On January 7, it was officially announced that actress 박세영 (Park Se-young) is expecting her first child, with a due date set for June. A representative for the actress confirmed the news, stating, "박세영 씨가 임신했다. 오는 6월 출산을 앞두고 있다." 

박세영 made her acting debut in 2011 with the play 'Oedipus' and has since appeared in various popular dramas including 'Love Rain' (사랑비), 'God's Gift - 14 Days' (신의), 'School 2013' (학교 2013), 'My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol' (내 딸, 금사월), 'Money Flower' (돈꽃), and 'Special Labor Inspector Jo Jang-poong' (특별근로감독관 조장풍). Her most recent project was the 2022 drama 'Mental Coach Jegal' (멘탈코치 제갈길).

In February 2022, she married fellow actor 곽정욱 (Kwak Jung-wook), who is known for his roles in 'Fairy Comeback' (요정컴미) and 'The Age of Warriors' (야인시대). The couple has been enjoying their newlywed life while preparing for their upcoming addition to the family. Reports indicate that 박세영 is currently in a stable phase of her pregnancy, having navigated the early stages smoothly and is now focusing on prenatal care. She plans to balance motherhood with her acting career after the birth of her child.

Actress Park Se-young Announces Pregnancy

Actress Ali Wong and pop star Ariana Grande are facing off for the title of Worst Dressed at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. According to Yahoo Life, a voting poll for the best and worst dressed attendees was conducted on January 6, 2025. Among the best-dressed nominees are Zendaya, Demi Moore, Nicole Kidman, Pamela Anderson, Zoe Saldana, and Andrew Garfield.

Ali Wong is currently leading the Worst Dressed category with her striking red surgical gown paired with black gloves, which has drawn harsh criticism. One commentator remarked, "This style inspired by Elmo would be better suited for a return to Sesame Street."

Ariana Grande, who posed for an unfortunate photo alongside the tall Nicole Kidman, is in second place for Worst Dressed. Although she wore a Givenchy dress, the long style only accentuated her petite stature, making it a poor choice compared to her charming looks during her time in the film 'Wicked.'

Other nominees for Worst Dressed include Heidi Klum, Melissa McCarthy, Angelina Jolie, and Eddie Redmayne, all of whom have left fans feeling disappointed.

In a notable moment at the Golden Globes, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, actor Lee Jung-jae and director Hwang Dong-hyuk attended the ceremony for their Netflix original series 'Squid Game 2,' which was nominated for Best Picture. The duo made a striking appearance in black suits. Despite the buzz surrounding 'Squid Game 2' prior to its official release, it ultimately lost to the strong contender 'Shogun' from Disney+.

"엘모 드레스야?"..엘리 웡x아리아나 그란데, '골든글로브' 최악의 드레서[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Ariana Grande and Ali Wong Compete for Worst Dressed at Golden Globes

On January 4, 2025, renowned American designer Ralph Lauren, aged 86, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden at the White House. This honor marks him as the first fashion designer to receive the medal since its establishment by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to American prosperity, values, national security, and world peace. Notable past recipients include civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., former President Ronald Reagan, acclaimed author Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa, and legendary tennis star Billie Jean King, among others.

Since founding the Ralph Lauren brand in 1967, Lauren has been hailed as the father of American fashion, embodying the essence of American style. Rising from humble beginnings as the son of immigrants, he became a self-made entrepreneur, fashion designer, and philanthropist. Although he never formally studied design, his innate sense of style led him to redefine 'American' fashion, starting with necktie designs and expanding into menswear, womenswear, children's clothing, home collections, and even restaurants. He is the only designer to have won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards for 'Menswear Designer of the Year,' 'Womenswear Designer of the Year,' 'Designer of the Year,' and the 'Lifetime Achievement Award.' Actress Audrey Hepburn praised him during the 1992 CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, stating that he created a comprehensive concept of fashion and style, maintaining it with consistency and integrity while reminding us of the best in life.

In 2006, The New York Times coined the term 'very Ralph Lauren' to describe self-made individuals, further solidifying his influence. Lauren is also actively involved in cancer awareness and treatment initiatives. The Wall Street Journal noted that through the Ralph Lauren Corporation Foundation, he has established cancer centers in the U.S. and Europe, working to address disparities in cancer treatment.

Throughout his career, Lauren has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2014, he was honored with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal from the Smithsonian Institution for his contributions to the restoration and preservation of the early American flag featured in the War of 1812. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in art, science, history, education, and technology. Additionally, he has received the French government's Legion of Honor and is the first American designer to be awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

랄프 로렌, 패션 디자이너 최초로 미 ‘대통령 자유의 메달’ 받아

Ralph Lauren Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden

The girl group Baby Monster is making waves in the music scene with their exceptional talent, successfully capturing the hearts of global fans. Their title track 'DRIP' from their first studio album has recently soared to impressive heights on various music charts. As of January 8, 2025, YG Entertainment reported that 'DRIP' reached 10th place on Melon's HOT100 and 26th on the TOP100. Additionally, it secured the 8th spot on Bugs and continues to break its own records on major domestic music platforms like Genie, Flo, and Vibe.

