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“The Auditors” Cast Bid Farewell to Viewers

The Auditors finale still cut

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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EXO Chanyeol Solo Debut EP ‘Black Out’ Surpasses 26K Pre-Orders on Ktown4U

Chanyeol is already set for domination ahead of the release of his solo debut EP. The EXO member‘s upcoming EP ‘Black Out’ has already gained over 26,000 pre-orders on Ktown4U in the first 24 hours!

‘Black Out’ Surpasses 26K Ktown4U Pre-Orders in 24 Hours

On August 9, the EXO social media channels announced that Chanyeol will be dropping his first solo mini-album ‘Black Out’ on August 28, 2024. Soon after, the EP was made available on several online stores including Ktown4U.

Interestingly, it didn’t take long for the highly anticipated EP to dominate Ktown4u sales. It was revealed that the mini-album has surpassed 26,694 pre-orders in the first 24 hours alone. With that in mind, Chanyeol is expected to continue dominating with ‘Black Out’ later this month.

Chanyeol’s upcoming mini-album ‘Black Out’ marks a significant milestone in his career as it is his first solo project in 12 years since debuting with EXO in 2012. This mini-album, set to feature six tracks across various genres, showcases Chanyeol’s versatility as an artist. The title track, also named “Black Out,” is anticipated to be a standout, reflecting his growth and evolution as a musician.

In addition to his album release, Chanyeol is preparing to embark on an exciting solo tour, the ‘2024 Chanyeol Live Tour: Cityscape’. The tour will kick off with performances in Seoul at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall on September 6-7. From there, Chanyeol will continue to connect with his fans across Asia, visiting 10 different cities. This tour promises to be a unique opportunity for fans to experience Chanyeol’s music and stage presence up close.

Adding to the excitement, Chanyeol is also set to appear in the highly anticipated Netflix series “The Frog” which is scheduled to premiere on August 23, 2024. His role in the series is expected to further demonstrate his talents as an actor, broadening his already impressive repertoire in the entertainment industry. With both his music and acting projects on the horizon, 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Chanyeol.

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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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Lee Jung Jae and Artist United to Sue Production Company for Fraud

Actor Lee Jung Jae and software company Artist United have filed a lawsuit against drama production company RaemongRaein, accusing them of fraud and making false accusations. The lawsuit follows a legal battle that began when RaemongRaein initially sued Lee Jung Jae, alleging that he had committed fraud in connection with the acquisition of their company’s stocks.

Lee Jung Jae and his software company are countering allegations with their own lawsuit against the production company

According to Kim Dong Rae, CEO of RaemongRaein, Lee Jung Jae had offered several opportunities for the company’s growth in exchange for acquiring its stocks. These opportunities reportedly included potential mergers with major entertainment labels, leveraging Lee Jung Jae’s extensive network, and securing investments from a prominent American talent agency.

However, Artist United, where he is the largest shareholder, presented a different narrative. The company stated that they had legally agreed to an investment contract during a time when RaemongRaein was struggling financially. Artist United claims they fulfilled their obligations by paying for the issuance of new stocks. Despite this, Kim Dong Rae allegedly refused to transfer the company’s management rights as initially agreed upon.

Tensions escalated in June when Artist United requested a shareholder’s meeting. Kim Dong Rae reportedly persuaded 12 minority shareholders to take legal action against Artist United, accusing them of acquiring RaemongRaein’s shares through deceptive means.

Lee Jung Jae and his software company Artist United is countersuing RaemongRaein for fraud and false accusations. Photo via his Instagram @from_jjlee.

In response to the ongoing lawsuit, the actor’s side expressed their frustration, stating, “It is absurd that Kim Dong Rae, who failed to fulfil his end of the contract even after the investors diligently fulfilled theirs, has sued our company.”

As both parties prepare for a legal showdown, the entertainment industry is closely watching how this high-stakes dispute will unfold. The outcome could significantly impact the future of both RaemongRaein and Artist United.

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Choi Jung Hoon’s Letter to Han Ji Min Go Viral

Just one day after confirming their relationship, Choi Jung Hoon and Han Ji Min have found themselves in the spotlight again as a letter to Han Ji Min has gone viral. Written after their first meeting on the KBS music show The Seasons – Choi Jung Hoon’s Night Park, the letter has quickly captured the hearts of netizens and fans alike, who are eagerly speculating that it marks the romantic beginning of the couple’s relationship.

Fans react with excitement as a heartfelt letter from Choi Jung Hoon to Han Ji Min resurfaces online

In the letter, Choi Jung Hoon expressed his excitement and nervousness about meeting Han Ji Min, whom he had admired for a long time. He wrote, “It is an honor to have you join us for this incredibly special final episode. I’ve been a big fan of yours for a long time, but hearing you would be visiting us was such a joy. I’m really looking forward to singing together today and feeling a bit nervous. Please feel free to have fun without worrying too much!”

