‘Squid Game 2’ Faces Backlash Over Transgender Role Casting, Korean Viewers Puzzled

Credit: Netflix Netflix’s Squid Game has returned to the spotlight with the release of a character introduction video for its second season. Among the characters, Park Sung Hoon ’s portrayal of a former special forces soldier turned transgender woman has drawn significant attention. On December 5th, Netflix introduced the main characters of Squid Game Season 2 through a video, along with posters and clips revealing their participant numbers. In the video, the actors shared their characters’ backstories and passion for the project....

January 18, 2026 · 3 min · 489 words · Clayton Peterson

‘Squid Game’ Director Hwang Dong Hyuk Addresses Park Sung Hoon’S X

Credit: Netflix, Park Sung Hoon Instagram Squid Game creator Hwang Dong Hyuk has addressed the controversial incident involving actor Park Sung Hoon and a pornographic poster parodying the hit Netflix series. In an interview on January 2nd, the acclaimed director shared his thoughts on the social media scandal that erupted just four days after Squid Game 2 premiered on December 26th. The controversy began when Park Sung Hoon accidentally posted—and quickly deleted—a NSFW poster that appropriated the Squid Game concept....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 251 words · Frances Hamilton

‘The Manipulated’ Unveils Teaser Poster For Ji Chang Wook Vs Do Kyung Soo Showdown

Credit: Disney Plus Disney Plus has set November 5th as the global premiere date for The Manipulated , a hard-charging revenge thriller fronted by Ji Chang Wook and Do Kyung Soo . To mark the announcement, the streamer dropped a teaser poster spotlighting the combustible face-off between its two leads. The drama follows Tae Jung (Ji Chang Wook), an ordinary man whose life unravels when he is falsely accused of a heinous crime and sent to prison....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 304 words · Samuel Thomas

‘The Tale Of Lady Ok’ Heats Up: What’S Next For Lim Ji Yeon And Choo Young Woo?

Credit: JTBC JTBC’s The Tale of Lady Ok is capturing viewers’ hearts with its engaging story and stellar performances. The weekend drama, which premiered on November 30th, has gained significant attention in just two episodes, delivering a blend of emotional depth and humor that keeps audiences hooked. The series follows the journey of a former servant who becomes a noble lady, brought to life by its intricate storytelling and compelling performances from Lim Ji Yeon , who plays the fake Lady Ok Tae Young, and Choo Young Woo as Chun Seung Hwi....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 278 words · Stephanie Abraham

‘The Zone: Survival Mission 3’ Gets August Premiere Date And New Teaser Trailer

Credit: Disney Plus Disney Plus has confirmed that its hit original variety show, The Zone: Survival Mission Season 3 , will premiere on August 7th. Along with the announcement, a teaser and four preview stills have been released, showcasing the excitement to come. The Zone: Survival Mission returns with Yoo Jae Suk , Kwon Yuri , Kim Dong Hyun , and Dex for its third installment. This new season promises even more extreme and relatable missions, including surviving endless AI attacks, paying off home loans, and enduring challenges without crossing boundaries, all within a grueling four-hour time limit....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 313 words · Justin Prochaska

6 Korean Celebrities With Insane Property Value Worth Millions

Credit: Apple, EDAM Entertainment, High Zium Entertainment, Netflix Korean celebrities know how to live the life of luxury. From ocean-front properties to luxury apartment complexes in the heart of the city, no amenity was spared in the making of these stunning real estate properties. Now, various Korean talent have opened up their homes and showcased just how lavish their lifestyles really are. Check out the list of Korean stars who are living in a whole other world with their extravagant homes and luxury properties....

