Journalist

Lee Dong Geon
  • Five Years On, 45RPM’s Lee Hyun-bae Remembered After 2021 Death
    Five Years On, 45RPM’s Lee Hyun-bae Remembered After 2021 Death Hip-hop group 45RPM member Lee Hyun-bae, the younger brother of DJ DOC’s Lee Ha-neul, has been dead for five years. Lee was found dead April 17, 2021, at his home in Seogwipo on Jeju Island. An internet installation worker discovered him collapsed in the living room and reported it, but Lee was pronounced dead. An autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death, and a specialist’s opinion said it was believed to be related to a heart abnormality. After news of Lee’s death, a dispute also emerged between DJ DOC members Lee Ha-neul and Kim Chang-ryeol. When Kim posted a tribute on social media, Lee Ha-neul responded sharply, saying, “You killed him.” He claimed they had planned to run a pension business together, but that Kim refused to pay interior construction costs, leaving Lee Hyun-bae in financial hardship. Lee Ha-neul also said his brother was injured in an accident while working a delivery part-time job but could not afford medical tests and later died. Kim said, “As this is a confusing and heartbreaking time after the sudden news, I respectfully ask that people refrain from speculation.” He added, “It is true there were difficult circumstances, but with the grief of sending him off still fresh, it is a delicate situation to bring up matters from long ago.” In 2024, Lee Ha-neul shared an update saying he had reconciled with Kim, and the conflict appeared to have eased. Lee Hyun-bae debuted in 2005 as part of 45RPM. He finished runner-up on Mnet’s “Show Me the Money Season 1” in 2012 and was known for songs including “Joyful Life” from the “No Manners” original soundtrack and “Rigi-dong.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-17 14:03:17
  • KBS2’s “Music Bank” Announces Lineup Featuring TXT, ifeye and MODYSSEY
    KBS2’s “Music Bank” Announces Lineup Featuring TXT, ifeye and MODYSSEY KBS2’s music show “Music Bank” has announced its lineup for the episode airing Friday afternoon. The broadcast will feature 1000° (Cheondo), BE BOYS, cosmosy, hrtz.wav, ifeye, KEYVITUP, KickFlip, KISS OF LIFE and MODYSSEY. Also set to appear are RESCENE, SANTOS BRAVOS, VVS, Dayoung, AMPERS&ONE, All'N, Lee Ji-min and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Lee Ji-min and MODYSSEY are scheduled to perform their debut stages on the show. ifeye and TOMORROW X TOGETHER will return with comeback performances. “Music Bank,” hosted by Kim Jae-won and Bang Ji-min, airs every Friday at 4:55 p.m.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-17 08:12:15
  • Why Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan Keeps Trying to Say the “Right” Thing
    Why Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan Keeps Trying to Say the “Right” Thing Shinhwa member Kim Dong-wan weighed in on comedian Lee Su-ji’s parody video about a kindergarten teacher, saying it "simply exposed the contradiction of expecting good education without respecting educators." He said he was concerned that discipline is being discouraged and that children are losing social experience. Many found the point understandable. But the public increasingly hears his comments not as a single opinion, but as part of a familiar pattern of "Kim Dong-wan-style" speaking out. Kim is someone who chooses to speak rather than stay silent. People like that often treat public commentary as part of their identity, driven by a strong inner belief that "someone has to say it." Public moral arguments can also become tied to self-validation or status, and at times can deepen conflict. That does not mean his remarks should be dismissed as showmanship or hypocrisy. Still, his repeated interventions in social controversies can be read as an urge to "correct" the world and an inability to hold back what he believes is right — a posture that can look more like certainty than self-restraint. His critical perspective has often stayed within reasonable bounds and at times has served as a warning bell. The problem, the article argues, is that audiences judge the messenger as much as the message. Even when his words sound rational, past controversies and allegations can prompt a different question: Does he have the standing to say it? This year alone, Kim drew criticism in February for a post that mentioned the need to legalize prostitution. Last month, he was criticized for a supportive message to MC Dingdong, who was embroiled in allegations involving assaulting a female BJ and drunk driving. Then a person claiming to be Kim’s former manager made allegations about his character. Kim called them "false claims" and said he would take legal action. He later apologized, saying, "I deeply apologize to those who may have felt uncomfortable because of recent events." People tend to react more strongly to perceived hypocrisy