Influencer Yoo Hye-won has been gaining significant attention following her appearance on Couple Palace 2 (커플팰리스2), which premiered on February 5. The show quickly captured the spotlight, ranking 10th in the non-drama category of the Good Data Corporation's TV-OTT buzz index for the first week of February. Following the broadcast, Yoo's social media engagement skyrocketed, drawing even more interest from fans.

Before her participation in Couple Palace, Yoo Hye-won already had a substantial following among fans in their teens and twenties on social media. Her recent exposure has led to a surge of interest from advertisers and the entertainment industry.

However, some critics have raised questions about her authenticity, suggesting that her simultaneous announcement of a brand launch alongside her show appearance may be seen as a promotional tactic.

Despite the influx of offers for various brand endorsements and television appearances, sources indicate that Yoo Hye-won is choosing to decline these opportunities for the time being. She aims to take personal time to thoughtfully consider her future career moves.

As anticipation builds for her next steps, Yoo Hye-won continues to appear on Mnet's Couple Palace 2, which airs every Wednesday at 10:40 PM.

Influencer Yoo Hye-won Gains Attention After 'Couple Palace 2' Appearance

In a significant ruling, the Suwon District Court sentenced YouTuber Gujaeok (real name Lee Jun-hee) to three years in prison for extorting millions from mukbang star Tzuyang. Alongside him, other YouTubers including Karakula and Jujakgambeolsa were found guilty of extortion and aiding in extortion. On February 20, Judge Park Il-rang presided over the sentencing of Gujaeok, attorney Choi, Jujakgambeolsa (Jeon Guk-jin), Karakula (Lee Se-wook), and Crocodile (Choi Il-hwan). Gujaeok received a three-year prison sentence, while attorney Choi was sentenced to two years. Jujakgambeolsa and Karakula were each given one year in prison, suspended for three years, along with community service hours. Crocodile was fined 5 million won. Judge Park noted that the defendants appeared to lack awareness of the illegality of their actions regarding privacy violations, emphasizing that Gujaeok showed no remorse even in court. The court found Gujaeok guilty of extorting 55 million won from Tzuyang, coercing her into filming mukbangs, and extorting 22 million won from BJ Suit, while his threats were deemed not guilty. Additionally, Jujakgambeolsa's charges of extortion, threats, and coercion, as well as the aiding charges against Crocodile and Karakula, were all confirmed as guilty. Attorney Choi was also found guilty of violating the Personal Information Protection Act and the Attorney-at-Law Act. The case, known as the 'Tzuyang Incident,' emerged last August when a YouTube channel accused a group known as the 'Rekka Union' of threatening Tzuyang and demanding money based on her past. According to recorded conversations, Gujaeok received 55 million won from Tzuyang's side under the pretense of 'list management' consulting, part of which was passed to Jujakgambeolsa. Separately, Gujaeok has recently filed charges against Tzuyang's agency representatives A and B for perjury and defamation, and against Tzuyang's legal representative for inciting perjury. Gujaeok's side claims that A and B were the ones who openly disseminated Tzuyang's private information, asserting that he did not expose or widely share any of her private matters.

'쯔양 공갈' 렉카 유튜버, 1심서 '유죄' 판결...구제역은 "징역 3년" [종합]

YouTuber Gujaeok Sentenced to Three Years for Extortion of Mukbang Star Tzuyang

The highly anticipated film 'The Girl We Liked That Year' (그 시절, 우리가 좋아했던 소녀), directed by Jo Young-myung and produced by Take Pictures and JAYURO Pictures, has finally premiered. Alongside its release, the film has revealed stills showcasing the college years of the main characters, Jin-woo (진영) and Seon-a (다현), sparking curiosity about the storyline. 

This romantic tale follows the youthful Jin-woo, who spends countless days pining for Seon-a before finally confessing his feelings. The newly released stills depict the transformation of the two characters from their innocent school days to their more mature college selves, evoking a sense of nostalgia while hinting at the new experiences that await them in university life. 

Notably, a still featuring Seon-a with another man adds complexity to Jin-woo's feelings, suggesting that she remains a popular figure even in college. The contrasting expressions of Jin-woo, who is seen staring intently at a computer screen, and Seon-a, who gazes pensively while holding a book, further deepen the intrigue surrounding their college journey. 

