The appeal hearing for former Marine Corps investigation chief Colonel Park Jeong-hoon, who was acquitted of charges related to insubordination and defamation of a superior, is scheduled to begin on April 18. Colonel Park was previously involved in the investigation of a Marine's death during a search operation following heavy rainfall in July 2023. After reporting his findings and suggesting the case be handed over to the police, he received a directive from former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop to withhold the transfer. Park chose to proceed with the police referral, leading to his prosecution by the Ministry of National Defense's prosecution office in October 2023. However, the Central Military Court ruled in January that Park's actions did not constitute insubordination, as the orders he received were deemed unjustifiable. The court also found insufficient evidence to support the defamation claim against him.

Appeal Hearing for Former Marine Corps Investigator Set for April 18

On March 15, 2025, KBS2's variety show Salim Namja-deul 2 (살림하는 남자들2) kicked off a new project titled 'Chueok Salim Nam' featuring former One Time member Song Baek-kyung as its first guest. The episode highlighted Song as a devoted father to his two sons, 9-year-old Song Ru-bin and 8-year-old Song Ru-an. Since marrying in 2016 and welcoming his first child in 2017, Song has been on a fast-paced journey through fatherhood.

He explained his absence from the entertainment scene, stating, "I felt that I wasn't living as a celebrity, so I declined offers to appear on shows." He also mentioned that he had instructed his children not to discuss his past as a singer and entertainer, emphasizing that he wanted to keep that part of his life private.

After dropping his kids off at taekwondo class, Song visited KBS, where he had previously worked as a voice actor for two years. He shared that his first child was conceived during his honeymoon, and both of his sons are part of his journey with One Time. As he transitioned into fatherhood, he sought a stable income that would allow him to utilize his skills, leading him to enroll in night classes to become a voice actor.

When asked if he had completely stepped away from broadcasting, Song clarified, "I avoid shows that require me to be on camera, but I continue to work as a voice actor, recording for major brand advertisements, including fast-food and bank commercials."

He expressed his motivation for joining Salim Namja-deul, stating, "As my children start learning Hangul, they search for me online and find videos of me performing on stage. They ask why I’m not on TV anymore, and I wanted to show them that even though I’m not a singer now, I’m still working hard in a different way."

Regarding his former One Time bandmates, Song mentioned that they still keep in touch, although their paths have diverged. He noted that Danny is now a father of two in the U.S., and he last heard that Oh Jin-hwan is running a café in Jeju Island. He also spoke about Teddy, the leader of One Time, who has become a significant figure in K-pop, producing hits for groups like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and BLACKPINK. Song remarked, "Teddy and I are on completely different paths now, and I felt awkward reaching out. I last saw him at my wedding."

In addition to his voice acting career, Song has recently opened a chicken skewer business, which he has been running for four months. He stated, "My family is my source of strength. I live for them."

‘연예계 은퇴’ 송백경, KBS 성우+자영업자로 변신 “두 子 위해 출연” (‘살림남’)[종합]

Song Baek-kyung Transitions to Voice Acting and Entrepreneurship on 'Salim Nam'

Mark, a member of the popular group NCT (소속: SM엔터테인먼트), is set to release his highly anticipated first solo album titled 'The Firstfruit' (더 퍼스트프루트) on April 7. This album will feature a total of 13 tracks, including the title song '1999' (일구구구), along with previously released singles '200' (이백) and 'Fraktsiya' (프락치) featuring Lee Young-ji (이영지). 

'The Firstfruit' draws inspiration from four cities that have significantly shaped Mark's life: his hometown Toronto, his first place of residence New York, the city where he spent his school years Vancouver, and Seoul, where he is pursuing his dreams as an artist. The album is structured into four sections, each reflecting the emotions and atmospheres of these cities. 

This project encapsulates Mark's growth from childhood through his journey as a member of NCT and now as a solo artist, marking a significant milestone in his career. It is expected to resonate deeply with Mark and his dedicated fans as it represents the fruits of his relentless efforts and challenges. 

Additionally, Mark will be pre-releasing the track '+82 Pressin' (Feat. 해찬)' (+팔이 프레신) on March 19 at 6 PM across various music platforms, further heightening anticipation for the album with the collaboration showcasing the impressive synergy between Mark and Haechan (해찬). 

To enhance the experience for fans, a variety of offline promotions are being planned, allowing them to engage with the album in multiple ways. Details regarding these promotions will be shared sequentially through NCT's official social media accounts. 

Pre-orders for Mark's first solo album 'The Firstfruit' have begun today (March 14) at various online and offline music stores.

