On February 22, 2025, actress Park Ji-young (박지영) and broadcaster Park Hye-jin (박혜진) experienced the passing of their father at the age of 87. According to their agency, Prain TPC, Park Ji-young was abroad for a work schedule but returned home urgently upon hearing the sad news. 

Park Ji-young, who gained fame as a Miss Chunhyang contestant in 1989, debuted as an MBC talent in the 19th recruitment. She has since starred in numerous historical dramas such as 'Jang Nok-su' (장녹수), 'Ggokji' (꼭지), and 'Toji' (토지), as well as popular series like 'Jealousy Incarnate' (질투의 화신) and 'The Uncanny Counter' (악귀). Recently, she appeared in the KBS 2TV drama 'Iron Family' (다리미 패밀리). 

Her sister, Park Hye-jin, joined MBC as a newscaster in 2001 and has been working as a freelance broadcaster since leaving the network in 2014. 

The wake for their father is being held at the Jeonbuk National University Hospital funeral hall, Room 3, where family members, including their mother and brother, are receiving guests. The funeral service is scheduled for February 25, after which the deceased will be laid to rest at Jangsu Seonyoung.

Actress Park Ji-young and Broadcaster Park Hye-jin Mourn the Loss of Their Father

In the latest episode of MBC's 'What Do You Do When You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Yi-kyung shared a delightful culinary experience with Matsushige Yutaka, the star of the popular Japanese series 'Kodoku no Gurume' (고독한 미식가). The trio enjoyed traditional Korean dishes, including 과메기 (dried fish) and 꼬리곰탕 (oxtail soup), while discussing their mutual love for food.

During the show, Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Yi-kyung followed actress Shim Eun-kyung to a restaurant known for its 과메기, where they were greeted by Matsushige, who expressed surprise at meeting fans from Korea. Yoo Jae-suk, visibly excited, shared his admiration for Matsushige, stating, "I’m such a big fan of 'Kodoku no Gurume.'" 

As they dined, Matsushige admitted he had never tried 과메기 before, and the group discussed the dish's unique flavor, with Shim Eun-kyung describing it as her favorite food despite its strong smell. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie as they shared tips on how to enjoy the dish, with Yoo Jae-suk expressing his honor at witnessing Matsushige eat.

The conversation turned light-hearted when Yoo Jae-suk noted a resemblance between himself and Matsushige, leading to playful banter about their eating habits. Matsushige revealed he doesn't have any particular dislikes when it comes to food, although Lee Yi-kyung teased him about being picky with fish.

After enjoying the 과메기, the group headed to a 꼬리곰탕 restaurant in Namdaemun Market. Matsushige praised Yoo Jae-suk's popularity in Korea, comparing him to the famous Japanese comedian Akashiya Sanma. The two shared laughs and stories, with Matsushige humbly noting that he was surprised by the recognition he received in Korea.

As the episode concluded, Matsushige expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to explore Korean cuisine and promised to share his favorite okonomiyaki restaurant in Japan with Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Yi-kyung, inviting them to visit. He also shared his excitement for the upcoming release of 'Kodoku no Gurume: The Movie,' hoping fans would enjoy the film as much as the series.

유재석, '고독한 미식가' 마츠시게에 '日 비밀맛집' 공유받았다..'찐친' 인증(놀뭐)[종합]

Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Yi-kyung Bond with Matsushige Yutaka Over Unique Dishes

The National Assembly's communication hall is a bustling hub of activity, hosting numerous press conferences throughout the year. While these events are often reserved for politicians to make their political statements, they also provide a rare platform for marginalized voices to be heard. Since August 2020, sign language interpreters have been stationed at the communication hall to ensure accessibility for the hearing impaired. 

However, on February 14, a surprising announcement disrupted the usual proceedings: interpreters were informed that they would only be working until the end of that day. This news shocked many, including familiar lawmakers and staff. The interpreters, classified as freelancers, do not have the same job security as regular employees. They work on a freelance basis, following the schedules set by the National Assembly, but lack benefits such as severance pay, paid leave, and insurance. This situation has led to the term 'fake freelancers' being used to describe their precarious employment status.

The National Assembly's Secretariat issues annual tenders for sign language interpretation services, with a budget of around 100 million won. The requirements stipulate that only experienced interpreters with national certification can be hired. However, the companies that win these contracts are often not specialized in sign language interpretation and typically hire interpreters on a freelance basis. As a result, interpreters receive business income rather than employment income, facing a 3.3% tax deduction. The companies providing these services have changed annually, and the four interpreters who worked last year were let go when the new company refused to continue their employment.

