On January 11, 2025, the '2024 KBS Drama Awards' aired on KBS2, hosted by 장성규 (Jang Sung-kyu), 서현 (Seohyun) of Girls' Generation, and 문상민 (Moon Sang-min). The ceremony took place on December 31 at the KBS Hall in Yeouido. The three hosts donned all-black outfits as a sign of respect. Jang Sung-kyu expressed his gratitude for being able to host for the second consecutive year, while Seohyun noted the honor of celebrating the 38th anniversary of the KBS Drama Awards on the last day of 2024. Moon Sang-min shared his excitement and nervousness about hosting for the first time, vowing to follow his senior colleagues closely.

Before diving into the awards, Jang Sung-kyu took a moment to address a recent tragedy that affected the nation, stating, "We recently experienced a heartbreaking incident that has touched all of us. I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims and their families of the recent air disaster." Following this, the three hosts bowed their heads in a moment of silence, and a message appeared on screen expressing condolences to the victims and their families.

Jang Sung-kyu encouraged viewers to wrap up the year with the KBS Drama Awards, while Seohyun highlighted the diverse range of dramas aired by KBS this year, from heartwarming family dramas to romantic comedies, fantasy historical dramas, mystery thrillers, and melodramas. She invited everyone to stay tuned to celebrate the stars of KBS dramas that shone throughout 2024.

2024 KBS Drama Awards Honors Victims of Jeju Air Tragedy

Singer and actor TOP (최승현) is set to hold his first interview regarding Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 2. According to reports from January 10, he will meet with the press on January 15 at a café in Seoul. Having been absent from various promotional events such as production announcements and global showcases, anticipation is high for what he will share in this domestic interview.

In the recently released second season of the Netflix original series 'Squid Game', TOP plays the role of Thanos, a washed-up rapper. Once a successful artist, his character faces downfall after investing in a cryptocurrency recommended by YouTuber Lee Myung-ki (played by Im Si-wan), leading to significant financial losses. Burdened by debt from his failed investments, he participates in the deadly games and secretly smuggles synthetic drugs, which he hides in a necklace for personal use.

There has been controversy surrounding his casting, with some speculating that he was recommended for the role due to his connections with stars Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun. Both actors have denied these claims, stating that casting decisions should be based on merit. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk also clarified that he saw potential in TOP and that the final decision came after multiple auditions to address any shortcomings.

TOP had previously stepped back from acting after being sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year probation for marijuana use in 2016. Although he hinted at retirement from the entertainment industry, his participation in 'Squid Game' Season 2 marks his return to the spotlight.

[단독] '오겜2' 탑, 침묵 깨고 인터뷰 나선다..각종 논란 해명

TOP to Give First Interview for Netflix's Squid Game Season 2

Singer Lee Jung has embarked on an impressive journey in the world of trot music through his participation in Mister Trot 3 (미스터트롯3). He appeared on the TV Chosun trot variety show on the night of January 9, captivating both the judges and viewers alike.

Previously, under the name Cheon Nok-dam (천록담), Lee Jung participated in the master auditions, garnering significant attention. The anticipation for his first trot performance reached a peak as fans eagerly awaited his debut.

For his performance, Cheon Nok-dam chose the song 'Eomma' (어매) by Na Hoon-a, showcasing his solid vocal ability, unique emotional expression, and smooth vocal techniques that left the audience spellbound.

Notably, Lee Kyung-kyu was moved to tears by Cheon Nok-dam's heartfelt performance, which earned him an impressive 17 hearts, perfectly meeting the expectations of viewers for his debut stage.

Master judge Joo Young-hoon praised, "While 'Eomma' has many familiar versions sung by various artists, Cheon Nok-dam's rendition was refreshing and unlike any I've heard before." Lee Kyung-kyu added, "If he has changed his name to Cheon Nok-dam, it shows he is ready to live up to that name. Lee Jung becoming Cheon Nok-dam is no small feat," further heightening anticipation for his future performances.

With 22 years of experience in the music industry and shedding his title as the 'K-R&B Emperor,' Lee Jung dazzled as he made his debut as a trot singer, declaring, "I will live as Cheon Nok-dam from now on." This bold statement has sparked curiosity about the diverse charms he will showcase in Mister Trot 3.

