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[Exclusive Interview] Choi Jae-won Shares, I'm the First in the Industry to Receive Presidential Commendation Twice; It's an Honor
![[Exclusive Interview] Choi Jae-won Shares, I'm the First in the Industry to Receive Presidential Commendation Twice; It's an Honor](https://img.sbs.co.kr/newsnet/etv/upload/2025/06/17/30000997623.jpg)
등록일2025.06.17
Renowned as the entertainment industry's 'Mr. Integrity,' actor Choi Jae-won (55) is in the spotlight for receiving the Presidential Commendation twice. Since 2010, Choi has been active as an ambassador for the prevention of elder abuse under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and he was recently honored with the Presidential Commendation for his contributions to the promotion of elder rights and prevention of abuse. This award marks the first commendation given since President Lee Jae-myung took office. In an exclusive interview with SBS Entertainment News, Choi shared, I've been told I'm the first celebrity to receive the Presidential Commendation twice. It's a great honor for my family. Choi humbly added, When I first started working on elder rights and abuse prevention, I didn't know what to do, so I just did whatever I was asked. It's already been 16 years. This award was given in recognition of his extensive efforts in educating professionals at elder care institutions and participating in campaigns to raise awareness about the severity of elder abuse. Previously, Choi also received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare in 2012. Choi earned the nickname 'Mr. Integrity' since 2001, through his segment 'Choi Jae-won's Conscience Chase' on KBS's 'Good Country Movement Headquarters.' Since then, he has been involved in various volunteer activities, including recording audiobooks for the hearing impaired, delivering coal briquettes, and participating in kimchi-making volunteer work, for over 20 years. He is currently donating regularly to more than 20 organizations. His 'conscience' has also been recognized in the field of taxation. In 2003, on Taxpayer's Day, he received his first Presidential Commendation as a model taxpayer, setting an example in the entertainment industry. Regarding the commendation, Choi said, My beloved mother keeps saying during our calls, 'It's a great honor for our family. Can I treat everyone using your card?' I'm truly grateful to my colleagues who have been with me for over 15 years and to my family for all their support. Choi is currently hosting SBS Golf's 'Why You're Good at Golf' and TV Chosun's 'Healthy Home,' and is contemplating his next acting project. kykang@sbs.co.kr (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
Court Approves Seizure of 2 Apartments Owned by 'Hover Lab' Kim Se-ui, Who Was Sued by Kim Soo-hyun
등록일2025.06.11
The court has granted the application for a provisional seizure filed by actor Kim Soo-hyun against Kim Se-ui, the head of the YouTube channel Hover Lab . According to MoneyToday on the 11th, the Seoul Central District Court accepted the application from Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, on the 9th, deciding to seize two apartments in Seoul's Seocho District and Gangnam District's Apgujeong owned by Kim Se-ui. The apartment in Seocho District owned by Kim Se-ui is reportedly worth around 2 billion won, while the apartment in Apgujeong, Gangnam District, is valued at approximately 8 billion won. However, Kim Se-ui only owns 50% of the Apgujeong apartment. Previously, Kim Soo-hyun filed a 12 billion won lawsuit for damages against Kim Se-ui and the late Kim Sa-ron's family, accusing them of spreading rumors about a minor's dating life, sharing photos of Kim Soo-hyun's private life, and releasing manipulated voice recordings using AI. Furthermore, Kim Soo-hyun's side has also filed charges against Kim Se-ui for violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (distribution of illegally captured content) and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. In response, Kim Sa-ron's family has filed a complaint against Kim Soo-hyun for violating the Child Welfare Act. This court decision to seize assets has drawn attention to the police investigation. Kim Soo-hyun completed his complainant investigation last month at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul. The police have requested Kim Se-ui to appear for investigation, but he has postponed it twice citing the presidential election, with the next appearance date yet to be confirmed. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
Police Consider Arrest Warrant as Kim Se-ui, Sued by Tzuyang & Kim Soo-hyun, Skips Summons Twice
등록일2025.06.10
