Even actor So Ji-sub not exempt from Korean entertainment’s stringent beauty standardsEven actor So Ji-sub, one of the industry's most notable talents, found his early years in the film and television industry far from easy. On Sunday, the prominent actor appeared on a YouTube channel hosted by singer and music producer Jung Jae-hyung, where he shared behind-the-scenes stories about the struggles he faced early in his career because of his appearance. So began by explaining how he entered the entertainment industry after spending his school years as a swimmer and water polo player. “I had been accepted into a college of physical education and was waiting to enroll when I heard that they were looking for a supporting model to stand behind the late Kim Sung-jae of Deux, whom I was a fan of,” So said. He said he had simply followed a friend in applying for the job, only to discover later that he had been selected while his friend had not. “I later became the main model. There was another person working alongside me, and that was actor Song Seung-heon.” So said he was initially given few opportunities because of his appearance. At the time, producers were reluctant to sJun 23, 2026By Hankookilbo
Now a star in the sky: Asteroid named after Barbie Hsu, wife of DJ KooThe late Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu, wife of DJ Koo of the Korean dance duo CLON, now has an asteroid named after her. Hong Kong newspaper Sing Tao Daily reported that the International Astronomical Union’s Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature had approved the name Xuxiyuan (Hsu's Chinese name) for asteroid 208663. The name was proposed by Hong Kong astronomer and former Hong Kong Astronomical Society President Yang Guangyu, who first observed the asteroid in 2002 from the Desert Eagle Observatory in Arizona. Yang has previously named asteroids he discovered after prominent stars, including Leslie Cheung, Teresa Teng, Andy Lau, Brigitte Lin and Faye Wong. Hsu rose to fame in 2001 for her role as Dong Shancai in the Taiwanese drama “Meteor Garden.” In Korea, however, she was more widely known as the wife of DJ Koo. The two reportedly began dating after meeting in Taiwan in 1998, but their relationship ended about a year later because of the distance between them and opposition from their agencies. More than two decades later, they reconnected following Hsu’s 2021 divorce fromJun 20, 2026By Hankookilbo
Veteran cartoonist, food TV host Huh Young-man goes on hiatus over health concernsVeteran cartoonist and television personality Huh Young-man, 78, will suspend all public activities due to health concerns, including his nationally beloved food program, “Huh Young-man’s Food Travel,” which features trips across the country and introducing viewers to local restaurants for the past seven years. The production team behind the TV Chosun food travel show announced Wednesday that the program will conclude its first season and go on hiatus due to concerns over Huh’s health. “With Huh’s health as our top priority after years of working without pause, we have decided to bring the season to a graceful close and take a break,” the production team said. Huh's agency also released a statement, noting Huh had recently developed a health issue and is currently focusing on treatment and recovery on the advice of his medical team, and that he plans to suspend all public activities for the time being and take time to rest. Huh started his career as a cartoonist in 1974 with “In Search for Home” and went on to create a string of nationally acclaimed works, including “Jun 17, 2026By Hankookilbo
Kim Woo-bin's sweet show of support for Shin Min-a draws attentionActor Kim Woo-bin is drawing attention after showing support for his wife, Shin Min-a, at a preview event for her upcoming film, “The Eyes.” On Tuesday, Kim uploaded photos to social media from the VIP premiere of “The Eyes,” held the previous day at CGV Yongsan in Seoul. The photos showed Shin and the film’s other cast members standing onstage and greeting the audience. For fans, the post was a heartwarming moment, not only because Kim attended the premiere to support his wife, but also because it marked the first public appearance by the couple since their marriage. “The Eyes” is a suspense thriller starring Shin as Seo-jin, a woman who is gradually losing her sight because of a hereditary condition. While investigating the mysterious death of her twin sister, she is drawn closer to the unsettling truth behind it. Ahead of its release, the film has teased a tense, immersive story centered on Seo-jin’s increasingly dangerous search for answers. Kim and Shin dated for about 10 years before marrying in late December. The actors reportedly first met in 2015 while working asJun 17, 2026By Hankookilbo
Can musical adaptation of 'Yumi's Cells' bring 'new sense of fantasy' to beloved story?Can “Yumi’s Cells” translate to the musical stage after its success as a webtoon, drama and animation? The stage adaptation is the latest expansion of the franchise, but its creators say the musical has its own creative justification, built around live performance, songs and choreography — and a new character created for the stage. The production team held a press conference Wednesday at 1975 Theater in Seoul’s Gwangjin District. Tiffany Young, Kim Ye-won, Choi Jae-rim, Jung Taek-woon (also known as Leo, of idol group VIXX), Kim So-hyang and director Yang Jung-woong attended the event. The musical follows Cell 109, an apprentice cell known only by a number, as it grows into Yumi’s true Prime Cell. The production centers a story created for the stage while keeping the original premise of ordinary office worker Yumi’s daily life and romance unfolding through the cells inside her head. Based on Lee Dong-geon’s popular Naver webtoon, which has amassed 3.5 billion views globally, “Yumi’s Cells” has already proven its widespread appeal through drama and animation adaptatJun 12, 2026By Hankookilbo