Mister Trot 3 airs every Thursday night at 10 PM on TV Chosun.

'암투병' 이정, 이름 버리고 트로트 첫 무대..이경규 눈물('미스터트롯3')

Lee Jung Takes on a Dazzling Challenge in Mister Trot 3

The highly anticipated drama 'Twelve', featuring Ma Dong-seok, is set to air on KBS this year. During the '2024 KBS Acting Awards' broadcast on January 11, the network unveiled its new drama lineup for 2025. Among the highlights was 'Twelve', a fantasy action blockbuster starring Ma Dong-seok and Park Hyung-sik, who introduced themselves as 'Ma Dong-seok playing the role of Taesan' and 'Park Hyung-sik as Ogui'. 

Ma Dong-seok described 'Twelve' as a Korean version of the Avengers, inspired by the twelve zodiac animals from Eastern mythology, creating a vast universe. Park Hyung-sik added, 'We are working hard on the filming, so please look forward to it.' 

Both actors expressed their hopes for the drama's success, with Ma Dong-seok requesting viewers' love for KBS dramas in 2025, while Park Hyung-sik wished everyone a happy new year. 

'Twelve' tells the story of twelve angels living in the human world in human form, who protect humanity from evil spirits. The drama will depict their epic battles against dark forces trying to awaken sealed powers. The cast also includes Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Gyu-pil, Kang Mina, Sung Yu-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, and Regina Ray, generating significant interest ahead of its KBS2 premiere.

마동석→박형식 '트웰브', 2025 KBS 편성 예고 "한국판 어벤져스"[2024 KBS 연기대상]

Ma Dong-seok and Park Hyung-sik to Star in KBS's Upcoming Drama 'Twelve'

The entertainment industry is mourning the sudden loss of actor Lee Yoon-hee, who passed away at the age of 64. According to reports on January 11, Lee, known as the 'master of supporting roles,' had no known health issues prior to her passing. Born in 1960, she began her acting career in 1985 with the play 'Gukmul Isseumnida.' She gained significant recognition for her role as Elder Kang in the 2007 film 'Miryang.' Lee continued to shine in supporting roles in films such as 'The King of Laughter' (2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (2015), 'Citizen K' (2017), and 'Harodongseon' (2022). Her television credits include notable series like 'Save Me 2' (2019), 'Black Dog' (2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (2020), 'Taxi Driver' (2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (2021), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (2023), 'Seonsan' (2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (2024), where she brought unique energy to various genres.

On January 11, Lee's agency, Bump Entertainment, expressed their sorrow on social media, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her. Her sudden departure has left us in profound grief." They further noted, "Lee Yoon-hee was a cherished figure who contributed to popular culture for many years, and her absence is a significant loss for us all."

The agency also highlighted her heartfelt performances that touched many lives, promising to honor her memory and legacy. The funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital's funeral hall, with the burial scheduled for January 13 at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park.

'밀양''모범택시' 故이윤희 사망..소속사 "안타까운 별세, 큰 상실" [공식]

Beloved Actor Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

The highly anticipated ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in SEOUL’ concert is set to commence today, January 11, at 5 PM at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. This two-day event, running until January 12, will be streamed live globally on the Beyond LIVE platform and Weverse.

This year's concert features a star-studded lineup of artists from SM Entertainment, including Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon, SHINee's Key and Minho, EXO's Suho and Chanyeol, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, RISE, NCT WISH, Naivis, Joemi, and Raiden. Additionally, artists from SM's sub-labels such as Mavista, SM Jazz Trio, and Min Jiwoon, along with 25 trainees from SMTR25, will also perform. The SMTOWN Family, featuring H.O.T.'s Tony An, S.E.S.'s Bada, and Fly to the Sky's Hwanhee, will join the lineup, alongside the British boy group Dear Alice and the trot idol group Mytro, all of whom have generated significant buzz, leading to a complete sell-out of tickets.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the concert promises a diverse array of performances from SM artists, including pre-stages from sub-label artists and unique collaborations between SMTOWN Family and SM artists, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

The concert will also showcase tracks from the 30th-anniversary commemorative album ‘2025 SMTOWN: THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE,’ featuring remakes of SM's hit songs by both junior and senior artists, offering fans a fresh take on beloved music.

