The Oppa Chronicles

Veteran South Korean actor Song Young-kyu was found dead inside his vehicle on the morning of August 4, sending shockwaves through the Korean entertainment industry. He was 55 years old. According to authorities from the Yongin Dongbu Police Station, Song was discovered unresponsive in a parked car near a residential complex in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, around 8:00 a.m. KST. Police stated there were no signs of foul play and no suicide note was found at the scene. The cause of death remains under investigation. Song’s passing comes just weeks after a drunk driving incident in June, where he was caught operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%. The incident led to the revocation of his driver’s license and caused professional setbacks. He stepped down from the stage play Shakespeare in Love and had his appearances edited or minimized in ongoing TV dramas such as “The Winning Try” (SBS) and “The Defects” (ENA). The actor rep...

Beijing, China – Popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi, best known for her leading roles in Hidden Love and Who Rules the World, has publicly revealed the full extent of her ongoing health and legal crisis, sending shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry and among fans worldwide. In a heartbreaking post on August 1, Zhao Lusi accused her former agency, Galaxy Kuyu Entertainment, of severe exploitation, financial mismanagement, and psychological abuse—allegations that date back years but escalated in late 2024. According to Zhao, she was overworked to the point of collapse, with symptoms later diagnosed as Dissociative Conversion Disorder, a condition that affected her memory, speech, and mobility. ---> "I was in constant pain, mentally and physically," Zhao shared. "They took my money, disbanded my studio, and threatened to blacklist me if I spoke out." During her emotional statement, Zhao claimed that over RMB 2 million was withdrawn from her pe...

Hangzhou, China — A young swimming instructor in Hangzhou has taken social media by storm after videos of him teaching kids at the pool circulated online, with many netizens — especially mothers — captivated by his youthful charm and striking physique. The instructor, known only by his surname Chen, works part-time at the Hangzhou Chenjinglun Sports School, a prestigious training center that has produced Chinese Olympic athletes like swimmer Sun Yang and badminton player Chen Yufei. The 18-year-old, who just graduated high school, is set to attend Nanjing Sport Institute, a well-known sports university. Videos of Chen, often showing him in colorful swim trunks and at times shirtless, were mostly captured and shared by the parents — particularly the mothers — of his young students, aged 4 to 5. What began as casual documentation of their children’s swimming lessons quickly exploded into a nationwide social media trend. Many mothers joked online about ...

Riyadh, July 19, 2025 – Prince Al‑Waleed bin Khalid bin Talal Al Saud, widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince,” has passed away today at the age of 36. He had remained in a coma for nearly 20 years following a 2005 car accident in London that left him severely brain-injured. A student at a military college in London at the time, Prince Al‑Waleed suffered a critical brain hemorrhage. Since then, he was cared for at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, maintained on life support and surrounded by international medical professionals. Despite occasional slight movements, he never regained consciousness. His father, Prince Khalid bin Talal, remained devoted to his care, firmly rejecting medical advice to discontinue treatment. “With hearts confident in Allah’s will and decree… we mourn our beloved son,” Prince Khalid wrote on X, announcing his son’s passing. Funeral Arrangements Funeral prayers will be held on July 20 after Asr prayer at Imam T...

Seoul, July 10, 2025 – Moon “Taeil” Tae‑il, a 31‑year‑old former member of NCT, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison by the Seoul Central District Court for the aggravated sexual assault of an intoxicated Chinese tourist. According to court records, Taeil and accomplices surnamed Lee and Hong met the victim in June last year at a bar in Itaewon. After she became heavily intoxicated, the trio forcibly transported her in a taxi to Lee’s residence in Bangbae‑dong, Seocho‑gu, where the assault occurred. The court convicted all three under the “special quasi‑rape” statute—applicable when multiple perpetrators sexually assault a victim who is unconscious or unable to resist—and each received a 3.5‑year sentence. They were taken into custody immediately after the July 10 verdict and must complete a 40‑hour sexual‑violence treatment program. Additionally, they are prohibited from working with children or youths for five years. Prosecutors had sought a ...

The South Korean entertainment industry is mourning the sudden loss of actress Kang Seo Ha, who passed away on July 14, 2025, following a battle with cancer. She was 31. Kang Seo Ha, who debuted in 2012, was known for her roles in several Korean dramas including Seonam Girls High School Investigators, Assembly, First Love, Again, The Flower in Prison, and Heart Surgeons. Her agency confirmed that despite her illness, she remained dedicated to acting and recently completed filming for the movie In the Net, which is now expected to be her final on-screen appearance. A memorial altar has been set up at Room 8 of Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in Banpo-dong, where friends, family, and fans are paying their respects. The funeral will be held on July 16 at 7:40 a.m., followed by cremation. Her ashes will be laid to rest in her family's hometown in Haman, South Gyeongsang Province. Kang Seo Ha was remembered by colleagues as talented, kind-hearted, and passionate about her craft. S...