Journalist

Kang Min-seon
  • Online Posts Revive Claims About Comedian Lee Hwi-jae’s Time in Vancouver
    Online Posts Revive Claims About Comedian Lee Hwi-jae’s Time in Vancouver Online posts about broadcaster Lee Hwi-jae’s time in Canada have resurfaced, drawing renewed attention. On April 12, an online community re-shared a post that had appeared last month on “I Love Vancouver,” a Korean Canadian community site. The post asked whether anyone had actually seen Lee, after hearing he lived in Vancouver. A Korean Canadian commenter, identified as A, replied that Lee was said to have lived in North Vancouver and claimed an acquaintance once ran into him on the street. When the acquaintance asked, “Aren’t you Lee Hwi-jae?” Lee “just ignored him and walked past,” A wrote. A added that the acquaintance remembered the moment because Lee’s look seemed to convey, “Who is this guy acting like he knows me?” and that it left him feeling upset. Another commenter wrote that Lee had “not a single” positive story circulating even after coming to Canada, adding that the accounts they had heard through acquaintances were only of a similar kind. More comments followed, including claims that Lee was seen at times around West Vancouver and that some people had spotted him at shopping malls or grocery stores. Some users also criticized him while referring to past controversies and his return to television. Lee appeared on the March 28 broadcast of KBS2’s “Immortal Songs” for a “2026 Entertainment King of Kings” special. After performing Choi Ho-seop’s “As Time Goes By,” Lee spoke about his recent life. Asked whether his two sons knew he was appearing on TV, Lee said they were now old enough to understand what he does. He said they did not really know when they were younger and thought he was a father who kept going to work out. He said that over four years, as he ended up taking time off because of “my mistake,” they came to understand more clearly. He became tearful, saying they did not say it directly but expressed it in a letter, adding that they wanted him to work. After the episode aired, many online commenters reacted coolly, leaving remarks such as, “Why does it have to be broadcasting — why not do manual labor?” and “He’s not a criminal, but it’s rare to be this disliked.” 2026-04-13 14:45:05
  • MBC’s ‘The Grand Princess of the 21st Century’ draws debate online after premiere
    MBC’s ‘The Grand Princess of the 21st Century’ draws debate online after premiere MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama series ‘The Grand Princess of the 21st Century’ has sparked mixed reactions online since its first broadcast. On April 12, posts about the drama flooded an online community, with viewers trading opinions on its premise, the cast’s performances and a well-known streamer’s review. Some viewers said the show’s world-building is hard to accept. One commenter wrote that it makes little sense for the female lead — described as a second-generation conglomerate heir — to be called “lowborn” and looked down on as a commoner and illegitimate child. “Rather than feeling sorry for her, I first think, ‘So what?’” the commenter said. The same post also questioned other character setups, including a second male lead portrayed as a hereditary prime minister who collects supercars, and a male lead who is the king’s son but “has nothing.” Others alleged the series borrows heavily from Japan. Another commenter said it looks like Japan’s imperial system and political structure were “Koreanized,” pointing to similarities in the military system, the constitutional monarchy setting and the class structure. The commenter also criticized the idea of a specific family inheriting the prime minister’s post, saying it resembles Japanese political culture and feels out of place in a drama set in Korea. Assessments of the acting were also divided. On X, some viewers praised Gong Seung-yeon, who plays the queen dowager, saying her delivery and tone fit a historical drama and that her performance draws viewers into the character. But some criticized Byeon Woo-seok, who plays the male lead, saying his voice and expressions feel monotonous and that his emotions do not come through strongly. A review by content commentator “Dangun,” an esports caster, also drew attention. In a live broadcast, he lowered the drama’s grade from B to C before adjusting it back to B. “The world-building is interesting, but the characters aren’t convincing,” he said, adding that the conflict structure among key figures and the plot development need more explanation. Ratings, however, started strong. Nielsen Korea said Episode 2, aired April 11, posted 9.5% nationwide and 10.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking No. 1 in its time slot. Its 20-49 rating was 5.3%, the highest among all Saturday programs, and its peak minute reached 11.1%. The series has opened with solid viewership, but debate over its premise and performances is expected to continue as the story unfolds.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-13 10:54:14
