On February 17, police reported that actress Kim Sae-ron (김새론), who was found dead at her home on February 16, did not leave a suicide note. During a regular briefing, a police official stated that they believe she made an extreme choice and will handle the case as a death investigation. They confirmed that no note was discovered and that there are no significant details in the investigation. Kim was found in a state of cardiac arrest at approximately 4:54 PM in a multi-family residence located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. A friend who had arranged to meet her discovered her and called for help. She was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead. In a separate investigation, police also questioned Song Min-ho (송민호), a member of the group WINNER, regarding allegations of inadequate service as a social service worker. This marks the second time he has been summoned for questioning since January 23. Authorities are expected to reach a conclusion regarding the allegations after reviewing evidence from workplace searches and communication records.

Actress Kim Sae-ron Found Dead at 25, No Suicide Note Left

Taiwanese actress Chen Yanxi (陳妍希), often referred to as the nation's first love, has officially announced her divorce from husband Chen Xiao (陳曉) after eight years of marriage. On February 18, Chen Yanxi released a statement confirming the end of their marriage, which has left fans in shock. 

Both actors took to their social media accounts to express gratitude for their time together, stating, "We are thankful for our time together. From today onward, we will walk our separate paths. We will continue to co-parent our child and support their growth together." 

Additionally, Chen Yanxi's team addressed the situation, stating, "There have been numerous false reports and rumors that have negatively impacted us and severely damaged our reputation. We ask that excessive speculation be avoided," hinting at potential legal action. 

Rumors of discord between the couple began circulating in June of last year, but both parties had remained silent on the matter until recent sightings of them living separately sparked further divorce speculation, ultimately leading to their official announcement. 

Chen Yanxi rose to fame as the lead actress in the film 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' (那些年，我們一起追的女孩), earning her the title of Taiwan's first love and gaining popularity in other regions as well. The couple first met while working on a project in 2013 and tied the knot in 2016, welcoming a son into their family.

‘대만 국민 첫사랑’ 천옌시, 결혼 8년 만에 전격 이혼 발표 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Taiwanese Star Chen Yanxi Announces Divorce After Eight Years of Marriage

In the latest episode of tvN's Couples Palace 2 (커플팰리스2), which aired on February 19, 2025, contestants Cleo Chae Eun-jung, model Yoo Hye-won, and YouTuber Employee A entered the marriage market. The second round featured a selection time for the female contestants, where Yoo Hye-won caught everyone's attention with her stunning looks despite her shy and reserved personality. Dressed in a pure white dress, she garnered significant popularity as she mustered the courage to approach the men.

The man who received Yoo Hye-won's pick was contestant number 3, Hwang Jae-geun, who works for a major Japanese corporation. He expressed that his ideal partner is someone who treats him like a mother. During a large speed dating event, Hwang couldn't hide his smile when Yoo Hye-won approached him.

While conversing with bank VIP manager Seo Jin-joo, Hwang maintained a comfortable distance. However, when Yoo Hye-won mentioned that her ideal type is someone with a kind appearance, Hwang directly asked, "Do I look kind?"

Hwang continued to make bold advances, saying, "If you come to Japan, let me know. If you need help with reservations or finding places, just call me," and added, "Isn't it better to go as a couple?" Yoo Hye-won shyly responded, "I have a good feeling about contestant number 3. He looks kind."

Cleo Chae Eun-jung shared her unique perspective on men, stating, "As I have passed the age of forty, meeting new men has become challenging. I've been on over 100 blind dates, sometimes several in a day, having breakfast, lunch, and dinner with different people." She expressed her desire for a partner without family health issues, emphasizing her own commitment to health.

Employee A revealed impressive credentials, boasting an annual salary of 300 million won and ownership of buildings and villas. However, her preference for a 'DINK' (Dual Income, No Kids) lifestyle led many men to withdraw early, except for contestant number 28, a nursing professor, who recognized her strong mentality and matched with her for a date.

회사원A→클레오 채은정에 유혜원까지 '그들이 결혼하고 싶은 이유'('커플팰리스')[종합]

Couples Palace 2: Contestants Dive into the Marriage Market

Singer Gu Jun-yeop has announced that the funeral for his late wife, Seo Hee-won (서희원), will be postponed. According to multiple Taiwanese media outlets, the burial, which was originally scheduled for this week, has been rescheduled. Gu expressed his hope for a dedicated space where family members can visit Seo Hee-won at any time, stating, "After discussions with my family, we have decided to choose a different burial site." 