January 18, 2026 · 4 min · 695 words · Carlos Gaylord

Astro Members And Moonbin’S Sister Moon Sua Celebrate Parents’ Day Together

Credit: Yoon Sanha Instagram In a touching display of solidarity and remembrance, ASTRO memberse have shared heartfelt moments with Moon Sua, the younger sister of their late bandmate Moonbin, who passed away earlier in 2023. On May 5th, Yoon Sanha posted on his Instagram, marking the Parents’ Day with a message of gratitude, accompanied by several photos. The images captured Yoon Sanha alongside fellow ASTRO members MJ, JinJin, and Cha Eun Woo, with Moon Sua also prominently featured....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 289 words · Eldon Wooten

Boa Personally Apologizes To Park Na Rae Over Drunken Live With Jeon Hyun Moo

Credit: SM Entertainment BoA recently issued an apology for her behavior during a live broadcast on April 5th. On April 7th, she shared a message on Weverse, stating, “I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to my words and actions during my social media live stream on April 5th.” Back on April 5th, BoA was streaming live while having drinks at Jeon Hyun Moo ’s place. At one point, she rested her head on his shoulder and, when a fan asked if he and Park Na Rae might be a couple, she replied, “He’s too good for her....

January 18, 2026 · 1 min · 115 words · Jennifer Wilson

Bts’S Hanbok Designer Kim Rieul Passes Away At 32

Credit: Bighit Music, Kim Rieul’s Instagram Kim Rieul (real name Kim Jong Won), the renowned hanbok designer known for working with global K-pop group BTS, has passed away at the age of 32. On February 12th, Kim Rieul’s family confirmed his passing in a phone call with Hankyung.com, stating, “It is true that Kim Rieul passed away yesterday.” They added that they would provide further information regarding the cause of death at a later time....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 220 words · Michael Torres

Bts’S Jin Turns Into Macgyver Jin In Netflix’S Wild New ‘Kian’S Bizarre B&B’

Credit: Netflix BTS member Jin is teaming up with Kian84 and Ji Ye Eun to run a one-of-a-kind seaside bed and breakfast in Netflix’s upcoming variety show Kian’s Bizarre B&B . The trio will showcase their chemistry through various misadventures as they operate a unique B&B situated on the water—a concept never before seen. Jin steps up as a “MacGyver-Jin,” taking on multiple roles to assist Kian84. Beyond handling cleaning, cooking, and maintenance duties, Jin also serves as Kian84’s emotional support system throughout the series....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 329 words · Lynn Fontaine

Byeon Woo Seok Fans Flood Gong Seung Yeon’S Post With Complaints

Credit: OSEN Byeon Woo Seok ‘s fans have caused a stir by flooding the actor’s agency mate’s post with complaints about his recent excessive security controversy. Byeon Woo Seok Returns to Korea with Reduced Security After Controversy Credit: Varo Entertainment In response, other fans urged for self-restraint, commenting, “Why are you causing a scene on Gong Seung Yeon’s post?” “Please don’t do this here,” and “Send emails instead of commenting on other actors’ posts....

January 18, 2026 · 1 min · 153 words · Yolanda Lai

Cha Eun Woo Dropped By Major Brands Amid $13.6 Million Tax Evasion Scandal

Credit: Shinhan Bank, Abib Advertisers are quickly cutting ties with Cha Eun Woo amid allegations that the star evaded $13.6 million in taxes. Major brands began removing ASTRO member Cha’s image from their platforms on January 22nd. Shinhan Bank has made all commercial videos and images featuring him private on YouTube and social media. This move is especially ironic for the bank, which had chosen Cha as a ‘safe’ successor after their previous model, Kim Soo Kyun , was involved in a scandal with the late Kim Sae Ron....

January 18, 2026 · 3 min · 438 words · Bill Johnson

Cha Eun Woo To Join Park Eun Bin In New Drama About Flawed Superheroes

Credit: Hankyung Cha Eun Woo has chosen his next project, and it’s a drama alongside Park Eun Bin . Starnews exclusively reported on the 26th that Cha Eun Woo will star in the new drama The Wonder Fools (working title). The Wonder Fools , originally known as The B Team , tells the story of “flawed superheroes” whose powers activate regardless of their will. While the project initially explored various adaptations, The Wonder Fools is now set to feature an original storyline....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 275 words · Nicholas Hussain

Cha Eun Woo’S Family Corporations Allegedly Used In Tax Evasion Process Revealed

Credit: Dispatch Things have been looking grim for the once beloved celebrity Cha Eun Woo . The famous actor and ASTRO member has been caught in what is believed to be Korea’s biggest tax fraud scandal yet. Although it may be confusing, ZAPZEE breaks down the current situation with as much detail as possible based on reporting by Dispatch. First, on January 22nd, Cha Eun Woo was suspected of $13....

