Global comic fans to decide year's best webtoons in worldwide voteMillions of digital comic readers around the world can now directly decide which series take home the highest honors in mobile storytelling, as voting opened Thursday for the 2026 World Webtoon Awards. What began in the early 2000s as a localized Korean experiment in vertical-scroll comics designed for desktop monitors has transformed into a dominant engine of modern entertainment. Born on Korean portal sites as an alternative to traditional print publishing, webtoons are now a global cultural phenomenon. Optimized for smartphone reading, the format has rapidly expanded into a $14 billion global industry, propelled by massive international fan bases in North America, Europe and across Asia, while serving as the primary source material for blockbuster television shows, films, and streaming adaptations. Now in its third year, the World Webtoon Awards reflects that international footprint. A global shortlist of 20 finalists was unveiled following a massive open nomination process held between June and July. Over 4,000 fans across six languages — including English, Japanese and Korean —Sep 17, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
The nerve conditions that affected Lee Sang-soon, HyunA and TWICE's ChaeyoungSinger Lee Sang-soon’s decision to take a break from his radio show over what he described as “vagus nerve dysfunction” has drawn attention to health conditions involving the nerve. Other celebrities, including HyunA and TWICE’s Chaeyoung, have previously spoken about experiencing vasovagal syncope, a form of fainting. The singer and radio show host explained his recent absence from the show in a social media post Sunday. “I’m sorry to listeners for taking time off from the radio show without any explanation,” he wrote. “I suddenly felt unwell last Wednesday and couldn’t host the show. Since then, I’ve undergone various tests and consultations.” He added that he was still awaiting further testing but had been advised by his doctors to rest because of the neurological issue. Although his recovery remains unclear, Lee plans to focus on recuperating for now, following doctors’ advice that his condition could improve gradually with sufficient rest. “Since I don’t know when I’ll recover, I kept thinking, ‘If I feel better tomorrow, I should get back to hosting.Sep 8, 2026By Xportsnews
Shin Min-a's reported 3.7 billion won in donations spotlights extensive history of charitable givingActor Shin Min-a’s longstanding charitable work has returned to the spotlight following a viral online post. A post titled “The 3.7 billion won ($2.7 million) quietly withdrawn from Shin Min-a’s bank account over the past 15 years” spread across online communities and social media Monday. “At first, I thought money intended for someone else had been transferred by mistake,” wrote the author, who claimed to be an official at a foundation. “Large sums began arriving every month in 2009, and it turned out that the donor was Shin Min-a.” “She insisted that no one be told and asked that the money be used to cover treatment for burn patients and fund study rooms for children from low-income families,” the writer added. “Over 15 years, she quietly donated more than 3.7 billion won. She is truly an angel.” Shin has long been known for donating to low-income families and others in need, as well as contributing relief funds following national disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes. Her charitable work previously drew attention when it was revealed that she had helped cSep 1, 2026By Hankookilbo
Figure skating icon Kim Yuna showcases short haircut in Marie Claire shootFormer figure skater Kim Yuna transformed her look with a short haircut, revealing a striking new side of herself. Kim Yuna shared photos from a shoot with fashion magazine Marie Claire on social media Thursday. In the photos, she sported a short haircut, a rare departure from the neat, long hairstyle the former figure skater had maintained for years. The new hairstyle revealed a different side of Kim from her signature elegant image, while retaining her trademark sophistication. It also added a more alluring edge to her appearance, drawing attention. Kim Yuna is the first women’s singles skater in history to finish on the podium at every major international competition. She has remained one of Korea’s most beloved public figures since retiring in 2014, maintaining her influence through advertisements and fashion shoots. Born in 1990, Kim married Ko Woo-rim of the crossover vocal group Forestella, who is five years her junior, in 2022. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.Aug 28, 2026By Hankookilbo
Hurdles Yoo Ah-in must overcome before he can truly returnActor Yoo Ah-in has officially set his return in motion. After confirming his appearance in a new film, he signed an exclusive contract with a new agency, laying the groundwork for the resumption of his career. It comes three years after he halted all activities following controversies including his illegal drug use. Public reaction, however, remains cold. For Yoo, it is the first of many hurdles he has to overcome. As part of his return, Yoo joined entertainment agency Billions Entertainment. But the lengthy statement the agency released last Friday announcing its exclusive contract with Yoo was unlike any conventional signing announcement. There were no jubilant words expressing the joy of welcoming a new member to the family or excitement about the future. Instead, words such as “cautiously,” “solemnly,” “reflection” and “heeding public opinion” appeared repeatedly throughout the statement, as if the agency were desperately trying to assure the public that it was mindful of the hostility toward the actor and would proceed carefully. News also broke around that time tAug 27, 2026By Hankookilbo
