had received much love and support from fans in both countries for their movie-like love story, as they reunited after 20 years and married in 2022.

Since the passing of his wife, Goo Junyeop has suspended all activities indefinitely and has been staying in Taiwan. He has been spotted at the grave and at family gatherings looking noticeably gaunt, drawing sympathy from the public.

Continue reading Goo Junyeop spotted cleaning the tombstone of his late wife Barbie Hsu ... "Looking for a house nearby"

Kim Woobin ♥ Shin Minah spotted on honeymoon in Spain ... Wearing wedding rings 'Dripping with sweetness'

 

Kim Woobin and Shin Minah have been spotted on their honeymoon in Spain.

Recently, the couple was seen having a meal in a Korean restaurant located in Spain. It is reported that they were eating Soybean Paste Stew, Tteokbokki, and Dolsot Bibimbap.

In particular, the wedding ring on Kim Woobin’s ring finger caught attention.

Sitting across from Shin Minah, he was smiling brightly with a happy expression, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.

Shin Minah and Kim Woobin, who had been in a public relationship since 2015, tied the knot on December 20 last year at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, hosted by Lee Kwangsoo, and featured a congratulatory performance by singer Car the Garden.

Ahead of their wedding, the couple set a positive example by donating a total of 300 million KRW, including the Hallym Burn Foundation, Asan Medical Center, and Good Friends.

Meanwhile, Kim Woobin starred in the Netflix series 'Genie, Make a Wish' last year and Shin Minah is starring in the Disney+ original series 'The Remarried Empress' set to be released later this year.

https://m.entertain.naver.com/ranking/article/112/0003785389

Continue reading Kim Woobin ♥ Shin Minah spotted on honeymoon in Spain ... Wearing wedding rings 'Dripping with sweetness'

'Is being smart all that matters?' ... Seoul National University rejects two applicants with school violence records

Last year, six of major national universities in South Korea rejected a total of 45 applicants who had records of school violence.

According to data submitted by 10 major national universities to Rep. Kang Kyungsook on November 2, these universities failed 45 applicants in the admissions process in 2024. 37 of them were rejected in early admission 8 in regular admission. These universities applied penalty points to applicants with records of school violence, resulting in disqualification.

Kyungpook National University had the highest number of rejected applicants, with total of 22 students, 19 in early admission and 3 in regular admissions. This was followed by Busan National University with 8 rejections, Kangwon National University with 5 rejections, Gyeongsang National University with 3 students, and Seoul National University with 2 students.

On the other hand, Jeonnam National University, Jeju National University, Chungnam National University, and Chungbuk National University, did not apply the penalty system last year, resulting in no rejections based on such records.

Starting with the 2025 school year admissions, all universities in South Korea will be required to consider records of school violence in their evaluations. This change is expected to make college admissions significantly more difficult for applicants with records of school violence.

Disciplinary measures for school violence range from level 1 (written apology), level 2 (ban on contacting the victim), level 3 (in-school community service), level 4 (community service outside school), level 5 (special education), level 6 (suspension from school), level 7 (class transfers), and level 9 (expulsion). Each university can determine how many points to take off based on the severity of the disciplinary action.

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[+2,215][-10] 'School bully' should follow them around like a label for their entire life.

[+1,998][-7] Exactly!!!!

[+1,582] [-93] Filter out Ilbe, Shincheonji, Unification Church, and FMKorea too.

[+81] [-1] First things first... Act like a decent human being.

[+79] [-0] Well done. We must no longer allow those who committed school violence to graduate from good universities and live comfortably in South Korea.

[+76] [-0] Looks like society is returning back to normal...! We should require it to be listed on job resumes as well.

Continue reading 'Is being smart all that matters?' ... Seoul National University rejects two applicants with school violence records

Jokwon shares sudden sad news: "The cancer is spreading fast ... Starting chemotherapy soon"

 

On November 2, Jokwon shared on his Instagram, writing, "Gaga, who I thought would be 1 year old forever, has now turned 12. As she's gotten older, her eyes have turned cloudy, she can barely see from her left eye, her hearing is getting weaker, and her hair has turned white," updating fans on his dog's condition.

