Cha Eun-woo faces allegations of 20 billion won tax evasionAs allegations of large-scale tax evasion involving Chae Eun-woo — an actor and member of the idol group ASTRO — emerged, his agency released an official statement saying it will actively cooperate with authorities to clarify the matter. “The key issue is whether a company established by Cha’s mother qualifies as a legitimate subject of taxation,” Fantagio said in its statement regarding the allegation of 20 billion won ($13 million) in tax evasion. “The company will actively clarify its position through appropriate legal procedures concerning the interpretation and application of tax law.” The agency added, “Cha Eun-woo and his tax representatives will fully cooperate throughout the process to ensure it is concluded as swiftly as possible, and he will continue to faithfully fulfill all tax reporting and legal obligations as a law-abiding citizen.” Earlier in the day, Edaily reported that the National Tax Service had notified Cha of additional taxes — including income tax — totaling more than 20 billion won. According to the report, a company founded by Cha’s motheJan 22, 2026By Hankookilbo
'Culinary Class Wars' star Im Seong-keun quits TV after admitting to multiple DUIsChef Im Seong-keun, breakout star of the Netflix hit "Culinary Class Wars 2," has announced an indefinite halt to his television career following public outrage over his history of drunk driving. In an interview with Seoul-based media outlet Ilyo on Wednesday, Im admitted to multiple past DUI offenses, saying, "I have no excuses. It is entirely my fault." He said he would withdraw from all programs on major broadcasting networks and streaming services. However, the chef noted two exceptions to his hiatus. He plans to fulfill existing contracts for his appearances on a TV shopping network to prevent financial harm to small partner businesses. He also intends to keep his YouTube channel active, saying, "I will continue my channel because it is a form of talent donation to give recipes to struggling small business owners." The controversy erupted after he admitted on his YouTube channel on Sunday that he had been caught driving under the influence three times. In his interview, Im attempted to explain the circumstances of his 2017 and 2020 citations, attributing them to disputes with designaJan 21, 2026By Hankookilbo
How ‘Culinary Class Wars’ delivered back-to-back hitsNetflix’s cooking competition series "Culinary Class Wars 2," which concluded on Jan. 13, topped the global Top 10 chart and generated widespread cultural buzz. The season has emerged as a textbook example of how to build a successful multiseason franchise. Launched amid high expectations as well as lingering doubts, the second season avoided the common sequel slump. Instead, it matched — and in some respects deepened — the impact of its predecessor. A closer look reveals three core factors behind its success. One key driver was the show’s deliberate embrace of unpredictability in its missions and rules. From the opening episode, the series set the tone by unveiling two “hidden white spoon chefs,” bringing back Season 1 contestants Choi Kang-rok and Kim Do-yun. The team battle between the Black Spoon and White Spoon chefs came with a drastic condition: total elimination upon defeat, meaning the entire losing team was sent home at once. In another twist, chefs who had worked together in pairs were later forced to face one another as opponents, turning collaboration into rivalJan 21, 2026By Hankookilbo
What to expect from Netflix Korea in 2026: Dramas, reality and big namesNetflix pledged to continue its long-term investment in Korean content as it unveiled an ambitious 2026 lineup featuring high-profile dramas and reality shows. "If someone had said 10 years ago that Korean content would become the global center of the industry and people worldwide would wear costumes from Korean dramas and sing K-pop-themed animation soundtracks, they would have called it a dream," Kang Dong-han, vice president of Netflix Korea, said during a press conference, Wednesday. He outlined two key commitments for Netflix's future in Korea, underscoring the company's confidence in Korean storytelling. "We promise a long-term and unwavering investment in Korean content because we have a firm belief in its potential," Kang said. 2026 lineup This year’s drama lineup is led by the romantic comedy “Boyfriend on Demand,” in which BLACKPINK’s Jisoo plays a webtoon producer who turns to a virtual dating simulation service to escape the exhaustion of reality. She stars opposite actor Seo In-guk in the series. Veteran actor Choi Min-sik will make his Netflix debut in "Notes from theJan 21, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
From breakups to flirting, Korea’s dating reality shows refuse to slow downAs TVING’s breakup-driven hit “EXchange 4,” ended Wednesday, Netflix is ready to crank up the intensity with the launch of “Single’s Inferno 5,” creating what fans are calling an uninterrupted “dopamine relay” of dating reality shows. “EXchange 4,” a TVING original, brings together former couples and places them under one roof. As they revisit past relationships, confront unresolved feelings and explore new connections, the series asks a central question: Should they return to their previous partner or move on to someone new? With its final episode airing Wednesday, the show focused on contestants struggling to make final decisions. Over multiple seasons, the franchise has become a flagship for what Korean viewers call “over-immersive” dating shows, praised for its emotionally dense storytelling and near-realistic portrayal of modern relationships. This season has continued that trend, sparking online discussion of the cast’s choices and emotional arcs. Since the start of the season on Oct. 1 last year, “EXchange 4” has posted record-breaking viewership forJan 20, 2026By Xportsnews
