'Intimacy coordinators' gain attention as crucial on-set partners in Korean film industryThe role of intimacy coordinators — professionals who help navigate sensitive scenes such as nudity or simulated sex on film and drama sets — is gaining attention in Korea, as calls grow for safer and more respectful working environments for actors. A recent forum titled “Intimacy Coordinators Are Not Intruders but Partners,” held in Jeonju on Friday as part of the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival, highlighted the growing necessity of these coordinators in Korean productions. The panel featured Korea’s first certified intimacy coordinator, Kwon Bo-ram, alongside actor Kwon Ip-sae, also known as Leafy Kwon, and director Lim Sun-ae. Kwon Bo-ram said that intimacy coordinators are already a standard presence in film and TV sets across the United States, especially following the global impact of the #MeToo movement in 2017. As conversations around on-screen physical contact and exposure intensified, the U.S. Screen Actors Guild (SAG) issued official guidelines in 2020, making intimacy coordinators a required part of the crew. There are currently 10 internationally recognizedMay 7, 2025By KTimes
Actor Jeon Se-hyun denounces sponsor proposal in angry postActor Jeon Se-hyun, 43, expressed outrage after receiving a sponsorship proposal via social media, sharing a screenshot of the message on Tuesday and condemning the sender in a strongly worded response. "Don’t do it if you know it’s inappropriate," she wrote, posting a direct message she received from an anonymous user who proposed a financial arrangement in exchange for private meetings. "As a public figure, I know this may be inappropriate. I’d like to meet twice a month while respecting each other’s privacy. In return, I’ll offer financial support," the message read. "I’ll provide payment in advance — up to 50 million won ($36,700)," it continued. "If you’re interested, DM me and I’ll explain in detail. Apologies if this message was offensive.” Jeon responded with anger, writing, "Try that again and I’ll report you. Who do you think I am?" Some celebrities have recently come forward with similar revelations about receiving so-called “sponsorship offers” in the entertainment industry. Jeon made her debut in the 2005 film “Innocent Steps” and has since appearMay 7, 2025By KTimes
Park Ji-hoon calls ‘Weak Hero Class 2’ his growing pains, wonders what’s next for season 3Singer-turned-actor Park Ji-hoon says his latest role in Netflix’s “Weak Hero Class 2” represents both the physical and emotional trials of his growth — and he’s already curious about what season 3 could bring. In a recent interview with the Hankook Ilbo at a cafe in Seoul’s Jongno District, Park shared his thoughts on the hit Netflix series, which premiered on April 25. “Weak Hero Class 2” continues the story of Yeon Si-eun, a quiet but determined student who, after failing to protect his friends in the past, transfers to Eunjang High School with unresolved trauma. There, he fights against even greater violence in a fierce but radiant journey of survival and self-discovery. Returning as the lead, Park brings a deeper, more refined portrayal of Si-eun. While his signature use of a pen as a weapon remains, the character now creatively wields everyday objects in battles, showcasing heightened combat skills. “I haven’t looked at too many reactions myself,” Park said, laughing. “The director said the feedback has been great, which was a relief. I’m not the type toMay 6, 2025By KTimes
‘Lovely Runner’ stars Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon win popularity awards at Baeksang: 'We would not be here without our fans'Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon, stars of the hit tvN drama “Lovely Runner,” were honored with the PRIZM Popularity Awards at the 61st Baeksang Awards, held Monday at COEX in Seoul’s Gangnam District. The annual awards show was once again hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Suzy, and Park Bo-gum. “Thank you so much for this popularity award. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for me. Without your attention and love, I don’t think I would be standing here," Byeon said in his acceptance speech. "One of the most memorable comments I received while doing this drama was, ‘It brought me comfort.’ I’ll do my best to become an actor who continues to bring even a little comfort to all of you. Also, thank you to Postbox — I love you.” Kim Hye-yoon expressed similar gratitude in her speech. “This award feels heavy, but it’s as heavy as the love I’ve received from fans,” she said. “I truly want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve always quietly stood by me with love and support, and I hope we’ll be together for a long, long time. IMay 6, 2025By KTimes
Tony An goes on blind date with Chinese actress Ling Yu: ‘You’re stunning’K-pop veteran Tony An was recently featured on a blind date with a Chinese actress, revealing both nerves and charm during the encounter broadcast on national television. On the May 4 episode of SBS’s variety show “My Little Old Boy,” the 48-year-old entertainer was seen getting ready for a blind date with none other than Chinese actress Ling Yu. Behind the wheel, Tony appeared more excited than usual. A bouquet of roses sat in the passenger seat, adding to the atmosphere of anticipation. He then called his friend and newlywed Kim Jong-min, asking if everything was going smoothly after his recent wedding. “Almost done wrapping things up,” Kim replied. Surprising Kim — and viewers — Tony said, “Honestly, I thought I’d get married before you,” before confessing, “I’m actually going on a blind date today.” Tony explained that the opportunity came through an acquaintance he knew from his work in China. “The person isn’t Korean. She’s Chinese,” he said, adding, “Thankfully, it seems like she can speak a bit of Korean.” Turning to his friend for advice, TonMay 5, 2025By KTimes
