Thursday, May 21, 2026

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SOURCE: 이준영, 박지훈·임시완·도경수에 무한 감사 "아이돌 출신 배우로 성공" (하지영)

Actor Lee Junyoung expressed his gratitude for Park Jihoon, Yim Siwan, and Do Kyungsoo, who are the representative examples of successful idol-turned-actors.

On the 20th, Lee Junyoung appeared on the segment 'Guerrilla Ha Jiyoung' from Ha Jiyoung's Youtube channel,  where he met broadcaster Ha Jiyoung in Myeongdong.

Lee Junyoung mentioned that roles with masculine personalities that are completely opposite from his real-life image, such as Geum Seongje in 'Weak Hero Class 2,' Jung Hyunmin in 'D.P.,' and Choi Buyong in 'Mask Girl,' left strong impressions on viewers. He then joked, "In reality, I'm actually gentle and affectionate."

Lee Junyoung also brought up his role of a rookie employee in JTBC’s upcoming weekend drama 'Reborn Rookie' and calmly reflected on difficult memories from his own rookie years.

He confessed, "It was completely different from what I had imagined," explaining that he believed things would work out smoothly after his debut, but instead ended up facing even tougher competition due to the endless debut of younger idol groups.

Furthermore, Lee Junyoung also shocked viewers by revealing that when he first began acting in 2017 following his debut with U-KISS in 2014, he was deeply hurt by comments saying, "Don't ruin things for actors who actually deserve to succeed."

He continued, "People assume idols must get plenty of opportunities, but that isn't necessarily true. I went to countless auditions. I felt like if I gave up at that point, I'd become a failure."

Mentioning idol-turned-actors such as Park Jihoon, Yim Siwan, Do Kyungsoo, and more, Lee Junyoung said, "I'm relieved and grateful that they succeeded as idol-turned-actors. I hope to see even more idol-turned-actors in the future."

'Reborn Rookie,' starring Lee Junyoung, is scheduled to premiere on the 30th at 10.40 PM (KST). 

Lee Junyoung expresses endless gratitude toward Park Jihoon, Yim Siwan, and Do Kyungsoo: “They succeeded as idol-turned-actors”

SOURCE: "월세 밀리고 건보료도 못내" 공승연, 극심했던 생활고 고백

Actress Gong Seungyeon revealed that she went through severe financial difficulties after acting offers suddenly dried up for a period of time after her debut.

On the episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' that aired on the 20th, Gong Seungyeon appeared as a guest and spoke about reaching the peak of her career 15 years after debuting.

During the show, Gong Seungyeon talked about finally entering her prime of her career as an actress 15 years after debuting in the industry.

Although she first gained recognition through dramas such as 'Heard It Through the Grapevine,' ;Six Flying Dragons,' and the variety show 'We Got Married,' she shared that her projects gradually began to decrease. She confessed, "There was a time when I couldn't get any roles. I think it was because my acting wasn't good enough. If I had been good, I probably would've continued getting roles, but I think I wasn't very good back then."

As projects stopped coming in and she repeatedly failed auditions, the balance in her bank account eventually became empty. She revealed, "I couldn't pay my rent, and I wasn't even able to afford my health insurance or pension payments. After struggling financially for a while, I eventually packed up my place and moved back in with my parents while working on improving my skills."

Gong Seungyeon also shared that during that period, she auditioned for numerous projects and intensely studied different character roles. She added, "I went as far as trying out every single brand of cigarettes because there was a smoking scene in the movie 'Aloners,'" drawing attention with her honest confession. 

“My rent was overdue and I couldn’t even pay my health insurance” ... Gong Seungyeon confesses to past financial struggles

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SOURCE: MC몽, '대군부인' 사과문 올린 아이유 언급…"왜 고개 숙이냐, 연예인은 약자" [엑's 이슈]

Singer MC Mong mentioned the apology statements made by the actors regarding the historical distortion controversy surrounding 'Perfect Crown' in his third livestream.