Park Ji-yeon, an interpreter who began working at the National Assembly in April 2024, shared her experience, stating that she believed the new service provider would take over their employment. Instead, she received notice on February 13 that they would only be working until the next day. This is not the first time such abrupt job losses have occurred; similar situations happened last year, leaving interpreters in shock. Han Eun-hee, another interpreter, expressed her disappointment, stating that despite their freelance status, they prioritized the National Assembly's schedule, only to be met with sudden job termination.

The daily routine for interpreters is demanding, requiring them to be on standby from 9 AM to 6 PM. The scheduling of press conferences is managed by the Secretariat, and the number of interpreters available can vary. Payment is calculated not by hourly or daily rates but by a per-minute basis, approximately 3,600 to 4,000 won per minute. Even when there are few scheduled events, interpreters must remain on standby without compensation for waiting time. In some cases, interpreters have earned as little as 12,000 won for an entire day of waiting. There are no designated break times, and while a lunch break was established last year, it was not consistently enforced until 2023.

Given these working conditions, it is reasonable to view interpreters as dependent workers rather than true freelancers. The nature of their work does not align with the typical definition of freelance contracts. As a result, interpreters at the National Assembly often find themselves anxious as the end of the year approaches, uncertain if the next service provider will retain them. Even within the National Assembly's broadcasting service, which has a higher demand for interpreters, the employment structure remains the same. Park noted that her time working in the broadcasting service was also marked by annual contracts, leading to ongoing insecurity.

In contrast, cleaning staff at the National Assembly were directly employed starting in 2017, a rare instance of direct employment among the many workers at the Assembly. The Secretariat had previously considered direct employment for interpreters in 2022, recognizing the issues with the current structure where service providers take a significant portion of the budget. However, despite hopes for budget inclusion in 2023, the Ministry of Economy and Finance deemed the costs too high.

The recent sudden departures of interpreters have brought the issue back into the spotlight, prompting National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik to acknowledge the situation and seek improvements. Woo has previously been instrumental in securing direct employment for cleaning staff. Jeong Hye-kyung, a member of the Progressive Party, stated that efforts are underway to assess and address labor conditions within the National Assembly.

However, there are concerns that the push for direct employment should not be merely a temporary emotional appeal or a one-time event. The National Assembly, as a symbol of democracy, should not perpetuate the widespread issue of 'fake freelancers' that plagues the labor market. Jeong Jin-woo, a representative from the Rights Finding Union, pointed out that while many believed only delivery workers faced this issue, it is prevalent across various sectors, including unexpected areas like cafeteria staff. He emphasized that if the National Assembly is facing such issues, it is likely that no sector is immune. The employment of interpreters under 'fake freelancer' contracts sends a troubling message to the public about the acceptability of such practices.

[단독] “내일부터 나오지 말라” 국회사무처의 수어통역사 ‘꼼수’ 계약 논란

Freelance Interpreters at South Korea's National Assembly Face Job Insecurity

A 36-year-old man, identified as A, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Chuncheon District Court for committing fraud while already facing charges for similar offenses. Presiding Judge Kim Taek-seong announced the verdict on February 23, 2025. 

Between October 2022 and June 2023, A posted advertisements on a second-hand trading site, claiming to sell items such as an elf accompaniment device and amusement park tickets. He defrauded approximately 190 victims, amassing over 200 million won. 

Investigations revealed that A deceived victims by promising to deliver goods upon receiving payment. Notably, he continued his fraudulent activities even while evading authorities during his ongoing trial for previous fraud charges. 

Judge Kim emphasized the severity of A's actions, stating, "He repeatedly committed fraud over a significant period, and the total amount defrauded is substantial. His prior convictions for similar crimes were also taken into account during sentencing."

“사기죄 재판 중에 또다시 범죄”… 30대 사기범 ‘징역 3년’

Chuncheon Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Fraud During Ongoing Trial

Kim Sung-kyu of the K-pop group INFINITE has suffered a personal loss. His agency, Billions, announced on February 22 that his older sister passed away this morning after battling illness. The agency expressed deep sorrow over the news and stated that the funeral will be a private affair attended only by family and close friends, in accordance with the family's wishes. They requested that fans and the public respect the family's need for privacy during this difficult time. Meanwhile, INFINITE is set to make a comeback with their eighth mini-album, LIKE INFINITE, on March 6. However, Kim Sung-kyu will not be participating in the Kuala Lumpur concert of their 15th-anniversary tour, LIMITED EDITION, scheduled for today.

