The organizers of the '2024 KBS 연예대상' have announced that there will be no red carpet event this year. On December 13, KBS officially stated, "We will not hold the red carpet for the '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards' scheduled for December 21." This decision appears to be influenced by the current political climate in South Korea. On December 3, President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a state of emergency, which has since escalated into impeachment discussions, with a second vote on the impeachment motion set for December 14. The first vote on December 7 saw 105 members of the ruling party abstain, leading to the motion's failure due to lack of quorum. Despite concerns that the awards ceremonies of the three major broadcasting networks might be canceled due to the tense national atmosphere, it has been decided that the event will proceed as planned, albeit without the usual glamorous elements like the red carpet. The '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards,' hosted by Lee Joon (이준), Lee Young-ji (이영지), and Lee Chan-won (이찬원), will be broadcast live from the KBS New Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, on December 21 at 9:20 PM. Notably, Yoo Jae-suk (유재석), a perennial nominee, is confirmed to attend for the first time in four years since 2020, drawing significant attention.

2024 KBS Entertainment Awards to Skip Red Carpet Event

Ken, the main vocalist of the boy group VIXX (빅스), is set to return with a new mini album titled 'PUZZLE' on December 26. His agency, S27M Entertainment, announced that this album will showcase Ken's signature emotive voice and delicate emotional expression while exploring new musical genres that he hasn't tried before. Fans can look forward to a fresh sound from the artist. 

Additionally, a teaser poster was released the day before, featuring a vibrant and enchanting space visible through a keyhole, along with a mystical butterfly flying in front of it. This imagery hints at the diverse charms Ken plans to reveal through his upcoming music, building anticipation among fans. 

After his first mini album 'Greeting' (인사) released in 2020, Ken is expected to demonstrate his growth as an artist over the past four years. With a solo concert scheduled for January next year, he aims to provide fans with a special year-end gift filled with memories and joy. 

Promotional activities for Ken's second mini album 'PUZZLE' will be gradually unveiled through official channels.

빅스 켄, 미니 2집 컴백 확정 "넓어진 음악 스펙트럼 선보일 것"

VIXX's Ken to Release New Mini Album 'PUZZLE' Ahead of New Year Concert

MBC has officially released the main poster for its upcoming Friday-Saturday drama, 'Motel California'. The poster features a nostalgic shot of Lee Se-young and Na In-woo on the rooftop of the motel, evoking the feelings of first love that many may have tucked away in their memories.

'Motel California' (planned by Jang Jae-hoon, directed by Kim Hyung-min and Lee Jae-jin, written by Lee Seo-yoon, produced by HB Entertainment) tells the story of a woman who was born and raised in a rural motel. She reunites with her first love after fleeing her hometown 12 years ago, leading to a tumultuous romance that revisits the essence of first love. The drama is based on the popular 2019 novel 'Home, Bitter Home' by author Shim Yoon-seo. Lee Se-young plays Ji Kang-hee, an interior designer who has faced many challenges in life, while Na In-woo portrays Cheon Yeon-soo, a veterinarian whose life is turned upside down upon reuniting with his first love, Kang-hee.

On December 13, the production team of 'Motel California' captured attention by unveiling the main poster featuring the two leads, Kang-hee (played by Lee Se-young) and Yeon-soo (played by Na In-woo), who are reuniting after 12 years. Although they are each other's first loves and have longed for one another, the 12-year gap has created a distance between them.

In the poster, Kang-hee and Yeon-soo are seen sitting side by side on the motel's rooftop railing, gazing in different directions, which adds a layer of meaning to their relationship. The physical distance between them, despite their closeness, evokes a bittersweet feeling. Their expressions hint at deep emotions, raising curiosity about the stories and truths they hold. The poster also suggests whether these two can rekindle the thrilling excitement of their first love from 12 years ago.

Additionally, the faded neon sign of Motel California stands out, resembling a sign one might encounter in the off-road areas of California, which adds intrigue to the setting.

The motel is not only a place of childhood memories for Kang-hee but also a source of her inner wounds. As she returns to her hometown of Hana-eup after fleeing, viewers are left wondering what new experiences await her at Motel California.

'Motel California' is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST on MBC.

"너의 처음이 나였으면.." 이세영·나인우, 모텔 옥상 위 재회(모텔 캘리포니아)

MBC Unveils Main Poster for New Drama 'Motel California'

On December 14, singer Jang Beom-jun expressed his support for citizens as the second impeachment vote approached. He shared a heartfelt message, stating, "I hope to provide a bit of warmth to those who are protecting their precious daily lives during this cold winter. Here’s my song '전쟁이 나면' (If War Breaks Out), which I created after receiving an emergency disaster text a year and a half ago!" 