Recently, rumors circulated on Vietnamese and Taiwanese media, as well as Chinese social media, claiming that Gu Jun-yeop returned to Korea on February 15 before the funeral procedures for Seo Hee-won were completed. However, these rumors have been debunked as false news. It has been confirmed that Gu is currently in Taipei handling legal matters related to Seo Hee-won's passing and plans to remain in Taiwan for the time being.

Seo Hee-won's sister, Seo Hee-je (서희제), previously announced that the funeral would be conducted as a natural burial, specifically a tree burial, which involves interring the ashes around the roots of a tree without using artificial materials. Seo Hee-je recalled, "Seo Hee-won had expressed her wish for an eco-friendly tree burial if she were to pass away. We are currently in the application process," adding that the ashes will be temporarily kept at their home until the application is approved, at which point they will return her remains to nature.

故서희원, 수목장 연기됐다..구준엽 “매장지 다시 선택할 것”

Singer Gu Jun-yeop Delays Funeral for Late Wife Seo Hee-won

Actress Kim Sae-ron has passed away, with her funeral taking place on February 19 at 6:20 AM. Surrounded by family and friends, she bids her final farewell, although her burial site has yet to be determined.

Kim made her debut in 2001 as a cover model for the magazine 앙팡 (Anfang). She gained international recognition in 2009 when she participated in the Cannes Film Festival as the youngest actress in Lee Chang-dong's film '여행자' (The Traveler). Her breakout role came in the 2010 film '아저씨' (The Man from Nowhere), where she starred alongside Won Bin, earning her numerous Best New Actress awards at various film festivals, solidifying her status as a 'child prodigy' in acting.

Following her early success, Kim continued to act in films such as '맨홀' (Manhole), '도희야' (Dohee-ya), '만신' (Manshin), and '눈길' (Snow Path), as well as dramas like '내 마음이 들리니' (Can You Hear My Heart), '여왕의 교실' (Queen's Classroom), '아무도 모른다' (Nobody Knows), and '사냥개들' (Hounds). She also showcased her variety show skills on programs like '쇼! 음악중심' (Show! Music Core) and '나만 믿고 따라와, 도시어부' (Trust Me and Follow Me, City Fisherman).

However, in May 2022, Kim faced public backlash due to a drunk driving incident, which led to her license being revoked. Despite the criticism, she remained determined to return to acting. She attempted a comeback in May 2023 with the play '동치미' (Dongchimi), but withdrew due to health issues amid negative public sentiment.

Kim had been supporting herself through part-time jobs, including working at a café, and was set to return to the screen with the film '기타맨' (Guitar Man) in November 2023, with promotional stills already released.

Tragically, on February 16, she was found collapsed at her home, leading to shock and mourning across the entertainment industry. Friends reported her passing, and authorities confirmed there were no signs of foul play or a suicide note.

The news of her untimely death has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and peers. Her former agency, Gold Medalist, expressed deep condolences, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the news of Kim Sae-ron. We wish her peace in her afterlife." Fellow actress Seo Ye-ji shared a tribute with a photo of chrysanthemums, while Kim Ok-bin also expressed her sorrow with a similar tribute.

Stars including Han So-hee and Kim Bo-ra visited her funeral, with Kim Bo-ra sending a wreath that read, "Let’s meet again." Lee Soo-hyun from AKMU, known to be close to Kim, was seen in tears at the funeral, and Won Bin, who had a special bond with Kim from '아저씨', also attended to pay his respects.

Meanwhile, Kim's final film, '김새론' (Kim Sae-ron), completed filming in November 2023 and is currently in post-production.

故김새론, 원빈→이수현 눈물 속 영면으로..오늘(19일) 발인 [종합]

Actress Kim Sae-ron Passes Away at 25

The members of NewJeans have announced their intention to pursue independent activities while embroiled in a contract dispute with their agency, Ador. In response, several music industry organizations have voiced concerns, stating that this situation represents a crisis for K-pop.

On February 19, five music-related organizations, including the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, issued a statement urging an end to baseless public opinion campaigns that seek to benefit certain agencies and artists at the expense of the industry. They called for government support to eradicate 'tampering,' a term used to describe the unethical poaching of artists from their agencies.

The organizations emphasized the need for accurate fact-checking and thorough discussions among stakeholders rather than relying on public opinion battles to resolve disputes. They pointed out that the ongoing conflict involving former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and NewJeans member Hani's recent appearance at a National Assembly hearing exemplifies a troubling trend where private disputes are aired publicly instead of being resolved through legal channels.

The statement expressed concern that the K-pop industry, which garners significant public interest, could be adversely affected by unverified allegations that may be accepted as fact without proper scrutiny. They highlighted the potential for new regulations to be introduced without a comprehensive understanding of the industry, which could lead to frequent disruptions.

