This handsome face made BTS’ V give up his dream — for a whileBTS’ V, often ranked among the world’s most handsome men, revealed that he once gave up on becoming a singer after seeing one particular actor’s face. The surprising anecdote, shared in a YouTube video uploaded March 29 on the channel “Fairy Jaehyung,” has quickly spread across social media, drawing attention given V’s current global status. Appearing as a guest, V recalled how he had been the only child among his peers to say he wanted to become a singer when adults encouraged more traditional career paths. “When we were told to choose ‘professional’ jobs as kids, I was the only one who said I wanted to be a singer,” he said. “My grandmother told me, ‘Singers and actors are people like that,’ and showed me what she meant.” That moment came when V saw a banner featuring South Korean actor Gang Dong-won, widely known in Korea for his striking visuals and film roles. “There was a banner with him on it, and my grandmother pointed at it and said, ‘That’s the kind of person who becomes a celebrity,’” V said. “I just accepted it and gave up my dream for aMar 30, 2026By Xportsnews
‘My man’ and ‘to my lady’: Lee Hi and Dok2 spark dating buzz with affectionate postsR&B singer Lee Hi and rapper-producer Dok2 have virtually confirmed their relationship — without saying the words — after sharing affectionate photos and messages that quickly spread online. Dating rumors surrounding the two artists surfaced on March 28, but neither side have issued an official statement. Instead, they appeared together in a live broadcast tied to their new music release, where their chemistry did the talking. During the livestream, Lee Hi and Dok2 were seen casually putting their arms around each other and engaging in relaxed, intimate gestures that fans interpreted as unmistakably couple-like behavior. When viewers asked directly whether they were dating, the pair did not respond. Soon after, Lee Hi posted photos of the two on her social media account, writing, “My one and only DOK2 and 808HI, happy birthday!” She added in English, “It’s been a long journey and today is finally here. HBD to MY MAN DOK2 808HI,” referring to him as “MY MAN” — a phrase widely seen by fans as an apparent acknowledgment of their relationship. Dok2 followed with a post ofMar 29, 2026By Xportsnews
‘Too thin?’ Extreme weight loss trend among K-drama stars sparks concernA growing trend of “extremely thin” appearances among top Korean actresses is drawing mixed reactions online, with some praising their professionalism while others say they miss their healthier past looks. Actresses such as Kim Ji-won, Ha Ji-won and Park Min-young have recently gone viral for noticeably slimmer physiques — fueling debate over body image standards in the entertainment industry. Kim Ji-won recently attended Bulgari’s “2026 Eclettica High Jewelry Collection” launch event in Milan as an ambassador, where her significantly slimmer figure drew attention. While her signature visuals remained striking, some viewers said they “barely recognized her,” pointing to what they saw as a dramatic change. Others, however, suggested the difference could be due to styling or camera angles, noting that she appeared closer to her usual look during her airport departure. Ha Ji-won, long known for her athletic and healthy image, also revealed she intentionally altered her physique for her role in the ENA drama “Climax.” Speaking on a YouTube channel hosted by Sung Si-kyung,Mar 28, 2026By Xportsnews
Amid ‘injection aunt’ probe, SHINee’s Key quietly signals comeback with concertSHINee member Key is set to return to the stage after a five-month hiatus, even as a widening investigation into an alleged illegal medical practitioner — dubbed the “injection aunt” — continues to unfold. On March 27, SM Entertainment announced that SHINee will hold its eighth solo concerts, “- The Trilogy I - 2026 SHINee WORLD VIII : [THE INVERT],” from May 29 to 31 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul’s Olympic Park. The upcoming shows mark the group’s first full-scale concertd in about a year since their seventh solo performances held to celebrate the anniversary debut. The announcement has drawn particular attention as it effectively signals Key’s return to activities following his suspension amid the controversy. The issue traces back to late last year, when comedian Park Na-rae became embroiled in allegations of receiving unauthorized medical procedures from an individual known as “A,” reportedly in private settings such as her home and even the backseat of a car. Suspicion expanded after images surfaced on A’s social media showing Key and a pet that had appeared withMar 28, 2026By Xportsnews
After non-compete ends, Lee Soo-man returns with ‘open audition’Lee Soo-man, the former chief producer and founder of SM Entertainment, is returning to the Korean music scene with an unconventional move: a walk-in audition open to anyone, with no prior application required. A2O Entertainment Korea said Monday that it will launch its first public audition program, titled “A2O ZALPHA AUDITION.” The project is personally planned and overseen by Lee, marking his first official move in Korea following the expiration of his non-compete agreement. The audition will run under the slogan “EVERY SUNDAY, A NEW POSSIBILITY BEGINS,” and take place weekly on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at A2O Entertainment Korea in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Applicants can simply show up on-site without a prior screening process, a format that stands out in an industry typically known for closed and highly selective trainee systems. Those unable to attend in person can also apply through the company’s official online channels. Participation is open to anyone regardless of nationality or gender, with applicants able to audition in vocals, rap, dance or acting. The progMar 24, 2026By Xportsnews
