‘KPop Demon Hunters’ signals rise of ‘Next K’ era beyond bordersWhen the Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” topped the platform’s global film chart in both English- and non-English-speaking markets during the week of June 23-29, and “Squid Game” Season 3 simultaneously ranked No. 1 in TV shows, it marked the first time the top spots were both occupied by Korea-related content. In particular, the global frenzy around “KPop Demon Hunters” is fueling expectations of a “Next K” era. Unlike earlier stages of hallyu (Korean wave), which centered on Korean-made dramas, films and music exported overseas, the new phase signals the production and consumption of Korean-themed content across borders, regardless of nationality. Experts say the film represents a watershed moment that could reshape the landscape of K-content creation. For more than two decades, the Korean wave was defined by Korean-produced content funded by Korean capital and exported abroad. Beginning with dramas in the late 1990s, hallyu expanded through successive stages — often dubbed versions 1.0 to 4.0 — but always relied on content created in Korea and targetedAug 30, 2025By Hankookilbo
Mukbang star Tzuyang to return to variety shows after five yearsMukbang creator Tzuyang, who has 12.4 million YouTube followers, is making her comeback to television entertainment after a five-year hiatus. She joins ENA, NXT and Comedy TV’s new joint variety program, tentatively titled “Where Will It Bounce,” which premieres Sept. 21 at 7:50 p.m. The show takes members on unpredictable restaurant tours with no fixed itinerary, relying solely on recommendations from restaurant owners themselves. Joining Tzuyang are announcer Kim Dae-ho, actor Ahn Jae-hyun and entertainer Jonathan, forming a four-member team expected to deliver fresh chemistry. In a teaser clip released this week, Tzuyang is seen at a preproduction meeting, her eyes locked on a lavish bread spread prepared for her. True to her status as a top-tier mukbang creator, she quickly showcased her trademark appetite and charisma. The teaser also highlighted Tzuyang’s playful personality as she reacted to the revelation that she would be spending time with 29 staff members throughout filming. “I usually just stay at home and rarely meet this many people,” she said with a laugh, beforAug 29, 2025By Xportsnews
Rookie Bang Hyo-rin breaks out in Netflix’s ‘Aema’ after years of part-time jobsBang Hyo-rin is emerging as a breakout talent with her role in Netflix original series “Aema.” In a recent interview, she discussed portraying Ju-ae, a rookie actress cast in the infamous 1980s film “Madame Aema,” as the drama explores the hidden struggles behind Korea’s erotic cinema boom. Opposite Lee Ha-nee, who plays top star Hee-ran, Bang brings to life the challenges faced by women navigating fame and exploitation in that era. Bang said she was thrilled to finally meet audiences through the work. “We filmed this two years ago, and I’m so happy it’s finally out. I feel good knowing that so many people are watching it,” she said. She added that her friends praised the show’s dialogue, art direction and costumes. “Some of my friends had never seen me act before, and they told me they were glad to finally watch me perform.” A long road to the role Bang earned the part of Ju-ae after a highly competitive audition process. “I submitted a video for the first round, then met the director in the second. By the third round, the director and assistant director had meAug 29, 2025By Xportsnews
Lee Si-young, 8 months pregnant, to run 10K marathon in SydneyActor Lee Si-young, 41, will take part in a marathon in Sydney while eight months pregnant, saying she has received medical clearance from her obstetrician. Lee said on social media Thursday that she was departing for Sydney to participate in a 10 kilometer race. “I’ve been exercising diligently during pregnancy, kept up with running, and got approval from my doctor,” she wrote, adding that a conditioning coach would accompany her for the event. Lee said that this was not her first experience with racing during pregnancy. “When I was pregnant with my son Jun-yoon, I participated in three marathons, including a half-marathon. This time, it’s only a 10K in Sydney, so I’ll just run lightly and enjoy it,” she said. She added that she also plans to travel with her son during the trip. Lee married an older businessman in 2017 and gave birth to her first son the following year. In March this year, however, news broke of her divorce. Her agency Ace Factory confirmed at the time, “They are in the process of divorce through mutual agreement.” In July, Lee revealed that she was prAug 29, 2025By Hankookilbo
Suzy hit with false marriage rumor as agency vows legal actionSuzy, former member of girl group Miss A and now a leading actress, has been swept up in marriage rumors while shooting the upcoming Disney+ series “Delusion,” which also faced a filming controversy. Kim Jang-kyun, CEO of Suzy’s agency Management Soop, took to his personal social media to issue a blunt warning on Thursday, writing, “If you’re caught spreading rumors, you’ll be punished.” His remarks came after an online rumor spread claiming that Suzy would marry Kim Byung-hoon, CEO of beauty company APR, with speculation that an official announcement was imminent. In response, Management Soop issued a statement on its official social media account on Friday, saying, “Recently, we have confirmed the circulation of false information, speculative rumors, malicious posts and defamatory comments regarding our artist. These actions seriously damage her reputation, and we will pursue strong legal measures without any settlement or leniency.” The agency added, “We will continue to respond firmly to all illegal activities and do our utmost to protect the rights and interestsAug 29, 2025By Xportsnews
