[Kang Il-hong's Today Entertainment] Sook Haeng Loses Part of 'Adultery Lawsuit'; 'Head-on Breakthrough' with Concert

2026 TMA, Fanfare in Busan on the 19th... 'Busan·Special·Trophy'Friday, September 18, Suk Hyang / Kim Se-ui / Lee Dong-wook / TMA / Lim Young Woong[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] The court has made its first ruling on singer Suk Hyang, who had suspended her activities due to a 'marital affair controversy.' With a partial victory for the plaintiff in the first trial, Suk Hyang is now in a situation where she must pay damages.Coincidentally, on September 30, shortly after the ruling, Suk Hyang will return to the stage for the first time in 10 months. Could Suk Hyang's comeback signal the full resumption of her activities? Let's delve into it.The Civil Division 7 of the Seongnam Branch of the Suwon District Court ruled on the 17th that the plaintiff, the wife of a married man identified as A, partially won her damages lawsuit against Suk Hyang. The plaintiff had initially sought approximately 100 million won in damages.However, based on the publicly released reports to date, the specific amount of compensation recognized by the court has not been confirmed. Suk Hyang's side has consistently maintained that she too was a victim. They claimed that the man explained his marriage was already in ruins and he was preparing for a divorce, and Suk Hyang believed him and began dating him.Nevertheless, the first trial's ruling, which partially acknowledged Suk Hyang's liability for damages regardless of her explanation, could significantly burden her future activities.The next point of interest is the appeal. There has been no official statement from Suk Hyang's side regarding an appeal.Therefore, it is likely that after receiving the court's decision, they will review the facts acknowledged by the court, particularly whether there were circumstances that reasonably led Suk Hyang to believe the other party's marriage was effectively over, before deciding whether to appeal.However, alongside her legal issues, another important schedule awaits Suk Hyang. It is a performance scheduled for September 30 at the Arte Seoul Muse Hall in Mok-dong, Seoul. This will be Suk Hyang's first appearance before fans in approximately 10 months, after effectively suspending her activities due to the controversy.The performance is titled 'A Special Time with Fans, Back to Singing,' and Suk Hyang has reportedly conveyed her intention to greet fans through her songs rather than words.For this reason, the performance is expected to be more than just a concert; it will essentially be Suk Hyang's 'first test for resuming her activities.' Her future endeavors are likely to be influenced by three key variables.The first is the appeal and the second trial's legal proceedings. The second is the fans' reaction to the September 30 performance. And the third is whether an atmosphere will be created for Suk Hyang to be accepted back into the broadcast and public sphere.Returning to broadcasting, in particular, may require a higher level of public acceptance than a concert. Therefore, it is anticipated that for the time being, she will continue her activities through performances that directly engage with fans or smaller stages, rather than large-scale broadcasts.Ultimately, it is more accurate to view Suk Hyang's September 30 performance not as a 'complete comeback,' but as her first step back into the public eye while legal battles remain.There is keen interest in whether Suk Hyang will deliver a message on stage while carrying legal burdens and controversy, and whether this performance can serve as a starting point for future broadcast activities.Kim Se-ui, the head of the Garo Sero Institute, accused of defaming actor Kim Soo-hyun, answers reporters' questions as he attends the suspect interrogation (bail hearing) at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 26th. /Reporter Park Sang-min'Grooming' Allegations Effectively Concluded... A Shift in the Case, Including Indictment and Confiscation of Criminal ProceedsThe controversy surrounding actor Kim Soo-hyun has entered a new phase. This time, the news is not about Kim Soo-hyun himself, but about Kim Se-ui, the head of Garo Sero Institute, who raised suspicions about Kim Soo-hyun.The prosecution has initiated procedures to preserve criminal proceeds, estimated to be at least 169.4 million won, which they believe Kim Se-ui obtained through content related to Kim Soo-hyun.The amount identified by the prosecution includes at least 54.4 million won in donations and at least 115 million won in advertising revenue. While the police initially estimated the amount at 5.44 million won, the prosecution recalculated the scale after tracing Garo Sero Institute's donation accounts and investigating related parties.The prosecution completed the registration of preservation for property owned by Kim Se-ui on the 10th. The important aspect here is the meaning of 'preservation of criminal proceeds.'This measure does not signify a confirmed guilty verdict. It is a procedure to freeze the assets so that the defendant cannot dispose of them in advance, in preparation for a potential confiscation of criminal proceeds in a future trial. The final decision on the recovery of criminal proceeds will be determined by the trial's outcome.So, why is this case drawing attention? The key point is that investigative agencies are scrutinizing the 'economic benefits gained from raising suspicions.'Kim Se-ui has claimed that Kim Soo-hyun dated