Entertainment

South Korea’s National Tax Service reportedly issued a tax assessment to singer-actor Cha Eun-woo, legally known as Lee Dong-min, after an audit found that more than 20 billion won ($13.6 million) in entertainment income flowed through a company established by his mother. The company, identified as “Company A,” held a service contract with his management agency and received payments for his activities. Authorities examined whether the structure aimed to reduce his personal tax burden and treated the funds as his income for tax purposes. The case forms part of a broader NTS review of tax practices in the entertainment sector ahead of Cha’s planned military enlistment in July 2025.

Ben&Ben released the official music video for “Duyan” on January 16, 2025, featuring Khalil Ramos and Gabbi Garcia in lead roles, as the band marked a major streaming milestone by surpassing three billion Spotify streams and secured multiple honors at the 28th Awit Awards, including Album of the Year for their third studio album, reinforcing the group’s position in the Original Pilipino Music landscape through coordinated digital releases, award-recognized work, and visual storytelling that connects their recorded music with audiences in the Philippines and international markets.

Filipino actress Carla Abellana clarified in an Instagram Stories post on Jan. 21, 2026, that she is not on leave from work following her Dec. 27, 2025 wedding to doctor Reginald Santos. Abellana stated that she does not plan to take a leave anytime soon and remains ready to accept projects. She said she has been looking and waiting for work and used her social media platform to address assumptions about her professional status after her recent marriage.

Andre Yllana expressed support for the ongoing courtship between his mother, actress-politician Aiko Melendez, and former matinee idol Onemig Bondoc during a press conference for the series “Hell University.” Andre said he has given his blessing if they decide to become a couple and noted that the two appear happy together. Bondoc earlier confirmed in a joint TikTok live that he is courting Melendez, while she has not yet publicly accepted him as her boyfriend. Andre declined to discuss details of their relationship status, citing respect for his mother’s privacy.

British actor Emma D’Arcy, known for playing Rhaenyra Targaryen in “House of the Dragon,” recently met a Filipina fan named Via during an unplanned encounter outside a food shop in London. Via’s husband approached D’Arcy, who sat with “Game of Thrones” actor Tobias Menzies, and asked if his wife could greet and take a photo with the star. D’Arcy agreed, and Via recorded the interaction in a TikTok video that has reached about 7 million views. The clip shows their brief conversation, photo-taking, and Via’s emotional reaction, and it continues to gain traction online.

Analysts in Dallas say the vampire film “Sinners” may lead the upcoming Oscar nominations and could break the all-time record of 14 nods shared by “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land,” based on precursor awards, box-office strength, and guild recognition.

Actor John Prats detailed how he transitioned from acting to directing at ABS-CBN after initially feeling offended by a 2016–2017 offer from executive Lauren Dyogi to move behind the camera, later viewing the role as a God-given purpose and a key turning point in his entertainment career.

BigHit Music and the NBA announced that K-pop boy group CORTIS will perform at the opening of the NBA All-Star 2026 Crossover event as newly named “Friends of the NBA.” The five-member group, composed of Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho, will appear at NBA games and events and collaborate on original content initiatives that connect basketball and music. The partnership forms part of the league’s celebrity and influencer program, with additional details on CORTIS’ schedule and the All-Star 2026 Crossover fan experience to be released by the NBA and BigHit Music.

“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” extended edition will screen in cinemas across the Philippines from January 23 to 25 in a limited nationwide run, offering about 30 minutes of additional footage and a total runtime of three hours and 28 minutes as part of an anniversary presentation of Peter Jackson’s 2001 adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novel.

Actor Joseph Marco received online praise after a netizen photographed him feeding a homeless cat outside a fitness gym in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. The image, captured by Facebook user Alshan Eihrin, showed Marco giving food to the stray cat and later appeared in a Facebook group for cat lovers. Group members reacted to the post and commended Marco for his gesture toward the animal. The photo and accompanying caption circulated on social media as users reshared the content and drew attention to the incident.