There is growing public interest in the police summons of Kim Se-ui (48), head of the YouTube channel Hover Lab. The case was originally filed in February by popular YouTuber Tzuyang, who accused Kim of blackmail, coercion, defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, and violating the Anti-Stalking Act. Though the case was initially dismissed, Tzuyang filed an appeal, prompting a supplementary investigation. She completed her statement at the Gangnam Police Station on May 9. The police reportedly notified Kim Se-ui of the investigation schedule in relation to the so-called “Tzuyang case,” but he postponed it twice. It's been revealed that he cited the presidential election and related broadcasting duties as his reason for not being available. Attorney Kim Tae-yeon, Tzuyang's legal representative, told SBS Entertainment News, “Even after the election, we inquired with the police, but were told that the suspect has still not been questioned. The police are even considering visiting his home to coordinate the schedule directly.” In a separate case filed around April, actor Kim Soo-hyun also accused Kim Se-ui of defamation and violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (distribution of footage taken with a camera). Kim Soo-hyun has reportedly completed all required statements. A representative of Kim Soo-hyun said, “We can't disclose details, but we understand the suspect has already postponed the investigation twice. We're not aware of the reasons.” Given that Kim cited presidential election coverage as the reason for postponing, and more than a week has passed since the election concluded, speculation is rising that a police summons could be imminent. A police official was quoted as saying, “If he continues to ignore summons without a valid reason, we may have no choice but to escalate the investigation through compulsory measures such as issuing an arrest warrant.” (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
'My Little Old Boy' Choo Sung-hoon Shares, If I Earned 100 Million, I Tell My Wife Yano Shiho that I Earned 80 Million
등록일2025.06.09
'My Little Old Boy' consistently secured the top spot in weekly variety show ratings. The latest episode of SBS's 'My Little Old Boy', aired on the 8th, led the Sunday variety show ratings with 2.9% among viewers aged 20-49 according to Nielsen Korea, and topped the weekly variety show ratings in the metropolitan area with 11.7%. Special guest MC, the ever-popular Choo Sung-hoon, responded to MC Seo Jang-hoon's question about What does it mean that revealing your house on YouTube broke the peace at home? by saying, My wife got mad because I showed our messy house without permission and she wanted the channel gone. He also humorously added that if his wife turned into a cockroach, he'd still take care of her but keep the bank account to himself. Choo Sung-hoon candidly admitted, I don't share the details of my wealth with my wife. Also, if I made 100 million won, I tell her I earned 80 million won. Choo Sung-hoon, who recently faced a humiliating defeat in a beauty contest against Kim Dong-hyun, confidently claimed, It was just a bad picture. With a different one, I'd win hands down. When compared to Jung Chan-sung and Kim Dong-hyun, I'm definitely the top. Second place is debatable; those two are just cockroaches, making everyone burst into laughter. The show's beloved 'son' Yoon Hyun-min, known for his impeccable cleanliness, invited his drama co-star and now close friend Choi Jin-hyuk to his home. Choi Jin-hyuk wondered why Yoon Hyun-min lived alone in such a place and revealed he invited a female guest over for the 'professional meetup skipper' Yoon Hyun-min. The guest, who came all the way from Japan where she was studying, turned out to be comedian Lee Guk-joo. Upon arrival, she boldly flirted with Yoon Hyun-min's dog, 'Sibong', saying, You can call me mom, and asked Yoon Hyun-min if she could call him brother, to which he firmly responded, No, no, that would mess up the family tree, sending the studio into fits of laughter. Lee Guk-joo, bringing her own pot and special burner, cooked up a storm with beef tripe hot pot and fish cake soup, with the two men assisting her. The sight of her feeding Yoon Hyun-min a wrap and jokingly asking if she was being too forward when their fingers touched, only for him to playfully deny it saying he thought it was tripe, had everyone in stitches. Meanwhile, the siblings of Heo Kyung-hwan, Kim Jun-ho, and Kim Seung-soo gathered together. Heo Kyung-hwan's sister confessed her admiration for Jimin, to which Heo Kyung-hwan added, When I met Jimin, she asked if I was coming to the wedding, prompting an angry Kim Jun-ho to pretend to spill wine on Heo Kyung-hwan's carpet. The mothers in the studio, joking about almost becoming in-laws, added to the laughter. Kim Jun-ho also shared, During the wedding shoot, Jimin applauded saying, 'How can someone do this amazing thing twice?' leaving everyone in tears of laughter. Following a series of embarrassing revelations about their childhoods, including Heo Kyung-hwan's sister mentioning how she used to write his name in red a lot and Kim Jun-ho's sister admitting he made adult videos, the atmosphere turned hilariously somber when she commented on how sad it was that he was so excited about getting married at his age. In a bid to win a blind date arranged by Kim Jun-ho's siblings, Kim Seung-soo boasted, I own two houses. I can transfer one to my wife if we get married, while Heo Kyung-hwan quipped, I'm on a lease, but I can buy if I get mad enough. Ultimately, the blind date chose Heo Kyung-hwan, leaving Kim Seung-soo to lament, Am I the worst? The episode ended with a teaser featuring Lim Won-hee's blind date, raising everyone's anticipation. 'My Little Old Boy' airs every Sunday night at 9 PM. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
