Why YouTube star Hamzy is pausing her career despite 14 mil. subscribersOne of Korea’s biggest “mukbang” creators, Hamzy — whose channel has 14 million subscribers — has announced that she will temporarily suspend her YouTube activity to focus on preparing for childbirth and managing her health. In a video posted to her channel on Jan. 4, Hamzy said she has now entered her eighth year as a YouTuber. “I started in my late 20s, and now I am already past my mid-30s,” she said, adding that she and her longtime boyfriend are now in their 10th year as a couple. Hamzy said she decided it was time to step back from her food content to prioritize family plans. “If I do not make a decision now for childbirth, I may just get older over the next one or two years while continuing to delay it,” she said. “So after much thought, I decided to take a break from the mukbang channel for the time being.” She added that she plans to rest, eat healthily, stop drinking alcohol and receive medical care, saying she hopes to try for a child in 2026. Hamzy said she will still share occasional lifestyle videos and previously recorded footage so viewers will not feJan 5, 2026By Hankookilbo
K-pop star Jang Won-young faces backlash in China over Hong Kong remark, boycott calls growControversy is growing in China over comments made by Jang Won-young of the K-pop group IVE after she referred to Hong Kong as one of the “countries” she likes during a recent behind-the-scenes video. The remark appeared in a video on IVE’s official YouTube channel. While the members were shown visiting Hong Kong to attend an awards ceremony, Jang said, “We should eat a delicious dinner,” adding, “I like Hong Kong. There is a lot of good food. Hong Kong is one of the countries I like.” After the video was released, some Chinese social media users protested the fact that she referred to Hong Kong as a “country.” China maintains the One China principle, under which Hong Kong is defined as a special administrative region of China. Jang’s phrasing, interpreted as contradicting that stance, quickly fueled online criticism. On Chinese social media platforms, related hashtags such as “#JangWonyoungHongKongCountry,” “#IVEGetOutofChina” and “#KoreanIdolsHistoryEducation” are spreading, with some users even calling for a boycott of IVE-related content. Local media aJan 3, 2026By Hankookilbo
How rumors turn into lasting stigma for Korean celebritiesIn Korea’s entertainment industry, controversy rarely stops at the person directly involved. Increasingly, speculation and online suspicion are spreading outward — pulling unrelated celebrities into the spotlight and leaving behind lasting reputational scars, even when no wrongdoing is proven. Toward the end of last year, a series of scandals dominated entertainment news, illustrating how quickly rumor can attach itself to public figures. Once a celebrity becomes linked to controversy — whether through direct action or mere association — a figurative label forms, and it can shake an image that took years to build. Celebrities find themselves pressured to apologize or explain, even when they are not the subject of the accusations themselves. Industry observers say the pattern is becoming familiar. As soon as uncertainty arises, entertainers are thrust onto what one critic calls a “moral judgment stage.” Staying silent is interpreted as suspicious, while explaining is dismissed as an excuse. Long before facts are clarified, negative impressions harden — and the individualJan 2, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS return and Na Hong-jin’s $77 mil. epic signal K-culture revival in 2026After a year in which expansion and slowdown coexisted across Korean pop culture, 2026 is shaping up to be a potential rebound period for K-culture. While the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” helped push K-pop further into everyday life beyond fan communities, album sales declined for a second consecutive year, fueling a sense of crisis. In broadcasting, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” and “Squid Game" Season 3 drew major attention, but the growing dominance of Netflix further weakened terrestrial networks. Korean cinema endured one of its toughest years, with only one film — “My Daughter Is a Zombie” — surpassing 5 million moviegoers. As the Year of the Red Horse begins, anticipation is rising that blockbuster projects across K-pop, television, and film may breathe fresh energy into the industry. From the long-awaited comeback of BTS and BLACKPINK to large-scale film productions such as “Hope,” which has a total budget of 100 billion won ($77 million), key figures seen as drivers of a K-culture resurgence are preparing to step forward. The biggest storyline inJan 1, 2026By Hankookilbo
Ahn Hyo-seop of 'KPop Demon Hunters' to open new year on ‘The Tonight Show’Korean actor Ahn Hyo-seop is set to begin 2026 on one of the biggest stages in American television, as he will appear on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” marking what industry observers see as a symbolic milestone in his growing global influence. The program, widely regarded as one of the most influential late-night talk shows in the United States, has featured world-renowned figures across entertainment, politics and sports. Ahn’s invitation is being viewed as a sign that his international presence has expanded far beyond K-drama fandom. Ahn has spent the past year juggling an intense slate of projects, including the Netflix film “KPop Demon Hunters,” the feature film “Omniscient Reader,” and filming for the upcoming SBS drama “Sold Out Again Today.” “KPop Demon Hunters,” in which Ahn voiced the lead character Jinu, became an unexpected breakout hit. The animated film surpassed 500 million global views within 27 weeks of its release and has been listed among Netflix’s most-watched original films. The title also earned major critical recognition,Dec 31, 2025By Xportsnews
