Kim Jaehwan: "My affection and trust for Wanna One members are even stronger now"

On the 2nd, JTBC News reported an exclusive interview Kim Jaehwan did with Japanese media outlet Oricon News through its official channel. The interview covered his past seven years promoting as a solo artist, his reunion with the Wanna One members, and his gratitude toward fans.

Marking the 7th anniversary of his solo debut, Kim Jaehwan looked back at his growth over the years and emphasized that his attitude toward music remains the same as when he started. He shared that the sincerity and passion he had for singing and performing on stage has remained unchanged since his debut. He also shared his hope to continue showing his unique color through various musical projects and performances.

Kim Jaehwan also shared his thoughts on his reunion with the Wanna One members:

"I treasure relationships where I can meet the members comfortable regardless of how much the time has passed. Since each member has gained various experiences through their individual careers, our ability to understand and empathize with one another has grown significantly. It made my affection and trust for the members have grown even stronger than before."

Kim Jaehwan did not forget to express his appreciation for his fans. He described his fans as an existence that always gives him strength and thanked them for their unchanging support and love throughout the year, adding:

"I hope to repay their support with great music and performances in the future, while also continuing to hold concerts to connect even more closely with them."

Recently, Kim Jaehwan released the digital single 'I'll Be There' and has been actively promoting it. The song, which he personally wrote, composed, and played guitar for, delivers a warm message of comfort and encouragement that resonates with listeners. He is scheduled to perform at the '2026 Korea Memorial Festa' which will be held at Nanji Hangang Park in Seoul on the 6th. 

Continue reading Kim Jaehwan: "My affection and trust for Wanna One members are even stronger now"

"She was married, but we dated" ... Cha Gawon's uncle exposes test messages in which MC Mong admits to an affair

According to a recent report by MyDaily, private text messages between singer-producer MC Mong and P.Ark Group and One Hundred Label Chairwoman Cha Gawon were revealed, drawing significant attention from the public.

In this episode, Cha Gawon's uncle and also the head of a major construction development company identified as Mr. A appeared and exposed the raw, unfiltered messages that he claimed to have received directly from MC Mong. In the messages, MC Mong allegedly wrote:

"I dated Gawon. Three years ago, she asked me out. After thinking about it for a long time, I agreed to date her. Even though she was married, she told me she was in the process of getting a divorce. I was grateful for how much she took care of and protected me. As a man, I gambled. I gambled with Cha Gawon. She also helped me pay off some of my gambling debts." 

Mr. A claimed that after receiving those messages, MC Mong personally visited him and threatened to expose his relationship with Cha Gawon to the media, engaging in intimidation and attempted extortion.

However, the explanations from Cha Gawon are completely different. She strongly countered:

"If I open my mouth, a lot of people will get hurt. The entire entertainment industry could turn completely upside down."

Cha Gawon explained that she came to know MC Mong after he asked for help because investors were withdrawing from his company. Hower, starting in early 2025, Cha Gawon repeatedly received reports about his involvement in prostitution, which made her feel deeply betrayed. After causing problems and leaving, MC Mong joined forces with Mr. A. Cha Gawon added, "If it weren't for that, the company would never have ended up in this situation." 

In short, Cha Gawon's side maintains that the allegations regarding their private lives are completely false and part of an attempt by the two men to seize control of the company. MC Mong also denied the affair allegations and directed criticism toward the broadcasting station, stating that the messages had been fabricated and pieced together maliciously.

Later, MC Mong expressed his frustation during a livestream, saying:

"I intend to fight this with my reputation on the line. I will hold them accountable for taking away the last 18 years of my life. I will also file a damages lawsuit worth approximately 100 billion KRW against the producers of 'PD Note.'"

Continue reading "She was married, but we dated" ... Cha Gawon's uncle exposes test messages in which MC Mong admits to an affair

Huh Yunjin: "Right after receiving LE SSERAFIM's first paycheck, I called my mom and bought her a luxury handbag"

According to a recent report by Newsen,  LE SSERAFIM members appeared on the episode of SBS' 'AGJ' that aired on the 1st to promote their new song, 'BOOMPALA,' and shared a variety of stories. Huh Yunjin revealed that she bought her mother a luxury handbag after receiving her first paycheck as a member of LE SSERAFIM.

On the 22nd, LE SSERAFIM announced their return with their second full-length album, leading Lee Suji to comment, "What's even more impressive is that they reached 100 million views right after their debut." Lee Sangmin added, "They now have nine MVs that have surpassed 100 million views," pointing out the group's unstoppable momentum since their debut track, 'Fearless.'