From February 24 to 27, special event screenings and a unique stage greeting will take place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall. The 'OST Screening' event will feature a music drama alongside the film, providing audiences with a melodious experience. Attendees on the day of the screening will receive retro sheet music capturing the film's poignant emotions, allowing them to cherish the memories long after. 

On February 27, a special 'School Uniform Day' event will allow fans to meet the cast, including Jin-young, Da-hyun, Son Jung-hyuk, Kim Yo-han, Lee Min-goo, Lee Seung-jun, and Kim Min-ju, all dressed in school uniforms. This event aims to evoke the excitement and innocence of school days, with special perks for attendees who come in their own uniforms. More details about this nostalgic event can be found on the official websites and mobile applications of CGV and Lotte Cinema. 

With the release of college-era stills and the announcement of special events, 'The Girl We Liked That Year' is currently showing in theaters nationwide, capturing the essence of youthful moments.

진영♥다현 '그 시절', 개봉 D-day..'과몰입러' 대거 생성할 스틸 공개

The Film 'The Girl We Liked That Year' Unveils College Era Stills and Special Events

Netflix has officially announced the production of its new series, Monthly Boyfriend (월간남친), along with the casting of Ji Soo (지수) and Seo In Guk (서인국). This romantic comedy follows Mi Rae (미래), a webtoon producer who, exhausted by her daily life, subscribes to a virtual dating simulation to experience love. The series promises to explore the theme of 'revolutionizing romance' through its unique premise of dating subscriptions set against a relatable workplace backdrop.

Ji Soo takes on the role of Seo Mi Rae, a webtoon PD who dreams of a second chance at love in a virtual reality. Accustomed to a life without romance due to her busy and tiring reality, she stumbles upon a 'Monthly Boyfriend' device that transports her into a virtual world. Here, she encounters perfectly idealized partners, reigniting her long-dormant feelings for love. Ji Soo's portrayal of Seo Mi Rae is expected to resonate with modern audiences, showcasing a story that many can relate to.

Seo In Guk plays Park Kyung Nam, a rival webtoon PD and colleague of Seo Mi Rae. Although he is someone she would prefer to avoid, he is recognized as a top performer in the workplace. His indifferent and somewhat selfish demeanor hides a secret that adds intrigue to his character. Viewers are eager to see how Seo In Guk will bring depth to Park Kyung Nam, who is set to create a whirlwind of emotions for Seo Mi Rae.

The series is directed by Kim Jung Sik (김정식), known for his work on popular shows like Drinking City Women (술꾼도시 여자들) and I Don't Want to Lose (손해보기 싫어서), which effectively capture relatable realities with humor. His ability to blend romance and comedy is anticipated to create a captivating romantic comedy experience in Monthly Boyfriend.

With a talented cast and a production team optimized for romantic comedies, Monthly Boyfriend is set to revolutionize the genre and will be exclusively available on Netflix.

[공식] 블랙핑크 지수, 서인국 손잡고 '월간남친' 찾는다..넷플릭스 제작 확정

Netflix Confirms Cast for New Series 'Monthly Boyfriend'

The mystery surrounding the YouTube channel '청계산댕이레코즈' (Cheonggye Mountain Dangi Records) has been unveiled, revealing actor Jo Jung-seok as the person behind it. This revelation has sparked excitement about his potential return to more active engagements in the entertainment industry.

On February 13, during a live stream on the channel, a character known as 'Dangi Appa' appeared. The channel, which gained popularity through IU, featured a man singing with a voice strikingly similar to Jo Jung-seok's while his face was obscured. This led to rampant speculation about his involvement.

As the live stream progressed, the truth came to light when 'Dangi Appa' inadvertently removed a sticker covering his face, exposing Jo Jung-seok. Caught off guard, he exclaimed, "Oh?" and struggled to find words, humorously noting, "Can’t you see my face is red?" as he broke into a sweat.

Despite his initial shock, Jo Jung-seok attempted to continue the broadcast, but viewers reacted with comments like "This is a broadcasting accident!" He playfully dismissed the notion of an accident, stating, "What kind of accident are you talking about?" before hastily concluding the stream, joking that he might not be able to move or turn his head much longer.

