This past week, significant issues that astonished global fans both domestically and internationally generated considerable buzz.
From NCT Wish's Ryo's remarks to Rosé winning the 'Song of the Year' award that even BTS missed, and Jung Dong-won, who is currently under investigation for unlicensed driving at the age of 16, the entertainment industry has been aflame with events.
Here are the major issues that garnered attention during the week (September 8-12).
◆ NCT Wish Ryo's 'Sea of Japan' Remarks Controversy... "Apologize" vs. "Overreaction" Escalation
NCT Wish member Ryo made a controversial comment on a Japanese radio program stating, "The 'Sea of Japan' crab sounds delicious." Given Korea's sensitivity regarding the 'East Sea' name issue, this remark quickly spread through SNS and online communities.
However, the agency's lack of response or apology has meant that the controversy is not easily dying down. Internet users have shown critical reactions, saying things like, "If you're going to work in Korea, at least study history," and, "No apology given."
On the other hand, some voices caution against excessive criticism, saying, "He’s Japanese, so it’s a normal expression for him," and, "There was no bad intent." NCT Wish is a Japanese localization group under SM Entertainment that debuted in February last year, and the only Korean members are Shion and Jae-hee.
◆ 'Saka-guchi Kenta-ro and the Love Line', Dating Rumors with His 3-Year Older Girlfriend
Japanese popular actor Saka-guchi Kenta-ro is reported to be living with a non-celebrity woman.
On September 9, Japanese weekly magazine Weekly Bunshun reported that Saka-guchi Kenta-ro is living with a three-year-older hair and makeup artist. The two reportedly met on set and developed a romantic relationship, introducing each other to friends and family, indicating a serious relationship. However, while living together, Saka-guchi has also reportedly formed a close relationship with fellow actor Nagano Mei, bringing about additional interest.
Photos that might support the dating rumors have been released, creating a larger stir. Yamamoto Mataichi, chairman of his agency Tristone Entertainment, stated, "Knowing the heart of a lover who wishes for marriage yet failing to clarify this is Saka-guchi's mistake" and added, "Following this report, he decided to separate and is currently living apart from her."
Meanwhile, Saka-guchi Kenta-ro made his debut in Korea via Coupang Play's 'Things That Come After Love' last year and recently sparked discussions by creating a peculiar romantic atmosphere alongside Jang Do-yeon in the web entertainment show 'Jang Do-vari-bari.'
◆ 'Good News' Kasamatsu Sho, Will He Join 'Taxi Driver'?… Meeting Lee Je-hoon?
On September 9, it was reported that Japanese actor Kasamatsu Sho will appear in SBS's new drama 'Taxi Driver 3'. 'Taxi Driver' is based on a webtoon of the same name and follows the taxi company Rainbow Transportation and driver Kim Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon) as he carries out private revenge for unjust victims, gaining immense popularity.
In season 3, Lee Je-hoon will be joined by existing members such as Kim Eui-sung, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin, Baek Yoo-ram, and will expand its scale with location shooting in Japan and the appearance of national actor Takenaka Naoto.
Beverage Kasamatsu Sho made his mark among domestic fans by appearing in the Netflix film 'Good News', expressing his special affection for Korea at the Toronto International Film Festival in fluent Korean.
There is great anticipation for the chemistry between him and Lee Je-hoon in 'Taxi Driver 3'.
◆ Lee Chae-min Spotted with a Ring at the 'Tyrant' Wrap Party... Couple Ring with Ryu Da-in?
Actor Lee Chae-min drew attention for the silver ring he wore at the wrap party of tvN's drama 'Tyrant's Chef'. The ring resembles one Ryu Da-in had revealed on SNS previously, leading to suspicions of the two having a couple's ring.
Lee Chae-min and Ryu Da-in confirmed their romantic relationship after connecting through the drama 'Crash Course in Romance' and have continued their 'love-stagram' relationship publicly expressing affection on SNS. Following the spread of the ring photo, reactions such as, "They seem like a couple who are openly dating," and, "They seem to be doing well quietly," have followed.
Currently, Lee Chae-min is receiving acclaim for his role as Lee Heon in 'Tyrant's Chef,' while Ryu Da-in is gaining attention as a rising star with consecutive hits in 'Pyramid Game.'
◆ 'Song of the Year' Winner Who Even BTS Missed… The 9-Year Journey of Rosé
Rosé, a member of BLACKPINK, won the 'Song of the Year' award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (MTV VMA) held on September 7, one of the four major popular music awards in the U.S.
Rosé received the trophy for her single 'Apartment' (APT.), which was released in October last year, marking the first time a K-pop artist has won in this category. Previously, BTS was nominated but did not win, making this victory even more significant.
Since debuting with BLACKPINK in 2016, Rosé has proven her global popularity through numerous hit songs such as 'Whistle', 'Boombayah', 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du', and 'Kill This Love'. Debuting solo in 2021, she set K-pop records with 'Apartment', reaching No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 and No. 1 for 12 consecutive weeks on 'Global 200', achieving worldwide success.
At this award ceremony, Rosé was nominated for a total of 8 categories, while BLACKPINK also won the 'Best Group' award, making them both two-time winners. Demonstrating global influence in both solo and group activities, Rosé is expected to shine once again with the release of BLACKPINK's upcoming mini album 'DEADLINE'.
◆ "Couldn’t Hold Back the Laughter"… Chinese Voice Actor Mocking 'Tyrant' Jo Jae-yoon's Pronunciation Controversy
In the tvN weekend drama 'Tyrant's Chef', a voice actor responsible for the Chinese dialogue of some actors has been found to publicly mock the pronunciations of certain actors, causing controversy. During episodes 5 and 6 aired on the 7th, a scene depicted Taegam Woo-gon (played by Kim Hyung-mook) and Colonel Chef Dang Baek-ryong (played by Jo Jae-yoon) mocking Korean food, with praise for Jo Jae-yoon's Chinese pronunciation. Meanwhile, the voice actor claimed, "I dubbed Dang Baek-ryong's Chinese dialogue and it sounded terrible," leading to a stir.