The K-pop group BBGIRLS (브브걸), consisting of members Minyoung (민영), Eunji (은지), and Yuna (유나), has shared a charming concept film for their upcoming second single 'LOVE 2' at midnight on January 11. 

The film opens with a classic aesthetic featuring the trio, transitioning into a tense black-and-white sequence before bursting into color with Yuna's individual shot, creating a vibrant new atmosphere. Against a dark backdrop, the colorful presence of Minyoung, Eunji, and Yuna resembles a flower blooming in the cold winter, captivating viewers with their beauty. Their more robust appearance hints at the anticipation surrounding their new release.

'LOVE 2' promises to deliver an emotional narrative reflecting the resilience of BBGIRLS as they emerge stronger from challenges. The group aims to enchant global K-pop fans with their fresh transformation showcased in this new track.

BBGIRLS will officially release 'LOVE 2' on January 15 at 6 PM through various online music platforms worldwide.

BBGIRLS Unveils Heartwarming Concept Film for 'LOVE 2'

On January 11, 2025, renowned dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook shared an exciting update on his social media. He posted a screenshot with the enthusiastic caption "Oh oh oh!" showcasing that his recently published book has topped the daily online bestseller list in the 'Hobby/Practical/Sports' category. Kang couldn't hide his joy over this achievement.

Previously, he had announced on his social media that he had written a book. Reflecting on his past work, he mentioned, "The title of the book I wrote ten years ago was 'You Shouldn't Raise a Dog.' Back then, I was quite frustrated with people who didn't know how to raise their dogs. But as I've grown older, I've gained more perspective and empathy. Now, when I meet people who genuinely want to live well with their dogs, I want to help and share my knowledge with them."

He continued, "We all fight our own battles in life. I am so grateful to my dog for walking alongside me through those tough times. I hope my book can be of some help to those who want to live happily with their dogs, are currently doing so, or have done so in the past."

In other news, Kang Hyung-wook faced controversy last year when allegations surfaced regarding surveillance, unauthorized messenger monitoring, neglect of his dog Leo, unpaid wages, and other issues. He addressed these claims on his personal channel, but further revelations led to a legal battle.

Notably, a veterinarian from an animal hospital reported Kang to the Seocho Police Station for allegedly arranging an off-site euthanasia for his dog Leo. Kang explained that he had discussed the matter with the veterinarian for several months before scheduling the procedure. However, many current veterinarians argued that off-site euthanasia is illegal, as veterinary care must be conducted within a licensed facility. In November 2023, the Gunpo Police Station decided not to pursue charges against the veterinarian involved in a separate drug-related case from June.

'갑질 의혹' 강형욱, 잘 나가는 작가됐다.."베스트셀러 1위" [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Dog Trainer Kang Hyung-wook Celebrates Book Success

On January 11, 2025, the 2024 KBS Acting Awards aired on KBS2, celebrating the achievements of new talent in the industry. The ceremony, hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Seohyun of Girls' Generation, and Moon Sang-min, took place at the KBS Hall in Yeouido on December 31, 2024.

The Male Rookie of the Year awards went to Seo Beom-jun for his role in '멱살 한번 잡힙시다' (Let's Grab the Collar) and Park Sang-nam for '결혼하자 맹꽁아' (Let's Get Married, Bullfrog). Seo Beom-jun expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank my beloved director, writer, all the staff, seniors, and colleagues who trusted me in 'Let's Grab the Collar.' To my family watching on TV, CEO Kwon Jin-young, and my team, I owe this moment to you. I will never forget the victims of the Jeju Air tragedy, as I portrayed a character who lost his family in a tragic event. Remembering those we have lost can be a source of comfort for others. I will also never forget them."

He continued, "2024 has been a challenging year. I find happiness when I can share joy with those around me. I hope everyone finds happiness, especially during this cold winter, and I look forward to a warm spring."

Park Sang-nam shared his excitement, stating, "It is an honor to receive a rookie award that can only be given once in a lifetime. I am grateful to my director, writer, and the seniors who created a supportive atmosphere on set, allowing me to perform without feeling intimidated. I want to dedicate this honor to my seniors and the staff who work hard behind the scenes. I will strive to be a humble and grateful actor moving forward."

The Female Rookie of the Year awards were presented to Hong Ye-ji for '환상연가' (Fantasy Romance) and Han Soo-ah for '미녀와 순정남' (Beauty and the Beast). Hong Ye-ji expressed her happiness, saying, "I am grateful to have spent time with Yeon-wol and to the director and writer for giving me the opportunity to live as Yeon-wol. Thank you to the staff who treated me well as the youngest member, and to my closest colleagues who have supported me since my debut."

She added, "A director once told me, 'Thank you for capturing your emotional lines on camera.' That resonated with me, and I will carry that sentiment as I continue to act. I believe this award is a warm encouragement to do well in the future. I also want to thank my family and fans who always uplift me with kind words."

