Author: Kpop News Writer

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SM Entertainment’s Alleged Approach to Gu Je Yeok for Marketing Strategy

Gu Je Yeok via YTN on YouTube

Lee Jin Ho reveals that SM Entertainment allegedly contacted the controversial YouTuber Gu Je Yeok for a viral marketing campaign

YouTube reporter Lee Jin Ho recently claimed that SM Entertainment approached the controversial YouTuber Gu Je Yeok for a viral marketing campaign. The allegations come after SM Entertainment was accused of using viral marketing tactics against HYBE and manipulating public opinion. SM clarified that its marketing was intended to protect management rights and communicate the company’s stance to shareholders.

Although SM Entertainment stated they declined a proposal to involve YouTube cyber “wreckers,” Lee Jin Ho revealed that specific YouTubers, including Gu Je Yeok, were already chosen for the campaign. Gu Je Yeok, known for his threats against Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, confirmed that he received such a proposal. After the offer, he released a video with sensitive content about a person not on good terms with SM, which was quickly taken down due to backlash.

Korean netizens reacted with mixed opinions, with some questioning Lee Jin Ho’s credibility, citing his history of supporting HYBE and criticizing GFriend during their disbandment. Others focused on the fact that SM Entertainment was caught using viral marketing, while some worried that the situation might lead to misunderstandings about HYBE’s involvement.

Korean netizens left comments like:

“Lee Jin Ho is at it again, haha. He tries to make HYBE look good, but I remember him beating down GFriend. From then on, his credibility has been zero. It’s so obvious whose side he’s on.”

“The fact is that SM got caught doing viral marketing, right? But looking at the comments, it seems like people might misunderstand and think that HYBE got caught doing it. That’s just baseless speculation without any evidence, isn’t it?”

“Isn’t Lee Jin Ho a well-known HYBE supporter? He even criticized GFRIEND when they disbanded.”

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Aespa Winter Kept Being Called by Sasaengs During Live

aespa Winter faced repeated interruptions from a Sasaeng fan during her recent Weverse live stream

During a recent Weverse livestream, aespa Winter experienced repeated disruptions caused by a Sasaeng fan who obtained her phone number. Throughout the broadcast, the fan persistently called her, causing multiple interruptions and even disconnecting the stream several times.

Despite the frustrating situation, Winter tried to address the issue directly. She titled her live stream “Don’t call me” and later expressed her annoyance in a message to the Sasaeng. “Please don’t call… Why are you calling? Why are you making a call? Are you curious if this is my number? Yes, it’s my number! It’s mine. So! When I’m hanging out with fans and MYs, please don’t call,” Winter pleaded, hoping to stop the interruptions during her interaction with fans.

Korean netizens reacted strongly to the incident, with many expressing concern for Winter’s well-being. Some noted that Sasaeng fans seem to harass her frequently during live streams, while others defended her calm response to the situation. Despite the distressing interruptions, she managed to maintain her composure, even addressing the issue with a smile.

The frightening sasaeng behavior

Invasive Sasaeng behavior has become a significant issue for K-pop idols, as these obsessive fans often cross personal boundaries in their pursuit of their favorite celebrities. This behavior includes obtaining private information like phone numbers, addresses, and schedules, leading to constant harassment and stress for the idols. Such actions not only invade the personal space of these artists but also disrupt their ability to engage freely and comfortably with their true fans during live streams or public appearances.

Sasaeng behavior does more than just annoy idols; it can cause serious emotional and mental harm. These constant intrusions make idols feel unsafe and watched all the time, even in their private moments. Although agencies try to protect their artists, the ongoing actions of Sasaeng fans remain a big problem in the K-pop industry, showing the need for stronger rules and more respect for the personal space of public figures.

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Park Ju Hyun Talks About Her Role in “Perfect Family”

Park Ju Hyun has shared her thoughts on her role in the upcoming KBS drama “Perfect Family.” Based on a popular webtoon, the new series is a mystery drama that explores the dark secrets of a seemingly happy family. The plot thickens when their daughter becomes entangled in a murder, causing each family member to suspect the other.

In this series, Park Ju Hyun plays Choi Sun Hee, a model student who excels in school. Her adoptive parents, portrayed by Kim Byung Chul and Yoon Se Ah, add depth to the family dynamics as Choi Jin Hyuk and Ha Eun Joo, respectively.

Park Ju Hyun reflects on her challenging new role in the upcoming KBS drama “Perfect Family”

“Unlike the other characters I’ve played up until now, the character of Sun Hee has a passive side to her. So I really wanted to take on the challenge of playing her no matter what,” said the actress as she described her character.

