https://en.fannstar.tf.co.kr FANNSTAR RSS Service - All Articles copyright (c) FANNSTAR fannstar@tf.co.kr     [THE FACT | Reporter Choi Soo-jung] Weekly idol ranking site FANNSTAR has opened its birthday vote for artists celebrating birthdays in September.FANNSTAR launched the September idol birthday vote on the 27th. The vote is held each month for artists celebrating birthdays, allowing fans to participate directly and celebrate their artists’ birthdays through digital billboard advertisements.As of 10 a.m. on the 29th, BTS’s Jungkook is leading with 549,916 votes. BTS’s RM follows in second place with 235,424 votes, while Felix ranks third with 41,269 votes, forming a competitive early race at the top.In addition, various artists with September birthdays, including PLAVE’s Yejun, Stray Kids’ Han and TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Yeonjun, have been nominated, drawing attention from fans. As voting has officially begun, attention is also focused on how the rankings may shift.Benefits will be provided based on the final rankings. The No. 1 artist will receive a free digital billboard advertisement at Kyunggi Building in Euljiro, Seoul. The No. 2 artist will receive 80% support for advertising costs on the CM Board at Hapjeong Station in Mapo-gu, Seoul, while the No. 3 artist will receive 50% support for advertising costs on the Megabox digital billboard in Sinchon, Seoul.As fans’ votes lead directly to birthday celebration advertisements for artists, participation from each fandom is expected to become even more enthusiastic.FANNSTAR’s September birthday vote will continue until August 17. The October birthday vote is scheduled to open on August 31.   ]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:55:12 +0900 Actress Moon Geun-young personally announced her marriage news. On the 29th, Moon Geun-young shared the news of her marriage in her own handwriting on her SNS account, stating, ″I am getting married.″ Moon Geun-young explained the reason for deciding to get married, saying, ″I met someone with whom I want to walk the path I always walked alone, someone with whom I want to share the times I pondered alone, and someone who makes me smile even over trivial matters.″ She added, ″So, the two of us, not alone, will fill the life ahead together.″ She also expressed gratitude to her fans, saying, ″Please offer congratulations and encouragement rather than concerns and worries. I will live even more diligently as much as you support me. Though this is a short message, I hope my sincerity reaches you.″ Finally, she said, ″I will definitely come back to you with a better self. Thank you.″ According to a report by News1, Moon Geun-young secretly married actor Jung Pyung, who is seven years older than her. The two built trust over a long time as fellow actors, developed into a romantic relationship, and eventually got married. It is said that they carefully nurtured their love so discreetly that they did not even inform close acquaintances about their relationship. Jung Pyung was born in 1980 and debuted in 2007. He has appeared in various works centered on musicals and theater stages, including Radio Star, Aida, Laundry, and Agatha. Their relationship deepened further in the creative group ″Bachi,″ where Moon Geun-young worked as a director. Jung Pyung was an active key member of Bachi and also appeared in the short film Currently in Progress, directed and written by Moon Geun-young. This work was officially invited to the XL section of the 26th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in 2022. In an interview at the time, Moon Geun-young revealed that she became close to Jung Pyung through actor Ahn Seung-gyun and that they worked together because their values regarding creativity aligned well. Moon Geun-young was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome in 2017 and underwent four surgeries and rehabilitation. After recovering her health, she shared updates through tvN’s You Quiz on the Block. Recently, she confirmed her appearance in director Yeon Sang-ho’s next work, tentatively titled Yet-o, marking her return to the screen after about nine years.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Hwang Jae-gyun recently revealed his changed appearance in a behind-the-scenes clip of the ″TVING Super Match″ released on TVING Sports’ official social media account. In the video, Jung Geun-woo mentioned Jang Hyuk from the drama ″Chuno″ when he saw Hwang Jae-gyun’s long hairstyle, and Hwang Jae-gyun responded with ″Chuno,″ adding, ″Someone needs to go catch someone right now.″ When asked how long he plans to keep his hair long, Hwang Jae-gyun said, ″I’m growing it until I can tie it up. I plan to keep growing it until there are no comments telling me to cut it. If even one comment appears, I’ll keep growing it.″ Along with his hairstyle change, he attracted attention by appearing with a gaunt face, unlike his profile of 183 cm and 96 kg. Fans showed various reactions such as, ″Hair... please... I want to see a neat Hwang Jae-gyun,″ ″You’ve lost a lot of weight,″ and ″Why aren’t you cutting your hair? Why have you lost so much weight?″ Hwang Jae-gyun joined the professional league in 2006 and was an active baseball player representing the KBO League. He announced his retirement after the 2025 season. He signed two FA contracts in the KBO League and earned a total of 14.8 billion won over eight years. From the 2023 season, he received a salary of 1 billion won for two consecutive seasons. In 2022, he publicly dated and married T-ara’s Jiyeon, but they divorced in October 2024. One year after his divorce and retirement from baseball, Hwang Jae-gyun signed an exclusive contract with SM C&C and is currently working as a broadcaster.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lee Boram pre-released the stage performance of her new single ″On the Opposite Side of the Light″ through ENA’s ″K-Pop Up Chart Show.″ Appearing on the ″K-Pop Up Chart Show″ broadcast on the 28th, Lee Boram took the stage with red-colored hair and black attire, showcasing a newly transformed look. On this day, Lee Boram filled the stage with her solid vocal tone, unwavering singing ability, and deeply emotional vocals. ″On the Opposite Side of the Light″ is an autobiographical song conveying the message that Lee Boram, celebrating her 20th debut anniversary, is overcoming her limits and taking a step forward. Her explosive vocals continue from the beginning to the end of the song, accompanied by dynamic band sounds. Before the release of the new song, Lee Boram previewed the stage of ″On the Opposite Side of the Light″ on the ″K-Pop Up Chart Show.″ This song will be available on various online music sites starting at 6 p.m. on August 2.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 CORTIS’s debut album track ″FaSHioN″ has surpassed 200 million cumulative streams on Spotify. The song reached 200 million streams approximately 10 months after its release, marking the group’s second track to achieve this milestone. Previously, ″GO!″ from the same album hit 200 million streams on the 26th of last month, about 9 months after its release. This is the shortest time to reach 200 million streams among boy groups debuted in the last five years, with ″FaSHioN″ following closely behind. ″FaSHioN″ is a collaborative creation by members Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, and Geonho, centered around their shared interest in fashion. The song combines Southern hip-hop with trap sounds and features lyrics reflecting the members’ daily lives. On July 24, CORTIS surpassed 1 billion cumulative streams on Spotify for their released songs. This is the highest record among boy groups debuted in the last five years. Their second mini-album ″GREENGREEN,″ released in May this year, debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart dated May 23 and ranked 126 as of the August 1 chart. It has charted for 11 consecutive weeks, the longest entry record among K-pop boy groups debuted in the last five years. On the detailed charts, it ranked 2nd on Top Album Sales and 9th on World Albums. The title track ″REDRED″ charted for 13 consecutive weeks, ranking 92 on the Global 200 and 50 on the Global (excluding U.S.) charts. On the Artist 100 chart, it rose 7 spots from last week to 75. CORTIS will perform on the T-Mobile stage at Lollapalooza Chicago on August 1. They are the only K-pop boy group participating this year. Following that, from August 4 to 16, they will carry out the North American leg of their first tour, ″2026 CORTIS TOUR ,″ visiting six cities including Toronto, Canada, and New York, USA.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Nana has continued her activities by renewing her contract with her agency Sublime. On the 29th, Sublime announced that they had signed a renewal contract with Nana. The agency stated, ″We are pleased to continue this precious relationship based on the deep trust built over the time we have worked together,″ and added, ″We will continue to provide full support as a strong partner so that Nana can showcase her unique colors in various fields.″ Nana debuted in 2009 as a member of the group After School and has been active as both an actress and a singer. She has acted in various works including the dramas Good Wife, Kill It, Justice, Chief of Staff, Oh! Master, Clone, Glitch, Mask Girl, Climax, and the films The Swindlers, Confession, and Omniscient Reader. Last year, she continued her music career by releasing her first solo album Seventh Heaven 16. She also participated in singing Black Star, OST Part.3 of the drama Climax. In particular, she appeared as a key character leading the tension of the story in Climax, which ended in April this year, and won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2026 Korea International Streaming Festival (2026 KISF) Global OTT Awards held on June 20 at the Busan Cinema Center. Meanwhile, Nana is expected to show a new side of herself through the upcoming Netflix series Scandal.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Zico showcased a powerful presence on the stage of the 2026 Waterbomb Festival. He caught attention wearing a white sleeveless T-shirt and jeans, paired with sunglasses as he performed. Matching accessories such as a necklace and bracelets completed his signature hip-hop artist style, and he exuded charisma on stage with a dynamic pose leaning forward. Recently, Zico announced his participation in the Waterbomb Festival by sharing photos related to the event on his official SNS. Images of him staring straight ahead against a backdrop featuring stage lights and the word ″WATERBOMB″ heightened fans’ anticipation. Meanwhile, Zico is scheduled to hold a solo concert in Hong Kong this September, marking his first overseas performance in about eight years. The event has been officially announced through the global fan platform Weverse, generating excitement. Zico is loved by fans both domestically and internationally for his diverse musical talents and stage performances.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Seventeen member Dino is actively continuing his activities as his alter ego, Pi Cheolin. Recently, Seventeen’s official SNS released a post featuring cheerful moments with Pi Cheolin, capturing the attention of fans. In the post, Dino wore a black suit and a blue shirt, striking a pose adjusting his sunglasses slightly, exuding a relaxed and sophisticated vibe. Pi Cheolin officially launched his activities by releasing the first mini-album, ″吉BOARD,″ on August 3rd. The album’s quality was enhanced by the participation of singer and producer Beomgu, who has worked closely with Dino through Seventeen activities, and singer Lee Moon-se contributed special narration. In particular, the pre-release track ″Crazy Crazy″ attracted attention with its fresh charm, conveying the concept of coaching the emotions of love. Communication with fans is also active. Pi Cheolin shared on his official SNS with hashtags #PiCheolin and #Let’sPlay, showing that he is spending enjoyable time with fans with a friendly and cheerful image. Dino, smiling with short curly hair and sunglasses, is showcasing various sides and musical colors as his alter ego Pi Cheolin, radiating diverse charms. Meanwhile, Seventeen recently strengthened their teamwork by completing all members’ contract renewals, and Dino is adding momentum to the team’s new direction through his active solo activities in various fields. Expectations are growing for the enjoyment Pi Cheolin’s music and content will bring to fans and the public in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Rosé is drawing fans’ attention by hinting at a new transformation. Recently, Rosé posted on her SNS with the phrase ″A new chapter for an icon 💖 meet Speedcat Etoile.″ suggesting a new project. In the photo, Rosé is wearing a white short-sleeve T-shirt and jeans, sitting on the floor in front of a pink wall, holding a guitar and looking straight ahead. This scene, highlighting her long blonde hair, creates a comfortable yet stylish atmosphere that captivated fans. In another photo, she is dressed in a white crop top and jeans, sitting calmly leaning on a pink chair in a space where a pink fur carpet and blue wall blend together, showcasing Rosé’s diverse charm. An image including pink sneakers was also released, raising expectations for the new style she will present. This SNS post is interpreted as Rosé announcing a new beginning under the name ’Speedcat Etoile’ as a new artistic identity, beyond her musical activities. Rosé has been loved by global fans for her unique voice, performance, and distinctive style, and there is keen interest in what this change will lead to in the future. Meanwhile, Rosé is actively working both domestically and internationally, maintaining steady popularity with various music and performances as the main vocalist of Black Pink. Recently, she has also been showcasing her presence in various fields by attending film events and other official schedules.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 NCT 127 has officially begun their comeback activities along with the release schedule for their seventh full-length album, ’BLINGY.’ According to the information released through their agency and official SNS, ’BLINGY’ will be released on August 24, 2026, at 6 PM (KST). Along with this, fans can pre-order the album in advance through the album pre-order page. The album title ’BLINGY’ conveys a glamorous and shining image, raising expectations for NCT 127’s unique music and performance. The official teaser phrase ’CALL 127 : Action Plan’ has been revealed, heightening fans’ anticipation, and the members hinted at a new concept by holding walkie-talkies and wearing outfits in a green and black combination. Meanwhile, NCT 127 is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year and is planning various activities under the slogan ’EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEO.’ The release of this full-length album is expected to play a significant role in creating special communication with fans and meaningful commemorative stages. NCT 127 has been greatly loved by music fans both domestically and internationally for their numerous hit songs and high-quality stage performances. Attention is focused on what new music and images they will present through their new album, ’BLINGY.’]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 NCT 127 has officially begun their comeback activities along with the release schedule for their seventh full-length album, ’BLINGY.’ According to the information released through their agency and official SNS, ’BLINGY’ will be released on August 24, 2026, at 6 PM (KST). Along with this, fans can pre-order the album in advance through the album pre-order page. The album title ’BLINGY’ conveys a glamorous and shining image, raising expectations for NCT 127’s unique music and performance. The official teaser phrase ’CALL 127 : Action Plan’ has been revealed, heightening fans’ anticipation, and the members hinted at a new concept by holding walkie-talkies and wearing outfits in a green and black combination. Meanwhile, NCT 127 is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year and is planning various activities under the slogan ’EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, NEO.’ The release of this full-length album is expected to play a significant role in creating special communication with fans and meaningful commemorative stages. NCT 127 has been greatly loved by music fans both domestically and internationally for their numerous hit songs and high-quality stage performances. Attention is focused on what new music and images they will present through their new album, ’BLINGY.’]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Racing model Anna Kyung shared recent updates by posting photos that exude a strong summer vibe. Anna Kyung recently posted pictures on her SNS featuring the Gangneung sea as the backdrop, showcasing her bright and fresh charm. In the photos, she wore a yellow swimsuit and posed in various ways with the swimming pool and surrounding buildings in the background. Her confident demeanor is evident as she touches her hair with one hand or sits with her legs stretched out, gazing straight ahead. Wearing sunglasses added a stylish touch, creating a relaxed vacation atmosphere under the bright sunlight. In another photo, she appeared in a comfortable outfit consisting of a white top, blue bra top, and white pants, standing with her arms spread wide among the trees by the beach. Her natural, unpretentious look combined with the refreshing scenery of the Gangneung sea conveyed a sense of coolness. These recently shared photos show Anna Kyung not only as a racing model but also communicating with her fans by expressing the free and bright energy she feels in everyday life. Meanwhile, Anna Kyung continues to attract public attention with active participation in various events and photo shoots.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Shin Se-kyung will meet fans through a special event held at PHOTOISM stores nationwide. From July 29 to August 31, Shin Se-kyung will hold a photo exhibition and meet-and-greet event at PHOTOISM stores, showcasing various charms. At this event, fans can closely appreciate photos capturing Shin Se-kyung’s lovely and pure image. In the released photos, Shin Se-kyung wears a white top and poses in front of a solid-colored background, blending with cute character illustrations. She shows a natural wavy hairstyle and a smile while making a V sign with her fingers. The diverse poses create a vibrant atmosphere, promising to offer special memories to visitors of the event. Shin Se-kyung expressed her desire to communicate more closely with fans through this precious opportunity to meet them directly at the PHOTOISM store event. This event is expected to be a special occasion to refresh the midsummer season.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Dreamcatcher has revealed a bright and refreshing update. On Dreamcatcher’s official SNS, recent photos were posted showing the members dressed in white blouses, jeans, and cream-colored knit vests, warmly together against a backdrop of blue skies and grassy fields. The two approached each other closely, smiling and gazing, exuding a natural charm. Blonde hair and long hair combined with natural makeup created a comfortable yet fresh atmosphere. In the accompanying video, with the message ″Plan something cute, ok? ☺️,″ Dreamcatcher communicates with fans through lovely poses and expressions, showcasing their diverse charms. This post is known to be linked to their ’Playlist #Your_Youth’ project, which captures their youth and music. Meanwhile, Dreamcatcher has been announced as part of the lineup for the upcoming ’2024 Dream Concert,’ drawing anticipation from fans worldwide. This year’s Dream Concert will feature a total of 30 prominent K-pop singers and groups, presenting a variety of stages.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Yeonjun recently attracted attention with a post on his SNS. Yeonjun posted various daily photos on his Instagram with the short phrase ″ICE ICE ICEEEE 🥶.