Kim Sejeong: "Being in one team after six months competing in rankings? Honestly, Jeon Somi was difficult for me"

SOURCE: 김세정 "6개월 간 순위 경쟁하다 한 팀? 솔직히 전소미 어려웠다" ('아근진')

Singer and actress Kim Sejeong confessed that she found Jeon Somi difficult to be around during their time promoting in IOI.

On the episode of SBS' 'AGJ' that aired on the 4th, IOI members reunied to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary.

On this episode, Jeon Somi recalled the time she won 'Produce 101.' She said, "After competing for first place every week with Kim Sejeong for six months, we debuted as one team. Because of that, I found Kim Sejeong difficult," drawing attention.

Kim Sejeong agreed, "The harder I try to get close to someone, the less I'm able to. Since the show kept dividing us into 1st and 2nd place, I wanted to say, 'We're not like that. We're close,' but in reality, I was the one who found Somi difficult."

She continued, "I have an old-fashioned mindset, while Jeon Somi has a more Western mindset. I found myself thinking I wished she would be more polite to me," explaining that their difference in values were also a reason behind the awkwardness.

Earlier, Jeon Somi had shared that she once felt hurt by Kim Sejeong. She explained that when she was 16, during a monthly meeting, she was lying down because she had an early schedule the next day, and Kim Sejeong pointed out that it seemed impolite.

Kim Sejeong responded, "I don't remember it well, but even now, I think sitting up is the right thing to do." Jeon Somi replied, "You're right. But back then, what was scarier than Kim Sejeong was the 11 pairs of eyes staring at me at once," drawing laughter.

Meanwhile, IOI is a project group formed through Mnet's 'Produce 101.' The group ended their activities in 2017 and the members pursued individual careers since then. They are now reuniting to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary.

Continue reading Kim Sejeong: "Being in one team after six months competing in rankings? Honestly, Jeon Somi was difficult for me"

Kim Sejeong: "I drink every day as a form of self reward ... My brain stopped working, so I quit"

SOURCE: '아근진' 김세정 "보상심리로 매일 술…뇌가 안 돌아가 끊는 중"

On the episode of SBS' 'AGJ' that aired on the 4th, IOI appeared as guests as a full-group.

On this episode, Kim Sejeong was picked as the member who likes alcohol the most. She said, "I really love drinking. I feel like I've worked hard today only if I have a drink at the end of the day."

She added, "I usually drink about two cans of beer, but from then on, the alcohol leads to more alcohol. I start with two beers, then feel it's a bit lacking and think, 'Should I drink a little whiskey?' I pour a bit more and the next thing I know, I end up pouring a full glass. Recently, my sense of self reward was too strong. No matter how tired I was after practice, I'd have a drink every day. Since I'm practicing everyday lately, I realized my brain wasn't functioning properly, so I'm cutting back."

Meanwhile, 'AGJ' airs every Monday at 10.10 PM (KST) on SBS.

Continue reading Kim Sejeong: "I drink every day as a form of self reward ... My brain stopped working, so I quit"

"A day when children should be happy" ... Max Changmin's remarkable act of kindness: Donates 55 million KRW for Children's Day

SOURCE: “아이가 행복해야 할 날” 최강창민 눈부신 선행, 어린이날 맞이 5천500만원 기부

On the 5th, Samsung Medical Center announced that TVXQ's member Max Changmin has donated 55 million KRW to celebrate Children's Day.

According to Yonhap News, Max Changmin said, "I want to offer even a small source of strength to the children who are spending difficult times in hospital rooms fighting illnesses on Children's Day, the day when every child in the world should be at their happiest," and added, "I sincerely support a future where children can regain their bright, healthy smiles and freely pursue their precious dreams."

This donation will be used to support pediatric and adolescent patients from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Previously, Max Changmin has also donated 50 million KRW to Samsung Medical Center last December for the medical expenses of underprivileged children during Christmas.

Furthermore, Max Changmin is a member of the 'Green Noble Club,' a group of high-value donors for ChildFund Korea.

In the past, he has consistently shared for children affected by earthquakes and heavy rainfall, as well as underprivileged youth.

For example, in March 2024, the global children's rights organization Good Neighbors revealed that Max Changmin had donated his entire appearance fee from the 'Global Donation Show Again W.'

Continue reading "A day when children should be happy" ... Max Changmin's remarkable act of kindness: Donates 55 million KRW for Children's Day

Another donation on Children's Day ... IU donates 100 million KRW, total donations leave people 'shocked'

SOURCE: 어린이날 또 터졌다…아이유, 1억 기부에 누적 금액보니 '충격'

Singer and actress IU has once again continued her heartwarming acts of kindness by donating 100 million KRW in celebration of Children's Day.

On the 5th, her agency, EDAM Entertainment, officially announced, "IU donated a total of 100 million KRW under the name of IUAENA (IU+UAENA) to mark Children's Day."

This donation will be used for practical support for children and adolescents.

The funds were split equally, with 50 million KRW each donated to the Korea Child Welfare Association and the Korea Association of Community Children's Centers (KACCC).

The donation will be used to provide supplies and medical support for children living in welfare facilities. It is also planned to be used in various forms, such as providing birthday gifts and cultural experience programs for children at local children's centers.