On the 20th, MC Mong held a livestream through his personal account.

While talking about allegations that MBC PDs and Cha Junyoung violated Korea's Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, he also brought up MBC's recent drama 'Perfect Crown,' which recently caught up in a historical distortion controversy.

Previously, IU personally posted an apology statement when the controversy over historical distortion in the drama escalated.

Regarding this, MC Mong said, "Why is IU the one bowing her head when the staff members who caused the historical distortion aren't taking responsibility?" He added, "Celebrities whose faces are publicly known are in the weaker position here."

Recently, drama 'Perfect Crown' faced criticism over alleged historical distortion due to lines such as 'Cheonse' and scenes featuring Chinese-style royal etiquette.

As the controversy intensified, lead actors IU and Byun Wooseok posted handwritten apology letters on the 18th, while director Park Joonhwa tearfully apologized during an interview with reporters the following day.

Screenwriter Yoo Jiwon also separately posted an apology statement, meaning the actors, director, and writer all publicly apologized over the controversy. 

MC Mong addresses IU’s apology over 'Perfect Crown' controversy: “Why is she the one apologizing? Celebrities are the weak ones”

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

SOURCE: 앤더슨 팩 “전처가 한국인, 두 아들 한국어 잘 해” (만날텐데)

Anderson .Paak revealed that his two sons are deeply immersed in Korean culture.

Recently, Anderson .Paak made an appearance alongside Jay Park on Sung Sikyung's Youtube channel.

After hearing that Sung Sikyung’s English name is 'Jeffrey,' Anderson .Paak said, "I just came up with a Korean name for myself: Park Bangsang. Park is my last name. When you hear Bang, it gets you high, that's the vibe of my music too. And Sang because it sounds similar to 'song.'" In response, Jay Park recommended the name 'Park Taesung.'

Jay Park then suggested, "Now that you have a Koran name, tell us about your background."

Anderson .Paak said, "My mom was actually born in Korea in 1951. She was one of the abandoned children during the Korean War. She grew up in Compton, California. She was adopted at age six, and I was born there. I have two older sisters and one younger sister."

He continued, "I didn’t know anything about my Korean side until I met the mother of my two sons, who's from Gangnam. My two sons speak fluent Korean. I also have to keep reminding them that they’re also Black. They're totally into Korean culture. I even appeared in the movie 'K-POPS!' with my oldest son.”

Anderson .Paak added that he knows a few Korean phrases, jokingly saying, "'Honey, what’s wrong with you?' 'Wanna die?' 'Just kidding, just kidding,'" making everyone laugh.

He said, "I feel like I've learned just the necessary words, but I need to learn more. Absolutely. I’m learning. For some reason, I think I can pick up Korean faster compared to other languages."

He also shared, "My ex-wife was Korean. When my kids were really young, I told her to talk to them in Korean because I wanted them to be bilingual. As mixed-race kids get older, sometimes they don’t want to speak Korean in front of other people. So I told them that it’s their superpower." He continued, "My wife is always speaking Korean to the kids. Their grandfather goes to Korea a lot and really loves it. The kids spend time in Korea and talk with their grandparents there."

Anderson .Paak was born to an African-American father and a Korean-American mother. He later formed the duo Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars, achieving a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards. 

Anderson .Paak: “My ex-wife is Korean, and my two sons speak Korean very well”

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SOURCE: "연락하지 마"…츠키, 13살에 韓 와서 母와 6개월간 연락 끊어('아근진')

Billlie's Tsuki revealed that after moving to Korea at age 13, she cut off contact with her mother for six months while learning Korean.

On the 18th, Tsuki appeared as a guest on SBS' variety show 'AGJ' alongside Mimi and Kim Jiyoo. She joined regular cast members Tak Jaehoon, Lee Sangmin, Lee Suji, and Kai to share various stories.

