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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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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

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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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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KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

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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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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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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Kakao Chairman Indicted for Stock Manipulation in SM Entertainment Acquisition

Kakao Chairman Kim Beom Soo is facing charges for manipulating SM Entertainment's stock prices. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

On August 8, KST, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutor’s Office, indicted Kim Beom Soo, the founder and chairman of Kakao, for violating the Capital Market Act. This indictment marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal drama, as Kim will face trial while in detainment.

The Kakao Chairman faces trial for allegedly manipulating SM Entertainment stock prices during a high-profile acquisition battle

Moreover, charges against Kim Beom Soo are severe, centering around allegations that he manipulated the stock prices of SM Entertainment in February 2023. At that time, HYBE Labels, a major competitor, had issued a tender offer at 120,000 KRW per share in a bid to acquire SM Entertainment.

In a bold move to thwart HYBE’s acquisition, Kim Beom Soo, alongside Kakao, allegedly conspired with the private equity firm One Asia Partners. Together, they reportedly mobilized over 240 billion KRW (approximately $175 million USD), purchasing a significant amount of SM stocks at inflated prices. This strategic action was intended to fix SM’s stock prices above HYBE’s offer, effectively blocking HYBE from securing a controlling stake in the company.

In addition to Kim Beom Soo, former Kakao CEOs Hong Eun Taek and Kim Sung Soo were also implicated in the scheme. Both were indicted on the same charges, although they will face trial without detainment.

The indictment of such high-profile figures has sent shockwaves through the business community and beyond. With the trial looming, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for corporate governance and market practices in South Korea.

As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this legal battle will impact not only Kakao and SM Entertainment but also the broader entertainment and tech industries.

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Big Hit Music Apologizes Again for BTS Suga DUI Incident

Big Hit Music has apologized again following the controversy surrounding the recent DUI incident of BTS Suga. The agency directly addressed public concerns and clarified details about the vehicle involved, responding to criticism over how they initially communicated the situation.

Big Hit clarifies concerns over downplaying BTS Suga DUI incident and provides more details about the vehicle involved

On August 8, KST, Big Hit Music posted an updated statement on Weverse, saying, “We did not intend to scale down the issue at hand, and we later confirmed that the vehicle was not a kickboard.” This response came after fans and the public perceived the initial statement, which described the vehicle as an “electric kickboard,” as an attempt to minimize the severity of the situation.

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.

The agency continued, “We initially described the vehicle as an ‘electric kickboard’ because we believed it was a foldable kickboard with a seat attachment. However, after thoroughly reviewing the facts, we realized that vehicle models vary by performance and specifications, which can affect the severity of the crime.”

The controversy began on August 7, KST, when news of Suga’s DUI charges emerged. Big Hit Music’s initial response faced backlash, as critics accused the agency of downplaying the incident by emphasizing specific details about the vehicle—referring to it as a scooter, emphasizing that Suga was “wearing a helmet,” “only travelled a short distance,” and “fell while parking the scooter.”

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle Suga was riding on the evening of August 6, KST, was an electric scooter capable of reaching speeds of up to 30 km per hour. Under South Korea’s Vehicle Administration Laws, this type of scooter is classified as a motorbicycle. If someone operates this type of vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration over 0.08% and under 0.2%, they could face fines between 5 million and 10 million KRW or, in severe cases, 1 to 2 years in prison.

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Cho Seung Woo Express Support to Go Jun Hee Amidst ‘Burning Sun’ Scandal

On August 7, KST, Go Jun Hee shared a supportive message she received from actor Cho Seung Woo on Instagram. He sent the message through a mutual acquaintance to express his encouragement as she prepared for her first stage performance.

Cho Seung Woo stands by Go Jun Hee during the ongoing controversy

Cho Seung Woo wrote, “Although we’ve never met, I want to send my heartfelt congratulations and support for your first performance tomorrow. I hope that the precious moments you’ll create on stage will become beautiful memories and that this project will lead to many opportunities in great works where we might meet often. Please tell her to keep fighting.”

He continued, “Let her release all the struggles she’s been through on stage. Even if she feels anxious or nervous, remind her that someone who has endured such unfair and difficult times will find this to be nothing. Tell her to stand proudly and deliver her performance. The energy and applause from the audience will compensate for the lost time.”

Go Jun Hee replied, “Thank you.”

Previously, Go Jun Hee appeared on the YouTube channel ‘Don’t Forget Your Breakfast2′ to address rumors linking her to the Burning Sun scandal. She stated, “I don’t even know where Burning Sun is located, and I’ve never been there. I kept saying it wasn’t true, but no one would listen,” expressing her frustration.

Cho Seung Woo makes fans fall in love with his charismatic presence. Photo via Instagram @goodmanstory_official.

She added, “I told my agency that it wasn’t me, and I thought everything would be cleared up if the agency made a statement, but they neglected it. For an actor, image is everything, and I couldn’t understand why they wouldn’t clear this up. So I left the agency and hired a lawyer on my own to clarify the situation.”

Lastly, she recalled, “Even after I made a clarification, my name continued to be mentioned, which made it seem like I was admitting to something. As a result, projects and work I had planned were cancelled, and I wasn’t able to continue with them.”

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