NCT's Taeil Sentenced for Sexual Assault; HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk Charged with Investor Fraud
Key Takeaways
- NCT's Taeil sentenced to 3.5 years for sexual assault; prosecution appeals.
- HYBE's Bang Si-hyuk faces criminal complaint for alleged investor fraud before IPO.
- BTS's Jungkook reopens Instagram, gains 6 million followers quickly.
- Netizen accusing K-Pop idol of sexual assault deported for 'misinformation'.
- Jang Geun-suk reveals past thyroid cancer, owns Shibuya building worth ₩130 billion.
Top Stories
NCT's Taeil sentenced to 3 years, 6 months for sexual assault.
NCT's Taeil was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison for special quasi-rape, with the prosecution appealing the decision. The court also ordered 40 hours of sexual violence treatment and employment restrictions in child-related institutions.
HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk charged with investor fraud.
The Financial Services Commission filed a criminal complaint against HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk on July 16, 2025, for allegedly defrauding investors before HYBE's IPO. Bang is suspected of concealing an agreement to share 30% of stock sale profits, potentially gaining 190-200 billion won through unfair trading.
BTS's Jungkook reopens Instagram account.
BTS member Jungkook reopened his Instagram account, @mnijungkook, on July 15, 2025, after a two-year break, quickly gaining approximately 6 million followers. BTS is scheduled to release a new album and embark on a world tour next year.
Netizen accuses K-Pop idol of sexual assault.
A netizen accused a K-Pop idol from a “Big 3” talent company of sexual assault in Itaewon on July 15, 2025. The netizen's visa was revoked, and they were given 30 days to leave Korea for allegedly spreading “Misinformation.”
Jang Geun-suk reveals thyroid cancer and owns building in Shibuya.
Jang Geun-suk revealed on MBC's 'Radio Star' on July 16, 2025, that he had thyroid cancer, discovered during a routine check-up, and is now fully recovered. He also revealed he owns a building in Shibuya, Japan, estimated to be worth 130 billion won.
Celeb Scoop
Kim Jun-ho and Kim Ji-min reveal their newlywed home.
On July 15, 2025, Kim Jun-ho and Kim Ji-min revealed their newlywed home on SBS's 'Four Men After Divorce', showcasing a luxurious home with a Han River view. Lee Sang-min also revealed his newlywed home on 'My Ugly Duckling'.
Min Hee Jin posts on Instagram after police decision.
Following a police decision that cleared her of charges filed by HYBE, Min Hee Jin posted on Instagram in July 2025. Police found no evidence of illegal activity, and Min Hee Jin will not be prosecuted.
SM Entertainment and BMSG take legal action against malicious activities.
On July 15, 2025, SM Entertainment and BMSG announced legal action against malicious activities targeting RIIZE and their artists, respectively. Both agencies are pursuing legal action against those spreading malicious information.
Moon Ga-young to hold first Asian fan meeting tour.
Actress Moon Ga-young will hold her first Asian fan meeting tour, starting in Seoul in September, visiting Tokyo, Taipei, and Bangkok. She has gained a global fanbase through her roles in dramas like 'True Beauty'.
Kim Young-ok expresses admiration for Lim Young-woong.
On July 15, 2025, actress Kim Young-ok confessed her fan sentiment towards singer Lim Young-woong on SBS's 'Single Men After Shoeing'. Kim Young-ok said that Lim Young-woong makes her heart flutter when he sings.
Jung Young-joo supports Lee Si-young's pregnancy.
On July 15, 2025, actress Jung Young-joo expressed her support for Lee Si-young regarding her pregnancy, urging support for Lee's health and well-being.
Roh Jeong Eui regrets extreme weight loss.
K-Drama actress Roh Jeong Eui regrets revealing her extremely low body weight of 39kg and now emphasizes healthy habits over extreme weight loss.
Kian84's summer activities on 'I Live Alone'.
On July 18, 2025, MBC's 'I Live Alone' will feature Kian84's summer activities, including fighting fruit flies, enjoying a 'solo water bomb', exercising, and drawing.
Son Na-eun leaves YG Entertainment and releases new profile photos.
Son Na-eun left YG Entertainment and joined J-Wide Company, releasing new profile photos showcasing various styles. She has appeared in numerous dramas and films.
Shin Hyun-joon appointed Gangnam-gu public relations ambassador.
On July 16, 2025, Gangnam-gu appointed actor Shin Hyun-joon as its public relations ambassador. He will promote Gangnam-gu's culture, tourism, and policies.
Drama Alert
tvN's new drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' to premiere in August.
tvN announced on July 17 that the new drama 'The Tyrant's Chef', starring Im Yoon-ah and Lee Chae-min, is scheduled to premiere in August. The drama is directed by Jang Tae-yu, the director of 'My Love from the Star'.
Heo Jung-eun's performance in 'Salon de Holmes'.