The group's remarkable live performance skills and stage presence are believed to be key factors in their rising music rankings. Recently, they showcased 'DRIP' during the '2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon' (가요대전), receiving widespread acclaim from music fans both domestically and internationally with their signature handheld microphone live performance.

The performance video uploaded on SBS's official YouTube channel on December 25, 2024, has already surpassed 5 million views, marking the second-highest view count for a rookie group, following YG's senior girl group 2NE1. This achievement highlights their significant impact despite being newcomers to the year-end stage.

Moreover, their one-take live performance on Japan's YouTube channel 'THE FIRST TAKE' has also gained traction, surpassing 5 million views within two weeks of its release. The high-quality live rendition has been met with praise, and the video continues to rank among the top trending videos. With their appearances on various platforms, Baby Monster has consistently garnered millions of views, indicating their growing influence and potential for expansion in the future.

Baby Monster is set to kick off their first world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR IN SEOUL,' on January 25 and 26 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, before heading to the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok to connect with fans worldwide.

베이비몬스터, 음원 차트 역주행 파워..멈춤 없는 상승세

Baby Monster Captivates Global Fans with 'DRIP' Success

Lim Kim (림킴), also known as Kim Ye-rim, has teamed up with veteran artist Kim Chang-wan for a touching musical collaboration that has captivated fans. Released on January 7, 2025, Lim Kim's latest single 'Choya' is a reinterpretation of a track from Kim Chang-wan's debut solo album 'Essays with Guitar'. The unique blend of Lim Kim's distinctive vocal tone and Kim Chang-wan's signature straightforward voice brings a fresh charm to the original song, garnering significant attention.

What makes this release even more special is that Kim Chang-wan himself joins Lim Kim for a duet, adding a deeper significance to the project. The accompanying music video showcases the two artists traveling in separate cars, each enjoying the scenery in their own way, yet creating a cozy atmosphere that suggests they are in the same space. As the video progresses, they eventually meet and exchange warm greetings, creating a heartwarming moment that symbolizes the musical connection that transcends time and generations.

Reimagined through the arrangement of Jeong Jin-hee, Lim Kim's 'Choya' deepens the youthful essence of the original, presenting it in a more sophisticated and refined manner. The enchanting quality of Lim Kim's voice harmonizes beautifully with Kim Chang-wan's warm tones, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Additionally, Kim Chang-wan's guitar playing enhances the emotional depth of the track, amplifying its impact.

림킴(김예림)x김창완. 신곡 '초아' 듀엣→MV도 함께 출연…빛나는 선후배 케미

Lim Kim and Kim Chang-wan Collaborate on Heartfelt New Single 'Choya'

'곽정욱♥' 박세영, 결혼 3년 만에 임신 "6월 출산 예정" [공식입장]

On January 7, it was announced that actress Park Se-young (박세영) is pregnant and is expecting her first child in June. This news comes three years after her marriage to actor Kwak Jung-wook (곽정욱). When their wedding was first revealed, there were rumors of a premarital pregnancy, but those claims were unfounded.

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook first met while starring in the drama School 2013 (학교 2013), where they played top student Song Ha-kyung and troublemaker Oh Jung-ho, respectively. Their performances alongside notable actors like Lee Jong-suk (이종석), Kim Woo-bin (김우빈), and Jang Na-ra (장나라) helped revive the beloved School series after a decade.

From their initial connection, the two developed a friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. Park Se-young, born in 1988, is two years older than her husband, who was born in 1990. They quietly nurtured their relationship and tied the knot in February 2022.

At the time of their marriage, representatives clarified that while they met on the set of School 2013, they had not been dating for a decade, nor was there a premarital pregnancy. Now, three years later, the couple is excited to welcome their first child.

Kwak Jung-wook debuted as a child actor in 1996 and has appeared in numerous dramas, including When a Woman Loves (여자가 사랑할 때), Three Men and Three Women (남자 셋 여자 셋), and The King’s Path (대왕의 길). Park Se-young also began her career as a child actress and gained recognition in dramas such as The Divine (신의) and My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol (내딸, 금사월), where she showcased her talent as a villain. She has also starred in various other series and films, including Whisper (귓속말) and The Cat Funeral (고양이 장례식).

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook Expecting Their First Child

In the latest episode of Salon Drip 2, actor Song Joong-ki opened up about his children, showcasing his affectionate side. The episode, titled 'Our Dad Roars,' premiered on January 7, 2025, on the Salon Drip 2 channel.

During the show, Lee Hee-joon, who met Song Joong-ki for the first time, shared how his close friend Jin Sun-kyu praised Song, leading to their collaboration on a film project. They described their acting discussions as a form of study, where they interpret the same script in different ways and engage in improvisation. Song Joong-ki expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, noting that he had never formally studied acting and found the experience enlightening. He even mentioned reinterpreting a script from the historical drama 'Deep Rooted Tree' in a modern context, which surprised viewers.