He continued, "It seems my dog has been sick for a while. She suddenly lost a lot of weight and finally showed me signs that something was wrong. During Chuseok, a tumor was found in her small intestine, and she had a major surgery to remove it."

Jokwon explained, "The test showed that the tumor was malignant. She was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Because the prognosis is not good, I always rush home to Gaga right after my musical rehearsals and other schedules end."

He added, "The doctors said the cancer cells are spreading faster than expected. Gaga will start chemotherapy soon, right before my first musical performance. As her guardian, I'm going to do everything I can," as he asked fans to keep Gaga in their prayers.

Meanwhile, Jokwon, a member of the ballad group 2AM, will meet audiences in the musical show 'Rent' starting on November 9.

TenAsia

Continue reading Jokwon shares sudden sad news: "The cancer is spreading fast ... Starting chemotherapy soon"

Lee Yikyung takes legal action over 'private life rumors' ... "Lawsuit filed, no mercy"

Lee Yikyung, who was recently caught up in rumors about his private life, has announced that he is taking strong legal action. On the 3rd, his agency, Sangyoung ENT, issued an official statement, saying, "We express deep regret over the false information and defamation spreading online about Lee Yikyung."

The agency added, "Through our legal representatives, we have submitted evidence of the damage and filed a lawsuit with the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul against the individual responsible for posting and spreading false claims. There have been no attempt for any settlements or discussions for compensations regarding this matter, and we will not do so in the future."

They continued, "We will continue to monitor malicious online activity that harms the character and reputation of our actor and we will continue to take all necessary legal actions without any mercy."

The agency further stated, "We understand that this is an age where people must protect themselves from fabricated and distorted information. We will do our best to prevent harm caused by groundless rumors and false claims, and to protect the rights and reputation of our actor."

Earlier on October 20, a blog post titled 'Revealing the true face of Lee Yikyung' was shared online, containing screenshots of sexually suggestive messages that the author claimed were exchanged with Lee Yikyung.

At the time, the agency immediately denied the claims, calling them 'completely groundless.' The individual who wrote the post apologized just one day later, explaining that "It started as a joke, I used AI-Generated images," bringing the controversy to an end.

Sports Kyunghyang 

[+373][-19] Yes, please make sure we see news confirming that she was actually prosecuted and punished in court. Don’t drop the case once public attention fades after filing the lawsuit . If you do, the public will assume it was settled with money.

[+281][-10] Exactly. This is way too malicious to be forgiven.

[+233][-7] Whether it's through penalties or whatever means, please set an example so that these kinds of malicious commenters disappear completely.

[+23][-2] Why did that woman do such a thing? Even going as far as using AI to manipulate things? What did she gain from this?

[+20][-2] Since the damage was huge, he will take this to the end right?? If he dropped this case halfway, it's 100% going to look like a setup.

Continue reading Lee Yikyung takes legal action over 'private life rumors' ... "Lawsuit filed, no mercy"

Yeo Jingoo selected for KATUSA service ... Enlisting on December 1

Yeo Jingoo has been selected to serve in the KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to the United States Army), fulfilling his mandatory military duty.

On the 3rd, his agency announced, "Yeo Jingoo has been selected for KATUSA and will serve for about 18 months, starting on Monday, December 15th."

The agency added, "Since the basic training entrance ceremony will be attended by many soldiers and their families, we will not announce the specific location or time. We kindly ask that you do not visit the site on that day."

The agency finished by saying, "We are always thankful for the support you send to Yeo Jingoo. We ask for your continued encouragement and support until he returns after completing his duty in good health, a more mature person."

Yeo Jingoo, who was born in 1997 and is 28 years old, recently announced his enlistment in a handwritten letter during a fan meeting. He promised his fans: "Even though I will be apart from you for a while, I will return as a stronger and more mature person. I promise to come back as a healthier person and a deeper actor.”

Earlier this year, Yeo Jingoo celebrated his 20th debut anniversary with his special Asia fan meeting tour ‘BLANKSPACE’, greeting fans in Jakarta, Tokyo, Osaka, Chengdu, Shanghai, and Taipei. He concluded the tour with a final fan meeting in Seoul on November 1.

SBS

Continue reading Yeo Jingoo selected for KATUSA service ... Enlisting on December 1