Actor Hyeri rumored to be dating dancer Woo-tae, agency ‘unable to confirm’Singer and actor Hyeri is rumored to be in a relationship with dancer Woo-tae, known for his appearance on Mnet’s dance competition show “Street Man Fighter.” “It is difficult to confirm as it concerns the actor’s private life. We ask for your understanding," said an official from Hyeri’s agency, Sublime Artist Agency, Tuesday. Earlier that day, local outlet Mydaily reported that Hyeri and Woo-tae have been dating for over a year after meeting during the filming of the movie “Victory.” Hyeri reportedly received cheerleading choreography lessons from Woo-tae, who worked as a dance coach for the film. The two were later spotted on dates near Seoul, though they are said to have kept the relationship quiet. Hyeri, who debuted as a member of Girl’s Day, gained widespread popularity through the hit drama “Reply 1988” and has since appeared in a string of television dramas and films. Most recently, she starred in the Uplus series “Friendly Rivalry,” which found popularity not only in Korea but also across Chinese-speaking regions. Woo-tae competed as a member of crew MbJul 2, 2025By Hankookilbo
'Squid Game 3' smashes Netflix's charts; entire franchise enters top 10"Squid Game" Season 3 dominated Netflix's weekly charts by a significant margin, the streaming platform said Wednesday. The third and final season of the Korean original show claimed the top spot of Netflix's non-English chart, drawing a staggering 60 million views during the June 23-29 period. The season's viewership was nearly 10 times that of its closest competitor, the Spanish series "Olympo." The latest season's immense popularity also sparked renewed interest in the entire saga. Season 2 and Season 1 entered the chart at No. 3 and No. 6, respectively. The phenomenon wasn't limited to non-English shows. "Squid Game" Season 3's viewership single-handedly surpassed the 34.5 million combined total of all top 10 English-language series. It towered over the leading English show, "The Waterfront," which captured 11.6 million views. The final six episodes, released last Friday, brought the global acclaimed story of Gi-hun and the deadly competition to its dramatic conclusion.Jul 2, 2025By Yonhap
'Law and the City' puts lens on everyday life of attorneysAt a time when trust in Korea’s legal profession is eroding — fueled by criticism on former Prosecutor General-turned-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s “prosecutor republic” politics and his own indictment and trial on charges of insurrection — tvN is set to premiere a drama that offers a look at the lives of lawyers. "Law and the City," premiering Saturday, will portray the triumphs and tribulations of five associate lawyers in Seocho-dong, Seocho District, in southern Seoul, known as the heart of Korea’s legal world. Home to the Supreme Court, high and district courts and top prosecution offices, the area hosts nearly 4,000 lawyers and a network of legal professionals, making it the perfect setting for a drama rooted in the real-life grind. The drama marks actor Lee Jong-suk’s return to the small screen, following a three-year hiatus since "Big Mouth" (2022). Lee described the drama as being about "everyday life and making a living," rather than high-stakes narratives about life and death or fighting evil. "Personally, I enjoy stories about life and death. However, when I thougJul 1, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Actors Yoon Sun-woo and Kim Ga-eun to marry in October after 10-year relationshipActors Yoon Sun-woo and Kim Ga-eun are tying the knot this October, surprising fans with a wedding announcement that came without prior dating rumors. Yoon’s agency 935 Entertainment released a statement Tuesday confirming the news. “Yoon Sun-woo will marry Kim Ga-eun, his longtime partner, this October. The ceremony will take place privately with family members and close acquaintances.” Kim’s agency also confirmed the announcement, and both companies asked fans for warm blessings and support for the couple as they embark on a new chapter in life. According to industry sources, the two first met while filming the 2015 drama “TV Novel: Abiding Love Dandelion" and have been in a relationship for a decade. Yoon was born in 1985 and Kim in 1989. Yoon debuted in 2003 through the EBS drama “Eco Rangers Zenta Force” and has since appeared in series such as “God's Quiz” and “Hot Stove League.” Kim entered the industry in 2009 as part of SBS’s 11th class of talent and is known for her roles in “Giant,” "The Light in Your Eyes" and “King the Land.” This article from tJul 1, 2025By Hankookilbo
DJ Lee Bon returns to KBS radio after 21 years with 'Lee Bon’s La La Land'Veteran singer, actor, and former "national DJ" Lee Bon has made a long-awaited return to her roots at KBS radio after a 21-year hiatus. On Monday, she premiered her new program “Lee Bon’s La La Land,” bringing both nostalgia and curiosity from longtime fans and a new generation of listeners. A press conference for the show took place at the KBS headquarters in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, where Lee and producer Yoon Sung-hyun spoke about the show’s vision. Designed for middle-aged listeners looking to unwind in the late afternoon, the program promises to deliver lighthearted stories and uplifting music. Yoon previously produced hit shows including “Ryu Hee-yeol’s Radio Heaven,” “Volume Up,” and “Super Junior’s Kiss the Radio.” KBS Radio Center chief Kim Byung-jin introduced Lee as a “returning national DJ,” recalling her powerful presence during the 30th anniversary of “Volume Up,” which she originally hosted in the late 1990s. “She’s still going strong,” Kim said. “We expect great things from her, just like we would from a top athlete.” ProduceJul 1, 2025By Hankookilbo
