Baek Ji-heon, a member of the girl group PRISMA (프로미스나인), has clarified rumors regarding the potential departure of five members from the group. During an Instagram live session on January 17, 2025, she expressed her confusion over the rumors, stating, "This morning, something made me go 'Huh?' I really don't know where such rumors come from." Earlier that day, a media outlet reported that five members of PRISMA had decided to transfer to Big Planet Made Entertainment, while three others were considering contracts with different companies. However, Big Planet Made quickly refuted these claims, stating, "The report that five members of PRISMA are transferring to our company is completely unfounded." Baek Ji-heon further reassured fans, known as Flover (플로버), saying, "We are working hard for our Flover. It’s still a bit early to share good news." Notably, PRISMA's contract with their previous agency, Pledis Entertainment, expired on December 31 of last year.

Baek Ji-heon Addresses Rumors of Five Members Leaving from PRISMA

Despite the South Korean government's recent announcement to lift the two-bottle limit on duty-free alcohol imports starting in the first quarter of 2025, reactions from the public, alcohol importers, and the duty-free industry have been largely lukewarm. Critics argue that without an increase in overall volume and monetary limits, the change lacks real impact. The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated on December 23 that the two-bottle restriction would be removed to stimulate duty-free shopping. Currently, travelers can bring in up to 2 liters of alcohol valued under $400, limited to two bottles. The government plans to ease the bottle limit by March 2025.

However, many consumers express frustration, noting that most alcohol purchased abroad is over 700ml, meaning the effective limit remains at two bottles. A frequent business traveler, Mr. Kim (63), shared, "I usually buy wine, whiskey, or vodka, which are typically 700ml to 1L. I would only bring back two bottles for personal use or gifts, so this announcement feels meaningless since the two-bottle limit still applies in practice." Discussions in alcohol enthusiast communities reflect similar sentiments, with users stating that increasing volume limits is necessary for the change to be meaningful.

The duty-free industry shares these concerns. An industry insider commented, "While the government is trying to support us, without lifting the volume restrictions, the removal of the bottle limit will have minimal impact on sales."

There are also worries that the removal of the bottle limit could exacerbate existing smuggling issues. An alcohol importer noted, "There are already individuals bringing in ten bottles at a time. If the two-bottle limit is lifted, we fear illegal activities will increase. Instead, we need a fundamental change in how alcohol taxes are structured, shifting from value-based to volume-based taxation."

Data from the National Assembly's Planning and Finance Committee reveals that the amount of alcohol tax evasion reached 6.34 billion won as of October last year, a staggering 136.7% increase from 2.68 billion won in 2023, and a thirtyfold increase from 278 million won in 2020.

While the majority of opinions lean towards dissatisfaction with the government's policy, some see potential benefits. Ms. Lee (29), who travels abroad once or twice a year, remarked, "I usually bring back two bottles of whiskey and several miniatures, but I always felt uneasy about the limits. Now, I can buy a few more without worrying too much about the bottle count." Some in the alcohol community also noted that they could now bring back more 500ml Chinese liquor (바이주) or miniatures without the previous restrictions.

‘주류 면세 2병 폐지’ 소식에도 애주가, 주류 수입업계는 와글와글...왜?

Korean Government Lifts Duty-Free Alcohol Limit, But Consumers Remain Skeptical

'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서) has shown resilience in its viewership ratings, unaffected by the recent controversy surrounding its director's past alcohol-related assault allegations. According to Nielsen Korea, the fifth episode aired on January 17 recorded a nationwide rating of 10.7%, with a peak of 13.3%, maintaining its position as the top show in its time slot. The target demographic rating for viewers aged 20-49 also reached 3.9%, solidifying its popularity as the highest-rated program of the week. While the fifth episode's rating saw a slight decline of 0.6% from the previous week's 11.3%, it did show an increase of 0.2% compared to the third episode's 10.5%. Notably, the ratings have been on an upward trend, with the first episode starting at 5.2%, the third at 10.5%, and the fifth at 10.7%. The Saturday episodes have also seen growth, with the second episode at 6.5% and the fourth at 11.3%. Given this trajectory, the sixth episode airing today is expected to set a new record for the series. The show faced scrutiny after it was revealed that director Ham Joon-ho (함준호) had a history of alcohol-related violence, including an incident five years ago where he assaulted pedestrians and verbally abused a female police officer. SBS confirmed the allegations, stating that Ham sincerely apologized to the victims and underwent legal proceedings. They emphasized that the past offenses were minor and unrelated to the current project, noting that Ham has since taken a three-year hiatus for reflection before returning to directing. Despite the controversy, 'My Perfect Secretary' continues to thrive in viewership ratings.