″ In the photos, Yeonjun is seen wearing a white long-sleeve T-shirt and white shorts, posing by pointing at a stop sign beside the road, and sitting on his knees enjoying a relaxing time in nature surrounded by grass and trees. A cute moment where a leaf is stuck on his hat also caught attention. He also shared a lively moment jumping with one foot raised and a photo sitting in the driver’s seat of an ice cream truck, showing a diverse daily life. In particular, Yeonjun sparked fans’ curiosity by posting a unique photo of himself wearing a blue polo shirt and beige pants, sitting inside a refrigerator with his hands raised. A comfortable shot of him standing with a snack, wearing a checkered shirt paired with light green pants, was also captured. Meanwhile, Yeonjun recently successfully concluded activities for his second mini-album, proving his potential as a solo artist. On August 5, he is scheduled to perform on ABC’s Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series in the United States, and on August 6, he will take the stage at the Z100 Summer Bash Presented by Wells Fargo, becoming the first Korean singer to do so. Successfully entering the local stage, he is proving his popularity not only in Korea but also overseas.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Stray Kids has launched a special program for fans called ″2026 STAYweeK″ to celebrate the year 2026, actively engaging in communication. In the video ″This & That Stay Company’s Secret Ep.04″ released on their official SNS, the members caught attention by wearing blue star-patterned outerwear with white T-shirts, holding small cups in one hand, and showing friendly smiles to fans. Meanwhile, Stray Kids is scheduled to perform at the Greater China music awards ceremony, the ″2026 TME Live International Music Awards (TIMA),″ held in Hong Kong this August, raising global fans’ expectations. They also recently announced through their official SNS that they will hold five performances of the ″Stray Kids World Tour ″ at the Seoul KSPO Dome from late July to early August, receiving enthusiastic responses. Through diverse content, Stray Kids is expanding their connection with fans while solidifying their position as leading K-pop artists with strong performances and musical excellence on stage. They are expected to continue actively participating in the global music market through various activities in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Trot singer Eun Ga-eun meets fans through a new makeup product broadcast. Eun Ga-eun recently announced the launch of the Easydew new mesh cushion on her SNS, leaving the message, ″See you at 9:45 on #cjHomeShopping!!!❤️″ In the released photo, Eun Ga-eun is wearing a white off-shoulder dress and taking a selfie in front of a solid blue background, showing a bright smile and a wink, raising anticipation for the live broadcast. Her sophisticated styling, highlighted by earrings, also caught attention. This broadcast will be held on CJ Home Shopping, and Eun Ga-eun’s bright and lively appearance is expected to naturally blend with the product promotion, attracting consumer interest. Recently, Eun Ga-eun has been actively engaging in broadcasting and various entertainment activities, intensifying fans’ support. Meanwhile, Eun Ga-eun continues her musical journey, having released her first duet song ″I Love You I Love You″ with her husband Park Hyun-ho on the 27th. Through participating in this makeup broadcast, she is showcasing diverse charms and communicating with her fans.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Trot singer Hong Jin-young shared a comfortable daily life and gave a brief update. Recently, Hong Jin-young posted several photos on SNS with the caption, ″Comfort is the best~🤭 #EveryoneHaveAStrongDay💕.″ In the photos, she wore a gray sleeveless top and black pants, posing in various ways inside a hair salon, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Especially eye-catching were her natural movements, from looking straight ahead with her lips closed, raising her hand while standing, to putting her hands in her pockets and looking to the side. The hair salon’s cosmetics, tools, and washing machine are visible in the background, conveying a sense of everyday comfort. In the brightly smiling photo, her usual friendly and warm image was confirmed once again. Hong Jin-young, who communicates with fans through her simple and natural daily life, different from her glamorous stage appearance, is actively engaged not only in music activities but also as the CEO of a cosmetics brand. Recently, she has been consistently sharing moments from backstage and her daily life, gaining love from fans. This post emphasizing comfort carries a message to take a short break amid busy daily life, resonating with many people.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Oksoon from ″I Am Solo″ Season 28 shared her thoughts on her wedding. On the 28th, Oksoon posted several wedding photos along with a handwritten message on her personal account. She said, ″The hair, makeup, dress, venue, flowers, and everything else were all perfect for the ceremony. I felt like a happy princess for the day, surrounded by beautiful and wonderful things beyond my expectations.″ She added, ″I was 12 weeks pregnant and not feeling well, but thanks to many people who congratulated and helped me, I didn’t even realize how hard the day was.″ Oksoon expressed her gratitude to the guests, saying, ″I will live beautifully and never forget my thankful heart.″ In the released photos, Oksoon wore an off-shoulder wedding dress, creating a pure and innocent atmosphere. There was also a photo of Oksoon and Youngho sharing a kiss on the virgin road. Oksoon and Youngho appeared as a couple on SBS Plus·ENA’s ″I Am Solo″ Season 28 Divorced Special and later held their wedding. Recently, the two announced they are expecting a child and received many congratulations.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Broadcaster Jang Do-yeon shed tears over the heartfelt stories about the families of RIIZEne members Won-i and Minami on the web variety show ″Salon Drip.″ On the 28th, RIIZEne’s Won-i and Minami appeared as guests on the YouTube channel ″TEO″ in ″Salon Drip.″ When Jang Do-yeon asked, ″What is the first thing you want to do when you receive your first payment?″ Minami replied, ″I want to give it to my parents.″ Minami revealed that she had already received a breakup compensation payment and said that when she went to Japan earlier this year, she gave her parents and younger sister 200,000 won each as pocket money on the last day. Won-i also explained about the breakup compensation, saying, ″It doesn’t come in large amounts. It comes about once every three months, around 200,000 to 300,000 won. I saved that to give to them.″ Minami added, ″It wasn’t so much about hoping to help but wanting to express my feelings. My parents have done everything for me for five years, so I was glad to be able to give them even a little.″ Won-i agreed, saying, ″It feels like becoming an adult.″ Later, when it was Won-i’s turn, he said, ″I want to buy my mom beef once.″ When Jang Do-yeon asked why, Won-i choked up and said, ″Beef is a rare food, right? When my mom worked hard and earned money, the food she bought was beef. Now I want to buy it for her.″ Moved by Won-i’s sincerity, Jang Do-yeon finally shed tears, and Won-i and Minami also became teary-eyed. The three were seen wiping their tears with tissues side by side. After regaining their composure, Won-i said, ″I’ve been so happy lately that there are many reasons to smile.″ Then he asked Jang Do-yeon, ″Do you usually cry a lot?″ Jang Do-yeon replied, ″There are a few triggers for me to cry, and RIIZEne has several of them.″ She also said, ″The video I took with Sunmin and Uncle Young-woo was also a trigger for my tears. I remember the scene where Won-i asked, ’Is this business?’″ Won-i responded, ″You saw that too?″ and became emotional again. Jang Do-yeon said, ″Watching that video, I thought, ’I hope these kids don’t get hurt.’ The reason RIIZEne videos keep appearing in my algorithm is because I really like the stories of each member, including Won-i and Minami. Watching them repeatedly has made me feel a genuine closeness.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Pianist and composer Yoon Han recently revealed through his YouTube channel that he is currently living separately from his wife, daughter, and their three children. In episode 1 of the YouTube channel ″Seorae Village Mr. Yoon Han,″ titled ″We Are Living Apart(?),″ the situation of the Yoon couple managing two households due to interior renovation was depicted. In the video, Yoon Han explained that he stays with two children at his parents’ house, while his wife stays with one child at her parents’ house, sharing the care of their three children. Yoon Han stated, ″We are currently living separately due to interior renovation. The children are also living apart.″ Yoon Han took care of the two children from early morning and moved to his wife’s parents’ house. After arriving, the preparations for the children’s kindergarten started in earnest, and the video showed him helping with clothes, hair, and supplies according to the kindergarten shuttle bus schedule. A sudden situation with the youngest child made the house a busy scene of getting ready for kindergarten. Yoon Han and his wife divided their roles to take care of the children and cooperated to finish the kindergarten preparations. Yoon Han calmly handled the youngest child’s unexpected situation, showing his role as a father of three daughters. After the morning passed, his wife mentioned, ″When Yoon Han takes care of two or three kids, I feel like I have nothing to do in the morning,″ referring to her husband’s childcare skills, and Yoon Han said, ″People who raise one child should watch this.″ The reason why the Yoon couple is managing two households by dividing the care of their three children and the kindergarten preparation process will be revealed through YouTube. Meanwhile, Yoon Han married a non-celebrity who is eight years younger than him in September 2017, and they had their first child in May 2020. After his wife experienced three miscarriages, they announced the birth of twin daughters in 2024.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Hyeri revealed behind-the-scenes photos from the filming of ENA’s Monday-Tuesday drama ″To You, Dream″ on her social media on July 28. Along with the post, Hyeri uploaded several photos from the set with the caption ″Today, too, Joo I-jae.″ The released photos show Hyeri in various outfits and different looks. ″To You, Dream″ is a romantic comedy about the reunion of genius film director Woo Soo-bin (Hwang In-yeop) and livelihood reporter Joo I-jae (Lee Hyeri). The drama premiered on July 13. Meanwhile, episode 5, which aired on July 27, recorded a viewership rating of 2.1%. Hyeri also recently mentioned in a YouTube video, ″I don’t think many people know that I’m in the drama.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The tvN Monday-Tuesday drama ″Work Later, Drink Now!″ concluded with its 12th episode. In the finale aired on the 28th, Kang Si-woo (played by Seo In-guk) decided to leave the company and find his own path. Si-woo, who had worked hard to bring change within the organization, ultimately chose the life he truly wanted and submitted his resignation, while Cha Ji-yoon (played by Park Ji-hyun) could not hide her regret but respected his decision. In the final episode, Si-woo and Ji-yoon overcame the last hurdle together and preserved their love. Ji-yoon’s mother, Hye-kyung (played by Lee Ji-hyun), who had difficulty accepting Si-woo due to his past divorce, worried about her daughter but began to open her heart after seeing Ji-yoon’s sincere words, ″Mr. Cha is the person who makes me live most like myself,″ and Si-woo’s true self. Noah (played by Kang Mina) and Jae-in (played by Won Gyu-bin) also conveyed another meaning of love by choosing to support each other’s dreams ahead of their trip to Senegal. One year after the broadcast, Si-woo had established his own company and continued new challenges, while Ji-yoon had grown into the head of the Future Home Appliances TF team, leading projects. The two supported each other’s dreams while growing in their respective positions, and after unwavering love, they exchanged rings and promised a future together. The final narration delivered the message, ″Love is good.″ According to Nielsen Korea, the finale of ″Work Later, Drink Now!″ recorded an average nationwide household rating of 4.6%, peaking at 5.5%, and an average metropolitan household rating of 4.3%, peaking at 5.4%. It ranked first in its time slot among cable and general programming channels, and the 2049 male and female target ratings for tvN also topped all channels, including terrestrial broadcasters, during the same time slot. (Based on paid platforms combining cable, IPTV, and satellite) Seo In-guk and Park Ji-hyun delicately portrayed the transformation from workplace superior and subordinate to lovers and partners supporting each other’s dreams, completing the narrative of Si-woo and Ji-yoon. Seo In-guk expressed Kang Si-woo’s emotions with restrained acting, portraying a principled yet warm inner character, while Park Ji-hyun realistically showed Cha Ji-yoon’s changes as she wavered between work and love but found her own answers. Additionally, Ji-yoon’s parents reflected on the meaning of a long-term relationship through the realistic depiction of a couple considering a legal separation. Noah and Jae-in showed various forms of love by choosing to support each other between love and dreams. The relationship between Si-woo’s ex-wife Su-jin (played by Park Ye-young) and Ji-yoon was also portrayed not as a rivalry but as mutual understanding and support. ″Work Later, Drink Now!″ conveyed empathy and comfort in office romance by warmly depicting realistic concerns such as love, work, family, and growth.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Ko Ji-yong, formerly of Sechs Kies, revealed that he divorced family medicine specialist Heo Yang-im two years ago. Custody was granted to Heo Yang-im. On the 29th, Ko Ji-yong announced the divorce on his SNS, explaining that he had not disclosed it earlier because he wanted to protect his son Seung-jae so that he could accept the situation and grow up stably. He stated, ″The divorce was a decision made to respect each other’s paths and to fulfill our responsibilities as adults. Seung-jae understands the new relationship between his mom and dad, and he is currently doing well and stable.″ He also added, ″I will continue to do my best as a father, and although we have separated as a couple, we support each other and are getting along well.″ His agency, Mountain Movement Story, expressed regret over the situation that led to the announcement of Ko Ji-yong’s personal life and reiterated that the choice was made solely to protect the child, with no other reasons involved. They also stated that they would take legal action if any rumors or speculative stories about the family arise. Ko Ji-yong married Heo Yang-im in December 2013 and had their son Seung-jae in 2014. After his son’s birth, he appeared on KBS2’s ″The Return of Superman″ and ″Men Who Do Housework,″ sharing daily life with his son. Regarding recent health concerns, he reported that he had a temporary liver function abnormality but is currently recovering and doing his best to manage his health.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Yeon Jung-hoon appeared on MBN·Channel S’s ’Jeon Hyun-moo Project 4’ and gave Kwak Tube practical advice on marriage and parenting. In episode 5 of ’Jeon Hyun-moo Project 4,’ Jeon Hyun-moo and Kwak Tube visited a long-established restaurant in Incheon and carried out the ’Incheon Long-established Restaurant Landing Operation.’ On that day, Jeon Hyun-moo opened the show wearing sunglasses and shouting, ″I am ’Mukader’,″ and together with Kwak Tube, they visited a famous hangover soup restaurant that has been in business since 1982. The two tasted seonji guk (blood sausage soup) and the unique ’seonji buchimjeon’ (blood sausage pancake) available only at this place. Later, Jeon Hyun-moo introduced Yeon Jung-hoon as his ’food friend’ and described him as one of Korea’s top three thieves, comparable to soy sauce marinated crab. After greeting Kwak Tube, Yeon Jung-hoon empathized with the difficulties of parenting when Kwak Tube said, ″My son just turned 100 days old,″ saying, ″That’s the hardest time. Feeding, burping, putting to sleep.″ He then gave realistic marriage advice, saying, ″No matter how much we try, wives can still feel hurt.″ Additionally, Yeon Jung-hoon revealed that he started studying wine after looking into vintage wines for his daughter’s birthday. Yeon Jung-hoon married Han Ga-in in 2005 and has one son and one daughter. Episode 5 of ’Jeon Hyun-moo Project 4’ will air on the 31st at 9:10 PM.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 ATEEZ ranked 121st on the Billboard 200 chart as of August 1st with their mini 14th album ’GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5’. The album was released on June 26th and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 (July 11th issue), setting a new personal record for first-week sales in the U.S. It also set the record for the most top 10 entries on the Billboard 200 chart among K-pop groups in the 2020s. The title track ″BAD″ continued to show steady popularity on domestic music charts even after the promotional activities ended, ranking 12th on Melon’s real-time chart, 18th on the daily chart, and 21st on the weekly chart. The ″BAD″ challenge spread across various fields including baseball, entertainment, and corporations, with many individuals participating. ’GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5’ also rose in ranking on the World Albums chart and the Top Album Sales chart compared to the previous week. ATEEZ is also active in Japan. Their 5th Japanese single, released at midnight on July 29th, includes the Japanese version of ″BAD,″ new songs ″Seeker″ and ″HIGHER,″ and instrumental versions of each track, totaling six songs. Along with the single release, the music video for the Japanese version of ″BAD″ was unveiled, featuring the members’ unique personalities, performances, and direction exclusive to the Japanese version. Meanwhile, ATEEZ is scheduled to meet local fans by holding the 2026 fan meeting ″ATINY’S VOYAGE : TINY MYSTERY″ at K-Arena Yokohama in Japan from August 4th to 6th. ATEEZ is an eight-member boy group under KQ Entertainment that debuted in 2018, consisting of members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 CORTIS has achieved their second 200 million streams as a team with the debut album track ″FaSHioN.″ CORTIS (Martin, James, Juhun, Sunghyun, Gunho) surpassed 200 million cumulative streams on Spotify for the track ″FaSHioN″ as of the 27th. This song reached this milestone about 10 months after its release. The team’s first 200 million streaming song was ″GO!″ from the same album, which hit 200 million streams on the 26th of last month, nine months after its release. Among boy groups that debuted within the last five years, ″GO!″ recorded the fastest 200 million streams, followed by ″FaSHioN.″ ″FaSHioN″ is a song co-created by the members centered on the theme of fashion, characterized by southern hip-hop and trap sounds. The lyrics include lines reflecting the members’ lifestyles, such as ″My tee, 5 bucks, pants, ten thousand won.″ The song has been loved for a long time, with audiences singing along at domestic and international performances. As of July 24, CORTIS surpassed 1 billion cumulative streams on Spotify with all the songs they have released so far. This is the highest record among boy groups that debuted within the last five years. Their recently released second mini-album ″GREENGREEN″ continues to perform well. On the latest U.S. Billboard chart (dated August 1) announced on the 28th, ″GREENGREEN″ ranked 126th on the main album chart ″Billboard 200.″ Since entering at number 3 on the May 23 chart, it has remained on the chart for 11 consecutive weeks. This is the longest charting record among K-pop boy groups that debuted within the last five years. It ranked 2nd and 9th on the ″Top Album Sales″ and ″World Albums″ charts, respectively. The title track ″REDRED″ appeared on the ″Global 200″ at 92nd and ″Global (excluding U.S.)