인피니트 김성규, 오늘(22일) 형제상.."친누나 투병 중 세상 떠나" [공식]

INFINITE's Kim Sung-kyu Faces Family Tragedy

Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang has come forward to share her experiences of secondary victimization. In an interview with JTBC News on February 21, she revealed that she suffered long-term abuse, violence, and sexual crimes at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, referred to as A. After this information became public, cyber bullies, including members of the group '구제역 카라큘라', began to extort money from her through threats. Additionally, the online platform '가로세로연구소' (Gaseyeon) forced her to disclose private details about her life that she wished to keep hidden.

As sensational and false rumors spread uncontrollably, Tzuyang felt compelled to reveal personal information she had wanted to keep private. "That was the hardest part for me. It was much more difficult than what I had previously endured. I really didn't want to disclose anything, but I had no choice when they started creating those rumors," she expressed.

Ultimately, Tzuyang decided to take legal action against the cyber bullies. On February 20, the court sentenced a member of 구제역 to three years in prison for extortion and threats, while another individual received a one-year prison sentence with a three-year probation. Those accused of aiding the extortion, including members of 카라큘라 and 크로커다일, were also sentenced to one year in prison with a three-year probation and a fine of 5 million won.

Despite these legal actions, false news about Tzuyang continues to circulate, with new allegations including claims of her being a Chinese spy and having political connections. Kim Se-hee from Gaseyeon claimed that this is not a small incident and involves various forces, including a supposed Chinese spy named Wang Haijun. In response, Tzuyang has also filed a lawsuit against Gaseyeon.

"I have never been to China and have nothing to do with it. I don’t even understand the political connections they are trying to make. They say I’m pretending to be a victim, and that the prosecutors are moving too quickly, implying I have some relationship with them. It feels like they just want to destroy me," she lamented.

쯔양, 사생활 폭로 그후…'중국 간첩설·정계 연루설' 2차 가해 피해 호소[SC이슈]

Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang Speaks Out Against Cyberbullying and False Accusations

On February 23, V from BTS (방탄소년단) took to his social media to announce his well-being during military service. He wrote, "I’m here to report my survival, Sergeant Kim. D-17. The harsh winter is passing, and I will prepare healthily to meet you in the warm spring." Along with his message, he shared several photos showcasing his life in the military. 

In the images, V is seen in his military uniform, enjoying his leave while holding a bouquet at an exhibition and relaxing casually in the streets. His neatly fitted uniform, shorter hairstyle, and noticeable muscle gain reflect his everyday life. 

Additionally, V spent time with his close friend, singer Park Hyo-shin, capturing joyful moments together in a series of four photos. His commitment to fitness during his service is also evident, as he has transformed into a more muscular version of himself. 

V enlisted in December 2023 and is currently serving in the Military Police Special Operations Unit, with his discharge scheduled for June 2025.

BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

Director Hong Sang-soo, a frequent favorite at the Berlin International Film Festival, found himself without an award this year, as he and his partner, actress Kim Min-hee, focused on a prenatal trip rather than accolades. 

On February 22, 2025, the 75th Berlin International Film Festival held its awards ceremony just a day before the event's conclusion, recognizing the most impactful films of the year. The prestigious Golden Bear was awarded to Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud for his film 'Dreams,' which tells the story of a passionate teenage girl expressing her intense feelings for a teacher through a personal essay. The Jury Grand Prix Silver Bear went to Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro for 'Blue Trail,' while Venezuelan director Ivan Fund's 'The Message' received the Silver Bear for Best Director.

This year, the festival notably lacked recognition for Hong Sang-soo, who has been a beloved figure at the event since his 2008 film 'Night and Day' was invited to compete. Over the years, he has been featured in the competition section multiple times, including films like 'Nobody's Daughter Haewon,' 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' 'The Woman Who Ran,' 'Introduction,' 'The Novelist's Film,' 'In the Water,' 'The Need for Travelers,' and this year's entry, 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' This marks his ninth invitation, with eight of those being in the competitive category, showcasing his consistent presence in the festival.

Hong's impressive track record includes several awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, such as the Silver Bear for Best Actress (Kim Min-hee) for 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' the Best Director award for 'The Woman Who Ran,' and the Best Screenplay award for 'Introduction.' Last year, he won his second Jury Grand Prix with 'The Need for Travelers,' bringing his total Silver Bear wins to five. However, this year left him empty-handed, creating a bittersweet feeling.