Just a week later, he posted an official apology video. In it, he candidly shared, "I’ve thought countless times about whether this is the right thing to do. I’m still contemplating it. Perhaps it’s time to reveal my true identity and continue on YouTube. As you know, there are two personas and worlds that sometimes clash."

In the newly released video, a frame with Jo Jung-seok's name was humorously placed in the background, prompting fans to respond positively. Comments included, "This is a great opportunity to reveal his identity and start fresh," and "He should change his name from 'unknown' to 'known.'" Many expressed their support, saying, "He’s totally charming; I’ll support whatever he does!"

Jo Jung-seok married singer Gummy in 2018 after five years of dating, and they have one daughter together. He reiterated his apology for the blunder as an anonymous YouTuber, stating, "I’m truly sorry for the mistake. It seems I’ve gone from being 'unknown' to 'known.'"

"정체불명 아닌 정체분명" 조정석, 공식 사과→배우 아닌 가수 본격 데뷔? (Oh!쎈 이슈)

Actor Jo Jung-seok Revealed as the Face Behind 'Cheonggye Mountain Dangi Records'

Actress Lee Ji Ah has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather, Kim Soon-hung, who has been accused of pro-Japanese activities. This issue resurfaced following reports on February 19 about a legal dispute among his heirs over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion KRW. Allegations suggest that Lee Ji Ah's father, the youngest among his siblings, forged documents using the seals of his older brother and sister during the land buyback process.

The controversy has inevitably impacted Lee Ji Ah's public image, with some netizens expressing shock and disapproval simply due to her familial ties. In response to the escalating situation, Lee Ji Ah's agency, BH Entertainment, released a statement on February 21, where she clarified her position regarding her grandfather.

Lee Ji Ah stated, "After much contemplation, I believe it is right to take responsibility and correct the facts, even though it is difficult. Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years. I have no memories of my grandfather, who passed away when I was two, and I grew up without any knowledge of his pro-Japanese actions."

She also addressed accusations that she had promoted herself using her family's background, asserting, "I have never released promotional articles leveraging my family background. However, false claims have circulated online, stating that I respect my grandfather, which is not true. I want to correct this and sincerely apologize as a descendant."

As the controversy unfolds, some netizens have voiced their opinions, suggesting that it is unreasonable to blame Lee Ji Ah for her grandfather's actions, with comments like, "No one chooses to be born into a pro-Japanese family," and "We need to move past this kind of collective blame. She has apologized, so the criticism should stop."

이지아=친일후손인 죄? 해명→사죄에 "연좌제 없어져야" (Oh!쎈 이슈)

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Actor Heo Jun-ho is set to deliver a remarkable performance as a villain in the new SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), which premieres on February 21. The series follows Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won and faces off against an ultimate evil that seeks to eliminate him. The intense rivalry between Park Hyung-sik and Heo Jun-ho is anticipated to be a highlight of the show.

Heo Jun-ho plays the role of Yeom Jang-seon, a ruthless figure wielding absolute power who will stop at nothing to protect his domain. Although Heo Jun-ho has previously portrayed strong antagonists, he describes this character as the "worst person" he has ever played, stating, "I wonder if someone could be this evil." He hints that Yeom Jang-seon will redefine the archetype of villains in dramas.

The demanding nature of the character has taken a toll on Heo Jun-ho during filming. He admitted, "During the script reading, I said I would speak less in this project, but as filming progressed, I ended up talking more." He revealed that the stress from embodying Yeom Jang-seon led to nightmares and even an increase in gray hair. To cope with the intensity of the role, he found himself joking and laughing on set, saying, "It was so tough that I felt like I was becoming an 'ajumma' (aunt)."

In the drama, Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, is driven by ambition to take over the Daesan Group but finds himself cornered after hacking the political slush fund. His confrontation with Heo Jun-ho's Yeom Jang-seon promises to deliver high-stakes tension.

'Treasure Island' will also feature a cast of unique characters, including Lee Hae-young and Hong Hwa-yeon, enhancing the drama's immersive experience. The show is set to air at 10 PM on February 21.

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Popular Taiwanese actor Wang Dalu (왕대륙) has been arrested on charges of draft evasion. Local media, including the China Times, reported on February 20 that Wang was detained and later released on bail of 150,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 6,590 USD) after undergoing a prosecutor's investigation.