  • YouTuber Kwak Tube Addresses Postpartum Care Center Sponsorship Involving Civil Servant Wife
    YouTuber Kwak Tube Addresses Postpartum Care Center Sponsorship Involving Civil Servant Wife Travel YouTuber and TV personality Kwak Jun-bin, known as Kwak Tube, said his wife received a sponsored room upgrade and some services at a postpartum care center despite her status as a civil servant, prompting debate over whether it could violate South Korea’s anti-graft law. Kwak posted a lengthy statement on his YouTube channel on April 10. “As a public official’s family member, I deeply realize I should have acted more cautiously,” he wrote, acknowledging that after his wife gave birth, the facility provided a room upgrade and some services. He said he disclosed the sponsorship on social media at the time but later edited the post after realizing the details could be misunderstood. After the controversy emerged, he said he sought legal advice and was told the sponsorship was a private contract between him and the facility and was unrelated to his wife’s official duties. Kwak said he would cooperate if any procedural steps are required. He also said he plans to donate 30 million won to support single mothers, an issue he said he has long wanted to help address. He added that he has already paid the postpartum care center the full price difference for the sponsored benefits. “I will think more deeply about social responsibility, not only legal standards, and put it into practice,” he wrote. After his statement, online debate continued over whether there was any connection to official duties. Some commenters criticized the arrangement as a “loophole” and questioned whether such benefits are allowed if there is no job-related link. Others said the matter was settled because he paid the difference and legal advice found no issue, calling the criticism excessive. Kwak previously posted several photos on April 1 showing his wife staying at a postpartum care center, with the post labeled “sponsored.” The facility is known to charge about 25 million won for two weeks in its top-tier Presidential Suite and about 45 million won for four weeks. Some observers raised questions about a possible violation of the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, commonly known as the Kim Young-ran Act, because his wife is a civil servant. His agency said it was not a full sponsorship and that only a room upgrade was provided. 2026-04-10 14:18:16
  • ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo Apologizes, Pays Tax Bill After 20 Billion Won Assessment
    ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo Apologizes, Pays Tax Bill After 20 Billion Won Assessment Online reactions spread after ASTRO member Cha Eun-woo, who has faced allegations of tax evasion, paid 20 billion won in taxes in full. On the 9th, posts about the payment appeared across online communities. One user claimed Cha paid in a hurry because “Netflix penalties are scarier than 20 billion won,” adding that a project he appears in is set to be released about a month later. Other commenters wrote, “He paid because he needed to, not because he reflected at all,” and suggested he may have weighed potential Netflix penalties and future earnings. Another comment questioned whether he believed the impact would be limited because overseas viewers would still watch. A different user argued that even if he wanted to pay earlier, it may not have been possible, saying the tax notice was issued only recently. The user said there is a voluntary payment system, but payment can be difficult when it is unclear whether the income is personal or corporate, making it hard for authorities to accept payment. Attention also turned to Cha’s upcoming Netflix series, “The Wonder Fools.” Netflix has previously maintained that there would be no change to the planned release schedule despite the controversy. “The Wonder Fools” is described as a superpower comedy action-adventure set in 1999, when doomsday theories were widespread, in which a group of ordinary neighborhood misfits gain powers through an unexpected incident and fight a villain threatening peace in Haeseong City. Cha is reported to play a rule-bound civil servant. A day earlier, Cha posted an apology on Instagram, saying, “I sincerely apologize for disappointing and confusing many people, including fans, due to the recent tax-payment controversy involving me.” He said he respected the National Tax Service’s procedures and results and paid all related taxes, adding that he would faithfully follow the remaining steps. “As someone who has worked with so much love and support, I am taking this matter more seriously and deeply,” he said. He added that if there were areas he failed to examine closely, the responsibility was his, and said he would not evade accountability by claiming ignorance or blaming someone else. He said he would review his activities with more careful and stricter standards to prevent a repeat. Cha was notified by the National Tax Service on Jan. 22 that he would be assessed more than 20 billion won in additional taxes, including income tax. The amount he actually paid was estimated at about 13 billion won. 2026-04-09 15:36:18