The organizations also criticized the unilateral claims made by NewJeans regarding their contract termination with Ador, stating that such public declarations exacerbate the exposure of private disputes and could lead to artists attempting independent activities before legal resolutions are reached.

They warned that the ongoing allegations of tampering could undermine agencies that have invested heavily in artists' success, and they called for the establishment of legal protections against such practices. The organizations stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of exclusive contracts and ensuring that artists are aware of the implications of their actions.

In conclusion, they urged the National Assembly and the government to recognize the serious risks posed by these disputes to the K-pop industry and to take action to protect it from potential crises.

[공식]대중음악 5개 단체 "뉴진스 독자활동, K팝 위기…탬퍼링 방지법 시급"(전문)

NewJeans Members Declare Independent Activities Amid Contract Dispute

As SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) marks its 10th anniversary, the group is set to engage with fans worldwide through a series of exciting activities. The new special unit, HoshiXWoozi, will release their debut single 'BEAM' on March 10. The title 'BEAM' symbolizes the light emitted by Hoshi and Woozi, showcasing their originality and self-love developed through challenges since their trainee days. As leaders of the performance and vocal teams, both born in 1996, they are expected to shine as representatives of the '96 line.

In addition to their unit activities, SEVENTEEN will host a large-scale fan meeting titled 'SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND'' at Incheon Munhak Stadium on March 20-21, a rare stadium-sized event for a fan meeting. They will also return to Japan for fan meetings after two years, scheduled for April 24 and 26-27 at Kyocera Dome Osaka, and May 10-11 at Saitama Super Arena, under the title 'SEVENTEEN 2025 JAPAN FAN MEETING ‘HOLIDAY’.

On April 4, SEVENTEEN will head to Mexico to perform as the headliner on the first day of the Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025 festival, the largest music festival in Latin America, often referred to as 'Mexico's Coachella.' This marks the first time a K-pop artist will perform at this festival. Last year, SEVENTEEN made history as the first K-pop group to perform on the main stage at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival and headlined the main stage at Lollapalooza Berlin in Germany.

The year began with the return of the special unit BSS (부석순), consisting of Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi, who released their second single 'TELEPARTY' on January 8, delivering the message that 'if you are happy in this moment, everyone is young.' The title track 'Jeans' quickly topped real-time and daily charts on domestic music sites, and the album sold nearly 530,000 copies within a week of its release, showcasing the strength of the 'K-pop super unit' BSS.

The 'SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR,' which began in October last year, concluded its Asian leg in January and February, with performances in major stadiums in Bulacan, Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok. The tour received rave reviews from local media, highlighting SEVENTEEN's powerful presence and perfect performances, and attracted approximately 1,037,000 fans both online and offline.

A representative from Pledis Entertainment stated, 'As SEVENTEEN celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are preparing various activities to create meaningful memories with our fans. We hope everyone looks forward to this being 'SEVENTEEN's year.'

SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

The K-pop group LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), consisting of members Kim Chae-won (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yoon-jin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eun-chae (홍은채), is set to release their fifth mini album titled 'HOT' on March 14 at 1 PM. This album will serve as the final installment in their trilogy, following the releases of their third mini album 'EASY' in February and their fourth mini album 'CRAZY' in August of last year.

Since their debut with 'FEARLESS', LE SSERAFIM has consistently infused their music with genuine thoughts and emotions, resonating with listeners. 'EASY' explored themes of inner struggles and anxieties, while 'CRAZY' encouraged embracing chaos rather than succumbing to fear. With 'HOT', the group aims to showcase a passionate attitude towards love, further illustrating their journey of inner strength throughout this trilogy.

The 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' trilogy has been in the works since 2023. During their performance at the 2023 MAMA Awards, they captivated audiences with the theme 'REVOLUTION ON THE STREET', where the phrases 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' were sequentially displayed on LED screens. Additionally, the track 'Good Bones' from their third mini album features the lyrics, "EASY, CRAZY, HOT I can make it," while the music video for 'Smart' also hints at the next album's title, 'CRAZY'. This has provided fans with numerous clues about the trilogy over the past year.

LE SSERAFIM will unveil the album trailer for 'HOT' on the 21st. Known for their stylish and impressive trailers, anticipation is high among K-pop fans for this upcoming release.

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

K-pop sensation BLACKPINK has unveiled the first phase of their highly anticipated 2025 world tour, which will feature stadium performances across various countries. YG Entertainment announced the tour on their official blog on February 20, revealing a poster that outlines the tour schedule, which includes stops in South Korea, North America, Europe, and Japan.

