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Prosecutors to Seek Arrest Warrants for Gu Je Yeok and Jeon Guk Jin

Gu Je Yeok on YTN YouTube News.

Prosecutors are seeking arrest warrants for YouTubers Gu Je Yeok, legally named Lee Jun Hee, and Jeon Guk Jin on charges of extortion, blackmail, and coercion against fellow YouTuber Tzuyang. The Suwon District Prosecutors’ Office has requested these warrants from the Suwon District Court, aiming to hold both individuals accountable for their alleged roles in a scheme that has rocked the online community.

YouTubers Gu Je Yeok and Jeon Guk Jin face serious charges of extortion, blackmail, and coercion against fellow YouTuber Tzuyang

Gu Je Yeok and Jeon Guk Jin, often referred to as “cyber-wreckers” for their actions, allegedly profited by spreading damaging rumors and exploiting well-known figures online. In February 2023, Gu Je Yeok reportedly extorted 55 million KRW (approximately $39,765) from Tzuyang. In a video posted on July 15, Jeon Guk Jin admitted to receiving 3 million KRW ($2,174) from Gu Je Yeok earlier this year, further implicating himself in the extortion scheme.

The case gained public attention on July 10 when HoverLab Inc., another YouTube channel, released a recording of a phone call between the two cyber wreckers. In this recording, Gu Je Yeok mentioned signing a contract with Tzuyang, in which he agreed not to speak about her past in exchange for the money.

Following the release of this recording, Tzuyang took to a livestream to reveal the extent of the abuse she had suffered. She described how her former boyfriend physically assaulted and threatened her, using illegally filmed videos to blackmail her into compliance.

Prosecutors have moved quickly in this case, conducting search and seizure operations and questioning the suspects. The Suwon District Court will hold hearings for the YouTubers at 10:30 AM on Friday to determine whether to issue the arrest warrants.

As this case continues to unfold, Prosecutor General Lee One Seok has emphasized the importance of taking strong action against those who cause irreparable harm through false accusations, insults, and coercion in cyberspace. He urged prosecutors to proactively seek heavy sentences and ensure that victims like Tzuyang are protected from further harm.

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YouTuber Tzuyang Reveals Shocking Suicide Notes of Ex-Boyfried

YouTuber Tzuyang recently revealed the shocking contents of her late ex-boyfriend’s suicide notes, shedding light on years of abuse, extortion, and the complex legal battles that ensued. The revelations have sparked widespread discussion and controversy, especially after portions of the notes were released by JTBC on July 24th.

The popular YouTuber Tzuyang opens up about her late ex-boyfriend’s abuse, extortion, and his final words

Tzuyang’s ex-boyfriend, referred to as “Mr. A,” allegedly subjected her to four years of physical assault, extortion, and threats before his death. In his suicide notes, Mr. A denied spreading rumors about Tzuyang’s past and expressed deep frustration over the accusations. He admitted to abusing Tzuyang and extorting her income, expressing remorse for his actions and a desire to avoid further conflict.

Despite their confidentiality agreement, Mr. A’s lawyer, known as Mr. B, reportedly leaked information about Tzuyang to the YouTuber cyber wrecker Gu Je Yeok. This led her to file another complaint, believing her ex-boyfriend had breached their agreement. Mr. B, who is also accused of extorting tens of millions of KRW from the YouTuber, defended his actions, claiming they were part of a legitimate contract, although he acknowledged acting out of “drunken frustration.”

Her live broadcast added more layers to the story, as she revealed how her ex-boyfriend and agency head had subjected her to years of torment, starting with revenge porn and escalating to threats and extortion by individuals like Gu Je Yeok and Jeon Guk Jin.

The Korean Bar Association is now investigating the allegations against Mr. B, which could lead to disciplinary action. Following these revelations, Mr. B has been fired from his position as a legal journalist at a media company.

As she continues to share her painful experiences, the public response has been one of shock and concern, highlighting the severe impact of such abuses and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

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Choi Minho to Attend Paris Olympics as World’s First “Olympic Friend”

Choi Minho, member of the K-Pop group SHINee, is set to make history by becoming the world’s first “Olympic Friend” at the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris. According to SM Entertainment, Minho will attend the games, which begin on July 26, as an official representative for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). As part of his role, he will be present at various events, with spectators and cheering on Korean athletes.

Minho will promote Olympic values and support Korean athletes in Paris

Minho’s appointment as the first “Olympic Friend” marks an important milestone in his career. This new IOC initiative involves celebrities promoting the values of the Olympic Games. Minho has previously supported the “Winter Youth Olympic Games of Gangwon 2024” by participating in torch relay activities and engaging with athletes. His involvement in Olympic-related events dates back to 2017 when he contributed to the public diplomacy campaign “Girls Play 2!” and delivered a congratulatory speech for the “2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games,” which garnered widespread attention.

