JUWON PARK

South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun sheds tears as he was speaking at a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, March 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
How does South Korea’s society treat celebrities in crisis? A new case raises questions
A young actor’s suicide in South Korea. Allegations of an underage relationship. They are part of a growing drama in the Asian entertainment world that has raised questions about society’s treatment of celebrities in crisis, with harsh media and online commentary amplifying their lowest moments.
 
FILE- A pedestrian passes by the wreaths sent by supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol outside of the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)
South Koreans turn funeral wreaths and K-pop light sticks into political protest tools
South Korean protesters are repurposing traditional flower wreaths and K-pop light sticks as political protest tools amid President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment trial, with both supporters and opponents sending hundreds of wreaths to government buildings since his December martial law declaration.
 
Members of K-pop group Blackswan pose during 2023 Newsis K-EXPO in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023. (Kim Myung-nyeon/Newsis via AP)
‘K-pop Idols’ documentary looks at how the K-pop industry is embracing diversity
A new Apple TV+ documentary series, “K-pop Idols,” offers an intimate look at how the K-pop industry is embracing diversity while grappling with challenges in a field that demands perfection.
 
FILE- South Korean singer Taeil, right, poses with other members of K-Pop group NCT 127 upon arrival at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards or 2021 MAMA in Paju, South Korea, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)
K-pop singer Taeil leaves boyband NCT over accusation of an unspecified sexual crime, his label says
South Korean singer Taeil has left K-pop band NCT after being accused of an unspecified sexual crime.
 
This image released by Apple TV+ shows Yuh-Jung Youn in a scene from "Pachinko." (Apple TV+ via AP)
Second season of ‘Pachinko’ explores challenges for ethnic Koreans in Japan
The second season of “Pachinko” — opening Friday — delicately captures the plight of ethnic Koreans brought to Japan during colonial rule and their descendants, exploring themes of home and identity through several generations.
 
Korean American star Jay Park shows the garlic light stick of his fandom on stage during a fan meeting at Myunghwa Live Hall on Sunday, Aug 11, 2024, in Seoul. (AP Photo/Juwon Park)
Korean American star Jay Park discusses his garlic juice, foray into K-pop and keeping it real
Korean American pop star Jay Park is known for many things, including being a rapper and R&B artist, as well as a garlic health drink enthusiast.
 
FILE - BTS member Suga attends an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 12, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Suga of K-pop sensation BTS fined for driving while drunk. What he was driving causes confusion
Suga, a member of K-pop sensation BTS, apologized for driving an electric vehicle while intoxicated. His label, Big Hit Music said Min Yoon-gi, famously known as Suga, was driving an “electric kickboard” when he fell while parking it.
 
FILE - Wolverhampton Wanderers' Hwang Hee-chan attends the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal in Wolverhampton, England, on April 20, 2024. Italian soccer team Como has defended a player who allegedly said Wolves’ South Korean forward Hee Chan Hwang “thinks he’s Jackie Chan” during a pre-season game on Monday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File)
South Korean FA files complaint to FIFA after Como player’s alleged racist remark sparks outrage
The Korean Football Association has filed a complaint with FIFA over an alleged racist remark toward Wolverhampton’s Hwang Hee-chan during a recent preseason match against an Italian team in Spain and urged for stronger anti-racism measures.
 
A woman scrolls the Instagram page of Venerable Beomjeong, a Buddhist monk, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Seoul Beomjeong, who is also known as Kkotsnim, which means “flower monk” in Korean, has been garnering young followers on social media. He frequently uploads photos of himself with captions featuring Buddhist teachings and his thoughts. (AP Photo/Juwon Park)
Young South Koreans are increasingly drawn to Buddhism via social media-savvy influencers
South Korean young people are increasingly drawn to Buddhism due to social media-savvy influencers, including a monk who went viral on Instagram and a comedian who also DJs dressed like a Buddhist monk.
 
A member of team T1 Lee Sang-hyeok, better known as "Faker," listens to a reporter's question during a press conference after winning the finals stage of the 2023 League of Legends World Championship between team T1 and team Weibo Gaming in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Esports superstar Faker’s team wins trophy at the League of Legends World Championship
South Korea’s esports powerhouse T1 has won the League of Legends World Championship by defeating China-based Weibo Gaming. It is T1’s record fourth win at one of the biggest esports tournaments in the world.
 
Success has Malaysian rapper Bunga dreaming of music
One of the few Malaysian female rappers, Bunga says she at first didn’t consider a career in music. She thought of being a politician or a lawyer. Her success has her changing her tune.