The tour kicks off with performances at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea on July 5 and 6, before heading to major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, and Tokyo. 

While the full details are yet to be revealed, all confirmed venues are large stadiums capable of accommodating tens of thousands of fans. Notably, BLACKPINK will be the first K-pop girl group to perform at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, often referred to as the 'dream stage' for pop artists. Additionally, their solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex marks a first for K-pop girl groups.

BLACKPINK will share the stage with other global music icons, performing at renowned venues like SoFi Stadium in LA, Soldier Field in Chicago, Rogers Centre in Toronto, City Field in New York, Stade de France in Paris, Ippodromo Snai La Maura in Milan, Estadi Olímpic in Barcelona, and Tokyo Dome, further solidifying their status as a top-tier global group.

YG Entertainment stated, "We are preparing for a tour of unprecedented scale and quality, comparable to the historic [BORN PINK] tour that wrote a new chapter in K-pop history. We ask for your continued interest in the additional locations and dates that will be announced soon."

The teaser released alongside the announcement highlights moments from the previous 'BORN PINK' tour, which set a record for K-pop girl group world tours with over 1.8 million attendees. The explosive stage presence of BLACKPINK and the enthusiasm of fans worldwide are sure to elevate anticipation for the upcoming tour, with the phrase 'AND MORE' prominently displayed in the video, hinting at more surprises to come.

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

K-pop group ONF has made a remarkable comeback, soaring to the top of both domestic and international music charts. On February 18, they released their second full-length album, Part.1 'ONF: MY IDENTITY', with the title track 'The Stranger' hitting number one on the Bugs real-time chart on the day of its release. The album's entire tracklist has also charted, showcasing the group's impressive popularity.

Internationally, 'ONF: MY IDENTITY' has made significant strides, reaching the number one spot on Japan's iTunes 'Top Albums' chart and landing in the top 10 of the same chart in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Additionally, the album secured the 16th position on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart, highlighting ONF's strong presence in the global music scene.

With a successful comeback underway, ONF is set to kick off their promotional activities on February 20 at 6 PM KST on Mnet's 'M Countdown'. They will perform 'The Stranger' for the first time, delivering a dynamic performance filled with healing energy and impactful choreography that symbolizes the shape of a circle.

'The Stranger' is a pop track characterized by its funky rhythm and showcases ONF's impressive vocal range. The song conveys a positive message about pursuing dreams amidst a challenging world, with members Min-kyun and Wyatt contributing to its creation, adding a unique touch to the group's sound.

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans has encountered difficulties in their initial activities as NJZ. On February 19, five major music organizations in South Korea, including the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, issued a statement calling for policy support to eradicate tampering in the K-pop industry. They claimed that the actions of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and NewJeans are causing significant harm to the industry and urged the government and National Assembly to establish anti-tampering legislation.

In response, NewJeans took a stand. A lengthy rebuttal was posted on accounts managed by the members' parents, asserting that HYBE and the organizations involved are engaging in misleading media play. They stated that their exclusive contract with HYBE has been terminated due to unfair treatment.

The group specifically claimed that HYBE's Chairman Bang Si-hyuk personally pressured U.S. contacts to cancel NJZ members' performances, as relayed by a representative from ComplexCon, who is assisting with the event preparations.

Ador countered this by stating, "We have never pressured the cancellation of NewJeans' Hong Kong performance. Chairman Bang has confirmed that he has had no contact regarding the Hong Kong concert."

Ador further explained that they requested the event organizers to use the official team name NewJeans, as previously requested by domestic media, and to conduct the performance through Ador based on the exclusive contract.

NewJeans maintains that their exclusive contract with Ador was terminated in November of last year and has declared 'NJZ' as their new team name. In response, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract and has sought an injunction against the group's agency status and advertising contracts. They argue that the official team name is not NJZ but NewJeans, asserting that the exclusive contract remains valid. The first hearing related to the injunction is set for March, while the lawsuit regarding the exclusive contract will begin in April. If the court rules in favor of HYBE, NewJeans' independent activities may be jeopardized.

Actress Kim Sae-ron Found Dead at 25, No Suicide Note Left

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SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans Faces Challenges in First Activities as NJZ

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Taiwanese Star Chen Yanxi Announces Divorce After Eight Years of Marriage

Couples Palace 2: Contestants Dive into the Marriage Market

Singer Gu Jun-yeop Delays Funeral for Late Wife Seo Hee-won

Actress Kim Sae-ron Passes Away at 25

NewJeans Members Declare Independent Activities Amid Contract Dispute

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