Latest news with #ChaEun-woo
Korea Herald
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
In Seoul, finish line is about style, identity, belonging -- and speed
Concept stores cater to runners seeking latest technology rendered in style Running has never been more stylish, especially in Seoul, where a new generation of celebrity runners is turning everyday jogs into curated fashion moments. From athleisure chic to techwear sleek, Korean stars are redefining the aesthetic of movement, and their influence is shaping a growing culture that blends fitness with fashion and community. But these celebrities aren't just dressing the part — they're hitting the pavement, signing up for real races and investing in the right gear. Style meets endurance Take actress Lee Hye-ri, for instance. She recently shared her preparation for the 'After Dark Tour Seoul 10K' on her YouTube channel, revealing her dedication to building stamina for the event. Throughout her training, she wore the Nike Vomero 18 W, a running shoe known for its superior cushioning, breathable mesh and smooth heel-to-toe transition. The shoe's comfort and style showed that performance and fashion can go hand in hand. Cha Eun-woo, known for his acting and musical talents, made headlines at the '2025 TNF 100 Gangwon' race in Gangneung, where he completed the 11K course in just 59 minutes. Sporting The North Face's VECTIV Enduris 4, a versatile shoe designed for both road and trail running, Cha's choice proved that style and performance are just as important off-screen as they are on it. The shoe's lightweight construction and exceptional grip have made it a favorite among athletes. Meanwhile, actor Ryu Jun-yeol, an avid runner, competed in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon wearing Nike's Alphafly 3. The carbon fiber-plated shoe is optimized for speed, making it the go-to choice for elite runners seeking to break records. As more celebrities choose running as a hobby and training method, they're often seen sporting the latest, high-tech shoes, showcasing their commitment to fitness while setting trends in the process. This wave of celebrity runners has tapped into a broader cultural shift, particularly among Korea's younger generations. Generation Z and Millennials are flocking to running as a way to stay fit, relieve stress and, importantly, engage in social media-worthy activities. 'Running has become the ultimate accessible fitness trend. You don't need a gym membership or expensive equipment to enjoy it, and it's something you can do with friends or alone,' said an industry insider. 'This makes it perfect for the connected, socially engaged younger generations.' With the rising popularity of running, the demand for stylish and functional running shoes has skyrocketed. In response, both established sportswear giants such as Nike, Adidas and New Balance, and newer players such as Hoka and On are competing for consumers' attention. Seoul's coolest runners' shop For those looking to upgrade their running gear, Seoul has become home to several must-visit concept stores that cater to the new wave of fitness fashion. Stores like Out of All in Mapo-gu offer a curated selection of high-performance brands, including Hoka, Norda and Vivobarefoot. The store's three-floor setup includes a foot-sizing machine for the perfect fit and a community space for events that foster a sense of belonging among runners. Another hotspot is Wherever in Jongno-gu, which has carved out a unique space for runners with its blend of functionality and community. The store caters to trail and city runners alike, offering products from Satisfy and Hoka, along with amenities such as a shower facility and locker room for those on the go. The store's connection with runners is strengthened by the chance to join the founder for group runs and activities like monthly yoga classes. In the trendy Seongsu-dong district, Tune has emerged as a favorite among fashion-forward runners. Operated by JKND, the company behind brands like Thisisneverthat and Yeseyesee, Tune blends subculture with running culture. The store hosts frequent brand pop-ups and stocks exclusive, high-performance running shoes from brands including Nike, New Balance and Salomon. With its visually striking displays and active online presence, Tune has become a go-to destination for those seeking unique running gear.. As more Koreans, including celebrities and everyday runners alike, lace up their shoes, it's clear that running is no longer just a way to stay fit. It's a platform for self-expression, with every run offering an opportunity to showcase one's style. Whether through social media posts or high-profile marathons, South Korea's running culture has fully embraced the idea that looking good while staying healthy is just as important as the miles logged.
