May events in Korean entertainment industry, from idol's death to group re-contract and actor's romance rumors.
June/2/2024 15:27Related Groups & Members
From an unusual re-contract as a project group to the marriage of a popular idol, and rumors of a handsome actor's romance, various events occurred in May. What was the most read article on Kstyle? Let's look back on the Korean entertainment industry through the "May Article Ranking" article. [1st place] Park Boram, cause of death is acute alcohol poisoning Photo = Jenna Do Entertainment #May 23, 2024 One month after the sudden death... the cause of death was revealed. It was found that the cause of death of singer Park Boram, who died suddenly last month, was acute alcohol poisoning. At that time, she was in poor health due to diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver, and no other suspected causes of death were found besides acute alcohol poisoning. Last month, she was found unconscious and collapsed while drinking alcohol at an acquaintance's house, taken to the hospital, but confirmed dead about an hour later. [Related articles] Park Boram, cause of death is "acute alcohol poisoning" and announced... died suddenly at the age of 30 [Related articles] Park Boram, today (4/17) funeral... eternal rest accompanied by many friends [2nd place] Kep1er, signs a re-contract... to continue activities as a 7-member group Photo = WAKEONE, SWING Entertainment #May 30, 2024 Kep1er, a project group of Mnet, signed a re-contract with WAKEONE and SWING Entertainment. Seven out of the nine members announced that they will continue their activities as Kep1er even after the end of their 2.5-year activity period. It was reported that Sakamoto Maika and Kang Ye So will release their 1st full album "Kep1going On" on June 3 and perform as Kep1er at the Japanese concert in July, which will be their last activity as Kep1er. This re-contract is the first for Mnet's project group and has garnered significant attention from K-POP fans. [Related articles] Kep1er announces an unusual re-contract... to continue activities with 7 members excluding Sakamoto Maika & Kang Ye So [Related articles] Kep1er Kang Ye So & Sakamoto Maika, join LIMELIGHT? Agency comments on reports "discussing activity extension" [3rd place] Park Soo Jun, 10 years younger model and trip to Japan? Photo = TV Report DB, Lauren Tsai Instagram #May 24, 2024 Agency comments on romance rumors Actor Park Soo Jun and 10 years younger actress/model Lauren Tsai have been rumored to be in a romantic relationship. An overseas media reported that the two enjoyed a trip to Japan together. The agency commented, "It is difficult to confirm about private matters, please understand." Prior to this, Park Soo Jun was also rumored to be in a romantic relationship with YouTuber/singer Xooos. Lauren Tsai, the new subject of the romance rumor, has appeared on the Fuji TV series "Terrace House ALOHA STATE," increasing viewer interest. [Related articles] Park Soo Jun, 10 years younger model and trip to Japan? Sudden romance rumors surface... agency comments [Related articles] Park Soo Jun makes first public appearance after romance rumors "feels burdened by publicizing private life" [4th place] Han Ye Sul, announces marriage Photo = Newsen DB #May 7, 2024 Partner is a lover 10 years younger Actress Han Ye Sul reported that she submitted a marriage registration with her lover who is 10 years younger. While showing the marriage registration on her own YouTube channel, she revealed, "I have never thought of our relationship as just 'boyfriend-girlfriend' while dating him. I always thought of him as a lifelong partner." Han Ye Sul had previously announced that she was in a relationship with a 10-year younger former stage actor Ryu Song Jae in May 2021, and had been sharing lovey-dovey moments on social media. [Related articles] Han Ye Sul, announces marriage! Partner is a lover 10 years younger [Related articles] Han Ye Sul, enjoys honeymoon with 10 years younger husband... shares photos at a resort [5th place] SUPER JUNIOR, gathers at Ryeowook's wedding Photo = Online Community #May 27, 2024 Complete group commemorative shot is a hot topic On May 26, SUPER JUNIOR's Ryeowook married Ali from TAHITI in Seoul. The wedding was attended not only by the current members of SUPER JUNIOR but also by former members Kangin, Kibum, Hangeng, as well as Sungmin, Henry, and Zhoumi who had also been active as SUPER JUNIOR-M. The group photo of the complete group spread on the internet and became a hot topic. Ryeowook and Ali admitted their relationship in September 2020 and announced their marriage in March this year.
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The ASIA CULTURE FESTIVAL 2026 (ACF2026) will take place in Tokyo on June 9-10, 2026, showcasing Asian music, fashion, and culture. The event includes awards, fashion shows, and live performances, aiming to promote cultural exchange across Asia, especially between Japan and Korea.
The 'ASEA 2026' music festival, showcasing top Asian artists, kicked off on the afternoon of the 16th with Atsuhiro Sato on the red carpet. The event takes place over two days at the Belluna Dome in Saitama. U-NEXT will exclusively stream performances from artists like Kep1er, MADEIN, and ENHYPEN.
On the morning of the 15th, Kep1er departed for Japan via Gimpo International Airport for their fan meeting 'Kep1arcade.' The article notes that it is based on local media coverage. There is also mention of Kim Chaehyun's revealing leotard, which sparked discussion, and she clarified that she chose it herself. Additionally, Kep1er showcased a stunning performance at a baseball stadium, where Kim Dayeon also participated in the opening pitch.
Interest in 'GIRLS PLANET 2' is surging, with applications surpassing those of 'BOYS II PLANET'. About 30% of applicants are from the Americas. Over 130 Korean agencies show intent to participate, and auditions at 'KCON JAPAN 2026' attracted far more applicants than expected, highlighting the global enthusiasm for K-POP.
On the afternoon of the 13th, a KBO game between Kiwoom Heroes and Hanwha Eagles took place at the Gocheok Sky Dome, featuring a performance by Kep1er. Kim Da-young also made an appearance for the ceremonial first pitch. Additionally, Kim Chae-hyun faced controversy over her revealing leotard, which she defended as her own choice. Some performances at Kep1er's fan meeting in Japan this May were canceled due to unavoidable circumstances.
Kep1er's Kim Chaehyun faced criticism for her revealing leotard in a ballet video. She clarified that she chose the outfit herself, wanting to wear pink for its association with ballet. Despite the backlash, she expressed her intention to adjust her outfit choices in the future.
Mnet has announced 'GIRLS PLANET 2,' set to premiere in 2027. This new survival show will expand global auditions for a girl group, following the success of 'Girls Planet 999' and the debut of Kep1er. Auditions will be held worldwide, starting May 1, 2026, at 'KCON JAPAN 2026.'
Kep1er announced the cancellation of certain performances at their Japan fan meeting 'Kep1arcade' due to unforeseen circumstances. They expressed deep apologies to fans who were looking forward to the events. The canceled shows were scheduled for May 15, 19, 20, and 22. The group recently made a comeback with their 8th mini-album 'CRACK CODE' and will participate in a ceremonial pitch and performance on May 23.
On the afternoon of the 8th, MBC MUSIC's 'SHOW CHAMPION' aired live from the MBC Dream Center in Gyeonggi-do, featuring performances by artists such as Kep1er, PENTAGON's Kino, and others. Kep1er released their title track 'KILLA (Face the other me)' MV, while Kino launched his 3rd EP 'Lost and Found' with the MV for 'TAXI'.
Kep1er released their 8th mini-album "CRACK CODE" today, along with the music video for the title track "KILLA (Face the other me)." The video showcases unforgettable group performances and a catchy chorus, particularly highlighted by a memorable dance move. The album explores breaking limits and confronting hidden instincts, featuring an electronic hip-hop sound with intense elements.
