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BTS Suga Accused of Careless Attitude on Military Service

BTS Suga

BTS Suga finds himself in hot water following serious allegations regarding his behavior during alternative military service. The controversy began after complaints surfaced accusing him of neglecting his duties and even indulging in careless actions during training.

Allegations surface accusing BTS Suga of neglecting his duties during his alternative military service

The issue first emerged on a public service-related app, Gongik Ingan, where a fellow service worker detailed their experience training alongside Suga last November. According to the post, Suga, appointed team leader, allegedly failed to engage in the required classes.

The worker claimed, “Suga did not attend any classes during the five-day training period. Even the instructor hinted that his behavior was excessive.” The post described his lack of participation, noting that he would often sleep, look at his phone, and barely engage with the lessons. This allegedly led to his group having the lowest participation rate, drawing comparisons to a “school bully” who tries to act indifferent.

These allegations have rapidly spread across online communities, amplifying criticism against the artist. The controversy grew worse after reports of his involvement in a drunk driving incident on a weekday emerged. This led to additional complaints and further investigation into his conduct during his public service.

The Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration has now taken charge of the investigation, with complaints, both old and new, being addressed by the department. Fans and the public are awaiting the outcome of the investigation, which will determine if any disciplinary action is necessary.

BTS Suga fell off his scooter after drinking outside. The public expresses strong criticisms of this incident, emphasizing that it’s illegal. Photo via Instagram @agustd.

Suga’s current situation has drawn attention not just due to the accusations but also because of his high-profile status as a member of one of the world’s most influential K-pop groups. While the investigation is ongoing, the situation raises broader questions about how celebrities manage their responsibilities during military service.

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SEVENTEEN Jeonghan Military Enlistment and Jun to Pursue Acting in China

PLEDIS shares updates about SEVENTEEN Jeonghan and Jun’s plans for this year

It will be a while before SEVENTEEN appears as a complete group again. On August 12, PLEDIS Entertainment shared updates on two group members, revealing significant changes for the second half of 2024. Jeonghan is preparing to begin his mandatory military service, while Jun will focus on acting and other opportunities in China.

For Jeonghan, PLEDIS announced that although he pre-recorded much content for the group, he won’t participate in the promotional activities for SEVENTEEN’s upcoming 12th mini-album or the SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR, set to begin in October. However, fans can still see him at an upcoming fan-sign event and the group’s headlining performance at Lollapalooza Berlin on September 7-8. The label also promised to share more details about his enlistment schedule soon.

SEVENTEEN Jun plans to pursue acting in China. PLEDIS shares that Jun will try to participate in SEVENTEEN’s activities if the schedule permits. Photo via Jun’s Instagram.
SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan will enlist in the military this year. Photo via Jeonghan’s Instagram.

As for Jun, the label revealed that he plans to pursue acting in China for the rest of the year. Like Jeonghan, Jun also pre-filmed content but will miss major events such as the Lollapalooza Berlin performance, music show appearances for the upcoming album, and the SEVENTEEN world tour. This is due to an overlap with his on-location filming schedule for his acting projects. Despite these changes, PLEDIS emphasized that Jun will still try to participate in group activities whenever possible.

With Jeonghan heading to the military and Jun focusing on acting, SEVENTEEN will have to navigate the rest of 2024 with a temporary lineup adjustment. Fans are eagerly waiting for more updates as the group continues its journey with both excitement and challenges ahead.

Here’s their full statement:

Hello.
This is PLEDIS Entertainment.

We would like to provide information regarding SEVENTEEN’s JEONGHAN and JUN’s activities in the second half of 2024.

JEONGHAN is due to fulfil his military obligation in the second half of 2024. While JEONGHAN filmed most of the content he could in advance, he will not be able to participate in promotional activities for the 12th mini album and the SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR, scheduled to start in October. JEONGHAN will still be able to meet with CARATs through the previously announced fan signing event and Lollapalooza Berlin. Further details regarding JEONGHAN’s military service will be provided later in a separate notice.

