Park Bom suspends 2NE1 activities due to medical advice calling for restSinger Park Bom has announced a temporary suspension of her activities with 2NE1. On Wednesday, her agency, D-Nation Entertainment, posted an official statement on social media. “We inform you that Park Bom will not be participating in 2NE1’s upcoming activities,” it said. The agency explained that the decision was made after medical professionals advised Park that she needed more rest. “After long discussions, we have made this unavoidable decision,” it said. “We ask fans for their warm support for Park Bom’s recovery,” the agency added. “We would also appreciate your encouragement for Sandara Park, CL and Gong Minzy, who will do their best to ensure Park’s absence is not felt.” Park has recently faced a string of online controversies, including speculation over her changing appearance and public scrutiny related to her weight loss and rebound. Meanwhile, the remaining three members of 2NE1 are scheduled to perform without Park at Waterbomb Bali 2025 this September in Indonesia. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The KoAug 6, 2025By Xportsnews
As One's Lee Min dies suddenly at 46Lee Min, a member of the female R&B duo As One, has died unexpectedly at the age of 46. According to music industry sources on Wednesday, Lee was found dead at her home on Tuesday afternoon. A representative from her agency, Brand New Music, confirmed the news to the Hankook Ilbo. “It is true that Lee Min has passed away,” it said. “The police are currently investigating the exact circumstances. The company is also still trying to understand the situation." Born in 1978, Lee Min was a Korean American who debuted in 1999 with As One’s first album “Day by Day.” The duo gained popularity with hit songs such as “Want and Resent,” “Day by Day,” “You’re Welcome” and “Do You Have to Be Sorry.” She had remained active until recently, releasing new single “Happy Birthday To You” as part of As One this past June, and appearing on KBS2’s “The Seasons: Park Bo-gum’s Cantabile.” News of her death has shocked fans, with tributes pouring in across social media. This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a geneAug 6, 2025By Hankookilbo
Jung Woo-sung rumored to have registered marriage with 'true love' — not Moon Ga-biHas actor Jung Woo-sung finally found true love? On Aug. 5, reports surfaced that Jung had completed a marriage registration with his girlfriend. The woman is said to be the same partner he was linked to during last year’s dating rumors. In response, a representative from Artist Company, Jung’s agency, told Xportsnews, “We ask for your understanding that we cannot offer an official statement on matters concerning the actor’s private life.” Amid the speculation, Jung’s past remarks about marriage have drawn renewed attention. In a December 2023 appearance on singer Sung Si-kyung’s YouTube channel, Jung said, “It’s not that I didn’t get married. I just missed the right timing.” He also said, “I was the first actor in the entertainment industry to come out and say I had a girlfriend,” expressing his views on dating openly. “Celebrities are just regular people. Why should they be treated differently just because they’re famous?” The actor previously stirred controversy when it was revealed last year that he had fathered a child out of wedlock. In November 2024, mAug 6, 2025By Xportsnews
Actor Song Young-kyu remembered for his passion and talent: ‘He lived for acting’The late actor Song Young-kyu, who passed away suddenly at age 56, is being remembered for his unwavering dedication to acting. On Monday, Song was found dead inside a vehicle parked in a residential complex in Cheoin District, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Following news of his death, a longtime acquaintance from the entertainment industry shared their sorrow in an interview with Xportsnews, recalling Song's deep commitment to his craft. “He had incredible talent, a good personality and boundless passion,” said the source. “He was someone who thought only of acting from a young age and truly excelled at it.” They added, “It’s heartbreaking to lose someone with so much talent and passion.” Just weeks before his death, on July 19, Song had been investigated for drunk driving after operating a vehicle while intoxicated for approximately five kilometers between Giheung and Cheoin Districts in Yongin. His blood alcohol level was reported at 0.08 percent, at which point the penalty can include loss of license,+ and the case was forwarded to the Suwon District Prosecutors’ OfficeAug 5, 2025By Xportsnews
STEM or bust? Korea’s future at risk as top students avoid engineeringA powerful two-part KBS documentary contrasting South Korea’s obsession with medical school and China’s strategic push for science and engineering talent has struck a nerve, drawing millions of views, impassioned viewer reactions and calls for systemic change. The documentary, titled “Docu Insight — The Talent War,” aired last month and surpassed 970,000 views on YouTube within three weeks of its release. One viewer’s comment, “They should play this during a Cabinet meeting and make the president, prime minister and ministers each write a 10-page book report,” captured the urgency many felt after watching. Public reactions ranged from shock to despair: “I had no idea things were this bad for STEM,” “The future is terrifying,” and “It’s heartbreaking that our brightest minds only chase money.” In response to the surge in attention, KBS hastily aired a live panel discussion on July 27 focused on fostering talent in science and engineering. On July 30, Hankook Ilbo met with producers Jung Yong-jae, Lee I-baek and Shin Eun-joo at the KBS headquarters in YeongdeAug 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
