On April 2, 2025, the K-pop group BABYMONSTER departed from Incheon International Airport to Osaka, Japan, for their overseas schedule. The group is currently on their debut world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR,' which has already seen successful concerts in cities like Seoul, Newark, Los Angeles, Kanagawa, and Aichi. They are set to continue their performances in Japan, starting with Osaka on April 3. Overall, the tour will cover 20 cities across Asia and newly added North American dates, totaling 32 shows to connect with fans worldwide.

BABYMONSTER Depart for Osaka as Part of Their First World Tour

Ha Jung-woo has declared, "I think I've finally found my style." His latest comedy film, 'Lobby' (로비), showcases a refined version of his unique humor. The actor and director shared insights about the film during an interview on April 2 at the Showbox office in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, coinciding with the film's release.

'Lobby' tells the story of Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), a startup CEO who, unfamiliar with lobbying, embarks on his first golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won government project. This marks Ha's third directorial effort, following 'Roller Coaster' (롤러코스터) and 'The Client' (허삼관), where he takes on both directing and leading roles.

Despite preparing an ambitious promotional schedule, Ha faced a health setback when he underwent emergency surgery for acute appendicitis on March 25, missing the press screening on the same day. However, he appeared healthy during the interview, stating, "I’m recovering well," and humorously added, "I had my appendix burst, so I took a good rest."

Ha, who was eager to promote 'Lobby', left the hospital two days earlier than recommended on March 28, saying, "I had to attend the GV (Guest Visit) event, where I had invited actress Yoon Ji-suk. I was also disappointed to miss the press screening that evening, where I had arranged for Lee Soo-ji to attend. The hospital wanted me to stay until Sunday, but I left two days early."

Reflecting on the audience's reactions after the screening, he noted, "During the GV, many fans were present, and they seemed to have a positive view. I was a bit dazed from the strong painkillers I had taken, so I couldn't fully grasp the atmosphere. However, I felt good reading the positive reviews that came in after the VIP screening."

This film is significant for Ha, as it is his first directorial project in ten years since 'The Client'. He explained, "I had written 'Seoul Times' and was unsure if I could handle it well. I decided to wait until I felt certain, and then I came across 'Lobby'." He added that he had been conceptualizing the film since 2021, inspired by his experiences learning golf during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Ha shared that his personal experiences influenced the film's narrative. He observed, "When I go golfing, I notice a lot of pretense. People often say things like, 'I’m not feeling well today' or 'I might not hit the ball well.' But once we start playing, everyone has their own style. I found it interesting how people's true characters emerge on the golf course."

He also discussed the film's themes, including a subplot involving a wireless charging system for electric cars, inspired by a friend's caution as a public servant. Ha noted, "He always attaches a name tag to his golf bag with his son's name to avoid misunderstandings. This led me to explore the complexities of public service and the potential for innovation in electric vehicle charging."

The character of the antagonist, Manager Choi (played by Kim Ui-sung), is based on people Ha has encountered in real life. He described Choi as someone who believes he is charming and sophisticated, yet is perceived as uncomfortable and unlikable by others. Ha humorously remarked that he drew from his own experiences with difficult personalities to create this character.

'Lobby' features a more polished version of Ha's signature humor, which he attributes to careful attention to timing and pacing. He explained, "In 'Roller Coaster', I used my own pacing, but I realized it was a film that only I could enjoy. For 'Lobby', I asked editor Kim Sang-beom to help adjust the tempo. I tend to speed things up, so I wanted to ensure a balanced edit."

Ha also reflected on his directorial style, stating, "I tend to be expressionless in real life, which contrasts with the expressive characters we see in films. I want to portray the hidden desires and true emotions of people."

Regarding the use of profanity for comedic effect, he acknowledged its controversial nature but viewed it as a natural part of dialogue. He mentioned, "In our film, Park Hae-soo's character uses a lot of strong language, but it’s not meant to carry a negative connotation. It’s just part of the character's expression."

