Actor Choi Jun-yong is experiencing significant backlash following his public support for President Yoon Suk-yeol. On January 15, MBC re-aired an episode of the current affairs program 기분 좋은 날 (Good Day) that originally aired on November 11, featuring Choi enjoying food and laughing. This prompted a flood of complaints from viewers on the program's bulletin board, with many questioning why someone who supports a leader accused of insurrection is allowed to appear on MBC. Comments included calls for a ban on his television appearances.

Choi has been an outspoken supporter of Yoon since the 2022 presidential election, even attending Yoon's inauguration. Recently, he expressed his opposition to the impeachment of President Yoon during a rally in Jongno, Seoul, where he criticized the handling of the situation and questioned the presence of foreign influence in domestic affairs. On the day of Yoon's arrest, Choi also expressed his sorrow during a live broadcast on his YouTube channel.

The Democratic Media Citizens' Union (민언련) issued a statement on January 16, criticizing MBC for airing Choi's segment without consideration of the public sentiment, especially following the president's arrest. They described the airing as irresponsible and called for MBC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the rebroadcast and to apologize to viewers for their lack of accountability in programming decisions.

Actor Choi Jun-yong Faces Backlash After Supporting President Yoon Suk-yeol

'The Danttara' is set to release a new group song titled 'Mad' ahead of its final round. The track will be available on various online music platforms on January 19 at 6 PM. 'Mad' is a rock-based EDM song that conveys a message of walking one's own path, even if it means being called 'crazy' by others. The song features a powerful rock base supported by a dynamic rhythm that blends EDM and rock elements. From the second verse, energetic electric guitar riffs and rap enhance the song's intensity. Notably, 'Mad' is written and composed by J.Y. Park (박진영), in collaboration with American hit producers Connor McDonough and Riley McDonough, known for their work with artists like Dove Cameron, Khalid, and Benson Boone. As 'The Danttara' approaches its highly anticipated final round, viewers are eager to see the performances of the top five contestants: Na Young-joo (나영주), Ahn Young-bin (안영빈), Yoo Woo (유우), Lee Song-hyun (이송현), and Jo Hye-jin (조혜진). The final live broadcast of 'The Danttara' will take place on January 19 at 9:20 PM on KBS2.

'더 딴따라' 파이널 라운드 단체곡 '매드', 오늘(19일) 발표…박진영 곡으로 최종 우승 가른다

'The Danttara' Prepares for Final Round with New Group Track 'Mad'

Jimin of BTS (방탄소년단) is maintaining his popularity on the UK Official Singles Chart. As of January 17, 2025, his title track 'Who' from his second solo album 'MUSE' has secured the 13th position, marking its 20th week on the chart. Additionally, it has re-entered the 'Single Downloads' at 14th and 'Single Sales' at 17th, showcasing its enduring appeal. The track also remains in the rankings for 'Audio Streaming' at 20th and 'Streaming Chart' at 22nd.

In a surprising turn, Jungkook's (정국) solo track made a notable re-entry on the UK Official Chart this week. His contribution to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ official soundtrack, 'Dreamers,' charted at 44th in 'Video Streaming,' while his solo album 'GOLDEN' saw its title track 'Standing Next to You' appear at 94th in 'Physical Singles.'

On Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, several BTS tracks are also making waves. Jimin's 'Who' is at 15th, the duet 'Winter Ahead (with PARK HYO SHIN)' by V (뷔) and Park Hyo Shin is at 68th, Jin's (진) title track 'Running Wild' from his solo album 'Happy' is at 78th, and Jungkook's first solo single 'Seven (feat. Latto)' is at 86th in the 'Weekly Top Songs Global' chart for the period of January 10-16.

In the 'Weekly Top Albums Global,' Jimin's 'MUSE' is at 17th, Jungkook's 'GOLDEN' is at 48th, and Jin's 'Happy - :') (Remixes)' is at 99th. BTS's anthology album 'Proof' has climbed to 34th, while the repackaged album 'LOVE YOURSELF 結 'Answer'' from 2018 has rebounded 11 spots to 182nd.