Jung Woo-sung reportedly marries longtime partner; agency calls it a 'private matter'Korean actor Jung Woo-sung is once again making headlines, this time over rumors that he has legally registered his marriage to a longtime partner. On August 5, local outlet MyDaily reported that Jung had recently filed a marriage registration and is now legally married. The report claimed the woman in question is a non-celebrity with whom he has been in a long-term relationship. In response, a representative from his agency, Artist Company, told the Hankook Ilbo, “As this concerns the actor’s private life, we ask for your understanding that the company will not be making any official statement.” The agency added, “We respectfully ask that people refrain from excessive speculation and interest regarding his personal affairs.” The agency’s guarded response echoes its approach to a previous controversy involving the actor. In 2024, Jung faced intense public scrutiny after it was revealed that he had fathered a child out of wedlock. At the time, model Moon Ga-bi revealed she had given birth to a son and later confirmed that the child’s father was Jung. According to Moon, theAug 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
BTS member V shows off playful post-military sideBTS member V has shared an update with fans, showcasing his signature mischief and playful charm. On Monday, V uploaded a series of photos on his personal social media account, captioned “Chaotic update, for bored ARMY.” The pictures quickly drew attention for their lighthearted vibe. In one photo, V is seen sitting on fellow member Jungkook’s legs with tissues stuffed in his nose, exuding what fans affectionately call his “jangkku” (playful troublemaker) energy. Other photos show V revealing his muscular arms while working out and taking a mirror selfie with a pouty expression, giving fans a glimpse into his fun and varied daily life. V recently completed his military service, having been discharged in June after serving as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean Army. Looking ahead, BTS is scheduled to reunite as a full group next spring, with plans for a new album and a large-scale world tour. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.Aug 4, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS fans' purple ribbon campaign may be key to fixing K-pop’s airport chaosBTS member V has urged fans to behave responsibly at airports, bringing renewed attention to the fan-led “Purple Line” campaign — a movement aimed at promoting safety and order while idols travel. “The airport doesn’t belong to us. It’s a public space, and I hope everyone respects that," V said during a recent livestream on the fan platform Weverse. His remarks were aimed at fans who have been causing disorder and overcrowding in airport settings. He added, “If the ‘Purple Line’ could be brought back, that would be great. Then I’d have 10 more minutes in the morning to think about what to wear. If ARMY brings it back, I’ll wear a suit to the airport,” referencing a past fan-organized effort that left a lasting impression. The “Purple Line” was an airport safety campaign created voluntarily by the BTS fandom, ARMY, in 2018. Around 20 fans gathered at Los Angeles International Airport holding purple ribbons — the group’s symbolic color — while forming orderly lines to ensure the group’s safe arrival and departure. V later expressed his appreciation by apAug 2, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS member V poses in gym with bulked-up arms, flashes V sign after workoutBTS member V has revealed his impressive fitness transformation, surprising fans with his new muscular look. On Wednesday, V shared a photo on his social media account, offering a glimpse into his latest workout routine. In the photo, V posed at a gym with his trainer, wearing a gray T-shirt soaked with sweat and clinging to his visibly defined arm muscles. He flashes his signature V hand gesture, his damp hair and confident expression highlighting his post-workout glow. Previously, V said that his goal was to gain 24 kilograms. With noticeably broader shoulders and toned arms, he now appears well on his way, impressing fans with his dedication and healthy new look. V recently completed his military service as an active-duty Army soldier and was discharged in June. BTS is scheduled to return as a full group in the spring of next year with a new album and a large-scale world tour. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.Aug 2, 2025By Xportsnews
Are K-pop performance outfits going too far? IVE's Jang Won-young stirs debateA debate over IVE member Jang Won-young’s outfit during a ceremonial kickoff continues to stir controversy both in Korea and among global fans — even after the group offered an explanation. On Wednesday, girl group IVE took part in a ceremonial kickoff and performed during halftime at the first match of the "2025 Coupang Play Series" held at Suwon World Cup Stadium. Wearing customized outfits based on sports uniforms, the members lit up the stadium with a vibrant performance and eye-catching visuals. Their participation in both the ceremonial kickoff and halftime show attracted major attention. However, some viewers raised concerns about the outfits — especially Jang Won-young’s form-fitting, shoulder-baring top and short shorts. Critics said the outfit was “inappropriate for the occasion” and “too revealing” for a sporting event. Others defended the styling, saying the performance-focused nature of the event justified the fashion choices and that IVE’s signature flair came through clearly. Supporters also argued that ceremonial kickoffs have evolved into entertainmentAug 2, 2025By Xportsnews