Having worked with many esteemed directors, Ha acknowledged their influence on his own filmmaking approach. He praised director Choi Dong-hoon for his deep affection for actors and his meticulous attention to character development. Ha also noted the action sequences in 'Lobby', which were ultimately cut during editing, emphasizing the importance of efficient shooting methods he learned from director Ryu Seung-wan.

As 'Lobby' hits theaters, Ha expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about its release, especially given the current climate. He remarked, "People around me have asked if I’m nervous about the timing, but I believe it’s all part of nature’s flow. I didn’t decide this alone; it just happened. I’m grateful for the opportunity to release this film."

In closing, Ha hopes audiences find joy in 'Lobby', saying, "I want it to be a fun experience. If it resonates with you, I hope you enjoy it. Each film is meaningful to me, but ultimately, it’s about the audience's enjoyment. I appreciate any laughter and memories it brings."

'Lobby' premiered in theaters nationwide on April 2.

'로비' 하정우 감독 "'롤러코스터' 이을 블랙코미디, 노선이 정해졌다" [인터뷰](종합)

Ha Jung-woo Returns with 'Lobby': A Blend of Comedy and Personal Experience

On the April 2 episode of Channel A's My Man's Life - Groom Class (요즘 남자 라이프-신랑수업), Eun Ga-eun (은가은) revealed that she has been experiencing symptoms similar to early pregnancy as she prepares for her upcoming wedding. During a conversation with Lee Da-hae (이다해) and Shim Jin-hwa (심진화), Eun Ga-eun candidly shared her feelings of confusion, stating, "I feel like I don't want to have the wedding anymore." She expressed her usual emotional stability has been disrupted, leading to increased irritability. Despite wanting to feel secure after marrying her fiancé Park Hyun-ho (박현호), she worries about the possibility of not achieving that stability.

Lee Da-hae empathized, recalling her own struggles with pre-wedding anxiety, which she later learned was a case of "marriage blues." Shim Jin-hwa conducted a self-diagnosis test for marriage blues with Eun Ga-eun, who admitted to feeling uncertain about her decision to marry. Lee Da-hae shared her own doubts about her husband, revealing that her feelings were more about her own sensitivity than any changes in her partner.

Eun Ga-eun noted significant emotional fluctuations, sometimes crying unexpectedly, and even mentioned a weight gain of 7 kg, raising concerns among her friends. She described her current weight as 53-54 kg, up from her usual 47 kg, and reported discomfort in her wrists and back. Lee Da-hae remarked that such symptoms are often associated with pregnancy, which added to the surprise of the group.

Additionally, Eun Ga-eun expressed her anxiety about the wedding itself, feeling overwhelmed by the expectations surrounding it. She mentioned her limited social interactions, with only about 200 contacts in her phone, and her desire for a simple, quiet ceremony. However, the pressure from others about the scale of the wedding, especially marrying a celebrity, has made her feel like she has to consider others' opinions too much, despite it being her special day with the person she loves.

‘박현호♥’은가은, 결혼 앞두고 임신 소식? “12시간 수면+7kg 증가” (’신랑수업’)[종합]

Eun Ga-eun Expresses Anxiety Over Wedding and Pregnancy Symptoms on 'My Man's Life - Groom Class'

EXO's Kai is set to celebrate his comeback with a showcase event. On April 21 at 6 PM KST, he will release his fourth mini album, ‘Wait On Me’ (웨이트 온 미), across various music platforms. Following the album launch, a showcase will take place at 8 PM KST at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, where Kai will meet fans in person.

This showcase marks Kai's first solo performance since his debut in 2020, and he will unveil the title track ‘Wait On Me’ live for the first time. Fans can also look forward to hearing various stories related to the album, making it a highly anticipated event.

Additionally, the showcase will be streamed live on YouTube and the Weverse EXO channel, allowing fans worldwide to join in on the excitement of Kai's long-awaited return as a 'world-class performer.'

