Riku

Pop star Zayn has shared his appreciation for BLACKPINK’s Jisoo following the global success of their recent collaboration, “Eyes Closed.”

On October 14 (KST), Zayn took to social media to post,

“Jisoo… You’re an absolute legend. Loved this collaboration in every way. Thank you for making me the coolest dad,”
accompanied by a crying emoji.

He also uploaded several behind-the-scenes photos from the “Eyes Closed” music video shoot. In one, Zayn and Jisoo smile warmly at the camera, both dressed in matching black leather jackets — exuding effortless chemistry and comfort.

Jisoo later replied with a short but heartwarming message:

“You already are,”
followed by an emoji, which melted fans’ hearts and sparked another wave of online excitement.

Fans flooded the comments with praise and love:

“Proud dad energy!”
“Thank you Jisoo for giving us the collab of a lifetime!”
“Zayn is a legend too!”

The collaboration has been a massive global success, topping charts across multiple platforms. “Eyes Closed” quickly hit No. 1 on YouTube Music’s Trending Videos, debuted at No. 21 on Spotify’s Top Songs Global, and entered the Daily Top Song charts in 32 countries.

Since parting ways with One Direction in 2015, Zayn has built a successful solo career and, in 2020, welcomed his daughter Khai Malik with model Gigi Hadid.

With “Eyes Closed,” Zayn and Jisoo have not only united two powerhouse fanbases but also created one of the year’s most talked-about collaborations — a moment where K-pop and global pop perfectly collided

Keep Reading

K-POP

ATEEZ’s San as new global ambassador for ‘Dolce & Gabbana’

By Riku October 16, 2025 No Comments

ATEEZ’s San has officially been appointed as a global ambassador for Dolce & Gabbana!

On October 15 KST, the luxury fashion house formally welcomed San to its family of ambassadors, marking another major milestone in his career.

San’s connection with Dolce & Gabbana began last year when ATEEZ performed at Coachella in custom D&G outfits. Since then, he has continued to turn heads at several of the brand’s fashion events, earning praise for his chic visuals and confident aura.

Meanwhile, ATEEZ is set to conclude the Japan leg of their 2025 “In Your Fantasy” world tour with a two-day concert in Kobe from October 22–23.

Keep Reading

K-DRAMA

Im Si Wan to Release First Solo Album in Collaboration with SM Entertainment

By Riku October 14, 2025 No Comments

Actor and singer Im Si Wan is preparing to make his long-awaited solo debut, teaming up with SM Entertainment for the release of his first solo album.

According to a report from JTBC Entertainment News on October 13, Im is currently working on the album with SM Entertainment, which is also expected to handle his future music activities.

An SM representative confirmed the news, saying, “One of our subsidiary labels is producing Im Si Wan’s solo album, and we are coordinating the release schedule and related details.”

Im Si Wan has been without an agency since August. While developing his solo project independently, he reportedly decided to collaborate with SM after receiving advice from senior artist Kangta. He was also said to be drawn to the company’s strong track record in managing top K-pop acts such as TVXQ, Girls’ Generation, NCT, aespa, and RIIZE.

The upcoming release, now in its final stages of production, will mark Im’s first official solo album. Although he has previously taken part in drama soundtracks and collaborations, this will be the first time he releases music solely under his own name.

Im Si Wan debuted in 2010 as a member of the boy group ZE:A, alongside Park Hyung Sik, Hwang Kwang Hee, and Kim Dong Jun, but the group has been inactive since 2017.

Despite his success as an actor, Im has often expressed his desire to return to music. In a recent interview for the Netflix film The Mantis, where he appeared with bleached hair, he said, “I’ve never given up on being a singer,” hinting at his renewed musical ambitions.

While Im has yet to sign with a new management agency for his acting career, industry sources say he is fielding multiple offers. He recently appeared in Netflix’s Squid Game Season 3 and starred in The Mantis, which premiered on August 26.

Keep Reading

K-DRAMA

Choi Hyun Wook apologizes after first pitch controversy

By Riku October 14, 2025 No Comments

Actor Choi Hyun Wook’s agency has issued a formal apology following the controversy surrounding his ceremonial first pitch.

On October 13, Gold Medalist told Dispatch, “Choi Hyun Wook feels a deep sense of responsibility for what occurred after the recent first pitch event.” The agency admitted that, as the pitcher, he should have been more mindful of safety precautions, adding, “We sincerely apologize for causing concern to so many people.”