″ at 50th for 13 consecutive weeks. On the ″Artist 100,″ they rose 7 spots from the previous week to 75th. CORTIS will continue their activities in North America. On August 1, they are scheduled to perform on the ″T-Mobile″ stage at the U.S. music festival ″Lollapalooza Chicago,″ being the only K-pop boy group participating this year. Following that, from August 4 to 16, they will carry out the North American leg of their first tour, ″2026 CORTIS TOUR ,″ in six cities including Toronto, Canada, and New York, U.S.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS Jungkook has surpassed 21 million followers on Spotify personal accounts. He is recorded as the fastest to reach this number among all Asian groups and solo singers. Jungkook has not released a separate personal or solo album since 2023, but he consistently records over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify. On Spotify’s main chart, the Weekly Top Songs Global section, his first solo song released in 2023, ″Seven,″ stayed on the chart for 154 consecutive weeks, setting the first and longest record among Asian solo singer songs. Additionally, his first solo album ″GOLDEN″ also entered the chart for 142 weeks, making it the only Asian solo singer album to achieve this duration. ″Seven″ was the first song by an Asian artist to surpass 3.03 billion streams, and ″GOLDEN″ exceeded 7.3 billion cumulative streams among full-length albums by Asian artists. Jungkook’s Spotify personal account recorded 11.28 billion streams in the shortest period for an Asian artist and became the first K-pop solo artist to achieve this by combining all credits. Furthermore, with three songs—″Dreamers,″ ″Left and Right,″ and ″Stay Alive″—he became the fastest K-pop solo artist to reach 1 billion streams. ″Seven″ set four world records on the Spotify global chart: the highest weekly streams for a male artist track worldwide with 89,748,171 streams (after filtering), the shortest time to reach 100 million streams (after filtering), and the shortest time to reach 1 billion streams in Spotify history. These records have been officially registered in the UK’s Guinness World Records.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Kim Ho-joong shared an update on his condition through his official fan cafe one month after being sentenced to prison for a hit-and-run drunk driving accident and being granted parole. On the 27th, Kim Ho-joong posted a message titled ″Dear Aris″ on the fan cafe, greeting his fans after a long time. He said, ″I miss you a lot. I don’t know how many days I waited just to say this one sentence.″ He continued, ″The past month since my parole felt like my time was continuing from two years ago,″ and added, ″I carefully revisited the things I had done and gently brushed off the dusty memories.″ Kim Ho-joong expressed that he thought about how difficult and lonely it must have been for his fans during his absence, saying, ″When I think about how you have unwaveringly kept your place, believed in me, and supported me despite the long wait, feelings of gratitude and apology come over me together.″ He also announced that he decided to continue working with his agency Art M&C (formerly Saenggak Entertainment). He explained, ″I decided to continue with the existing staff who had to endure difficulties together because of my mistakes,″ and added, ″Since they had to endure tough times because of me, staying with them until the end is an important responsibility I must fulfill, and it is the way I have lived and will continue to live. It was a decision I thought about a lot.″ Art M&C stated that this is not a new or renewed contract but fulfilling activities according to the remaining period of the existing contract. A representative said, ″There was a remaining contract period, and we decided to take responsibility and do our best regarding that.″ Currently, the largest shareholder of Art M&C is CT Investment, which is also reported to have acquired Kim Ho-joong’s remaining exclusive contract rights for about three years. Regarding his health, Kim Ho-joong revealed, ″I am about to undergo ankle surgery,″ and said, ″I will recover well both physically and mentally and stand before you again in a healthier and stronger state.″ A representative explained, ″Since both ankles were in poor condition even before the incident, surgery is unavoidable. He plans to focus on treatment for a while after his release.″ Kim Ho-joong was arrested and prosecuted for drunk driving on May 9, 2024, in Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where he crossed the center line and collided with a taxi before fleeing the scene and instructing his manager Jang to turn himself in on his behalf. He was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and served time at Seoul Detention Center before being transferred to Somang Prison in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, last August. His original release date was November 24, but he was granted early release on June 30 after passing the Ministry of Justice’s parole review. The agency CEO Lee and former director Jeon, who were tried together for instructing manager Jang to turn himself in to cover up the accident, were sentenced to two years and one year and six months in prison, respectively, while manager Jang received one year in prison with a two-year probation. Upon his release, Kim Ho-joong stated, ″I will carry out the remaining sentence with greater responsibility and repentance so that the feeling of freedom and liberation from leaving the prison gates does not come first.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 HYBE recorded its highest-ever quarterly revenue and operating profit in the second quarter of this year. On the 28th, HYBE announced that its consolidated second-quarter revenue reached 1.45 trillion won, and operating profit was 170.9 billion won. These figures represent increases of 105.5% and 159.3%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Net profit rose by 613% to 109.8 billion won. This is the first time quarterly revenue has exceeded 1 trillion won and operating profit has surpassed 100 billion won. Cumulative revenue for the first half of the year also exceeded 2 trillion won for the first time. This performance was largely driven by BTS’s release of their fifth full-length album ″Arirang″ and the world tour that began in April. ″Arirang″ ranked first in CD and LP sales in the United States, and according to U.S. music market analytics firm Luminate, it sold 208,000 vinyl records in its first week in the U.S. This is the highest number among contemporary groups since 1991. HYBE stated, ″BTS’s world tour has generated significant economic effects wherever the concerts are held, even coining the new term ’BTS-nomics.’″ BTS held a free comeback performance titled ″BTS Comeback Live: Arirang″ at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 and appeared in the halftime show of the World Cup final on the 20th. The activities of all HYBE artists were also remarkable. Various teams including Tomorrow X Together (TXT), Enhypen, &TEAM, Boy Next Door, TWS, Curtis, LE SSERAFIM, and Cats Eye surpassed 1 million album sales in the first half of the year. According to Luminate’s data, five albums by HYBE artists ranked in the top 10 U.S. CD sales in the first half of this year. Rookie group Cats Eye won three awards, including New Artist of the Year, at the May 2026 American Music Awards. Curtis recorded cumulative sales of 5.25 million with their first and second mini albums. In the performance sector, second-quarter concert revenue reached 647.7 billion won, and album and digital music sales totaled 326.8 billion won. Indirect participation revenue such as MD and licensing also hit a quarterly record of 310.6 billion won. Twelve HYBE teams held 119 concerts in the first half of the year, with over 200 scheduled for the second half. Enhypen held their first stadium concert in South America, and LE SSERAFIM is continuing their world tour across Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia. Boy Next Door, Cats Eye, and Curtis are also conducting their own world tours. Weverse, the fan platform, set a new record with 14.43 million monthly active users in the second quarter. Total payment amount increased by 12% compared to the previous quarter, and average payment per paying user rose by 24%. HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang stated, ″HYBE has proven through its performance that it is a company redefining the global entertainment market in the second quarter of this year and functioning as a core export infrastructure of South Korea’s cultural industry. These results are the outcome of continuous efforts for business innovation, and we will continue to pursue expansion and growth strategies going forward.″]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Hwang Jae-gyun recently attracted fans’ attention with his long hairstyle and gaunt appearance. On the 28th, a video titled ″Chuno Appears on TVING″ was released on TVING Sports’ official SNS. In the video, Hwang Jae-gyun appeared with his hair grown to his shoulders, tied back in one ponytail. Jung Geun-woo, seeing Hwang Jae-gyun’s look, said, ″He looks exactly like Jang Hyuk,″ referring to Jang Hyuk in the drama ″Chuno.″ Hwang Jae-gyun replied, ″Chuno,″ joking, ″Someone has to go beat someone up.″ When Jung Geun-woo asked about the length of his hair, Hwang said, ″I’m growing it until it can be tied. I’ll keep growing it until there are no comments telling me to cut it,″ adding, ″If no one comments, I’ll write ’cut your hair’ myself,″ bringing laughter to the scene. Fans paid more attention to Hwang Jae-gyun’s noticeably thinner face than to his long hair. Comments on SNS and the video included concerns about his health, such as ″I couldn’t recognize it was Hwang Jae-gyun,″ ″He lost so much weight,″ and ″Is he sick?″ On the other hand, there were cheerful opinions like ″He has a rebellious charm,″ and ″The ’Chuno’ concept suits him well.″ Previously, Hwang Jae-gyun appeared on the YouTube channel ″Durumari Studio″ and explained the reason for his weight loss: ″After retiring, I saw myself on variety shows and thought, ’Why is there a pig sitting there?’ I didn’t care about my weight when I was playing baseball, but after retiring and seeing myself on screen, I was shocked and started exercising and lost a lot of weight.″ Meanwhile, Hwang Jae-gyun ended his professional baseball career in December last year. He married Ji-yeon, a former member of the group T-ara, in 2022, but they divorced in 2024. Recently, he signed an exclusive contract with SM C&C and is continuing his career as a broadcaster.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The tvN Monday-Tuesday drama ″Tomorrow Again at Work!″ ended with episode 12 on July 28. In the final episode, Kang Si-woo (Seo In-guk) and Cha Ji-yoon (Park Ji-hyun) were shown supporting each other’s paths and continuing their love. In the finale, Kang Si-woo tried to bring change within the organization but ultimately decided to leave the company to pursue the life he wanted and submitted his resignation. Cha Ji-yoon could not hide her regret but respected his decision and cheered him on. The two protected each other until the end and continued their love, and Ji-yoon’s mother Hye-kyung (Lee Ji-hyun) also opened her heart after seeing her daughter’s sincere words, ″Mr. Cha is the person who makes me live most like myself,″ and Si-woo’s attitude. Additionally, Noah (Kang Mina) and Jae-in (Won Kyu-bin), who were about to leave for Senegal, chose to support each other’s dreams rather than hold each other back, showing another form of love. One year later, Si-woo established his own company and continued new challenges, while Ji-yoon grew into the head of the Future Home Appliances TF team and led projects. The two fulfilled their dreams in their respective places and exchanged rings, promising a future together. The happy ending was completed with the final narration, ″Love is good.″ The ratings recorded an average of 4.6% and a peak of 5.5% nationwide on Nielsen Korea’s paid platforms (cable, IPTV, satellite), with an average of 4.3% and a peak of 5.4% in the metropolitan area. It ranked first in its time slot including cable and general programming channels, and tvN’s target male and female 2049 ratings also topped all channels including terrestrial broadcasters in the same time slot. Seo In-guk and Park Ji-hyun delicately portrayed the process of changing from workplace superior and subordinate to lovers and partners supporting each other’s dreams. Seo In-guk expressed Kang Si-woo, a principled person with a warm inner side, with restrained emotions, and Park Ji-hyun realistically depicted Cha Ji-yoon’s growth as she finds her own answers between work and love. The two actors added credibility to the drama’s message through their emotional lines and chemistry. Ji-yoon’s parents reflected on the meaning of a long-term relationship through the realistic portrayal of a couple considering graduated marriage, showing the process of understanding each other and restoring their relationship. Noah and Jae-in conveyed various forms of love by choosing to support each other rather than giving up one side between love and dreams. Also, the relationship between Si-woo’s ex-wife Su-jin (Park Ye-young) and his current lover Ji-yoon was portrayed not as a rivalry but as mutual understanding and support, completing the relationships among female characters in a multidimensional way. ″Tomorrow Again at Work!″ warmly depicted realistic concerns such as love, work, family, and growth, delivering empathy and comfort. It ended with the final greeting, ″Thank you for your hard work today. Work is now over,″ leaving a lasting impression on viewers.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The fan club of Lim Young Woong, ’Hero Era Daegu Passion Hero Room,’ donated 5.2 million KRW in development funds to the Daegu Public Children’s Rehabilitation Medical Center operated by Daegu Dongsan Hospital. This donation was made on the 27th as a voluntary contribution prepared by the members of ’Hero Era Daegu Passion Hero Room’ to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Lim Young Woong’s debut. The members stated, ″We prepared this donation to continue the values of sharing and consideration that Lim Young Woong has consistently practiced,″ and added, ″We hope it will provide some support to children in need of rehabilitation treatment, and we will continue to engage in sharing activities with the local community, not just as a one-time event.″ The Daegu Public Children’s Rehabilitation Medical Center was established to provide professional and systematic rehabilitation treatment services to local children. Lee So-young, director of the Daegu Public Children’s Rehabilitation Medical Center, said, ″We will use the funds meaningfully so that children who need rehabilitation treatment can receive care in a better environment and grow up healthy.″ ’Hero Era Daegu Passion Hero Room’ consists of about 50 members from the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions and has been carrying out various social contribution activities such as supporting vulnerable groups in the local community and practicing sharing.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 CORTIS ranked first on both the World Chart and Album Chart in the 4th week of July on the Hanteo Chart. According to Hanteo Chart, CORTIS recorded an album index of 194,313.52 points and sales of 134,325 copies on the weekly album chart with their second mini album ’GREENGREEN.’ They also topped the weekly World Chart album category with a world index of 13,024.49 points. The second place on the weekly album chart was taken by fromis_9’s second full album ’Glow ME,’ with an album index of 129,099.20 points and sales of 93,964 copies. In third place was LUN8’s fourth mini album ’Off the Grid,’ with an album index of 91,183.50 points and sales of 79,290 copies. On the weekly World Chart album category, Jennie ranked second with 10,690.00 points, and fromis_9 ranked third with 8,816.32 points.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The music video for Lee Chan-won’s ″My Long Journey″ surpassed 3 million views on YouTube as of July 28. This song, included in Lee Chan-won’s second full-length album ″Brilliant (燦爛),″ belongs to the British soft rock genre and conveys a message of hope and comfort by comparing life to a long journey. The video intro features classical guitar and lively drum sounds, and the lyrics include lines such as ″It’s okay to be a little slow, things will get better,″ and ″Behind the clouds, there is light, and after the shower, a rainbow comes.″ The chorus’s ″la la la la la la la″ part is introduced as an easy-to-sing-along section. The music video was released on October 20 last year through Lee Chan-won’s official YouTube channel. Lee Chan-won continues to engage with fans through various broadcasts and events.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Stray Kids will make a comeback by releasing their new album, ″This and That,″ on August 7. The album includes a total of eight tracks, including the title track of the same name, with all songs produced by the group’s in-house producing team Three Racha members Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han. Ahead of the new album release, Stray Kids is currently holding five performances of their world tour ″Run It″ at KSPO Dome from July 25 to August 2. During these shows, they are performing the previously released digital single ″Run It″ as well as songs from the new album. After successfully completing their global tour ″Dominate″ last year, which featured 56 performances across 35 regions, Stray Kids focused on album production and preparing for a new tour in the first half of this year. They plan to reunite with their global fandom Stay in the second half of the year. From August 29 to 30, they will perform at the Tokyo National Stadium in Japan, marking the first stage by a foreign male artist at this venue. The Tokyo National Stadium was previously the site where TWICE became the first foreign artist to perform in April. In September, a new festival called ″Stray City″ will be held in three Latin American cities (Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Mexico City), with Stray Kids headlining all events. They are also scheduled to appear at the large Brazilian music festival ″Rock in Rio″ in September. Before their official comeback, on August 1, they will release a digital album titled ″SKZ Replay 2026 Part One″ to celebrate Stay’s birthday. This album will feature unreleased tracks and self-composed songs previously showcased in their own content as official music releases.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kim Taerae of the group ZEROBASEONE will participate in the OST of the tvN weekend drama ’Shivering Romance.’ ’Shivering Romance’ is a romance drama about a hotel heir who can see ghosts and an emotional prosecutor working together on an occult joint investigation. It is based on the 2011 film of the same name. The OST ’Promise Ring,’ sung by Kim Taerae, is scheduled to be released on various online music platforms at 6 p.m. on August 2. This song features instrumental sounds centered on electric guitar and conveys sincere emotions, singing about the moment of moving forward together into tomorrow without letting go of each other despite hardships and trials. Born in 2002, Kim Taerae debuted as a member of ZEROBASEONE through Mnet’s ’Boys Planet 2’ in 2023. As the main vocalist, he has participated in various OSTs such as ’Queen of Tears,’ ’A Week Before I Die,’ ’My Youth,’ and ’Terror Man,’ and recently reinterpreted ’Recollection’ for the Sanulrim 50th anniversary project.