DJ Koo appears visibly gaunt in first public photo since Barbie Hsu’s deathDJ Koo (Koo Jun-yup), the Korean DJ and husband of the late Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (Xu Xiyuan), has stirred concern with his appearance following her sudden death. On Monday, Hsu’s mother posted on social media, writing, “This year’s Parents’ Day feels especially sad.” She said her son-in-law, DJ Koo, misses Hsu so much that he is growing thinner by the day. She added, “My other son-in-law Mike has been consistently attentive and caring. I’m grateful to have such devoted children.” The post also mentioned Hsu’s younger sister, Dee Hsu (Xu Xidi). “My daughter asked a colleague to create an AI video of Hsu,” the mother wrote. “I’m truly thankful for the many celebrities and members of the public who still remember Hsu and send me warm messages of support. I’ll do my best to stay strong. Maybe not right away, but I believe things will gradually get better.” She included a family photo taken during a dinner held in honor of Parents’ Day. In the image, DJ Koo appears significantly gaunt, with his neck bones visible despite wearing a cap and glasses. AccordMay 12, 2025By KTimes
BLACKPINK's Jennie tops best-dressed lists at Met Gala, drops behind-the-scenes photosBLACKPINK’s Jennie lit up the 2025 Met Gala red carpet with a bold, boundary-pushing Chanel ensemble that quickly landed her on multiple best-dressed lists — and she kept the buzz going by sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes photos. On May 5 (local time), Jennie attended the Met Gala at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for the third consecutive year. This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” paid tribute to the influence of Black designers and culture on high fashion. Jennie immediately captured media attention with a daring twist on classic tailoring. Wearing a wide-brimmed black hat that partially obscured her face, she paired off-the-shoulder satin detailing with sharply cut black suit pants. U.S. fashion outlets like Harper’s Bazaar and People named her among the night’s best dressed, with Vogue praising her for brilliantly interpreting the Met Gala theme. Her look, which blended elegance with edge, was reportedly handcrafted over 330 hours by Chanel’s artisans. Fans and fashion watchers online raved: “The moment I saw it, I thought it was insanMay 10, 2025By KTimes
Kim Soo-hyun’s agency denies allegations, calls recordings AI-fabricated and photos misleadingActor Kim Soo-hyun’s legal representatives have denied recent allegations made by YouTube channel Hoverlab, also known as Garosero Research Institute, asserting that the evidence presented against the actor is either falsified or misleading. On Wednesday, Kim’s legal counsel from LKB & Partners issued a statement responding to YouTuber Gaseyeon’s claims that it had obtained a voice recording involving the late actress Kim Sae-ron. According to the law firm, the audio file in question was “entirely fabricated” and believed to have been created using artificial intelligence. They further asserted that the individual who shared the recording with Gaseyeon had previously contacted Kim’s agency and demanded money in exchange for the audio, which the agency rejected. At a press conference held the same day, Gaseyeon presented a photo that it claimed was of the wounded whistleblower. Kim’s legal team responded by stating that the image was a stock photo that could be easily found through internet search engines, and provided screenshots of the search results as evidence. They acMay 7, 2025By KTimes
Kim Sae-ron's family files legal complaint against actor Kim Soo-hyunOn May 7, the family of the late actor Kim Sae-ron held a press conference in Seoul, announcing that they had filed a legal complaint against actor Kim Soo-hyun. The allegations include violations of South Korea's Child Welfare Act and false accusation (defamation through false information). The family's legal representative, attorney Bu Ji-seok, stated during the press conference that the complaint was submitted earlier that day. The family alleges that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in inappropriate conduct toward Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, claiming they possess evidence. The representative also claimed that a key informant who provided evidence had been targeted with threats and a violent attack after allegedly refusing financial offers to suppress the material. In March, the family had previously released personal photos of Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun, asserting that the two had been in a relationship while she was underage. Kim Soo-hyun's side denied the allegations at the time, saying the claims were “clearly false,” and later stated that the two had dated only after Kim SMay 7, 2025By KTimes
'Maybe Happy Ending' wins top award from New York Drama Critics' CircleThe original Korean musical "Maybe Happy Ending" has been named Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics' Circle. According to the organization's website on Wednesday, the musical — a collaboration between writer Park Chun-hue, also known as Hue Park, and composer Will Aronson — won the prestigious award at the 89th annual ceremony. It secured a majority on the first ballot, receiving 15 out of 23 votes from active New York-area drama critics. The New York Drama Critics' Circle, presented annually since 1936, is the second-oldest American playwriting honor, after the Pulitzer. Originally premiering in Seoul in 2016, "Maybe Happy Ending" has been staged multiple times in Korea due to its popularity. This critically acclaimed show made its Broadway debut last November, opening at the Belasco Theater in Manhattan, New York. Its U.S. run, starring Darren Criss and Helen J Shen, has been extended through Jan. 17. Early this month, the musical also earned 10 nominations for the Tony Awards, which recognize excellence in live Broadway theater, including Best Musical and Best Direction. It iMay 7, 2025By Yonhap