Stray Kids Follow BTS into LA's SoFi Stadium: We're Thrilled
등록일2025.06.04
The group Stray Kids has made a historic entrance into Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, holding a solo concert as the first fourth-generation K-pop group to do so, reaffirming their unique global presence. Stray Kids held their world tour 'Stray Kids World Tour &' concerts on May 31 and June 1 (local time) at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Originally scheduled for a single performance on May 31, the overwhelming support led to an additional show on June 1, meeting fans twice. SoFi Stadium, previously graced by icons like The Rolling Stones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, BTS, and Twice, is considered one of the world's premier venues. It serves as the home stadium for the NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers and is slated to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With its massive screens and overwhelming scale, SoFi Stadium saw Stray Kids perform a three-hour setlist, from their debut song 'District 9' to their latest hit 'GIANT (Korean Ver.)', showcasing a parade of worldwide hits. The audience was awash with passion and joy, erupting in sing-alongs and thunderous cheers. Having made their North American stadium debut at Los Angeles' BMO Stadium in March 2023 with their second world tour 'Stray Kids 2nd World Tour MANIAC ', Stray Kids returned about two years later to SoFi Stadium, a venue with more than triple the capacity, showcasing their explosive growth and popularity. The eight members expressed their gratitude, saying, We're incredibly thankful to all the STAYs (fan club name: STAY) who came out today. We're so happy to be able to give back the happiness and love you've given us. This moment is all thanks to you. This tour has made us even more grateful. After wrapping up their successful Los Angeles shows, Stray Kids will continue their tour heat on June 6 and 7 at Arlington's Globe Life Field. Their world tour 'Stray Kids World Tour &', spanning 34 cities with 55 performances, is set to conclude in Rome on July 30, potentially drawing a total audience of 2.2 million and setting a new record for the highest attendance at a single tour in K-pop history. Photo Credit: JYP Entertainment (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
G-DRAGON Clears Up Rumors About Dating TWICE SANA; Provides Reasons for a Delayed Response
등록일2025.06.02
Singer G-DRAGON's agency has finally addressed the dating rumors with TWICE member SANA. On June 2nd, G-DRAGON's agency, Galaxy Corporation, stated, We want to clarify misunderstandings regarding the recently spread rumors about G-DRAGON dating SANA. G-DRAGON posted a selfie on his social media after attending the British band Coldplay's concert in South Korea on April 22nd. TWICE was a guest performer at the concert, and G-DRAGON tagged only SANA's personal account along with a photo of her on the big screen, sparking rumors of a so-called 'lovestagram'. The agency explained, G-DRAGON filmed a YouTube web show 'DEX and SANA's Fridge Interview' on April 14th, the day after the last broadcast of MBC's 'Good Day'. After attending the Coldplay concert on April 22nd, where TWICE performed as special guests, he tagged SANA's personal social media account as a friendly gesture since the filming had taken place not long before. They continued, The appearance on 'Fridge Interview' was due to G-DRAGON's friendship with DEX, and it was decided that SANA would join the day before the recording. The reason for not addressing the dating rumors initially was due to concerns that it might spoil his appearance on 'Fridge Interview'. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
[Exclusive] Im Seong-Eon's husband, 1st trial for 10 billion won embezzlement... Sentencing on August 18
![[Exclusive] Im Seong-Eon's husband, 1st trial for 10 billion won embezzlement... Sentencing on August 18](https://img.sbs.co.kr/newsnet/etv/upload/2025/05/27/30000994015.jpg)
등록일2025.05.27
Just nine days after marrying actress Im Seong-Eon (41), her husband, Mr. Lee (55), finds himself at the center of controversy, facing charges of embezzlement amounting to over 10 billion won. The first trial's verdict is scheduled for this coming August. Sources reveal that Mr. Lee, who managed a housing business agency involved in the Osong Station Area Urban Development Project in Chungbuk, was indicted without detention in 2022 for allegedly diverting 10 billion won of association fees in 2020. He faces charges under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Economic Crimes (Embezzlement), with the first trial's verdict to be announced on August 18 at the Cheongju District Court. In a phone interview with the SBS Entertainment News team, Mr. Lee confirmed the trial date of August 18, stating, It's true that the trial is scheduled for that day. However, he emphasized, I will be arguing my innocence in that trial, which pertains to personal matters and has nothing to do with real estate, expressing his desire to avoid further controversy. Mr. Lee also expressed strong dissatisfaction with Dispatch, the media outlet that first reported on his past fraud convictions and alleged involvement in housing business corruption