'If you date the CEO, you get the center position?' ... 'K-pop Sugar Daddy' exposé sparks controversy → Clarifies: "Not my former agency"

SOURCE: "대표와 사귀면 센터?"…'K팝 슈가대디' 폭로 파장→"전 소속사 아니다" 선 긋기

Hyogyeong, formerly of the girl group ARIAZ, personally clarified that her recent comments regarding the existence of so-called 'sugar daddies' in the K-pop industry are unrelated to her past activities or her former agency.

Recently, Hyogyeong uploaded a video on her Youtube channel 'HYOKEY,' discussing the dark side of the K-pop industry. In the video, she claimed that some individuals in the entertainment industry engage in private relationships in exchange for financial support. She also claimed to have witnessed inappropriate situations during her time as an idol.

She specifically shared that she had heard of a girl group member from a small-to-mid sized agency who dated her CEO and was given the center position and major parts regardless of her skill and popularity. However, she drew a line by stating that this was unrelated to major agencies and that she did not name any specific individuals or companies. She also added that such cases occur not only among idols, but also among trainees and rookie actors.

After the video was posted, online speculation began linking Hyogyeon's past career to specific agencies, and the controversy quickly spread. In response, Hyogyeong posted an additional video on the 1st, emphasizing, "The story I mentioned in my video about Sugar Daddy and one short part dating a company CEO is not about my former agency at all."

She added, "All my videos are in English, so I think when they get translated into Korean and turned into articles, some problems are coming out," and urged people to refrain from groundless speculation. She further revealed that she had spoken directly with her former agency's CEO to clear up misunderstandings and offered an apology while explaining the situation.

Hyogyeong repeatedly denied, "The 'sugar daddy' story I mentioned is only a small part of the video," and added, "My former CEO would never do something like that to us."

Meanwhile, Hyogyeong first gained recognition after ranking 8th in on 'Mix Nine' in 2017. She later debuted in 2019 with the girl group ARIAZ, but the group ended activities in 2022. She is currently pursuing individual activities, mainly through her Youtube channel.

Continue reading 'If you date the CEO, you get the center position?' ... 'K-pop Sugar Daddy' exposé sparks controversy → Clarifies: "Not my former agency"

Kook Dongho's side responds to school violence allegations: "Currently verifying the facts"

SOURCE: [공식] 국동호 측, '실명 언급' 학폭 가해 의혹에 "사실 관계 확인 중"

Kook Dongho, a certified public accountant who gained recognition through Netflix's 'Single's Inferno 4,' has been embroiled in school violence allegations. His representatives have stated their position, saying that they are 'currently verifying the facts.'

On the 4th, Kook Dongho's agency told TenAsia, "We are in the process of verifying the facts. We are currently seeking legal advice."

The allegations arose when an active lawyer identified as A claimed to be a victim and mentioned Kook Dongho by his name. On the 3rd, A wrote on social mieda, "I suffered school violence by a group of bullies during my school days. B's boyfriend, Kook Dongho, subjected me to what is called a 'confession attack' (confessing to me in front of others, including his girlfriend, and laughing about it.)" A also shared, "After appearing on 'Single's Inferno,' I heard he quit his professional career and now lives as an influencer. While the show was airing, I was living in hell." A further claimed, "At the time, B placed thumbtacks on my chair during breaks and applied superglue to my locker so I couldn't open it," and added, "Kook Dongho, who was a famous Iljin (NB: Bully) at D Middle School, knew about it and enjoyed it."

A also mentioned Kook Dongho and the person identified as his partner, providing more detailed explanations of the alleged harm, "C made other kids hit my head with a badminton racket, placed thumbtacks on my chair during breaks, and applied superglue to my locker so I couldn't open it." A added, "One person is now living as an influencer and the other one works at a law firm representing victims like me. How much longer must victims endure this?" adding, "My role is to quietly working as a lawyer for victims."

A also revealed, "I already received a call from Kook Dongho's agency. They said he has no idea who I am. Isn't that obvious? Would a perpetrator remember their victim?" and requested, "Anyone who knows that Kook Dongho was a famous Iljin in that area, please send me a direct message." 