than to mistakes. A 2017 study by psychologist Jillian J. Jordan and others said people dislike hypocrites in part because condemning others can send a "false signaling" message about one’s own morality. Related research suggests that when someone who preaches morality fails to meet that standard, others may see the person as self-righteous and respond with stronger resentment and distrust. The article says the harsher view of Kim is not because he is saying the wrong things, but because he tries too often — too clearly and too easily — to occupy the position of being right. As the weight of his comments grows, earlier carelessness, incomplete explanations and even his conduct after apologizing are pulled back into view. In that moment, conviction can be mistaken for habit, and courage can be read as superiority. Speaking up when something seems wrong can be brave and can help move society in a better direction. But the article argues that what the public wants now is not another correct answer, but self-reflection from the person delivering it — words that come after confronting one’s own contradictions. 2026-04-16 14:27:19
  • Court Rejected Hwang Seok-hee’s Claim of Blackout Drunkenness in Sex-Crime Case
    Court Rejected Hwang Seok-hee’s Claim of Blackout Drunkenness in Sex-Crime Case Translator Hwang Seok-hee, 47, who has faced controversy over past sex-crime convictions, had a court reject his claim that he was mentally incapacitated due to extreme intoxication during his trial, according to a broadcast report. Attorney Park Eun-seok said on YTN’s “Case X-File” on April 13 that the charge of indecent assault causing injury carries a heavy statutory penalty under the Criminal Act, punishable by life imprisonment or at least five years in prison. Park said prison sentences are often imposed because the offense involves not only indecent assault but also injury to the victim. He added that the court’s decision to grant a suspended sentence likely reflected settlements with the victims, and that Hwang’s lack of prior criminal record at the time may also have been a factor. Park said, however, that the court did not accept Hwang’s argument that he was mentally incapacitated because he was heavily intoxicated. Hwang was thrust into controversy after Dispatch reported on March 30 that he had been indicted and convicted in cases from 2005 and 2014 on charges including indecent assault causing injury and quasi-rape. In 2014, he was also indicted on charges including quasi-rape involving a student. In both cases, he received suspended prison sentences. On March 30, Hwang wrote on social media that he was reviewing the matter with his lawyer and would consider seeking corrections and taking action if any parts were inaccurate or went beyond the scope of legal judgment. Hwang is known for translating major works including “Deadpool,” “Spider-Man,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Project Hail Mary,” and has also published essays and given lectures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-16 08:15:16
  • Baeksang Arts Awards nominations spark backlash over Yoo Jae-suk omission
    Baeksang Arts Awards nominations spark backlash over Yoo Jae-suk omission The biggest reaction to the 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards nominations did not center on presumed front-runners, but on who was missing. Nominees for the men’s variety award were Kwak Beom, Kian84, Kim Won-hoon, Lee Seo-jin and Choo Sung-hoon. Nominees for the variety program award were “Extreme 84,” “Rookie Director Kim Yeon-kyeong,” “Our Ballad,” “Office Workers Season 2” and “Black and White Chef: Cooking Class War Season 2.” Yoo, who drew major attention again this year, and programs he appeared in were absent from the major categories. The omission fueled a “Yoo Jae-suk snub” controversy, and fans quickly issued a statement calling for the awards to disclose its standards. Baeksang says its broadcast judging covers terrestrial networks, general programming channels, cable, streaming platforms, and web content. In the variety category, it has included web content since the 59th awards, and says the variety awards evaluate both on-screen talent and creators. The awards also states that it selects nominees through strict judging, placing “expertise and fairness” first. Because Baeksang itself has expanded the platforms it considers, questions about how it compares work across platforms have followed. This year’s slate suggests the judges put more weight on distinct characters, clear formats, platform reach and the rise of new faces than on the star power of established celebrities. That direction is not inherently hard to understand. The list may reflect what the panel valued most this year, rather than an effort to exclude Yoo. The controversy has grown, however, because the basis for those judgments has not been clearly explained. In that