With Bill Gates scheduled to appear on ‘You Quiz,’ Kim Tae-hee episode draws backlash over shallow questionsPeople are voicing disappointment online over the quality of questions asked during actress Kim Tae-hee’s recent appearance on tvN’s variety show “You Quiz on the Block.” The episode, which aired Wednesday, marked Kim’s first talk show appearance in 15 years. She appeared on the program after the release of her Amazon Prime Video series “Butterfly” and shared updates about her career and personal life. However, many viewers felt the interview focused too much on her looks, academic background and marriage to singer Rain rather than her acting and projects. During the show, Kim mentioned that she had recently returned from New York to promote her U.S. drama series and briefly touched on the storyline and how she was cast. The conversation then shifted quickly to her husband Rain and family life. Kim married Rain in 2017, gave birth to their first daughter later that year, and welcomed their second daughter in 2019. She said she had spent much of the past five years focused on household responsibilities and child care, which led to a hiatus from acting. Kim added that raisingAug 21, 2025By Xportsnews
‘Twelve’ actor Ma Dong-seok transforms into tiger angel in fantasy action dramaActor Ma Dong-seok is poised to unleash his trademark power-packed action once again, this time as a tiger-inspired celestial warrior in the upcoming fantasy series "Twelve." Co-produced by KBS2 and Disney+, the drama, premiering Sept. 21, reimagines the Eastern zodiac as 12 guardians who take human form to protect humanity from dark forces. The cast and crew gathered at the Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung District on Wednesday for press conference to promote the drama. Directors Kang Dae-gyu and Han Yoon-sun were joined by Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Lee Joo-bin, Kang Mina, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Ji-hye and Taiwanese actress Regina Lei. "Twelve" follows 12 celestial guardians who draw their strength from the animal spirits of the zodiac to battle evil. Ma, who also helped develop the story, recalled its origins. “Director Han and I began writing together with the idea of guardian angels who live among humans and fight against dark forces," he said. "I’ve always wanted to bring an Eastern-flavored superhero story to life.” Director Kang emphasized the importance of grounding thAug 21, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Squid Game’ sweeps Gold Derby TV Awards with 6 winsNetflix’s “Squid Game” has once again shown its worldwide dominance, sweeping six honors at the 22nd Gold Derby TV Awards in the United States. The winners, announced Tuesday, saw the series clinch Best Drama Series for Seasons 2 and 3, while its stars collected major acting prizes. Lee Jung-jae, who portrays protagonist Seong Gi-hun, was named Best Actor, while Kang Ae-shim won Best Supporting Actress and Choi Seung-hyun, better known as T.O.P from BIGBANG, received Best Supporting Actor. Gong Yoo earned the Guest Performer Award for his high-profile special appearance, and the cast as a whole was recognized with Ensemble of the Year. The six awards highlight the show’s enduring cultural footprint, nearly four years after its debut sparked a global phenomenon. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk appeared via video to thank fans and organizers. “We are deeply grateful to Gold Derby and to all the fans who continue to support Squid Game and our actors,” he said. “Sometimes predictions turn out to be disappointing, but those moments are balanced by honors like this. We’ll keep strivingAug 21, 2025By Hankookilbo
Disney+ bets big on 'Tempest' starring Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-wonTop stars Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won teamed up with Korea’s most celebrated creators for Disney+’s most anticipated drama of the year, "Tempest." This blockbuster K-drama follows Mun-ju (Jun), a distinguished diplomat serving as Korean ambassador to the United Nations who sets out to uncover the truth behind an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. By her side is San-ho (Gang), an enigmatic special agent without a nationality, assigned to protect her at all cost. Together, they are drawn into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens the Korean Peninsula. Adding further weight to the cast are Hollywood star John Cho and a lineup of veteran Korean actors including Kim Hae-sook and Park Hae-joon. Ahead of its highly awaited premiere on Sept. 10, Disney+ hosted a press event featuring the all-star creators for the original series. Carol Choi, executive vice president at Walt Disney Company APAC, described the project as “a high-stakes romance, a cross-genre series blending espionage, romance and action.” “'Tempest' is centered on a gripping storyline combined with a worAug 20, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Kim Jong-kook’s wedding sparks calls for married stars to leave SBS’ ‘My Little Old Boy’Viewers are once again calling for married cast members to leave SBS’ popular variety show “My Little Old Boy” after singer Kim Jong-kook revealed his surprise wedding. On the episode that aired Aug. 17, the show celebrated its ninth anniversary with a special appearance by actor Jung Il-woo as a guest MC. Host Shin Dong-yup introduced him by saying, “Thanks to our mothers and sons, we’ve reached our ninth year, and today we have an actor mothers will love the most.” Jung entered holding a cake, and before blowing out the candles, Shin expressed his hope that “‘My Little Old Boy’ will continue for a long time, even until its 50th anniversary.” During the broadcast, Shin also joked that 2025 has been a “year of weddings” for the show, noting that six regular cast members — Lee Sang-min, Kim Jun-ho, Kim Jong-min, Bae Sung-jae, Eun Ji-won and Jung Suk-yong — have all announced their marriages. Shin added humorously, “For the 10th anniversary, I hope we’ll have good news from Seo Jang-hoon.” However, just a day later on Aug. 18, Kim Jong-kook shocked fans byAug 20, 2025By Xportsnews