As the show progressed, the conversation shifted to family. Lee Hee-joon was caught on camera saying, 'Dad is working,' during a call with the production team, explaining that his child loves to play and keeps him busy. He humorously noted that his son thinks he is a bookworm because he often reads scripts, while his mother is known for her role in the soccer variety show 'Goal Digger.'

Lee Hee-joon also shared insights about his six-year-old son, revealing that he is a talented artist with a sensitive nature, having previously been a national basketball player.

When asked about Song Joong-ki's children, the conversation turned to their resemblance to their parents. Song Joong-ki, who married former actress Katie Louise Saunders in 2023 and welcomed a son in Rome, Italy, shared that his first child has his lips but resembles his wife in the eyes, while the second child has his wife's nose.

He expressed a desire for his children to inherit their mother's linguistic abilities, as she is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and French. Song Joong-ki mentioned that he admires her dedication to learning Korean and hopes their children will also develop strong language skills, enhancing their quality of life.

Song Joong-ki Shares Heartwarming Insights About His Children on Salon Drip 2

Actor Choi Min-young is set to expand his global presence once again with the upcoming release of 'XO, Kitty' Season 2. This series is a spin-off of the popular Netflix show 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before,' which gained significant attention worldwide when it premiered in 2023. Choi Min-young reprises his role as Dae, Kitty's boyfriend, and is expected to captivate audiences with his performance in the new season.

In December, Choi participated in the overseas promotion for 'XO, Kitty Season 2' in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where he engaged in extensive promotional activities. He conducted interviews with major media outlets such as Deadline and BuzzFeed, as well as global magazines like Teen Vogue, showcasing his commitment to the series. Notably, he also attended the screening event for Netflix's 'Squid Game Season 2' in LA, further solidifying his status as a key figure in K-content.

In Season 1 of 'XO, Kitty,' Choi Min-young's portrayal of Dae, the reason behind Kitty's transfer to KISS (Korean International School of Seoul), was well-received, highlighting his fluent English and the authentic emotions of a teenager. As anticipation builds for Season 2, fans are eager to see what new charms he will bring to the character.

Additionally, Choi Min-young is currently performing in the musical 'Clover' on the Daehakro stage, and 'XO, Kitty Season 2' is set to premiere globally on January 16. He previously gained recognition for his role as Nam Joo-hyuk's younger brother in tvN's 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One.'

Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career with the release of their new digital single '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' (Today Only I LOVE YOU) on January 6 at 6 PM. The track debuted at number 38 on the Melon daily chart on January 7, marking the group's highest achievement to date. After entering the daily chart at number 45, the song has climbed in rankings, reaching number 4 on Melon's 'Top 100', number 10 on Bugs, and number 22 on Genie, showcasing their impressive growth.

Additionally, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' entered the Korean Spotify 'Daily Top Songs' chart at number 27 on January 6 and secured the 10th position on the Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' chart in Korea on January 8, making it the highest-ranking K-pop boy group song on that day.

The single is also gaining traction in the global market, having reached number 1 on Japan's LINE MUSIC 'Top 100' chart on January 7, maintaining its position until 7 AM, and reclaiming the top spot again on January 8. Furthermore, it debuted at number 3 on QQ Music's rising chart in China, making BOYNEXTDOOR the only K-pop group in the 'Top 3' of that chart.

Musically, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' is a dance track that presents a unique perspective on post-breakup experiences, blending self-deprecating lyrics with an upbeat band sound to create a relatable breakup anthem. BOYNEXTDOOR is set to showcase their new song on music shows over the coming week.

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

On the January 7 episode of SBS's entertainment show 'Dolsing Po Man' (돌싱포맨), actress Kim Ji-hoo shared the captivating love story of her relationship with husband Kim Ho-jin. During the show, she reflected on a pivotal moment in her life that transformed her career, recalling how her iconic short haircut in the 1990s sparked a 'bob cut syndrome' at a time when long hair was the norm. 

When asked about her first encounter with Kim Ho-jin, she revealed that they initially disliked each other, to the point where she would suggest leaving when he arrived on set. However, the atmosphere among the drama team was lively, and during a night out, she confronted him about his feelings towards her. This boldness was perceived as cute by Kim Ho-jin, leading to a change in their dynamic. 

Kim Ji-hoo clarified that Kim Ho-jin never truly disliked her, and after they opened up to each other, they quickly became friends. Their relationship took a romantic turn when they met again at a rock café, where she initiated their first kiss. This marked the beginning of their love story, which eventually led to their marriage, leaving viewers in awe of their 'drama-like' romance.

Actress Park Se-young Announces Pregnancy

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Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook Expecting Their First Child

Song Joong-ki Shares Heartwarming Insights About His Children on Salon Drip 2

Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

Kim Ji-hoo Reveals Love Story with Husband Kim Ho-jin on 'Dolsing Po Man'

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Ariana Grande and Ali Wong Compete for Worst Dressed at Golden Globes

Ralph Lauren Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden

Baby Monster Captivates Global Fans with 'DRIP' Success

Lim Kim and Kim Chang-wan Collaborate on Heartfelt New Single 'Choya'

Actress Park Se-young Announces Pregnancy

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