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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 May 16th, 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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The NBC drama 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife has issued a formal apology following controversy over historical inaccuracies that viewers felt undermined Korea's sovereignty. The production team acknowledged that scenes depicting the king's coronation with a nine-row crown and officials shouting chaons instead of mans were inappropriate, as these elements suggest a lower status befitting a vassal state rather than an independent kingdom.

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NHYPEN claimed the prestigious Artist of the Year Award at the third Asia Star Entertainer Awards, 2026, held at Saitama's Balunadome in Japan. The group expressed gratitude for receiving two major awards at the ceremony, noting that half the year remains for them to showcase even more impressive work. During their acceptance speech, the members revealed they're currently recording a new album and specifically thanked producer Bang Si Hyuk for his support in preparing what they promise will be an outstanding release later this year. Nhypen's recent achievements include their first triple million seller with the second full album, Romance Untold, and their fourth consecutive double million seller with mini-album Seven The Sin Vanish, with total album shipments exceeding 20 million copies across Korea and Japan as of November 2025.

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Actress Goyun Jung swept two major categories at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026, taking home both best character and best OTT artist honors. The Rising Star has demonstrated remarkable range through her recent work in Netflix's Lost in Translation and the currently airing JTBC drama Everyone Is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness. In her acceptance speech, Go Yun-Jong playfully addressed her co-stars Kim Sun-ho and Ku Kyo Huan by their character names, announcing her double win and expressing humility by crediting her success to collaborative efforts. She interpreted receiving two awards as encouragement to work even harder in her future projects.

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IU celebrated her birthday with characteristic generosity, donating 300 million one through the IU ENA initiative that combines her name with her fandom. The multi-talented artist distributed the funds across multiple charitable causes, including 100 million won to Assam Medical Centre, 50 million each to organizations supporting children's education, elderly care, single mother families, and assistive devices for people with disabilities. This latest contribution continues R.U.'s long-standing tradition of marking significant dates like her debut anniversary, birthday, and year-end holidays with meaningful donations. The actress is currently starring as Sung Hee Ju in the NBC drama Twenty First Century Grand Prince's Wife, and just days before this birthday donation, she had already contributed 150 million one towards supporting children and youth.

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Now back to more news.

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Director Yoon Sang-ho's Zombie Thriller Swarm received a thunderous seven-minute standing ovation following its world premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival's Midnight Screening section. The film marks Yoon's fourth Cannes invitation and features an all-star cast including John Ji-hyoon, Ku Kyo Huan, Ji Chang Wuk, Xin Heun Bin, and Kim Shin Rok, all making their Cannes red carpet debuts. International audiences praised the film's terrifying atmosphere and innovative scale, though some critics noted that character development could have been stronger despite the overall entertainment value. The film introduces an evolution in zombie storytelling, where the infected learn through pheromone communication and information exchange, with the villain serving as a queen-like controller of the swarm, creating fresh genre thrills through this unique premise before its domestic release on May 21st.

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The Ken's red carpet became a showcase of Korean star power as the cast of swarm dazzled international media and fans who waited past midnight for glimpses of their favorite actors. Jon Ji heon, stunned in an elegant white dress that highlighted her timeless beauty, while Ji Chang Wuok commanded attention in a sophisticated black and white suit with his sculptural visuals and sweet smile. Ku Kyo Huan brought Dapper Charm in a classic black tuxedo for his first major international film festival appearance, and Shin Hayanbin, captivated with an Eastern-inspired look that emphasized graceful, doll-like features. The actors took time to sign autographs, pose for selfies with fans, and interact warmly with the enthusiastic crowd that had gathered despite the late hour, creating an unforgettable festival atmosphere.

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Apink member Yoon Bomy married producer and composer Rado in a heartfelt ceremony that brought together friends, family, and fellow entertainment industry figures. The couple, who dated for approximately nine years after going public with their relationship, exchanged vows with comedian Kim Geary, serving as MC and performances by Apink Stacey and rookie girl group Un Child, adding to the celebration. An emotional moment captured on social media showed Apink's youngest member, Oh Hayung, tearing up while singing a congratulatory song for her longtime group mate. Prior to the wedding, the couple released unique and personality-filled wedding photos that quickly circulated online, and Yoon Bomi had recently stepped down from her MC role on the variety show I Am Solo to focus on her upcoming marriage.

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Monster X received the Top Touring Artist Award at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026, recognizing their exceptional global concert presence. Member Hyung won, who served as MC for the ceremony for the second consecutive year, accepted the award on behalf of the group and credited their fandom Monbei as the driving force behind their success. The group has been actively connecting with fans worldwide through their The X-Nexus World Tour, which has taken them through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Jakarta, and multiple Japanese cities. Hyungwan expressed gratitude to all touring staff members and closed his speech with a heartfelt declaration of love for Monbe.

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Actor Lee Jun-ho achieved double recognition at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2026, winning both Best Character and Best Artist in the male actor categories. The 2PM member has been receiving acclaim for his diverse roles in TVN's Typhoon Company and Netflix's Kashiro, showcasing his range across different genres and platforms. In his acceptance speech, Li Jun-ho interpreted the Dual Honors as encouragement to work even harder and revealed he's currently filming his next project titled Viking, which he hopes will bring entertainment to fans and audiences. The actor also graciously delivered part of his speech in Japanese to connect with the local audience at the Saitama ceremony.