After ‘NewJeans expulsion’ notice, Ador files $31 mil. lawsuit against Danielle, Min Hee-jinAdor, the agency behind K-pop girl group NewJeans, has filed a massive damages lawsuit against member Danielle following its move to terminate her exclusive contract — and the case has been assigned to the same Seoul court division that previously handled the high-profile legal battle between HYBE and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin. According to Korean outlet Newsis on Tuesday, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 31 has been assigned to hear Ador’s lawsuit seeking contract penalties and damages from Danielle, a member of her family and Min. The company is demanding about 43.1 billion won ($31 million) in compensation. The date for the first hearing has not yet been set, the report said. Ador announced Monday that it had notified Danielle of contract termination, saying it had determined that continuing with her as a NewJeans member and Ador artist was no longer possible. The company also said it intends to pursue legal responsibility against one of Danielle’s family members and Min, claiming they played a major role in triggering the dispute and delaying the group’sDec 30, 2025By Xportsnews
Behind the scene, celebrity managers in Korea face harsh working conditionsThe glitz of the entertainment industry often conceals the harsh working conditions faced by celebrity managers, who shoulder responsibilities ranging from schedule management and on-site accompaniment to condition checks, crisis response and overall support for artists’ activities. Although they are core staff members, discussions about fair treatment have long remained secondary. Allegations raised by former managers of comedian Park Na-rae have brought renewed attention to power abuse claims in the entertainment industry and to the poor labor conditions of managers. The former managers accused Park of unfair treatment and cited issues such as failure to enroll them in the national social insurance program, salaries of about 3 million won ($2,300) per month, delayed wage payments and unprocessed business expenses. While the authenticity of the claims has yet to be verified, the case has prompted broader reflection on structural problems across the industry. According to Park’s former managers, their salaries remained at roughly the same level despite years of experience, while aDec 29, 2025By Hankookilbo
Stars fall, productions stall: Korea’s hit shows face uncertain futures after 2025 scandalsSouth Korea’s television industry ended 2025 with an unwelcome twist — the year delivered some of its biggest global hits, yet several high-profile projects were halted or shelved after celebrity scandals erupted around their lead stars. From streaming blockbusters to major network entertainment shows, productions that had already finished filming are now stuck in limbo, leaving viewers, crews and co-stars frustrated. The controversies reflect what industry insiders call the growing risk of “star-dependent productions,” where a single casting choice can determine a show’s fate, even after millions have already been spent. Kim Soo-hyun scandal derails Disney+ series ‘Knock-off’ Actor Kim Soo-hyun is at the center of the most shocking scandal of the year. The Hallyu star was engulfed in controversy in March after the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron alleged that he had dated her when she was a minor and that she later faced financial hardship after his agency demanded 700 million won ($520,000) in penalty fees related to her drunk-driving scandal. Kim Soo-hyun’s agencDec 28, 2025By Xportsnews
Love, loss and betrayal in K-pop — from surprise weddings to heartbreaking farewellsThe year 2025 proved to be an emotional whirlwind for the Korean entertainment industry, marked by moments of joy, grief and shock. The industry saw news that ranged from long-awaited marriages to sudden deaths and controversies that stirred intense public reaction. From longtime bachelors finally tying the knot to heartbreaking losses that left fans in mourning, the year’s defining moments underscored how love and loss, celebration and sorrow, continue to coexist in the world of K-pop. The year also marked the return of major stars, a wave of wedding announcements and a series of incidents that sparked debate across entertainment circles and social media, reflecting just how closely the public follows the personal lives of its favorite artists. BTS members return from military service All members of BTS completed their mandatory military service in June, officially ending the group’s long “hiatus.” Jin completed his service in June last year, followed by J-Hope in October. RM and V were discharged on June 10, with Jimin and Jung Kook finishing the following day. Suga, who serveDec 26, 2025By Xportsnews
Cycle of controversy: Korea’s top stars faced probes, exits and burnout in 2025What was supposed to be a year of recovery and celebration in Korean entertainment instead turned into a cycle of controversy, investigations and shock revelations. From legal battles and social scandals to emotional health scares and sudden career collapses, 2025 became a year where the industry’s biggest names repeatedly made headlines — often for the wrong reasons. Korean entertainment is no stranger to drama, but this year felt different. Online communities and social platforms buzzed nonstop as allegations led to police investigations, controversies triggered program exits, and past incidents resurfaced, amplifying public fatigue and debate. Courtrooms, investigations dominate celebrity news If one word defined the year, it was “courtroom.” Legal disputes and prosecutorial probes overshadowed ordinary entertainment coverage, turning daily celebrity news into what many Koreans described as “case files.” Actress Hwang Jung-eum was indicted without detention on charges of corporate fund embezzlement, sending shockwaves through the industry. Former T-ara member Ahreum receivDec 25, 2025By Xportsnews
