‘Endless waiting and personal errands’: allegations revive scrutiny of power abuse in Korea’s entertainment industryAllegations surrounding comedian Park Na-rae’s treatment of her former managers have triggered growing disappointment among the public, but industry insiders say the controversy reflects a deeper, long-standing structural problem rather than an isolated case. Claims of workplace abuse by Park’s former managers surfaced publicly Dec 4. According to reports, two former managers, identified as A and B, filed an application with the Seoul Western District Court, Dec. 3, seeking a provisional seizure of real estate under Park’s name. They allege they suffered various forms of misconduct during their employment, including workplace harassment, assault, proxy collection of medical prescriptions and unpaid production-related expenses. Additional allegations later emerged on JTBC’s investigative program “Scandal Supervisor,” where claims were raised that Park also mistreated members of broadcast production teams. While the factual accuracy of the allegations has yet to be determined, the response from within the industry has been strikingly grim. Many insiders say similar practicesDec 13, 2025By Hankookilbo
From driving for managers to $9,000 salaries, stars’ kindness draws attention in KoreaAs allegations surrounding comedian Park Na-rae’s treatment of her managers continue to dominate headlines, a contrasting narrative is gaining renewed attention online: celebrities known for generosity and humane treatment toward their staff. With former managers of Park stepping forward to raise claims of mistreatment, public debate has expanded beyond the individual case to a broader discussion about working conditions for managers in the entertainment industry. Against this backdrop, past stories highlighting stars who went out of their way to care for their managers are resurfacing on online communities and social media. One widely shared example involves veteran entertainer Park Myung-soo. In 2023, his manager, identified as A, shared a personal anecdote on social media recalling a long-distance work trip to Yeosu. According to the post, Park offered to take the wheel himself so the manager could rest in the back seat. A wrote that Park personally drove more than 300 kilometers of a round trip exceeding 730 kilometers, adding jokingly, “We’re heading to Jangheung, South JeolDec 13, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS V reunites with Park Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik in Hawaii, sharing rare moments with longtime friendsBTS member V shared an update that put to rest any speculation of discord within the celebrity friend group known as the “Wooga Fam.” On Dec. 9, V posted several photos on his personal account without a caption. The images showed the complete Wooga Fam lineup of V, singer Peakboy, and actors Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik and Choi Woo-shik enjoying a trip together in Hawaii. Their first full-group appearance in some time delighted fans. The group was seen wearing colorful outfits, sharing a relaxed dinner, and spending time driving around, snorkeling and unwinding by the ocean. The Wooga Fam earned the nickname for their unusually close, family-like bond within the entertainment industry. Choi Woo-shik mentioned the group’s dynamic during an October appearance on the YouTube channel “Fairy Jaehyung,” where he said, “We hardly meet. Even when we want to meet, we often can’t. But when we do meet, we have so much fun talking,” adding that he is grateful that everyone is doing well in their respective careers. Meanwhile, BTS is preparing for a full-group comeback, with a new albDec 10, 2025By Xportsnews
Cho Jin-woong’s retirement sparks fears of $7.6 mil. penalty amid growing public debateActor Cho Jin-woong’s abrupt retirement amid revived allegations about his past juvenile misconduct is now raising questions over whether he could face a penalty of up to 10 billion won ($7.6 million), according to industry estimates circulating in Korea. On Tuesday, local outlet Newsen reported, citing an industry official, that tvN could pursue a massive damages claim if it files a lawsuit against Cho and his agency. The figure reflects the scale and timing of Cho’s leading role in “Signal 2,” the long-awaited sequel to the 2016 hit drama. “Signal 2” was scheduled to air in the first half of next year after nearly a decade of anticipation. But its future is now uncertain after allegations emerged on Friday accusing Cho of wrongdoing as a minor. His agency acknowledged part of the claims. “We confirmed with the actor that there were improper actions during his youth," it said. A day later, Cho announced he was ending his career. “I accept all criticism with humility and will stop all activities as of today. This is the responsibility and duty I must bear for my past wroDec 10, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS’ RM and Jung Kook spark frenzy with simple midnight snackEven a bowl of ramen is enough to send BTS fans into overdrive when RM and Jung Kook are involved. The two members, who have each sparked intense online debate in recent days, fueled fresh speculation after sharing photos of a late-night noodle snack on Wednesday. RM uploaded a picture of ramen to his social media account early that morning, tagging Jung Kook. Minutes later, Jung Kook reshared the photo, signaling that the pair had met for a casual midnight snack. But with fans still tense over both RM’s recent comments and Jung Kook’s dating rumors, the simple meal immediately became a trending topic. Jung Kook has been at the center of swirling speculation since Friday, when online posts claimed he was dating aespa member Winter. Fans pointed to matching dog-face tattoos, sightings of Jung Kook at an aespa concert, Winter mentioning his real name during a livestream, and what users described as couple-style nail designs and matching accessories. Both SM Entertainment and HYBE have maintained a “no comment” stance, which has only fueled speculation that the relationship mightDec 10, 2025By Xportsnews
