Last weekend (January 17–18) was dominated by disappointing headlines. Gaeko of hip-hop duo Dynamic Duo revealed his divorce, while chef Im Sung‑geun, who rose to fame through Culinary Class Wars, admitted to a past DUI record.
BLACKPINK's Jennie faced backlash over a birthday video, and singer Park Gun and TV personality Han Young shut down divorce rumors. EXO's Baekhyun set the internet ablaze with his "Dujjonku" remark, and No Tail to Tell, which premiered after Taxi Driver 3, posted a lackluster debut.
◆ Dynamic Duo's Gaeko divorces after 14 years of marriage
Gaeko of hip-hop group Dynamic Duo has divorced influencer Kim Su‑mi.
Via Instagram, Gaeko wrote, "After many conversations last year, we decided to end our relationship as a married couple while respecting each other's lives." The couple married in 2011 and have a son and a daughter, but ultimately chose to go their separate ways. Both pledged to remain devoted co-parents after the divorce.
Gaeko debuted with CB Mass in 2000 and, since 2004, has led Korea's hip‑hop scene as part of Dynamic Duo. Kim Su‑mi is an influencer and entrepreneur who has appeared in the media.
◆ Jeong Shin‑woo and Woo Chang‑soo pass away after illnesses
Actor‑turned‑chef Jeong Shin‑woo passed away after a 12‑year battle with cancer.
Critic Kang Ji‑young shared the news of Jeong's death and asked those who remember him to keep him in their thoughts. Diagnosed with thymic cancer in 2014, Jeong documented his fight on his blog, sharing treatment diaries and cancer‑care meals that inspired many.
News also surfaced of actor Woo Chang‑soo's passing. Woo was active in musicals and theater, showcasing talents across directing and playwriting. He also taught future performers as a professor at Seoul Hoseo Art and Practical College.
Born in 1975, Woo graduated from Suwon Science College's Broadcasting and Entertainment Department and delivered memorable performances in musicals like Welcome to My World and Face/Off.
◆ "Im-jjang" chef Im Sung‑geun admits past DUIs
Im Sung‑geun, who appears on Netflix's Culinary Class Wars Season 2, admitted to past drunk driving and apologized to fans.
Through YouTube, Im acknowledged three DUI incidents over a decade and said he faced legal penalties.
He vowed to become a chef who exerts a positive influence and said he would fully accept the criticism over his most recent DUI.
◆ "Too sexual and even dangerous" — Jennie's club birthday video sparks debate
A video from BLACKPINK member Jennie's birthday party at a club in Japan has stirred controversy.
In a clip posted recently on X (formerly Twitter), a woman in lingerie appears to be serving champagne in a club‑like setting, while a handheld sparkler attached to a champagne bottle shoots upward toward the ceiling. Viewers raised concerns over both sexualization and safety.
In particular, many urged greater caution about potential safety hazards from bottle sparklers attached to champagne.
◆ Park Gun and Han Young refute divorce rumors 4 years after marriage
Trot singer Park Gun dispelled rumors of a divorce from his wife, Han Young.
On SBS's variety show My Little Old Boy, Park addressed speculation about the couple in their fourth year of marriage, saying, "We're living apart for now because she doesn't want to give up her reporter work." He added, expressing affection for his wife, "We always hug when I get home."
Han Young, via a phone call on the show, also stressed there were no marital issues, explaining that Park is currently staying outside Seoul to think about the future.
◆ "Dujjonku" craze — fans debate Baekhyun's remark
EXO's Baekhyun sparked debate online with comments about the viral Dubai Chewy Cookies (nicknamed "Dujjonku").
On a fan platform, he said, "Dujjonku is 500 kcal, and it's pricey — like a bowl of gukbap (Korean rice soup). I don't think the ingredient cost is that high."
While sharing a taste preference isn't an issue itself, his mention of ingredient costs became a flashpoint. The cookies are so popular that people line up at opening with purchase limits, and prices of imported ingredients like kadaif and pistachios have surged.
Reactions are split between "I also think it's expensive" and critiques like "What about the base cost?" calling the comment careless.
◆ Taxi Driver 3 viewers, where did you go?…No Tail to Tell starts slow
The SBS drama Taxi Driver 3 was followed by No Tail to Tell, which stumbled out of the gate.
According to Nielsen Korea, Episode 1 drew 3.7% and Episode 2 2.7%, marking one of the weakest premieres among SBS's Friday–Saturday dramas. Unlike the hard‑hitting action and justice‑driven narrative of Taxi Driver 3 (peaking at 14.2%), the switch to a light gumiho rom‑com appears to have driven away existing viewers.
Meanwhile, MBC's Judge Lee Han‑young, airing in the same time slot, benefited with two straight episodes over 10%. Performances and chemistry from Kim Hye‑yoon and Lomon drew mixed reviews, while the repeated fantasy‑romance clichés were cited as a limitation. Many say a major twist is needed in the remaining episodes.