He continued, "War must not happen; we cannot even entertain the thought of it in this era. I am grateful to all those enduring hardships on the asphalt in this cold weather. I love you all, and I firmly believe that thanks to you, I will be able to spend a happy Christmas with my family, friends, and loved ones this year." Along with his message, he posted a video featuring the music video for '전쟁이 나면' (If War Breaks Out), a song that reflects his convictions while encouraging citizens participating in impeachment rallies despite the chilly conditions.

Previously, Jang Beom-jun had to cancel his small theater concert series 'Jang Beom-jun Weekday Mini Concert' due to the declaration of a state of emergency. He announced the cancellation on social media, saying, "While performances are truly precious and enjoyable, various circumstances have arisen, and I will take a moment to pause and reorganize until the situation stabilizes. I hope everything will be resolved by the end of the year. I sincerely apologize to those who had scheduled time for next week’s concert. I will make sure to reschedule and notify you all by the end of the year. For those who wish for a refund, I will provide a 100% refund anytime after the new concert date is set. Please keep an eye on the news, and for those who can, let’s support each other during this time."

'공연 취소' 장범준 "전쟁 나면 안돼..'전'자도 나와선 안되는 시대"

Jang Beom-jun Sends Support to Citizens Ahead of Impeachment Vote

In a surprising twist on the latest episode of SBS Plus and ENA's reality show, I Am SOLO, Love Continues (나는 SOLO, 그 후 사랑은 계속된다), Mr. Bae, a popular contestant, shifted his affections from 22nd season's Youngsook to 16th season's Youngja, leaving viewers in shock. 

During the December 12 broadcast, the tangled love lines of the 'Divorced Guesthouse' were revealed. Mr. Hwang, who began dating 10th season's Youngja, confidently declared, "There’s not much I can’t eat, so I decided on the menu myself." He then asked, "Is long-distance okay?" to which Youngja replied, "I like being alone, and sometimes I feel that meeting once a week is too often," which pleased Mr. Hwang. He smiled, noting that their mindsets seemed to align, and he candidly shared the emotional struggles he faced during his ten-year marriage.

Mr. Hwang admitted that his obsessive cleanliness led to frequent arguments with his ex-wife, stating, "It was almost platonic with my ex. I disliked physical contact." Youngja was taken aback by his comments, expressing her mixed feelings in an interview with the production team, wondering if she could accept him. After their date, Mr. Hwang revealed, "My feelings have shifted to 90% for Youngja and 10% for Youngsook," indicating a growing interest in Youngja.

Meanwhile, Mr. Heukgim and Mr. Baekgim, who faced humiliation with zero votes in the dating selection, cooked jjajangmyeon at their accommodation. Mr. Baekgim expressed disappointment, saying, "I thought Youngsook would choose me after our long conversation yesterday," while Mr. Heukgim echoed similar sentiments. Both men were particularly interested in Youngsook, with Mr. Baekgim admitting he was envious of Youngsook's date with Mr. Park.

Mr. Park and Youngsook enjoyed a samgyeopsal date, where Youngsook shared, "After my divorce, I went on a few blind dates, and everyone asked why I got divorced." Mr. Park mentioned that his family strongly supports his remarriage. They discussed plans for children and long-distance relationships, with Mr. Park asking if she would change jobs after marriage. Youngsook responded positively, saying she could relocate. After their date, she remarked, "Talking with Mr. Park was so much fun. I got drawn in unexpectedly," while Mr. Park noted, "I could consider long-distance with someone like her. She was adorable."

During a 3:1 date with Mr. Bae, 10th season's Jeongsook, 16th season's Youngja, and 22nd season's Youngsook engaged in subtle rivalry from the start. However, Youngsook naturally took the lead in conversation. She showcased her eating prowess, stating, "I usually eat four packs of ramen. I’ve always eaten well, so my dad would serve me extra food." She also boasted about her genetics, claiming, "Even if I eat a lot, I don’t gain weight after my 30s. I should have many kids, maybe six?" 

As the 3:1 date concluded, Mr. Bae suggested moving to 1:1 conversations, starting with Youngja. He revealed, "I just found out today that you have a child," which caused Youngja to feel a bit deflated. During their quiet chat, she asked, "Did I get something on my hair?" Mr. Bae sweetly brushed it off, creating a heart-fluttering moment. Meanwhile, Jeongsook, waiting for her turn, confided in Youngsook, "I regret my choice. I should have picked Mr. Baek instead," but then added, "He’s not really my type," humorously questioning how much laser treatment Mr. Baek would need for his skin.