Furthermore, highlights from the first day, including the pre-stage and the album preview, will be available for free streaming on Melon at noon and on SMTOWN's official YouTube channel at 1 PM on January 12, promising to attract a positive response from fans.

Following the Seoul concert, ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025’ will embark on a global tour.

SM 30주년 서울 콘서트, 오늘(10일) 고척돔 개최..SM 히스토리 총망라

SMTOWN LIVE 2025 Kicks Off in Seoul

The start of 2025 has brought heartbreaking news as beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry have passed away unexpectedly. On January 7, Lee Hee-cheol (이희철), known for his vibrant personality and contributions to the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon, died at the age of 39. His close friend, comedian Pungja (풍자), shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sorrow over his sudden departure. She wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this, but my dear brother has become a star in the sky. Please pray he finds a good place."

The family revealed that Lee's cause of death was a heart attack, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that." In a heartfelt message posted on his account, they described him as someone who cherished his family and friends, urging everyone to remember him fondly.

The news shocked fans and colleagues alike, especially since Lee had shared a hopeful New Year’s message just a week prior, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned.

In the wake of his passing, fellow entertainers expressed their grief. Yoo Min-sang (유민상), who worked with Lee on SBS Love FM's "Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio," shared his sorrow on air, reminiscing about Lee's bright smile and kind demeanor.

Additionally, actress Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her roles in various dramas, also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64. Her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), announced her death, expressing deep condolences to her family and fans. Lee had recently signed with a new agency and was set to continue her active career, making her loss even more tragic.

Moreover, voice actor Yoo Ho-han (유호한), aged 52, died from a heart attack on January 7. He was well-known for his work in popular series like "Crayon Shin-chan" and the "Avengers" films. Yoo was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors, having served as the president of the KBS Voice Actors Association.

The entertainment community mourns these significant losses, remembering the joy and talent each of these individuals brought to their craft.

Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

On January 11, KBS2 aired the '2024 KBS Acting Awards,' hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min. During the ceremony, actor Kim Jung-hyun received the Best Actor award for his role in 'The Iron Family.' 

Upon accepting the award, Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am well aware of my shortcomings. Despite that, I am thankful to be standing here today. Just a few years ago, I thought I would never act again due to various reasons, including my own doubts. I am truly grateful to be in this position now." 

He continued, "While it is customary to express gratitude when receiving an award, I believe that true appreciation cannot exist without reflecting on the past. When I started acting, I engaged in behavior that hurt many people and caused discomfort. I sincerely apologize for that and bow my head in remorse, receiving applause from the audience."

Kim emphasized that his apology is not the end of the matter, stating, "I do not seek forgiveness, but I see this as a necessary step in moving forward with my life."

He added, "I have shared some heavy thoughts from my heart, but I will keep my remarks brief. I want to thank the 'Iron Family,' KBS, writer Seo Suk-hyang, KeyEast, Monster Union, and all the staff who have supported us. I am grateful to my seniors Kim Young-ok and Park In-hwan, as well as my parents and fellow actors Park Ji-young and Shin Hyun-joon, who are all working hard. I know it’s a tiring time, but I hope to be a source of strength for everyone."

Kim concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks to his fans, saying, "I want to sincerely thank the fans who have allowed me to stand here today. Lastly, to my family, who have shared my burdens and pain, I have always wanted to be a proud son, brother, and sibling, but I feel I have not lived up to that. I hope this moment can be remembered as a small but meaningful step towards that. Thank you, I love you all."

Kim Jung-hyun Apologizes for Past Controversies at KBS Acting Awards

On January 11, 2025, during the MBC show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), singer Ailee shared her love story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno (솔로지옥). The episode featured a winter song special, with Ailee and singer John Park as the first guests. Host Yoo Jae-suk mentioned Ailee's exciting news, stating, "Ailee has good news. She is getting married in April next year." Surprised, fellow cast member Haha congratulated her, while Yoo clarified that she would be marrying the contestant from Single's Inferno. Ailee responded with a smile, saying, "That's right. I escaped from Single's Inferno!" 