방탄소년단 지민 'Who', 英 오피셜 차트서 통산 20주 차트인

Jimin Continues to Shine on the UK Official Singles Chart

It has been two years since the passing of the beloved actress Yoon Jeong-hee, who left us on January 19, 2023, in Paris, France, at the age of 79. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017, she had been living in Paris with her husband, pianist Baek Gun-woo, and their daughter. On the day of her death, Baek Gun-woo shared the news via an email titled 'Actress Yoon Jeong-hee's Passing,' stating, 'My wife, who has been cherished by the public for many years, peacefully left this world at 5 PM while listening to our daughter Jin-hee's violin.' He also mentioned that, in accordance with Yoon Jeong-hee's wishes, her funeral would be held quietly in Paris with family. Yoon Jeong-hee made her debut in 1967 with the film 'Youth Theater,' overcoming fierce competition with odds of 1,200 to 1. Throughout her career, she appeared in approximately 330 films, including notable titles such as 'Kang Myung-hwa,' 'Fog,' 'The Japanese,' 'The Great Man Im Kkeokjeong,' 'Night Walk,' 'Bunregi,' 'First Experience,' and 'Seokhwa Village.' Her final film was 'Poetry' (시) directed by Lee Chang-dong in 2010. Yoon Jeong-hee's portrayal of Mi-ja, a character embodying both resilience and youthful innocence, earned her numerous accolades, including Best Actress awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. She also had the honor of walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

"오래도록 기억해 달라" 故윤정희, 오늘(19일) 2주기…알츠하이머 투병 끝 별세

Remembering Yoon Jeong-hee: Two Years Since Her Passing

In the latest episode of tvN's variety show 'Handsome Guys' (일요일엔 핸썸가이즈), aired on January 19, 2025, An Jae-hyun displayed his still-vulnerable demeanor. The episode featured a bingo race exploring the treasures and cultural heritage of Chungcheongnam-do, with the 'Handsome Team' consisting of Cha Tae-hyun, Kim Dong-hyun, and An Jae-hyun, competing against the 'Guys Team' made up of Lee Yi-kyung, Shin Seung-ho, and Oh Sang-wook.

The members kicked off the show at the Independence Hall, where they commented on Oh Sang-wook's noticeable weight loss. Shin Seung-ho mentioned that he had lost weight due to Lee Yi-kyung's influence, to which Lee Yi-kyung humorously admitted, "I asked if it was the off-season on the first day."

Oh Sang-wook expressed confidence, saying, "It's peak season for looks now," referring to his appearance. Lee Yi-kyung pointed out that Shin Seung-ho's expression had changed significantly since the first episode, and they all agreed that he looked much better now.

An Jae-hyun, the guest for the day, made a dramatic entrance, running in from a distance like a paper doll. Lee Yi-kyung jokingly remarked on his cold attire, saying, "You look so cold! I can't even tell who you are; you look fragile!" An Jae-hyun, feeling challenged, struck a boxing pose, but Kim Dong-hyun teased him, saying, "You clearly have never boxed before. What are you doing?" However, once he recognized An Jae-hyun, Kim Dong-hyun expressed his delight, recalling that he had once taught him some boxing moves.

While everyone else was bundled up in padded jackets, An Jae-hyun stood out in a sheepskin jacket, complaining about the cold and questioning why the opening was so long. Lee Yi-kyung reassured him that they would keep it short due to the chilly weather.

Kim Dong-hyun was surprised to hear Lee Yi-kyung call An Jae-hyun 'hyung' (older brother), exclaiming how youthful An Jae-hyun looked. An Jae-hyun, born in 1988, noted that he was only a year younger than Lee Yi-kyung, who was born in 1989, and they shared a friendly connection from their time on 'My Love from the Star' (별에서 온 그대).