actress Kim Sae-ron since they were minors, and that Kim Soo-hyun's pressure to repay debts influenced Kim Sae-ron's death. Kim Se-ui is currently on trial after being indicted on charges of defamation, and he denies the charges.On the other hand, the so-called 'grooming' allegations against Kim Soo-hyun have entered a different phase. In July, the police did not forward the case regarding violations of the Child Welfare Act and false accusation against Kim Soo-hyun due to insufficient evidence, and the prosecution returned the case records to the police on the 3rd without requesting supplementary or reinvestigation. Accordingly, the investigative process for these criminal allegations has effectively concluded.Of course, this does not mean that all related civil disputes have ended. However, it is clear that investigative agencies have determined there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegations regarding the 'grooming' suspicions that have followed Kim Soo-hyun for about a year and a half.And now, the focus shifts to Kim Soo-hyun's 'return to his main profession.' While his work and advertising activities were halted for a while due to the controversy, his activities as an actor have recently reappeared. Notably, in the Star Ranking Star Actor Male category, which ran from the 10th to the 17th, Kim Soo-hyun ranked first with 32,723 votes.While fans' choices do not immediately equate to the evaluation of the entire public, it confirms that there is considerable interest from the fanbase that wants to see actor Kim Soo-hyun again.Ultimately, the points of observation for the future are clear. Legal proceedings will be decided by the courts, and Kim Soo-hyun will be evaluated through his work as an actor. After a year and a half of controversy, what Kim Soo-hyun needs now is not a dispute over further allegations, but time to stand before the public again as actor Kim Soo-hyun.There is keen interest in whether Kim Soo-hyun can once again prove his presence through his main profession, acting, and his future endeavors.How would you feel if a famous actor or singer you admired suddenly contacted you on social media? First, wouldn't you need to verify if the celebrity is real or fake? However, while it may seem absurd and far-fetched, there are people who fall for these scams and suffer financial losses.The recent revelation of a financial fraud case impersonating actor Lee Dong-wook has heightened awareness of celebrity impersonation crimes.According to information introduced on SBS's 'News Hunters,' a woman in her late 30s, identified as A, met someone claiming to be Lee Dong-wook through social media earlier this year and communicated via KakaoTalk for about eight months.The problem was that the other party approached her not just as a fan and star, but as a lover. They built trust by saying things like "I love you," "Honey," and "Let's meet my parents," and convinced A by sending actual photos of Lee Dong-wook, selfies, and gift photos.Then came the crucial moment. The other party claimed to have sent a gift worth 700 million won while filming overseas, but it was held up at customs, requiring customs fees and document issuance fees. A began sending money in amounts of millions of won.Ultimately, A sent approximately 35 million won. Even though the account holder's name changed with each remittance, the other party explained it away by saying that as a celebrity, they couldn't afford to make a big deal out of it, and A believed them. Experts analyzed this method as 'romance scam,' a scam that exploits romantic feelings.Of course, this is not the first time such an incident has occurred. Broadcaster Kim Tae-gyun, actor Ha Jung-woo, and broadcaster Jang Young-ran have also issued warnings due to impersonation accounts on social media. More recently, there have been a series of 'no-show scams' where individuals impersonated managers of actors such as Byeon Wooseok and Lee Soo-geun, approached restaurants or businesses, and requested pre-payment for expensive alcohol.So, how can these be prevented? First, if a celebrity asks for money through personal social media or messengers, you should suspect it's a scam.Second, do not rely solely on photos or videos. The government also advises checking official accounts with verification marks for crimes impersonating celebrities and to stop conversations if an online contact requests a remittance.Third, if the account holder's name differs from the other party's name or if you are asked to send money to multiple accounts, you should stop immediately.Fourth, it is important not to make judgments alone. Show the conversation content to family or friends and have them review it from a third-party perspective. If you have already sent money, do not send any more, and preserve transaction details, conversation content, and account numbers to promptly report to financial institutions and the police.Ultimately, the most frightening aspect of this crime is that it goes beyond stealing names and faces; it exploits people's trust and emotions. Even if a star's name and face appear genuine, it is essential to develop the habit of pausing and verifying whenever money is requested.Instead of thinking, "I would never fall for this," remember this principle: "Even if it's a celebrity, if they ask for money, always verify." Just remembering this one principle can greatly help prevent damage."One Day Away"... 