When asked if she received a proposal, Ailee explained, "I didn't get a proposal, but I find it a bit strange. In the U.S., proposals happen before wedding preparations, but here, we start dating with marriage in mind, so receiving a proposal feels different." Fellow guest Joo Woo-jae agreed, noting that proposals in Korea often feel like a performance. Ailee added, "For me, it felt a bit foreign, so when we went ring shopping, I just said, 'I want this one.'" 

Joo then inquired about their pet names, to which Ailee revealed, "I saw an official statement where he said he would take good care of 'Princess Ye-jin,' which was quite surprising!" 

Ailee recounted how they met through a friend, initially without any romantic interest. They later attended a concert together, where she noticed his tall stature and broad shoulders. Their relationship began to blossom when they attended a g.o.d concert, where Ailee felt cold and he offered her his jacket. As they shared the jacket, their hands touched, leading to a moment where she didn't want to pull away, marking the start of their relationship. Joo humorously remarked that they probably didn't hear any of the concert due to their distraction, to which Ailee joked about feeling hot and sweaty. 

Ailee Reveals Love Story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno

The beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee has sadly passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Her funeral is being held at the VIP room 1 of Ulsan Hospital. Survived by her spouse and two sons, the family is mourning deeply as they receive visitors at the funeral home.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that she had no known chronic illnesses, leading to a sudden passing.

Her agency, 범엔터테인먼트 (Bum Entertainment), expressed their sorrow through an official statement, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her."

They further honored her legacy, saying, "Lee Yoon-hee was a precious individual who contributed to popular culture for many years and was loved by many. Her absence is a significant loss for us all. She has touched audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm emotions through numerous works. We will cherish her memories and achievements and strive to honor her life and values."

Born in 1960, Lee Yoon-hee began her acting career in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). From 2007 onwards, she appeared in various films such as '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대' (The Drug King), '러브픽션' (Love Fiction), '7번방의 선물' (Miracle in Cell No. 7), '감기' (Flu), '더 킹' (The King), '특별시민' (Citizen Kane), and '보안관' (The Sheriff), as well as dramas like '자이언트' (Giant), '참 좋은 시절' (What’s So Wrong with Secretary Kim), '구해줘2' (Save Me 2), '블랙독' (Black Dog), '킹덤 시즌2' (Kingdom Season 2), '편의점 샛별이' (Convenience Store Saet-byul), and '모범택시' (Taxi Driver).

Last year, she was seen in Netflix's '선산' (The Silent Sea) and tvN's '세작, 매혹된 자들' (The Tale of Nokdu) in the roles of Kim Mu-sun and Choam Kim Je-nam, respectively.

Her funeral will take place on January 13 at 8 AM, with her final resting place at Ulsan Sky Park.

Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

Renowned actor Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her exceptional supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), she died unexpectedly on the morning of January 11, 2025, with no known chronic illnesses reported.

Bome Entertainment expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Lee Yoon-hee's untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences as she embarks on her final journey."

Born on January 28, 1960, Lee made her acting debut in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). She gained recognition in 2007 for her role as Elder Kang in the film '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), marking the beginning of her film career. Over the years, she appeared in notable films such as 'The King of Affection' (아부의 왕, 2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (극비수사, 2015), 'Citizen K' (특별시민, 2017), and 'Harodongseon' (하로동선, 2022).

In addition to her film work, Lee was a familiar face on television, featuring in dramas like 'Save Me 2' (구해줘2, 2019), 'Black Dog' (블랙독, 2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (편의점 샛별이, 2020), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시, 2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (십시일반, 2020), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (살인자의 쇼핑목록, 2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (도적, 칼의 소리, 2023), 'Seonsan' (선산, 2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (세작, 매혹된 자들, 2024).

Just last month, she signed an exclusive contract with Bome Entertainment and was set to continue her active career.

Her funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital (울산병원) with the burial scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park (울산하늘공원).

2024 KBS Drama Awards Honors Victims of Jeju Air Tragedy

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