When Tak Jaehoon asked, "Don't you feel anxious?" Huh Yunjin answered, "Of course I do. We have to do well this time too." Regarding the group's 'Spaghetti' challenge that became a global trend, Kim Chaewon expressed her gratitude, saying, "So many people joined the challenge," and Huh Yunjin added, "During our 'Spaghetti' promotions, I bleached my eyebrows. A lot of people asked if I shaved them off, but I personally really loved the look." Hong Eunchae replied, "I thought it looked cool too, but I wouldn't try it myself."

Tak Jaehoon then asked, "Who thinks they've changed a bit after becoming this popular?" Kim Chaewon raised her hand and explained, "We were eating at a restaurant and someone kept staring in my direction. I thought, 'They definitely recognize me. What do I do now? Should I offer them an autograph?' but it turned out that the menu board was right behind me. They weren't looking at me. They were looking at the menu."

Lee Suji made everyone laugh as she shared a similar experience, saying, "The same thing happened to me last week. An old man was walking directly toward me at the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal. I thought, 'Wow, even older people recognize me now. This is amazing,' so I confidently brushed my hair back. Then he asked me, 'Excuse me. Where can I catch the bus to Busan?' So I ended up giving him directions."

Lee Suji then asked, "Your first paycheck must've been pretty huge. How did it feel?" Tak Jaehoon joked, "You each got around 20 billion KRW, right? You don't? I dont' believe that." While Huh Yunjin recalled:

"We were all in the practice room when the CEO personally came in to tell us that we were finally getting paid. The very first thing I did was call my mom. I bought her a luxury handbag as a gift, but she doesn't use it very often."

Hearing this, Tak Jaehoon joked, "She's probably keeping it in good condition so she can resell it later," drawing laughter from everyone. 

Continue reading Huh Yunjin: "Right after receiving LE SSERAFIM's first paycheck, I called my mom and bought her a luxury handbag"

Sakura: "I look the prettiest when I cry" ... LE SSERAFIM reveals they have separate folder for 'crying selfies'

According to a recent report by Segye Ilbo, LE SSERAFIM members appeared on the episode of SBS' 'AGJ' that aired on the 1st to promote their new song, 'BOOMPALA,' and shared a variety of storied. They also confidently praised their own visuals while playfully exposing each other's quirky habits.

In this episode, the members opened up about their looks and what they consider to be their 'visual peak era.' Huh Yunjin confidently said, "I think I'm in my peak these days. I went blonde again for the first time in a while and it really boosted my confidence."

Upon hearing this, the other members immediately started teasing her. Hong Eunchae revealed, "Even on the way to the set today, she kept saying, 'I'm in my peak these days,'" and Sakura added with a laugh, "Lately, she looks in the mirror every single day and says, 'Blonde hair really suits me.'"

An unexpected situation unfolded when they had to vote for the 'No. 1 visual' in the group. Without a moment of hesitation, every single member confidently chose herself. On top of that, Kang Sora and Lee Suji also voted for themselves, adding to the fun. Kang Sora joked, "I have the mature beauty that comes with age," and added, "I'm the only one here who can pull off a sexy concept."

The conversation naturally moved on to the moments when they feel they look the most beautiful. Kim Chaewon said, "There are days when my makeup turns out absolutely perfect. Strangely, those are always the days where filming finishes early. When that happens, I can't help bu think, 'It's such a waste to wash this face off today.' So I end up taking lots of photos or even turning on a live broadcast." 

Hearing this, Sakura stated, "There have been times when I stopped in the middle of removing my makeup because it felt like such a waste," and added:

"Personally, I think I look the prettiest when I cry. When I cry, I take selfies. When things get hard or when I cry, I would look in the mirror and think, 'I look pretty, so it's going to be okay.' It actually helps me compose myself."

Following this, Kazuha shared that she once took a selfie to capture the moment after crying while watching a movie by herself, describing the experience as something romantic. Kim Chaewon also shared her experience:

"I don't cry very often, so whenever I do, I feel like it's something I should document."

 Meanwhile, Huh Yunjin shared the most surprising confession:

"I'm someone who gets emotional very easily. I have a separate folder dedicated to my crying selfies."

The studio reacted with surprise because even her fellow members hadn't known about it. When a picture of Huh Yunjin crying was shown, Lee Suji commented, "Even while crying, you still look so pretty." 

However, Hong Eunchae was the only one member who couldn't seem to relate. She brought big laughs as she said:

"I genuinely don't understand why they take selfies when they cry. They always send it to the group chat. I have no idea how I'm supposed to respond to that."