Continue reading Kook Dongho's side responds to school violence allegations: "Currently verifying the facts"

'Single's Inferno 4' star Kook Dongho faces school violence allegantions spreading rapidly following claims by an active lawyer

SOURCE: ‘솔로지옥4’ 국동호, 현직 변호사 폭로로 학폭 의혹 ‘일파만파’

A legal professional identified as A has come forward claiming to be a victim of school violence and publicly named Kook Dongho, a contestant from Netflix's 'Single's Inferno 4.'

On the 3rd, A claimed on social media, "I suffered school violence by a group of bullies during my school days. The boyfriend of the person who led the bullying appeared on 'Single's Inferno,'" and added, "I heard he quit his professional career and now lives as an influencer." A continued, "While 'Single's Inferno' was airing, I was living in hell. I was a victim of both school violence and workplace harassment."

A specifically named Kook Dongho and his partner 'C,' and alleged, "C made other kids hit my head with a badminton racket, placed thumbtacks on my chair during breaks, and applied superglue to my locker so I couldn't open it," and claimed, "Kook Dongho, who was a famous Iljin (NB: Bully) at D Middle School, knew about it and enjoyed it."

A further stated, "One person is now living as an influencer and the other one works at a law firm representing victims like me. How much longer must victims endure this?" adding, "My role is to quietly working as a lawyer for victims."

A also revealed, "I already received a call from Kook Dongho's agency. They said he has no idea who I am. Isn't that obvious? Would a perpetrator remember their victim?" and requested, "Anyone who knows that Kook Dongho was a famous Iljin in that area, please send me a direct message."

The truth of these claims has not yet been verified. However, since A directly mentioned his name, malicious comments have been flooding on Kook Dongho's Instagram. Reactions are mixed among netizens, with some questioning the truth, asking, "Of all people, a lawyer revealed his name," "Is this true?", while others criticize and question the allegations.

Continue reading 'Single's Inferno 4' star Kook Dongho faces school violence allegantions spreading rapidly following claims by an active lawyer

Ahn Hyoseop confirmed to attend 'Met Gala' ... First Korean actor to achieve a 'Global Triple Crown'

SOURCE: 안효섭, '멧 갈라' 참석 확정…韓 배우 최초 '글로벌 트리플 크라운' 달성

Actor Ahn Hyoseop will attend the world's largest fashion charity event, the Met Gala, continuing his remarkable global rise.

Ahn Hyoseop has been officially invited by Italian luxury brand Valentino and confirmed to attend the Met Gala, which will be held this May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. With this, following his appearance on NBC's 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' and his attendance at the 98th Academy Awards, he becomes the first Korean actor to achieve a 'global triple crown,' spanning television, film, and fashion.

The Met Gala, which began in 1948, is a global fashion event and charity fundraiser held annually on the first Monday of May at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It is a symbolic event where only top-tier celebrities representing various fields are invited. Ahn Hyoseop's attendance itself proves his international status and influence.

This achievement is built upon the consecutive success of his dramas. After creating a global sensation with the SBS 'Business Proposal,' he solidified his presence both domestically and internationally through the 'Dr. Romantic' series and the Netflix film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.'

Recently, the SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama 'Sold Out on You,' in which he plays the lead role, also achieved remarkable success by ranking No. 1 globally in Netflix's non-English TV Show category, further proving his popularity.

Having achieved both critical acclaim and buzz, attention is now focused on what new milestones Ahn Hyoseop will make following his appearance at this year's Met Gala.

Continue reading Ahn Hyoseop confirmed to attend 'Met Gala' ... First Korean actor to achieve a 'Global Triple Crown'

Kwon Ohjoong sheds tears after his son suffered school bullying: "Forced to crawl and was beaten"

SOURCE: 권오중, 아들 학폭 피해에 눈물…"기어다니고 맞았다"

Actor Kwon Ohjoong shed tears as he revealed that his son had been a victim of school violence.

On the episode of KBS' 'Let's Live Together with Hwang Shinhye' that aired on the 29th, Kwon Ohjoong appeared as a guest.

On this episode, Kwon Ohjoong confessed that his son had been bullied for a year.