‘If you can’t lose weight, you’re cut’: BTOB’s Lee Chang-sub reveals harsh K-pop rulesA candid YouTube discussion featuring Lee Chang-sub of K-pop boy band BTOB has reignited debate over K-pop’s long-criticized weight standards, with the singer revealing that trainees could be cut simply for failing to meet strict targets. In a video uploaded Friday to his YouTube channel thischangsub, Lee Chang-sub appeared alongside Park Cho-rong and Son Dong-woon — all former Cube Entertainment artists — to discuss the broader K-pop idol training system. When asked about company rules and culture, Park said, “There were evaluations every weekend,” describing a system that constantly assessed trainees’ progress. Lee elaborated: “There were weekly and monthly evaluations. The weekly ones checked what you practiced, but the monthly evaluation was basically a survival test — deciding whether you stay or get cut.” Both artists described the process as emotionally intense. “It was really terrifying,” Park said, while Lee added, “You had to go through a nerve-wracking month.” The most shocking detail, however, came when Lee spoke about weight requirements. “People wMar 24, 2026By Xportsnews
Jun Ji-hyun’s mother-in-law reveals she’s a ‘real’ ARMY, sparking debate over BTS’ English skillsA candid social media post from fashion designer Lee Jeong-woo — also known for being actress Jun Ji-hyun’s mother-in-law — has unexpectedly ignited online buzz over BTS’ English skills, but in a humorous way that showcases her fandom. Lee shared on March 21 that she was watching BTS’ comeback live show on Netflix, posting clips of the group performing alongside a blunt remark: “The leader speaks English, and the others still can’t even after 10 years.” She quickly softened the jab by adding, “But I love them all,” along with a purple heart emoji and the hashtag “bts,” signaling her identity as a devoted fan. The post spread rapidly across social media, with fans amused by what many called a “real fan’s honesty” — a mix of affectionate criticism and unwavering support that resonated with global audiences. BTS had just held a large-scale comeback event at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 to celebrate the release of their fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG.” Yet even during the event, language struggles became part of the narrative. Member Jimin dMar 23, 2026By Xportsnews
BTS 'father' Bang Si-hyuk dominates K-culture rich list as members trail behindBang Si-hyuk, the chairman of HYBE and nicknamed the “father of BTS,” has once again taken the top spot among K-culture stock tycoons — this time by an overwhelming margin that is sparking renewed attention across the industry. According to a report released on March 19 by the Korea CXO Institute, Bang holds shares valued at 4.8 trillion won ($3.6 billion), making him the richest individual in Korea’s cultural content sector through stock holdings. The survey analyzed shareholders with stakes exceeding 10 billion won in publicly listed companies involved in film, music, dramas, webtoons and web novels. As of March 17, a total of 27 individuals met that threshold, with their combined stock holdings reaching 6.127 trillion won — up by more than 127.6 billion won in just over three months. What stands out is just how dominant Bang’s position is. His holdings alone account for roughly 78 percent of the total wealth among the top 27 shareholders, underscoring HYBE’s outsized influence in the K-pop economy. Trailing far behind in second place is JYP Entertainment founder Park JinMar 19, 2026By Xportsnews
Cha Eun-woo to hold Japan exhibition amid tax evasion allegationsSinger-actor Cha Eun-woo is pushing ahead with a photo exhibition in Japan while facing tax evasion allegations involving roughly 20 billion won ($13.4 million) in South Korea. Fantagio, Cha's agency, said Monday that the exhibition will run from April 28 to May 12 in the Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo. Cha will not attend the event in person. "The exhibition was contracted in August 2024 and is proceeding as scheduled," a Fantagio official said. The Japanese exhibition marks Cha's first official commercial event since the controversy began. The exhibition will feature a photobook released last year and photographs of his daily life. The National Tax Service assessed an estimated 20 billion won tax penalty against Cha in January. If confirmed, it would be the largest tax penalty ever levied on a Korean celebrity. Tax authorities determined that Cha established a shell company to receive his earnings from Fantagio. Authorities said the arrangement allowed Cha to pay a corporate tax rate rather than paying income tax on his earnings directly. Cha enlisted in the Army in July last year and is cuMar 17, 2026By Hankookilbo
Does your boyfriend’s phone matter? 'Single’s Inferno' star Freezia’s Galaxy comment sparks debateKorean content creator Freezia, also known as Song Ji-a, is facing online backlash after casually saying she would dislike dating a man who uses a Samsung Galaxy phone — a remark that quickly went viral and reignited debate about tech preferences, image culture and dating standards among young Koreans. The controversy grew further as past comments from actress Joo Hyun-young resurfaced online, highlighting a starkly opposite view: she once said her ideal type is a man who uses a Galaxy phone. The debate began after Freezia uploaded a vlog Sunday to her YouTube channel. In the video, filmed at a nail salon, Freezia chats with a friend about smartphone brands. After hearing that her friend’s boyfriend uses a Galaxy Fold, she said, “Honestly, if my boyfriend used a Galaxy, I think I’d kind of hate it.” When her friend asked why, Freezia said, “My mom and dad both use Galaxy phones. But parents and a boyfriend are different, right?” She added, “Just imagining him taking pictures of me with that phone annoys me so much.” The comments quickly spread across Korean online communMar 12, 2026By Xportsnews
