Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Former footballer Ahn Jung-hwan pledges to donate 436 million won from YouTube earnings

Ahn Jung-hwan, a former professional football player turned broadcaster, said he will donate the entire 436 million won ($294,000) in earnings from his YouTube channel.

2026-04-12

Cha Eun-woo pays $8.8M in tax penalties, petition filed amid military band assignment concerns

A petition has been filed calling for the military to review whether it is appropriate for Cha Eun-woo to serve in the military band, following reports that he had paid about 13 billion won ($8.8 million) in penalties over unpaid taxes.

2026-04-09

Comedian Lee Jin-ho hospitalized for brain hemorrhage, under treatment

Comedian Lee Jin-ho has been hospitalized after suffering a brain hemorrhage, according to his agency SM Culture & Contents on Thursday.

2026-04-09

Cha Eun-woo pays 20 billion won penalty and issues apology, claims 'sole responsibility' for tax scandal

Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo issued an apology over his tax evasion scandal and said he had paid the full amount — 20 billion won ($13.6 million) — owed in a statement on Wednesday.

2026-04-08

Actor Kim Go-eun reprises titular role as ‘Yumi’s Cells’ returns after 4 years

Actor Kim Go-eun has had a busy career in the nearly five years since the Tving series “Yumi’s Cells” (2021–) first premiered. But she still has a soft spot for the role of Yu-mi in the romantic comedy series, set to return on April 13.

2026-04-07

'Beef' season 2 sinks teeth into world of the ultrarich with megastars Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho

The second season of the Netflix anthology "Beef" (2023-) will bring its characters to the streets of Seoul — the gold-paved ones of the world of conglomerates, with icons Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho leading the way.

2026-04-07

NIS appoints 'Made in Korea' actor Hyun Bin as honorary counterintelligence agent

Actor Hyun Bin has been appointed as an “honorary counterintelligence agent,” the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said Tuesday. Hyun Bin will work with the agency to raise awareness about the importance of counterintelligence.

2026-04-07

IU, Byeon Woo-seok to star in Korea's royal makeover with 'Perfect Crown'

MBC's upcoming drama "Perfect Crown" envisions an alternate Korea that still has a monarchy, with the chemistry between long-time collaborators IU and Byeon Woo-seok the driving force of a show that touts Korean traditions with universal emotions.

2026-04-06

IU, Byeon Woo-seok receive royal welcome at K-drama 'Perfect Crown' press event — in pictures

The cast of the upcoming MBC series “Perfect Crown” held a press conference at the Josun Palace Hotel in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Monday to celebrate the show’s premiere scheduled for April 10.

2026-04-06

Netflix eyes home run with MLB livestreaming deal

Fresh off its exclusive deal in Japan to broadcast the World Baseball Classic, Netflix is hoping for a home run with the rights to livestream MLB.

2026-04-04