IU has established herself as an icon of 'positive influence' by consistently making donations under the name of her fandom, UAENA, on meaningful occasions such as her debut anniversary, birthday, and year-end holidays.

Notably, she donated 200 million KRW at the end of last year, and in March of the same year, she donated another 200 million KRW to support victims of major wildfires in the Gyeongsang region and to improve firefighters' working conditions.

Furthermore, IU has also donated 150 million KRW on Children's Day in the past, along with 200 million KRW each on her birthday and debut anniversary to support vulnerable communities. This latest 100 million KRW donation continued her long-standing sharing activities.

Meanwhile, IU is currently active as an actress, starring as Sung Heejoo in the MBC Fri-Sat drama 'Perfect Crown.'

Continue reading Another donation on Children's Day ... IU donates 100 million KRW, total donations leave people 'shocked'

Moon Gayoung, NCT Doyoung, and top model Sora Choi make cameo appearances on 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' ... "Open your eyes wide and look closely to the right"

SOURCE: '악마는 프라다2' 카메오, 문가영·NCT 도영→톱모델 최소라 "눈 크게 뜨고 오른쪽 유심히"

Actress Moon Gayoung and NCT's Doyoung are drawing attention for their cameo appearances in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2.'

In the film, which was released on April 29, the two make surprise apparances, displaying a unique presence despite their brief screen time during a Milan fashion show scene.

The scene in question was reportedly filmed at an actual Dolce & Gabbana S/S Collection show held during Milan Fashion Week last year. Moon Gayoung and Doyoung, who attended the event at the time as global ambassadors for the brand, were naturally captured on the film. They were seated in the front row alongside the film's stars Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, showcasing their global influence.

In addition, world-class top model Sora Choi also appears in the film, drawing significant attention. Her powerful aura as she walks the actual runway was captured perfectly on screen, providing a unique viewing experience for the audience.

As news of Korean celebrities appearing as cameos in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' spreads, interest among domestic audiences is growing.

Online communities are buzzing with reactions such as "Doyoung and Moon Gayoung are in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'" and "You have to open your eyes wide and look closely to the right," raising anticipations as the film enters its second week of release.

Meanwhile, 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' topped the North American box office in its opening weekend, surpassing $70 million in revenue. According to box office tracking sites, the film earned $77 million in North America from the 1st to the 3rd (local time).

According to the Korean Film Council, the film atracted approximately 480,000 viewers in Korea over the same weekend. 

Continue reading Moon Gayoung, NCT Doyoung, and top model Sora Choi make cameo appearances on 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' ... "Open your eyes wide and look closely to the right"

Idol trainee disappears right before debut → Emergency situation ... Even 'blocked' from leaving the country

SOURCE: 데뷔 직전 아이돌 연습생, 잠적→긴급 상황…'출국'까지 막혔다

Korean police have launched an investigation into a case involving a Japanese trainee who suddenly went missing just before his debut.

According to the police on the 3rd, the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station recently received a complaint from an entertainment agency and booked Japanese trainee, identified as A, on charges of fraud. A travel ban has also been issued against him.

A had been preparing to debut as a member of a six-member boy group under the agency. In last December, just two months before his debut, he suddenly cut off contact and disappeared. At the time, he reportedly vanished after leaving a brief statement saying, "Trust has been broken."

During the investigation, it was revealed that A had signed an exclusive contract with another agency while his exclusive contract with his current agency was still valid. This situation, combined with his disappearance, has further intensified the controversy.

The agency claims to have suffered financial damages totaling about 57.43 billion KRW over four months due to A's sudden departure. This amount includes training costs, song production and choreography costs, recording costs, music video production costs, as well as food and accommodation costs incurred during debut preparations.

According to MBN on the 4th, A had already completed filming for the group's music video and that the song had already been released. The agency believes that A left the team without proper discussion, claiming 'artist abuse.' The agency also stated that A had a history of suddenly disappearing from his former agency in the past as well.

The police currently believe that A is still staying in Korea and are focusing on locating him. They are tracking his movements while verifying the facts related to the case.

Continue reading Idol trainee disappears right before debut → Emergency situation ... Even 'blocked' from leaving the country

Karina and Ningning invited to the Met Gala ... Jisoo to walk the red carpet

SOURCE: 카리나X닝닝, '멧갈라' 초대…지수, 레드카펫 밟는다

Aespa's Karina and Ningning, along with BLACKPINK's Jisoo, will walk the red carpet at this year's Met Gala.

Karina, Ningning, and Jisoo will attend the '2026 Met Gala' held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York at 7 AM (KST) on the 5th.

The Met Gala, which began in 1948, is the world's largest fashion charity event. This year's theme is 'Costume Art' with the dress code 'Fashion is Art.'

Jisoo will be walking the red carpet for the first time this year. Karina and Ningning are also attending for the first time. Karina was invited as a global ambassador for the fashion brand 'Prada,' and Ningning as a global ambassador for 'Gucci.'

Many global stars are expected to attend the event, including Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, Anna Wintour, Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and Sam Smith.

Continue reading Karina and Ningning invited to the Met Gala ... Jisoo to walk the red carpet