During the show, Lee Suji shared, "What's really amazing about Tsuki is that she came all the way to Korea, right? She reportedly cut off contact with her mom for six months because she wanted to be good at Korean," introducing her story.

When Tak Jaehoon found it hard to believe, Tsuki explained, "Because if I couldn’t speak Korean, nothing worked out. I couldn’t communicate, I couldn’t understand anything during lessons, and I didn’t even know when I was supposed to eat.”

She continued, "I told my mom, 'I really need to study Korean if I want to survive here. Please wait until I contact you first,' and then I just kept studying."

When Tak Jaehoon asked, "So your parents can’t speak Korean?" Tsuki replied, "Not at all. I came to Korea knowing absolutely nothing except 'Hello'" before adding, "Now, my mom even speaks Korean in my dreams."

Lee Suji praised Tsuki, noting how she has completely mastered Korean and even picked up regional dialects.

Recently, Tsuki has been gaining popularity as a variety show star. Following appearances on MBC variety shows 'Extreme 84' and 'I Live Alone,' she is continuing her promotions in other shows, including SBS' 'AGJ.'

“Don’t contact me”… Tsuki reveals she cut off contact with her mother for 6 months after moving to Korea at age 13

SOURCE: "죄송하나 혐의 부인"…檢, '나나 자택 강도' 30대 징역 10년 구형

Prosecutors have requested a 10-year prison sentence for a man in his 30s who was put on trial for allegedly breaking into Nana's home, threatening her with a weapon, and demanding money.

On the 19th, the Namyangju branch of the Uijeongbu District Prosecutors’ Office requested a 10-year prison sentence during the final hearing for Kim (34), who is charged with robbery causing injury. The hearing was held by Criminal Division 1 of the Namyangju branch of the Uijeongbu District Court.

Prosecutors stated, "The defendant committed a crime by trespassing into a residence while carrying a weapon and threatening female victims, which requires severe punishment," adding, "The victims are suffering from psychological pain because he denies the charges and shows no remorse."

In his final statement, Kim denied the charges, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the victims and will never commit a crime again. I admit to the trespassing and attempted theft, but I did not commit robbery."

Kim was arrested and indicted on charges of breaking into Nana's home in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, at around 6 PM (KST) on November 15 last year while armed with a weapon. He allegedly threatened Nana and her mother by grabbing them by the neck and demanding money, even though the attempt ultimately failed.

“I apologize, but I deny the charges”… Prosecutors seek 10 years in prison for a man in his 30s accused of robbing Nana’s home

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SOURCE: 전소미, 언제 연애해봤나..I.O.I 폭로 속출 “날티나는 상이 이상형”(‘짠한형’)

The members of IOI revealed each other’s preferences in men.

On the 18th, a video titled "IOI Jeon Somi, Choi Yoojung, Chungha, Yoo Yeonjung: Produce 101 stories after 10 years" was uploaded to the Youtube channel 'Zzanbro Shin Dongyup.' The members gathered to celebrate IOI's 10th debut anniversary and chatted with MC Shin Dongyup.

In the video, Jung Hocheol asked, "Among the members, who is the pickiest when it comes to men?" In response, Chungha answered, "Honestly, don’t we all agree? I think Yeonjung is the pickiest."

Yoo Yeonjung confidently said, "I think we all know each other’s tastes pretty well. If I say it, it’ll probably be exactly right." She continued, "Somi likes guys with a bad-boy vibe. She likes someone with a flashy style similar to her own. Like someone who dresses a little extravagantly," which made Jeon Somi's face turn red. Seeing this, Shin Dongyup laughed and said, "She’s so innocent. Your face turned red because she described it that accurately?"

Yoo Yeonjung also said, "Yoojung likes someone with a somewhat pretty, delicate face. Chungha likes someone dependable, manly, and quiet. He shouldn't talk too much." Chungha then added, "Yeonjung is extremely detailed," before sharing Yeonjung's ideal type: "First of all, he has to be fair-skinned, tall, really dependable, and kind. He also needs to have puppy-like visuals, and no double eyelids." As Chungha kept listing the long requirements, Jeon Somi and Yoo Yeonjung strongly agreed.