After thorough discussions with JUN and the other members of SEVENTEEN, we have decided that JUN will pursue acting and other opportunities in China during the latter half of this year. Like Jeonghan, JUN has completed filming for content that could be prepared in advance. However, due to an overlap with the on-location filming schedule, JUN will not be able to participate in Lollapalooza Berlin, music show performances for the 12th mini album, and the SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR. Jun is determined to participate in SEVENTEEN’s group activities, and though he is unable to take part in the world tour, Jun will participate as much as he can in schedules that engage with CARATs.

We ask for your kind understanding and support for JEONGHAN’s healthy completion of his military service and Jun’s upcoming projects. Please continue to show your love for SEVENTEEN and stay tuned for SEVENTEEN’s upcoming activities this year.

Thank you.

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“The Frog” Trailer Show Chilling Characters

Netflix has just unveiled a chilling new teaser for its upcoming original series, “The Frog.” This mystery thriller tells the captivating story of two pension owners, Gu Sang Jun and Jeon Young Ha, who live in different timelines. Gu Sang Jun, played by Yoon Kye Sang, runs a motel in the past, while Jeon Young Ha, portrayed by Kim Yun Seok, operates a pension in the present. The two men encounter eerily similar incidents, but their reactions lead them down entirely different paths.

Netflix’s new mystery thriller “The Frog” reveals a haunting trailer featuring Go Min Si, Lee Jung Eun, Yoon Kye Sang, and Kim Yun Seok

The teaser begins in a serene forest where both Gu Sang Jun and Jeon Young Ha are seen quietly maintaining their motels. Gu Sang Jun’s narration, “It was a run-of-the-mill motel in a country town,” sets the scene, but the peace is quickly shattered when an unexpected guest arrives. As the tension builds, Gu Sang Jun confides, “A couple of days ago, a madman stayed at my motel,” hinting at the danger lurking in the shadows.

Similarly, Jeon Young Ha faces his own mysterious visitor, adding to the intrigue as he reveals, “Right now, a crazy person is at my motel, too.” The connection between these two unsettling events begins to take shape as the plot thickens. Go Min Si’s character, Yu Seong A, further deepens the mystery when she asks Jeon Young Ha, “What if I asked you to sell me this house?” Meanwhile, ace detective Yun Bo Min, played by Lee Jung Eun, arrives at the motel, bringing with her a sense of foreboding.

The teaser ends on a haunting note, with Gu Sang Jun reflecting, “A frog got hit by a stone thrown carelessly. Who threw the stone? Why’d it have to hit me?” This ominous line perfectly encapsulates the eerie tone of “The Frog,” leaving viewers eager to uncover the dark secrets that lie ahead.


Still cuts for the upcoming thriller “The Frog.” The film will be released on Netflix this August 23, 2024. Photos via @netflixkr on Instagram.
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Son Ye Jin and Lee Byung Hyun to Star in Park Chan Wook’s New Film

Son Ye Jin and Lee Byung Hun lead a star-studded cast in Park Chan Wook’s “Can’t Help It”

Son Ye Jin and Lee Byung Hun are set to star in Director Park Chan Wook’s highly anticipated film Can’t Help It. This suspense thriller tells the gripping story of an office worker named Man Soo, played by Lee Byung Hun, who faces sudden unemployment after 25 years at the same company. Desperate to support his family, Man Soo embarks on a tense journey to find new employment, pushing him to the edge of desperation and madness.

Son Ye Jin will portray Mi Ri, Man Soo’s wife, who steps up to support her family despite the challenging circumstances. Her character is bright and versatile, adding depth to the film’s emotional narrative. The cast also includes Park Hee Soon as Choi Seon Chul, a foreman at a paper company. Meanwhile, Lee Sung Min will star as Koo Beom Mo, a veteran in the paper industry who becomes a job seeker alongside Man Soo.