TikTok creators turn K-culture curiosity into real-world spending: surveyFor global fans watching content creator Jittomeok, whose username is @daygamin on online platform TikTok, broadcast her Korean food "mukbangs," falling in love with K-culture no longer stops at the screen. Through live interactions with her 1.1 million followers — particularly across Southeast Asia — what begins as curiosity about a dish quickly transforms into everyday lifestyle choices, from buying Korean cosmetics in Thailand to booking flights to Seoul. Her story offers a vivid window into a broader cultural shift. Speaking as an invited guest at a press conference at the Hotel Eliena in Gangnam District, Seoul, Wednesday, Jittomeok described how short-form video is reshaping global cultural exchange. "I can genuinely feel the incredible popularity of K-beauty overseas," she said during the press conference held to unveil the K-Culture on TikTok: Driving Global Economic Impact report, reflecting on how her online interactions led to selling Korean beauty products in Thailand and securing advertising contracts abroad. "K-dramas and K-pop are already widely loved, but that interesAug 26, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Hanroro speaks out over controversial CORTIS lyrics, 'takes shoutout as a compliment'Singer Hanroro personally addressed the controversy over the lyrics of boy band CORTIS’ new song, seeking to defuse the backlash. The singer uploaded a lengthy post on a fan community platform Monday, beginning by saying that many people had reached out to her and that she had a message containing the CORTIS members’ heartfelt sentiments. “To be honest, I’ve seen the CORTIS members listening to and singing along to my song ‘0+0,’” Hanroro said, adding that she is also a fan of CORTIS and often admires the members’ musical creativity. “What could be more meaningful than musicians communicating through music and inspiring one another? That is why I am taking their shoutout in the lyrics as a compliment.” She continued: “I think having my song ‘0+0,’ which evokes a range of responses from both me and the CORTIS members, fill a line in the lyrics of their song ‘MONEYMONEYMONEY’ could be a way for us to remember the mutual respect we have long had for each other at this moment.” Hanroro ended the message by expressing understanding of her fans’ concerns whileAug 25, 2026By Hankookilbo
Original author hints at 'The Trauma Code' Season 2, raising questions over Ha Young's returnThe original author of the Netflix drama “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” hinted at the filming schedule for its second season, raising questions about whether Ha Young, who has been embroiled in controversy over her great-grandfather’s activities as a pro-Japanese collaborator during Japan’s colonial rule over Korea, could remain with the project. Lee Nak-jun, a former ENT physician and the original author of the Netflix drama, is also one of the three doctors behind the YouTube channel Doctor Friends, which has 1.42 million subscribers. Appearing on Monday’s episode of KBS2’s “Malja Show,” Lee discussed the current production status of the drama’s second season. "Preproduction has now been completed, and we are scouting locations. Filming is expected to begin in October,” he said. Netflix, a day after the show aired, said that the specific filming schedule had yet to be decided. But Lee's comments about the drama’s production schedule drew attention, as questions remained over whether the project could proceed as planned after the controversy surrounding Ha erupAug 25, 2026By Xportsnews
Jang Dong-yoon to marry actor Kim Seung-yoon in OctoberActors Jang Dong-yoon and Kim Seung-yoon have announced that they will marry in October after quietly dating for years. Jang shared the news Tuesday through a handwritten letter posted on social media. “This October, I will marry someone I have been with for a long time,” Jang wrote. “We plan to hold a quiet Christian wedding attended by our families.” Jang said he had given the decision considerable thought. “As we spent more time together, we came to know and understand each other better and grew to cherish one another,” he wrote. “We have decided to stand by each other’s side and build a fun and happy life together,” Jang continued. “I understand that this sudden news may come as a surprise, but I would be grateful if you watched over us with warmth.” The announcement came as a surprise to fans, as the two had kept their relationship private. Jang and Kim, who have a five-year age gap, first met as director and actor through the 2023 short film “Please Be My Ear,” Jang’s directorial debut. Kim also played the lead role in “The Yeast,” Jang’s feature-lengAug 25, 2026By Hankookilbo
'Jewel in the Palace' star Lee Young-ae celebrates 23-year bond with royal court cuisine mentorActor Lee Young-ae, whose most iconic work is considered by many to be the drama “Jewel in the Palace,” paid tribute to her more than 20-year bond with Han Bok-ryeo, the Korean royal court cuisine researcher who participated in the drama. The actor posted several photos of herself visiting the Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine on social media Thursday. In the photos, she was seen wearing a blouse paired with a long skirt, strolling around the institute and smiling while holding hands with Han. “My mentor, royal court cuisine researcher Han Bok-ryeo. Thank you, and please always stay healthy,” she wrote. She also added the hashtags “Jewel in the Palace” and “My mentor.” Lee played the title character, Seo Jang-geum, in the MBC drama, which became a nationwide sensation in 2003. Han, a researcher specializing in royal court cuisine from the Joseon Dynasty, is known for creating the dishes featured in “Jewel in the Palace” by drawing on historical documents about traditional Korean cuisine. In 2007, she was officially recognized as a holder of the skills associated with RAug 21, 2026By Hankookilbo