  • Chef Park Eun-young of JTBC’s ‘Please Take Care of My Refrigerator’ Shares Wedding Photos
    Chef Park Eun-young of JTBC’s ‘Please Take Care of My Refrigerator’ Shares Wedding Photos Wedding photos of chef Park Eun-young, who appears on JTBC’s “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator,” have been released following news of her upcoming marriage. Park recently shared her engagement news and additional wedding photos during the program. The newly released images show Park in a wedding dress and white veil. One photo includes a partial view of her husband-to-be, who is a doctor, drawing attention. Park is set to marry this spring at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Beyond his profession, details about her fiance have not been disclosed. 2026-04-07 13:36:15
  • Chef Park Eun-young to Marry Doctor This Spring, Reports Say
    Chef Park Eun-young to Marry Doctor This Spring, Reports Say News that Chef Park Eun-young, who appears on JTBC’s “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator,” is getting married has drawn attention to her fiancé. According to a report on the 30th, Park will marry this spring at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The groom-to-be has not been publicly identified beyond his job as a doctor. Comments from colleagues have also resurfaced. On the March 16 episode of Channel A’s “Detectives’ Business Secrets,” Park appeared as a guest. Writer Kim Poong said Park, as a well-known figure in the culinary world, might be better matched with someone in a completely different profession “who can respect each other,” citing a lawyer as an example. After reports said her fiancé is a doctor, some online users speculated Kim may have already known she was dating a professional. Asked about her ideal type, Park said she does not focus on a man’s looks. But when she named actor Kim Rae-won as her celebrity ideal, Kim Poong joked, “Sounds like you care a lot about looks.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 14:36:16
  • Past Post Attributed to Translator Hwang Seok-hee Resurfaces After Sex Crime Report
    Past Post Attributed to Translator Hwang Seok-hee Resurfaces After Sex Crime Report A past online post believed to have been written by translator Hwang Seok-hee drew renewed attention after reports said he committed three sex crimes, including quasi-rape and filming a person’s body. On the 30th, an online community circulated the post, which was attributed to Hwang. In the post, Hwang wrote that students sometimes send him messages using words such as “role model,” “mentor” and “respect,” but that he tells them not to respect him or think of him as a mentor. “One day, you will definitely be deeply disappointed,” he wrote. The post spread quickly online as it overlapped with the current controversy, with some commenters saying it appeared to foreshadow the situation. Hwang issued a statement on social media shortly after the report. Hwang wrote that he is reviewing the matter with a lawyer and that if the coverage includes anything that is untrue, unverified, or phrased beyond the scope of legal judgment, he will consider seeking corrections and taking action. Some online commenters criticized the statement, writing that he did not deny the criminal record and questioning how he could seek corrections regarding matters they said had already been decided by a court.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-30 14:06:15
  • BTS ‘Arirang’ Debate Rekindled After Netflix Documentary Shows HYBE Chief’s Input
    BTS ‘Arirang’ Debate Rekindled After Netflix Documentary Shows HYBE Chief’s Input A controversy over BTS’ new release “Arirang” has spread again after a Netflix documentary showing the album’s production was released. BTS released “Arirang” on the 20th. The album was described as a modern reinterpretation of traditional themes, but some Korean online communities criticized it as “gukppong,” a term used for what they see as excessive patriotic messaging. As the debate grew, some criticism also targeted RM, who has played a leading role in the group’s production. The agency has said it would take legal action over malicious comments directed at the members. The issue flared again after the Netflix documentary included scenes in which HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and other staff offered opinions on the album’s concept. In the film, Bang says, “When you perform in front of 60,000 or 70,000 people, wouldn’t it be incredibly iconic to have foreigners — more than 50% — singing