Ko Hyun-jung recalls covering massive convenience store bills during filmingActor Ko Hyun-jung said she once spent more than 10 million won ($7,300) during a convenience store shoot, covering the store’s sales to prevent her staff from feeling uncomfortable. Appearing on YouTube channel Salon Drip 2 on Tuesday, Ko spoke openly about her personality, saying she struggles when people get too close too quickly. “In daily life, not at work, I find high tension exhausting. Even frequent calls can feel burdensome,” she said. She also reflected candidly on the highs and lows of her career. “Life has its ups and downs. When things go well, people crowd around you. When you fall, they leave, and when you rise again, they return. That’s why even when someone says they like me, I hesitate,” she said. Ko recalled her divorce at the age of 32, saying, “Since I already had two children, I thought I was so old. I acted like I knew everything and couldn’t meet people as myself. But after becoming very sick five years ago, I decided to meet people honestly as who I am. It helped me relieve stress and be more genuine.” The actor also shared behind-the-scenes stoAug 27, 2025By Hankookilbo
InterviewLee Ha-nee depicts Korean actresses’ harsh reality in 1980s-set ‘Aema’“Every project holds a special place in my heart, but with ‘Aema’ I felt a thrill — almost a sense of arrival — that such a work could finally emerge in our era,” actor Lee Ha-nee shared in a video interview with The Korea Times on Aug. 19. Netflix’s “Aema,” released on Aug. 22, is a drama set against the birth of the erotic film “Madame Aema,” which took Korea by storm in the 1980s. In the series, Lee plays top star Jung Hee-ran, who allies with a rookie actress to boldly confront the dark realities hidden beneath the dazzling spotlight. “It’s genuinely refreshing to live in a time where stories like this can be told with health, humor and even a touch of comedy, rather than simply confronting violence head-on. That joy is what drew me to the project,” she said. After Hee-ran boldly declared she would no longer appear in nude scenes, the studio sought to tighten its grip by relegating her to a supporting role in the film. Meanwhile, they launched an open audition to discover fresh talent, casting an ambitious newcomer Shin Ju-ae (Bang Hyo-rin) as the film’Aug 27, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Rowoon to enlist as active-duty soldier after reexaminationActor Rowoon will begin his mandatory military service on Oct. 27 as an active-duty soldier, his agency said Tuesday. FNC Entertainment said through its official website, “Rowoon, who was originally scheduled to enlist on July 21, received a reexamination order during his military service physical exam and was classified for a second test. He underwent the reexamination in early August and will enlist on Oct. 27 as active duty.” The agency added there will be no official event on the day of enlistment to avoid crowding at the site. “As the location is a restricted space shared with other soldiers, we ask fans not to visit. We are deeply grateful for the love and support you have given Rowoon and ask for your continued encouragement until the day he completes his service and returns safely,” FNC said. In July, the agency had informed fans that Rowoon’s enlistment was delayed, explaining that he had filed an appeal regarding his physical exam results. At the time, the company said he hoped to fulfill his active duty service as soon as possible. Rowoon debuted in 2016 as a member oAug 27, 2025By Hankookilbo
Ji Ye-eun to take hiatus for health reasonsActor Ji Ye-eun will temporarily halt her activities to focus on recovering her health, her agency said Tuesday. An official from CP Entertainment said, “Ji Ye-eun will devote herself to rest and recovery starting next month. CP Entertainment will provide full support to ensure she can take enough time off and return in good condition.” Industry sources said Ji recently experienced health issues and visited a hospital, where she was advised by doctors to take a break. The situation is not considered serious, but she was reportedly fatigued and in need of a period of recharge. Ji rose to fame through Coupang Play’s “SNL Korea” and has since appeared in a number of variety programs, including SBS’s “Running Man,” Coupang Play’s “Office Workers,” tvN’s “Date My Friend” and Disney+’s “60 Minutes Blind Date.” It remains undecided whether she will withdraw entirely from current programs, but her hiatus is expected to last around three weeks. Ji has been active this year with appearances in shows such as “Office Workers 1,” “Kian's Bizarre B&B” and “CAug 27, 2025By Hankookilbo
Song Ha-yoon school bullying accuser returns to Korea, plans $73 mil. damages suitA man who accused actress Song Ha-yoon, 38, of school bullying two decades ago has returned to Korea and announced plans to file a 10 billion won ($73 million) damages lawsuit. The accuser, identified only by the surname Oh, wrote on an online community on Aug. 25, “I never intended this to turn into an expose or a dispute. I suggested a way for Song to resolve the matter with dignity, but it was not accepted. Now I will cooperate with investigators and file a complaint.” Oh added that he had covered his own travel costs to Korea, including airfare, lodging and transportation, and would later seek reimbursement through legal channels. “I am preparing a damages claim of 10 billion won, covering mental suffering, international defamation, harm from false criminal procedures, loss of social livelihood and denial of rebuttal rights,” he said. “It also reflects obstruction of truth-telling in the public interest, expenses borne as an overseas resident, prevention of secondary harm, the seriousness of countersuits based on false claims and the symbolic meaning of preventing similar cAug 26, 2025By Xportsnews