The new Park Chan Wook Film entitled “Can’t Help It” stars Son Ye Jin and Lee Byung Hun as leads. The movie is joined by a power cast, including Yoo Yeon Seok, Park Hee Soon, Lee Seung Min, Cha Seung Won, and Yeom Hye Ran. Photo via X/@CJENMMOVIE

Additionally, the film boasts an impressive lineup, with Yeom Hye Ran playing Beom Mo’s wife and Cha Seung Won taking on the role of Go Si Jo, Man Soo’s fierce competitor. Yoo Yeon Seok rounds out the cast as Oh Jin Ho, a dentist at the clinic where Mi Ri works.

In related news, Park Chan Wook’s recent film starring Park Hae Il and Tang Wei was shortlisted for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. It also competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

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Disney+ Medical Drama “Hyper Knife” Updates and Broadcast Plans

The highly anticipated medical crime thriller “Hyper Knife” prepares for its premiere, showcasing intense battles between brilliant minds

The upcoming medical crime thriller “Hyper Knife” is set to captivate audiences with its intense narrative and complex characters. Starring Park Eun Bin as Jeong Se Ok and Seol Kyung Gu as Choi Deok Hee, the drama explores the fierce rivalry between two medical geniuses. Jeong Se Ok, once a promising doctor, now finds herself working in an underground surgery clinic after being expelled by her mentor, Deok Hee. Their reunion sets the stage for a thrilling confrontation that pushes both characters to their limits.

Park Eun Bin’s portrayal of Jeong Se Ok promises to be one of the boldest roles of her career. As a shadow doctor, her character experiences intense emotional shifts, which are sure to resonate with viewers. Seol Kyung Gu, on the other hand, brings a unique charisma to his role as the world-renowned neurosurgeon Choi Deok Hee, whose dark secrets add depth to the narrative.

Supporting these leads is Yoon Chan Young, who plays Seo Young Joo, a steadfast guardian and close associate of Jeong Se Ok. The cast also includes Park Byung Eun as Han Hyun Ho, an anesthesiologist who admires Se Ok’s genius. The dynamics between these characters are poised to add further layers of intrigue to the drama.

Park Eun Bin, Seol Kyung Gu, Yoon Chan Young, and Park Byung Eun are all confirmed for the new Disney+ medical thriller Hyper Knife. Photo via @disneypluskr on Instagram.

The show’s lead, Park Eun Bin, recently appeared on the Netflix show Extraordinary Woo (2022) and Castaway Diva (2023). Meanwhile, Seol Kyung Gu joined the intense blue house drama of Netflix’ The Whirlwind. Yoon Chan Young is also gearing up for the sequel of All Of Us Are Dead.

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“The Auditors” Cast Bid Farewell to Viewers

With just one episode left, the cast of “The Auditors” is saying goodbye to viewers, offering heartfelt thanks and reflecting on the drama’s journey. The drama aired on July 6 and will air its final episode tonight, completing 12 episodes on its entire run.

The Auditors cast share thoughts and bids goodbye to viewers

Shin Ha Kyun, who led the series, recalled the efforts everyone put in from the cold winter to the scorching summer. He teased an exciting finale, asking fans to stay tuned to see if the true villain at JU Construction will be caught. “I hope that you’ll look forward to seeing whether we’ll be able to catch the true rat bastard who has been gnawing away at JU Construction for a long time,” he shared.

Lee Jung Ha, reflecting on the experience, humbly thanked fans for their support and love throughout the series. “Thank you so much for watching ‘The Auditors’ and giving us so much love,” Lee said. “I hope that you’ll watch with us until the very end to see what the future of our JU Construction holds.”

Jin Goo also shared his gratitude, thanking the director and his fellow actors for their dedication. He also urged viewers to stay tuned to see who will team up with Shin Cha Il to bring justice. “As we enter the final chapter of the story, there will be an excitement in watching the conflict between Hwang Se Woong and Hwang Dae Woong,” he noted. “I hope you’ll stay tuned to find out who will team up with Shin Cha Il to achieve justice.”

Jo Aram and Lee Jung Ha take a photo on the set of “The Auditors.” Photo via @tvN_drama on Instagram.

Jo Aram, who portrayed Yoon Seo Jin, described “The Auditors” as her career’s crucial stepping stone and expressed honor at working with many talented senior actors. “I was able to grow through ‘The Auditors’ and the character of Yoon Seo Jin. I’m sincerely grateful for this drama, which has become a sturdy stepping stone for me as I move forward,” she shared.