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Lim Young Woong directly addressed his relationship with Son Heung-min. Lim Young Woong revealed that although they have met a few times, they are not close enough to frequently keep in touch. He said that since Son Heung-min is a global star, he is cautious about reaching out first. In episode 6 of the SBS variety show ’Mountain Village Bachelor Hero,’ Cha Seung-won and Kim Do-hoon visited Lim Young Woong’s mountain home and spent time together. On that day, the three shared a meal, did house chores, and had various conversations. The talk naturally shifted to soccer, and Lim Young Woong said he had watched several Premier League matches to see Son Heung-min play. When Kim Do-hoon asked if he was actually close with Son Heung-min, Lim Young Woong replied, ″We’ve just seen each other a few times,″ clarifying the extent of their acquaintance. When Lim Young Woong revealed that he plays soccer every Tuesday, Kim Do-hoon expressed admiration by mentioning Lim Young Woong’s soccer team, Returns FC, which he founded himself. Kim Do-hoon said, ″That’s a truly successful life. Isn’t that the best life you can have as a soccer enthusiast? Creating a club is amazing. If I were reborn, I want to be born as you.″ To this, Lim Young Woong responded, ″I’d rather be born as you. I want to be as handsome as you,″ continuing their cheerful atmosphere. The broadcast showed Cha Seung-won leading the scene with his unique variety show charm, while Lim Young Woong and Kim Do-hoon prepared food together and shared warm moments talking about soccer.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS re-entered the US Billboard main song chart ’Hot 100’ at number 33 with the track ″NORMAL″ from their fifth full-length album ’ARIRANG’. ″NORMAL″ first appeared on the chart at number 41 on the April 4th issue and maintained its position for three consecutive weeks. It re-entered the chart following the release of the music video and Korean version of the song on July 17th. In the latest chart dated August 1st, announced by Billboard on July 28th (local time), ’ARIRANG’ ranked 9th on the main album chart ’Billboard 200’. The album rose 17 spots from the previous week, marking the biggest jump on this week’s chart. It has also remained in the top 10 of the ’Billboard 200’ for a total of 13 weeks, setting the longest-running record for a Korean artist’s album. Billboard reported that sales of ’ARIRANG’ increased by 62% from the previous week, reaching approximately 40,000 units. They analyzed that the performance of ″Dynamite″ during the halftime show of the ’2026 FIFA North America World Cup Final’ on July 19th (local time) positively influenced the rise in ranking. The album also showed remarkable achievements on global charts. ″NORMAL″ ranked 4th on the ’Global 200’ and 2nd on the ’Global (excluding US)’ chart. The title track ″SWIM″ placed 10th and 5th respectively. Additionally, six tracks from the ’ARIRANG’ album, including ″Body to Body,″ ″2.0,″ ″Hooligan,″ and ″FYA,″ have appeared on the ’Global (excluding US)’ chart for 18 consecutive weeks. The new song ″Come Over″ re-entered the chart at number 133, and ″Dynamite″ at number 140. Detailed chart performances also drew attention. ″NORMAL″ ranked first in the ’Digital Song Sales’ category, and ’ARIRANG’ climbed 17 spots from the previous week to reach number 2 on the ’Vinyl Albums’ chart. It also placed 3rd on the ’Top Album Sales’ and 28th on the ’Top Streaming Albums’ charts. The upward trend continued on overseas album charts. On the French music association (SNEP) ’Top Albums’ chart dated July 24th, ’ARIRANG’ rose 13 spots from the previous week to rank 3rd. This record was announced following the ’BTS WORLD TOUR ’ARIRANG’ IN PARIS’ held at Stade de France in Paris on July 17-18. BTS is scheduled to continue their North American tour at MetLife Stadium in New York on August 1st and 2nd.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS V shared a piano performance video filmed by pianist Seong-Jin Cho on his Instagram story. In this video, V played the jazz standard ″Misty,″ composed by Erroll Garner in 1954, and the window reflected V filming Seong-Jin Cho’s performance of Chopin’s Ballade No. 4. V began the performance by slowly placing his fingers on the piano keys while quoting the phrase ″It’s already started..″. Seong-Jin Cho also used the phrase ″It’s already started″ when performing Chopin’s Ballade No. 4. After releasing his first studio album in November 2016, Seong-Jin Cho explained in a masterclass interview about the scene where the left hand slowly moves through the air before touching the keys, saying, ″We don’t start this, it’s already started.″ This statement means that the flow of air and tension before producing sound are also part of the music. V has revealed that he is practicing piano and said in the ending remarks of the April ″Arirang Tour″ Goyang concert, ″I am looking for a piano teacher.″ In a 2019 live broadcast, he mentioned being a fan of Seong-Jin Cho, saying, ″I often watch Seong-Jin Cho’s videos. If I get the chance, I want to attend his concert.″ In June, he attended Seong-Jin Cho’s recital with director Park Chan-wook, and in July, he posted a photo taken outdoors on a bench with Son Heung-min and Seong-Jin Cho, along with a message celebrating Son Heung-min’s birthday. Seong-Jin Cho also attended V’s military discharge celebration party with director Park Chan-wook and Peggy Gou.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Ahab (AHOF) concluded their promotions for their third mini-album by winning four awards on ENA’s ″K-Pop Up Chart Show.″ On the broadcast of ENA’s ″K-Pop Up Chart Show″ on the 28th, Ahab (Steven, Seo Jung-woo, Cha Woong-gi, Jang Shuai-bo, Park Han, JL, Park Joo-won, Zhuan, Daisuke) performed their new song ″RUN TO YOU″ and received trophies in all categories, including ENA K-Pop Up Best Music, Rising Star, Special Choice, and One Pick Star. The members expressed their feelings, saying, ″We are so happy to achieve first place once again with ’RUN TO YOU.’ Through this third mini-album promotion, we feel like we have made many happy memories with FOHA (official fan club name).″ They added, ″We will continue to create many good memories and moments, so let’s keep running together until the end. We love you.″ The broadcast ended with an encore stage. Ahab released their third mini-album on the 8th, and the album topped the iTunes Top Albums chart in six regions immediately after release, entering charts in a total of 22 regions. The title track ″RUN TO YOU″ also took first place on music shows just one week after their comeback. Recently, a video showing Park Joo-won placing his hand on a security guard’s head and then looking embarrassed during a Manila performance was shared on social media. After finishing their music show promotions, Ahab will continue their Asia tour. On August 2, they will hold the ″2026 AHOF 1ST TOUR: THE FIRST SPARK″ concert in Taipei.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Director Na Hong-jin, who directed the film ’Hope,’ became a hot topic online by showing different reactions to the viewing reviews of Jungkook of BTS and broadcaster Yoo Byung-jae. Jungkook recently left a brief comment on his SNS story saying, ″’Hope’ is fun.″ Later, during a live broadcast, he shared detailed impressions, saying, ″I watched it in 4DX, and it was so intense that my hands were sweaty, and the sense of presence was amazing,″ adding, ″There are talks that opinions are divided, but personally, I was completely immersed and enjoyed it.″ Director Na Hong-jin immediately shared Jungkook’s SNS post on his own account, expressing his gratitude. On the same day, Yoo Byung-jae also posted on his SNS a parody of Jungkook’s post with the phrase ″’Hope’ is fun.″ Then, on his YouTube channel, he uploaded a video titled ’[Spoiler Alert] I also paid 15,000 won,’ in which he described ″’Hope’ as the chameleon of the film industry,″ stating, ″It is a work that divides opinions, but it has completeness as a piece. Above all, it generates numerous talking points and continuously inspires secondary and tertiary creations.″ Yoo Byung-jae revealed his fandom by watching the movie five times. However, while Director Na Hong-jin responded immediately to Jungkook’s post, he showed no particular reaction to Yoo Byung-jae’s post. In response, Yoo Byung-jae added a post saying, ″Are you sleeping...″ while waiting for the director’s reply. Later, Director Na Hong-jin left a humorous comment saying, ″I’m about to sleep, but people keep waking me up because of you, Byung-jae. What do you want?″ The film ’Hope’ depicts the story of Beom-seok (played by Hwang Jung-min), the head of the Hope Port office in the Demilitarized Zone, who encounters an unexpected reality after hearing news that a tiger has appeared in the village. Since its release, the work has received various evaluations regarding its direction and development, and it has ranked number one at the box office for two consecutive weeks, surpassing 3.5 million cumulative viewers.]]> FANNSTAR Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 PLAVE has released a teaser announcing the 2026 world tour ’KEEP IT MANIC.’ The teaser video features intense music along with subtitles saying, ″I will never fall. I will never collapse,″ conveying the energy of the tour. The video repeatedly plays music and contains a message emphasizing PLAVE’s strength and determination. PLAVE communicates with fans through official channels. Related news and information are provided on various platforms such as WEVERSE, CALENDAR, X, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, and FANCAFE.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Jay Park will hold a solo concert in Seoul for the first time in about a year and three months. Jay Park will hold the 2026 JAY PARK WORLD TOUR ’SERENADES & BODY ROLLS’ IN SEOUL: THE REPLAY at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul on August 29 and 30. This concert is a rare opportunity to meet domestic fans again since the world tour that started in Seoul last year, and it is arranged ahead of the South America, North America, and Europe tours starting in September. This concert is notable as Jay Park has been selected as the fifth artist of Hyundai Card’s performance culture brand ’Loved by Hyundai Card.’ The concert title ’THE REPLAY’ carries the meaning of sharing again the emotions and energy felt on the Seoul stage last year with the fans. In addition, Jay Park’s new poster image has been released, raising expectations. On this stage, Jay Park plans to present a different performance from before through a newly arranged stage, enhanced production, and band composition, including the new song ’Remedy.’ He has prepared a stage that condenses a musical spectrum covering various genres such as emotional R&B, hip-hop, and performance. Fan club pre-sale for Jay Park’s 2026 JAY PARK WORLD TOUR ’SERENADES & BODY ROLLS’ IN SEOUL: THE REPLAY will begin on the 29th at 8 PM on Melon Ticket, followed by Hyundai Card pre-sale at 8 PM on the 31st, and general sales opening at 8 PM on August 3.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Park Jae-jung successfully concluded his first mini concert ’Conversation’ after military service and announced that he will hold an official solo concert at Seoul Olympic Hall in November. On the afternoon of the 26th, Park Jae-jung held the mini concert ’Conversation’ at XSCALA in Jung-gu, Seoul. This performance was his first meeting with fans in about two and a half years since his solo concert at Kyung Hee University Peace Hall before enlisting in the military in 2024, and all tickets sold out immediately upon release. On this stage, Park Jae-jung performed for about three hours centered around a single piano with producer and pianist Park Hyun-jung, who worked with him on his hit song ’Let’s Not Break Up.’ The setlist was composed of songs he rarely performed in concerts and beloved tracks from his albums. During the performance, Park Jae-jung showcased various musical talents by playing the trumpet and guitar himself in addition to piano. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause for his vocal and instrumental skills. There was also a guest stage. Singer Ju Sick, who appeared with Park Jae-jung on KBS 2TV’s ’Happy Together - Glad Not to Be Alone,’ made a surprise appearance and performed ’Polaris’ with him. Kim Chang-woon, a contestant Park personally selected on Mnet’s ’Super Karaoke Survival VS’ and currently under the same agency, sang ’Two Men’ together with Park. In line with the concert title ’Conversation,’ communication with fans continued through a Q&A and song request segment. Fans spent about three hours enjoying live performances and having sincere conversations with Park Jae-jung. The concert ended with an encore of ’Let’s Not Break Up,’ and through a post-credits video, the news of Park Jae-jung’s official solo concert to be held on November 7 and 8 at Seoul Olympic Park Olympic Hall was revealed.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Ye-rim Lee announced the farewell to her longtime companion dogs. On the 27th, Ye-rim Lee shared past photos on her SNS with her father Kyung-gyu Lee and six companion dogs. She began her post by saying, ″I don’t like to share sad news on SNS, but I cautiously write this because I think there are people waiting for news about our babies.″ She continued, explaining that over time, she had to say goodbye to each dog one by one, and all the dogs in the photos have passed away. ″I still miss them a lot and feel nostalgic, but I believe they are happily running and playing together in heaven,″ she expressed her feelings. She also conveyed her deep affection to the dogs who crossed the rainbow bridge, saying, ″I was truly happy to be with you, loved you so much, and let’s definitely meet again someday.″ Ye-rim Lee added that ″the other dogs are still healthy and doing well by my side,″ and that this post was made to remember the dogs in the photos. Meanwhile, Kyung-gyu Lee is well known in the entertainment industry as a dog lover, and Ye-rim Lee has also consistently shared her daily life with her companion dogs.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jo Hye-ryun recently shared an update about losing 8kg and quitting both alcohol and smoking, openly revealing her past. Jo Hye-ryun appeared on the YouTube channel ’Lee Sung-mi’s Can’t Go’ and said, ″I am now living a completely different life,″ adding, ″Now it’s ’no alcohol,’ ’no smoking.’ I’m also trying to cut down on coffee. I try not to do things that are bad for my body.″ She continued, ″I don’t put just anything into my body. That’s why I’ve become this slim,″ sharing the news of her 8kg weight loss. Lee Sung-mi commented on Jo Hye-ryun’s change, saying, ″Hye-ryun has really become beautiful,″ and Jo Hye-ryun mentioned, ″I used to always smoke even in front of you, sister.″ The two recalled the time they lived together in Ilsan, with Jo Hye-ryun reenacting, ″’Sister, I’ll just smoke one and come back,’ then drinking and smoking.″ She also reminisced, ″I was always lonely. So I always gathered people around, held parties, and spent time at karaoke.″ Lee Sung-mi added, ″Jo Hye-ryun was really someone who enjoyed drinking and partying nonstop.″ Jo Hye-ryun confessed that her past behavior stemmed from a sense of ’lack.’ She said, ″There was something inside me that was never filled. No matter how much I worked, I only thought ’I have to do more,’″ adding, ″Lee Sung-mi sister was hosting ’Truth Game,’ and I kept pushing myself, thinking, ’What am I doing now?’″ She explained, ″Because I wasn’t satisfied with reality, I drank and smoked to forget that emptiness.″ Additionally, Jo Hye-ryun revealed that although she practiced religion in the past, she couldn’t easily fill the emptiness in her heart. She shared, ″I worked hard, but the results weren’t good, so I got frustrated,″ describing her feelings at the time. She continued, ″Drinking and smoking aren’t illegal, and many people live that way. So I didn’t know it was such a bad thing,″ and said, ″If I was curious about my future, I didn’t think it was strange to go see a fortune teller.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Hyolyn revealed the status of her company operations since establishing her one-person agency. On the KBS CoolFM show ″Park Myung-soo’s Radio Show″ aired on the 27th, Hyolyn appeared on the segment ″Park Myung-soo’s Legendary Master″ and had a conversation with Park Myung-soo. That day, Hyolyn explained that she started her solo career by establishing a one-person agency. After working alone for eight years, she founded another company based on changes and improvements in the team. Hyolyn revealed that she is the CEO, with five employees including herself, and that she pays salaries. Regarding the reason for establishing the agency herself, Hyolyn said that after the group activities ended, she felt impatient and thought it was a waste of time to coordinate with multiple companies, so she decided to create her own company. She also added that she suddenly established the company upon realizing that she could do it. When Park Myung-soo asked whether the company was profitable, Hyolyn replied that it was running at a loss while preparing the album but that it must become profitable in the future. During the broadcast, Hyolyn also shared stories about her family. She said she resembles both her mother and father, recalling that her father, a former Marine Corps officer, raised her strictly. Hyolyn mentioned that she grew up like a son with her younger sibling and that when her sibling was scolded, she was scolded together. Meanwhile, Hyolyn established the one-person agency Bridge Entertainment in 2017 and changed the company name to ReH Entertainment and reestablished it in January 2025.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kangnam appeared on the variety show ″No, But Really!″ and candidly spoke about his married life and arguments with Lee Sang-hwa. On the show, Kangnam mentioned the reason he decided to get married and his first meeting with Lee Sang-hwa. He said he first met Lee Sang-hwa through the 2018 variety show ″Law of the Jungle,″ and at that time, just after the Olympics had ended, he saw her walking by wearing a sleeveless top and decided to get married. Kangnam said, ″Our eyes met through the muscles, and I thought, ’I’m going to get married.’″ He also revealed that Lee Sang-hwa felt around the same time that she would marry Kangnam. He shared an anecdote about how his mother tried to dissuade Lee Sang-hwa before their marriage. Regarding their married life, he admitted that they used to argue frequently in the early days. Kangnam described that when Lee Sang-hwa got angry, she emitted an aura like in Dragon Ball, and even their dogs would run upstairs to escape. He also shared an episode where, after a fight, Lee Sang-hwa told him to ″sit!″ and he was sitting with their dog. He explained that after acknowledging his place in the hierarchy, their arguments decreased. He also shared stories about Lee Sang-hwa’s health management. Kangnam, who once weighed 100kg and had fatty liver, said his wife managed his health strictly, and during dates, she suddenly told him to run home, making him run 15km every day. He also revealed an incident during a YouTube shoot when he tried to eat ramen as a late-night snack, but Lee Sang-hwa grabbed the hot noodles with her hands to stop him from eating. Kangnam emphasized to the unmarried cast members Go Jun-hee and Kim Min-soo, ″This is what real married life is like.″ When Tak Jae-hoon asked, ″If you were born again, would you go to the ’Law of the Jungle’ filming site?″ Kangnam replied, ″I would never go to the jungle.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Bada candidly shared about her extroverted personality and her 11-years-younger husband’s reactions. Recently, Bada appeared on Lee Eun-ji’s YouTube channel and discussed extroversion with Lee Eun-ji. When Lee Eun-ji asked, ″Is your husband also an extrovert?″ Bada replied, ″He used to be, but suddenly changed.″ Bada married a man 11 years younger than her in 2017 and gave birth to a daughter. Regarding her relationship with her husband, Bada said, ″To tell you the current state first, I have accepted everything now. Truly ’because I love him.’ He is my destiny. Ah, so that’s why I’m Bada, that person...″ She continued, ″It’s okay now, but in the beginning, for about a year, he was a bit flustered. Like, ’Is this really the woman I married?’″ she honestly expressed. Bada also said, ″Honestly, my husband now says I’m the cutest. He just says I’m cute. So I feel fortunate,″ and added, ″And I do act very affectionate. I have to keep showing this kind of affectionate behavior so that the love doesn’t fade.