Koo Kyo-hwan is on a roll, and for a good reasonActor Koo Kyo-hwan’s momentum this year has been hard to ignore. With hit drama “We Are All Trying Here” and zombie film “Colony,” Koo has moved between television and the big screen in the first half of the year, making his presence felt across genres. His rise appears to be only gaining speed. Since making his commercial film debut with “Peninsula” in 2020, Koo has built a steady career across films and dramas, including “Escape” (2024), “Once We Were Us” (2025), Netflix’s “D.P.” series, “Parasyte: The Grey” (2024) and “Monstrous” (2022). He has four upcoming projects awaiting release, including “White Blast” and “Seeking the King.” “Once We Were Us” was an especially meaningful addition to his filmography, both in terms of its reception and his performance. Koo has always shown a different face in each project while maintaining his distinct style, but in this film, his acting shone more brightly than ever before. Once regarded as a leading figure in Korea’s independent film scene, Koo is now establishing himself as an actor who can balJun 12, 2026By Hankookilbo
Bae Yong-joon spotted in Singapore in rare public appearance with wife Park Soo-jinActor Bae Yong-joon has been spotted traveling in Singapore with his wife, former actor Park Soo-jin, according to a local media report. Singaporean Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao reported Monday that Bae and Park are visiting Singapore with their two children. According to the report, the family arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport and was later seen spending time with actor Park Shin-hye and her husband, actor Choi Tae-joon. The newspaper also cited a photo reportedly taken and uploaded on social media by a local restaurant owner, showing what appeared to be the two celebrity couples dining together. According to the report, Bae was recognizable despite wearing a mask and a hat. His appearance drew attention locally, as the actor has largely stayed out of the public eye for years. Bae married his wife in 2015. After their marriage, the couple moved to Hawaii and effectively stepped away from the entertainment industry. They have a son and a daughter. Apart from news that the couple donated 3 billion won ($2 million) to Yonsei Severance Hospital last year, they have rarely madJun 9, 2026By Hankookilbo
Election protesters flood IU’s Instagram, demanding her supportA growing protest calling for a redo of last Wednesday’s local elections over ballot shortages at polling stations has taken an unexpected turn, with some protesters demanding that actor and singer IU send coffee to the rally. The demand appears to stem from IU’s previous decision to provide prepaid food and drinks for demonstrators calling for the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid. The protesters calling for a new election, who are widely seen as standing on the opposite side of the political spectrum, are now demanding that the celebrity do the same for them. On Saturday, IU’s Instagram post from last September announcing the release of a new album was flooded with comments from protesters. “We really want to drink coffee here at Jamsil,” one user wrote. Others joined in, writing, “Please send coffee to citizens robbed of their right to vote,” and “Why are you not sending coffee to conservatives and right-wingers?” According to an unofficial police estimate, more than 10,000 protesters gathered on the same day near a vote-couJun 8, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS' Jin, other Korean celebrities cast ballots in neutral colors to avoid political controversyBTS member Jin and several other Korean celebrities headed to polling stations on Wednesday to cast their votes in the country's local elections and parliamentary by-elections, carefully avoiding clothing colors that could be interpreted as political statements. The elections, held Wednesday, renewed a familiar phenomenon in Korea's entertainment industry: celebrities opting for neutral-colored outfits to steer clear of accusations that they are signaling support for a particular political party. Jin, who recently returned to Korea after performing in Las Vegas on Sunday, was seen voting at a polling station in Seoul's Hannam-dong neighborhood. The BTS star wore a gray top and pants along with a black cap. After casting his ballot, he briefly waved to waiting reporters before leaving. Other celebrities shared proof-of-voting photos on social media. Actor Jin Tae-hyun and his wife, actress Park Si-eun, posted a selfie taken outside a polling station on Instagram. The couple wore black and white athletic outfits, respectively. K-pop girl group Odd Youth also uploaded a commemorative photo tJun 3, 2026By Hankookilbo
Kim Soo-hyun's team cautious about comeback plans, says return to normal life comes firstActor Kim Soo-hyun's representatives have struck a cautious tone regarding a potential return to the entertainment industry, saying the actor's recovery and return to normal life remain his top priority as ongoing legal battles surrounding allegations tied to the late actress Kim Sae-ron continue. In a phone interview with YTN Radio on June 1, attorney Ko Seung-rok, who represents Kim, said it was too early to discuss specific plans for the actor's comeback. "It is difficult to discuss concrete details at this stage," Ko said. "His agency is carefully considering the matter. As his legal representative, I will continue to provide support so that he can eventually return to the public through new projects." Ko said Kim is gradually recovering from what he described as severe reputational damage caused by cybercrimes and misinformation. "He was in a situation where his reputation and dignity were being destroyed by serious cybercrimes," Ko said. "He is now in the process of restoring his reputation, but for now, his return to everyday life is the most important priority." Addressing reportsJun 3, 2026By Xportsnews
