A new era is truly dawning in the realm of Korean entertainment, as top stars who symbolized the previous era are now choosing to step down from their most iconic roles.

As per industry insiders on April 26 KST, Dong Suh Foods Corporation, the parent company of the South Korean coffee brand ‘Maxim,’ is expected to end its relationship with the celebrity couple Won Bin and Lee Na Young this year.

Earlier, rumors surfaced that Lee Na Young had stepped down as the model for ‘Maxim Mocha Gold’ instant coffee after a 24-year stint when actress Park Bo Young appeared in a series of new spring commercials for the coffee brand.

Since 2000, when Lee Na Young was first chosen as the spokesperson for ‘Maxim Mocha Gold,’ the instant coffee brand has been colloquially referred to by many Koreans as “Lee Na Young coffee.”

Now, it has also been revealed that Lee Na Young’s husband and actor Won Bin will be stepping down as the model for ‘Maxim T.O.P’ ready-to-drink coffee, after a 16-year tenure.

It is believed that Won Bin’s endorsement contract ended in January of this year.

The actor was initially chosen as the model for ‘Maxim T.O.P’ in 2008, which significantly popularized the ready-to-drink beverages as “Won Bin coffee.”

A representative of Dong Suh Foods Corporation commented, “It’s true that Park Bo Young was selected as the new model for ‘Maxim Mocha Gold’.

The search for the new model for ‘Maxim T.O.P’ is still ongoing.”

Source[1]

BTS member Jimin made history at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, becoming the first solo artist ever to win the prestigious Visa Fan’s Choice of the Year award.

On November 22, Jimin was honored with the Fan’s Choice of the Year award at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. This marks a huge milestone in his career, especially considering his ongoing military service.

Jimin made history as the first solo artist to win the Fan’s Choice of the Year award, a category that BTS had dominated for six years since its debut in 2018.

In addition to this achievement, Jimin also took home the Fan’s Choice Grand Prize, making him a two-time winner at this year’s awards.

Although Jimin couldn't attend the ceremony due to his military service, his name was met with loud cheers from fans when announced.

His incredible win continues to prove his global influence as a solo artist. Jimin had also won Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS, marking back-to-back wins at the event.

The MAMA AWARDS praised Jimin for his groundbreaking achievements, saying, “As the first K-pop solo artist to reach 4 billion streams and set the longest-running #1 record for a Korean artist, Jimin has proven his influence as a world-class artist and global pop star.”

Jimin's win also made him the first solo artist to claim a grand prize at the MAMA AWARDS in 10 years, with his achievement sparking excitement worldwide.

On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag “CONGRATULATIONS JIMIN” topped the trends, while “우리지민이상받았네” (Our Jimin Got the Award) reached the #1 spot in Korea.

Jimin’s ongoing success continues to shine even during his military service. He was also recently named Best K-pop at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and continues to be recognized for his charitable efforts, including a recent donation of 100 million KRW to the National Defense Soldier and Veteran Love Fund.

Source: [1]