He recalled, "When my son started middle school, he said he didn't want to go to school anymore. He said someone had hit him in the stomach. I eventually went to meet the students involved, but they only said, 'I get along with Hyukjoon very well.' I ended up scolding my son when I got home."

One day, Kwon Ohjoong received a call from the school and learned that his son was bleeding from the neck. He said, "It turned out he had been bullied by five students for a year. They pretended to be friendly, but they would beat him with sticks and made him crawl in the bathroom."

He added, "The leader of the group transferred to another school, but the problem is that he did it voluntarily, so it doesn't stay on his school record. The other four perpetrators were only moved to different classes."

He continued, "Even after being moved to different classes, they would say things like 'Don't go near him, you'll get reported to the police.' Nothing changes. Kids can be really cruel."

Kwon Ohjoong said tearfully, "School violence doesn't just destroy the child. It destroys their parents too. My only wish is for my wife and I to see our son walk properly and live a normal life before we go."

Continue reading Kwon Ohjoong sheds tears after his son suffered school bullying: "Forced to crawl and was beaten"

DEAN reunites with 9-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak after 10 years

SOURCE: DEAN(딘), ‘그래미 9관왕’ 앤더슨 팩(Anderson .Paak)과 10년 만에 재회

DEAN and 9-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak have reunited after about 10 years.

The two artists have released a teaser video hinting at a new collaboration.

Universal Music Korea stated, "DEAN and Anderson .Paak have reunited for the first time in about 10 years since their 2016 track 'Put My Hands On You.'"

Anderson .Paak is a Korean-American artist who has won 9 Grammy Awards. He first formed a connection with DEAN in 2016 by featuring on the single 'Put My Hands On You.''They are now working together again after roughly 10 years.

Currently, teaser clips of the collaboration are being released sequentially through Anderson .Paak's social media channels. More details about the new song will be announced later.

Continue reading DEAN reunites with 9-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak after 10 years

'The King's Warden' earns 151.8 billion KRW ... No. 1 highest-grossing film of all time

SOURCE: ‘왕사남’ 1518억 벌었다…역대 매출액 1위

The film 'The King's Warden' (directed by Jang Hangjun) has become the highest-grossing film in South Korean box office history, earning 151.8 billion KRW.

According to the Korean Film Council on the 29th, 'The King's Warden' topped the box office for the first quarter of 2026, recording 151.8 billion KRW in revenue with 15.73 million viewers. Notably, it surpassed 'Extreme Job' to become the highest-grossing film of all time in terms of revenue.

The film's success also boosted the overall theater industry in the first quarter of this year, with 318 billion KRW in total theater revenue and 31.9 million viewers. This is the highest first-quarter figures since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Given that the film alone surpassed 15 million viewers, it is seen as a major factor behind the year-over-year increase of 58.7% in revenue (117.7 billion KRW) and 53.2% in admissions (11.08 million viewers).

Additionally, the first-quarter revenue for Korean films in 2026 reached 233.3 billion KRW with 24.01 million viewers. This is an increase of 117.5% in revenue (126.1 billion KRW) and 115.1% in admissions (12.85 million people) compared to the first quarter of 2025. Compared to the pre-pandemic averages (2017-2019), Korean film revenue has recovered to 94.5% and admissions to 79.7% of previous averages.

In terms of distributor rankings, Showbox, which distributed three films including 'The King's Warden' and 'Once We Were Us,' ranked No.1 in the first quarter of 2026 with 173.6 billion KRW in revenue (55.4% market share). Second place went to Walt Disney Company Korea, which distributed five films including 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' and 'Zootopia 2,' recording 43.1 billion KRW in revenue (13.6% market share).

Released on February 4, 'The King's Warden' tells the story of young King Danjong (played by Park Jihoon), who was exiled to Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol after losing his throne to his uncle Grand Prince Suyang in 1457, and Eom Heungdo (played by Yoo Haejin), the village head assigned to watch over him. The film surpassed 1 million viewers in just 5 days, surpassed its break-even point of 2.6 million in 14 days, and reached 10 million viewers on March 6.

Continue reading 'The King's Warden' earns 151.8 billion KRW ... No. 1 highest-grossing film of all time