Lee Chae-min talks pressures of joining ‘Bon Appetit, Your Majesty’ as replacement leadActor Lee Chae-min and director Jang Tae-yoo of tvN’s new weekend drama “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” spoke candidly about the challenges and relief that came after a troubled casting process for the male lead. At the press conference held Tuesday at the Saint Grand Ballroom in D-Cube City, Guro District, Seoul, Lee was joined by fellow cast members Lim Yoon-a, Choi Gwi-hwa, Seo Yi-sook, Oh Eui-shik and director Jang. The drama initially cast Park Sung-hoon as King Yi Heon, but he withdrew before filming due to personal controversy. Lee Chae-min was brought in as a replacement. On the casting turmoil, Jang said, “Park’s departure happened before main shooting began. It was during the preparation period, when many variables occur. I consider it just part of the time that has passed.” Jang went on to praise Lee, who joined later than others. “He wasn’t the actor we thought of at first, but I am 120 percent satisfied with him. All actors give their best, but that doesn’t always guarantee results. In Lee’s case, his preparation showed in his performance, and I am very pleasAug 20, 2025By Hankookilbo
Kim Seon-ho’s agency warns against impersonation scams, vows legal actionThe growing problem of impersonation and deepfake misuse in the entertainment industry has prompted actor Kim Seon-ho’s agency to issue a public warning and pledge strong action. Fantagio wrote on its official social media channels on Tuesday that recent cases had emerged of “deepfake videos and impersonation attempts demanding money in Kim Seon-ho’s name.” “Neither the actor nor our staff will ever ask individuals for money or personal information through private contact,” the agency said. “Impersonation of the actor and the spread of false information through the misuse of deepfakes are clearly illegal acts.” Fantagio said it will continue monitoring and take firm measures against such activities. “We urge fans to be especially cautious to avoid harm,” the company added. Kim is not the first celebrity to face such problems. Kick the Hurdle Studio, which represents YouTuber Dex, warned last year that his likeness was being used in deepfake gambling ads online. Saram Entertainment also reported the illegal production and distribution of deepfake content targeting actreAug 20, 2025By Hankookilbo
Actor Choi Jung-won of group UN booked on stalking chargesActor Choi Jung-won, formerly of the pop duo UN, has been booked on stalking charges and placed under an emergency restraining order. Police said on Tuesday that the Seoul Jungbu Police Station charged Choi with violating the anti-stalking law and applied for an emergency order, which a court approved. He is accused of stalking a woman he knew by visiting her residence. Police clarified that contrary to some media reports, he was not carrying a weapon. Under the emergency measure, when repeated stalking or imminent risk is recognized, offenders are prohibited from approaching within 100 meters of the victim’s residence or from contacting the victim by phone or other electronic means. Violators face up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won ($7,400). Choi had previously been at the center of controversy over allegations of an affair with a married acquaintance. In February 2023, the woman’s husband filed a civil suit seeking 100 million won in damages, claiming Choi had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with his wife. Choi denied the accusations and countersued tAug 20, 2025By Hankookilbo
Yoona time-travels from Michelin kitchen to Joseon royal court in new tvN dramaA modern French chef is suddenly whisked back in time to the royal court of Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), where she has to work in the kitchen of a very demanding king. That’s the premise of tvN’s new historical fantasy drama “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty.” In the series, Lim Yoon-a, also known as Yoona of Girls’ Generation, takes on the role of the French chef who, on the verge of becoming the head chef of a three-star Michelin restaurant, finds herself transported to a bygone era. “I didn’t hesitate for a moment to join, knowing I’d work with director Jang Tae-yoo. The world of cooking captivated me deeply, but what truly resonated was the character’s spirit — undaunted and hopeful, she bravely forges new paths and relentlessly pursues her dreams, even as she’s thrust into an unfamiliar era after traveling back in time," Lim said during a press conference for the drama at D-Cube City in Guro District, Seoul, Tuesday. There, she combines sophisticated modern cooking techniques with the traditions of royal Korean cuisine, crafting fusion dishes that no one has ever seenAug 19, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Kim Jong-kook’s marriage rekindles talk of Yoon Eun-hyeSinger Kim Jong-kook’s marriage announcement has effectively ended nearly two decades of rumors linking him romantically with actor Yoon Eun-hye. On Aug. 18, Kim shared a handwritten letter on his official fan cafe announcing his marriage. “I’m getting married,” he wrote. “Thanks to the fans who have always been a great source of strength, I am now getting married and taking on a new challenge in life. I will continue to work harder and live diligently.” On the same day, Yoon uploaded a YouTube vlog where she appeared visibly slimmer, along with a short video featuring a broken-heart emoji. Although unrelated to Kim’s marriage news, the timing led online users to link the two events, fueling renewed speculation and interpretations of their “almost-romance” narrative. Buzz also spread overseas. Chinese media and fandoms, which have long paid close attention to Kim and Yoon’s rumored connection, gave wide coverage to the news, sparking a flurry of online discussion. On China’s largest online platforms, both names climbed into the top tier of trending searches. AlthoughAug 19, 2025By Xportsnews