From barbecue to raw fish to instant noodles: Korean presidents’ distinct tastes in foodMore than 20 years of service across five presidents — that is the résumé of Cheon Sang-hyun, who recently appeared on Netflix’s competition show “Culinary Class Wars" Season 2. Now, the veteran chef is drawing renewed attention for a different reason: reflecting on what it was like to cook for Korea’s most powerful figures. For two decades, Cheon worked at Cheong Wa Dae, Korea's presidential office, preparing meals for five former presidents. He recalls that their dining habits varied sharply — from Kim Dae-jung, known for his especially hearty appetite, to Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in, who favored unpretentious, everyday meals. Cheon looked back on his years in the presidential kitchen during an appearance on an MBC Radio show on Thursday. Long before becoming known to the public as a “white chef” on “Culinary Class Wars,” he had already made history at Cheong Wa Dae — as the first specialist in Chinese cuisine to serve there, the youngest chef ever appointed and the longest-serving. “I’m the first presidential chef to receive a pension,” Cheon said, explaiJan 20, 2026By Hankookilbo
InterviewDisney+ series 'Made in Korea' reveals dark side of powerDisney+’s new series “Made in Korea” dives deep into the dark underbelly of 1970s Korea, a decade director Woo Min-ho calls an “age of barbarism.” Drawing from real events and personal ambition, the six-part drama follows the collision of two men: Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin), who will stop at nothing in his pursuit of money and power, and Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung), a stubborn prosecutor determined to bring him to justice. Director Woo set out to explore how the hunger for power and a corrupt system can turn a person's ambition into something monstrous and destructive. "I am constantly throwing out the question of what the essence of power is and why people change so drastically once they attain it," the director told The Korea Times during an interview in Seoul, Monday. "Rather than providing a clear answer, I wanted to show the process of how history repeats itself through these characters." The series, which premiered last December and concluded its six-episode first season on Wednesday, does not shy away from the darker side of Korea’s rapid transformation. Against the bacJan 19, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung spark global rom-com frenzy with 'Can This Love Be Translated?'Netflix’s new romantic comedy “Can This Love Be Translated?” is gaining rapid momentum here and abroad, fueled by the immense star power of lead actors Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung. The series was released Friday and topped the streaming platform’s series chart on Sunday. The 12-part series also entered the top five in the global Netflix TV show category the same day, according to FlixPatrol data, signaling another major win for Korean romantic comedies. Unlike typical romantic comedies, the drama keeps viewers interested by adding a touch of mystery to the sweet moments. The unique way the characters express their feelings through different languages provides a fresh experience for fans of the genre. The drama, penned by the celebrated screenwriting duo Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, tells the story of Joo Ho-jin (Kim), a professional interpreter who is fluent in several languages. His life takes a turn when he begins working for global superstar Cha Mu-hee (Go), leading to a series of misunderstandings and emotional discoveries across scenic locations in Japan, Italy and CanadaJan 19, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
‘Lovely Runner’ stars return with new partners and fresh romancesTwo years after the hit youth romance drama “Lovely Runner” wrapped up, its breakout stars are finally returning to television — this time with new costars and very different love stories. “Lovely Runner,” which aired on tvN in the first half of 2024, became a surprise sensation and firmly established Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon as leading figures of the next-generation K-drama scene. Both actors were widely praised for delivering what fans called their “career-defining roles,” but their next projects were slow to materialize, fueling impatience among viewers. That wait is now over. Kim is returning to the small screen with SBS’ new Friday-Saturday drama “No Tail to Tell.” In the series, she stars opposite Lomon (Park Solomon), exploring a new romance that contrasts sharply with her previous role. At a production presentation, Kim said she was eager to show a different side of herself. “This character has a completely different charm from Sol in ‘Lovely Runner,’ and I thought that contrast could be interesting,” she said. “We filmed continuously for abouJan 17, 2026By Xportsnews
From jungles to temples: How chefs took over entertainmentThe standing of chefs in the entertainment industry has shifted. Once limited to appearing as panelists or assistants to celebrities on cooking programs, they have now risen to take center stage. Following the recent success of Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars" and JTBC's "Chef & My Fridge," also known as "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator," broadcasters are scrambling to cast celebrity chefs. "Culinary Class Wars" went beyond a simple cooking survival show, building individual narratives and worldviews for each chef. The “Black Spoon” versus “White Spoon” concept turned chefs into stars. "Chef & My Fridge" further proved the winning formula by highlighting chefs’ improvisational skills, competitive dynamics and distinct characters. Broadcasters have since jumped into a fierce bidding war to cast chefs. Channel A’s "The Chef and the Hunter" highlights chefs’ survival skills and creativity as they forage for ingredients in the wild. In contrast, Wavve’s new cooking show sets a different tone by combining spiritual practice with food in a Buddhist temple setting. Even the tJan 16, 2026By Hankookilbo