Choi Jung Hoon’s thoughtful gesture didn’t stop there. He added a personal touch by preparing snacks for Han Ji Min during the rehearsal, saying, “Thank you once again for travelling from afar to join the rehearsal and for all your effort. I’ve prepared some delicious snacks for you to enjoy while you wait. Have a relaxing time.”

Also, the letter, which had remained private until now, has struck a chord with fans who are thrilled to see such a sweet and genuine interaction between the two stars. Moreover, many are interpreting it as the beginning of their romantic journey, especially since Han Ji Min has been known to be a fan of Jannabi, Choi Jung Hoon’s band, long before they officially started dating.

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.

Furthermore, fans continue to celebrate the couple’s newfound romance. The viral letter has added to the excitement, highlighting the sincerity and warmth of their budding relationship.

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Sexually Harassed Employee Exposes Min Hee Jin’s Abusive Behaviors

Last month, new accusations surfaced against ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, claiming she covered up a sexual harassment incident within the company. She denied these allegations, asserting that she remained neutral and worked to resolve the issue. On July 30, she addressed the situation on social media, sharing detailed explanations and uncut KakaoTalk messages.

Former ADOR employee shares her story, accusing CEO Min Hee Jin of verbal abuse and manipulation

On August 8, the employee involved in the incident spoke out on social media, accusing the CEO of abusive behaviors. The former employee, known as “B,” described how she verbally abused her after she reported Executive A, who was involved in the harassment case.

B explained, “After I reported Executive A, both CEO Min Hee Jin and Executive A verbally attacked me during the investigation. Their degrading language shocked me, but I hoped they might eventually feel remorse.” She also expressed her disappointment, noting that she had once been a fan of the CEO and a dedicated customer of the NewJeans Shop on Weverse.

ADOR CEO faces accusations of manipulation and verbal abuse. The CEO encountered a new issue, among many others, including a dispute against HYBE. Photo via her Instagram @min.hee.jin.

B further accused Min Hee Jin of misrepresenting the incident by editing and manipulating their messages. She stated, “CEO Min Hee Jin twisted the narrative by making non-work-related messages appear work-related and mixed in small lies to obscure the truth.” Additionally, B revealed that she publicly shared their private KakaoTalk conversation without consent, further distorting the story with edited content.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the ADOR CEO has not yet apologized or sought to understand B’s perspective, even though more than a week has passed since the incident became public. As these allegations continue to unfold, they have sparked widespread discussion among netizens and fans, raising serious concerns about workplace culture and accountability at ADOR.

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Iron Family Cast Concludes First Script Reading

The cast of KBS2’s highly anticipated weekend drama Iron Family has wrapped up their first script reading, leaving the production team and fans eager for what’s to come. The drama stars Kim Jung Hyun, Sung Yeol, and Geum Sae Rok. Penned by screenwriter Seo Sook Hyang, known for hits like Pasta and Jealousy Incarnate, promises to deliver a dark comedy centered around a family that has run a laundry business for three generations.

The cast for KBS2’s new weekend drama ‘Iron Family’ brings the characters to life during their first script-reading session

During the script reading, Kim Jung Hyun, who plays Seo Kang Joo, captivated everyone with his perfect balance of humor and seriousness. His ability to deliver his lines with just the right tone filled the room with laughter, setting the stage for what viewers can expect from his character. Opposite him, Geum Sae Rok, who takes on the role of Lee Da Rim, brought depth to her character’s struggles with an incurable illness. The chemistry between these two leads was undeniable, earning smiles from everyone present.

Veteran actress Park Ji Young stepped into the role of Go Bong Hee, a self-sacrificing mother, showcasing her powerful acting skills. Meanwhile, Shin Hyun Joon, playing Jiseung Group Chairman Ji Seung Don, exuded charisma and paired beautifully with Kim Hye Eun, who portrays his ambitious wife, Baek Ji Yeon. Choi Tae Joon, portraying Cha Tae Woong, delivered a dependable performance as Da Rim’s protective older brother, while Yang Hye Ji, as Da Rim’s sister Lee Cha Rim, fully embodied her character’s passion for design.

The session also featured strong performances from the supporting cast, including Kim Young Ok and Park In Hwan. Their impeccable chemistry, alongside the main cast, promises a deeply immersive experience for the audience.

 

Kim Jung Hyun returns to the small screens with the new drama “Iron Family.” The actors stars along with Geum Sae Rok. Photo via Instagram @ jhkim0405.

The production team expressed their excitement, stating, “The script reading session was both enjoyable and heartwarming from the start. The actors had such great chemistry that it was hard to believe it was their first time working together.” They added, “The story of a family in the same neighborhood is expected to bring viewers both touching emotions and joy. We hope for your continued anticipation and interest.”

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