along to the ‘Arirang’ chorus?” He adds, “Even if you ultimately do it the way you want, it feels like you’re throwing away something big if you don’t even discuss it.” The documentary also shows Bang pushing back after J-Hope and Jungkook cautiously voiced opposition. Bang responds in a way that suggests the issue is not simply whether it is better or worse, saying, “Even if that’s better, I think you can take something bigger while not really losing much musically. So rather than saying this is better or I don’t like it …” Posts about the documentary then spread across Korean online communities, fueling further debate. Commenters wrote, “If they hadn’t released the documentary, only BTS would have been criticized,” and, “BTS’ job isn’t to be ambassadors for Korean culture — they’re artists.” Others said the thinking felt “too old,” and added, “It’s not BTS — Bang Si-hyuk has completely lost his original mindset,” and, “Now I understand Jungkook’s live broadcast.” Another comment said members had wanted Korean-language lyrics. One user wrote that approving and releasing the documentary “shows how out of touch they are,” adding, “Didn’t they include the scene of persuading the members to prove they were right? In reality, the public = ARMY = BTS all agree, except for Bang Si-hyuk and Nicole Kim.” An album review posted on March 23 on the music community IZM also drew attention. Critic Han Seong-hyeon wrote, “It’s nothing new, but BTS is no longer the name of seven members. It is a proxy that relieves the long-standing thirst of middle-aged people who craved Western recognition; for HYBE, it is a factor that determines stock price swings; and it is an achievement the political world seeks while scrambling to pick up even a few crumbs.” BTS continues its global activities, and the album has drawn a range of reactions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-30 08:48:22
  • Lee Hi and Dok2 Go Live Together After Dating Rumors, Show Affection On Camera
    Lee Hi and Dok2 Go Live Together After Dating Rumors, Show Affection On Camera Singer Lee Hi and rapper Dok2 went live together shortly after reports sparked dating rumors. On the 28th, Lee Hi hosted a real-time livestream on her social media account. The two counted down to 6 p.m. with fans ahead of the release of “You & Me,” the first single from their jointly founded label, 808 HI RECORDINGS. Throughout the broadcast, they showed frequent physical affection, including putting an arm around each other and linking shoulders. They also showed matching necklaces described as a couple item. When viewers asked, “Are you really dating?” they avoided a direct answer, though their appearance was widely interpreted as an acknowledgment of the relationship. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-29 16:15:18
  • Comedian Lee Hwi-jae’s TV Return on KBS Draws Chilly Online Reaction
    Comedian Lee Hwi-jae’s TV Return on KBS Draws Chilly Online Reaction Entertainer Lee Hwi-jae’s return to television has drawn a cool response from some online commenters, according to reactions shared after his appearance. Lee appeared on the March 28 broadcast of KBS2’s ‘Immortal Songs’ for a special titled ‘2026 Entertainment King of Kings.’ After performing Choi Ho-seop’s ‘As Time Goes By,’ Lee spoke about his recent life. Asked whether his twin sons, Seo Eon and Seo Jun, are now in middle school, Lee replied they are first-year students. When asked if they knew he was appearing on TV, Lee said they are now old enough to understand what he does. “When they were younger, they didn’t really know. They said they thought I was a dad who kept going to work out,” he said. “But as four years passed, and I ended up taking a break because of my mistake, they came to understand.” Lee became tearful as he said his sons did not say it directly but wrote him letters. Host Shin Dong-yup asked whether the letters comforted him and urged him to stay strong. Lee nodded, holding back tears, and added that they said they wanted him to work again. After the episode aired, many online commenters reacted skeptically. Comments included: “Why does he have to be on TV — can’t he do manual labor?” “Do we have to give him a job because his kids cried? Emotional manipulation,” and “Bringing up his kids, really? Producers will decide. If he’s on, you can just not watch.” Others wrote, “It’s not like he suffered extreme hardship or was sick — why cry on TV?” and “Not a crime, but it’s rare to be this disliked.” Lee debuted in 1992 on MBC’s variety program ‘Sunday Night.’ He later appeared on a range of entertainment shows. He faced controversy, including disputes with neighbors over apartment noise, and stopped broadcasting in 2022. He also spent time in Canada with his family. More recently, speculation about a comeback surfaced after his wife, Moon Jeong-won, resumed activity on social media.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-29 11:03:16