January 18, 2026 · 5 min · 912 words · Robert Mobley

Choo Young Woo Dishes On Filming Steamy Scenes For ‘The Tale Of Lady Ok’

Credit: J Wide Company Co., Ltd. Choo Young Woo shared a fun behind-the-scenes story about filming love scenes in The Tale of Lady Ok . The actor sat down for an interview on January 4th, following the conclusion of JTBC’s weekend drama. Looking back on his shirtless scene, Choo said with a laugh, “The director was actually more nervous and flustered than I was.” He added, “The script was very detailed, with instructions like ‘Kiss in the order of forehead, nose, neck, and collarbone,’ so there were no major difficulties....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 268 words · John Guitterez

Doyoung’S Warm Gesture To Moon Ga Young At Dolce & Gabbana Show Sparks Buzz

Credit: Twitter @mlek310 At the recent Dolce & Gabbana fashion show, NCT’s Doyoung and actress Moon Ga Young became the talk of the town, not just for their fashion choices but for a moment of thoughtfulness that caught everyone’s eye. During the Dolce & Gabbana 2024 F/W Collection in Milan, captured by Marie Claire Korea’s Instagram, Doyoung was seen offering his jacket to Moon Ga Young amidst an unexpected rain, showcasing a warm side to the pop sensation....

January 18, 2026 · 1 min · 174 words · James Yengo

Exclusive Interview: Jung Sung Il And Roh Jae Won’S Must

Credit: Disney Plus Ever wondered how difficult it could be to film an action thriller? There are some unimaginable scenarios and wild scenes that pull in fans with their intensity. Now, Disney Plus is about to release Made In Korea , the kind of thriller that packs a punch at each and every turn. Stars Jung Sung Il and Roh Jae Won discuss just how they prepared for their roles in this historical thriller and the most exciting scenes they filmed on set....

January 18, 2026 · 4 min · 705 words · Edgar Rimbey

Exclusive Interview: Omega X Thank Fandom For Their World Tour Success + Life In A New Agency

Credit: IPQ Entertainment Debuting in June of 2021, the 11-member boy group OMEGA X have climbed the ranks and proven to be an unstoppable boy group with various hits such as debut song “What’s Going On,” “Love Me Like” and now with “JUNK FOOD.” The boys Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Junghoon, Hyuk, and Yechan each possesses various talent, strength, and lovable qualities that make fans of all ages and in all countries swoon....

January 18, 2026 · 6 min · 1166 words · Patricia Jones

Exclusive Interview: Pow Discuss Their Viral Tiktok Content + Latest Fan Song

Credit: Grid Entertainment There is a boy group who packs a punch and their tender-hearted songs will surely drive fans wild. Five-member boy group POW debuted under GRID Entertainment in 2023 and have since captured the hearts of many fans with their charming vocals and handsome faces to match, too. Members JUNGBIN, YORCH, HYUNBIN, DONGYEON, and HONG started off with a warm-hearted boy-next-door concept with their first EP album, Favorite ....

January 18, 2026 · 6 min · 1142 words · Sara Dage

G

Credit: G-dragon’s Instagram It’s been revealed that G-Dragon received a massive signing bonus when he left YG Entertainment and joined his new agency, Galaxy Corporation. Galaxy Corporation signed an exclusive contract with G-Dragon in November 2023, offering him 10 billion won ($7.2 million) in cash and another 10 billion won in stock options, Chosun Biz reported on June 9th. The label’s estimated value then was around 470 billion won ($337 million)....

January 18, 2026 · 2 min · 227 words · Robert Giesen