Adding to the intrigue, Kim Min-hee, who is pregnant with Hong's child, garnered significant attention during her first international film festival appearance since her pregnancy announcement. The couple has been living together in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim became pregnant last summer. As she approaches her due date this spring, photos of her and Hong departing for Germany from Incheon International Airport on February 19 sparked considerable media interest, especially given the risks associated with her advanced pregnancy.

At the festival, Hong was careful not to showcase Kim's pregnancy publicly, opting instead to walk the red carpet with the cast of 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' During the official press conference, he mentioned Kim in relation to the film's budget, stating, "The staff needed to make the film includes myself, my assistant, and production manager Kim Min-hee," but refrained from discussing personal matters, including her pregnancy.

Thus, while the Berlin International Film Festival held special significance for Hong Sang-soo this year, it also brought a sense of disappointment with the lack of awards. Ultimately, Hong and the expectant Kim Min-hee had to settle for a 'prenatal trip' in Berlin rather than a trophy.

Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

On February 22, 2025, SEVENTEEN (에스쿱스, 정한, 조슈아, 준, 호시, 원우, 우지, 디에잇, 민규, 도겸, 승관, 버논, 디노) added another trophy to their collection at the inaugural 'The Awards' held at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium. The group took home two prestigious awards: 'The Awards Black Label Artist of the Year' and the main award, 'The Awards Delight Blue Label'. 

In a video message, the members expressed their gratitude, stating, "We believe this award is possible because of our fans, CARAT. We will continue to work hard to repay you with great music and performances." They also noted that 2025 marks their 10th anniversary since debut, making this recognition even more special. They encouraged fans to look forward to a variety of activities planned for the year.

Last year, SEVENTEEN showcased their dominance in the K-pop scene by sweeping major music awards. They began with wins at the '2024 MAMA AWARDS' for 'Artist of the Year (VISA ARTIST OF THE YEAR)' and 'Album of the Year (VISA ALBUM OF THE YEAR)', followed by the Grand Prize at the 39th Golden Disc Awards and Best Album at the 32nd Hanteo Music Awards 2024 (HMA 2024).

Their global presence was further solidified with wins at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards for 'Top K-pop Touring Artist' and at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards for 'Best Group'. 

Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN is set to continue their vibrant activities this year. Members Hoshi and Woozi, both born in 1996, will release their first single 'BEAM' on March 10. They will also hold a group fan meeting titled '2025 SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND' on March 20-21 at Incheon Munhak Stadium. Additionally, they will make history as the first K-pop artists to perform at 'Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025', often referred to as the 'Coachella of Mexico', in April, followed by five local fan meetings in two Japanese cities.

SEVENTEEN Wins Big at the 1st The Awards

In the final episode of ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables, which aired on February 22, 2025, Joo Hyun-wook emerged as the ultimate champion, earning the chance to open his own restaurant. The show concluded a grueling 100-day survival competition featuring 20 contestants, all vying for a life-changing opportunity. Initially labeled as 'failures,' the participants transformed into skilled entrepreneurs through their dedication and hard work.

The top three finalists, including Joo Hyun-wook (16), Choi Jung-hyun (08), and Son Woo-sung (14), faced their final challenge at Namwon's Gwanghanru, where they operated their own eateries for three days. The winner was determined based on the net profit generated during this period. Baek Jong-won emphasized the challenge's intensity, stating, "This mission is very close to real business. With net profit as the standard, there are many factors to consider, including turnover, inventory management, and profit margins. It's the most difficult mission."

Each finalist approached the task with determination. Choi Jung-hyun, who had the least cooking experience among the three, aimed to succeed as a form of revenge against his parents who abandoned him in childhood, relying on his excellent interpersonal skills. Son Woo-sung, a father in his 40s with a debt of 500 million won, was driven by a sense of responsibility towards his family. Joo Hyun-wook, whose father fell into a pyramid scheme and incurred 400 million won in debt, had to abandon his athletic career to support his family. He entered the finals with solid cooking skills and a strong work ethic.

The top three showcased clear strengths and weaknesses. Baek Jong-won and the four mentor chefs (Kim Min-seong, David Lee, Lim Tae-hoon, and Yoon Nam-no) watched the finale with supportive hearts, having accompanied the contestants throughout their 100-day journey. However, the finale pushed the finalists to their limits both mentally and physically. Choi Jung-hyun's voice became hoarse from calling customers, Son Woo-sung endured severe pain reminiscent of a past illness, and Joo Hyun-wook was exhausted from a flood of orders.