The Paris Olympics, officially the 33rd Olympic Games, will be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The event will feature athletes from around the globe competing in a wide range of sports, showcasing their skills and vying for prestigious Olympic medals. The city of Paris will host numerous competitions, ceremonies, and cultural events, making it a spectacular global sporting celebration.

In addition to his Olympic involvement, Minho is also expanding his acting career. He will star as Nam Tae Pyeong in JTBC’s new drama “Family X Melo,” set to premiere on August 10. Furthermore, he will make his stage debut in the play “Waiting for Godot” at Yes24 Stage 3 on September 7, portraying the character Val.

Minho’s participation in the Paris Olympics as an “Olympic Friend” is expected to draw significant interest and highlight his dedication to promoting sports and cultural events worldwide. His continued contributions to both the entertainment industry and global sporting events prove his versatile talents and commitment to various causes.

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HYBE Employees Talks About Min Hee Jin’s Text Leaks

The recent leak of private KakaoTalk messages from ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin has ignited controversy, sparking widespread discussion across online communities. Reactions have been mixed, with some netizens criticizing the harsh language Min Hee Jin allegedly used towards NewJeans members, while others continue to support her.

Insider reactions to the controversial leaks of private messages reveal a divide in opinions within the company

HYBE employees have also weighed in on the situation, offering their perspectives as insiders within the company. Many have expressed support for Min Hee Jin, condemning HYBE for exposing her private conversations. These opinions were shared on BLIND, an anonymous platform where employees can comment openly after verifying their employment through work email credentials.

One employee questioned the motivations behind the leaks, stating, “Is Min Hee Jin running for president or something? Why is she being exposed so much? If you’re going to criticize, do it openly. It’s not good to see such a biased situation.”

Another criticized HYBE’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the company’s actions could harm its own artists and disrupt the entertainment industry as a whole. “HYBE’s media play has crossed the line as a big company,” they wrote. “It seems like it’s time for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Board of Audit and Inspection to intervene and stop HYBE’s reckless actions.”

Despite the controversy, some employees believe that Min Hee Jin will remain resilient. One commented, “HYBE is mistaken if they think this can shake Min Hee Jin. She’s someone who has already unabashedly cursed during a press conference. Even if they’re using Dispatch to play up her harsh words on KakaoTalk now, it won’t really affect her much.”

As the fallout from these leaks continues, the divide within HYBE and among fans highlights the complexities of navigating public and private boundaries in the entertainment industry.

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Yoo Ah In Denies Sexual Assault Charges

Yoo Ah In, whose real name is Uhm Hong Sik, has strongly denied recent sexual assault charges. On July 26, KST, a representative from Law Firm Dongjin, which represents the actor, issued an official statement. Their side is refuting the allegations and urging the public not to speculate about the actor’s private life.

The legal team of Yoo Ah In refutes the allegations, urging the public to avoid speculation

The legal representative stated, “The recent charges made against Yoo Ah In are completely false. Please refrain from making unnecessary speculations about the actor’s private life.”

Earlier reports indicated that Yoo Ah In had been booked on charges of sexually assaulting a 30-year-old male identified as “A.” According to South Korean law, sexual assault involving individuals of the same sex is not classified as rape, but the charges are still severe.

The accuser, “A,” underwent an initial urine test for illegal drugs, which returned negative. However, the police plan to summon Yoo Ah In for questioning as they consider the possibility that he may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the alleged incident. As the investigation continues, Yoo Ah In’s legal team remains firm in their denial of the accusations, asking the public to avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information.

The actor has been facing one allegation after another. Photo via @hongsick on Instagram.

In addition to these allegations, Yoo Ah In is currently facing a seventh trial on charges related to habitual drug use. This trial follows revelations about improper prescription practices involving his doctor, who allegedly issued prescriptions for medical narcotics and sleeping pills without proper consultation. The actor has admitted to some drug-related charges but continues to deny others, including accusations of instructing others to smoke marijuana and destroying evidence.

As the investigation continues, his legal team remains firm in their denial of the sexual assault accusations, asking the public to avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information.

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Kang Kyung Joon Receives Lawsuit for Adultery Damages

The first trial for actor Kang Kyung Joon’s adultery damages lawsuit commenced today. Judge Kim Mi Ho of the Seoul Family Court’s Family Division 5 presided over the initial hearing, set at 11 AM KST. This lawsuit was filed by Mr. A, who seeks 50 million KRW in damages, alleging that Kang Kyung Joon had an affair with his wife, Mrs. B.

