‘Can’t let him go’: Fans react as Korea's heartthrob Cha Eun-woo prepares for military enlistmentASTRO member Cha Eun-woo has shared a series of new photos ahead of his upcoming military enlistment, giving fans one last glimpse of his daily life. On Wednesday, Cha posted multiple selfies and travel photos on his personal social media account with the caption “Ready.” The update quickly drew attention online. The photos include a gym selfie showing off his toned arms, a high-resolution close-up in an olive-green turtleneck, and a playful shot of him jumping in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. He also included a waiting room mirror selfie and a humorous photo that zooms in on his eyes, adding to the lighthearted tone. With his enlistment date approaching, fans flooded the comments with emotional messages such as “We’ll be waiting,” “Take care,” “You’re so handsome,” “I don’t want to let you go” and “Can’t he just not enlist?” Cha is scheduled to enlist in the Army military band on July 28. Before that, he will host a solo fan meeting on July 12 to spend time with fans ahead of his departure. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generativJun 25, 2025By Xportsnews
Kim Soo-hyun files additional legal complaint against late actor Kim Sae-ron’s family and YouTuber for false accusationActor Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, Gold Medalist, have filed a criminal complaint against YouTuber Kim Se-eui and the bereaved family of actor Kim Sae-ron for allegedly making false accusations. On Monday, the law firm LKB & Partners, representing Kim and his agency, announced that a complaint was submitted to the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul the same day. The complaint accuses Kim Se-eui, head of the YouTube channel Garosero Institute (also known as HoverLab), as well as members of Kim Sae-ron’s family, of filing false reports. According to his legal team, during a May 7 press conference, Kim Se-eui played what he claimed was a voice recording of Kim Sae-ron, allegedly generated using artificial intelligence deepfake voice technology. He asserted that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron had been romantically involved since middle school and accused Kim Soo-hyun’s side of offering 4 billion won ($2.9 million) to a whistleblower in exchange for the audio file. He further alleged that when the offer was rejected, two hitmen were hired. “These are not just groundless claims — they areJun 23, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS’s Suga apologizes again for scooter DUI as he completes military dutyBTS member Suga has issued a renewed apology for his 2024 electric scooter DUI incident, just as he completed his mandatory military service. On Saturday, Suga posted a message to fans on the global fan platform Weverse. “I’m deeply sorry for the disappointment and concern caused by what happened last year,” he wrote. “It hurt me that I may have caused pain to fans, and I also feel sorry to the other members who must have carried heavy hearts in their own ways.” In August 2024, Suga was summarily indicted and fined 15 million won ($10,800) after being caught operating an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. Having started his service in September 2023, Suga’s discharge marks the completion of military duty for all seven BTS members. It has been roughly two-and-a-half years since Jin, the eldest member, enlisted in December 2022. The full return of BTS has drawn attention from international media. The Associated Press reported under the headline “All 7 BTS members are now done with mandatory service,” adding that the global K-pop sensation plans to reunite as aJun 21, 2025By Hankookilbo
Former adult film star Asuka Kirara denies prostitution rumors involving former The Boyz’ member Ju Haknyeon: ‘I’ve never done that in my life’Asuka Kirara, a former Japanese adult film actress and current influencer, has publicly denied allegations of prostitution involving former The Boyz member Ju Haknyeon. Early Saturday morning, Kirara posted a statement on her personal channel, pushing back against the swirling rumors: “There are all kinds of speculations spreading. Please stop spreading false information.” She firmly denied any involvement in prostitution, writing, “I have never once, in my entire life, had sex in exchange for money. That includes this time.” She added, “A photo of me with Haknyeon, who was at the same gathering, was sold to Bunshun.” The controversy began on June 18, when reports emerged that Ju Haknyeon had privately met Kirara at a bar in Tokyo on May 29. The two were reportedly seen drinking into the early morning hours, with physical contact such as hugging captured on camera. That same day, Ju Haknyeon’s former agency Onehundred announced his departure from The Boyz and the termination of his exclusive contract, citing the personal scandal. The situation escalated when follow-up reporJun 21, 2025By Xportsnews
Major K-pop agency accused of withholding laundry payments for two yearsA well-known entertainment agency is embroiled in a legal dispute after allegedly failing to pay over 12 million won ($8,600) in laundry fees for stage costumes. According to a report by JTBC News on Friday, the agency has not paid a professional laundry service provider for two years. The outstanding amount, which began accumulating after the company first requested the service in 2023, has now surpassed 12 million won. The laundry business, which has specialized in cleaning stage costumes for more than a decade, said the agency has not made a single payment since the partnership began. Other vendors have reportedly experienced similar issues. A stylist company, a costume manufacturer, and a tailoring service have all claimed they are owed tens of millions of won for services rendered to the same agency. The laundry company said it received no response from the agency for months, but when it warned of legal action, the company transferred 5 million won before once again cutting off communication. Following media inquiries, the agency issued a statement saying the issue stemmed from “anJun 21, 2025By Xportsnews