Jeon Somi then remarked, "(Yeonjung) has never dated anyone before." In response, Yoo Yeonjung jokingly replied, "I've been too busy dating my fans."

Yoo Yeonjung also joked, "Even my company told me, ‘You're allowed to date now. It’s rare for someone to have debuted and promoted this long without any rumors at all, so you're okay now.'"

Celebrating their 10th debut anniversary, IOI will release their third mini album, 'I.O.I : LOOP,' today at 6 PM (KST).

Jeon Somi, when has she even dated? … IOI members exposed each other’s dating preferences: "Her ideal type is someone with a bad-boy vibe”

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SOURCES: '21세기 대군부인' 감독 “아이유·변우석에게 미안하기만 해” (1) 눈물 보인 ‘대군부인’ 감독…“사죄드린다, 배우들에게도 죄송” [인터뷰①] (2)

Director Park Joonhwa, who directed the MBC's 'Perfect Crown' apologized over various controversies including accusations of historical distortion and expressed regret toward the actors as well.

On the 19th, an interview with director Park Joonhwa was held at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul regarding the MBC's 'Perfect Crown.'

Before the interview officially began, director Park Joonhwa started by apologizing. He said, "When we began this drama, I hoped viewers would feel happiness and healing while watching it. Instead, I created a situation that caused discomfort rather than healing. As the representative of the production team, I believe I bear the greatest responsibility without excuse. I apologize."

Director Park Joonhwa also spoke about IU and Byun Wooseok, who recently apologized over the historical distortion controversy. He said, "I feel nothing but sorry to the actors. They worked incredibly hard to bring joy, brightness, and happiness to the viewers. I feel very sorry that they ended up getting hurt and apologizing over things they shouldn't have had to, all because of issues related to historical interpretation and my own immature execution."

He continued, "At the moment when I should have been telling them they worked hard after the final broadcast, all I could feel was apology. When these controversies arose, I wasn't able to manage things more carefully. I was arguably the most experienced person on the team, so I should have thought more deeply and checked every details thoroughly. I keep asking myself why I made those decisions at the time. I also wonder if I was simply too trapped in the initial conceptual setting."

Regarding scenes such as the king wearing a Guryumyeongwan ceremonial crown during the coronation and people shouting 'Cheonse,' he emphasized, "In the end, it was because of my ignorance."

Director Park Joonhwa said, "I should have understood the information more deeply. We had an advisor, and we reviewed the ‘Cheonse’ line together. The advisor was someone with extensive experience advising dramas, and my request was to portray the image of a Joseon dynasty that had never faced events like the Japanese colonial period. I think both of us became trapped in that premise. It feels like we fell into a swamp because we became too focused on portraying a Joseon dynasty that continued into modern times."

He added, "When I said it was my ignorance, I meant that I imagined what a coronation ceremony would look like for a Joseon dynasty that had continued 600 years without hardship. That is why the advisor explained Joseon coronation ceremonies to us. Looking back now, I wonder if it would have been better to portray an independent Korea rather than specifically using the Joseon dynasty setting while telling this story. I apologize."

The 'Perfect Crown' is a romance drama set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy version of Korea. It tells the story of a wealthy chaebol woman who has everything except noble status and a king’s son who feels empty despite his royal position, as they struggle against class differences and fate.

The drama, which ended on the 16th with a peak viewer ratings of 13.8% faced criticism over its worldbuilding and historical inaccuracies. Controversy broke out when scenes showed Byun Wooseok ascending the throne while wearing the Guryumyeongwan and people shouting 'Cheonse,' a term associate with vassal states, instead of 'Manse,' which symbolizes an independent nation, leading to accusations of historical distortion.

The director of 'Perfect Crown': “I feel sorry toward IU and Byun Wooseok”