After her conversation with Mr. Bae, Youngja expressed her doubts in an interview, saying, "It felt like he had already made up his mind about Youngsook." When Mr. Bae and Youngsook discussed the possibility of a long-distance relationship, she stated, "I don’t have many restrictions," to which Mr. Bae humorously replied, "Except for North Korea, everything is possible." Youngsook revealed that Mr. Bae was her top pick due to his appealing image, and she expressed her growing fondness for him, stating, "He seems really great so far!" After their date, she praised him in an interview, saying, "He seems like someone I could get to know better. He’s a nice guy."

In her 1:1 chat with Mr. Bae, Jeongsook subtly probed, "I feel like I’ve sorted my feelings," to which he candidly replied, "You feel like an older sister to me." They wrapped up their conversation in just three minutes, ending their romantic prospects neatly. On their way back to the 'Divorced Guesthouse,' Mr. Bae and Youngsook fell into another animated discussion about various animations. When it started to rain upon their arrival, Mr. Bae kindly offered Youngsook his umbrella. However, in a twist during an interview, he admitted, "I felt more comfortable talking with Youngja, and I didn’t really connect with Youngsook. Jeongsook felt like a neighborhood sister." He also shocked viewers by stating, "My original pick was Youngsook, but after the date, it changed. Now it’s Youngja!" Unbeknownst to Youngja, who was busy chatting with other contestants, Mr. Bae felt anxious about her interactions. The episode's preview hinted at more drama, with Youngsook revealing, "Jeongsook said she was worried about Mr. Baek and that I should cook for him quickly," leading to a heartwarming moment as Mr. Baek placed his hand on Jeongsook's shoulder, raising anticipation for the next episode.

‘나솔사계’ 인기남 미스터 배 ‘원픽’=16기 영자..22기 영숙 아니었다 ‘충격’[종합]

Mr. Bae Shocks Fans by Choosing 16th Season's Youngja Over 22nd Season's Youngsook

Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, and a former employee, referred to as A, are currently undergoing mediation in a legal dispute. The Seoul Western District Court's 51st Civil Division decided on November 28 to refer A's lawsuit against Min for damages amounting to 100 million KRW to mediation. This process aims to facilitate a mutual agreement between the parties involved. If mediation fails, the lawsuit will proceed.

A has alleged that they faced inappropriate treatment, including workplace sexual harassment, from B, a close associate of Min and the former vice president of Ador. A claims that Min attempted to cover up the incident. In response, Min contends that she supported A by reprimanding B and facilitating a reconciliation, but A harbored resentment over a poor performance evaluation due to alleged incompetence, which A vehemently denies as 'lies.' 

Additionally, A has filed a defamation lawsuit against Min for disclosing private messages and salary information without consent, and reported both Min and B to the Ministry of Employment and Labor for unfair labor practices. A has also placed a provisional seizure on Min's real estate valued at 100 million KRW.

HYBE, the parent company of Ador, has expressed intentions to conduct a further investigation into the matter. Min resigned from her position as an inside director at Ador last month and has since initiated a series of lawsuits against various HYBE officials.

Furthermore, NewJeans announced on November 29 that they would terminate their exclusive contract with Ador, prompting Ador to file a lawsuit seeking confirmation of the contract's validity.

[종합] 민희진, 성희롱 은폐 의혹 합의로 끝낼까…퇴사 직원 손해배상 소송 조정회부

Min Hee-jin and Former Employee Reach Mediation in Legal Dispute

On December 13, Baek Ji-young appeared on KBS2TV's The Seasons: Lee Young-ji's Rainbow, where she talked about her latest title track, "Yeah, That's Right," and the buzz surrounding its music video. Recently, reports surfaced about actress Nana and model Chae Jong-seok being in a romantic relationship. On December 5, Nana's agency, Sublime, stated, "It's difficult to confirm due to the actor's private life," while Chae Jong-seok's agency, Esteem, echoed similar sentiments, asking for understanding regarding the model's personal matters. This ambiguous stance has led to increased public interest in their relationship.

During the show, Baek Ji-young humorously noted that the kiss scene in the music video lasts for 41 seconds out of a total of five minutes, prompting Lee Young-ji to blush and remark, "It sounds like a 19+ story." Baek Ji-young clarified, "When you kiss someone you love, it’s all pecks here," emphasizing that the scenes are more about affectionate pecks than actual kisses.

