Weekly Top Korean News: ‘The Judge from Hell 2’ Confirmed, BTS’ Jungkook & Jimin Fly to Japan, Kim Soo Hyun’s Knock-Off Delay & More

From long-awaited drama renewals to surprise airport sightings and swirling controversies, this week in Korean entertainment was nothing short of eventful. The Judge from Hell is officially returning for Season 2, BTS' Jungkook and Jimin were seen heading to Japan—fueling comeback speculation—and Disney has finally spoken on the uncertain future of Knock-Off amid Kim Soo Hyun’s dating scandal. Plus, Emotional Oranges clears up confusion about a rumored NewJeans collab, and Kim Sae Ron’s relationship history faces new scrutiny.

🔥 The Judge from Hell Season 2 Officially Confirmed

The critically acclaimed dark fantasy drama The Judge from Hell is set to return for a second season. The announcement was made on May 23 by the showrunner and Studio S's CCO during the New York Festivals Storytellers Gala 2025, where the drama earned a Bronze award. Their closing remarks teased a continuation of the Hell-bound narrative, with more supernatural justice in store.

Season 1 concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving protagonist Kang Bit Na (Park Shin Hye) torn between her humanity and her destiny in Hell. The upcoming season may dive deeper into her path as Bael’s heir and explore her unresolved romance with Han Da On (Kim Jae Young), which fans have eagerly anticipated. The unexpected sequel has sparked widespread excitement among K-drama enthusiasts.

✈️ BTS’ Jungkook and Jimin Head to Japan, Triggering Comeback Rumors

On May 24, BTS’ Jungkook was spotted at Gimpo Airport en route to Japan, dressed low-key in a hoodie and cap. The sighting came just a day after Jimin was also seen heading to the same destination. Though the idols tried to stay under the radar, ARMYs were quick to identify them, fueling widespread speculation online.

With BTS’ FESTA celebration approaching and some members nearing military discharge, fans are hoping for a surprise reunion project or performance. Whether it’s a private trip or something bigger, excitement is surging as fans hope to see the group back together soon.

📺 Disney Breaks Silence on Knock-Off Delay Amid Kim Soo Hyun Controversy

The fate of Knock-Off, Kim Soo Hyun’s anticipated series, hangs in the balance as controversy around his alleged past relationship with Kim Sae Ron continues to swirl. Promotional posters for the series briefly surfaced on IMDb earlier this month, but on May 2, Disney Korea’s Head of Local Content, Choi Yeon Woo, confirmed the release has been delayed following an internal review.

Co-star Jo Bo Ah has reportedly moved on from the project, signing on for another drama titled Dear Hongrang. Meanwhile, speculation around potential penalties and unresolved legal matters involving Kim Sae Ron’s family only adds to the uncertainty. With no clear update, the show’s future remains in limbo.

🎵 Emotional Oranges Clears Up NewJeans' Danielle Collab Rumors

Rumors of a possible collaboration between NewJeans’ Danielle and American R&B duo Emotional Oranges went viral after the group posted a studio photo featuring Danielle, along with bunny and orange emojis. Fans took it as a hint of an upcoming track, despite Danielle currently being unable to pursue solo activities due to NewJeans' ongoing legal issues with ADOR.

However, Emotional Oranges later clarified via social media that there is no collaboration with Danielle. “I was just helping produce a song for Livvie,” they said, referring to Danielle’s sister Olivia Marsh. The original post has since been deleted, and the group apologized for any confusion caused.

💔 Kim Sae Ron’s Relationship Timeline Questioned in New Report

A May 21 report from Money Today cast doubt on Kim Sae Ron’s dating history. The article claims that she was in an on-and-off relationship with a senior idol, referred to as “Mr. A,” from 2018 to 2023—contradicting her family’s earlier claim that she dated actor Kim Soo Hyun from 2015 to 2021.

The report highlights inconsistencies in photos, messages, and timelines, also referencing other rumored relationships involving WOODZ and others between 2016 and 2022. Kim Soo Hyun’s agency has strongly denied the allegations, citing manipulated texts and demanding forensic verification. As of now, no conclusive evidence has been presented.

Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite K-dramas, K-pop idols, and industry news—straight from Korea’s entertainment pulse.