Actor Lee Byung-hun who starred in hit TV series “Mr. Sunshine” won big at this year’s APAN Star Awards, bringing home the grand prize.Despite the category being one of the most hotly contested, the veteran actor managed to fend off competition from the likes of Kim Nam-joo from “Misty” and Jeon Seung-woo from “Life,” adding yet another award to his glittering career.During his acceptance speech, Lee said many staff and actors worked together for “Mr. Sunshine” and that he had a lot of people to

Television Oct. 14, 2018

When BTS gave a speech themed on self-love at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in late September, fans were proud to see their idols at such a high-profile event that further propelled them onto the global stage. During the speech, RM (Kim Nam-joon) encouraged people to speak up for themselves regardless of who they are, where they are from, their skin color and their gender identity.The speech landed the group on numerous headlines worldwide, but not everyone was sure why the boy

Performance Oct. 12, 2018

Gong Yoo is readying to return to the big screen, over two years after 2016 film “The Age of Shadows.”Gong is set to star in Lee Yong-joo’s new film tentatively titled “Seo Bok,” in which the actor will take on the role as a former intelligence agent who lends a helping hand to the world’s first human clone Seo Bok, as different groups try to track him down.Gong, who has appeared in films across different genres including “The Suspect” and “Train to Busan,” has kept a relatively low profile sinc

Film Oct. 11, 2018

Singer Goo Ha-ra’s ex-boyfriend Choi Jong-bum defended himself against accusations of revenge porn on Tuesday’s episode of SBS’ “Access Showbiz Tonight,” but his explanation that he sent Goo the private video in question to “get rid of it” was met with skepticism.During the show, Choi, who appeared alongside his lawyer, said, “I didn’t want to film the video, and it wasn’t even filmed by me but Goo Ha-ra. As we were ending our relationship and I no longer have a reason to keep the video, I sent

Performance Oct. 10, 2018

Japanese actor Jun Kunimura faces mounting criticism in his country after suggesting that Japan understand Koreans’ sentiment toward the controversial Rising Sun Flag, given the two countries’ thorny history.During the Busan International Film Festival on Friday, the actor said he thinks Japan should understand the way Koreans feel about the flag, when asked by a journalist about the controversy surrounding the flag being flown at a naval event in Korea.“The Japan Self-Defense Force would say th

Film Oct. 9, 2018

Goo Ha-ra’s ex-boyfriend is facing public outrage in the wake of a revelation that he allegedly threatened the singer with revenge porn.In a shocking turn of events, Dispatch released a report Thursday that claimed the singer’s ex-boyfriend surnamed Choi had threatened to release video footage of the two engaging in sexual intercourse. The case had initially centered on assault allegations involving Goo and her ex. Police were reportedly considering charges of bodily harm against Goo on Wednesda

Television Oct. 5, 2018

Singer Goo Ha-ra has reportedly been sent threats of the release of revenge porn from an ex-boyfriend, according to a new bombshell report. Local media outlet Dispatch on Thursday revealed screenshots of Goo’s KakaoTalk conversations with the man, which shows him threatening the singer with a short clip identified as a sex video. The 30-second-long clip with no thumbnail is alleged by Dispatch to be video footage of the two engaged in sexual intercourse, filmed by Goo’s boyfriend. (Goo Ha-ra's I

Television Oct. 4, 2018

K-pop heavyweight EXO will return to the music scene with a new album in early November.The nine-piece group, which performed at the closing ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, will release its fifth studio album, “Don’t Mess Up My Tempo,” on Nov. 2, its agency S.M. Entertainment announced Thursday.Fans are in for a treat as all the nine members including Chinese member Lay will get together and take part in the making of Chinese work for the album.  (S.M. Entertainment)The group’s

Performance Oct. 4, 2018

Police are reportedly considering bodily harm charges against singer Goo Ha-ra over an alleged assault on her beau during a late-night row at her apartment last month.Several media outlets, including Edaily, reported that the Gangnam Police Station might bring criminal charges against the troubled singer.If she faces bodily harm charges, which are of a more serious nature than assault charges in Korean law, Goo will be investigated by the prosecution and still face criminal penalties even if the

Television Oct. 3, 2018

Even after years of campaigning, sizeable backpacks continue to prove a risky choice for a bag during a busy morning commute in South Korea.This year alone, scores of complaints against the use of backpacks have been filed to Seoul Metro, which runs a network of the subway system. Ninety complaints have been reported so far this year, as of September. Complaints regarding backpacks were categorized separately for the first time this year, so there is no specific data to compare with the past.Uni

Social Affairs Oct. 1, 2018

The casting of South Korean actress Claudia Kim as Lord Voldemort’s pet snake in the latest installment of the “Fantastic Beasts” series has sparked yet another debate over typecasting in Hollywood.Kim, whose Korean name is Soo-hyun, sounded excited Tuesday when she revealed on her Instagram account that she would appear in the upcoming Harry Potter spinoff “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” as Nagini, originally described as Lord Voldemort’s right-hand snake in the books and films. H

Film Sept. 30, 2018

So ji-sub is returning to the small screen with upcoming MBC romantic comedy series “My Secret Terrius.”The Wednesday-Thursday series that begins with a special two-hour pilot episode this week was filmed in part in Poland, and will feature a number of historic spots including Warsaw Old Town.So, who has returned after 2 1/2 years’ hiatus, said during a showcase, “I’m a little nervous. I will watch from home tonight feeling nervous.” (MBC)“I chose the show because I thought it would be a fun sho

Television Sept. 27, 2018

K-pop sensation BTS embraced self-love and encouraged young people around the world to “speak themselves” regardless of their origin, skin color and gender identity, in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday.Kim Nam-joon, better known as RM, said, “No matter who you are, where you are from, your skin color, your gender identity, just speak yourself,” expressing support for sexual minorities. The group’s six-minute speech kicked off the launch of the UN’s new youth

Social Affairs Sept. 25, 2018

Actress Shin Se-kyung and Yoon Bo-mi of Apink made headlines this week after a spycam was found in their room during the shooting of the new variety show “Borderless Food Cart” abroad.The production team said the hidden camera in the shape of a battery charger was installed by a male staff member and that the suspect is currently being investigated. Actress Shin Se-kyung (pictured left) and Apink’s Yoon Bo-mi. (Yonhap)While the man who installed the camera “out of curiosity” failed to record any

Social Affairs Sept. 22, 2018

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wished Koreans a “very warm Chuseok holiday,” in a statement released through the US Department of State.“On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and the American people, I would like to wish the Korean people a very warm Chuseok holiday,” Pompeo said in the press statement on the State Department’s official website.“During this time for homecoming and family gatherings, good food, and friendly gifts, we join you in giving thanks for the many

Social Affairs Sept. 21, 2018