“Sun Hee is an extremely nice and upright girl. She’s also a girl who has no choice but to be that way. However, she’s also a character who changes and grows because of the people and events around her,” she continued. “A passive character can sometimes come across as frustrating or unlikeable, so I tried to portray her emotions as deeply as possible.”

Park Ju Hyun revealed her approach to the new role. “I tried to focus on Sun Hee’s inner cry deep within her heart. I spent a lot of time pondering the reason she built a wall around her heart, what it would be like to live life like that, and whether Sun Hee is truly happy. Because my personality is on the easygoing side, I made efforts to restrain myself in order to portray Sun Hee, who isn’t like that at all.”

Regarding her on-screen parents, the actress shared, “Both of them were so fun and friendly during filming. Kim Byung Chul was really fun and sometimes felt like a friend of the same age, while Yoon Se Ah was overflowing with cheerful energy, so I was really happy throughout filming.”

The actress concluded, “I wound up playing a role that is very different from the characters I’ve played up until now. I was so happy and had so much fun during filming, and I hope that viewers will also be happy while watching the drama.”

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NewJeans Fans Protest HYBE’s Alleged Information Leaks

NewJeans fans stand in front of HYBE headquarters over alleged information leaks and media manipulation

NewJeans fans took action by sending protest trucks to HYBE’s headquarters, voicing their concerns over recent allegations against the company. Fans, who call themselves “Bunnies,” organized the protest after hearing that HYBE had allegedly leaked confidential information about NewJeans to Dispatch and other media outlets.

The protest trucks stationed in front of HYBE’s building displayed strong messages condemning the company’s actions. Fans accused HYBE of intentionally leaking sensitive information and manipulating media coverage to their advantage. One truck displayed the message, “Leaking information to YouTube channels and reverse viral marketing to yellow journalism, illegal personal information leaks by HYBE—above the law and human rights?”

Another message directly addressed HYBE’s leadership, including Bang Si Hyuk and Park Ji Won, demanding that they take responsibility and issue an apology. The fans’ protest underscored their support for NewJeans and ADOR while calling on HYBE to stop what they see as illegal and unethical practices.

This protest demonstrates the Bunnies’ commitment to protecting NewJeans and holding HYBE accountable for actions that they believe could harm the group. Fans are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that HYBE ceases any actions that could negatively impact NewJeans.

The dispute between HYBE and ADOR, the label responsible for managing NewJeans, has intensified as fans grow increasingly concerned about the handling of the group’s information. Tensions escalated when allegations surfaced that HYBE, the parent company of ADOR, had leaked confidential details about NewJeans to media outlets like Dispatch.

Fans believe that this breach of trust undermines the group’s integrity and puts their privacy at risk. The conflict highlights the challenges within the management structure, where decisions by HYBE may not always align with ADOR’s interests, leading to growing dissatisfaction among the fanbase.

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NewJeans Express Outrage Over the Release of Trainee Videos

Dispatch’s recent release of unrevealed trainee videos has sparked significant backlash from the NewJeans members and their parents. The videos, which feature the group during their trainee days, were made public without consent, leading to accusations of privacy invasion and misinformation.

NewJeans and their parents are furious about the unauthorized release of trainee footage

On July 23, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin refuted allegations that she had poached the NewJeans members from Source Music, labeling these claims as “false” and announcing plans for legal action. In a statement to Newsen, ADOR emphasized, “The reported information is false. We plan to take legal action against HYBE for providing edited personal messages and against the unauthorized release of trainee videos, as NewJeans members and their parents are outraged by this invasion of privacy.”

Earlier, Dispatch had released the trainee videos, asserting that Min Hee Jin had recruited the NewJeans members from Source Music. This incident marks the latest development in the ongoing feud between ADOR and HYBE. According to Min Hee Jin, she personally selected the NewJeans members, while HYBE maintains that the members were part of Source Music’s girl group project, ‘Team N.’

The release of these videos by Dispatch, showing Source Music’s Team N trainees, has further complicated the situation. NewJeans members and their parents are particularly upset by the dissemination of these personal and previously unseen videos, which they believe violate their privacy and misrepresent the facts.

NewJeans officially debuted in August 2022 under ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation. Their debut EP, “New Jeans,” quickly gained traction with hit singles like “Attention” and “Hype Boy,” showcasing their fresh take on K-Pop.

The ongoing dispute between ADOR and HYBE highlights the complexities of talent management and the importance of respecting personal boundaries in the entertainment industry. As the situation develops, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see how this legal and public relations battle will unfold.