NCT 마크, 4월 7일 첫 솔로 앨범 'The Firstfruit' 발매[공식]

NCT's Mark to Release First Solo Album 'The Firstfruit' on April 7

On March 15, Xiumin (시우민) made a guest appearance on MBC's entertainment program 'Point of Omniscient Interference' (전지적 참견 시점) alongside Yoon Eun-hye (윤은혜). After finishing his dance practice for a new song, Xiumin met up with members of his futsal team, who are long-time friends from elementary school. He shared, "I meet my childhood friends more often than my celebrity friends. We've known each other for 23 years since elementary school." 

During the gathering, Xiumin surprised everyone by gifting cash to a friend who recently welcomed a baby, presenting 1 million won as a birth support gift. He humorously remarked, "This year alone, five friends have had babies. It seems like they are having more kids to receive money. I heard the birth rate actually increased last year by 0.75%. The children have a bright future ahead." 

Xiumin also expressed pride in being popular among his friends' wives and, when asked about his own family plans, he stated, "I would prefer a daughter. I wouldn't want a son like me." 

Known for his generosity, Xiumin shared that instead of giving his younger brother pocket money, he bought him a car. He has also provided his parents with a house and a car, and every year on their birthdays, he gives them money equivalent to their age plus an additional zero, which drew cheers from the audience.

시우민, 재력 어마어마 “애 낳은 친구에 출산지원금→부모님께 집·차·용돈까지”(전참시)

Xiumin Shows Off His Wealth on MBC's 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

On the March 14 episode of Channel A's 'My Precious Child' (요즘 육아 - 금쪽같은 내 새끼), the struggles of actress Lee Sang-in's wife, who is raising three sons, were highlighted. During the show, Dr. Oh Eun-young observed the behavior of their eldest son, Geumjok, and decided to pause the recording to meet with the family directly. After assessing Geumjok, Dr. Oh expressed concerns about communication difficulties, suggesting he may be on the autism spectrum. This diagnosis brought tears to Lee Sang-in's wife, who had previously denied such concerns.

However, the couple faces another significant challenge: the mother's depression. Lee Sang-in's wife appeared visibly exhausted from caring for their three children alone. Dr. Oh noted that her emotional and physical energy was depleted, stating, "It's as if the container is about to develop holes from being scraped clean."

Dr. Oh further explained the implications of the mother's depression on the children, warning that it could lead to difficulties in discipline and emotional responses. "When a mother is depressed, children become sensitive to her mood, and studies show that about 40% of children with depressed parents also experience feelings of sadness themselves," she said.

Throughout the episode, Lee Sang-in's wife expressed her overwhelming feelings, saying, "There were times when the reality of waking up to the same day felt suffocating. I came to Miryang believing in you, but I often wonder, 'What did I do wrong? Why am I here?' I sometimes just want to run away. If there were a resignation letter for housewives, I would want to submit it."

Dr. Oh encouraged her to seek professional help, asking if she had ever visited a hospital for her mental health. The wife admitted, "I wanted to go about two years ago, but I felt ashamed. In a small town, just going to the hospital felt embarrassing, and I didn't like myself."

She shared that she had recently visited a doctor who prescribed medication due to her deteriorating condition. However, she stopped taking the medication after three days, feeling it made her too lethargic to care for her children. "I thought, 'This is my problem; I just need to get it together,'" she explained.

Dr. Oh reassured her that struggling with such extreme parenting challenges does not reflect a lack of love for her children or personal weakness. She emphasized the importance of maintaining mental health, stating, "Taking medication won't solve everything, but it can help stabilize your mental health so you can cope better. Remember, being a mother doesn't mean you have to endure everything alone. It's crucial to take care of yourself too."

이상인 아내, 삼형제 육아→극심한 우울증..“주부 사표 내고파” 절규 (‘금쪽’)[종합]

Actress Lee Sang-in's Wife Shows Signs of Depression on 'My Precious Child'

Yuseonsu Entertainment has officially been appointed as the management partner for the Top 7 contestants of Mister Trot 3. On March 14, CEO Yoo Byung-jae announced that the agency will oversee the careers of Kim Yong-bin, Son Bin-ah, Cheon Rok-dam, Chun Gil, Choi Jae-myung, Nam Seung-min, and Choo Hyuk-jin.

Yoo expressed his excitement about working with the talented Top 7 members, stating, "I am thrilled to collaborate with such skilled and gifted artists. We will actively support them in showcasing their full potential."

To achieve this, Yoo emphasized a structured management approach that includes providing the best stage experiences for the artists, creating optimal conditions for individual activities, and ensuring close communication between the agency and the artists for comprehensive support.

