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
Cha Eun-woo videos removed amid tax evasion allegations, Rowoon steps inActor Rowoon, currently serving in the South Korean military, will appear as the new storyteller for the Defense Ministry’s content series “These Days in the Military,” following the removal of videos featuring singer-actor Cha Eun-woo after tax evasion allegations. The Hankook Ilbo learned on Wednesday that Rowoon has confirmed his appearance as a storyteller for the series on the Defense Media Agency’s channel, KFN Plus, and is preparing for filming. “These Days in the Military” is a content series in which celebrities serving in the military appear as storytellers, introducing historical events and figures related to the armed forces. The series previously drew attention with appearances by actor Song Kang and NCT member Taeyong. Cha Eun-woo joined the program as a storyteller last year and appeared in four episodes. However, after allegations of tax evasion surfaced, all videos featuring him were removed from public view. Currently, the episodes in which Cha appeared have been set to private, with the message “This video is unavailable” appearing in the program’s plMar 5, 2026By Hankookilbo
Why one selfie of retired star Shim Eun-ha at 54 is suddenly trending onlineA single selfie of retired Korean actor Shim Eun-ha — once dubbed the country’s “icon of innocence” — has reignited online fascination, proving that even after more than two decades away from the spotlight, the former star can still dominate social media conversations. Photos of the 54-year-old actor recently spread rapidly across Korean online communities and social media platforms on March 4, drawing renewed attention to the long-retired celebrity. The images were shared under the title “Legendary beauty Shim Eun-ha’s latest update at 54.” In the photo, Shim sits next to her husband, former lawmaker Ji Sang-wook, inside an airplane cabin while taking a selfie together. Shim appears with light makeup, a relaxed expression and casual clothing, giving fans a rare glimpse of her everyday life. Because Shim has rarely appeared in public since leaving the entertainment industry, the photo quickly became a hot topic online. Reactions across Korean social media were sharply divided. Many users welcomed the rare update. Comments included, “She’s still beautiful,” “She lookMar 5, 2026By Xportsnews
Mukbang queen Tzuyang’s 30,000-calorie diet clashes with 45kg realityShe can consume enough food for more than a dozen adults in a single day — but her latest health check left fans stunned. South Korean mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, famous for devouring up to 30,000 calories in a day while maintaining a petite frame, revealed that she weighs just 45 kilograms (about 99 pounds) and has muscle mass comparable to that of a teenage high school student. On March 1, Tzuyang uploaded a video titled “What is the weight and fitness level of someone who eats 30,000 calories a day? I got an X grade” on her YouTube channel V-log Tzuyang. In the video, she underwent a comprehensive physical fitness test at a certified fitness evaluation center, including treadmill endurance, grip strength and sit-up measurements. Tzuyang said she had previously maintained a weight between 46 and 48 kilograms before bulking up to 58 kilograms through exercise. However, after she stopped working out entirely, she said she lost 14 kilograms rapidly. “I thought I would get Grade 2,” she said confidently before the test results were revealed. Instead, she received Grade 3. An officialMar 3, 2026By Xportsnews
Late Sulli’s brother shares unseen video, fans call it a ‘gift’The older brother of late f(x) member and actress Sulli has released a previously unseen video of the star, following earlier posts of childhood photos that moved fans. On Feb. 28, Choi Geon-hee uploaded a clip to his personal channel with the caption “gift.” The video shows Sulli outdoors on a sidewalk, wearing a pale pink silk top, black pants and flip-flops, with her long hair down. She performs a playful stretch-like pose, lifting one leg to touch her arm. Days earlier, he had posted a childhood photo of Sulli with the caption, “Why do you cry so sadly with a smiling face,” drawing emotional responses from fans who said they missed her and thanked him for sharing memories. Sulli, born Choi Jin-ri, died on Oct. 14, 2019, at age 25. She started her career as a child actor in the 2005 SBS drama “Ballad of Seodong” and debuted in f(x) in 2009, later pursuing both music and acting. Her brother drew attention last year with claims related to her appearance in the film “Real,” keeping public discussion around her career and legacy active among fans. This article from XportsneMar 2, 2026By Xportsnews