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BTS Suga is Being Summoned by Police for DUI Incident

The police plan to summon BTS Suga for questioning regarding a recent DUI incident involving an electric scooter. The Yongsan Police Station in Seoul confirmed on August 11 that they are coordinating the date for Suga’s formal appearance, emphasizing the need to investigate the circumstances of the incident and determine the amount of alcohol he consumed.

BTS Suga faces police questioning after a DUI incident involving an electric scooter

The incident occurred on the evening of August 6 near Suga’s home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu. According to reports, Suga fell off an electric scooter, and a patrolling police officer discovered him at the scene. The officer administered a breathalyzer test, which revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.227%, far exceeding the legal threshold for license revocation, which is 0.08%.

At the time, the police did not recognize Suga as a member of the globally famous K-pop group BTS. Due to his intoxicated state, they were unable to conduct a thorough investigation and only performed the breathalyzer test before allowing him to return home. As a result, the police now intend to summon him for further questioning and to obtain a formal statement.

BTS Suga is currently a hot topic for driving under the influence. K-Netizens show mixed opinion. Some emphasize its illegal nature, while some think that he did not cause harm to make this issue big. Photo via X/The Tonight Show.

Suga, who began his mandatory military service in March, currently serves as a social service worker following his basic training at the Nonsan Training Center in South Chungcheong Province. His expected discharge date is set for June 2025.

Suga’s fans on X are making massive tweets to remove him from the trending tags. As this situation unfolds, both fans and the public are closely monitoring the developments, with the upcoming police questioning expected to provide more clarity on the incident.

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HYBE and Other Three Big Agencies’ Online Stores Fined By Fair Trade Commission

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) fined South Korea’s four largest K-pop entertainment companies—HYBE, SM, YG, and JYP—for violating e-commerce consumer protection laws. On August 11 KST, the FTC imposed a total fine of 10.5 million KRW (approximately $7,700 USD) on these agencies and issued corrective orders to ensure they comply with the ‘Electronic Commerce Act’.

The FTC penalizes the Big 4 K-pop agencies for violating consumer protection laws in their online stores

Fair Trade Commission found that these companies set excessively strict and unfair conditions for refunds on idol-related merchandise, including albums and official goods. The FTC highlighted practices like shortening the legally mandated refund period and requiring unreasonable documentation, such as filming product unboxings to qualify for refunds when items were missing.

Weverse Company, associated with HYBE, received a fine of 3 million KRW. SM Brand Marketing (SM), YG Plus (YG), and JYP Three Sixty (JYP) were each fined 2.5 million KRW.

Among the violations, SM’s policy required customers to return products due to a change of mind within seven business days of delivery, which goes against the law, allowing customers seven days from the receipt date to decide on a return. SM and JYP also broke the law by demanding that customers submit claims for defective or incorrect items within seven days of delivery, while the law permits returns within three months from receipt or 30 days from discovering the defect.

The companies also denied compensation for lost items after a specified period, restricted returns if packaging was opened or damaged, and demanded video proof of unboxing for claims of missing items. These actions placed an undue burden on consumers, violating legal protections that should favor the buyer.

Korea’s Big 4 K-Pop Agencies face fines ordered by the Fair Trade Commission. The 4 agencies have revised policed to comply with FTC’s terms. Photos via Wikimedia Commons.

Moreover, in response to the FTC’s findings, all four companies corrected their policies voluntarily, which led to reduced fines. However, the FTC’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of fair consumer practices in the e-commerce space, especially within the influential K-pop industry.

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How Han Ji Min and Choi Jung Hoon Met

Choi Jung Hoon and Han Ji Min's first meeting on the KBS Show "The Seasons" Jannabi's Night Park." Photo captured from KBSWorld TV.

