Star Today reporters are always busy. They move around like idol stars, going to Gangnam, Sangam, and Samcheong-dong in a single day. Eating triangular kimbap for meals is a daily routine. At entertainment issue sites, official events, and interview locations, Star Today reporters share behind-the-scenes stories from the past week that they couldn't include in their articles.
# Asking for leniency on sexual assault charges?... Fans are also shocked
The first trial of Taeyil, a former member of NCT, who was indicted without detention on charges of special rape, was held. Many individuals, presumably fans, lined up in front of the court early in the morning. Taeyil, who admitted to all charges of sexual assault, remained silent, but his lawyer was diligent in his work.
Some fans who were observing the trial sighed at the lawyer's argument, "We submitted a confession and reached an agreement with the victim, so please show leniency." The fans' affection crumbled in an instant, and they expressed their disbelief. After the trial, Taeyil quickly left the scene, sticking closely to his lawyer and keeping his eyes on the floor.
In his self-introduction, Taeyil stated, "I was a singer, but I was expelled due to this incident. I am currently working part-time," and the aura of a once-great K-pop idol was nowhere to be found.
# Chaos in Korea... Japan asks, "What's the problem?" regarding Joo Hak-nyeon 'AV actor scandal'
Joo Hak-nyeon (26) from the group The Boyz was expelled from the team due to a private meeting with a former Japanese AV actor, highlighting the differing reactions between Korea and Japan. In Korea, it seems that just the scandal with the AV actor has significantly damaged his image. Given that idols have a major influence on teenagers, the majority opinion is, "What will children learn from this?" However, the reactions from Japanese netizens are quite different. In Japan, there is a social atmosphere that views AV actors as just one of many professions, leading to confusion over why Joo Hak-nyeon's meeting with an AV actor is a problem. Additionally, there are voices expressing surprise at Korea's response, which led to the expulsion of a member over such incidents.
Meanwhile, Asuka Kira, the AV actor involved in Joo Hak-nyeon's scandal, is actively promoting her underwear brand on social media, posting photos despite the controversy.
# EXO's Tao, despite controversy over foreign substances in sanitary pads... Korean and Chinese reactions are overwhelmingly positive
Tao, a former member of EXO, has drawn attention in both China and Korea after a consumer complaint about foreign substances in the sanitary pads he launched. Following the controversy, Tao quickly provided a reasonable explanation, earning praise from Chinese netizens. They expressed 'infinite' trust in Tao and his products, noting that he courageously entered the 'high-risk, low-profit' women's product business and provided sincere feedback even for minor controversies. In domestic communities and on social media, many expressed positive reactions, saying, "An entertainer who is so sincere about women's products... I have developed a liking for him for the first time."
# Jung Young-joo, a meaningful critique amidst biased direction
Actress Jung Young-joo delivered a meaningful critique to the drama industry. At the production presentation of Genie TV's new original 'Salon de Holmes' held on the 16th, Jung pointed out, "Viewers are being subtly biased. (Industry insiders) are putting their heart and soul into discovering diverse materials, but works with strong masculinity are being shown to viewers."
Her significant observation, which deeply pierced the current drama market dominated by masculine works, was met with nods of agreement from reporters and industry insiders who listened attentively to Jung's words.
# So honest that I want to protect... 'Midnight Horror Story' PD Lim Chae-won
So honest that it's almost too much. Ahead of the release of 'Midnight Horror Story' Season 5 on June 29, PD Lim Chae-won met with Star Today and candidly shared his thoughts on issues ranging from the MBC strike during the Park Geun-hye administration to the management's bias, and the disappointment that 'Midnight Horror Story,' which is receiving more recognition in new media, is not getting the proper treatment, as well as the severely insufficient production budget.
PD Lim Chae-won passionately expressed his feelings, even mentioning names, saying, "I don't mind if everything gets reported," but... PD, since we want to see you for a long time, let's keep the detailed stories as our little secret!
# Safety is the top priority... Photographers withdraw from the event with Jang Won-young
A photo event for the cosmetics brand Amuse, attended by IVE's Jang Won-young, was held on the morning of the 20th in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. Although the event invited photo and video reporters, problems arose when a photo wall was set up in the narrow alley of Seongsu-dong.
Despite Jang Won-young's side doing their best to cooperate, the situation worsened with rain, making it physically impossible to proceed with the event due to safety risks, leading all reporters to withdraw from the scene.
The PR team sent an apology, stating, "We apologize to the reporters who made the effort to come. We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the lack of smooth shooting guidance," and explained that "despite having received permission and prior consultation from the police, unexpected complaints arose on the day, causing the situation to change rapidly and preventing us from responding smoothly."