Actress Heo Jung-eun played the young Gong Mi-ri in ENA's 'Salon de Holmes', showcasing her acting skills. The drama, which ended on July 15, featured her as a curious character with a dream of becoming a detective.
'S LINE' drama releases new poster.
On July 16, 2025, the drama 'S LINE', starring Lee Soo-hyuk, Lee Da-hee, and Arin, released a new poster. The fantasy thriller explores red lines appearing between people who have had sexual relations.
Ahn Hyo-seop to debut in 'Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint'.
Ahn Hyo-seop, known for his role in 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' is preparing for his film debut in 'Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint,' scheduled for release on July 23, 2025.
Film Industry
Korean film industry adapts to declining theatergoers.
The Korean film industry is facing challenging times with a significant decline in theatergoers, leading filmmakers to turn theaters into fan venues and merchandise shops.
K-Pop Buzz
BoA to release 11th album 'Crazier'.
Singer BoA will release her 11th full-length album, 'Crazier', on August 4, 2025, marking her first full album in five years. Despite a diagnosis of osteonecrosis requiring surgery and the cancellation of her solo concert, the album release will proceed as scheduled.
MONSTA X celebrates 10th anniversary with concert.
MONSTA X held a press conference on July 16, 2025, ahead of their 10th-anniversary 'CONNECT X' concert in Seoul. The group, which debuted in 2015, confirmed a three-night performance from July 18-20 in Seoul, followed by Yokohama, Japan in late August, and a new album release in September.
Mnet's 'Boys 2 Planet' premieres.
Mnet's global K-POP audition project 'Boys 2 Planet' will premiere on July 17th and 18th, simulcast in Korea and Japan. The show, featuring 160 participants, is expected to create an all-rounder boy group.
Blackpink, BTS, and IVE top idol group brand reputation rankings.
The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute released the idol group brand reputation rankings for July 2025, with Blackpink ranking first, BTS second, and IVE third. The analysis used 71,366,509 pieces of brand big data collected from June 17, 2025, to July 17, 2025.
BTS's V becomes the strongest member.
On July 15, 2025, BTS members RM and Jungkook revealed that Kim Taehyung (V) is now the strongest member after serving in the Special Duty Team (SDT).
Young Tak to appear on 'Going Well, Coming Well Lee Min-jung'.
Singer Young Tak will appear as a guest on KBS 2TV's entertainment program 'Going Well, Coming Well Lee Min-jung' ('Gaojeong') in August 2025. He will release a new song with Kim Yeon-ja on July 22, 2025, and will hold a solo concert 'TAK SHOW4' from August 8-10, 2025.
Rookie groups from survival shows actively promoting.
July is a thrilling month for rookie group fans as three boy groups formed through 2024 survival shows are actively promoting their comebacks. The groups are NouerA, AHOF, and CLOSE YOUR EYES.
ATEEZ holds first solo concert in Baltimore.
ATEEZ held their first solo concert at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore on July 16, as part of their 'ATEEZ 2025 WORLD TOUR 'IN YOUR FANTASY'.' ATEEZ will also visit Nashville, Orlando, and San Jose for the first time during their North American tour.
PENTAGON's Hui's contract with CUBE Entertainment ends.
PENTAGON's Hui's exclusive contract with CUBE Entertainment ended on July 16, 2025, after 9 years. Hui is currently temporarily suspending activities due to a nasal bone fracture.
Circle Chart reveals monthly and weekly rankings.
Circle Chart revealed its latest monthly and weekly chart rankings on July 15, 2025, with ENHYPEN topping the monthly album chart for June with “DESIRE : UNLEASH.” 10CM achieved a double crown on the Circle charts for June with “To Reach You.”
BTS and TXT to release albums.
BTS will release live album 'PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE - LIVE' on July 18. TXT will release their 4th regular album '별의 장: TOGETHER' on July 21.
NOWZ achieves career high with “IGNITION”.
On July 16, 2025, NOWZ, the boy group from Cube Entertainment, achieved a career high with their first mini-album “IGNITION,” surpassing 150,000 copies in initial sales.
STAYC to release special single 'I WANT IT'.
STAYC is set to release the special single 'I WANT IT' on July 23, 2025, with a music video teaser released on July 16, 2025. Following the single release, STAYC will continue with their world tour 'STAY TUNED'.
Social Scene
IVE and BTS's J-Hope meet at Lollapalooza Berlin.
On July 16, 2025, IVE's official social media shared a photo of IVE and BTS’s J-Hope meeting in Berlin during 'Lollapalooza Berlin.' J-Hope headlined the event on July 13, while IVE performed the day before.
Star Style
Kim Ji-won in Rome for Bulgari photoshoot.
On July 16, 2025, actress Kim Ji-won departed from Incheon International Airport for Rome, Italy, for a Bulgari photoshoot.