Nana, who also appeared on Baek Ji-young's channel, reflected on a scene where she was lying on a sofa with her mouth open, saying, "I didn’t even realize I was doing that. I thought, 'Why am I lying there with my mouth open?' It was almost a one-take shot, so I think I expressed my feelings naturally at that moment." 

She added about the kiss scenes, "We ended up doing so many pecks that my sister jokingly named the teaser 'A Million Pecks.'" Baek Ji-young reiterated, "Think about it; there isn’t a single shot of a kiss. They’re all pecks," to which comedian Byun Ki-soo quipped, "That explains why Nana’s lips looked swollen and moist in the middle of it all!"

Nana debuted in 2009 as a member of the girl group After School before transitioning to acting. She has appeared in dramas such as The Good Wife, The Last Empress, Glitch, and Mask Girl, as well as films like The Swindlers and Confession. Chae Jong-seok made his modeling debut at the 2022 S/S Beyond Closet fashion show.

Baek Ji-young Discusses Music Video Kiss Scene on The Seasons: Lee Young-ji's Rainbow

In the upcoming episode of Jeon Hyun-moo's Plan 2 (전현무계획2), airing tonight at 9:10 PM, Jeon Hyun-moo and popular YouTuber Kwak Tube (곽튜브) engage in candid conversations at Imo Kase, a beloved spot for the MZ generation in Busan. Kwak Tube, a local, describes Imo Kase as the ultimate dining destination, famous for sourcing fresh ingredients daily from Jagalchi Market. Jeon Hyun-moo humorously notes the romantic ambiance of the place, joking that having two men there diminishes the vibe. 

As they enjoy a drink together, Jeon pours soju for Kwak and playfully advises him to avoid mistakes in the future, eliciting laughter. The duo is treated to a lavish sashimi platter, which leaves Jeon in awe, while the owner reveals his impressive background of running an omakase restaurant in Japan for 15 years. 

With delicious food and drinks flowing, Jeon jokes about not going home that night, prompting Kwak to inquire about his schedule for the next day. Jeon checks his phone and shares that he plans to take a day off for a trip, expressing a desire to spend his time meaningfully despite feeling sleepy. 

As their conversation deepens, Kwak poses direct questions about Jeon’s anxieties regarding long breaks and the potential failure of new programs. Jeon candidly admits that such thoughts do stress him out but then reveals his unique method for relieving stress. 

To discover the insights shared by the well-known workaholic Jeon Hyun-moo and the culinary delights of Busan's Imo Kase, tune in to Jeon Hyun-moo's Plan 2 (전현무계획2) tonight at 9:10 PM on MBN and Channel S.

Jeon Hyun-moo and Kwak Tube Share Heartfelt Stories at Busan's Imo Kase

The popular K-pop group NewJeans is set to appear on all three major year-end music shows in South Korea. They will take the stage at the '2024 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan' on December 14, followed by SBS's 'Gayo Daejeon' on December 25, and MBC's 'Gayo Daejejeon' on December 31.

A key point of interest is whether the members will refer to themselves as 'NewJeans' during these performances. The group claims that their exclusive contract with Ador was terminated as of November 29, citing breaches of contract by the agency. They assert that they are not obligated to pay any penalties or engage in separate legal actions, and they intend to continue using the name 'NewJeans'.

However, the trademark rights and intellectual property related to their hit songs remain with Ador. If NewJeans's claims about the contract termination are valid, they may not be able to use the name without mutual agreement. This situation was evident when they performed at the Yoasobi concert in Incheon on December 7, where they were unable to use the name 'NewJeans'.

Despite this ongoing dispute, the lineup for the year-end music shows still lists them as 'NewJeans', raising questions about whether they will be able to use their name during the performances.

NewJeans to Perform at Major Year-End Music Shows Amid Contract Dispute

On December 13, 2024, a coalition of 80 film organizations representing 6,388 industry professionals issued a statement demanding the immediate impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol and an end to the ruling party's support for insurrection. The statement, titled 'An Orderly Early Resignation is a Second Insurrection. The People’s Power Party Must Stop Supporting Insurrection and Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol Immediately!' was released in the morning.

The signatories criticized Yoon's two-minute address on December 7, where he stated, 'I will not evade legal and political responsibility, and I will leave the decision regarding my position and national stability to our party.' They noted that the only constitutional method to halt Yoon's presidential duties, a motion for impeachment by the National Assembly, was ultimately discarded due to the absence of votes from the People’s Power Party members.

The filmmakers had previously warned the party members in a statement on December 5, urging them to choose between being remembered as supporters of insurrection or as politicians prioritizing the safety and lives of the people. They expressed disappointment that the party members collectively left the assembly, disregarding their constitutional duty to act in the national interest, thus opting to protect Yoon.