Mister Trot 3, aired on TV Chosun, has captivated audiences with its heartfelt stories, thrilling competitions, and high-quality performances, consistently achieving high viewership ratings. The show has maintained the number one spot in ratings across all channels, including terrestrial, general programming, and cable, for 12 consecutive weeks, proving its popularity among viewers.

Yuseonsu Entertainment is a newly established management company by Yoo Byung-jae, who previously led successful management at JJ Entertainment, representing artists like Koyote and Na Sang-do from Mister Trot 2. With years of experience in artist development, Yoo has built a strong network and expertise in the industry. Industry insiders anticipate that his systematic planning and practical experience will lead to new trends in the K-trot market.

The agency aims to not only invigorate the domestic trot market but also to cultivate artists with global competitiveness through professional management, leveraging the opportunity presented by managing the Top 7 from Mister Trot 3.

김용빈·손빈아·천록담 등 ‘미스터트롯3′ 톱7 매니지먼트사에 ’유선수엔터테인먼트’ 

Yuseonsu Entertainment Takes Charge of Mister Trot 3 Top 7 Management

On March 15, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Goldmedalist, issued a statement refuting the recent claims made by the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (commonly known as 가세연) during a live broadcast on March 14. The agency emphasized that the photos shared by 가세연 were taken on December 14, 2019, and argued that there is no justification for the indiscriminate release of images related to Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron's private lives. They urged for an end to the dissemination of personal information.

Goldmedalist also acknowledged the statement made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, expressing deep sympathy for her unimaginable pain following the loss of her daughter. They conveyed their sorrow over the hardships Kim Sae-ron faced during her life and expressed their understanding of the concerns raised by her mother regarding media coverage.

While the agency agreed with some of the points made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, they noted that there are aspects of her claims that differ from their perspective. They suggested that there may be information that she is not yet aware of and stated that publicly debating these issues would not be appropriate for honoring Kim Sae-ron's memory. Goldmedalist expressed a desire to meet with her mother to provide a thorough explanation and invited her to contact the agency at any time.

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from 가세연 regarding a supposed 'grooming' crime, claiming he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor. The agency clarified that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron did have a past relationship, they only dated from the summer of 2019, when she was an adult, until the fall of 2020. They also refuted claims that they pressured Kim Sae-ron regarding a compensation demand related to her DUI incident, stating that the legal documents were part of a process to address losses incurred by her former agency. Goldmedalist has announced plans for strong legal action against the false allegations made by 가세연.

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations and Seeks Communication with Kim Sae-ron's Family

Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has publicly criticized the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) for spreading personal information about the actor. The channel recently alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, claiming they dated for six years since her third year of middle school and raising suspicions of 'grooming' behavior. They also accused Gold Medalist of pressuring Kim Sae-ron regarding a 700 million KRW penalty related to her drunk driving incident, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun was complicit in this situation.

In response, Kim Sae-ron's family, including her mother and aunt, expressed their desire to restore her reputation, stating that Kim Soo-hyun portrayed her as a liar. Gold Medalist confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun did date Kim Sae-ron, their relationship only occurred after she turned 18, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They clarified that the legal documents sent to Kim Sae-ron were part of a process to address losses incurred by her previous agency due to her drunk driving incident, and they did not pressure her for payment.

On March 15, Gold Medalist condemned the release of a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, taken on December 14, 2019, stating there is no justification for such an invasion of privacy. They also acknowledged the immense pain Kim Sae-ron's mother is experiencing after her loss, expressing their condolences while also empathizing with her concerns regarding media coverage of her daughter.

Gold Medalist emphasized that some of the claims made by Kim Sae-ron's mother differ from their perspective and suggested that there may be information she is not yet aware of. They expressed a desire to meet with her in person to provide a thorough explanation, inviting her to contact their office at any time.

As Kim Soo-hyun faces ongoing scrutiny from the allegations made by Garo Sero Research Institute, his agency's request for a meeting with Kim Sae-ron's mother has drawn significant attention. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun continues to participate in his scheduled activities, including filming for the MBC variety show 'Good Day' (굿데이).

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron

Beauty brand Dinto has decided to terminate its advertising model contract with actor Kim Soo-hyun, who has recently been embroiled in allegations regarding his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time. On March 15, Dinto announced, "We have decided to end our advertising model contract with Kim Soo-hyun. Given the recent controversies, we believe it is important to uphold the principles of good faith and integrity in our partnership. Therefore, we could not proceed with an official statement or contract termination until we received a position statement from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency." 

According to Dinto, the contract with Kim Soo-hyun was set for one year and was valid until August 2025. The company further stated, "After confirming the agency's position, we have determined that there are significant reasons that make it difficult to fulfill the advertising model contract. We are currently in the process of officially terminating the contract through our legal counsel." 