When asked about his quiz skills, An Jae-hyun humorously admitted, "I remember many questions, but I haven't gotten any right." Kim Dong-hyun playfully remarked, "Today, it's definitely 3 smart, 3 not smart. Jae-hyun is not smart," to which An Jae-hyun responded with laughter, complimenting Kim Dong-hyun's witty remarks. Kim Dong-hyun, who holds a Korean history certification, further teased An Jae-hyun, saying, "You might be below me in knowledge."

안재현, 김동현에 굴욕 당했다..“안똑똑, 나보다 아래” (‘핸썸가이즈’)[종합]

An Jae-hyun Shows Vulnerable Side on 'Handsome Guys'

Seulgi, a member of the popular girl group Red Velvet (레드벨벳), expressed her admiration for JYP Entertainment's cafeteria system during a recent episode of the online channel 'Rhythm's Wansun TV' (리듬 속의 완선TV) on January 17. The episode featured the title 'We checked out the choreography for the new song 'LUCKY', filmed a challenge, and had a meal at the JYP cafeteria!'. 

On this occasion, JYP founder Park Jin-young (박진영) invited Kim Wan-sun (김완선) and Seulgi to enjoy a meal at the company's cafeteria, humorously named 'Home-cooked Meal' (집밥), playing on the name of the company. He proudly shared that all the ingredients used in the cafeteria are organic, free from pesticides and antibiotics, and that all employees, artists, and trainees eat the same food he does.

Park Jin-young also mentioned that the new building they are moving to will have a kitchen three times larger than the current one, explaining that they plan to provide lunch boxes for artists who cannot eat properly in the waiting rooms. 

Seulgi, who noted that her own company does not have a cafeteria, expressed her surprise, saying, 'I only heard rumors that the food at JYP is delicious from friends who are artists there, and it really is all tasty.' She also inquired if any other SM artists had visited the cafeteria, to which Park Jin-young replied that Seulgi was the first SM artist he had invited to the company cafeteria. 

In a light-hearted moment, after tasting the organic meals, both Kim Wan-sun and Seulgi jokingly asked if they could start as trainees again, bringing laughter to the conversation.

슬기, SM 연습생 7년 했는데 '깜짝 발언' "JYP에서 다시 연습생 하고 싶어" ('완선TV')

Red Velvet's Seulgi Impressed by JYP Entertainment's Cafeteria System

Actor Robert Pattinson has made his first trip to South Korea, arriving at Incheon International Airport on January 19, 2025. The visit is part of the promotional activities for Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film, 'Mickey 17'. Sporting sunglasses and a casual outfit, Pattinson drew attention as he greeted numerous fans at the airport. He warmly interacted with them, offering autographs and handshakes, showcasing his appreciation for their support.

Despite a busy filming schedule for his next project, Pattinson expressed a strong desire to visit South Korea, the home country of director Bong Joon-ho. His arrival marks the beginning of global promotional efforts for 'Mickey 17'. On January 20, he will participate in a footage screening of the film, followed by a press conference with Korean media, where he will discuss various aspects of 'Mickey 17' and engage with fans during a stage greeting.

'Mickey 17' is Bong Joon-ho's first directorial project since the acclaimed 'Parasite'. The film follows a disposable character named Mickey, who is sent on dangerous missions and is printed anew each time he dies. The story unfolds as Mickey faces his 17th death, leading to the unexpected emergence of Mickey 18. Pattinson plays two contrasting versions of Mickey, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Originally, 'Mickey 17' began production in the summer of 2022, with a release date set for March 29, 2023. However, Warner Bros. shifted the release of 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' to that date, resulting in 'Mickey 17' being rescheduled for a Korean release on January 28, 2025, and a global release on January 31, 2025. Following further adjustments, the North American release has been moved up to March 7, 2025, with a worldwide premiere in South Korea on February 28, 2025.

Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), Lee Min-ho's character, Gong-ryong, successfully creates an embryo in secret from Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin. Earlier, Kang Kang-soo (played by Oh Jung-se) had informed Choi Jae-ryong (Kim Eung-soo) about the successful embryo fertilization, but Eve Kim caught wind of it. Kang Kang-soo lied, claiming he had obtained the eggs from a frozen egg center for experimental purposes, but Eve Kim declared, 'I will dispose of it immediately and report it to the MCC.' 

Gong-ryong argued, 'That is a life. From the moment the sperm and egg meet, it is life. Morula is a person. It is already a created life form.' However, Eve Kim countered, 'Even if it is a life, no one knows how its cell division will proceed. How can we predict if it will become a tumor? It is exposed to unpredictable risks. It must be discarded. There is no buffer like a mother's womb.' 

Gong-ryong insisted that facing such risks is part of the life’s destiny, stating, 'We should not decide this.' Yet, Eve Kim maintained, 'Obsession has violated the ethics of the universe. This morula will soon become a blastocyst, and an unverified blastocyst can never enter Earth,' before disposing of it in a shredder. 

Furious, Gong-ryong exclaimed, 'You murderer! I regret ever feeling excited and thrilled about you. I should have just let it die. I will never save you again. I didn’t know you were this heartless. My question about whether I could like you is canceled.' He further expressed his disillusionment, saying, 'I believed the universe was like a womb, but it turns out it’s a grave. Is it a place to return to after death, not where we are born?' 

Meanwhile, Gong-ryong decided to create an embryo without Eve Kim's knowledge, enlisting the help of Lee Seung-jun (Heo Nam-jun), Santi (Alex Haffner), and Mina Lee (Lee Cho-hee). After two failed attempts, they began their final challenge, but Eve Kim started searching for Gong-ryong, putting them at risk of being discovered. Fortunately, thanks to Mina Lee, they managed to avoid the crisis and worked together to create the last embryo. Gong-ryong successfully inserted the sperm into the center of the egg, declaring, 'I will definitely save you.' Mina Lee was impressed, saying, 'You are really amazing,' to which Gong-ryong replied, 'Now it’s up to you. Hang in there.' 

After the embryo's success, Gong-ryong sought out Eve Kim. When the combination of the lab mice he recommended worked, a thrilled Eve Kim asked, 'Shall we have sex now?' leaving Gong-ryong stunned. Once again captivated by her, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Lee Min-ho's Character Faces Off Against Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

In a recent episode of SBS's variety show My Little Old Boy (미운우리새끼), Lee Sang-min shared his ongoing battle with panic disorder. During the broadcast on January 19, 2025, he expressed his concerns, stating, "I need to sleep well tonight," revealing that his condition often disrupts his sleep. He mentioned, "I find it more comfortable at home or in the car due to my panic disorder," and noted that while medication helps, he is currently trying to reduce his reliance on it after over a decade of use due to high dependency. His close friends, Shin Dong-yup and Seo Jang-hoon, acknowledged his struggles, saying, "He has suffered from panic disorder for more than ten years." 

The episode depicted Lee visiting a mental health clinic, where he shared his efforts to minimize his use of sleeping pills. He recounted that his panic disorder began after a breakup in late 2013, compounded by financial pressures from wage garnishments that led to increased anxiety. Initially starting with two pills, he now finds himself taking eight to ten pills before bed. Lee explained, "I drink two cups of coffee before going on air because the medication makes me drowsy," which in turn exacerbates his condition, leading him to take more medication. He expressed a desire to venture outside without relying on medication, to which the hosts remarked, "Panic is a warning alarm system for danger," as they discussed the various aspects of his mental health challenges.

Lee Sang-min Opens Up About His Struggles with Panic Disorder on 'My Little Old Boy'

In the latest episode of SBS's Running Man, which aired on January 19, 2025, Jeon So-min's jealousy took center stage, bringing plenty of laughs. After a 14-month hiatus, Jeon made her much-anticipated return, with the cast welcoming her back enthusiastically, exclaiming, "The lost So-min has returned!"

