Believe it or not, it's up to you!

Everyone loves gossip, especially when it is related to celebrities. But foreign fans may find it difficult to access such information ― mostly on love affairs and rivalries ― that is circulated under the table due to linguistic barriers or for whatever other reason. To break down the barriers and give foreigners a hand accessing the darker side of Korea’s increasingly complicated showbiz industry, The Korea Times introduces “Believe It or Not,” a column reporting unconfirmed celeb stories currently making the rounds on social media. This weekly series may upset or titillate you. We have removed all names to avoid defamation. One thing you need to know is that the following stories are brought to you without fact-checking. So, believe it or not, it’s up to you.― ED.

Well-known names have been included on “secret lists” of actresses and actress hopefuls allegedly being matched with sponsors, usually deep-pocketed and powerful names from major corporations. One particular actress, recently married, is said to have attracted sponsors with more than just her pretty face — she’s quick-witted and knows how to flaunt that asset. Whether she has kicked the habit since tying the knot with a fellow actor is questionable.

Others allegedly on the list include a voluptuous and charismatic veteran actress in her 40s, a singer-turned-actress who is known for her skills in the bedroom and a former child star who is now taking lead roles in major TV dramas.

New relationships

A top actor known for his overwhelming cinematic presence is dating an actress who was once a member of an all-girl idol group. The actress frequents the small screen more than she does the silver screen, and was embroiled in a scandal with a musician not long ago.

Another actress has fallen head over heels for a married film director, one she has worked with before.

It is said the two developed feelings for each other during a movie shoot and that their rendezvous usually take place in Paris or lesser-visited parts of Seoul. Apparently, the wife knows about their affair.

Girl group dissonance

Here’s the lowdown on K-pop girl groups and their internal conflicts.

One former girl group member is said to have been forced out of the group by another member, the group’s heavyweight.

The former member, a loose cannon, habitually skipped practice and traveled a lot. The other member threatened to quit if she was not removed. The agency did not take long to make a decision.

Another girl group is said to be on the verge of disbanding because its agency is focusing exclusively on just one member, who is tall and shapely with an acting career under her belt. The leader is upset about the agency’s indifference to her bandmates, especially since it has been recruiting some big names in entertainment recently, and has been unable to settle with its artists.

Child out of wedlock

A top actor, whose many scandals have already antagonized the public, is said to have had an extramarital affair and fathered a child out of wedlock. His wife, an actress, is aware of all this, but is staying with him because she thinks he is a big help to her career. Apparently, the actor is broke because of all the settlement money he has had to pay to cover up his many scandals.

Gay bar

A movie actor is said to have caused a scare at a gay bar, showing up in a mask to hide his identity. What he doesn’t know is that most people are aware of his sexual orientation, and that the mask does little to protect his identity.

Others are clicking their tongues at an actress, a rising star, who spends more than 7 million won at some of Seoul’s most expensive dermatology clinics. She has demanded that her agency compensate her for the costs, causing five of her managers, appalled by her behavior, to quit.