K-pop fans stunned as idols face scandalTwo former K-pop idols, Taeil of NCT and Ju Haknyeon of The Boyz, are facing intense scrutiny amid serious accusations — including sexual assault and a private meeting with a former adult film actress. With both incidents emerging on the same day, public outrage is mounting over yet another wave of controversy in the entertainment industry. Taeil, a former member of SM Entertainment’s boy group NCT, is under investigation for allegedly participating in the sexual assault of an intoxicated woman alongside two acquaintances in June last year. According to police, the report was filed shortly after the incident, and Taeil was questioned in August before the case was forwarded to prosecutors in September. Following confirmation of the allegations, SM Entertainment announced Taeil’s departure from NCT and terminated his exclusive contract. The charges involve a violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, specifically under the classification of special quasi-rape — which applies when two or more individuals commit sexual assault against a personJun 19, 2025By Xportsnews
Kim Soo-hyun faces wave of lawsuits from advertisers over scandal falloutActor Kim Soo-hyun is facing a string of lawsuits from advertisers seeking tens of billions of won in damages, following a recent scandal that has damaged his public image. On Wednesday, New Daily reported that several of the 16 brands that had signed Kim as their advertising model are either considering legal action or have already filed lawsuits. At the center of these disputes is a standard clause found in celebrity endorsement contracts known as the “morality clause.” The clause typically states that the celebrity (“Party B”) must not engage in any behavior that violates the law or causes public controversy, as such conduct could harm the image of the company (“Party A”). If breached, the contract may be terminated early, and the celebrity may be required to repay their modeling fee. Kim became the subject of controversy after rumors spread that he had dated the late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was still a minor. As the speculation gained traction online, public criticism intensified, prompting many brands to pull advertisements featuring the actor. In response, a numbeJun 19, 2025By Xportsnews
‘I was really struggling’: The unspoken career cost of motherhood in Korean showbizSeveral Korean actresses are opening up about the challenges they’ve faced due to pregnancy-related career interruptions, shedding light on a long-standing issue that resonates with many working women. Actress Cha Chung-hwa recently revealed on Kim Jung-nan’s YouTube channel that she had to step down from three major roles after becoming pregnant. “I dropped out of all three projects I had been cast in after getting pregnant,” she said. “They were big roles, but they involved action and I was playing a villain. I had never been pregnant before, so I didn’t understand how much my body would change. I thought I could handle it, but once I got to set, everything turned chaotic.” Cha added, “I didn’t want my blessing to become a burden for everyone else, so I decided it was right to leave the projects. I ended up in tears.” Other actresses, including Park Ha-seon and Kim Hee-sun, have also spoken candidly about the emotional and professional toll of stepping away from the spotlight after childbirth. Park Ha-seon, appearing on KakaoTV’s web talk show “Shall We Talk?,”Jun 18, 2025By Xportsnews
'Too handsome' to act? BTS’ Jin says no to acting — even for Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-hoBTS member Jin has opened up about his future career plans — and acting is apparently not on the list. In a video released on Vanity Fair’s official YouTube channel, Jin took part in a playful lie detector interview, answering a range of personal and professional questions with his signature honesty and humor. Jin, who once dreamed of becoming a journalist before debuting as a singer, was asked whether he still held that ambition. He replied, “Not anymore,” explaining, “I’m really satisfied with what I’m doing now, and the more I’ve learned about the world, the less confident I feel about doing well in that field.” The lie detector confirmed this answer as truthful. Although Jin is nicknamed “Worldwide Handsome,” he admitted that he’s not feeling particularly confident about his looks at the moment. “I’m not that confident in my face right now,” he said, adding that he had woken up at 2:30 a.m. for three days straight. However, he said he still thinks he can live up to the name. Jin holds a degree in acting from Konkuk University, but when asked whether he hJun 17, 2025By Xportsnews
Global submissions open for 2nd World Webtoon AwardsThe World Webtoon Awards is back for its second edition, spotlighting standout webcomics that have captivated audiences around the globe. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Creative Content Agency, the awards aim to honor outstanding creative achievements in the webtoon industry. This year’s entry period runs from June 16 to July 15. Eligible works include those serialized on domestic or international platforms between Jan. 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. Submissions are open to creators themselves, as well as affiliated associations, platforms and production studios with the creator’s consent. For the first time, readers worldwide can also take part by nominating their top picks through the official website. Around 20 shortlisted titles will be unveiled in late August. The final 10 winners are slated to be announced at an awards ceremony on Oct. 22 at Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul. The event will coincide with the World Webtoon Festival, which spans both Lotte World Tower and the Lotte World Ice Rink as a broader celebration of the medium. This year alsJun 16, 2025By Park Han-sol