IU stuns in all-white look at Baeksang AwardsIU turned heads at the 61st Baeksang Awards, gracing the red carpet in a flawless all-white ensemble that left fans in awe. The singer-actress, who recently starred in the Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” attended the event on Monday at Coex in Seoul’s Samseong-dong. Before the awards ceremony began, IU posed for cameras on the red carpet, radiating elegance in her flowing white gown. Her ethereal look and graceful presence quickly garnered attention online, with fans praising her timeless beauty and red carpet poise. This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.May 6, 2025By KTimes
SHINee’s Minho says ‘I grew through theater … SHINee is my haven’Choi Min-ho, a member of K-pop group SHINee and an accomplished actor, said that his recent foray into theater has been a major step forward in his personal and professional growth. In an interview at the Seoul Arts Center Opera House in Seocho District, Seoul, Choi discussed his role in the play “Rendezvous.” The two-hander tells the story of Taeseop, a rocket scientist, and Jihee, a dancer searching for freedom through movement. Their chance meeting leads them to confront their own emotional wounds. Choi plays Taeseop, a cold and logical scientist on the surface, but one who harbors deep pain and loneliness. “Rendezvous” marks his second appearance in a play, following his successful stage debut in “Waiting for Waiting for Godot,” which sold out all performances. “I’ve started to feel regret when each performance is coming to an end,” Choi said. “As I continue, I’ve grown more thoughtful and grounded. It’s hard to say goodbye.” Choi admitted there were concerns during the early stages of the production. “I had my own anxiety and uncertainty, but as the perfoMay 5, 2025By KTimes
Seo Min-jae of 'Heart Signal 3' says boyfriend cut contact after pregnancy news: ‘He’s threatening to sue me for stalking’Influencer Seo Min-jae, known for her appearance on the reality show “Heart Signal 3,” is drawing public attention after revealing her pregnancy and subsequent conflict with her boyfriend, who has allegedly cut off contact with her. On May 3, Seo took to social media to share screenshots of text messages exchanged with her boyfriend, revealing ongoing tension between the couple. In the messages, Seo repeatedly asks to meet, writing, “How can you keep avoiding me? This is so irresponsible. How can you abandon me after getting me pregnant?” The man responded, “I’m sorry, this situation hit me too suddenly, and I couldn’t reply right away. My head is spinning. I’ll contact you tomorrow so we can talk.” Seo followed up with increasingly desperate messages, saying, “How long are you going to keep running away? Please save me. I’m at the apartment entrance. I’ll wait. Call me. If not, I’ll have no choice but to come to your school or workplace to meet you. Please, don’t let things go this far. You said yesterday we should talk.” The man then replied, “Please doMay 5, 2025By KTimes
Red Velvet's Yeri leaves SM, begins acting career under real name Kim Ye-rimRed Velvet’s Yeri is beginning a new chapter in her career as an actor under her real name, Kim Ye-rim. “We are delighted to join Kim Ye-rim on this new journey and support her potential as an actor," Blitzway Entertainment CEO Hong Min-ki said Thursday. "With the experience and sensibility she has gained on the global stage, we will fully back her as she expands her range in the acting world.” New profile photos of Kim Ye-rim were released alongside the announcement of her exclusive contract. In the images, she gazes into the camera with understated styling, exuding both mystery and strength — hinting at the kind of depth she aims to bring to her acting career. Kim debuted in 2014 as a member of the K-pop group Red Velvet, building a loyal international fan base through numerous album promotions. She began exploring acting with projects like the film "Blue Birthday" and the KBS1 drama "Galchae," and made a notable impression in 2023 with the Netflix-distributed teen mystery series "Bitch X Rich." In "Bitch X Rich," Kim played Baek Je-na, the only daughter of a powerful chaebol fMay 1, 2025By KTimes
G-Dragon joins Jay Park, Sung Si-kyung in star-powered liquor venturesG-Dragon has launched a new alcoholic beverage under his fashion brand PEACEMINUSONE, marking another ambitious move for the artist known for his cross-industry influence. On Wednesday, G-Dragon released the brand’s first alcoholic product, the Peaceminusone Highball, featuring a unique package design incorporating the PEACEMINUSONE lettering in a stylized pattern. The packaging was personally designed by G-Dragon, adding symbolic value to the launch. The product is a wine-based lemon highball, reflecting G-Dragon’s well-known passion for wine. With an alcohol content of 4.5 percent, the drink is designed to appeal to a broad consumer base. It even includes a lemon slice shaped like a daisy — G-Dragon’s symbolic flower — highlighting his personal touch. In a nod to his birth year, 1988, and his favorite number, “8,” the initial release is limited to 880,000 cans, a move likely to capture both fan interest and general consumer curiosity. G-Dragon is not the first celebrity to enter the liquor industry. Jay Park’s Won Soju, launched in 2022, quickly topped sales charts andApr 30, 2025By KTimes