Gold Medalist continued, “We extend our heartfelt apologies to the young batter and their guardian, who were undoubtedly startled by the unexpected situation.”

The agency further revealed, “We were able to get in touch with the child’s guardian through the team today and have personally delivered a written apology. Thankfully, the family has been very understanding.”

They also acknowledged shortcomings in event management, stating, “We recognize that there were inadequacies in our on-site supervision and prior coordination. We will review and strengthen our internal procedures to ensure such an incident never happens again. Once again, we offer our sincere apologies.”

The controversy began on October 9, during Game 1 of the KBO League semi-playoffs at Incheon SSG Landers Field, where Choi Hyun Wook threw the ceremonial first pitch while a young fan stood at the plate. The ball unexpectedly flew near the child’s head, shocking spectators and commentators alike.

The following day, on October 10, Choi addressed the situation on the fan platform Bubble, writing, “I should have thrown the ball more gently and from a closer distance since a young child was standing there. I was too nervous and didn’t think it through. I’m truly sorry.”
Before pursuing acting, Choi Hyun Wook had played baseball as a catcher until his first year of high school, when an elbow injury forced him to quit. He most recently appeared in the drama My Dearest Nemesis alongside actress Moon Ga Young.

Keep Reading

K-NEWS

Former T-ara member Ahreum’s suspended prison sentence upheld for child abuse and defamation charges

By Riku October 13, 2025 No Comments

Former T-ara member Ahreum has received a finalized suspended prison sentence for child abuse and defamation charges.

According to a report by Star News on October 9, the Suwon District Court Ansan Branch sentenced Ahreum to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. In addition, she was ordered to complete 40 hours of a child abuse prevention education program.

Ahreum had previously appealed the ruling delivered in January, but the court dismissed her appeal, making the sentence final.

The case traces back to March of last year, when Ahreum publicly accused her ex-husband of child abuse and domestic violence through social media. Soon after, she attempted suicide and was hospitalized. Following a police investigation, her ex-husband was cleared of the child abuse allegations.

Subsequently, her ex-husband filed criminal complaints against Ahreum and her mother for child abuse and the abduction of a minor, as well as a defamation suit regarding her online posts. The court also handed Ahreum’s mother, who was indicted without detention, a four-month prison term suspended for one year.

Ahreum debuted as a member of T-ara in July 2012 but departed from the group in 2013. She later married a businessman in 2019, with whom she shares two sons. Following their divorce, she continued to share personal posts about her situation online. In December 2023, Ahreum revealed a new relationship and announced plans to remarry, once again drawing public attention.

Keep Reading

K-DRAMA

The 16th Korea Drama Awards announced winners

By Riku October 13, 2025 No Comments

The 16th Korea Drama Awards announced this year’s winners!

The prestigious ceremony took place on October 11 at the Gyeongnam Culture & Art Center in Jinju, celebrating the finest achievements in Korean television.

This year’s Daesang (Grand Prize) was awarded to Ahn Jae Wook for his remarkable performance in “For Eagle Brothers.” The Best Picture honor went to “Our Movie.”

BTOB’s Yook Sungjae earned the Best Actor Award for his role in “The Haunted Palace,” while his co-star WJSN’s Kim Ji Yeon (Bona) received the Excellence in Acting Award for her outstanding portrayal.

Meanwhile, Park Bo Young took home the Best Actress Award for her impressive dual role in “Our Unwritten Seoul.”

Daesang (Grand Prize)

Ahn Jae Wook (“for eagle brothers”)

Best Picture

“Our Movie”

Best Actor

Yook Sungjae (“The Haunted Palace”)

Best Actress

Park Bo Young (“Our Unwritten Seoul”)

Best New Actor

Choo Young Woo & Heo Nam Jun

Best New Actress

Chung Su Bin & Hong Hwa Yeon

Keep Reading

K-POP

MAMAMOO’s Solar enlist in the military

By Riku October 12, 2025 No Comments

Fans were taken by surprise after an unexpected update appeared on Solar’s official Fromm account on October 10, revealing that the singer’s Fromm service would be temporarily suspended due to her upcoming military enlistment on October 31.

