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Welcome to K-Buzz, your daily source for the latest Korean entertainment news.

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We're your hosts bringing you all the hottest updates from the K-pop and K-drama world.

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Today is March 18th, 2026, and we've got some incredible stories to share with you.

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Let's dive right in.

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Actor Li Jeryong has been formally sent to prosecutors on charges of drunk driving, hit and run, and attempting to obstruct a breathalyzer test. The 62-year-old actor crashed into a median barrier near Chiongdam Station on March 6, around 11 at night, then fled the scene before being apprehended at an acquaintance's home. Initially denying the drunk driving allegations, Lee later admitted to consuming four shots of Soju before getting behind the wheel. This marks his third alcohol-related incident, following a drunk driving license suspension in 2003 and a bowling alley property damage case in 2019 that resulted in a suspended indictment.

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News sources have uncovered troubling details about actor Li Jung Wu's involvement in unpaid supplier debts linked to his restaurant venture Hoseokchan. While Li claims the restaurant and its supplier company Mujian are separate entities, investigation reveals his close friend Sun operates both as Hoseokchan's representative and Mujian's auditor, creating a suspicious corporate structure. Li actively promoted the Sunday Soup Restaurant on multiple broadcasts, including appearances with YouTuber Tzu Yang and broadcaster John Hyun Mu, personally visiting suppliers to request ingredients and expressing gratitude as recently as June 2024. Despite Li's attempts to distance himself from the unpaid debts by claiming no involvement in operations, the supplier representative expressed disappointment, questioning how the restaurant could be his during promotional broadcasts but suddenly become his friends when payment issues arose.

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Every Friday through Sunday, fans can bring in old kit albums for recycling and receive cashback, with the company collecting an average of 100 albums daily as participation steadily grows. MuseLive has sold over 10 million kit albums featuring their proprietary UNFC technology, positioning these eco-friendly products as a viable CD replacement. The company uses FSC certified paper, soy inc, and biodegradable PLA materials, while maintaining official partnerships with global independent music networks including WIN, LIAK, A2IM, and VUT to promote a healthier music ecosystem.

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The Girl Group Renaissance is roaring back to life as female acts dominate music charts across Korea. Itsey's That's a No No, released six years ago in March 2020, has exploded in a dramatic reverse run after the group performed it at their Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium concert earlier this year, earning the nickname Day Two No No and spawning viral dance challenges with artists from Twice, In a Mix and Kickflip. This phenomenon mirrors Day 6's legendary chart Resurrection with You Were Beautiful, showcasing J Bar YP Entertainment's remarkable pattern of late blooming hits. Industry analysis reveals that 2023 marked the peak of girl group dominance with eight songs in Genie Music's annual top ten, led by New Jean's four entries, including Ditto at number one, while 2026 is shaping up as another watershed moment with established acts like Blackpink and I've joined by Rising Stars QWER and Hearts Two Hearts.

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Our featured song today is Hello by Idol's Mini, the latest OST for the drama Siren. This serene emotional track showcases Mini's soft and captivating vocals with a hauntingly beautiful melody that perfectly captures the drama's mysterious romance. Here's a preview. Such a stunning OST with her signature enchanting voice, bringing the emotions of Siren to life. Now back to more news.

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BTS is preparing to make history with their comeback performance at Guanghuamun Square on March 21st, with the stage structure already being described as a symbolic gate of triumph by fans and media. The arch-shaped stage, set against the backdrop of Guanghuamun Gate and visible all the way to Admiral Yi Sun's statue, has drawn comparisons to the Soul Gate from Netflix's K-pop Demon Hunters, with international fans declaring it will dominate global music. Security measures have been elevated to unprecedented levels, with the government raising the terror alert from interest to caution in Seoul's Jongno and Jung districts from midnight March 19th through midnight March 21st, deploying anti-drone guns and high-altitude surveillance vehicles. The group released a 16-second teaser for their title track, Swim, from the fifth full album A Re Rang, which garnered nearly 4 million YouTube views in just half a day, while the comeback concert will be livestreamed on Netflix to over 190 countries.

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Stray Kids is celebrating their 8th debut anniversary on March 25th with a special digital single titled Be All Bits Stay dedicated to their devoted fanbase. The cover image features their official lightstick, Nachim Bong, as a guiding starlight. With each member personally designing stars in their own style to create a warm and emotional illustration. Following the single's release at 1 pm Korean time, the group will hold their sixth official fan meeting, Stay in Our Little House, across four sold-out shows at Inchon Inspire Arena on March 28th, 29th, April 4th, and 5th, with online paid live streams available on Beyond Live for the final shows of each weekend. The Octek continues their global festival domination with upcoming headlining performances at New York's The Governor's Bull Music Festival in June and Brazil's Rock in Rio in September.

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Bito B is marking their 14th debut anniversary on March 21st with a surprise-complete group comeback, releasing the digital single Urida Si Again. The group unveiled an audio teaser on their official YouTube channel showing a record spinning on an LP player previewing their signature bright atmosphere and harmonious vocal blend. This marks B Tobby's first full group release in two years and ten months since their twelfth mini album, Wind and Wish, in 2023, with the track dropping at 6 p.m. on their special anniversary date as a heartfelt gift to fans.

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The Blackpink members solo star power shines alongside fellow K-pop acts Idol, who will make their Lollapalooza debut, and Esper, marking a strong Korean presence across 47 countries in the festival's top ten rankings. Jenny's summer festival circuit continues to expand, with confirmed headlining slots at New York's Governor's Ball Music Festival in June and Spain's Mad Cool Festival in Madrid this July, cementing her status as a global solo artist.

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Netflix series Monthly Boyfriend has climbed to the top of the global charts, claiming the number one spot in the non-English TV show category for the week of March 9th through 15th. The romantic comedy starring Black Pink's Jizou and Sue Inguck jumped from fourth place in its debut week to first place in its second week, accumulating 4.8 million views and 47.8 million viewing hours. The show, which follows a weary webtoon producer experiencing romance through a virtual dating simulation, has entered the top 10 rankings in 47 countries and regions, including Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, India, and Hong Kong, proving the enduring global appeal of Korean romantic comedies. Thanks for tuning in to get your daily dose of Korean entertainment news. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated on all the latest happenings in the K-pop and K-drama world. Until then, stay tuned to All Things Korean Entertainment, and we'll catch you tomorrow.