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Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eun Star in “0 Period is Social Butterfly Time”

The upcoming teen romance drama features Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eun in leading roles as they navigate high school life and social challenges

Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eun will take on leading roles in the upcoming teen romance drama 0 Period is Social Butterfly Time. This new series, set to premiere in October, tells the story of high school life through the eyes of a loner who dreams of fitting in with a group of social butterflies. The plot centers around the main character becoming the manager of an anonymous social networking app called “Social Butterfly Time,” which brings unexpected twists to their life.

Kang Na Eun, known for her roles in Crash Course in Romance and Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938, will portray Ji Eun, an outsider in high school who longs to be popular. Meanwhile, Kim Woo Seok, a popular student and trainee at a major entertainment agency, will play Kang Woo Bin. Despite his perfect image and the admiration of his peers, Woo Bin harbors a secret that could shatter his reputation.

0 Period is Social Butterfly Time promises to deliver a captivating story about the struggles of fitting in, the pressures of maintaining a flawless image, and the complexities of teenage life. With Kang Na Eun and Kim Woo Seok leading the cast, this drama is set to be a must-watch for fans of teen romance.

Get to know Kim Woo Seok

Kim Woo Seok, formerly known as Wooshin during his time with UP10TION, is a versatile South Korean artist. He debuted with UP10TION in 2015 and later gained wider recognition by finishing second on the reality show Produce X 101, which led to his involvement in the project group X1. In May 2020, he began his solo career with the EP 1st Desire (Greed), highlighting his individual talents.

Beyond his music career, he has served as a host on SBS MTV’s The Show and earned the New K-Wave Voice Award at the 2020 Soribada Best K-Music Awards. His solo endeavors continued with the release of his fourth EP Blank Page in April 2023, featuring the title track “Dawn.”

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Bang Si Hyuk Reveals to Have Purchased $26.4m Mansion in LA Through HYBE Labels Subsidiary

Bang Si Hyuk, the chairman of HYBE Labels, has recently revealed that he purchased a $26.4 million mansion in Los Angeles through a subsidiary company. The acquisition, which took place in April of last year, involved a HYBE Labels subsidiary known as BEL AIR STRADELLA, LLC. This information came to light after HYBE Labels made corrections to its 2024 state of affairs report.

Bang Si Hyuk used a subsidiary to acquire a luxurious mansion in Los Angeles, sparking shareholder speculation

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) launched an investigation into HYBE Labels earlier this year, probing into the company’s state of affairs report. The KFTC did not disclose the specifics of what might have been omitted or fabricated in the report, but it was suspected that the omissions involved companies owned by Bang Si Hyuk and his relatives.

On July 26, KST, HYBE Labels addressed the issue by publishing several corrections to the report. Among these corrections was the acknowledgment of BEL AIR STRADELLA, LLC, a U.S. subsidiary fully owned by Bang Si Hyuk and registered in December 2023. Shareholders quickly speculated that this company was created solely to facilitate the purchase of the mansion in the upscale Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.

Additionally, BEL AIR STRADELLA, LLC is registered as a real estate company, leading some shareholders to cynically comment, “Wonder what sort of lofty dreams drove him to open a real estate company…”

This mansion, previously owned by comedian Trevor Noah until 2022, has now become a focal point of discussion among HYBE shareholders. It raises questions about the motivations behind the purchase and the use of a subsidiary to acquire such a luxurious property.

In related news, HYBE and ADOR’s dispute still continues to worsen despite numerous attempts to fix legal hearings. Previously, Min Hee Jin’s Kakao messages were also exposed, sparking huge controversy among its employees and the public.

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Lim Ji Yeon Hopes to Try Mukbang Someday

Lim Ji Yeon reveals her love for food and desire to join the mukbang trend

During a recent appearance on Yoo Jae Suk’s YouTube talk show Just an Excuse, actress Lim Ji Yeon opened up about her love for food and her desire to try mukbang. Lim Ji Yeon, who stars alongside Jeon Do Yeon in the upcoming action film Revolver, admitted that she didn’t sleep well the night before the show because she was craving a late-night snack.

“I really wanted to eat gopchang,” she shared, referring to small intestines, a popular Korean dish. “So I ordered gopchang jeongol [stew] and ate it last night.” Her co-star Jeon Do Yeon, amused by the confession, commented, “She eats a lot. She really eats a lot.”

Yoo Jae Suk, intrigued by her appetite, asked about her family’s eating habits. She confirmed, “Yes. My mother cooks a ton of food,” and added that if she really sat down to eat, she could consume more than five bags of instant noodles in one sitting. This revelation left Yoo Jae Suk and Jeon Do Yeon in shock.