On April 3 at 6 PM KST, Kai will pre-release the track ‘Adult Swim’ (어덜트 스윔), which features a relaxed yet cheerful vibe. Earlier today, a teaser for the ‘Adult Swim’ music video was released on the SMTOWN YouTube channel, showcasing the song's refreshing visuals and atmosphere.

The new track ‘Adult Swim’ is an upbeat pop song characterized by a simple yet energetic drum loop, with lyrics that metaphorically depict two people swimming together fearlessly in the depths of love.

엑소 카이, 21일 컴백 쇼케이스 개최..‘월클’ 퍼포머의 귀환

EXO's Kai to Hold Comeback Showcase for New Mini Album

JYP Entertainment's girl group NiziU has heightened anticipation for their music show activities by releasing behind-the-scenes photos from the music video for their new song 'LOVE LINE (운명선)' on April 3. 

NiziU made their comeback on March 31 with the release of their second Korean single 'LOVE LINE' and its title track 'LOVE LINE (운명선)'. They will kick off their promotional activities starting today with a performance on Mnet's 'M Countdown', followed by appearances on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' on April 5 and SBS's 'Inkigayo' on April 6.

The title track 'LOVE LINE (운명선)' draws on the theme of being connected to one's destined partner by a red thread, likening feelings for a loved one to the 'fate line' found in palmistry. The music video showcases the journey of the nine members, who are on a special mission to connect people's destinies. With its whimsical storyline and a vibrant, retro aesthetic, the video offers various engaging elements that enhance viewer immersion.

On April 3, JYP shared behind-the-scenes photos from the 'LOVE LINE (운명선)' music video, showcasing the members—Mako, Riku, Rima, Rio, Maya, Miihi, Mayuka, Ayaka, and Nina—smiling playfully against a backdrop of stylish neon signs and colorful threads. The individual shots highlight their street-style fashion and confident expressions, showcasing each member's unique personality.

On the day of their comeback, NiziU held a countdown live session on their official YouTube channel at 5 PM, interacting with fans. They celebrated the album release by unboxing the album, watching teaser videos, and discussing spoiler keywords. The members expressed their excitement, stating, "We are thrilled and happy to make our comeback after our enjoyable debut activities in Korea. We hope our fans, WithU, will enjoy the new album we have worked hard on."

NiziU made a significant mark in the K-pop scene with their debut single 'Press Play' and its title track 'HEARTRIS', achieving a music show win just nine days after their official debut in October 2023, and ranking seventh in the first-week sales of K-pop girl group debut albums at that time. With 'LOVE LINE', their first domestic comeback in about 1 year and 5 months, they aim to deliver even deeper music and performances as they continue their journey.

'JYP 애착인형' 니쥬, 오늘(3일) '엠카' 컴백..음방 활동 스타트

NiziU Unveils 'LOVE LINE' Music Video Behind-the-Scenes Ahead of Comeback Performances

Singer WONHO has unveiled a captivating cover video for his fans. On April 2, at 8 PM KST, his agency, Highline Entertainment, shared a cover of Vaundy's 'Run, Sakamoto' (走れSAKAMOTO) on their official YouTube channel. 

In the video, WONHO showcases a dapper look with a hairstyle that reveals his forehead, complemented by a suit and glasses, instantly captivating global fans. Set against a backdrop resembling a warehouse filled with various machinery and pipe structures, he delivers a powerful performance using a stand microphone. 

'Run, Sakamoto,' the opening theme for the popular anime 'Sakamoto Days' (サカモトデイズ), has garnered significant love from audiences. WONHO impressively displays his rich vocal tone and singing ability, perfectly covering the song and leaving viewers in awe. 

Throughout the performance, WONHO adds visual interest with a variety of gestures directed at the camera. His clear and energetic vocals blend seamlessly with the song's lively melody and dynamic lyrics, evoking strong emotions in the audience.