Continue reading Sakura: "I look the prettiest when I cry" ... LE SSERAFIM reveals they have separate folder for 'crying selfies'

Production company warns impersonation of 'Weak Hero Class' casting staff: "We do not do street casting"

According to a recent report by SPOTV News, drama production company Playlist has issued a warning about individuals impersonating casting staff for the drama 'Weak Hero Class 3.' 

On the 2nd, Playlist announced through their official social media accounts:

"We have recently confirmed cases of individuals approaching people while pretending to be the casting staff for 'Weak Hero Class 3.' Playlist is not currently conducting any street casting. If you have been approached in the manner described above, please do not respond under any circumstances because it has absolutely no connection to our company."

The company added, "If you have personally experienced this or discovered similar cases around you, please report them immediately through our official channels. We will continue to repay your support by producing quality content." 

Starring Park Jihoon, 'Weak Hero Class 1' received many positive reactions after being released on Wavve Original. Last year, its follow-up season, 'Weak Hero Class 2,' was later released on Netflix and reached No. 1 on the platform's Global TOP 10 Series chart within just three days after its release.

Although many fans are anticipating for 'Weak Hero Class 3,' no official news regarding its production has been announced yet. Amid this situation, reports of individuals impersonating the casting staff for the series surfaced, leading the production company to issue a warning to prevent potential scams and damage.

Continue reading Production company warns impersonation of 'Weak Hero Class' casting staff: "We do not do street casting"

Ji Changwook reportedly undergoes a special tax investigation by the National Tax Service ... Rumored to face billions of KRW in additional taxes

According to a recent report by Sports Chosun, the National Tax Service carried out a non-routine tax investigation against actor Ji Changwook in March. 

The National Tax Service reportedly identified several issues while reviewing tax filings and expense processing records. As a result, they imposed additional taxes totaling several billion KRW. However, the exact amount of the penalty has not been disclosed.

As of now, Ji Changwook's side has not released any official response regarding the reports. This case is drawing even more attention because the audit was reportedly conducted as a special tax investigation rather than a routine one.

Recently, it was also revealed that actor Lee Minki also paid additional taxes following a tax audit. At the time, his agency explained, "This matter arose from differences in the interpretation of tax laws regarding expense processing standards during the operation of a corporation. There was no intentional tax evasion or concealment of income. The penalty has been paid in full according to the proper procedures."

Meanwhile, Ji Changwook is currently greeting audiences through 'Colony,' a film directed by Yeon Sangho.

Continue reading Ji Changwook reportedly undergoes a special tax investigation by the National Tax Service ... Rumored to face billions of KRW in additional taxes

Kim Soohyun's legal representative on the possibility of his return: "In consideration"

According to a recent report by MHN Sports, the possibility of actor Kim Soohyun making his return to the entertainment industry recently became a hot topic across social media. 

On the 1st, attorney Go Sangrok, the legal representative of Kim Soohyun, made an appearance on YTN Radio's 'Wise Radio Life.' When asked about Kim Soohyun's plans to return to the entertainment industry, he replied:

"His agency is currently reviewing the specific details for his return. We will continue doing our best to support him so that he can stand before the public again through a new project."

Attorney Go Sangrok also shared an update on Kim Soohyun's current condition:

"Kim Soohyun suffered from a severe cybercrime to the point that his reputation and dignity were nearly destroyed. The highest priority right now is for him to return to his normal daily life." 

Regarding the damages lawsuit, attorney Go Sangrok also explained:

"Rather than focusing solely on the 30 billion KRW, what matters now right now is creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment that allows Kim Soohyun to return to where he belongs." 

Along with this, attorney Go Sangrok commented on the legal case involving Kim Se-ui, the CEO of Youtube channel Garo Sero Research Institute, saying, "It is extremely rare for an arrest warrant application to exceed 30 pages. We understand that the police and prosecution are highly confident in their ability to prove the charges against Kim Se-ui and his accomplices." 

Previously, Kim Se-ui raised allegations that the late actress Kim Saeron had been in a romantic relationship with Kim Soohyun while she was a minor. In response, Kim Soohyun held a press conference in March of last year, completely denied the allegations by stating, "I did not date her when she was a minor," and suspended his entertainment activities since then.

On May 26, Kim Se-ui was arrested on charges including defamation and violations of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (for filming and distributing images). Meanwhile, the Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to hold a review hearing for Kim Se-ui's detention on the 2nd.

Continue reading Kim Soohyun's legal representative on the possibility of his return: "In consideration"