![[Grace Kao] Don't be fooled by celebrity romance scams](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F06%2F02%2Fnews-p.v1.20250602.90f481c3ae7a479bb196bab46d30d5df_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
[Grace Kao] Don't be fooled by celebrity romance scams
The Federal Trade Commission of the US reported that in 2023, consumers lost $1.14 billion to romance scams. This is a substantial increase from $547 million in losses in 2021, and $304 million in 2020. What exactly are romance scams and why are people susceptible to them? Scammers pose as someone who has fallen in love with the victim and is desperately trying to travel to the victim so they can meet. However, one tragedy after another ensues. The scammers work in teams and are grooming multiple victims simultaneously. The carefully designed scripts come in a variety of genres. An extremely interesting variant of this scam involves celebrities. Here, victims believe they are communicating with a celebrity and eventually develop a romantic relationship with them. There are a number of YouTube channels that address this topic. For example, the YouTube channel @catfishedOnline investigates romance scams. Their findings are shared with the victim and often their families, and with the audience. It's tempting to dismiss romance scam victims as gullible individuals who should have known better. However, the pervasiveness of romance scams suggests that criminals are addressing common issues of isolation and loneliness. Victims might be single or married in unsatisfying relationships. Their limited mobility or caregiving responsibilities at home might make it hard for them to meet others. Some may just be socially awkward and have had very few healthy romantic relationships. On this channel, there have been victims that believed that they were in clandestine relationships with Barry Gibb (one of the members of the group Bee Gees), Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, actor Johnny Depp and Jennifer Aniston, singer Chris Brown, and comedian Matt Rife. Recently, a fake Jackson Wang (GOT7) made an appearance. Images and information about celebrities are widely available on the internet. Let's say you're a fan of Cha Eun-woo. You can 'like' or 'comment' on one of his photos on social media. Someone named Cha Eun-woo might interact with you in the comments section or direct-message (DM) you. Suddenly, you are chatting with one of your favorite celebrities. This type of contact can happen to any of us who are on social media. I was once friended by an imposter Hyun Bin -- I don't even follow him on any social media nor did I ever comment on any of his content, but I do post information about the Korean Wave. If I was excited to see fake Hyun Bin on my social media, can you imagine what my response might be if 'Jungkook' DM'd me? Once, a fake version of K-pop singer 'Eric Nam' asked me if I was married and if so, was my marriage happy? Yikes. The scammers work to convince victims that they are special. They send them photos and videos of the celebrity with personalized information about the victim added. An image might show your celebrity boyfriend holding a note that says, 'I love you, Grace.' The imposter divulges special secrets about their newest movie or concert. They eventually ask for help because their manager won't let them access their funds. Perhaps they are going through an acrimonious divorce and their assets are frozen. Eventually, they will be in a nearby town for a concert or other activity, so if you want to meet them, you can sign up for a 'meet and greet' which not only costs $1,000 but they also need your name, birthday and social security number -- all the information one needs to open a credit card account. Since you will soon be their partner, why not help them out? In fact, a recent video featured a 70-something year old woman who believed she was engaged to 29-year old Comedian Matt Rife. Over the course of more than a year, she sent him over $100,000. Even after she was provided clear evidence that this was not the actual comedian, she continued to send money. Why did she do this? By sending money, she prolonged the fantasy. In 2024, a North Carolina woman believed she was in a relationship with actor Ahn Hyeo-seop and that they were in love. She was offered the opportunity to meet him, but his 'manager' asked for expenses to arrange a meet and greet, and various other fees. Eventually, she sent him $67,000, more than her life savings. While many victims in the media are women, evidence suggests that there are more male than female ones. According to a November 2022 Javelin survey of 5,000 households, men accounted for 73 percent of the victims of romance scams. In a National Geographic investigation of romance scammers in Nigeria, they confessed that they target men because men were likely to have more money and that they were easier to deceive. So, what's the solution? We should all be in closer contact with our loved ones, especially those who may feel isolated. Also, it's probably safer to talk to your AI boyfriend than your celebrity one, but don't send money to either of them! Grace Kao is an IBM professor of sociology and professor of ethnicity, race and migration at Yale University. The views expressed here are the writer's own. — Ed.
Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
True Beauty star Cha Eun-woo enlists for military service, fans express heartfelt goodbyes: ‘wish him the best of luck'
Cha Eun-woo, one of South Korea's most sought-after actors, is preparing to step away from the spotlight for a while as he begins his mandatory military service. Fans across the globe are already feeling the bittersweet sting of his upcoming enlistment, which was officially confirmed by his agency Fantagio on May 29. Earlier this month, news broke that Cha Eun-woo, 28, had applied to join the Army Military Band, a role that perfectly aligns with his talents as both a singer and performer. Fantagio announced, 'Recently, Cha Eun Woo applied to join the Army Military Band and received a final acceptance notice from the Military Manpower Administration today. He will enter the training centre on July 28 and undergo basic military training before fulfilling his duty in the Army Military Band.' In an effort to protect the star and his fans, the agency also revealed that his enlistment will be a private affair. 'To prevent safety accidents due to congestion on the day of enlistment, the location and time of Cha Eun Woo's enlistment will be kept private, and there will be no separate events held,' they shared in a statement according to Soompi. The agency concluded with a heartfelt appeal to fans worldwide: 'We ask for your unsparing support and warm encouragement for Cha Eun Woo as he diligently fulfills his military duty and returns in good health.' A post shared by 차은우 (@eunwo.o_c) The news was met with an outpouring of love and sadness from fans on social media. One fan lamented on X, 'Ohhh noooo. I will miss seeing your pretty face in dramas.' Another expressed their unwavering support: 'I will surely miss you but we're rooting for you.' Others praised his sense of duty, with comments like, 'He will SERVE his country like he always does,' while some simply wished him well: 'Wishing him good luck.' One particularly thoughtful fan wrote, 'Hot take, but I'm happy that he's going now! He needs to go regardless, and it's better to get it over with so that he can fully focus on his career without any worries afterwards. I just checked his namu wiki and it seems like he already filmed (or is currently filming) a drama and a movie, so there will still new content over the next year and a half :') I wish the best of luck to him and hope he completes his service safely!' Even amidst the sadness, fans remained hopeful, sharing sentiments like, 'His visuals, singing, and acting will be missed and before I know it he'll be back in no time.' Cha Eun-woo's impressive career spans both music and acting. Best known for his memorable roles in hit dramas such as True Beauty and My ID is Gangnam Beauty, he has also made waves as a solo artist and variety show star. As fans prepare to say a temporary goodbye, they remain confident that Cha Eun-woo will return stronger and ready to captivate audiences once again. For now, his devoted supporters are rallying behind him, sending all their love.
India Today
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
True Beauty actor Cha Eun-woo to enlist in military on July 28: Agency
Cha Eun-woo, member of the K-pop group ASTRO and one of the most popular and sought-after Korean actors, is set to begin his mandatory military service. Earlier this month, it was reported that he had applied to serve in the Army Military Band. On May 29, his agency Fantagio confirmed that he has been officially an official statement, Fantagio shared, "Cha Eun-woo applied to join the Army Military Band and received a final acceptance notice from the Military Manpower Administration today. He will enter the training centre on July 28 and undergo basic military training before fulfilling his duty in the Army Military Band."advertisementThe agency also noted that there will be no public events on enlistment day, adding, "To prevent safety accidents due to congestion on the day of enlistment, the location and time of Cha Eun-woo's enlistment will be kept private." Fantagio concluded with a message to fans, "We ask for your unsparing support and warm encouragement for Cha Eun-woo as he diligently fulfils his military duty and returns in good health."Best known for his roles in popular dramas like 'True Beauty', 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', and 'A Good Day to Be a Dog', Cha Eun-woo has also made a mark as a solo artiste and variety show star. He most recently starred in the mystery-thriller 'Wonderful World' and is reportedly preparing for a solo fan-con tour in Asia, expected to wrap up before his enlistment. You May Also Like
AsiaOne
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Gossip mill: Henry Lau welcomed by fans at Changi Airport, Cha Eun-woo and Rowoon to enlist in July , Entertainment News
Henry Lau arrived at Changi Airport late last night (May 28) where eager fans were waiting with bouquets to welcome him to Singapore. Videos of the Canadian singer-songwriter's arrival were shared on Xiaohongshu. The 35-year-old is here in Singapore to attend the grand opening of Lacoste's first concept store in Southeast Asia at Ion Orchard at 4pm today. Henry debuted as a member of the K-pop boy group Super Junior-M in 2008 before his departure in 2018. He is now based in South Korea and China. Rowoon to enlist on July 21 Korean actor Rowoon will enlist soon, beginning his mandatory military service on July 21, according to a report by MyDaily. His management agency FNC Entertainment confirmed the news and said he will be an active-duty soldier in the army. The 28-year-old will hold his Before Blooming fan-meet in Seoul on May 31. In 2016, Rowoon debuted as part of boy group SF9 which he left in 2023. He began his acting career in 2017 in School 2017 and his Disney+ project The Murky Stream is set to premiere later this year. Cha Eun-woo to enlist on July 28 Earlier this month, actor-singer Cha Eun-woo was reported to have applied for the Republic of Korea Army band. Today, his management agency Fantagio confirmed that the 28-year-old has been accepted. The statement said he will enter the training camp on July 28 to undergo basic military training before joining the Army Band. "To prevent safety accidents due to crowding on the day of enlistment, we would like to inform you that Cha Eun-woo's enlistment location and time will be kept private and no separate events will be held." the agency added. Last month, it was reported that Eun-woo, who's also a member of the K-pop boy band Astro, will be taking on his first leading role in a movie, titled First Ride. He is also expected to finish filming the Netflix series The Wonder Fools with Park Eun-bin this month. [[nid:718498]]