″ In the broadcast, Bada also mentioned her dating experiences. She said, ″There were many men who liked this side of me so much that they chased after me. But actually, when I got to know them, they were more serious than I thought, so I was like, ’Oh, so you had this side too.’″ She revealed, ″Honestly, about my brightness, everyone... You might not believe it, but I’ve never been the one to make the first move. Throughout my life, I dated because someone asked me out.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actress Shin Joo-ah recently drew attention by posting a series of meaningful messages on her SNS. On the 26th, Shin Joo-ah shared a video with acquaintances and wrote, ″If you ask me what word always gives me strength and protects me, I want to say time.″ The video showed Shin Joo-ah spending a relaxed time with friends at a gathering. She smiled at the camera with her hair tied high and wearing a top with a neckline plunging below her collarbone. Earlier, on the 19th of last month, Shin Joo-ah posted, ″I will no longer tolerate your rudeness,″ and on the 25th, she posted the phrase, ″Life is a record of foolish days.″ Recently, as Shin Joo-ah posted these messages consecutively on her personal account, attention focused on her posts. Shin Joo-ah married Khun Sarawut Rachanakhun, a second-generation businessman from a Thai conglomerate family, in 2014. Since then, she has been active going back and forth between Korea and Thailand, recently sharing updates through SNS. In this post, Shin Joo-ah did not provide any specific explanation about the background.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jang Wonyoung showcased her natural charm in a beauty photoshoot collaborating with the fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar Korea. On the 28th, Harper’s Bazaar Korea released the photoshoot featuring Jang Wonyoung. This shoot was conducted in collaboration with the colored contact lens brand for which Jang Wonyoung is currently a model. In the photoshoot, Jang Wonyoung wore the brand’s first-ever fixed-axis lenses. She styled three colors—Baby Pink, Sweet Beige, and Lucky Green—creating various moods. She also revealed a lovely charm alongside heart-shaped objects. In the YouTube interview following the shoot, she directly answered fans’ concerns and shared her thoughts on new beginnings and challenges, mental care, and communication. Additional photos of Jang Wonyoung can be found in the August issue of Harper’s Bazaar Korea.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Ryu Hwayoung revealed wedding photos taken with her fiancé on her SNS on the 28th. Ryu Hwayoung posted two wedding photos without any additional explanation. The pictures showed them standing side by side and looking at each other with their arms linked. Ryu Hwayoung wore a pure white wedding dress, creating a mature and elegant atmosphere. The two exuded a warm and affectionate vibe ahead of their wedding. In April, Ryu Hwayoung shared a photo of her proposal and stated, ″My answer is yes.″ She is scheduled to marry a businessman three years her senior on September 12. Born in 1993, Ryu Hwayoung debuted as a member of the group T-ara in 2010, left the team in 2012, and transitioned to acting. She has appeared in dramas such as ″Ex-Girlfriend Club,″ ″Come Back Mister,″ ″Age of Youth,″ ″Father Is Strange,″ and ″The Beauty Inside.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Sandara Park of the group 2NE1 revealed photos showcasing a unique style in Japan. On the 27th, Sandara Park posted several photos taken in Japan on her SNS with the caption ″Nail.″ In the photos, she extended both hands close to the lens inside a car, emphasizing her fingertips. Each finger featured various three-dimensional nails based on pink and black colors, including ribbons, skulls, characters, and gold decorations. Sandara Park was also seen smiling brightly with both arms stretched forward. Her outfit also expressed individuality. Sandara Park added metal studs and chain decorations to a leopard print hat, wore a pink off-shoulder top, multiple layered necklaces, and chunky bracelets. Along with heavy makeup, she completed the gyaru style from fingertips to head. Photos taken at a sunglasses store showed her matching a short leopard print skirt with a fur-decorated bag. The bag had large jewel decorations, and the leopard print and metal accessories on the hat, skirt, and bracelets formed a cohesive concept. At a restaurant, wearing the same outfit, she showed a different expression from before, crossing her arms and looking at the camera with a green cream soda in front of her. Sunglasses and Polaroid photos were placed on the table. In contrast, on the 24th, Sandara Park shared photos at a Japanese subway platform wearing a gray oversized jacket, a skirt that fell below the knees, a white shirt, and a tie. With black glasses and neatly tied hair, she portrayed the look of an ordinary office worker. Inside the train, she was seen holding a handrail with one hand, sitting among regular passengers with a large bag on her lap. While three days ago she concealed her figure with long sleeves and a large jacket, this time she emphasized her presence with a short leopard print skirt, chunky decorations, and nails. Although the photos were taken in the same Japan location, the quiet look in a gray suit and the flashy gyaru concept showed a stark contrast in atmosphere. Sandara Park recently released the single ’REPRISM’ and is holding an Asia fan concert. She is continuing projects including a follow-up mini-album, new band repertoire, and local activities in Japan.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Osangjin shared his thoughts on the conclusion of ’Freehan 19,’ which he had been part of for 10 years. On the 28th, Osangjin posted several photos on his social media account along with the message, ″10 years. Thank you for everything during that time.″ The released photos showed the cast and production team together at the final recording of ’Freehan 19.’ Osangjin captured the last moments in the studio with Jeon Hyun-moo, Han Seok-jun, and others. Han Seok-jun said, ″Thanks to you, it was enjoyable. Meeting you often and having many conversations with you over the past 10 years was a happiness for me. Thank you. Let’s meet again on another program.″ In response, Osangjin replied, ″Yes, hyung! Let’s put the regrets behind us and keep only good memories. See you again!″ ’Freehan 19’ started on tvN and moved to tvN SHOW, airing for 10 years, and ended with its 530th episode broadcast on the 27th.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lee Ji-hye revealed the remodeling process after moving to a 40-pyeong apartment. On the 27th, a video titled ″First Reveal of the Fully Renovated 40-Pyeong Apartment Moved Into by Lee Ji-hye (40-Year-Old Apartment)″ was uploaded on the YouTube channel ’Not a Disliked Attention-Seeking Sister’. In the video, Lee Ji-hye announced that she was moving from her 80-pyeong home to a 49-pyeong older apartment, saying, ″It’s true that the space is smaller, but if we do the interior well, it should be fine.″ Looking out the window, she expressed regret, saying, ″The Han River should be visible, but it’s not because the floor is too low.″ After completing the seven-week remodeling, she eased the lack of space by increasing storage and explained that she set up a personal practice room with soundproofing. Lee Ji-hye expressed gratitude to the neighbors during the construction period, saying, ″I tried to be careful, but it must have been noisy and inconvenient.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer KCM revealed a photo with his eldest daughter, Suyeon. On the 28th, KCM posted a photo on his personal account with the caption, ″A life-cut with my teenage eldest daughter? This is a success, haha.″ In the revealed photo, KCM and Suyeon showed a close bond with various poses such as hand hearts, peace signs, and cute filters at an unmanned photo booth. KCM revealed last year that he has a middle school daughter, and that his first daughter was born in 2012 to his wife, Bang Yewon, but they could not marry due to financial reasons. He also stated that he was unable to attend Suyeon’s school events. Recently, KCM appeared on KBS 2TV’s ″The Return of Superman,″ showing moments of dating and making memories with Suyeon. KCM and Bang Yewon registered their marriage in 2021 and plan to hold their wedding ceremony on October 4th at the Floating Island in Sebitseom, Seoul.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jungsook from ’I am SOLO’ Season 29 revealed plans for a second child with Youngchul. On the 27th, Jungsook held a Q&A session with fans on her SNS. When a fan shared concerns about preparing for pregnancy, Jungsook responded, ″If you feel like you want to have a baby, start preparing right away. Time is money for us.″ She then revealed her pregnancy plans, saying, ″I’m working on getting my body ready now, and I’m going to get pregnant!!!″ Jungsook and Youngchul are the only married couple from the age-gap special of ’I am SOLO’ Season 29. At the beginning of the show, Youngchul showed interest in Youngsook, but after a random date at a tteokbokki restaurant with Jungsook, he made up his mind and pursued her directly. After becoming the final couple, they registered their marriage and held their wedding ceremony last April. Jungsook was born in 1988, Youngchul in 1991, making them three years apart.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer and actress Son Dam-bi recently expressed her position regarding the controversy over her manners while using accommodation. On the 27th, Son Dam-bi posted a photo taken during her trip to Japan on social media along with the message, ″I’m so annoyed, but what can I do? I have to smile. They say good fortune comes when you smile.″ She then liked supportive comments from fans and replied, ″Thank you.″ Recently, Son Dam-bi was criticized for management issues at a lodging facility after she posted a video of playing with soap bubbles with her child in a hotel room during her trip to Japan. In response, she apologized, saying, ″It was my carelessness to play with soap bubbles with my child briefly in the lodging facility. Although everything was cleaned up thoroughly, I will act more carefully in the future.″ Seventeen days later, another controversy arose when a photo of Son Dam-bi sitting on the edge of a hotel room bed wearing outdoor sneakers was revealed. She explained, ″This is a hotel where you wear hotel shoes inside. These are even new shoes. Please be reasonable.″ Meanwhile, Son Dam-bi married former national speed skater Lee Kyu-hyuk in 2022 and has a daughter named Hae-i.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 EBS trainee Pengsoo recently revealed that he is strictly managing his weight. On the July 28 broadcast of SBS PowerFM’s ’Escape at Two O’clock Cultwo Show,’ Pengsoo and Kwon Jin-ah appeared as guests. Pengsoo said on the show, ″I am still a trainee. At EBS, I strictly manage my weight. I weigh 100kg. I have to live as a maintainer. Fans tell me that I must not lose even 1 gram.″ On that day, Pengsoo expressed regret about not being invited to the Waterbomb Festival, saying, ″They didn’t call me to Waterbomb. I have a water attribute, but for some reason, they didn’t invite me.″ He also said, ″Everyone may not know, but I am a bit sexy. I will show you a new charm.″ Pengsoo is working hard to become the best creator as an EBS trainee and is active with a concept of coming from Antarctica.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Kangnam mentioned his wife Lee Sang-hwa’s wealth on a broadcast and shared about their daily life. On the July 27 episode of the SBS variety show ″No, But Really,″ Kangnam appeared alongside MCs Lee Sang-min, Tak Jae-hoon, and Boom, discussing various stories related to married life. Kangnam said about their usual household expenses, ″I pay for small things like perilla leaves, tomatoes, and pork belly with my card. Big expenses like the TV and sofa are paid with Lee Sang-hwa’s card. It has become natural now.″ On that day, the MCs were curious about the wealth of the retired Lee Sang-hwa. Kangnam said, ″Lee Sang-hwa has about 500 gold medals. When I visited her house during our dating period, there were so many gold medals. Before marriage, when I showed her my bank account balance, she said, ’Oppa, I think this can be your allowance.’ That was hurtful.″ He added, ″Lee Sang-hwa is good at saving money and investing. I have a lot to learn from her.″ Kangnam revealed that he once showed a bank account balance of 3,422 won on a broadcast. He also talked about his debut process, saying, ″I used to weigh up to 100 kilograms and came in second place in a band audition. The agency president told me to lose weight and come back, so I lost 40 kilograms in three months. I fainted two or three times.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Moon Hee-jun will reveal his 40th diet challenge aiming to lose 19kg ahead of H.O.T.’s 30th debut anniversary on SBS’s ″Same Bed, Different Dreams Season 2 - You Are My Destiny.″ In the episode airing at 10:40 PM on the 28th, the diet project of Moon Hee-jun, known as a ″pro dieter,″ will be introduced for the first time. Moon Hee-jun transformed into his early debut short hair style at the request of fans and explained his reason for deciding to diet, saying, ″Fans don’t just want to see me with long hair.″ He also revealed the secret project, saying, ″It was an absolute secret to the members and fans until the day before.″ Moon Hee-jun set a goal to lose 19kg from his weight, which reached 90kg. In a previously released video, he said, ″Why am I in the low 90kg range? Don’t do that,″ and when MC Seo Jang-hoon asked, ″Is it mid-80kg?″ he replied, ″Not mid-80kg.″ To lose weight, Moon Hee-jun tried the diet method of Jang Won-young, focusing on a diet mainly of chicken breast and vegetables, recommended by his wife Park So-yul. Regarding this, Moon Hee-jun said, ″It feels like eating spoiled food!″ which caused a stir in the studio. Additionally, to succeed in his diet, he participated in a trainer’s weight loss program and took on a dance mission. Moon Hee-jun said, ″This is the first time in my life I’ve danced like this,″ and the cast reacted to his performance of difficult dance moves by saying, ″It feels like it was fast-forwarded,″ and ″As expected of Moon Hee-jun.″ Moon Hee-jun’s diet challenge, secret project, and dance mission story will be revealed in the broadcast on the 28th.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jang Dong-min is reported to have participated in the Netflix variety show ″The Devil’s Plan 3.″ According to a report by MyDaily on the 28th, Jang Dong-min appeared in this season. ″The Devil’s Plan 3″ is a survival variety show where participants from various professions stay together in a confined space for six nights and seven days, competing through brain games to determine the best player. The program is scheduled to air in the fourth quarter, and PD Jung Jong-yeon, who directed ″The Genius,″ ″Great Escape,″ and the ″The Devil’s Plan″ series, is in charge of this season as well. Previously, it was also announced that Shin Dong, Hong Jin-ho, Seo Chul-gu, and Oh Hyun-min would appear. Jang Dong-min won first place in tvN’s ″The Genius: Black Garnet″ in 2014 and was also the final winner in ″The Genius: Grand Final.″ He also achieved joint first place in ″Society Game 2,″ won ″Blood Game 3,″ and topped ″Betting on Fact.″ Additionally, he ranked highly in various brain survival shows such as ″All-Star Battle,″ ″Crimescene 2,″ ″Crimescene Returns,″ and ″Blood Game″ season 1. Regarding Jang Dong-min’s participation, Netflix and the production company stated, ″We cannot officially confirm at this time.″ Meanwhile, Jang Dong-min is currently working as a producer and is reportedly preparing to launch the so-called ″Jang Dong-min Game″ in collaboration with Netflix.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The movie ″Spider-Man: Brand New Day″ has recorded 716,139 advance ticket reservations, achieving the highest pre-sale volume among films released this year. According to the Integrated Computerized Ticketing System for movie theaters, as of 7 a.m. on the 28th, the number of advance ticket reservations for ″Spider-Man: Brand New Day″ was counted at 716,139. The reservation rate also exceeded 70%. This marks the highest pre-sale volume among all movies released this year. Ten days before its release, the film set the highest simultaneous pre-sale record in the ″Tom Spa″ series history. Seven days before release, it surpassed 300,000 advance ticket sales at the fastest pace this year. Additionally, three days before release, it exceeded 500,000 advance ticket sales faster than the blockbuster ″Avatar: The Way of Water.″ Meanwhile, following the great interest in the ″Spider-Man Challenge″ overseas, it is also spreading domestically. PN_1 (RIIZE) members Seongchan, Sohee, and Anton showcased the ″Spider-Man Challenge″ on their official Instagram, garnering about 170,000 likes. ″Spider-Man: Brand New Day″ will be released domestically on the 29th, ahead of North America. This action blockbuster depicts Peter Parker (Tom Holland), who has been forgotten by everyone after the events of ″Spider-Man: No Way Home,″ thrown into chaos as a mysterious enemy who remembers his identity appears and he gains uncontrollable powers due to DNA mutation. He faces new threats to protect those precious to him.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Park Ji-hyun appeared on MBC’s ’Radio Star’ and the ’Miracle Ras’ special, sharing her experience of preparing over 60,000 skate fish before her debut and revealing her recent status as a trending singer. Park Ji-hyun stated that she handles more than 20 events a month while simultaneously managing a nationwide tour and working on drama OSTs. She mentioned having a busy schedule traveling long distances from Mokpo to Samcheok. She said it still feels amazing when multiple staff members rush toward her as she comes down to change outfits during performances. Looking at her reflection in a full-length mirror, she expressed, ″I really feel like I’ve become a celebrity.″ She also mentioned her popularity in her hometown, Mokpo. During her participation in a competition program, banners with her image were hung all over Mokpo, and she said, ″It was all me. I thought it was my own country.″ When asked who is number one in Mokpo now, she chose herself without hesitation. Park Ji-hyun revealed that her recognition has increased across all age groups since appearing on ’I Live Alone.’ Previously, mostly elderly fans recognized her, but now people of various ages know her. She shared anecdotes about fans guiding her on performance remarks through DMs and letters. Having shed her rookie entertainer label, Park Ji-hyun showed some nervousness at the beginning of the recording but lifted the studio atmosphere by performing a medley of dance songs she polished during her nationwide tour. She said she selects songs so that audiences of various age groups can enjoy them together. Park Ji-hyun revealed that before her debut, she helped her parents with seafood sales for about six years, preparing over 60,000 skate fish. She said she can prepare skate fish with her eyes closed and actually challenged herself to prepare skate fish blindfolded in the studio. Additionally, she disclosed her 10-year history of boxing and demonstrated her double jump rope skills. She also introduced her songwriting style, which draws inspiration from various objects. She showcased her unique imagination by conducting a quiz with the MCs using lyrics she wrote herself. Park Ji-hyun won the preliminary round on TV CHOSUN’s ’Mr. Trot 2 - The Beginning of a New Legend’ in 2022 and officially debuted in 2023. Since then, she has appeared on several variety shows including ’I Live Alone,’ ’Decision to Pass Down,’ ’Master Trot 3,’ and ’Problematic Men in the Rooftop Room.’]