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]

Actress Lim Ji Yeon is finally opening up about the unexpected backlash she received after showing support for actor Jung Woo Sung during his controversial return to the public eye.

In an interview on January 23rd, following the end of her drama The Tale of Lady Ok, Lim Ji Yeon spoke candidly about the situation that caused a stir at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards in November last year.

At the event, Jung Woo Sung made his public return after facing controversy surrounding an “illegitimate child” with model Moon Ga Bi. While Jung Woo Sung took the stage to apologize, Lim Ji Yeon was seen clapping and cheering for him.

Reflecting on that moment, Lim Ji Yeon shared, "It was a brief moment, so it’s hard to say whether it was right or wrong." She added, "I didn’t expect the public’s reaction. On the other hand, I was cautious since The Tale of Lady Ok was airing at the time."

For those who missed it, Jung Woo Sung and Moon Ga Bi, who had been in a relationship since 2022, revealed last year that they were expecting a child.

The actor took full responsibility for the situation and issued an apology during the awards ceremony, saying, "I’m sorry for causing concern and disappointment to everyone who has shown me love and support. I will bear all the criticism, and I promise to take full responsibility as a father to my son".

However, while Jung Woo Sung addressed the controversy, it was Lim Ji Yeon’s show of support that sparked controversy.

She cheered enthusiastically for Jung Woo Sung, while actress Hye Ri, who was seated next to her, kept a neutral, expressionless face. This led to a wave of criticism from some netizens who questioned Lim Ji Yeon’s reaction.

It’s worth noting that Lim Ji Yeon’s agency, Artist Company, was co-founded by Jung Woo Sung and actor Lee Jung Jae, both of whom currently serve as directors.

Could this connection have influenced Lim Ji Yeon’s public display of support? She’s still processing the response, and fans are curious to know how she’ll handle the fallout moving forward.

Source: [1]