Lim Ji Yeon went on to express her interest in joining the mukbang trend, where hosts eat large amounts of food on camera. “To prove that I’m a big eater, I really want to show people one day,” she said. “These days, there are tons of mukbang contents. So someday, I also want to have all this food laid out in front of me and show people if I can eat it or not.”

The candid discussion revealed a lighter side of Lim Ji Yeon, who is usually known for her intense acting roles. Fans are now looking forward to seeing if the actress will indeed take on a mukbang challenge in the future.

Revolver will release on August 7th.

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Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung Are Best Rookie Actors at the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards

The 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards celebrated outstanding talents in the television and film industry on July 19 at Paradise City, Incheon. Hosted by Jeon Hyun-moo and Yoona, the event was broadcast live on KBS2. The event hall was filled with stars, directors, writers, and other figures in the industry. During the most-awaited awards event, Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung were awarded for their performances in “Moving.”

Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung won Best New Actor and Best New Actress at the prestigious 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards

Lee Jung Ha took home the Best New Actor award. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for giving me a wonderful award. I want to thank director Park In-je, mom Hyo-joo, dad In-sung, my friend Heesoo, class president Do Hoon, writer Kang Pool, the ‘Moving’ family, my company, and my family for raising me as a wonderful son.” His speech drew laughter and warmth as he recreated a line from his drama, showcasing his charm and connection with his role.

@oldsoultamsy

Congratulations Lee Jungha Best New Actor #bluedragonseriesawards2024 #leejungha #bongseok #movingkdrama #koreanactor #foryou #fyp #kdramalover

♬ original sound – oldsoultamsy – oldsoultamsy

@nefretiriangeles

Best New Actress Award – MOVING GO YOUNJUNG goyounjung moving #bdsa #bluedragonseriesawards2024

♬ original sound – Nefretiri Angeles – Nefretiri Angeles

Similarly, Go Youn Jung was honored with the Best New Actress award. She reflected on her journey with the drama “Moving,” saying, “I think of ‘Moving’’s director, Kang Pool, the seniors that played my mom and dad, Bongseok, his mom and dad, and Kang Hoon, and I had a lot of fun while filming. Thank you to my family and the staff of the agency. I will do my best, thinking that it’s an award given to me to work hard. Thank you.” Her words resonated with many, highlighting her dedication and the support she received throughout her career.

Additionally, the drama “Moving” itself is the major highlight of the night, winning the Best Drama award. Its gripping storyline, exceptional direction by Kang Pool, and stellar performances by the cast captivated audiences. Furthermore, both actors’ acknowledgments emphasize their gratitude towards their colleagues, family, and mentors. The event serves as an important milestone for both Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung.

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Yoo Ah In is in 7th Trial for Drug Charges

Actor Yoo Ah In, whose real name is Uhm Hong Sik, faces his seventh trial on July 24 KST for charges related to habitual drug use. This trial was followed after the revelations about improper prescription practices involving his doctor. This trial is a significant moment in the ongoing legal proceedings against the 37-year-old actor.

Yoo Ah In faces his seventh court appearance for allegations of habitual drug use

The allegations surfaced when it was revealed that Yoo Ah In’s doctor had sent sleeping pill prescriptions via quick service under his family’s name without proper consultation. During the sixth trial, Dr. Hwang admitted to issuing prescriptions for Stilnox, a zolpidem-based sleep inducer. This was around August 2021, and the name was under the actor’s father.

Dr. Hwang defended his actions, explaining that quick service deliveries were temporarily allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he failed to verify if the actor’s father was genuinely ill, which raised concerns about the legitimacy of these prescriptions.

Despite Yoo Ah In and his father not being infected with COVID-19, the prescriptions were delivered at his request. When prosecutors questioned the necessity of quick service for non-life-threatening sleeping pill prescriptions, Dr. Hwang struggled to provide a satisfactory answer. Additionally, he explained the use of sleep anesthesia for the actor’s SGB (stellate ganglion block) procedure, citing the actor’s high sensitivity to pain and fear of neck injections.

Dr. Hwang acknowledged discussing Yoo Ah In’s habitual drug use with a colleague but denied illegally prescribing narcotics. The actor is accused of using medical narcotics 181 times between September 2020 and March 2022 under the pretext of cosmetic procedures. Significant amounts of propofol, midazolam, ketamine, and remimazolam were administered during this period. Additionally, he allegedly received illegal prescriptions for over 1,100 tablets of Stilnox and Xanax under another person’s name 44 times between May 2021 and August 2023. He is also accused, along with four accomplices, of smoking marijuana in the U.S. and encouraging others to do the same.

During the second trial, Yoo Ah In admitted to some charges of using marijuana and propofol but denied instructing others to smoke marijuana, destroying evidence, and other accusations.

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