Wang, along with nine others, is accused of obtaining forged medical certificates through three brokers, claiming to suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease to evade military service. The brokers charged between 100,000 to 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 4,400 to 44,000 USD) for these fake diagnoses, with Wang being asked for the higher amount of 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars.

Taiwan has a mandatory conscription system requiring one year of military service. Those who conceal facts to evade service can face up to five years in prison. Wang, who turned 33 at the end of last year, received a notice to enlist on March 13. He is suspected of using the forged medical documents to avoid re-examination, but since he has not yet applied for a re-examination, he may face charges of document forgery instead of violating military service laws.

Born in 1991, Wang Dalu gained fame through films like "Our Times" (나의 소녀시대) and the drama "It Started with a Kiss" (장난스런 키스). He has previously been in the spotlight for his friendship with former BIGBANG member Seungri (승리), who was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal. Wang has publicly stated that he and Seungri are just ordinary friends and denied any involvement in immoral activities.

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

On February 21, actress Lee Ji Ah (이지아) released a statement through her agency, BH Entertainment, regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather's pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period. She expressed that after much contemplation, she felt it was necessary to clarify the facts and take responsibility, despite the difficulty of the situation. Lee Ji Ah apologized for the delay in her response.

She clarified her family situation, stating, "Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years."

Regarding her grandfather's pro-Japanese actions, she noted, "My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him and grew up unaware of his pro-Japanese activities. I first learned about this issue through an article in 2011, which prompted me to visit the National Institute of Korean History multiple times to verify the facts and study the related materials."

Lee Ji Ah acknowledged discovering her grandfather's donation records during her research, stating, "Considering the historical context, such actions cannot be justified for any reason. If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be returned to the state."

She emphasized, "I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I used my family background for promotional articles. However, false claims have circulated online suggesting that I respect my grandfather, which is not true, and I wish to correct that."

In conclusion, she expressed her deep awareness of her grandfather's historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologized as a descendant. She committed to approaching the truth of history with humility and a sense of responsibility moving forward.

Recently, Lee Ji Ah has been embroiled in a legal dispute among her father's siblings over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion won, left by her grandfather, who has been classified as a pro-Japanese figure.

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Global artist Jennie (제니) is set to unveil her pre-release track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' on February 21 at 2 PM KST. This song is part of her highly anticipated first solo studio album, 'Ruby' (루비), which will be released on March 7. To build excitement, Jennie has also shared a teaser video for the music video, showcasing a catchy, trendy beat that perfectly complements the unique rapping styles of both Jennie and Doechii (도이치). The teaser captures the duo enjoying the music, creating an infectious energy for viewers.

'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' features the rising American rapper Doechii, who recently won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 67th Grammy Awards, making her one of the most talked-about artists in the hip-hop scene. The song embodies the beauty of living life confidently and fully, celebrating personal journeys and the determination to overcome challenges. It conveys a powerful message of self-assurance and the desire to make every moment count.

Jennie's album 'Ruby' is packed with 15 tracks, including 'Intro: JANE with FKJ', 'like JENNIE', 'start a war', 'Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)', 'with the IE (way up)', 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)', 'Mantra', 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)', 'ZEN', 'Damn Right (feat. Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis)', 'F.T.S.', 'Filter', 'Seoul City', 'Starlight', and 'twin'.

As the release date approaches, Jennie has been making headlines with bold promotional strategies, including the music video for 'ZEN' and the audio releases for 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' and 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)'. Notably, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a new personal best for Jennie, and she recently secured the top spot on Mnet's 'M Countdown'.

Influencer Yoo Hye-won Gains Attention After 'Couple Palace 2' Appearance

What do you think?

Trending

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Jennie to Release Pre-Release Track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' Ahead of Solo Album

More

YouTuber Gujaeok Sentenced to Three Years for Extortion of Mukbang Star Tzuyang

The Film 'The Girl We Liked That Year' Unveils College Era Stills and Special Events

Netflix Confirms Cast for New Series 'Monthly Boyfriend'

Actor Jo Jung-seok Revealed as the Face Behind 'Cheonggye Mountain Dangi Records'

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

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