Interview'Squid Game' director reflects on bittersweet end of six-year journeyAfter investing what he calls a "life-draining effort" into the "Squid Game" series over three seasons, director Hwang Dong-hyuk confessed to a bittersweet sentiment on its conclusion — a complex mix of relief tinged with lingering sense of loss. "To be honest, I've been working on this project for six years. From the moment I started writing, this one project has really consumed a significant part of my life, giving me unimaginable success and glory, but also bringing many difficulties. I think that time will remain in my memory for a long time," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Monday. "Thinking about when else I might receive such attention and love, I do feel a bittersweet feeling now that the project is really over. But at the same time, it was a project that carried a lot of pressure because it received so much global attention and anticipation. So, the thought that I've finally finished this project also gives me a sense of relief and peace," he added. "Squid Game" Season 3 dropped Friday, completing the saga that began in 2021 and continuedJun 30, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Can AI content be truly original? CJ ENM says yesCelebrating its 30th anniversary, entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM laid out an ambitious roadmap Monday to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across its creative operations and premiered an original animation series created entirely with AI. The company hosted the "2025 CJ ENM CULTURE TALK: K-Content Meets AI" at its Talent Studio in Sangam-dong, western Seoul, sharing how the company envisions using AI to transform its future content creation. The speakers of the Monday event emphasized that it has become "more critical than ever" for entertainment companies like CJ ENM to develop AI capabilities tailored to a global audience. "We are currently applying AI across the entire content value chain, including planning, production, distribution and marketing to expand AI content production across genres and formats, allowing us to secure next-generation intellectual property (IP)," said Shin Keun-sup, chief strategy officer at CJ ENM. Noting the company's ambitions to become a global top AI studio, Shin added that the company aims to develop tech-savvy talents for the upcoming generation. "Jun 30, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
‘Squid Game’ actor O Yeong-su faces retrial in sexual misconduct appealVeteran actor O Yeong-su, known globally for his role as the “Gganbu Grandpa” in Netflix’s “Squid Game" series, will return to court for a retrial in his sexual misconduct appeal case. According to the Suwon District Court’s Seongnam Branch on Sunday, the court will resume arguments on Aug. 12 in the appeal trial of O, who was indicted on charges of forcible molestation in 2022. The upcoming session will include witness testimony. The appeal proceedings had been delayed twice, with initial sentencing expected on July 3. However, the court has now decided to reopen arguments before issuing a ruling. In March 2023, the lower court found O guilty and sentenced him to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program. The court acknowledged the credibility of the victim’s consistent testimony, corroborated by her diary entries, conversations with acquaintances and therapy records. The actor has denied the allegations, admitting that he visited the victim’s residence and held her hand, but insisting nJun 30, 2025By Xportsnews
From Young-hee to hanjeongsik: ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 brings back Korean childhood games, nostalgiaHaving failed in his rebellion, "Squid Game" protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) feels guilty and helpless, believing that many people died because of him. He's even unable to participate in the vote to decide whether or not to continue the game. In the midst of this disaster, his anger turns towards Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul). He believes the rebellion failed because Dae-ho, who was supposed to bring the magazine for the bullets, got scared and ran away. As Gi-hun is haunted by his failed rebellion and the weight of lives lost, dawn breaks and a new, more brutal game begins in "Squid Game" Season 3. As in previous seasons, the latest episodes are steeped in Korean cultural references, from the twisted reinvention of childhood games and nursery rhymes to retro settings and even Korean food. These cultural layers ground the global hit in a uniquely Korean identity. Young-hee and Chul-su This season introduces a new robotic doll, Chul-su, to join the infamous Young-hee animatronic. Previously seen in the chilling “Red Light, Green Light” game, Young-hee used motion sensors to gun down playersJun 30, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Robert Holley denies gay rumors, opens up about drug scandal and recoveryTV personality Robert Holley publicly denied longstanding rumors about his sexual orientation during a recent YouTube appearance in which he also spoke candidly about his past drug scandal and health struggles. In a video released on singer Hyun Jin-young’s YouTube channel on Friday, Holley and Hyun revisited the beginnings of their friendship, which formed in the aftermath of Holley’s drug-related arrest in 2019. “When someone reaches out to you and talks to you, it really gives you strength. I’ve been through something like that myself,” said Hyun. Holley recalled the loneliness he experienced following the incident. “After everything happened, there was no one left around me. I just kept wanting to die. I felt like I had no one to turn to,” he said. “But being able to talk to young people through my work on anti-drug campaigns gave me a new sense of purpose.” Holley, who faced a hiatus from the public eye, has since returned to active broadcasting. “My wife tells me to stop talking about all this,” he said lightheartedly, prompting laughter. The 65-year-old also sJun 30, 2025By Hankookilbo