Despite the challenges, the transformation and growth of the finalists were remarkable. Joo Hyun-wook, with the guidance of mentor Chef Lim Tae-hoon, created a popular dish called 'Eohyang Gaji' that turned his restaurant into a must-visit spot in Namwon within just three days. Ultimately, Joo Hyun-wook secured victory with total sales of 11,616,000 won and a net profit of 6,030,066 won. As the winner, he received 50 million won in startup funds and the opportunity to run his own restaurant.

Expressing his gratitude, Joo Hyun-wook said, "I followed Chef Lim Tae-hoon closely, and I am thankful to have achieved this result. I also want to thank Baek Jong-won for creating this opportunity. I will work hard to show even better results in the future." He added, "I had a strong desire to learn cooking, but it felt vague. Seeing Chef Lim, I thought he was the only model for my success. I feel hopeful now."

After the winner was announced, Baek Jong-won shared his thoughts in an interview, stating, "Having done numerous shows, I worry about what to do next after the first place. This was real training, and it feels unfortunate. We need to teach more and provide experiences to increase their chances of success. I want to show examples of the Les Misérables contestants succeeding and establishing themselves, as this will encourage more people to take on challenges."

The episode also featured eliminated contestants like Choi Yoon-sung (02), Jeon Dong-jin (03), Yang Kyung-min (04), Kim Guk-heon (06), Choi Jung-hyun (08), Yoo Hyo-deok (10), Son Woo-sung (14), and Lim Young-jun (18). Four months later, they were seen training together in a budget market, continuing their journey to become successful businesspeople. Their challenge has extended beyond 100 days, and glimpses of Joo Hyun-wook's preparations for his own restaurant were also shared.

Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables was designed to highlight the importance of 'opportunity' for those who have faced failure. Baek Jong-won and the mentor chefs dedicated themselves to supporting the contestants as teachers, mentors, and life guides. The once unruly contestants harnessed their desperation as a weapon, striving to seize the miraculous opportunity that came their way. Gradually, they transformed and grew into true entrepreneurs, showcasing the significance of 'opportunity' and the 'miracles created by desperation' to viewers, leaving a lasting impact from ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables.

Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

On February 22, 2025, ATEEZ made history by becoming the first K-Pop group to hold a concert at the La Défense Arena in Paris, France, as part of their 2025 world tour titled 'TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER' in Europe. This venue, which can accommodate around 40,000 spectators, is the largest concert hall in Europe, and ATEEZ's successful solo concert here further solidified their status as a world-class artist.

This performance marked ATEEZ's fourth solo concert in Paris, following their previous world tours: 'The Expedition Tour' in 2019, 'THE FELLOWSHIP: BEGINNING OF THE END' in 2022, and 'THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL' in 2023. The enthusiastic support from local fans has been a testament to ATEEZ's unwavering global popularity.

Additionally, ATEEZ's mini-album 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1' released last year reached fifth place on the French Albums Chart, while 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2' secured the fourth position, showcasing their significant achievements in the local music scene.

Following successful concerts in London and Berlin, where they added extra shows due to high demand, ATEEZ returned to Paris with an upgraded musical experience that captivated local fans once again.

During the concert, ATEEZ presented a rich setlist filled with beloved hits, dazzling the audience with their renowned performance skills and impressive live vocals, even amidst dynamic choreography. The show featured vibrant lighting, special effects, and powerful sound, creating an immersive experience that combined visual spectacle with emotional resonance.

As they made history at La Défense Arena, ATEEZ expressed their gratitude to their fans, known as ATINY, stating, "It was an honor to share this beautiful night with you. We promise to repay your immense support and happiness, just as you have been a light in our lives, we will be a light for you too."

ATEEZ will conclude their 2025 European tour with a performance at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium, on February 25, 2025.

Actress Park Ji-young and Broadcaster Park Hye-jin Mourn the Loss of Their Father

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BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

SEVENTEEN Wins Big at the 1st The Awards

Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

ATEEZ Makes History as First K-Pop Group to Perform at La Défense Arena

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Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Yi-kyung Bond with Matsushige Yutaka Over Unique Dishes

Freelance Interpreters at South Korea's National Assembly Face Job Insecurity

Chuncheon Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Fraud During Ongoing Trial

INFINITE's Kim Sung-kyu Faces Family Tragedy

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