원호, 바운디 '달려라 사카모토' 커버 영상 공개..글로벌 팬 열광

WONHO Releases Stunning Cover of Vaundy's 'Run, Sakamoto' for Fans

On April 3, 2025, G-Dragon's agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced that they are taking a strong stance against the spread of false information and malicious posts targeting the artist on online communities and social media. The agency expressed serious concern over these harmful actions, stating that they will pursue legal action against those responsible. They emphasized that spreading false information, defamation, insults, and invasion of privacy are clear illegal acts that could lead to legal consequences under the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal law.

Galaxy Corporation is currently monitoring online platforms closely and collecting relevant evidence, with plans to utilize fan reports as crucial support for their legal actions. They urged fans to report any malicious posts they encounter.

The agency confirmed that they will thoroughly review any harmful content directed at G-Dragon and will proceed with necessary legal measures without any settlements or leniency regarding the dissemination of false information and defamation. They assured fans of their commitment to protecting the artist's rights through diligent monitoring and ongoing responses.

In related news, G-Dragon recently kicked off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA, presented by Coupang Play' with concerts held on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun), a central figure in the Burning Sun scandal, has reached out to the media to refute rumors about pursuing business opportunities in China. On April 3, he contacted Ilgan Sports, stating, "I want to correct the misinformation. I am not leaving Korea; I currently reside here. My overseas trips are mostly for friends' weddings or personal vacations, and I have no business meetings planned."

Seungri emphasized, "Despite claims that I am still interested in the entertainment or cultural sectors, I have no such plans. My recent meetings with industry contacts were simply casual dinners with former colleagues."

He further clarified, "I am not conceptualizing any other business ventures, and I do not know anyone from a major corporation as has been suggested."

After serving a 1.5-year prison sentence for charges related to prostitution and facilitating prostitution, Seungri was released in February 2023. He shared that since his release, he has not engaged in any economic activities and is primarily spending time with family, living a quiet life.

Reflecting on his continued presence in the news despite his retirement from the entertainment industry, he remarked, "It seems people find it entertaining to criticize me. They even refer to me as 'Defeat' instead of Seungri, as if it's a meme."

Seungri expressed his desire to clarify the false narratives surrounding him, acknowledging that the ongoing discussions may be causing fatigue for many. He sincerely apologized for any distress caused by the noise surrounding his personal life and pledged to act more responsibly to avoid further controversies.

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

Kai of EXO has jumped ahead into summer with the release of his pre-release track 'Adult Swim' on April 3 at 6 PM KST across various music platforms, accompanied by a vibrant music video. This marks the lead-up to his highly anticipated fourth mini-album 'Wait On Me', set to drop on April 21, which will be his first solo comeback since his military discharge.

The new song 'Adult Swim' is an upbeat pop track characterized by a simple yet energetic drum loop. The lyrics metaphorically depict two people fearlessly swimming together, reflecting the deep emotions of falling in love. The overall vibe of the song is both relaxed and cheerful, enhanced by Kai's smooth vocals that evoke the warmth of a summer day.

The lyrics include lines like, "Sway with the waves, back and forth, side to side / Thrillingly / My heart is no different, just awake for a moment / I'm falling deeper / There’s no specific goal / Let’s pick up the pace / Keep pulling me / Together to the deepest place."

The accompanying music video captures the essence of summer, radiating excitement for the upcoming season. Kai's captivating performance, along with a cool and sexy vibe, draws attention.

The choreography features contributions from collaborators who have previously worked well with Kai, including Badari, Jayric, and the Widem Boys' Bata. The performance showcases movements reminiscent of swimming, diving, and waves, with impressive solo and pair dances, as well as large group formations that add to the visual appeal.

After a two-year hiatus since his third mini-album 'Rover' released in March 2023, Kai is set to captivate global fans with a more mature image while retaining his refreshing charm. Fans are eagerly anticipating what new allure he will bring with his upcoming release on April 21.

EXO's Kai Welcomes Summer Early with New Track 'Adult Swim'

Stray Kids has successfully wrapped up their concert in Rio de Janeiro as part of their world tour 'Stray Kids World Tour 'dominATE''. On April 1st (local time), the group held their first-ever solo concert at Estádio Nilton Santos, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 55,000 fans, showcasing their immense popularity in the region.