just nine days after his wedding to Im Seong-Eon. They claim I embezzled 10 billion, 20 billion won, but construction is actually underway there. The report is clearly inaccurate, he said, accusing the coverage of being a malicious attack aimed at tormenting his wife, an actress. Previously, Dispatch reported that Mr. Lee, who recently married Im Seong-Eon, had been married twice before and had three prior convictions for fraud, raising suspicions of his involvement in a massive fraud case. In response, Mr. Lee, through his legal representative, stated, Most of the content in the articles about the fraud allegations is not true. The articles contain unverified facts, violate current laws, and we are considering and proceeding with strong legal actions, both civil and criminal. Moreover, addressing rumors about being banned from leaving the country, which led to speculation about their honeymoon destination being Jeju Island, Mr. Lee clarified, I am not banned from leaving the country. We are traveling domestically due to our busy schedules, and we have already booked our tickets for a trip to Europe, emphasizing there are no issues with his departure. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
'Queen of Taste' Kim Nam-joo Reveals Her Home for the First Time on TV; Also Chokes Up Thinking of Her Mom
등록일2025.05.22
'Queen of Taste Kim Nam-joo' Kim Nam-joo was moved to tears thinking of her mother. During the first episode shoot of the new SBS Life entertainment program 'Queen of Taste Kim Nam-joo,' Kim Nam-joo opened up her home, where she has lived with her family for 20 years, for the first time on television, sharing the touches of her mother present throughout the house. Kim Nam-joo, while introducing the flowers and trees planted in her garden, reminisced, My mom planted apricot trees, persimmon trees, and azaleas. I really hated it back then. She would bring home these plants, and to my younger self, they just looked messy. She continued, emotionally, As I've gotten older and my mom has reached an age where she can't get around much... I think I'll miss her when she's gone. I wish I had enjoyed those moments with her, gone shopping with her... Now, whenever I go buy something like flowers, I think of her. If I ask her to come with me now, she says she can't. Kim Nam-joo expressed her gratitude while looking around the garden, My mom did such a great job. Kim Nam-joo also shared anecdotes about her mom while introducing various items around the house. My mom made these, she said, pointing to a crochet piece. This looks like something from the '80s, doesn't it? She made several of these. Now that she's older and doesn't have much to do, she sits here and keeps crocheting. She made so many, we've run out of places to put them. I'm really thankful, but she could have stopped. Kim Nam-joo added, My mom doesn't crochet anymore. When I asked her why, she said her hands shake. So, these are very precious memories to me, showing her emotional side once again. Kim Nam-joo's home, revealed to the public, boasted a European-inspired interior. From the green door to the white-toned furniture and various decorations, flowers, and a garden filled with a variety of flowers and trees creating a romantic and charming atmosphere, it was a testament to Kim Nam-joo's exquisite taste. Kim Nam-joo shared, This is the first time I'm revealing my home on television. I never thought this day would come, she said. I love old houses and classic things. This house is 20 years old. The exterior is 20 years old, and the living room has been renovated once or twice... due to wear and tear, we've made it clean and tidy. 'Queen of Taste Kim Nam-joo' is a project where Kim Nam-joo communicates with the public, sharing everything about herself while also refining her taste. The first episode airs Thursday at 8:40 PM, with a sneak peek available on Kim Nam-joo's YouTube channel at 11:45 AM the same day. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
TWICE to Release 4th Studio Album, Headlining Lollapalooza in August
등록일2025.05.21
The group TWICE is set to release their 4th studio album 'THIS IS FOR' on July 11th. JYP Entertainment announced on their official social media channels on the 19th that TWICE's 4th studio album will be released in July, along with an intro film. Centered around the keyword 'FOUR', the one-take video featuring all nine members has thrilled fans worldwide with the charisma of 'the top global girl group' TWICE. At midnight on the 21st, they unveiled the name of their fourth studio album, the release date and time, and the online cover image. According to this, TWICE will make a comeback at 1 PM on July 11th (Friday) with their new album 'THIS IS FOR'. There's growing anticipation for what this new studio album, their first in about 3 years and 8 months since 'Formula of Love: O+T=&<3' in November 2021, will offer. In addition to their July album release, TWICE is set to heat up this summer by participating in a global festival. On August 2nd, local time, they are scheduled to headline the massive music festival 'Lollapalooza Chicago' in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois, USA, shining a light on their status as 'stadium artists'. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
