Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

'We don’t sell loneliness': Restaurant faces backlash for rejecting solo diners

A restaurant’s notice rejecting solo diners under the slogan “We don’t sell loneliness” has stirred debate online, drawing criticism over what many saw as outdated views on eating alone.

2025-11-12

'Solo' journey yields ensemble cast dynamics in popular hyperrealistic dating show

Now in its fifth year, "I Am Solo" continues to top cable variety show ratings, averaging a 4.4 percent viewership rating nationwide as of its Oct. 29 episode, according to Nielsen Korea.

2025-11-05

Yim Si-wan to release first solo album

Singer-actor Yim Si-wan is set to release his first solo album in collaboration with SM Entertainment, marking a new chapter in his career as a musician, according to a Monday report by JTBC, an affiliate of the Korea JoongAng Daily.

2025-10-13

Solo diners are on the rise, but restaurants still say 'no soup for you'

Solo dining is on the rise as single-person households and budget-conscious consumption increases, but the restaurant industry isn't moving at the same pace, with some establishments turning away diners seeking to eat alone.

2025-09-10

EXO's Chanyeol to celebrate 1 year anniversary of solo debut with special concert

Chanyeol of boy band EXO will celebrate the one-year anniversary of his solo debut with a special concert titled "Upside Down: Sound Stage" on Aug. 31 at Yes24 Live Hall, his agency SM Entertainment announced Wednesday.

2025-08-06

A match made in heaven: The evolution of Korean reality dating shows that struck a global chord

Reality dating shows from Korea have taken off on global streaming platforms, but this recent popularity has been decades in the making and part of an evolving genre that is still finding new angles.

2025-07-25

From slaying hearts to slaying monsters, can Byeon Woo-seok pull off 'Solo Leveling'?

Byeon Woo-seok, star of the tvN hit "Lovely Runner" (2024), has been cast as the lead in the Netflix adaptation of the popular web novel "Solo Leveling," but whether he can shift from charming to brooding remains to be seen.

2025-07-17

BoA cancels upcoming solo shows due to knee condition

Singer BoA’s upcoming solo concerts, scheduled for two days between Aug. 30 to 31, have been canceled due to the artist’s health issues, her agency SM Entertainment said Tuesday.

2025-07-15

Actor Byeon Woo-seok to star in Netflix adaptation of webtoon 'Solo Leveling'

Actor Byeon Woo-seok is set to star in an upcoming Netflix series adaptation of the popular webtoon and web novel series “Solo Leveling” (2016-21), the streaming platform said Thursday.

2025-07-10

Members of girl group i-dle become characters in Netmarble's Solo Leveling: Arise

Game developer Netmarble launched a collaboration featuring girl group i-dle, formerly known as (G)I-DLE, for its mobile game Solo Leveling: Arise, the company announced Thursday.

2025-07-03