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jennie revealed a relaxed daily life with a bright smile at the beach. Recently, Jennie posted several photos on her SNS along with a yellow heart emoji. In the photos, Jennie is wearing a white sleeveless top and holding a camera while smiling brightly. Her natural smile against the backdrop of the blue sea and sky catches the eye. In a comfortable and refreshing atmosphere, Jennie showed a different, relaxed daily life than usual, conveying positive energy to her fans. Her distinctive bright expression and lively appearance are impressive. Although no specific activity news has been reported yet, Jennie continues to communicate with her fans even in leisurely moments, maintaining steady attention.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Group Cortis has solidified its unique musical position by surpassing 1 billion cumulative streams on Spotify, the world’s largest music platform. BigHit Music, the agency, announced on the 26th that the combined tracks from the two albums released by Cortis ahead of their first debut anniversary have reached 1 billion cumulative streams on Spotify. This is an extraordinary achievement in a short period since their debut, proving that the group’s popularity among global music fans remains strong. Cortis expressed gratitude to fans through social media, sharing daily life with a bright smile. In a recent post, they wore a striped T-shirt, clasped their hands together, and stared straight ahead, exuding a sophisticated atmosphere with short dyed blonde hair and a necklace. Having been loved for their consistent musical experimentation and active communication with fans since debut, Cortis is expected to further solidify their position as a global artist with this milestone. Meanwhile, Cortis is currently preparing their next album and reviewing plans for an overseas tour, and they will continue various musical activities in the future.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Jisung of NCT Dream revealed an update showing him leaning against a sofa by the water, enjoying a leisurely time. In the photo recently posted on NCT’s official SNS, Jisung is wearing a white T-shirt, a purple jacket, and jeans, resting one arm on the sofa while looking to the side with a calm expression. With the waterfront and the railing of a boat naturally visible in the background, his posture leaning on a sofa with comfortable cushions creates a more composed and relaxed atmosphere. Another photo captures Jisung lying on the sofa with his eyes closed, resting, revealing a leisurely daily life and inner peace. The post included a simple phrase, ″Start!″ along with the hashtags #JISUNG #ThePrinceAndTheBeggar #NCT #NCTDREAM, conveying anticipation for a new beginning and a positive message. NCT Dream continues to be loved for their diverse concepts and energetic performances, and Jisung communicates with fans through his various charms within the team.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The girl group ITZY will hold their 5th fan meeting, ’ITZY The 5th Fan Meeting Itzy Midzy, Date! ALL IN, MIDZY,’ over two days on August 8 and 9. The fan meeting will take place at the Seoul Olympic Hall and will be available for both in-person attendance and online live streaming, allowing communication with fans both domestically and internationally. Recently, ITZY revealed their passion by sharing photos of their fan meeting practice sessions along with the message ’ALL IN’ on their official SNS. The photos show the members in a dimly lit practice room, dressed in casual black and gray outfits, focused seriously on preparing for the stage, raising anticipation. While actively promoting their mini-album ’Motto’ and its title track released last May, ITZY plans to spend special time closer to their fans through this fan meeting. This event is expected to be a moment to reaffirm the deep bond between ITZY and their fans, MIDZY, as well as a new starting point for various upcoming activities.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 STAYC has revealed recent updates featuring a bright and fresh atmosphere. In photos recently posted on their official SNS account, the members are smiling while making a V sign with both hands in an outdoor space where trees and grass blend together, wearing white T-shirts and white skirts, and pink tops. The sight of hats worn on their heads also stands out, creating a refreshing charm with natural expressions. One of the members added a point by holding a bag. This release shows STAYC communicating with fans with a cool and lively energy, effectively conveying the fresh atmosphere of the summer season. The members’ bright expressions and radiant styling give a sense of unwavering positive energy even after their active broadcasting activities. Previously, STAYC successfully completed their ’2 L0VE’ promotions, fully showcasing their teen-fresh charm. This photo continues that connection, fostering closer communication with fans and raising expectations for future activities. Meanwhile, STAYC continues to receive public love with diverse music and performances and plans to continue with new content and activities.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Jang Wonyoung attracted fans’ attention by sharing an update on her visit to a baseball stadium. Recently, Jang Wonyoung appeared at the stadium in a casual outfit, pairing a white striped T-shirt with jeans, drawing eyes. Notably, she created a warm atmosphere by smiling brightly while wrapping one hand around her waist. The baseball stadium where Jang Wonyoung stayed had a special event vibe, with signs reading ’HELLO KITTY day’ visible. In the photos, she conveyed lively energy by striking a relaxed pose while looking back. Fans responded positively to Jang Wonyoung’s natural appearance and comfortable style. Additionally, Jang Wonyoung posted on her personal SNS, ″The only thing I threw was good luck🍀✨🧚🏻‍♀️⚾️,″ indirectly sharing the enjoyable time she spent at the baseball stadium. Her message expressing positive vibes by saying she ’threw luck’ resonated as a warm message of support to her fans. Meanwhile, Jang Wonyoung has been selected as an MC for the upcoming 2026 Asia Artist Awards (AAA 2026) and is set to co-host with actor Ji Chang Wook, continuing her active activities in various fields. Fans are looking forward to Jang Wonyoung’s shining presence not only on stage but also in everyday life.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Former rhythmic gymnastics national team member Son Yeon-jae recently attracted attention by visiting the newly opened Burberry Beauty store at Shinsegae South City. Son Yeon-jae was seen wearing a beige shirt dress, naturally smiling as she personally experienced Burberry Beauty products. She shared various moments on SNS, including applying lipstick in front of a mirror and examining perfume products while holding them, drawing fans’ interest. Her style exuded a simple yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfectly complementing the luxury of the Burberry brand. This visit provided an opportunity to directly experience the scents and makeup products of Burberry Beauty at Shinsegae South City. Son Yeon-jae expressed particular satisfaction with the cute designs and colors of the lip products, posting verification shots on her SNS. She commented, ″I was able to experience Burberry Beauty’s scents and makeup products firsthand! The lip products are so cute, right?″ Meanwhile, Son Yeon-jae continues to attract attention with her consistently healthy figure and active lifestyle even after retirement. Recently, she has been actively engaged in nurturing juniors and sports education by running Leaf Studio and offering rhythmic gymnastics-based movement classes at the ’Marithe Kids Sports Club.’ Demonstrating her abilities in various fields and communicating with the public, Son Yeon-jae showcased new charms in fashion and beauty through her visit to Burberry Beauty.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Shin Ji revealed her daily life enjoying a healing date with her husband. Recently, Shin Ji posted several photos on her SNS with the caption, ″Healing date with my husband at hair spa & full-body massage💕 It was so great😍.″ In the photos, Shin Ji is dressed comfortably in a white sleeveless T-shirt and black pants, striking various poses with a bright smile. Notably, she caught attention by making a ’V’ sign in front of a store with the ’MMCM’ sign and relaxing while sitting on a chair. This post gave viewers a warm feeling by showing Shin Ji taking a break and healing with her husband amid her busy daily life. Even after getting married, Shin Ji continues her active career while sharing small moments of her daily life, communicating closely with her fans.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Actor Lee Dong-wook is showcasing a powerful presence through the Disney+ original series ″Killer’s Shopping Mall Season 2.″ In this season, he delivers a deeper performance as the character Jung Jin-man, receiving great acclaim from viewers. Recently, Lee Dong-wook shared a photo on his SNS and official channels showing clear scars on his bare back. This visually represents the trials and pain his character endures in the drama, conveying the message ″The World I Live In″ with a strong visual impact, enhancing the audience’s immersion in the work. ″Killer’s Shopping Mall Season 2″ is currently streaming on Disney+, featuring a richer story and heightened tension among characters compared to the previous season. Lee Dong-wook once again captures the hearts of female fans as the strong and charismatic killer Jung Jin-man, anchoring the series. Wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and pants, Lee Dong-wook exudes a cool atmosphere in various photos, including a scene where he checks his back in the mirror, delicately revealing the psychological aspects of his character. These images hint at Jung Jin-man’s complex inner struggles and conflicts, raising anticipation for the series. Meanwhile, Lee Dong-wook continues to maintain steady popularity by consistently communicating with fans through various activities beyond this work. ″Killer’s Shopping Mall Season 2,″ a sequel to the popular drama of the same name, is being presented to fans worldwide through Disney+.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lee Min-jung returns to the small screen after six years with the new drama ″Yes, Let’s Divorce.″ This work, airing on KBS Drama, is based on a novel of the same name and depicts the divorce experience of a couple who run a wedding dress shop. Lee Min-jung plays Baek Mi-young, the CEO of the wedding dress shop G&White. After losing her parents in an unexpected accident, Baek Mi-young immerses herself in work and marries Ji Won-ho, who makes her smile. However, after seven years of marriage, she declares divorce due to the stress accumulated from both her company and family life. Lee Min-jung is expected to portray the realistic aspects of married life delicately. Kim Ji-seok appears as Ji Won-ho, Baek Mi-young’s husband, co-CEO of G&White, and a wedding dress designer. Ji Won-ho fell in love with his wife at first sight, proposed after six months of dating, and got married, but they face conflicts due to practical issues and eventually receive a divorce notice. Lee Hyun-jin plays Calvin, the CEO of Calvin Hotel and Baek Mi-young’s first love and ex-boyfriend. He once had a passionate relationship with Mi-young but broke up, and now reappears to stay by her side. Lee Jin-i takes on the role of photographer Ahn Hee-joo, a character whose heart wavers due to her connection with Ji Won-ho. Oh Yeon-ah appears as Jeon Chi-hyun, the lawyer handling Baek Mi-young’s divorce case; Jeong E-je plays Kang Kyung-tae, Ji Won-ho’s close junior; and Wang Bit-na appears as Song Ah-ri, the manager of G&White and Baek Mi-young’s college friend. The drama is directed by Joo Sung-woo and written by Hwang Ji-eon. The production team stated, ″The realistic couple chemistry between Lee Min-jung and Kim Ji-seok is the biggest highlight of ’Yes, Let’s Divorce.’ Please watch closely to see what choices the two will make.″ The first broadcast of ″Yes, Let’s Divorce″ will begin at 11 PM on the 19th.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BTS member V released a gym workout video with actor Choi Woo-shik on his social media on July 27. The released video shows Choi Woo-shik working out in front of a cable machine with a playful expression. Choi Woo-shik, wearing a comfortable t-shirt and hat, focused on his workout while showing humorous movements. V posted the video with the caption, ″This is seriously intense.″ V and Choi Woo-shik are members of the private group ″WooGa Family,″ which includes Park Seo-joon, Park Hyung-sik, and pH-1, and are known to regularly share various daily activities such as working out, traveling, and dining together.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900   [THE FACT | Reporter Choi Soo-jung] Singer Hongja has achieved a meaningful milestone by taking first place on FANNSTAR’s Female Star Ranking for the first time.Hongja claimed the top spot with 125,637 votes in FANNSTAR’s fourth-week-of-July Female Star Ranking vote, which ran from July 20 to 27. Kim Eui-young ranked second, followed by NewJeans in third place.Hongja’s first No. 1 is drawing even more attention as an achievement created by the unity of her fandom. To reach the top in a vote held anew each week, continued interest and active participation from fans are essential. Through this vote, Hongja clearly demonstrated her presence within the Female Star Ranking.Hongja has also been nominated in the female category of the My Star Award at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA), held through FANNSTAR. The My Star Award is a category in which fans directly choose the artist they love the most, and the final winner will receive a trophy at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.The 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS is scheduled to be held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. ]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:42:47 +0900 In the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama ″Work Later, Drink Now,″ Kang Si-woo (played by Seo In-guk) and Cha Ji-yoon (played by Park Ji-hyun) experience various changes and crises within the company after revealing their office romance. In episode 11, after the two disclosed their relationship, rumors and attention poured in at the company, leading to Ji-yoon being referred to not by her own name but as Kang Si-woo’s girlfriend. Ji-yoon expressed bitter feelings about this, and Si-woo encouraged her by saying, ″Then let’s make them say I’m Cha Ji-yoon’s boyfriend.″ Ji-yoon also showed determination by saying, ″Good. I’ll crush everything with my skills,″ vowing not to be shaken. After the office romance was made public, controversy arose over preferential treatment regarding Ji-yoon’s performance. Executives raised suspicions that Si-woo had given Ji-yoon special favors, and a related anonymous report was submitted to the HR team, resulting in Ji-yoon’s promotion being canceled. The president (played by Kim Jung-young) informed Si-woo of Ji-yoon’s transfer to another branch, and Si-woo said, ″If there’s a problem, I’ll accept the disciplinary action,″ but the president replied, ″I can’t afford to lose you too.″ After confirming her name was removed from the promotion list, Ji-yoon received an offer from the development team leader to be scouted for the future new technology development team. Ji-yoon said, ″I want to handle both work and love wisely,″ and fell into deep thought. Meanwhile, Si-woo emphasized during the HR investigation that Ji-yoon’s evaluations and work assessments were fair, and Su-jin (played by Park Ye-young) defended Ji-yoon, saying, ″Stop bothering someone who works hard for the company.″ Si-woo stood up against harassment from Manager Ko (played by Hong Woo-jin) and showed consideration for Ji-yoon by wiping her wet shoes. Ji-yoon asked, ″Is it natural to feel sorry just because you like someone?″ and Si-woo comforted her, saying, ″If you feel wronged, it’s okay to get angry. You can even shout until you feel better.″ Later, Ji-yoon visited Si-woo, saying, ″I wanted to be by your side when you were having a hard time,″ and Si-woo confessed, ″I was wandering without finding an answer, but the moment I saw your face, I thought of a very simple reason: because it’s you,″ then revealed his decision, ″I’m thinking of quitting the company.″ Additionally, the couple Noa (played by Kang Mina) and Jae-in (played by Won Kyu-bin) faced a crisis due to Noa’s assignment to Senegal. Jae-in said, ″We just started. Are you saying we should break up if you suddenly go so far away?″ Noa replied, ″Before being Lee Jae-in’s girlfriend, I want to be Yoon Noa.″ Jae-in left, saying, ″I can’t do this.″ Meanwhile, ahead of the drama’s finale on July 28, actors Seo In-guk and Park Ji-hyun shared their thoughts on the ending. Seo In-guk said, ″Playing Kang Si-woo allowed me to learn many things. Acting as a strong character like Kang Si-woo made me feel a bit stronger and more mature,″ expressing gratitude to the work and colleagues. He added, ″’Work Later, Drink Now’ was able to air safely thanks to the viewers. I sincerely thank you and hope you will remember Kang Si-woo for a long time.″ Park Ji-hyun said, ″Just like the drama’s title, we live through today and move toward tomorrow,″ and added, ″I sincerely support the tomorrow of all viewers who loved ’Work Later, Drink Now’ and accompanied Ji-yoon’s journey.″ Park Ji-hyun cited the final scene of the last episode as the most memorable moment of the drama.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Red Velvet’s Wendy recently caught attention by revealing her updated appearance on social media, showcasing a slimmer figure. On the 26th, Wendy posted several photos with the caption ″SM CLASSICS LIVE in Thailand.″ In the photos, Wendy wore a white halter neck dress and posed in various ways, highlighting her sharp jawline, distinct facial features, small face, and slim shoulder line. Her prominent collarbones, slender arms, and exposed arm and elbow lines drew attention to her even slimmer visual compared to before. Fans responded to Wendy’s appearance with comments such as ″Take care of your health,″ ″Make sure to eat well,″ ″You look like a princess,″ and ″So beautiful,″ expressing concern for her health or admiration for her looks. Wendy’s self-care habits are also gaining renewed attention. During her appearance on the YouTube channel ’Highslgi,’ she revealed, ″When I wake up in the morning, I first drink water and take supplements,″ and ″I have a body type that suits running on an empty stomach in the morning, so I wear a sweat suit and run on the treadmill.″ She also shared, ″I definitely go to Pilates at 12 or 1 o’clock,″ explaining that she manages her body line by doing Pilates every day during active periods. Meanwhile, Red Velvet, Wendy’s group, is scheduled to make a comeback by releasing their new summer mini-album ’Velvet Summer’ on August 3 at 6 p.m. Wendy recently met global fans by performing on the stage of the ’SM CLASSICS LIVE’ concert held in Thailand.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 BLACKPINK member Jennie released a behind-the-scenes video of her new song ″Less than a Lover″ on her SNS on the 28th. The video captured the shooting scene with model Kai. In the released video, Jennie and Kai are seen spending leisurely time together, waltzing or blowing soap bubbles against various Spanish backdrops such as European-style streets and beaches. There are also scenes of Jennie looking at Kai in the driver’s seat from the backseat of a car, Kai stroking Jennie’s hair with the sea in the background, and the two smiling brightly and waving on a yacht, showing their natural chemistry. This video is a behind-the-scenes footage not included in the music video of the new song ″Less than a Lover,″ which was released on the 24th, showing the atmosphere of the shooting site and the chemistry between the two. In the video, Jennie is seen wearing a white sleeveless top, holding a Canon vintage camcorder, winking and smiling. Jennie participated in writing, composing, and directing the music video for this new song. ″Less than a Lover″ is an alternative pop genre song that expresses feelings experienced in a relationship that is neither lover nor friend, based on lo-fi guitar and vintage electric keyboard sounds. The music video was filmed in Spain. The song ranked first on the top charts of the three major Chinese music platforms and the iTunes top song charts in 27 countries and regions immediately after its release. The collaboration track ″Dracula (JENNIE Remix)″ reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Before the release, Jennie performed on her European tour stages including Madrid Mad Cool Festival, Poland Opener Festival, and Roskilde Festival. Jennie is also scheduled to perform at major global music festivals such as Lollapalooza Chicago in the United States and Summer Sonic 2026 in Japan.