On January 28, 2026, Starship Entertainment released a comprehensive official statement to address mounting speculation surrounding IVE member Jang Won Young and her latest project, FOREVER:CHERRY.
These findings led many to believe that the idol was preparing to launch her own independent business or fashion label, separate from her activities with IVE.
However, the agency has moved quickly to debunk these rumors and explain the strategic reasoning behind the trademark filings.
Clarifying the Project’s Nature
Starship Entertainment explicitly stated that FOREVER:CHERRY is not a personal business venture owned or operated by Jang Won Young. Instead, they characterized it as a brand collaboration project.
While the project is closely tied to her individual brand and aesthetic, it remains a professional partnership rather than an independent commercial enterprise.
This distinction is crucial for fans and investors alike, as it clarifies that Jang Won Young remains fully integrated with Starship Entertainment’s management and her commitments to her group, IVE.
The Strategy Behind Trademark Registration
One of the primary drivers of the “personal business” rumor was the discovery of trademark registrations filed in Jang Won Young’s name rather than the agency’s.
Starship Entertainment provided a detailed explanation for this unusual move.
They noted that because the name and concept of FOREVER:CHERRY are so deeply intertwined with the artist’s unique identity, image, and personal “value,” the decision was made to register the trademark under her name to provide long-term protection.
Jang Won Young (Credit: YouTube)
The agency’s rationale includes several key points:
- Prevention of Misuse: By securing the trademark, they aim to prevent third parties from indiscriminately using her image or the brand name for commercial gain once the project officially concludes.
- Preemptive Protection: The trademark applications cover a broad scope of business sectors. This is a defensive strategy designed to ensure that no unauthorized entities can exploit the artist’s likeness in various markets.
- Preserving Artist Value: Starship emphasized that this action was taken through an agreement with the brand partner to prioritize the artist’s rights and interests, ensuring that her “unique value” remains under her control.
Impact on Jang Won Young’s Career
This clarification reinforces Jang Won Young’s status as a top-tier brand ambassador and a “blue-chip” in the advertising world.
As a member of IVE, she has consistently topped brand reputation rankings, and FOREVER:CHERRY appears to be a sophisticated extension of her influence.
By taking these legal steps, Starship Entertainment is signaling a more protective stance toward their artists’ intellectual property, which is becoming increasingly important in the modern K-pop industry where an idol’s individual brand can be as powerful as their music career.
Future Outlook
The agency concluded their statement by reaffirming their commitment to protecting their artists’ rights and interests.
For fans, this means that while FOREVER:CHERRY will likely result in exciting new content or products, it does not signify a departure from her current path.
As IVE continues to prepare for their own upcoming projects, including their “REVIVE+” comeback, Jang Won Young will continue to balance her high-profile collaborations with her group activities.
The “FOREVER:CHERRY” project stands as a testament to her massive cultural impact, managed carefully to ensure her professional longevity and brand integrity.
In an exciting development for K-drama enthusiasts, acclaimed actor Nam Joo Hyuk is reportedly in discussions to headline a new psychological thriller.
On January 28, 2026, industry insiders revealed that the actor has been offered a leading role in the upcoming project titled “Code: Faust Game” (literal title).
The series has already garnered significant attention due to its creative pedigree, as it is set to be helmed by Director Yoo Soo Min, the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed “ Weak Hero Class 1 .”
This potential collaboration between a top-tier actor and a visionary director has immediately sparked high expectations for a high-quality, suspenseful production.
Agency Confirmation and Project Premise
Following the initial reports, Nam Joo Hyuk’s agency released a statement confirming that the actor is currently reviewing the offer with a positive outlook. The drama, “Code: Faust Game,” is an adaptation of a successful Taiwanese series.
The original Taiwanese version, which aired its first season in 2016 and a second in 2019, was praised for its dark, compelling narrative and unique high-concept hook.
The story centers on a mysterious, supernatural mobile application that claims to grant the user any wish they desire. However, these wishes come at a steep and often devastating cost.
Nam Joo Hyuk (Credit: YouTube)
As the title suggests—referencing the classic Faustian bargain where one trades their soul for worldly gains—the series delves deep into the darkest corners of human desire, ambition, and the ethical consequences of seeking shortcuts to success.
A Master of Tension: Director Yoo Soo Min
The involvement of Director Yoo Soo Min is a major talking point for this project. Yoo Soo Min earned widespread praise for “Weak Hero Class 1,” a series that was lauded for its visceral depiction of school violence and its emotionally resonant character development.
Fans of the director’s previous work are eager to see how he will adapt the supernatural and psychological elements of “Code: Faust Game” into a Korean context.
Given his track record for creating intense, character-driven tension, the director is seen as a perfect fit for a story about the psychological toll of a wish-granting app.
Nam Joo Hyuk’s Busy 2026 Schedule
This potential role adds to what is shaping up to be a massive comeback year for Nam Joo Hyuk.
The actor, who recently signed with a new agency, has already completed filming for the highly anticipated Netflix original series “The East Palace.”
Set to premiere in the third quarter of 2026, “The East Palace” is an occult sageuk (historical drama) that also stars Roh Yoon Seo and Cho Seung Woo.
If Nam Joo Hyuk confirms his casting in “Code: Faust Game,” it will mark a significant shift into the psychological thriller genre.
Throughout his career, Nam Joo Hyuk has demonstrated impressive range, moving from romantic leads in dramas like “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” and “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” to more grit-filled roles in “Vigilante.”
A role in a dark, Faustian thriller would further solidify his reputation as a versatile actor capable of carrying complex, morally ambiguous narratives.
Anticipation and Global Appeal
As the project is based on a successful international IP, “Code: Faust Game” already has a built-in interest from global audiences familiar with the original Taiwanese drama.
Combined with the star power of Nam Joo Hyuk and the directing prowess of Yoo Soo Min, the series is expected to be a major contender in the 2026 drama lineup.
As of now, fans are waiting for a final confirmation of the cast and more details regarding the production schedule and broadcasting platform.
Given the current trend of high-budget psychological thrillers performing well on global streaming services, many industry analysts predict that “Code: Faust Game” will be a highly sought-after title for international distribution.