Korean TV rocked by escalating ‘injection aunt’ scandal linked to Park Na-raeSouth Korea’s entertainment industry is facing widening fallout from the so-called “injection aunt” controversy involving comedian Park Na-rae, who recently halted all activities. What began as allegations about an unlicensed medical provider has now spread to speculation involving SHINee member Key, drawing intense attention online. The scandal erupted after photos surfaced showing Park receiving intravenous drips and other treatments from a woman identified only as “A,” who allegedly does not have a medical license. Park had already been in the spotlight due to disputes with former managers, but this new allegation — involving IV treatments at a private home and proxy prescriptions for antidepressants — escalated public concern. Park’s agency told Xportsnews that they believed “A is a doctor with a valid medical license” and that Park had received only “a nutritional injection,” insisting the situation does not constitute “illegal medical practice.” However, the controversy intensified on Dec. 8 after the Korean Medical Association issued a strongly wordedDec 9, 2025By Xportsnews
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung stuns with doll-like figure in elegant white dressAll eyes were on IVE member Jang Wonyoung when she appeared at the opening of the Medicube Age-R Seongsu pop-up event in Seoul’s Seongdong District, showcasing a look that quickly sparked comparisons to a real-life Barbie doll. The event, held Monday morning, featured a photo call where Wonyoung arrived in a white off-the-shoulder dress that highlighted her slim silhouette and signature doll-like proportions. The bold open-back design became an instant focal point, prompting a wave of camera flashes from reporters on site. Wonyoung, known for her trend-setting influence among millennial and Gen Z fans across Asia, frequently dominates social media whenever she appears at brand events. Her latest look is already generating buzz online for its mix of “lovely and pure” styling — a contrast that continues to define her public image. This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.Dec 9, 2025By Xportsnews
Bitter truths behind celebrity friendships in KoreaCan genuine friendship exist in the entertainment industry? Affectionate moments between celebrities like calling one another “best friends” or physical closeness often become a form of content consumed by the public. At times, these relationships function as a kind of asset, helping to enhance one another’s image. Superficial relationships exist in every field, but the entertainment world is viewed differently because even private relationships are exposed and consumed in real time. As a result, friendship is weighted differently than in most industries, and it is far more easily commercialized. A single photograph with the right person can raise someone’s brand value, while one controversy can instantly turn that same proximity into a liability. That is why when a scandal breaks, friendships are often the first thing to disappear. Recently, an idol group member became embroiled in controversy. Several entertainers who had previously appeared to have close ties quickly deleted photos and posts showing or mentioning the idol. When a celebrity faces a scandal or legal issue, evenDec 8, 2025By Hankookilbo
Park Na-rae breaks silence, says ex-managers demanded hundreds of millions of wonKorean TV star Park Na-rae has spoken out for the first time after being caught up in an abuse-of-power controversy involving two former managers who, according to her agency, allegedly demanded enormous payouts after resigning. Park, one of Korea’s best-known comedians and variety personalities, became the center of debate online this week after local reports suggested that staff members had accused her of unfair treatment. The claims quickly spread across social media, triggering heated discussions among the MZ-generation — a Korean term referring to millennials and Gen Z — and raising questions about the treatment of employees in Korea’s entertainment industry. On Dec. 5, her agency, Npark Co., said it is “checking the exact facts” surrounding media reports based on statements from Park and her former managers. Agency says ex-managers asked for share of company's revenue Npark said two employees who had worked with Park for about 15 months recently resigned and received standard severance. However, after receiving it, the former staff allegedly demanded an additional paymeDec 6, 2025By Xportsnews
Actor Cho Jin-woong faces allegations of violent juvenile crimesActor Cho Jin-woong, whose legal name is Cho Won-jun, is facing allegations that he committed serious crimes as a teenager. On Friday, entertainment outlet Dispatch reported that Cho received juvenile protection measures and was sent to a juvenile detention center while in high school. The report said Cho faced a criminal trial in 1994, when he was a second-year student, on charges of robbery and rape under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. Citing an informant, Dispatch said Cho and a group of delinquent youths stole a car that had been left on the roadside with the engine running, then drove it without a license while committing multiple offenses. The informant alleged that “Cho Jin-woong’s group attempted sexual assault inside the stolen vehicle, and he was sent to a juvenile facility because of the incident, spending half of his third year of high school in correctional custody.” The report also raised allegations that Cho continued to have run-ins with police even after starting his acting career as an adult. According to the informant, Cho was fined inDec 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