Lastly, Han Soo-ah expressed her gratitude to the viewers, saying, "Thank you to the audience who watched our 50-episode drama and shared in our laughter and tears. I want to express my respect and love for the directors Hong Seok-goo and Hong Eun-mi, writer Kim Sa-gyeong, and all the staff and production team. I also want to thank my colleagues who worked hard alongside me. I wish everyone a warm and happy new year, and I will continue to work hard in the future."

'신인상' 서범준→한수아 "여객기 참사, 절대 잊지 않을것..새해는 따뜻하길"[2024 KBS 연기대상]

Rising Stars Shine at the 2024 KBS Acting Awards

On January 11, 2025, actress 이민정 (Lee Min-jung) expressed her hopes for a swift resolution to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles (LA) through a heartfelt post on her Instagram. She shared a photo featuring the phrase 'PRAY FOR LA,' reflecting her concern for the devastation caused by the fires that have been raging for four days. As of January 10, local authorities reported that five active wildfires were still burning in LA County, with the flames consuming an area equivalent to about a quarter of Seoul's size. The damage is escalating rapidly, with estimated losses exceeding 88 trillion KRW. Officials indicated that at least 10,000 buildings have been damaged, and this number is expected to rise significantly. According to Reuters, Wells Fargo, a major American financial institution, has projected that the economic impact of this disaster could surpass 60 billion USD (approximately 88.4 trillion KRW). Meanwhile, Lee Min-jung is currently filming for the new MBC drama '그래, 이혼하자' (Okay, Let's Get Divorced).

"PRAY FOR LA"…이민정, '88조 손실 추정' LA 산불 애도

Lee Min-jung Sends Prayers for LA Wildfire Relief

Eighteen years have passed since the untimely death of comedian 김형은 (Kim Hyung-eun), yet her memory continues to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Kim tragically passed away on January 10, 2007, at the young age of 25 due to complications from a heart attack. 

On December 16, 2006, she was involved in a serious car accident while traveling to Yongpyong Resort in Gangwon Province, which left her critically injured. After more than nine hours of surgery, she showed signs of recovery, but sadly succumbed to heart attack complications just 25 days later. It is reported that her last words were a poignant plea: "I want to live."

Kim made her debut as an SBS comedian in 2003, winning the grand prize at the SBS Comedy Contest as part of the group 단무지 브라더스 (Danmuji Brothers), alongside fellow comedians 김신영 (Kim Shin-young), 김태현 (Kim Tae-hyun), 심진화 (Shim Jin-hwa), and 이강복 (Lee Gang-bok). She gained popularity through various segments, including 'Playful Kids' and 'The Beautiful Three.'

Despite the passage of time, many still remember and miss Kim Hyung-eun. Notably, Shim Jin-hwa has made it a tradition to visit her columbarium on Kim's birthday and the anniversary of her passing each year. Reflecting on their friendship, Shim shared that she has more photos with Kim's parents than with Kim herself, highlighting the deep bond they shared.

Shim also expressed the enduring friendship among their peers, stating, "Our kind classmates have not forgotten Kim. As we approach the 17th anniversary of her passing, we continue to visit her and support her family, ensuring that her columbarium fees are fully paid and coming together during difficult times."

Though 18 years have gone by since Kim Hyung-eun's tragic departure, her legacy remains vivid, cherished by those who continue to honor her memory.

"나 살고 싶어" 故김형은 18주기..심진화→김신영이 못 잊는 '미녀 삼총사' (종합)[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Remembering Comedian Kim Hyung-eun: 18 Years Since Her Passing

Singer Ha Hyun-sang is set to continue his impressive start to the new year with the release of his remastered LP, 'Elegy [Remastered].' This new version of his EP 'Elegy (엘레지),' which was released last year, is now available for pre-order on various online music platforms as of January 9, 2025.

The original album 'Elegy' beautifully captures the essence of love, with Ha Hyun-sang taking charge of all the songwriting and composition, infusing his unique emotions into the melodic tunes. As a result, it has become a highly sought-after album among listeners.

The 'Elegy [Remastered]' LP features audio that has been optimized for analog formats, allowing fans to experience the romantic charm of analog sound. It includes six tracks: the title song '향기' (Scent), along with '비행' (Flight), '계절비' (Seasonal Rain), '나도 모르게' (Unknowingly), '송가' (Song), and '이유' (Reason). The LP also comes with lyrics and a printed inner sleeve.

This LP, showcasing Ha Hyun-sang's captivating voice and distinctive musical world, is expected to hold special significance for fans who wish to cherish his musical journey.

Previously, Ha Hyun-sang successfully wrapped up his third solo concert titled 'Elegy (엘레지)' in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu last winter. With a solid fanbase and sold-out shows, he delivered an unforgettable experience, demonstrating his growth as a live performance artist.

As he continues to evolve through the release of this emotional LP, anticipation is building among music fans for what Ha Hyun-sang will bring in 2025.

하현상, 세번째 단독 콘서트 성료→'Elegy' LP 발매…2025 활약 '기대'

Ha Hyun-sang Releases Remastered LP 'Elegy' to Kick Off the New Year

The start of 2025 has brought heartbreaking news as beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry have passed away unexpectedly. On January 7, Lee Hee-cheol (이희철), known for his vibrant personality and contributions to the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon, died at the age of 39. His close friend, comedian Pungja (풍자), shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sorrow over his sudden departure. She wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this, but my dear brother has become a star in the sky. Please pray he finds a good place."