이준혁 한지민 ‘나완비’, 감독 주취 폭행 논란 영향 없다..시청률 상승 10.7%[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Viewership for 'My Perfect Secretary' Rises Despite Director's Controversy

Actress Jang Shin-young recently marked her 40th birthday, sharing her first social media update in five months. On January 17, she posted a series of cheerful photos on her personal SNS, showcasing her radiant smile and holding a bouquet of flowers. Among the images was a touching handwritten note from her second son, expressing his love and birthday wishes for his mother, which added a warm touch to her celebration.

This post comes after a lengthy emotional message she shared in August, following the conclusion of a lawsuit involving her husband, Kang Kyung-jun. In December 2023, Kang was embroiled in a legal battle, accused of infidelity and facing a 50 million won damages claim. Although he denied the allegations, the case was settled without admission of guilt, as Kang opted to avoid a prolonged court fight due to the emotional toll it took on him.

Reports have indicated that Jang and Kang have decided against divorce, with Jang stating on her SNS that they have had many discussions and have reflected on their situation. She emphasized their commitment to maintaining their family for the sake of their children, saying, "I have no regrets about my choice. My second child is still very young, and being a parent provides strength. I asked my eldest child, who is in high school, to trust and wait for me, and they did."

In addition to her birthday post, Jang made a return to television in October 2023 on SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' (미운 우리 새끼), where she candidly shared her struggles and efforts to restore a normal life with her children amidst the challenges she faced in her marriage. Jang's focus remains on her family, as she navigates this difficult period with grace and resilience.

장신영, ♥강경준 ‘불륜 용서’ 5개월만 근황..미소 되찾고 “사랑해요” 편지까지 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Jang Shin-young Celebrates 40th Birthday with Heartwarming Family Moments

In a shocking revelation on SBS's '궁금한 이야기 Y' (Curious Story Y), it was disclosed that a son, who is a well-known historical drama actor, has left his elderly mother in a nursing home facing closure. The episode aired on January 17, 2025, and highlighted the distressing situation of a grandmother, referred to as 최순남 (Choi Soon-nam), who has been abandoned by her son. The nursing home is struggling financially and is set to close, forcing residents to find new accommodations. However, due to the lack of consent from the guardians, it is difficult to discharge the residents, including 최순남, who has reportedly owed over 13 million won in nursing fees for more than a year.

The last contact with her son was on November 19, 2024, during an 18-second phone call, where he told her to hang up because he was busy. When asked if she felt hurt by his absence, she expressed understanding, saying, "I live here and he is busy, so it's okay." Yet, she later admitted feeling scared and wished to go home, needing someone to pick her up.

The twist in the story is that her son is a former public talent who debuted in the early 1980s and has appeared in numerous films and television dramas. The production team began investigating why he had cut off contact with his mother while leaving her in a nursing home on the brink of closure.

Upon visiting his residence, the crew found no signs of life, and local café staff reported he hadn't been seen for months. A convenience store owner recognized the mother, while a nearby restaurant owner noted that even when the son lived with her, he was often out and about.

최순남, who has lost her memory, inquired about her son's whereabouts, stating he was in the U.S. for business but would occasionally visit, which she found comforting. However, the last known location from his phone was in Korea, raising further concerns.

Additionally, it appears that her pension, earned from her teaching career, has been given to her son, leaving her without state protection due to the financial arrangements. The nursing home director expressed frustration, stating that if her pension account were transferred, she could qualify for assistance from another facility.

Colleague actor 이창훈 (Lee Chang-hoon) reminisced about the actor's past popularity, recalling a time when they joked about working together, but noted that he has not been seen in recent productions, making his current situation even more mysterious.

폐업 앞둔 요양원에 母방임한 사극전문 배우 누구? 이창훈도 아는 배우 ('궁금한 이야기')

Son of Notable Actor Abandons Elderly Mother in Nursing Home

The online community is buzzing with controversy surrounding actor A, known for his roles in historical dramas, who is facing allegations of neglecting his elderly mother in a nursing home. On January 17, SBS's program 'Curious Story Y' aired a segment about a grandmother, referred to as 최순남 (Choi Soon-nam), who was left in a nursing home that is on the verge of closing down. Both she and her son are suffering from short-term dementia, and due to a lack of guardian consent, her discharge from the facility has been complicated. Additionally, the nursing home fees have reportedly been overdue for over a year, amounting to approximately 13 million won.

The grandmother has expressed her longing for her busy son, with their last phone call occurring on November 19 of last year, lasting only 18 seconds. She mentioned that her son told her to hang up because he was busy, but it was later revealed that he was actually in South Korea, not the United States as she believed.

The situation took a shocking turn when it was disclosed that her son is a well-known actor who debuted as a talent in the early 1980s and has appeared in numerous films and television dramas, particularly in historical genres. His identity became a topic of interest as viewers recognized his face immediately upon searching his name online.