Park Na-rae opens up about removing 220 skin tags due to agingComedian Park Na-rae has opened up about undergoing a skin tag removal procedure, candidly sharing her experience on national television. On the May 2 episode of MBC’s variety show “I Live Alone,” Park was shown lying on an operating table, visibly nervous. “I’m here to remove fibroepithelial polyps,” she said, before clarifying in more casual terms, “I’m here to get my skin tags removed.” She went on to explain, “The proper medical term is fibroepithelial polyp. I use that term when I’m embarrassed to talk about it with others.” Park detailed the extent of the procedure, revealing, “The first time I came, I had 120 removed. The second time, 80. And this time, 20 more,” bringing her total to 220 skin tags removed. Fellow cast member Kian84 expressed concern, saying, “That sounds exhausting.” Park responded, “They say skin tags come with aging. It’s better to deal with them all at once.” This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.May 3, 2025By KTimes
Public preschool teachers angered by drama's disparaging narrativeThe preschool teachers' union in Korea protested the negative portrayal of public kindergartens in the KBS drama "Queen's House" on Friday, arguing that it severely undermines the educational value of public early childhood education. The union, under the umbrella of the Korean Federation of Teachers' Unions, issued a statement expressing deep regret over the depiction of public kindergartens in the first episode of the drama, which aired on April 28. The episode depicted the kidnapping of the only child of Kang Jae-in (played by Ham Eun-jung), the eldest daughter of the fictional conglomerate YL Group, and Hwang Ki-chan (Park Yoon-jae), her husband and the group's strategic planning director. While confronting the paternal grandmother after the grandchild's abduction, the child's maternal grandmother questioned, "Why did you send your grandchild to a public kindergarten? If you had sent him to the most expensive private kindergarten, this wouldn't have happened.” "Connecting public kindergartens to child abduction and distortedly portraying them as a 'cheap choice' can foster prejudicMay 2, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
‘Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller’ producers apologize for contacting sinkhole victim’s familyProducers of KBS Joy’s variety program “Ask US Anything Fortune Teller” have issued a public apology after it was revealed they attempted to recruit a family member of a sinkhole accident victim to appear on the show. The controversy arose when the bereaved family member of a man in his 30s who died last month in a sinkhole accident in Myeongil-dong, Gangdong District, Seoul, posted a screenshot of a message from the production team on social media. The message expressed interest in discussing the individual’s recent social media post about the tragedy on the show. The accident, which occurred on March 24, involved a massive sinkhole measuring 20 meters wide, 20 meters long and 20 meters deep. It swallowed multiple vehicles, including a motorcycle and a minivan. While the van driver sustained minor injuries, the motorcyclist was found dead at the scene. In the message, a producer introduced themselves as part of the “Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller” team and wrote, “After seeing your recent Reels post as a bereaved family member of the sinkhole accident, I wanted to carefulMay 2, 2025By KTimes
Is hair loss a big deal? Park Na-rae visits clinic, says it took time to acceptComedian Park Na-rae is set to reveal her candid journey toward improving scalp and hair health in an upcoming episode of MBC’s “I Live Alone.” For the May 2 broadcast, Park will appear as the first guest in the show’s “Spring Refresh” special, taking viewers through her health-focused day. In newly released preview photos, Park is seen lying on a treatment bed, jokingly confessing, “I came to remove this.” She then surprises the crew by revealing she has had more than 300 of these removed so far, raising curiosity about what exactly she is referring to. After the procedure, Park walks the streets without makeup, heading to her next stop — a women’s hair loss clinic. Despite a body profile photoshoot earlier this year, she confesses, “It took me a long time to accept it,” revealing that hair loss has been a personal struggle. Park says she had been taking hair-care supplements but wasn’t sure whether treatment was necessary. To get a clear answer, she underwent diagnostic testing, including hair imaging, stress evaluation and microscopic examination of her scalpMay 1, 2025By KTimes
Hong Seok-cheon moved by Youn Yuh-jung’s story about son coming outTV personality Hong Seok-cheon, Korea’s most prominent openly gay celebrity, shared a heartfelt message reflecting on his own coming-out experience after actor Youn Yuh-jung publicly revealed that her eldest son is gay. Hong posted a photo with his parents on social media on Tuesday, reflecting on his own experience. “I visited my parents’ countryside home without notice because I missed them,” he wrote. “They’re nearing 90 but still healthy enough to get around, and I’m so thankful for that.” He recalled the impact of his decision to come out 25 years ago. “I was 30, in the prime of youth, and chose to come out thinking only about my own happiness and life. My parents nearly collapsed from the shock,” he wrote. “Their son, once thriving, suddenly became a public enemy, a target of hatred and a subject of witch hunts. And still, they endured quietly, right where they always were.” Hong praised Youn’s recent remarks in an interview with foreign media about her film “The Wedding Banquet.” In the interview, Youn revealed that her eldest son came out in 2000 anMay 1, 2025By KTimes