Dinto emphasized that this decision was made to protect the values of the brand and consumer trust. They added, "We will continue to make careful and responsible decisions that align with consumer trust and pursue more meaningful projects to realize our values." 

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) and Kim Sae-ron's family, claiming that he was in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was in middle school, starting from when she was 15 years old and continuing for six years. 

On March 14, Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, released a second statement addressing the allegations. They confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were indeed former lovers, their relationship began after Kim Sae-ron turned 18, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. 

In a statement through 'Garo Sero,' Kim Sae-ron's mother asserted, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She has never pretended to be someone else for attention, nor was she a child who only enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create dating rumors through manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and Cyber Leakers have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of an ordinary and promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist has portrayed Sae-ron as a crazy girl who lies about her intentions regarding the photos she posted."

Dinto Terminates Contract with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Controversy

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has publicly addressed the media regarding the false narratives surrounding her daughter. In a statement released on March 14 through a YouTube channel, she expressed that their goal is to restore the tarnished reputation of her daughter, who was unfairly affected by numerous misleading articles. She emphasized the need to hold accountable malicious YouTubers and cyber bullies who have contributed to this situation.

A stated, "Sae-ron never lied to the media. She did not engage in gambling or pretend to work part-time. She was not a girl who only enjoyed nightlife with friends, nor did she create false dating rumors through manipulated photos." She lamented that since Sae-ron's passing, there have been outrageous claims about her being a 'girl head of the household' and that her family squandered her earnings, leading to a plethora of baseless articles that are not worth reading.

A further elaborated on the impact of these false articles, stating that they targeted her young daughter, who had just turned twenty, and that Sae-ron bore the brunt of vicious personal attacks alone. She described the three years of suffering that Sae-ron endured, likening it to being bullied by the public due to the false reports initiated by a figure named Lee Jin-ho.

The family hopes to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime and wishes for legal and institutional measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.

The family has also claimed that Kim Sae-ron was in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old, a statement that Kim Soo-hyun's side has denied as false. However, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' has released letters and photos allegedly sent by Kim Soo-hyun during his military service, further complicating the narrative. They also claimed that a gold medalist demanded compensation from Kim Sae-ron following her DUI incident.

Mother of Late Actress Kim Sae-ron Speaks Out Against False Reports

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has finally broken her silence, asserting that her daughter never lied about working at a coffee shop and was subjected to bullying by the public. She expressed a desire for her daughter's honor to be restored.

On March 14, the 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소), claiming to represent Kim Sae-ron's family, released a statement purportedly from her mother. The institute noted that Kim's mother preferred not to reveal her voice, so they used AI technology to present her statement.

In her statement, Kim Sae-ron's mother said, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She never pretended to work part-time or was just a girl who enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create false dating rumors with manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of a promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist labeled her as a 'crazy girl' who lied about her intentions in the photos she posted. Now that Sae-ron is gone, there are outrageous false articles claiming she was a breadwinner for her family and that they squandered hundreds of billions earned from her. These articles are not worth seeing or reading."

She continued, "The ones who trampled on my fallen child and kicked her while she was down are Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters. There were also irresponsible media outlets that spread the false narratives written by Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, along with various malicious commenters who supported them. Sae-ron endured this for three years, sleepless and lonely. This is akin to the collective bullying she faced from the public due to the false articles triggered by Lee Jin-ho."

She added, "If Professor Kwon Young-chan from the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association had not reached out to us, and if Kim Se-yi from Garo Sero had not offered help, our family would have been scapegoats to Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, carrying the burden of Sae-ron's tarnished reputation for life."

In conclusion, she stated, "The actions of Lee Jin-ho and his associates are criminal. It is difficult to hold them accountable for murder within the outdated legal framework. We, the bereaved family, wish to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime, correct the false articles that are entirely untrue, and hope that legal and institutional measures are established to prevent such incidents from happening again, ensuring that the media fulfills its responsibilities."

Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, at the age of 25. A friend who was supposed to meet her discovered her unresponsive and reported it. Police stated that there were no signs of foul play.

In connection with this, the Garo Sero Institute alleged that actor Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since her minor years, raising suspicions of 'grooming.' They also claimed that Gold Medalist pressured Kim Sae-ron with a 700 million won compensation notice and that Kim Soo-hyun turned a blind eye to it.

In response, Gold Medalist issued an urgent statement on March 14, denying the allegations and clarifying that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult. They also refuted claims regarding the compensation notice, stating it was merely a legal procedure related to a penalty from Kim Sae-ron's DUI incident and not a demand for payment.

Appeal Hearing for Former Marine Corps Investigator Set for April 18

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