Kang Kyung Joon faces lawsuit over alleged affair and potential financial consequences

Mr. A contends that Kang Kyung Joon was fully aware of Mrs. B’s marital status during their affair. When these accusations surfaced last December, his agency agency denied any wrongdoing. They issued a statement that mentioned the possibility of misunderstandings and assured a sequential response to the allegations. However, Mr. A released Telegram messages allegedly from Kang Kyung Joon that included affectionate expressions such as “I miss you,” “I want to hug you,” and “I love you, I want to be with you.”

In late January, the actor appointed legal representation and submitted the necessary documentation to the court. Initially, the court aimed to mediate the case and resolve the matter through consultation. Despite these efforts, Mr. A submitted a letter indicating his unwillingness to reach an agreement. Hence leading to the transfer of the case to the Seoul Family Court. The Seoul Central District Court attempted mediation but eventually handed over the case in April. This was after Mr. A reiterated his lack of interest in settling the dispute.

Kang Kyung Joon, who married actress Jang Shin Young in 2018, has two sons. The couple has shared glimpses of their family life on SBS’s “Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 – You Are My Destiny” and KBS 2TV’s “The Return of Superman.”

The unfolding of this lawsuit not only puts the actor’s personal life under scrutiny but also brings significant implications for his professional career and public image. The court proceedings will likely reveal more details and provide a resolution to the allegations.

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BLACKPINK Lisa is Louis Vuitton’s New Ambassador

BLACKPINK Lisa has added another prestigious title to her extensive list of accomplishments. The French fashion house Louis Vuitton has officially appointed her as its newest House Ambassador. This exciting news was announced on July 23, 2024 along with photos from Louis Vuitton’s finest.

BLACKPINK Lisa brings her bold fashion sense to the luxury brand ‘Louis Vuitton’

BLACKPINK Lisa previously represented the LVMH-owned brand Celine. Last March, speculations about this new partnership rose when she attended the Louis Vuitton Women’s fall-winter 2024 show in Paris. Sporting an ensemble from the maison, she grabbed the attention of fashion enthusiasts and media.

Earlier in the year, she made headlines by sporting a Louis Vuitton monogram bikini, further fueling the rumors. Now, with the partnership confirmed, fans can eagerly anticipate more iconic Lisa x Louis Vuitton collaborations.

Louis Vuitton has stated that her selection as its new ambassador aligns perfectly with the brand’s vision. “Her bold sartorial choices notably reflect Nicolas Ghesquière’s own strong womenswear vision marked by individuality and empowerment,” the fashion house stated. Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director of women’s collections, expressed his excitement, saying, “I am very excited to welcome Lisa as a House Ambassador. She has a daring spirit and charisma that I find incredibly compelling. She is as bold and creative with her music as she is with her fashion, and it is a privilege to accompany her on this journey.”

In her new role, Lisa joins an illustrious group of Louis Vuitton ambassadors, including Stray Kids’ Felix, RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, Hoyeon Jung, and Zendaya. Her unique appeal and audacious style promise to bring a fresh and vibrant energy to the brand.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Lisa shared in a promotional video, “I feel so honored to be working with such a great brand that I admire, so I am really looking forward to making greater moments with Louis Vuitton.” As Lisa continues to break boundaries, her work with Louis Vuitton is set to create an indelible mark on the fashion industry.

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SM Entertainment Faces Accusations of Stirring HYBE Conflict

Reports reveal that SM Entertainment allegedly manipulated public opinion against rival label HYBE. Accusations suggest that SM Entertainment hired a public relations firm, Astraphe, during its escalating conflict with HYBE.

SM Entertainment allegedly manipulated public sentiment against HYBE

Leaked Telegram conversations indicate that Astraphe created a dedicated chat room for their viral marketing staff and SM employees. This chat room allegedly aimed to generate positive sentiments towards their company while spreading negative about HYBE.

Financial records show that SM paid Astraphe a staggering 1.38 billion won, approximately $995,699.81 USD. Although SM Entertainment claimed the money was for banner advertisements, insiders say viral marketing activities began on March 1. The Telegram leaks reveal an SM employee urgently requesting quick viral marketing action, and Astraphe agreed.

Additionally, the alleged strategies included sharing positive articles about SM Entertainment. However, it contained negative ones about HYBE in various online communities.