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Highlight TV announced that it will rebroadcast the KBS 2TV weekend drama ″Famous Chilgongju″ remastered starting from the 28th. ″Famous Chilgongju″ aired from April 1 to December 31, 2006, with a total of 80 episodes, achieving its highest viewership rating of 44.4% at the time of broadcast. The drama was written by writer Moon Young-nam and realistically portrayed the joys and sorrows of family life, gaining empathy across generations. Originally planned as a 50-episode series, it was extended by 30 episodes to a total of 80 due to ratings exceeding 40% and viewer requests. The final episode ended with a 29.9% viewership rating. At the center of the story is the father, former soldier Na Yang-pal (Park In-hwan), and his four daughters. All the daughters’ names include the character ″Chil,″ resulting in the names Deok-chil, Seol-chil, Mi-chil, and Jong-chil, which inspired the title ″Chilgongju.″ The four sisters each have different personalities and values, and the drama depicts their growth through love, marriage, conflict, and reconciliation. It humorously addresses realistic issues such as mother-in-law conflicts and generational gaps. Lee Seung-gi made his acting debut as the crown prince, Go Du-shim played the mother Kyung Myung-ja, delivering deep emotional performances. Na Moon-hee portrayed the maternal grandmother Nam Dal-gu, creating comic acting, catchphrases, and parodies. Lee Tae-ran’s character, the second daughter Na Seol-chil, is a company commander from the Army Academy with a secret about her birth, leading the main storyline. Park Hae-jin appeared as a younger man who has a crush on Na Seol-chil. In the latter part of the series, Kang Yu-mi and Ahn Il-kwon joined the cast. This rebroadcast features improved picture quality through remastering and will be aired twice daily in consecutive episodes starting from the 27th on Highlight TV.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 In episode 6 of the SBS variety show ’Mountain Village Bachelor Hero,’ Lim Young Woong and Roy Kim performed their first duet live stage, and actors Cha Seung-won and Kim Do-hoon appeared as new guests. In this broadcast, a final night of outdoor live performances took place with Heo Kyung-hwan, Kwak Beom, Nucksal, and Roy Kim. Kwak Beom and Lim Young Woong chose the same song to showcase a trot showdown, and Lim Young Woong and Roy Kim revealed their first duet stage by singing ″A Melody for You″ together. The next day, Lim Young Woong carefully decorated various parts of the house to welcome the new guests Cha Seung-won and Kim Do-hoon. Upon arrival, Cha Seung-won showed his unique presence by looking around the house and asking, ″Did you do this on purpose?″ Kim Do-hoon gifted memories to the brothers with items he personally prepared, and Lim Young Woong showed affection by lending Kim Do-hoon his cherished pants. The three showed natural chemistry through various activities such as acoustic guitar live performances and swing long jumps. Lim Young Woong took on the challenge of being the first main chef for the new guests and asked his mother for help to make a special squid stew. During the cooking process, Cha Seung-won provided coaching, and in the evening, Cha Seung-won led the kitchen while Lim Young Woong and Kim Do-hoon acted as assistant chefs. The two often forgot the recipe quickly and told each other, ″You ask!″ This episode aired at 9 PM on the 28th.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900   [THE FACT | Reporter Choi Soo-jung] Yeonjun of TOMORROW X TOGETHER has shown his presence as a solo artist by taking his first No. 1 on FANNSTAR’s Weekly Music chart with his new song “Ice Cream.”Yeonjun claimed the top spot with a total of 267,480 votes in FANNSTAR’s fourth-week-of-July Weekly Music chart, which ran from July 20 to 27. Singer Hwang Chi-yeul ranked second, followed by Kim Gi-tae in third place.If Yeonjun achieves five consecutive weeks at No. 1, he will receive a digital billboard advertising benefit at Mirae Plaza in Hongdae, Seoul. Fans are paying close attention to whether Yeonjun, who has taken his first No. 1, will continue his momentum and challenge a consecutive No. 1 streak.Yeonjun recently wrapped up activities for “Ice Cream,” the title track of his second mini album “NO LABELS: PART 02,” on a successful note. After concluding his official music show promotions with Mnet’s “M Countdown” on July 23, he received praise for leaving a strong impression on every stage.Earlier, Yeonjun also won No. 1 trophies on KBS2’s “Music Bank” and MBC’s “Show! Music Core,” achieving two music show wins.“Ice Cream” is a song centered on a cool and sweet atmosphere, and Yeonjun’s signature stylish performance and facial expressions added to its visual appeal. Choreography that embodied the motions of scooping ice cream and the image of it melting intuitively delivered the song’s concept and elevated the overall quality of the stage.The spread of the dance challenge across social media also boosted the song’s buzz. The point choreography, which is easy to follow while still carrying Yeonjun’s distinct style, drew interest from both fans and the general public, helping “Ice Cream” establish itself as one of this summer’s representative summer songs.Meanwhile, Yeonjun has also been nominated in the Choice Award Solo category and the My Star Award male category in the FANNSTAR division of the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS. The first round of voting for the categories will continue until 12 p.m. on August 3. The 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS is scheduled to be held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. ]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:41:11 +0900 Kim Ra-hee, who received an on-the-spot casting offer at Psy’s summer concert ’Hmph Show,’ has been revealed to be an aspiring trainee preparing to debut as an idol. On the 26th, a video of a female student captured on the big screen during the ’Hmph Show’ performance was shared on Instagram and various online communities, garnering over 11 million views within a day. In the video, Kim Ra-hee attracted attention by naturally enjoying the music and dancing in front of tens of thousands of spectators. Representatives from Psy and P NATION offered Kim Ra-hee an immediate casting proposal at the scene, saying, ″Don’t shout out on behalf of that girl; our P NATION manager will go and get her contact information. We will meet again soon.″ Kim Ra-hee also revealed on social media that the agency actually took her contact information. Following this, suspicions arose online that Kim Ra-hee’s appearance might have been a pre-planned performance. In response, on the 27th, Kim Ra-hee posted on her SNS, ″I am not a trainee,″ along with a dance video, denying that she was a trainee of any specific agency and rejecting the allegations of pre-planning. However, Kim Ra-hee, born in 2012, is known to be an aspiring idol who has been consistently preparing her vocals, dance, stage expression, and performance skills. Koo Min-seok, director of BNB IDOL LAB, stated, ″Ra-hee herself was completely surprised by the unexpected event and is still very amazed,″ adding, ″Her ability to fully show her own energy even in front of a huge crowd seems to have led to this positive outcome.″ He continued, ″This incident has strengthened the student’s determination to take more responsibility and move forward toward her dream.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 TWICE member Jihyo directly shared her feelings with fans amid ongoing contract renewal discussions with JYP Entertainment. On the 28th, Jihyo acknowledged fans’ concerns regarding her contract through a fan communication platform. She said, ″I could just have casual conversations with ONCE (the fandom name), but continuing conversations as if nothing is wrong still feels heavy on my heart,″ adding, ″I will resolve and organize things well so that ONCE doesn’t have to wait too long and can receive news quickly.″ She continued, ″As the main subject of my life, I will carefully and wisely consider and make my choice.″ She also stated, ″I sincerely love and cherish the team TWICE, and I believe ONCE will understand well with just that feeling.″ Jihyo greeted fans, saying, ″I will come back when I can casually chat and joke during everyday conversations. Sleep well, eat well, rest well, and I am overcoming everything well. Thank you always.″ JYP Entertainment released an official statement saying, ″Currently, TWICE is in the period of contract renewal discussions, and careful deliberations are ongoing.″ All TWICE members renewed their contracts in 2022. Recently, there were reports that Jihyo is ending her exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment and preparing to establish a one-person agency, and it was also reported that group activities of TWICE will continue with JYP separately from individual contracts. Additionally, news emerged that member Jeongyeon held a meeting with Bareun Entertainment, and it is known that Tzuyu and Chaeyoung are also in discussions with JYP. Jihyo joined JYP as a trainee in 2005 and debuted as the leader of TWICE in 2015. Including her trainee period, she has been with JYP Entertainment for over 20 years.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Park Ji-hyun appeared on MBC’s ″Radio Star,″ sharing her experience of preparing about 60,000 skate fish before her debut and revealing her recent busy activities. On ″Radio Star,″ Park Ji-hyun revealed that she helped her parents with their seafood business for about six years before her debut, preparing over 60,000 skate fish. She said she was so familiar with preparing skate fish that she could do it with her eyes closed, and actually surprised everyone by attempting to prepare skate fish blindfolded in the studio. Park Ji-hyun explained that all her maternal relatives were involved in the seafood industry, and she naturally started working in it to help her mother. Recently, Park Ji-hyun said she handles more than 20 events a month while simultaneously managing a nationwide tour and working on drama OSTs. She added that she has been busy traveling long distances from Mokpo to Samcheok. She expressed amazement at the moment when several staff members rush toward her as she comes down to change costumes during performances, and honestly shared her feelings, saying, ″I feel like I’ve really become a celebrity″ while looking at herself in a full-length mirror. When asked about her popularity in her hometown Mokpo, she said that during her participation in a competition program, banners with her image were hung all over Mokpo, adding, ″It was all me. I thought it was my country.″ When asked who is number one in Mokpo now, she named herself without hesitation. Although Park Ji-hyun shed her rookie entertainer label and appeared on ″Radio Star″ again, she showed signs of nervousness from the beginning of the recording. The MCs teased her, asking why she was particularly nervous on ″Radio Star″ despite appearing on many variety shows. To ease her nerves, Park Ji-hyun performed a medley of dance songs she honed during her nationwide tour, explaining that she selects songs for concerts that audiences of various ages can enjoy together. Additionally, Park Ji-hyun revealed that her recognition increased across all age groups after appearing on ″I Live Alone.″ Previously, mostly older fans recognized her, but now people of various ages know her, and fans give her advice on performance remarks through DMs and letters. The broadcast also showed Park Ji-hyun’s songwriting process inspired by various objects and a quiz using lyrics she wrote herself. The MCs expressed amazement at her unique imagination. Drawing on her roughly 10 years of boxing experience, Park Ji-hyun demonstrated her passion by attempting double unders with a jump rope. Park Ji-hyun won the runner-up prize on TV CHOSUN’s ″Mr. Trot 2 - The Beginning of a New Legend″ in 2022 and officially debuted in 2023. Since then, she has appeared on various variety shows such as ″I Live Alone,″ ″Decision to Inherit,″ ″Master Trot 3,″ and ″Problematic Men in the Rooftop Room.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Lim Young Woong ranked 3rd in the star brand reputation for July 2026. According to data released by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute on July 28, Lim Young Woong secured a top position following BTS and RIIZEnne. Actor So Ji-sub and broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk took 4th and 5th place, respectively. The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute analyzed 214,383,945 pieces of big data on stars, including entertainers, singers, trot singers, drama actors, movie actors, boy groups, girl groups, and athletes, from June 28 to July 28, 2026. Various detailed indicators such as participation index, media index, communication index, and community index were used in this survey. Lim Young Woong’s detailed indices were 583,757 for participation, 1,337,944 for media, 2,392,829 for communication, and 1,499,613 for community, with a total brand reputation index of 5,814,144. The overall scale of brand big data decreased by 13.16% from 246,862,721 in the previous month, and Lim Young Woong’s brand reputation index also fell by 13.33% from 6,708,723 in June. However, Lim Young Woong maintained its 3rd place position, demonstrating competitiveness in the top ranks despite these circumstances. Koo Chang-hwan, director of the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, evaluated, ″The Lim Young Woong brand is spreading an overwhelming fandom hero era and positive influence.″ Lim Young Woong has been continuing entertainment activities by appearing on SBS variety show ″Mountain Village Bachelor Hero″ and is scheduled to hold the 2026 concert ″IM HERO - THE STADIUM 2″ for three days starting September 4 at the Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium. The top 10 star brand reputations for July 2026 included BTS, RIIZEnne, Lim Young Woong, So Ji-sub, Yoo Jae-suk, Cortis, Hwang Jung-min, IVE, Park Ji-hoon, and Seventeen.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Red Velvet has released a highlight medley video for their summer mini-album ″Velvet Summer,″ marking their first full-group comeback in about 2 years and 2 months. The highlight medley video, released at midnight on the 27th through Red Velvet’s official SNS, features snippets of five tracks along with illustrations of turning pages. The video begins with ″Orchestra,″ a reinterpretation of American film composer Henry Mancini’s ″Lujon,″ introducing a song that likens the emotional changes of two people in love to an orchestral performance. Next is ″Hot Girls Cold Vibe,″ capturing the cool energy of ″hot″ girls enjoying a summer night drive, followed by the acoustic pop ″Hawaii,″ which depicts freedom in Hawaii away from the repetitive daily routine. The medium-tempo pop ″Hula Hoop,″ which sings about summer memories with a fateful reunion, is also included in the video. The title track ″Surfin’ Boy″ previews Red Velvet’s new summer sound with a refreshing blend of bossa nova guitar, reggae rhythm, and house groove. Member Joy participated in writing the lyrics, which tell a story of reminiscing about summer spent with a precious person and creating brilliant memories once again. ″Velvet Summer″ consists of a total of five songs. The entire album will be released on various music platforms at 6 PM on August 3, and the physical album will also be released on the same day.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Seo Ji-young’s recent updates were revealed through Han Esther’s SNS. On July 27, Han Esther posted several photos on her Instagram with the caption, ″Old singers are here. Hitt, S#arp, Diva, Soho Street. We who spent our twenties brilliantly have somehow become parents sharing concerns about our children.″ She continued, ″Still, we all lived well in our own places! Right?″ and added, ″It seems the best people to see anytime are indeed the old ones. Since some came early and it was a pity, let’s share more stories when we meet next time.″ She used the hashtags ″#Gangnam Ulzzang alumni #Don’t be shy.″ The revealed photos showed Han Esther, Seo Ji-young from S#arp, Lim Yoo-jin from Hitt, and Kim Min-kyung from Diva gathered together. It is reported that they have maintained their friendship for a long time. In particular, Seo Ji-young’s recent status, who had not appeared publicly since her marriage, was revealed after a long time. Seo Ji-young smiled at the camera, showing her unchanged beauty and aura. Lim Yoo-jin also attracted attention with her youthful appearance. Han Esther expressed her affection for her friends, saying, ″We who shone brightly with the profession of singers. As hairdressers, entrepreneurs, and full-time housewives, we are all doing great in our own places. Us.″ Seo Ji-young debuted in 1998 as a member of the group S#arp and was loved for hit songs such as ″Tell Me, Tell Me,″ ″Sweety,″ and ″My Lips... Like Warm Coffee.″ After the group’s disbandment in 2002, she worked as a solo singer and actress. In 2011, she married a financial industry worker who is five years older than her, and currently has one son and one daughter.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900   [THE FACT | Reporter Choi Soo-jung] CORTIS has achieved a meaningful milestone by taking first place for the first time on the New Star Ranking operated by weekly idol ranking site FANNSTAR.CORTIS claimed the top spot with 98,576 votes in FANNSTAR’s fourth-week-of-July New Star Ranking vote, which ran from July 20 to 27. UNIS ranked second, followed by CLOSE YOUR EYES in third place.The New Star Ranking is open to rookie idols who debuted in or after 2023. It not only shows how quickly artists are building their fandoms during the early stages of their careers, but is also gaining attention as an indicator of the growth potential of next-generation acts expected to lead the future K-pop market.The New Star Ranking also offers various advertising benefits based on consecutive No. 1 records. Artists who achieve five consecutive weeks at No. 1 receive a main banner advertisement on the “ALL THE K-POP” YouTube channel, while those who rank No. 1 for 10 consecutive weeks receive a congratulatory advertisement on Hongdae M Screen in Mapo-gu, Seoul.CORTIS has also been nominated in the Choice Award Group category and the Best Music Summer vote in the FANNSTAR division of the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS. Voting for the categories will continue until 12 p.m. on August 3, and CORTIS is currently drawing strong interest from fans while ranking high on the charts.Following its first No. 1 on the New Star Ranking, attention is focused on whether CORTIS, which is also showing its presence in voting related to the awards ceremony, will achieve meaningful results in the final outcome. As fan participation plays an important role in these categories, support is expected to grow even stronger during the remaining voting period.The 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS is scheduled to be held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. ]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:39:14 +0900 ZEROBASEONE Kim Ji-woong will not participate in some group activities due to his acting schedule. Nest Management announced on the 28th that Kim Ji-woong is currently balancing his acting work and group activities. The agency explained that he will miss some group activities because his confirmed acting schedule overlaps with group activity schedules. Accordingly, there will be changes to ZEROBASEONE’s schedule for the time being, and similar situations may occur in the future for the same reason. In this regard, ZEROBASEONE announced that Kim Ji-woong will not participate in the ’SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer’ stage on August 9. According to the fan club seat notice, the stage will be performed by the remaining four members. The agency apologized to fans for the disappointing news and stated that they will support Kim Ji-woong so that he can fulfill his responsibilities in both acting and group activities. The notice emphasized that this is not a team withdrawal or a long-term hiatus, but an adjustment to some group activities due to a confirmed acting schedule.