Upon seeing the new cast member, Ji Ye-eun, Jeon expressed her excitement, saying, "I wanted to meet Ji Ye-eun because I'm a fan of SNL," showcasing her admiration. However, she humorously noted, "But she seems to have low stamina," to which Ji Ye-eun agreed, eliciting laughter from the group. Fellow member Choi Daniel chimed in with a surprise compliment, stating, "But Ji Ye-eun is really tall!"

As the games commenced, Jeon So-min began to warm up, prompting the others to joke, "So-min is warming up, but there's still some leftover energy!" When she remarked, "I haven't used my brain in a while," the members playfully retorted, "When did you ever use it?" This banter continued as they faced a quiz challenge, with Haha expressing his hopes for Ji Ye-eun to showcase Jeon So-min's skills, only for Jeon to impress everyone by answering questions correctly.

In a surprising twist, Yang Se-chan declared, "I want to team up with Ji Ye-eun," which visibly upset Jeon So-min. Yang then teased her, saying, "You should be jealous!" and asked, "Why are you jealous?" Jeon playfully responded, "I saw on the show that you treat Ye-eun really well. Do you really like her that much?" This sparked a humorous skit that had everyone laughing.

Later, Jeon So-min and Ji Ye-eun teamed up. Ji Ye-eun, reflecting on her own stamina issues, apologized to Jeon, who humorously took on a mentor role, asking, "Why are you so weak?" Ji Ye-eun then declared, "I won't fill up on tasteless food; I'd rather starve!" She successfully charmed Yang Se-chan into giving her food with her acting skills. Jeon So-min, feeling left out, exclaimed, "Why is only Ye-eun getting food?" to which Haha quipped, "It's because I only love Ye-eun!" Jeon then shouted, "Do you love her? Do you really love this girl?" adding to the comedic atmosphere.

Jealousy Sparks Laughter on Running Man as Jeon So-min Returns

On January 19, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol, pro-Yoon supporters gathered in front of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, holding an unauthorized rally and chanting slogans. The police announced plans to significantly enhance security at the Constitutional Court, as well as at other judicial and correctional facilities, due to concerns that the recent disturbances at the Western District Court were not isolated incidents. A police official stated, "If there are attempts to disrupt the impeachment trial and related proceedings with violence, we will respond strictly according to the law." 

Around 1,300 protesters gathered near the Constitutional Court, displaying signs that read "Invalidate the Impeachment, Arrest Lee Jae-myung" and "Verify Election Fraud," while chanting for President Yoon's immediate release. The gathering was deemed illegal, and police warned that participants could face penalties. 

During the protests, one man was apprehended for trespassing after climbing the court's wall, and another was caught with a crowbar, suspected of carrying a concealed weapon. Earlier in the day, approximately 1,500 people clashed with police outside the Western District Court in Mapo-gu, with some holding photos of Chief Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who issued the arrest warrant for President Yoon. One man was arrested for obstructing police duties during the scuffle. 

A document titled "Declaration of the 1.19 Democratic Uprising" circulated rapidly on social media, authored by a group identifying themselves as "Citizens of Free Republic of Korea." They claimed that the judiciary and constitutional institutions could no longer represent the people after the arrest of the sitting president and declared the start of the "1.19 Democratic Uprising" to eradicate what they termed as treasonous forces. 

The police expressed concern that such declarations signify a direct challenge to state authority, raising the possibility of further disturbances similar to those at the Western District Court. In response, the National Police Agency convened an emergency meeting to reinforce security measures at key public institutions and prepare for a strict response to any future illegal gatherings. The Southern Gyeonggi Police Agency has deployed additional riot police units to the Seoul Detention Center, where President Yoon is held, and plans to double the personnel starting January 20.

Actor Choi Jun-yong Faces Backlash After Supporting President Yoon Suk-yeol

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Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

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