The filmmakers, alongside many citizens, observed the failed vote with heavy hearts, hoping that the People’s Power Party would eventually heed the people's will and participate in the vote. However, they lamented that such a cinematic resolution did not materialize. They stated that in the chaos initiated by Yoon's declaration of a state of emergency, they could only envision impeachment or immediate resignation as outcomes.

On December 8, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and People’s Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon issued a joint statement promoting 'orderly early resignation' as a means to prioritize national interests over impeachment. The filmmakers expressed their agreement with the view that this unilateral statement, lacking a clear timeline for resignation, constitutes a second insurrection. They emphasized that a president who violates the constitution must be held accountable through constitutional means and that they will not tolerate any attempts to seek unconstitutional solutions.

The filmmakers asserted that the true agents of national stability and order are the citizens of South Korea, and they stand united in their call for Yoon's resignation. They highlighted that despite their diverse backgrounds, they share a common goal of 'Yoon Seok-yeol's resignation.' They criticized Yoon and the People’s Power Party for prioritizing power retention over the nation and its people, calling them the source of confusion.

They reiterated that the citizens have not delegated presidential power to Han Duck-soo, Han Dong-hoon, or the People’s Power Party. They condemned the rationale for abstaining from the impeachment vote as an attempt to privatize power, labeling it a second insurrection. They urged the party members to fulfill their constitutional roles and clearly state their positions regarding Yoon, who is currently committing insurrection, and to participate in the vote without hesitation if they deem the state of emergency unconstitutional.

This second statement was compiled from December 9 to 12 and included contributions from 80 film organizations and 6,388 individual filmmakers. Notable signatories include directors such as Kang Yu-jung, Kim Bo-ra, and Bong Man-dae, among many others.

Film Industry Demands Immediate Impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol

Ahyun of BABYMONSTER is set to showcase her powerful presence to music fans worldwide by performing her much-talked-about cover of 'Dangerously' live at the group's debut concert. BABYMONSTER will hold their first solo concert, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR ‘HELLO MONSTERS’ IN SEOUL,' on January 25 and 26, 2024, at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul. Despite being newcomers, they have already gained recognition for their impressive live performance skills, drawing significant attention to this event.

To meet audience expectations, BABYMONSTER is preparing a special setlist that will only be available at the concert. According to YG Entertainment, "Ahyun's live performance of 'Dangerously' and special solo stages from all members are currently in rehearsal."

This performance will mark the first time Ahyun presents her cover to a global audience, and anticipation is high for a positive reception. Her pre-debut cover of 'Dangerously' received widespread acclaim for its explosive high notes and exceptional vocal technique, seamlessly transitioning between chest voice and falsetto.

The cover has not only garnered praise from the original artist, Charlie Puth, but the video on the official YouTube channel has also surpassed 50 million views, continuing to gain popularity. Fans are eager to see how Ahyun's new live rendition of 'Dangerously' will electrify the audience with its rich sound and vibrant atmosphere.

Details regarding the performances of the remaining six members have yet to be revealed. However, YG has hinted that as an 'all-rounder' group with versatility in hip-hop, R&B, and dance, they will deliver an exceptional stage that reflects their diverse talents.

Additionally, BABYMONSTER will release the music video for their follow-up track 'Love In My Heart' from their debut album 'DRIP' on December 16 at midnight. This song is expected to showcase a bright and lively vibe through a unique storytelling approach, offering a glimpse into their new musical world. Following this, they will kick off their first world tour in January, starting in Seoul before heading to locations like New Jersey and Los Angeles to expand their global reach.

2024 KBS Entertainment Awards to Skip Red Carpet Event

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Baek Ji-young Discusses Music Video Kiss Scene on The Seasons: Lee Young-ji's Rainbow

Jeon Hyun-moo and Kwak Tube Share Heartfelt Stories at Busan's Imo Kase

NewJeans to Perform at Major Year-End Music Shows Amid Contract Dispute

Film Industry Demands Immediate Impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol

BABYMONSTER's Ahyun to Perform 'Dangerously' Live at Debut Concert

More

VIXX's Ken to Release New Mini Album 'PUZZLE' Ahead of New Year Concert

MBC Unveils Main Poster for New Drama 'Motel California'

Jang Beom-jun Sends Support to Citizens Ahead of Impeachment Vote

Mr. Bae Shocks Fans by Choosing 16th Season's Youngja Over 22nd Season's Youngsook

Min Hee-jin and Former Employee Reach Mediation in Legal Dispute

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