Korea Observer

South Korea's Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of "Squid Game" (오징어 게임) actor O Yeong-su, bringing to a close a years-long legal battle over sexual harassment allegations stemming from a 2017 incident. In a ruling issued on June 25, the Supreme Court's Third Division affirmed the Nov. 11, 2025 decision of the Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeals Division, which overturned the actor's earlier conviction and acquitted him of the charges. O Yeong-su in "Squid Game" season 1 (Netflix) Read more at https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/26/court-upholds-squid-game-actors-acquittal-in-sexual-harassment-case  

A Philippine community library initiative was named one of just 10 youth-led projects worldwide selected for expansion under UNESCO and K-pop group Seventeen's Global Youth Grant Scheme, as member Joshua attended a celebration at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 25.  Read more at https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/26/ph-project-among-10-chosen-in-unesco-seventeen-youth-initiative

Evan, formerly known as Heeseung of the K-pop group ENHYPEN, has officially launched his solo career with the release of his digital single “Ride or Die,” marking his first project under his new stage name. Read more at Manila Bulletin online at https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/23/ex-enhypen-heeseung-debuts-as-evan-with-ride-or-die

An all-female dance crew will carry the Philippine flag to South Korea after emerging as grand champion of the Philippine leg of the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF). Read more at: https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/24/meraki-to-represent-ph-in-k-pop-cover-dance-festival-finals-in-seoul

The BL (boys’ love) drama “The Next Prince” bagged the Series of the Year award at the KAZZ Awards 2026 held in Thailand on May 14.  The KAZZ Awards ceremony, held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, honored outstanding stars and works in Thailand and was hosted by KAZZ Magazine, which marked its 20th anniversary.  “The Next Prince” starred Thai actors Nunew Chawarin Perdpiriyawong and Zee Pruk Panich and aired from May to August last year.  Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong won Couple of the Year while Freen also won Best Actress of the Year. Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat bagged the Best Actor of the Year Award.  KAZZ Awards 2026 (Photos from KAZZ Awards on Facebook) The Drama Award of the Year went to “Searching for the Love She Forgot.” Here are the winners at the KAZZ Awards 2026:  Series of the Year Award - The Next Prince Trending Artist Award - DEXX Spotlight Icon of the Year Award - GMMTV Fandom Character Rising Male of the Year Awar...

K-pop supergroup  BTS  received a warm welcome in Mexico, where President Claudia Sheinbaum personally greeted the group at the National Palace ahead of their sold-out concert series in Mexico City. The group visited the country’s federal government seat, where they met Sheinbaum before appearing on the balcony to wave at an estimated 50,000 fans gathered at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square. The massive crowd turned the city center into a sea of supporters eager to catch a glimpse of the global stars. Read more at  Manila Bulletin online:  https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/07/bts-warmly-welcomed-in-mexico-as-president-meets-k-pop-group-ahead-of-concert-series