Actress Han Ji Min and Jannabi’s lead vocalist Choi Jung Hoon recently confirmed their relationship, surprising fans with the revelation of their unique love story. The couple, who are nearly ten years apart in age, officially acknowledged their relationship on August 8, following dating rumours. Representatives from both Han Ji Min’s agency, BH Entertainment, and Choi Jung Hoon’s agency, Peponi Music, confirmed that the pair first met on KBS 2TV’s The Seasons: Choi Jung Hoon’s Night Park and have recently started dating.

Han Ji Min and Choi Jung Hoon’s transition from fan and artist to couple

While their relationship took many by surprise, Han Ji Min’s fans have been quick to point out that she has long been a devoted fan of Choi Jung Hoon and his band, Jannabi. Fans now consider her a “successful fan” who transitioned from being an admirer to becoming the artist’s romantic partner.

Early last year, Han Ji Min frequently attended Jannabi concerts, sharing numerous photos on her social media. Her consistent presence at these performances, combined with her frequent requests for Jannabi songs on radio shows and using their music as background tracks for her posts, showcased her genuine fandom.

In November 2023, during a fan meeting, Han Ji Min sang Jannabi’s “For Hesitating Lovers,” a moment that gained renewed attention following the couple’s announcement. Additionally, BH Entertainment released a vlog on YouTube featuring Han Ji Min and Choi Jung Hoon’s duet on The Seasons: Choi Jung Hoon’s Night Park. In the video, they discussed their personality types, and the actress appeared shy when asked to make eye contact during their duet. “How do singers keep making eye contact? It’s so embarrassing,” she admitted, to which Choi Jung Hoon responded with a bashful smile.

Han Ji Min and Choi Jung Hoon appears in a vlog after vocal training for the show, ‘The Seasons: Jannabi’s Night Park.’ Photo via YouTube/BH Entertainment.

Their chemistry during the duet and Han Ji Min’s visible enjoyment of Jannabi’s concert later in the show didn’t go unnoticed. Fans revisited the duet rehearsal video, with many commenting on how “special the atmosphere was back then” and noting that “they were clearly flirting.”

Even before the official dating news, the couple was spotted together, fueling rumors of their romance. Witnesses saw Han Ji Min and Choi Jung Hoon sitting closely in a restaurant, further sparking speculation that has now been confirmed.

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Yulhee Reveals Advantages of Independent Life After Divorce

On August 7, Yulhee, a former member of the K-pop group LABOUM, shared her thoughts on the perks of living independently. The idol was divorced from FT Island’s Choi Min Hwan in 2023.

The actress recently responded to a fan’s question on social media about the benefits of living alone. Yulhee expressed her newfound appreciation for having her own space.

Former LABOUM member Yulhee opens up about the joys of living alone after her split from FT Island’s Choi Min Hwan

Yulhee enthusiastically said, “Cleaning gets done really quickly. I love the sense of security my own space gives me. And when it’s late, and I can’t hang out outside, the happiest moments are when I can chat and eat late-night snacks at home.” She paired her response with a photo of her cozy bedroom. This gave fans a glimpse into her serene and personal living environment.

Netizens responded warmly to her post, leaving comments like: “The bedroom is decorated so beautifully” and “I hope you’ll give us a tour of your home sometime.” Her openness about embracing this new chapter in her life has resonated with many.

Yulhee shares a photo of her twin daughters and son on Instagram. The idol is now divorced from her husband, Choi Min Hwan, from the boy group FT Island. Photo via her Instagram @yul._.hee.

 

Additionally, the former couple appeared on KBS’s show, The Return of Superman. Despite their divorce, the former couple showcased their commitment to raising their three children together. The former idols highlight the strong bond they continue to share as parents.

Their episode resonated deeply with viewers, who praised them for prioritizing their children’s well-being and maintaining a positive relationship post-divorce. This heartwarming display of cooperation has garnered widespread admiration, further solidifying their place in the public’s heart.

Moreover, Yulhee’s journey into independent living follows her marriage to Choi Min Hwan in 2018. The couple, who shared their family life on various variety shows, have three children together—a son and twin daughters. However, in December last year, Yulhee and Choi Min Hwan shocked fans by announcing their divorce after five years of marriage. The court granted custody of their children to Choi Min Hwan.

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