context, the fan statement is not simply a demand that a particular star be nominated. It is a call for procedural clarity. Baeksang does not need to publish individual reasons for every omission, but it could more clearly explain the principles it uses to compare web and TV productions, long-running programs and seasonal projects, and star-driven shows and format experiments. It is premature to frame the dispute as either Baeksang’s heavy-handedness or an overreaction by fans. The core issue is the limited visibility of the judging standards. An awards show’s authority does not come from “accept our choices,” nor from offering explanations only when criticism grows loud. It comes from balancing a process the public can understand with independence the judges maintain to the end. The Yoo Jae-suk snub controversy is testing that balance. What Baeksang ultimately needs to answer is not about Yoo personally, but about the yardstick it is using to evaluate variety entertainment now. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-15 11:03:17
  • MBC Every1, E Channel’s ‘Dolsing N Mosol’ draws scrutiny ahead of premiere
    MBC Every1, E Channel’s ‘Dolsing N Mosol’ draws scrutiny ahead of premiere MBC Every1 and E Channel’s new variety show “Dolsing N Mosol” on Monday released viewing points ahead of its first broadcast. The program follows divorced women who want to love again and men who have never dated as they meet at a “dating dorm school” and learn about relationships. Producers have promoted it as an unprecedented pairing, highlighting raw emotions and unpredictable developments. The premise brings together people at sharply different stages: those who have experienced marriage and divorce, and those who have not had a first relationship. That gap could set it apart from other dating shows, but it also raises the risk that the imbalance itself becomes the main hook. The categories are not simply about having “more” or “less” dating experience. Divorced participants have lived through commitment, responsibility and the aftermath of a breakup. The never-dated participants are at an entry point. Each side can carry different expectations, anxieties and wounds. The show, however, presents the awkwardness and potential clashes from that contrast as a selling point. Kim Jae-hoon, the producing director, said he discussed with a writer why dating programs “always match people within the same group,” calling that “a prejudice” and a self-imposed frame. The argument can sound like breaking stereotypes. But it also risks dismissing why people often seek partners with similar circumstances: comparable life stages, relationship pace, emotional burden and levels of responsibility can reduce the chance of getting hurt. In that sense, similarity can function less as prejudice than as a practical safeguard. Concerns are not limited to the show attempting an unusual pairing. One side is restarting after a relationship failure; the other is facing first-time awkwardness and fear. The format can push each to absorb the other’s burden. A divorced woman could become an overwhelming first experience for a never-dated man, while a never-dated man could require a divorced woman to explain and guide emotions from the beginning. Critics say that framing it as a “new perspective” may mask a structure in which one participant becomes the other’s training ground. The “dating dorm school” setting also draws scrutiny. While love can be learned, turning entertainment into a classroom can make cast members feel like teaching material. With two groups that differ widely in experience, editing may emphasize who is more inexperienced, who is more hurt, and who must “handle” whom. In that case, viewers may end up watching immaturity rather than sincerity, and the “raw emotions” touted by producers can become emotions consumed rather than protected. Promotional language from the hosts has not eased those concerns. Phrases such as “a dating program that smashes prejudice,” “a dopamine hit,” and “suffocating, unbelievable scenes” suggest the show is being packaged as both a relationship experiment and an emotional stimulant. Dating shows often rely on provocation and observation, but the question is whether the provocation here comes from an intentionally uneven setup. The point is not that relationships between divorced women and never-dated men are impossible; they can happen in real life. But when personal histories and first relationships are assembled as a broadcast concept — “this pairing will be fun to watch” — the relationship can shift from a human connection to a format-driven experiment. Ahead of its premiere, “Dolsing N Mosol” has already generated attention. After it airs, the show will face a basic test: whether it truly broadens understanding beyond stereotypes, or whether it relies from the start on an asymmetry designed for consumption. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-14 16:51:32
