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‘KPop Demon Hunters’ EJAE to marry after Grammy win, shares proposal photos

News has emerged that EJAE, the first K-pop artist to win a Grammy Award, is getting married. EJAE is set to wed her fiancé, Korean American producer Sam Kim, in November, according to industry sources. The two first connected as songwriting partners in 2017 and became engaged in late 2023. EJAE made the engagement official last month by sharing photos on her social media account showing Sam Kim proposing to her. In the images, he is seen placing a ring on the fourth finger of her left hand, drawing an outpouring of congratulations from fans. EJAE has also mentioned her plans to marry this fall in interviews and broadcast appearances. EJAE recently drew widespread attention for her work on the Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” contributing as a songwriter, lyricist and vocalist to the original soundtrack song “Golden.” The track topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100, achieving simultaneous number-one rankings. “Golden” went on to win best song written for visual media at the 68th Grammy Awards, marking the first Grammy win in K

Feb 7, 2026By Hankookilbo
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ EJAE to marry after Grammy win, shares proposal photos

Looking for love in Korea? Try a Buddhist temple stay

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism’s hit matchmaking program, "Naneun Jeolo," is taking its search for love nationwide. The Korea Buddhist Foundation for Social Welfare said Tuesday that the popular event where singles spend a night at a temple to meet potential partners will tour the country this year. The goal is to decentralize the program and offer equal opportunities to singles outside the greater Seoul area. "To foster meaningful, lasting relationships, we will select participants by region and host the program at local temples," Venerable Doryun, the foundation's CEO, said at a New Year's press conference. The 2026 tour kicks off from March 28-29 at Seonun Temple in Gochang County, North Jeolla Province, targeting singles in the Jeolla region. The foundation has plans for six events this year, covering the capital region, the mainland provinces and Jeju Island. Launched in November 2023 as a successor to an earlier matchmaking temple stay program, "Naneun Jeolo" was rebranded to emphasize matchmaking over Buddhist cultural immersion. Its title plays on "Naneun Solo (I am Solo),"

Feb 4, 2026By Hankookilbo
Looking for love in Korea? Try a Buddhist temple stay

One life ended, but 5 others saved through organ donation

When Jung Kang-deok, 53, failed to show up for work on Dec. 26, a colleague noted the absence as unusual. After repeated calls went unanswered, the colleague reached out to Jung’s family. Police were notified and later found him unconscious at his home before he was taken to a hospital. Despite medical treatment, he did not regain consciousness and was subsequently declared brain-dead. He died on Jan. 9 at Korea University Anam Hospital. Through organ donation, he saved five lives. His heart, liver, both kidneys and corneas were transplanted to patients in need, according to the Korea Organ Donation Agency. Jung’s family said he had previously spoken about life-sustaining treatment and organ donation. During conversations the previous year, he said that donating organs to help others would be a good thing to do. When faced with his sudden death, the family decided to respect his wishes. Jung was born in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province, as the youngest of three siblings. He was known as someone who paid close attention to the people around him and maintained close relationships with

Feb 4, 2026By Bahk Eun-ji
One life ended, but 5 others saved through organ donation

Ovarian cancer survivor celebrates twins’ 1st birthday

A medical center that helped make a long‑awaited pregnancy possible became the venue for a remarkable first birthday celebration this month. On Jan. 20, medical workers at Daegu CHA Fertility Center, located in central Daegu, hosted a “doljanchi” — a traditional first birthday celebration — for twins Kim Min-jeong and Kim Min-seo. The children were born to Jeong Ji-young, 30, who had overcome Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Jeong was diagnosed in 2016 at age 21, and underwent extensive surgery and chemotherapy, losing her right ovary in the process. Doctors were able to preserve her left ovary and uterus, however, leaving open the possibility that she might one day become a mother. Years later, she sought help at the fertility center. Through in vitro fertilization, she became pregnant with twins in 2024, conceiving on her second IVF attempt. The successful delivery of a healthy boy and girl was hailed by her medical team as a hard‑won victory over both a life‑threatening cancer and subfertility. “After recovering from ovarian cancer and overcoming subfertility, it is more meanin

Jan 29, 2026By Jung Min-ho
Ovarian cancer survivor celebrates twins’ 1st birthday

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ voice actress posts support for Cha Eun-woo amid tax controversy

A supportive message posted by Korean American actress Arden Cho has sparked online backlash after she publicly encouraged singer-actor Cha Eun-woo, who is currently facing allegations of massive tax underpayment in South Korea. Cho, who voiced the character Rumi in Netflix’s animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” left a comment on Cha’s social media account shortly after he posted a public apology on Jan. 26, addressing allegations that he failed to pay roughly 20 billion won (about $15 million) in income taxes. “Always supporting you, dongsaeng. Hwaiting!” Cho wrote in English, using a Korean term that implies a close bond. The comment quickly drew attention, as it appeared amid heightened public scrutiny of Cha’s situation. The apology marked Cha’s first public response since the allegations emerged. The Seoul Regional Tax Office previously conducted an intensive tax audit of the star and notified him of the additional tax assessment tied to unpaid income taxes, according to officials. For international audiences, Cho is a familiar face from both Hollywood and Korean-link

Jan 27, 2026By Xportsnews
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ voice actress posts support for Cha Eun-woo amid tax controversy

7 years after coming out as bisexual, singer Som Hevin announces marriage to a man

Singer Som Hevin, who drew national attention in Korea after publicly coming out as bisexual in 2019, has announced she is getting married, marking a personal milestone that has reignited discussion online about identity, choice and public expectations. Som shared the news through a lengthy post on her personal social media channel, opening with the words, "I’m getting married," and revealing that the wedding will take place in February. "This may come as sudden news, but I’ve found the one person I want to spend my life with," she said. "He lives within the same faith as me, truly cherishes me, and always shares warmth and peace with me through an honest heart. He’s a lovely person who feels like home." Som is best known for her brief appearance on Mnet’s idol audition program “Idol School” in 2017. She withdrew from the show voluntarily after the first episode, a decision that triggered intense online criticism at the time. She later faced — and denied — allegations related to school bullying, which further complicated her early career. Som returned to public attention

Jan 27, 2026By Xportsnews
7 years after coming out as bisexual, singer Som Hevin announces marriage to a man

Pusan National University recruits most international students via gov’t-run scholarship

Pusan National University recruited the largest number of international students among four-year universities in the 2026 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) program's undergraduate selection, marking the third consecutive year it has ranked first nationwide, the school said Thursday. The GKS program, run by the Ministry of Education’s National Institute for International Education, invites outstanding students from around the world to pursue degree studies at Korean universities as part of an effort to cultivate global talent and strengthen international networks. In this year’s selection, Pusan National University secured 22 scholars through the embassy-recommendation track, the university said. “Its third straight top ranking reflects international recognition of the university’s strong educational infrastructure and systematic support for international students,” Pusan National University’s Office of International Affairs Director Lee Chang-hwan said. “The university plans to expand recruitment of global talent and deepen international exchanges.” Pusan National University

Jan 22, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Pusan National University recruits most international students via gov’t-run scholarship
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