2026 TMA to Heat Up Busan with 'Key Viewing Points'The 2026 THE FACT Music Awards, TMA, a hot topic among global K-POP fans, is just one day away. Let's look at three key viewing points for the K-POP festival that will unfold tomorrow at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium.The first keyword is 'Busan Welcome Back.' TMA, which has solidified its position as a global K-POP awards ceremony through its events in Osaka, Japan, and Macau, is returning to South Korea after three years. This year, it will be held in Busan for the first time.Attention is focused on what kind of stage will be created by the combination of a large outdoor stage, spectacular lighting, and overwhelming sound with Busan's dynamic energy.The second keyword is the 'Only TMA' special stage. xikers, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and tripleS will reinterpret the songs of BTS and NCT DREAM, and aespa, respectively, in their own unique styles. In addition, Busan natives TREASURE JIHOON and KiiiKii JIYU will team up as 'Busan-z' for a special duet performance.Furthermore, there will be unbroadcasted stages by xikers and ATEEZ, and the first public performance of CLOSE YOUR EYES's new song, making 'first reveals' another key point.The final keyword is 'The Owner of the Trophy.' Fans' attention is also drawn to the winners of the grand prize categories such as 'Icon of the Year,' 'Muse of the Year,' 'Sound of the Year,' and 'Record of the Year,' as well as the winners of 'Today's Choice,' 'World Best Performer,' and 'Next Leader.'The 2026 TMA, featuring a total of 17 top-tier artists, along with Busan, special stages, and trophies, will kick off tomorrow night in Busan as a K-POP festival where fans and artists shine together.Lim Young Woong will take the stage at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA, held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th. This is their first appearance since attending in 2023, marking a three-year hiatus. The TMA, launched in 2019, has returned to Korea after stops in Japan and Macau, and this year marks a new beginning in Busan. /Mulgoji MusicTMA Appearance After 3 Years Since 2023... Why the 'Special September'?Among the global K-POP artists gathering for tomorrow's 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, there is one protagonist who is particularly drawing attention: singer Lim Young Woong.Lim Young Woong will return to the TMA stage at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 19th for the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, their first appearance in three years. The TMA, launched in 2019, has returned to Korea after stops in Japan and Macau, and this year marks a new beginning in Busan.For Lim Young Woong, this TMA appearance holds more significance than simply attending an awards ceremony. Lim Young Woong's last TMA stage was in 2023. Since then, Lim Young Woong has focused more on their music and performances rather than awards-centric activities. And now, three years later, Lim Young Woong, celebrating their 10th debut anniversary, is returning to TMA.In the meantime, Lim Young Woong has consistently expanded their stage competitiveness through nationwide tours and large-scale concerts. Recently, they have continued their musical journey by releasing their 10th-anniversary special digital album 'IM HERO 10.'In particular, what songs they will perform at this TMA is a point of interest.The new song 'Please Be Happy' from Lim Young Woong's special album 'IM HERO 10' is known to be written by Lim Young Woong with heartfelt feelings for the 'Hero Generation.' As it has been performed at recent stadium concerts, expectations are high for the live performance and production at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium this time.Most importantly, the reason this stage is drawing attention can also be found in the TMA lineup.Lim Young Woong's name is listed alongside artists leading the global K-POP stage, such as ATEEZ, RIIZE, ILLIT, NMIXX, and TREASURE. With artists representing different generations and genres gathering on one stage, Lim Young Woong is expected to showcase another facet of their artistry based on their broad public appeal and performance experience.Furthermore, the fans' interest has intensified with the news that Lim Young Woong has been confirmed as the winner of the 'TMA Popularity Award,' determined by fan voting. Ultimately, this September is becoming a special time for Lim Young Woong and the 'Hero Generation,' with multiple significant events overlapping.Their 10th debut anniversary, special album, stadium concerts, and return to TMA after three years – Lim Young Woong, who has been steadily building their records through music and performances, is drawing attention for what new aspects they will show on the Busan stage this time.Meanwhile, the cumulative views on Lim Young Woong's official YouTube channel have surpassed 3.19 billion. As of the 17th, the cumulative views reached a staggering 3,193,873,291, and the subscriber count is 1.79 million, on the verge of breaking 1.8 million. The number of uploaded videos is also close to 1,000.This is the result of consistent love for representative songs like 'Love Always Runs Away,' 'Our Blues,' 'Trust Me Now,' and 'Can We Meet Again,' as well as stage performances, behind-the-scenes content, and daily life vlogs. Recently, with the 'IM HERO 10' project, the channel's records continue to grow.TMA returns after three years, and Lim Young Woong celebrates their 10th debut anniversary. There is keen interest in whether his performance tomorrow in Busan will become another special record.eel@tf.co.kr