The production team provided hints about the actor's identity by showcasing extended clips from the historical dramas he starred in, along with an interview from fellow actor 이창훈 (Lee Chang-hoon), which further fueled online speculation. Comments questioning the actor's absence from the situation circulated widely, and articles about his previous business ventures also surfaced.

Public outrage has intensified, especially since the grandmother, who had a long career in education, was eligible for a pension but had transferred her bank account to her son. This has left her without state protection, prompting concern from officials.

In response to the allegations, actor A stated, "I have debts to the nursing home and have been trying to find a way to resolve this. I couldn't reach out because I am currently dealing with panic disorder and depression, which makes communication difficult. I promise to repay my mother monthly, even if it's a small amount."

Fortunately, with the help of the production team, the grandmother has found a new place to live. A representative from the senior protection agency mentioned that they will reissue her pension account to ensure her benefits are directed appropriately and that they plan to investigate the potential for abuse before referring the case to the police.

사극배우, 연일 논란..노모 연금 갈취+요양원비 1300만원 미납=노인학대? [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Controversy Surrounds Historical Drama Actor Accused of Abandoning Mother in Nursing Home

In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), Lee Min-ho's character, Gong-ryong, openly reveals his feelings for Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin. During the episode aired on January 18, Gong-ryong receives a call from Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), where he informs her of his decision to break off their engagement. After confessing his love to Eve, Gong-ryong expresses regret to Choi Go-eun, who apologizes for announcing their engagement. He responds, 'I'm sorry. I'm a foolish man,' to which she reassures him, 'Why do you think you're foolish? You're doing well, even succeeding in surgery. I feel unworthy to face you.' Gong-ryong then states, 'I don't deserve you. It's not because of Kang Kang-soo (Oh Jung-se), but because of me. I won't marry you. I'm sorry,' before ending the call. Choi Go-eun is left in shock, seemingly unable to process the news.

Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon recently expressed their deep affection for each other on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' as they prepare for their wedding in April. During the January 18 broadcast, Ailee shared her thoughts on proposals, stating, "I was already preparing for the wedding, so receiving a proposal felt strange and I didn't like it. But my boyfriend had everything planned after a trip, and we ended up keeping it simple."

She continued, "I was monitoring some YouTube content, and it turned into a video letter. My family and friends from the U.S. appeared, and my boyfriend thanked me for agreeing to marry him. It was so my style that I cried. My single life is officially over," proudly showing off her diamond ring.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon, who gained fame from the Netflix reality show 'Single's Inferno' (솔로지옥), will tie the knot on April 20 after a year of dating. While Choi Si-hoon has previously acted, he is currently focused on his F&B and MCN businesses.

As a wedding gift, Yoo Jae-suk and the 'How Do You Play?' team presented the couple with matching mugs, slippers, and pajamas. Ailee expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying she was deeply moved by the gifts, especially as she joined the Winter Song project.

However, the biggest surprise came from her fiancé, Choi Si-hoon, who shared a heartfelt video message: "I’m happy to have the chance to do a small event. As we start our second chapter in life, I promise to protect you forever and be by your side. No matter who bothers you, I’ll take care of it. You know I’m a real man, right? Thank you for starting this new life with me, I love you."

In an impromptu call, he added, "I’m sending our dog to puppy kindergarten. I’m nervous but happy. My wife is an amazing person. I want to protect her and start a life together. I hope we can be happy for a long time while taking care of our health."

Hearing Choi Si-hoon’s sincere words brought Ailee to tears.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon Showcase Their Love on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' Ahead of Their Wedding

Actor Robert Pattinson has made his first trip to South Korea, arriving at Incheon International Airport on January 19, 2025. The visit is part of the promotional activities for Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film, 'Mickey 17'. Sporting sunglasses and a casual outfit, Pattinson drew attention as he greeted numerous fans at the airport. He warmly interacted with them, offering autographs and handshakes, showcasing his appreciation for their support.

Despite a busy filming schedule for his next project, Pattinson expressed a strong desire to visit South Korea, the home country of director Bong Joon-ho. His arrival marks the beginning of global promotional efforts for 'Mickey 17'. On January 20, he will participate in a footage screening of the film, followed by a press conference with Korean media, where he will discuss various aspects of 'Mickey 17' and engage with fans during a stage greeting.

'Mickey 17' is Bong Joon-ho's first directorial project since the acclaimed 'Parasite'. The film follows a disposable character named Mickey, who is sent on dangerous missions and is printed anew each time he dies. The story unfolds as Mickey faces his 17th death, leading to the unexpected emergence of Mickey 18. Pattinson plays two contrasting versions of Mickey, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Originally, 'Mickey 17' began production in the summer of 2022, with a release date set for March 29, 2023. However, Warner Bros. shifted the release of 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' to that date, resulting in 'Mickey 17' being rescheduled for a Korean release on January 28, 2025, and a global release on January 31, 2025. Following further adjustments, the North American release has been moved up to March 7, 2025, with a worldwide premiere in South Korea on February 28, 2025.

Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

In the latest episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서), which aired on January 18, 2025, the relationship between 강지윤 (Han Ji-min) and 유은호 (Lee Jun-hyuk) deepens significantly. 

During the episode, 강지윤 finds herself falling asleep at 유은호's home, where she dreams of her late father and wakes up in tears. In a moment of comfort, 유은호 holds her hand tightly. After spending the night, 강지윤 hurriedly packs her things and leaves. 

The two characters are also seen trying to resolve a conflict at work regarding a controversy over counterfeit luxury bags presented by a luxury appraiser from Careerway. Amidst this chaos, 유은호's daughter 별 (기소유) has an accident after meeting 강지윤, leading to her hospitalization. 

As the story unfolds, 강지윤 begins to develop feelings for 유은호, displaying unusual curiosity about him by asking 서미애 (이상희) about his character. She also shows a willingness to trust people rather than just relying on cold logic when addressing workplace issues. 

Her change in demeanor does not go unnoticed by 우정훈 (김도훈), who teasingly remarks on their apparent closeness and encourages 강지윤 to ask him anything about 유은호, whom he claims to know well. Although 강지윤 dismisses the notion by saying, "What do you mean, what kind of person? He’s my secretary," her gaze betrays her true feelings. 

Ultimately, during a date where they attend a performance together, 강지윤 realizes her feelings when she spots 유은호 among a crowd. In a preview for the next episode, she is seen trying to avoid him but ultimately confesses, "I have a problem. I like you, 유은호."

Han Ji-min Realizes Her Feelings for Lee Jun-hyuk in 'My Perfect Secretary'

In the latest episode of SBS's Running Man, which aired on January 19, 2025, Jeon So-min's jealousy took center stage, bringing plenty of laughs. After a 14-month hiatus, Jeon made her much-anticipated return, with the cast welcoming her back enthusiastically, exclaiming, "The lost So-min has returned!"

Upon seeing the new cast member, Ji Ye-eun, Jeon expressed her excitement, saying, "I wanted to meet Ji Ye-eun because I'm a fan of SNL," showcasing her admiration. However, she humorously noted, "But she seems to have low stamina," to which Ji Ye-eun agreed, eliciting laughter from the group. Fellow member Choi Daniel chimed in with a surprise compliment, stating, "But Ji Ye-eun is really tall!"

As the games commenced, Jeon So-min began to warm up, prompting the others to joke, "So-min is warming up, but there's still some leftover energy!" When she remarked, "I haven't used my brain in a while," the members playfully retorted, "When did you ever use it?" This banter continued as they faced a quiz challenge, with Haha expressing his hopes for Ji Ye-eun to showcase Jeon So-min's skills, only for Jeon to impress everyone by answering questions correctly.

In a surprising twist, Yang Se-chan declared, "I want to team up with Ji Ye-eun," which visibly upset Jeon So-min. Yang then teased her, saying, "You should be jealous!" and asked, "Why are you jealous?" Jeon playfully responded, "I saw on the show that you treat Ye-eun really well. Do you really like her that much?" This sparked a humorous skit that had everyone laughing.

Later, Jeon So-min and Ji Ye-eun teamed up. Ji Ye-eun, reflecting on her own stamina issues, apologized to Jeon, who humorously took on a mentor role, asking, "Why are you so weak?" Ji Ye-eun then declared, "I won't fill up on tasteless food; I'd rather starve!" She successfully charmed Yang Se-chan into giving her food with her acting skills. Jeon So-min, feeling left out, exclaimed, "Why is only Ye-eun getting food?" to which Haha quipped, "It's because I only love Ye-eun!" Jeon then shouted, "Do you love her? Do you really love this girl?" adding to the comedic atmosphere.

Baek Ji-heon Addresses Rumors of Five Members Leaving from PRISMA

What do you think?

Trending

Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon Showcase Their Love on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' Ahead of Their Wedding

Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

Han Ji-min Realizes Her Feelings for Lee Jun-hyuk in 'My Perfect Secretary'

Jealousy Sparks Laughter on Running Man as Jeon So-min Returns

More

Korean Government Lifts Duty-Free Alcohol Limit, But Consumers Remain Skeptical

Viewership for 'My Perfect Secretary' Rises Despite Director's Controversy

Jang Shin-young Celebrates 40th Birthday with Heartwarming Family Moments

Son of Notable Actor Abandons Elderly Mother in Nursing Home

Controversy Surrounds Historical Drama Actor Accused of Abandoning Mother in Nursing Home

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