The concert kicked off with the powerful track 'MOUNTAINS' from their mini-album 'ATE'. The audience was treated to a parade of hit songs infused with the group's unique energy, including '소리꾼', 'Back Door', 'Chk Chk Boom', '神메뉴', '특', and 'MANIAC', all of which received an overwhelming response from fans.

Highlights of the performance included the intense rapping of Han and Felix in 'Truman', the powerful energy of Changbin and I.N in 'Burnin' Tires', the captivating mood of Bang Chan and Hyunjin in 'ESCAPE', and the sweet vocals of Lee Know and Seungmin in 'CINEMA'. The stage also featured a grand and unique rendition of 'GIANT (Korean Ver.)', elevating the atmosphere to new heights.

The setlist, filled with self-composed songs, was complemented by rich band sounds, explosive stage energy, and mesmerizing performances, creating an electrifying experience. A stunning 360-degree fireworks display lit up the night sky, providing unforgettable moments for both Stray Kids and their fandom, STAY. After the concert, the eight members expressed their gratitude, reflecting on their seven-year journey and the joy of connecting with fans. They hope to receive the same warm welcome upon their next meeting.

The 'dominATE' world tour, which is the group's largest to date with 55 performances across 34 regions, will continue in São Paulo on April 5th and 6th, before heading to major stadiums across Latin America, North America, Japan, and Europe until the end of July. Stray Kids is expected to attract a total of 2.2 million fans, setting a new record for the highest attendance in a single K-pop tour.

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

On April 3, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing regarding Ador's lawsuit against the five members of NewJeans, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract. While NewJeans previously attended a hearing related to Ador's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from signing contracts with other agencies, they did not appear for this session.

Ador maintains that the exclusive contract signed with NewJeans in April 2022 is still valid and expressed a willingness to negotiate or reach a settlement. However, NewJeans asserts that they terminated the contract in November 2023 and stated, "We cannot consider any form of negotiation."

A significant point of contention during the hearing was the differing views on former CEO Min. Ador acknowledged Min's contributions to the group's success but argued that NewJeans could exist without him. They emphasized that as a subsidiary of the leading company HYBE, they could support NewJeans through other producers. They also pointed out that NewJeans successfully completed a recent concert in Hong Kong without Min's assistance, suggesting inconsistencies in NewJeans' claims.

In response, NewJeans expressed distrust towards Ador, citing the complete change in management and a lack of communication regarding alternatives following Min's departure. They stated, "The fundamental trust has been broken, making collaboration impossible."

Ador countered that Min left voluntarily, not as a result of being ousted. They claimed that even after the court deemed the management change legal, they offered Min a chance to continue as a director and producer, which he declined, leading to a breakdown in communication and NewJeans' unilateral declaration of contract termination.

NewJeans announced their contract termination with Ador in November 2023, prompting Ador to file for both a temporary injunction and a formal lawsuit against the members. On March 21, the court granted Ador's request for a temporary injunction, leading NewJeans to announce a halt in their activities.

The next court date is set for June 5, 2025, at 11:10 AM. The judge noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, "There have been instances where contracts were terminated without any settlements, but this is a unique situation. I will consider how to assess the trust relationship."


BABYMONSTER Depart for Osaka as Part of Their First World Tour

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G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

EXO's Kai Welcomes Summer Early with New Track 'Adult Swim'

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

More

Ha Jung-woo Returns with 'Lobby': A Blend of Comedy and Personal Experience

Eun Ga-eun Expresses Anxiety Over Wedding and Pregnancy Symptoms on 'My Man's Life - Groom Class'

EXO's Kai to Hold Comeback Showcase for New Mini Album

NiziU Unveils 'LOVE LINE' Music Video Behind-the-Scenes Ahead of Comeback Performances

WONHO Releases Stunning Cover of Vaundy's 'Run, Sakamoto' for Fans

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