The sudden message quickly spread across online communities, leaving fans both shocked and skeptical. Many questioned whether the announcement was a technical error or a misunderstanding on the fan platform, while others speculated that Solar might indeed be preparing to enlist an exceptionally rare move for a female K-pop idol.

As of now, RBW Entertainment has not released an official statement to confirm or deny the news, leaving fans eagerly awaiting clarification.

Keep Reading

K-POP

Lee Jung Jae made history again

By Riku October 7, 2025 No Comments

Actor Lee Jung Jae has made history as the first Korean recipient of the Chaplin Award Asia, announced on October 3 in Singapore.

Organizers honored Lee for his lasting and positive influence on Asian cinema, recognizing his body of work that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

In his acceptance speech, Lee expressed his gratitude, saying:

“It’s both nerve-wracking and deeply humbling to receive an award bearing the name of Charlie Chaplin, a legendary filmmaker, artist, and creative pioneer. I hope this recognition will allow me to make a positive impact as an Asian filmmaker.”

The Chaplin Award one of the film industry’s most prestigious lifetime achievement honors—is presented annually by Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) in New York. Since the introduction of its Asia category in 2018, past recipients have included celebrated Chinese-language film figures such as Tony Leung, Zhang Yimou, and Brigitte Lin.

Following his global success with Squid Game, Lee Jung Jae is set to make his highly anticipated return to television next month with the tvN drama Nice to Not Meet You.

Keep Reading

K-NEWS

Rowoon takes on his first Japanese film project ahead of military enlistment

By Riku October 7, 2025 No Comments

Singer-actor Rowoon is set to make his big-screen debut in Japan with the upcoming film Lastman -FIRST LOVE-.

The movie is a cinematic adaptation of the hit 2023 TBS drama Lastman -Zenmei no Susakan-, which follows a visually impaired FBI investigator, Minami Hiromi (Fukuyama Masaharu), and an upright detective, Godo Shintaro (Oizumi Yo), as they work together to solve complex cases. The film is slated for release in Japan on December 24.

In the film, Rowoon plays Clyde Yoon, an FBI investigator described as a strong and charismatic counterpart to Minami. Producer Higashinaka praised the casting choice, saying, “Yoon is a powerful character who stands toe-to-toe with Minami. We believed only Rowoon, with his acting range, charm, and commanding presence, could truly bring him to life.”

Marking his first foray into the Japanese film industry, Rowoon shared his excitement:

“Working on a Japanese project was a new challenge, but I wanted to push myself by acting in a different language and cultural environment. Yoon is an ambitious and passionate character, and I hope viewers will enjoy watching his growth throughout the story.”

Rowoon’s popularity in Japan continues to rise, with past works like She Would Never Know, More Than Friends, and This Love Is Unavoidable enjoying strong local followings. His Disney+ series Takryu also climbed Japan’s Top 10 chart shortly after its release.
In addition, Rowoon recently held a successful fan meeting at Nippon Budokan in May and is set to meet fans again at two “Extraordinary Day” events at Tokyo Garden Theater on October 7.

As he prepares for his military enlistment on October 27 postponed from July anticipation is high for Rowoon’s next chapter, both on screen and beyond.

Keep Reading

K-DRAMA

Red Velvet’s Joy To Return To Acting After 4 Years

By Riku October 1, 2025 1 Comment

It’s now official: Red Velvet’s Joy will be starring in the upcoming drama “One-of-a-Kind Romance” (working title)!

On September 30, SM Entertainment confirmed reports that Joy would be playing the lead in the new drama. “It’s true that Joy is appearing in the drama ‘One-of-a-Kind Romance,’” stated the agency.

Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, “One-of-a-Kind Romance” is a romantic comedy that follows Gong Yu Il, a job-seeking young woman whose ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with top actor Tak Mu Yi and idol star Ryu Min.

Marking her first acting project in four years, Joy will take on the role of Gong Yu Il, a spirited and resilient character who keeps smiling despite life’s hardships. While she secretly dreams of becoming a writer, she is forced to pursue corporate opportunities and support herself with part-time work at a convenience store. Having long harbored a crush on Ryu Min a member of the boy group X-ONE—she suddenly finds her life intertwined with the famous Tak Mu Yi after a chance meeting.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Kim Hyun Jin had been cast as Tak Mu Yi, the male lead.

Keep Reading