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Nobrain vocalist Lee Sung-woo responded through his official Instagram to song recommendations by BTS RM. On July 27, Lee Sung-woo posted on Instagram, ″BTS’s RM recommending us! You never know what will happen in this world! Wow, Mr. RM, you have great taste!″ along with, ″Please listen to a lot of Nobrain’s songs, ARMY (the official fandom name of BTS)! Thank you for the shoutout, Mr. RM.″ Earlier, on the 22nd, RM mentioned Nobrain in an interview with British fashion designer Bella Freud, when the MC asked him to recommend a Korean musician with music similar to Kim Gordon and Sonic Youth. Since debuting in 1997, Nobrain has released numerous hit songs and established themselves as legends in the Korean rock band scene. They also received the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation at the 11th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards in 2020.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900   [THE FACT | Choi Soo-jung] Singer Kim Yong-bin has continued his long-running dominance by ranking No. 1 on FANNSTAR’s Trot Ranking for 60 consecutive weeks.Kim Yong-bin claimed the top spot with 1,890,261 votes in FANNSTAR’s fourth-week-of-July Trot Ranking vote, which ran from July 20 to 27. With this result, Kim Yong-bin defended his lead for the 60th week, once again proving the unwavering support and unity of his trot fandom. Choi Su-ho ranked second, followed by Hwang Young-woong in third place.Kim Yong-bin achieved 100 million cumulative votes in the Trot Ranking and promoted the milestone through an advertisement on the Triple Panorama digital billboard at Seoul Express Bus Terminal. If he surpasses 300 million cumulative votes in the future, an advertisement will be displayed on the E Vision transfer passage billboard. Upon reaching 500 million votes, he will receive a digital billboard advertisement at the Korea Building.Kim Yong-bin has also been nominated in the male category of the My Star Award at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA), held through FANNSTAR. The My Star Award is a category in which fans directly choose the artist they love the most, and the final winner will receive a trophy at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.Kim Yong-bin is steadily expanding his fan base through his stable vocals and sincere performances. His experience from walking the path of traditional Korean music for many years, along with the deep emotion he shows on stage, has translated into strong fan support and continued strength in various votes.As Kim Yong-bin continues to build meaningful achievements, from 60 consecutive weeks at No. 1 and 100 million cumulative votes to his nomination for the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, attention is focused on what records he will add next.The 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS is scheduled to be held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. ]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:37:42 +0900 In episode 6 of SBS Tuesday variety show ’Mountain Village Bachelor Hero,’ Lim Young Woong, Kim Do-hoon, and Cha Seung-won showcased a new combination. The broadcast featured the final night’s outdoor live stage with Heo Kyung-hwan, Kwak Beom, Nucksal, and Roy Kim. At this event, Kwak Beom and Lim Young Woong competed over a trot song, creating a subtle rivalry by choosing the same song. Then, Lim Young Woong and Roy Kim performed the duet ″A Melody for You″ for the first time. The next day, Lim Young Woong carefully decorated the house to welcome actors Cha Seung-won and Kim Do-hoon. Cha Seung-won immediately made his presence known by meticulously inspecting the household items upon arrival. Kim Do-hoon brought out his own items to create special memories for the older brothers, and Lim Young Woong showed special affection by lending Kim Do-hoon his favorite pants, calling him his ″attached younger brother.″ The three spent peaceful time together engaging in various activities such as acoustic guitar live performances and swing long jumps. Lim Young Woong took on the role of the main chef for the first time by personally preparing lunch for the new guests. He asked his mother for help to prepare squid stew, but Cha Seung-won offered advice. In the evening, Cha Seung-won led the kitchen and acted as the cooking instructor. Lim Young Woong and Kim Do-hoon busily moved around as assistant chefs, and when both forgot the recipe, they tried to pass the questions to each other.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 The group KIKI (Jiyu, Isol, Sui, Ha-eum, Kiya) announced their comeback by releasing concept photos for their third mini-album, ″Waikiki.″ KIKI showcased two concept photos for the mini-album ″Waikiki,″ scheduled for release on August 10, through their official SNS and website in the form of a tour schedule. The concept photos consist of two versions: ″Ever Too Late″ and ″Hey Hi.″ The ″Ever Too Late″ version features a white tone base with an atmosphere blending natural elements such as grass, flowers, ladybugs, and butterflies. It expresses Y2K vibes through PVC bags, arm cuffs, patterned stockings, and pearl shadow makeup. The ″Hey Hi″ version is divided into two breakfast concepts: ″Je t’aime Meal″ and ″Wo Ai Ni Meal.″ The ″Je t’aime Meal″ shows scenes with various desserts, while the ″Wo Ai Ni Meal″ captures beach moments in vacation looks. On the website, the ″Ever Too Late″ version was revealed in the form of an airplane seat monitor, and the ″Hey Hi″ version was presented as a menu. Instrumental snippets of each track were also introduced. ″Waikiki″ is an album that adds Y2K retro vibes to the resort destination Waikiki, containing a total of six tracks that will portray a 24-hour summer tour course.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 HYBE achieved its highest quarterly performance with sales of 1.45 trillion KRW and operating profit of 170.9 billion KRW in the second quarter of 2026. This performance resulted from active activities such as album releases and world tours by artists under HYBE Music Group, leading to increased revenue from concerts, albums, and merchandise. This is the first time HYBE’s quarterly sales exceeded 1 trillion KRW, and operating profit also surpassed 100 billion KRW for the first time. Cumulative sales for the first half of the year also exceeded 2 trillion KRW for the first time. By business segment, concert sales reached 647.7 billion KRW, album and music sales were 326.8 billion KRW, and merchandise and licensing sales amounted to 310.6 billion KRW. Concerts and albums, which are direct participation revenue streams, showed remarkable results, and the merchandise and licensing segment also set a quarterly record alongside the concert effects. Compared to the same period last year, sales more than doubled, and the operating profit margin was 11.8%. BTS played a significant role in the second-quarter results by starting a world tour in April. According to global music data analysis company Luminate, BTS’s album ″ARIRANG″ ranked first in vinyl and CD album sales in the United States. Thanks to this album’s success, South Korea ranked third in global music exports after the United States and the United Kingdom. BTS’s world tour generated economic effects in each host region and performed at the halftime show of the World Cup final for the first time on the 20th. Other artists under HYBE Music Group also resumed activities by releasing new albums in the first half of the year. Five of the top 10 CD album sales in the U.S. for the first half of the year were by HYBE artists, and according to the Circle Chart in South Korea, seven teams including BTS, Tomorrow X Together (TXT), Enhypen, &TEAM, BoyNextDoor, TWS, and Cortis achieved million-seller status. KATSEYE won three awards at the 2026 American Music Awards and has continued activities with a new single. Cortis achieved cumulative sales of over 5.25 million copies with their first and second mini albums. The steady popularity of ″Merchban,″ combined with merchandise, is expected to continue sales through the end of the year. The digital single ″ICONIC BY MISTAKE,″ featuring LE SSERAFIM, Eilet, and KATSEYE, has entered the Billboard and Spotify charts, maintaining long-term success. The overlapping fandoms of the three teams contributed to expanding each team’s market. In the concert business, 12 teams held 119 performances in the first half of the year, with over 200 performances scheduled for the second half. Compared to last year, when 10 teams held 279 performances, the total number of performances this year is expected to increase. Along with the expansion of concerts, related merchandise sales and licensing business revenue, including the ″The City″ project, are also increasing. Enhypen started a world tour in May, entering the South American market for the first time and selling out stadium concerts. LE SSERAFIM is conducting a world tour in major cities in Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia alongside activities for their second full album. BoyNextDoor began their first world tour after debuting in July, and KATSEYE’s world tour, starting in September, added additional shows due to sold-out tickets. Cortis also started a world tour in their first year since debut. The expansion of artist activities has also led to growth in the fan platform Weverse. Weverse’s monthly active users (MAU) reached 14.43 million, setting a record high for the second consecutive quarter. Total payment amount increased by 12% compared to the previous quarter, and average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) rose by 24%. HYBE CEO Jaesang Lee stated, ″HYBE has proven through its performance that it is a company that redefines the global entertainment market in the second quarter of this year and functions as a core export infrastructure of South Korea’s cultural industry. We will continue to pursue expansion and growth strategies going forward.″]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900     A Rare Dream Lineup You Won't Find Anywhere ElseSet for September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium   K-pop's leading artists, rarely seen together on one stage, will gather at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.On July 28, the organizing committee of THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (TMA) announced that RIIZE, ILLIT, NMIXX, Lim Young Woong, and TREASURE (listed in Korean alphabetical order) will perform at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, which will be held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium.It is truly a rare lineup. While RIIZE, ILLIT, NMIXX, and TREASURE have each established themselves as leading K-pop groups through their distinctive identities and global achievements, opportunities to see all four acts perform on the same stage are exceptionally uncommon. Adding even more star power to the lineup is Lim Young Woong, one of Korea's most celebrated solo artists, whose concerts consistently sell out within moments of ticket sales opening.RIIZE, who made headlines as one of the defining rookie groups of the fifth generation after debuting and joining the 2023 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS lineup in the same year, will return to the TMA stage for the first time in three years.Following widespread acclaim from music media in Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond for their November 2025 single "Fame", RIIZE achieved their fourth million-selling album with their second mini album "II", released this June. Having continued to expand their global presence, the group is expected to deliver an even more spectacular and powerful performance that fully showcases their signature style.Captivating K-pop fans around the world with their unique charm, ILLIT will make their THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS debut this year. Since debuting in March 2024, the group has steadily grown while establishing its own distinctive musical identity, and will finally take the stage at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.Following their first single album "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" released last November, ILLIT further showcased their signature musical color with the title track "It's Me" from their fourth mini album, released in April. The album debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard 200, marking another major milestone in the group's career. ILLIT is now set to demonstrate that remarkable growth on the stage of the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS. After captivating audiences in Macau with a breathtaking performance at the 2025 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, NMIXX is set to light up the night in Busan at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.NMIXX dominated Korea's major digital music charts with their first full-length album "Blue Valentine", released last October. While staying true to the group's unique musical identity, they also expanded their mainstream appeal, continuing their momentum with their fifth mini album "Heavy Serenade", released this May. Following last year's unforgettable stage, fans can once again look forward to NMIXX's signature harmonies and captivating performances—an experience unique to THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.TREASURE, who have emerged stronger than ever following a period of artistic growth, have also joined the lineup for the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS. It marks the group's return to the TMA stage for the first time since 2023.Following the release of their third mini album "LOVE PULSE" last September, TREASURE earned back-to-back first-week million-seller titles with their fourth mini album "NEW WAV", released this June. In particular, "NEW WAV" received praise for showcasing TREASURE's distinctive hip-hop style while further strengthening the group's musical identity. The group is expected to bring that signature energy and color to the stage in Busan.Korean music icon Lim Young Woong, whose popularity transcends generations, is set to make his long-awaited return to the THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS after three years, making this year's lineup even more exceptional.Lim Young Woong reaffirmed his unrivaled popularity with his second full-length album "IM HERO 2", released last August. The title track "Like Every Moment Lasts Forever", along with every song on the album, received enduring support from listeners, while the album surpassed 1.4 billion cumulative streams on Melon. He also solidified his position as the artist with the highest cumulative streaming total in Melon history.His extraordinary ticket-selling power continues as well. His 2026 stadium concert, "IM HERO – THE STADIUM 2", scheduled for September at Goyang Sports Complex, sold out every seat across all shows immediately after ticket sales opened. As Lim Young Woong continues his remarkable run, anticipation is building for the emotional performance he will deliver upon his return to the THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS stage after three years.    With the latest artist announcements, the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS has assembled a star-studded lineup featuring RIIZE, RESCENE, xikers, IDID, ILLIT, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, EVAN, ATEEZ, NMIXX, ALLDAY PROJECT, Lim Young Woong, YENA, CORTIS, CLOSE YOUR EYES, KiiiKiii, TREASURE, and tripleS.With a well-balanced lineup spanning multiple genres and generations, anticipation is continuing to build among K-pop fans around the world for the extraordinary performances that will unfold at Busan Asiad Main Stadium, the venue for the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS.Meanwhile, additional details regarding the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, will be released sequentially through the event's official website.    ]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:03:48 +0900 Singer Lia caught attention by sharing simple daily moments with fans to celebrate 14 years of friendship. Recently, Lia posted several photos on her SNS wearing a white dress and holding a bouquet. The background was decorated with gold balloons and the phrase ″HAPPY BIRTHDAY,″ creating a festive atmosphere. Lia alternated between looking straight ahead, smiling while standing sideways, and gazing into the distance, evoking an emotional mood. In the accompanying caption, Lia recalled a special day with her longtime pet, saying, ″I want to have a birthday party at home with 🐾.″ She continued, ″13 years, same chaos, different outfit.🤍 14 years of friendship, let’s go until 100~!″ expressing her affection for the 14-year-long friendship. Through this post, Lia conveyed the importance of unpretentious daily life and gratitude for cherished long-lasting relationships, drawing warm responses from fans.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 LE SSERAFIM is receiving a heated response by sharing scenes from the ongoing ’PUREFLOW’ tour in Japan through SNS. The members captivated fans’ attention on stage with bright smiles, wearing sparkling crop tops and short skirts while striking poses with one leg extended. The background featured dazzling stage lights and a large screen, conveying the vivid atmosphere of the concert. The ’PUREFLOW’ tour is a large-scale performance taking place as LE SSERAFIM actively promotes across North America and Asia. The Japan show stood out with its high-quality stage production and dynamic performances. The members exuded unique charm with their free and confident presence on stage, thrilling the audience gathered at the venue. The videos and photos released on SNS captured moments of exchanging energy with fans during the performance, allowing viewers to vividly feel the intense excitement of the scene. LE SSERAFIM continues its global activities, solidifying its position as a leading K-pop girl group by performing at events such as the U.S. iHeartRadio Music Festival and BlizzCon 2026. Meanwhile, LE SSERAFIM plans to communicate even closer with fans worldwide through the ’PUREFLOW’ tour. With rising expectations from global fans including the recent Japan show, they are expected to continue attracting attention with outstanding stage performances and trendy styling.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900 Singer Chaeryeong recently showcased her elegant charm wearing a pink dress. In the photos taken against various backgrounds such as city streets and gardens, Chaeryeong smiled while looking straight ahead or naturally posed by brushing her hair back. She also caught attention with a warm moment petting her dog. Chaeryeong recently received great applause from the audience as she threw the ceremonial first pitch before the game at the ’ACC DAY’ event. Throughout the event, she engaged with fans through various activities, heating up the atmosphere. At the same time, Chaeryeong is gaining attention for her appearance on the variety show ’Amazing Saturday.’ On the show with fellow singers, she showcases her bright energy and unique presence, raising viewers’ expectations. Meanwhile, based on her outstanding vocal skills and diverse charms, Chaeryeong continues to actively pursue her career not only in music but also in various other fields.]]> FANNSTAR Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0900