They reportedly used scare tactics to make fans worry SM Entertainment artists might be disbanded or released if HYBE took over. In a fan cafe post, one statement read, “As an SM fan, I think it could be worse if HYBE takes over. HYBE will demand management rights, and SM artists might not get opportunities.” Astraphe’s employees reportedly made sure their posts appeared as if they originated from genuine netizens.

The viral marketing reportedly persisted for a month, with Astraphe’s employees editing their posts to sound like real user interactions to avoid detection.

Furthermore, the company responded to the allegations by clarifying their motives. In an official statement, the company said, “We conducted online marketing activities. This was through an outside agency to promote the SM 3.0 shareholder proposal and proxy solicitation website. The activities included sharing related articles on online communities. This was part of a ‘media mix’ proposal from the agency with little impact on the campaign.”

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ADOR Denies Poaching NewJeans and Accuses HYBE of Providing False Information to Dispatch

On July 23, ADOR strongly denied allegations that they had poached NewJeans trainees from Source Music to form NewJeans. The agency announced plans to take legal action against HYBE and Dispatch, the media outlet responsible for the report.

ADOR refutes claims of poaching NewJeans and plans to take legal action against HYBE and Dispatch

ADOR stated, “The contents of the article in question are false and reconstructed based on speculation. We will take strong legal action against these false claims.” They emphasized that HYBE and Source Music cooperated in providing false information. They argue that the reported details, such as internal meeting records, task divisions, and personal KakaoTalk messages, are impossible to publish accurately.

In addition, ADOR criticized HYBE and Source Music for exposing the personal information of former trainees and artists without consent. This included medical records and demo tapes. They emphasized that Source Music had ended the trainee contracts and did not permit the use of likenesses or voices.

Furthermore, ADOR announced plans to pursue strong legal action against HYBE and Source Music for their unethical behavior. “The trainee contracts between Source Music and NewJeans members have ended, and there was no agreement permitting the use of their likenesses or voices. Thus, Source Music’s release of trainee videos through media is a severe illegal act. It violates the members’ portrait rights. We request immediate measures to protect the artists,” ADOR stated.

Previously, a media outlet reported that Min Hee Jin took NewJeans members, who were Source Music trainees, to debut under ADOR. The report included messenger conversations and videos of the trainees, leading to the current controversy.

Contrary to Dispatch’s claims, the indefinite postponement of Team N’s debut due to Min Hee Jin’s alleged negligence is far from the truth. To clarify the situation, ADOR released emails from 2021. The timeline provided by ADOR is as follows:

  1. In March 2020, BigHit’s marketing team proposed a launch strategy for ‘Team 21.’ Min Hee Jin found the direction unsuitable and prepared an alternative strategy.
  2. In May 2020, Min Hee Jin presented her launch strategy, which Bang Si Hyuk praised but deemed too ambitious for Source Music’s infrastructure. He suggested Min Hee Jin’s label handle the project.
  3. In August 2020, Source Music re-proposed an initial plan, largely copying Min Hee Jin’s strategy. Complaints arose, and Source Music acknowledged the issue.
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Dispatch Accuses Min Hee Jin of Stealing NewJeans

The K-pop industry is no stranger to controversy, and recent allegations by Dispatch have set the stage for yet another scandal. Dispatch has accused Min Hee Jin of allegedly stealing the group NewJeans. These revelations have stirred up quite a storm among fans and insiders.

NewJeans CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE dispute continue

According to Dispatch, Min Hee Jin, who previously worked at SM Entertainment and is now a significant player at ADOR, supposedly appropriated creative ideas and managerial rights related to NewJeans. The accusation is that she took these concepts without proper authorization or acknowledgment, raising eyebrows across the industry.

Meanwhile, Min Hee Jin has responded strongly to the allegations. In a public statement, she said, “These accusations are baseless and aimed at tarnishing my reputation. I have always worked ethically and within the parameters set by the companies I’ve been affiliated with.” However, her denial has not yet silenced the growing talks of the public.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Min Hee Jin has been the center of attention. The ADOR CEO has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several successful K-pop artists. This latest allegation, however, puts a dark cloud over her otherwise celebrated career.

Fans are divided in their reactions. Some stand firmly behind Min Hee Jin, emphasizing her contributions to the industry and dismissing the accusations as unfounded. Others are more skeptical, calling for a thorough investigation to bring the truth to light. Social media platforms are abuzz with debates and discussions, reflecting the high stakes and emotional investments involved.

As the story continues to unfold, the K-pop community remains on edge. The resolution of this controversy will likely have far-reaching implications, not just for Min Hee Jin and NewJeans but for the broader K-pop industry as well. Whether these accusations hold water or fade away will be carefully watched by fans and the public.

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