  • KBS2’s ‘Music Bank’ Announces Lineup Featuring KEYVITUP, hrtz.wav, KickFlip, KISS OF LIFE and Hwasa
    KBS2’s ‘Music Bank’ Announces Lineup Featuring KEYVITUP, hrtz.wav, KickFlip, KISS OF LIFE and Hwasa KBS2’s music show ‘Music Bank’ has unveiled its lineup for Friday’s broadcast. The show, airing at 4:55 p.m., will feature Baby DONT Cry, cosmosy, hrtz.wav, KEYVITUP, KickFlip, KINO, KISS OF LIFE, RESCENE, Dayoung and Irene. Also set to appear are AMPERS&ONE, YOUNG POSSE, JANG HANEUM, Kep1er and Hwasa. KEYVITUP and hrtz.wav are scheduled to perform debut stages, while KickFlip, KISS OF LIFE, Dayoung and Hwasa will return with comeback performances. ‘Music Bank’ is hosted by Kim Jae-won and Bang Ji-min and airs every Friday at 4:55 p.m. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-10 08:18:16
  • SBS Inkigayo Announces Lineup Featuring IRENE, Kep1er, Park Jae-jung and OWIS
    SBS "Inkigayo" Announces Lineup Featuring IRENE, Kep1er, Park Jae-jung and OWIS SBS has announced a packed lineup for its music show "Inkigayo," airing the afternoon of the 5th. The episode will feature Kang Min, DIGNITY, Min Ji-woon, Park Jae-jung, Baby DONT Cry, V01D, Seo EVE, SLAY, IRENE, AtHeart, S2IT, OWIS, ALL(H)OURS, Yuna (ITZY), Jang Han-eum, CSR and Kep1er. Several artists will stage comebacks, including IRENE, Kep1er, Park Jae-jung, Jang Han-eum and Seo EVE. SLAY will deliver a solo "hot debut" stage, while virtual girl group OWIS will also present a "hot debut" performance. "Inkigayo," hosted by Eui-ju, Lee Hyun and Shin Yu, airs every Sunday at 3:20 p.m. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-05 00:03:17
  • Go Woori of Rainbow Announces Pregnancy, Due in October
    Go Woori of Rainbow Announces Pregnancy, Due in October Go Woori of the group Rainbow is expecting her first child. On April 2, Go posted a video titled “Go Woori is pregnant! A tearful pregnancy announcement” on her YouTube channel, “Go Woori” (Go Woori). In the video, she said she is 10 weeks pregnant and has largely stayed home for three to four weeks because of morning sickness. She said she invited the production crew to her home for that reason. “I had both constant hunger and physical fatigue,” she said, describing it as feeling like a 24-hour hangover. “My stomach keeps feeling uncomfortable, and it’s hard like I’m full of gas.” Go also said she and her husband underwent in vitro fertilization and succeeded on the first attempt. “The first try is like winning the lottery, so I didn’t expect it,” she said. She shared Rainbow members’ reactions, saying she revealed the pregnancy at a birthday gathering and posted video from the moment. Members offered congratulations, saying things like, “That’s amazing,” “Congratulations,” and “That’s so great.” Born in February 1988, Go debuted with Rainbow in 2009. She married a businessman five years older than her on Oct. 2022, and her due date is Oct. 20. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-03 16:45:19
  • Violinist Pinchas Zukerman Returns to Korea for Beethoven Concert With KG Philharmonic
    Violinist Pinchas Zukerman Returns to Korea for Beethoven Concert With KG Philharmonic World-renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman will return to the Korean stage for the first time in about eight years. KG Philharmonic Orchestra said it will present “KG Philharmonic Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman — Masterpiece Series: Beethoven” on May 31 at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall. Ticket sales begin April 2 with a presale for paid Seoul Arts Center members, followed by general sales on April 3. The one-day performance pairs Zukerman with the KG Philharmonic (KG Philharmonic), a young orchestra that has been drawing attention as a rising ensemble. The concert launches KG Philharmonic’s first Masterpiece Series and features major works by Ludwig van Beethoven. In the first half, Zukerman will perform Beethoven’s only violin concerto, the Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61. In the second half, the orchestra will play Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92. KG Philharmonic was founded in 2025 by the Kwak Jaesun Cultural Foundation, based on KG Group’s sustainable management philosophy, and is made up of young musicians who graduated from leading music universities in Korea and abroad. Zukerman said of the collaboration, “Playing with an orchestra made up of young musicians is always my pleasure.” A foundation official said, “The depth of a master and the drive of a young orchestra will come together to deliver an unforgettable experience for audiences.” Tickets range from 40,000 won to 150,000 won and are available through the Seoul Arts Center website and NOL Interpark. The program is expected to draw interest from newcomers to classical music as well as longtime listeners. 2026-04-02 15:39:19