The family revealed that Lee's cause of death was a heart attack, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that." In a heartfelt message posted on his account, they described him as someone who cherished his family and friends, urging everyone to remember him fondly.

The news shocked fans and colleagues alike, especially since Lee had shared a hopeful New Year’s message just a week prior, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned.

In the wake of his passing, fellow entertainers expressed their grief. Yoo Min-sang (유민상), who worked with Lee on SBS Love FM's "Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio," shared his sorrow on air, reminiscing about Lee's bright smile and kind demeanor.

Additionally, actress Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her roles in various dramas, also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64. Her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), announced her death, expressing deep condolences to her family and fans. Lee had recently signed with a new agency and was set to continue her active career, making her loss even more tragic.

Moreover, voice actor Yoo Ho-han (유호한), aged 52, died from a heart attack on January 7. He was well-known for his work in popular series like "Crayon Shin-chan" and the "Avengers" films. Yoo was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors, having served as the president of the KBS Voice Actors Association.

The entertainment community mourns these significant losses, remembering the joy and talent each of these individuals brought to their craft.

Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

On January 11, KBS2 aired the '2024 KBS Acting Awards,' hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min. During the ceremony, actor Kim Jung-hyun received the Best Actor award for his role in 'The Iron Family.' 

Upon accepting the award, Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am well aware of my shortcomings. Despite that, I am thankful to be standing here today. Just a few years ago, I thought I would never act again due to various reasons, including my own doubts. I am truly grateful to be in this position now." 

He continued, "While it is customary to express gratitude when receiving an award, I believe that true appreciation cannot exist without reflecting on the past. When I started acting, I engaged in behavior that hurt many people and caused discomfort. I sincerely apologize for that and bow my head in remorse, receiving applause from the audience."

Kim emphasized that his apology is not the end of the matter, stating, "I do not seek forgiveness, but I see this as a necessary step in moving forward with my life."

He added, "I have shared some heavy thoughts from my heart, but I will keep my remarks brief. I want to thank the 'Iron Family,' KBS, writer Seo Suk-hyang, KeyEast, Monster Union, and all the staff who have supported us. I am grateful to my seniors Kim Young-ok and Park In-hwan, as well as my parents and fellow actors Park Ji-young and Shin Hyun-joon, who are all working hard. I know it’s a tiring time, but I hope to be a source of strength for everyone."

Kim concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks to his fans, saying, "I want to sincerely thank the fans who have allowed me to stand here today. Lastly, to my family, who have shared my burdens and pain, I have always wanted to be a proud son, brother, and sibling, but I feel I have not lived up to that. I hope this moment can be remembered as a small but meaningful step towards that. Thank you, I love you all."

Kim Jung-hyun Apologizes for Past Controversies at KBS Acting Awards

On January 11, 2025, during the MBC show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), singer Ailee shared her love story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno (솔로지옥). The episode featured a winter song special, with Ailee and singer John Park as the first guests. Host Yoo Jae-suk mentioned Ailee's exciting news, stating, "Ailee has good news. She is getting married in April next year." Surprised, fellow cast member Haha congratulated her, while Yoo clarified that she would be marrying the contestant from Single's Inferno. Ailee responded with a smile, saying, "That's right. I escaped from Single's Inferno!" 

When asked if she received a proposal, Ailee explained, "I didn't get a proposal, but I find it a bit strange. In the U.S., proposals happen before wedding preparations, but here, we start dating with marriage in mind, so receiving a proposal feels different." Fellow guest Joo Woo-jae agreed, noting that proposals in Korea often feel like a performance. Ailee added, "For me, it felt a bit foreign, so when we went ring shopping, I just said, 'I want this one.'" 

Joo then inquired about their pet names, to which Ailee revealed, "I saw an official statement where he said he would take good care of 'Princess Ye-jin,' which was quite surprising!" 

Ailee recounted how they met through a friend, initially without any romantic interest. They later attended a concert together, where she noticed his tall stature and broad shoulders. Their relationship began to blossom when they attended a g.o.d concert, where Ailee felt cold and he offered her his jacket. As they shared the jacket, their hands touched, leading to a moment where she didn't want to pull away, marking the start of their relationship. Joo humorously remarked that they probably didn't hear any of the concert due to their distraction, to which Ailee joked about feeling hot and sweaty. 

Ailee Reveals Love Story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno

The beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee has sadly passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Her funeral is being held at the VIP room 1 of Ulsan Hospital. Survived by her spouse and two sons, the family is mourning deeply as they receive visitors at the funeral home.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that she had no known chronic illnesses, leading to a sudden passing.

Her agency, 범엔터테인먼트 (Bum Entertainment), expressed their sorrow through an official statement, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her."

They further honored her legacy, saying, "Lee Yoon-hee was a precious individual who contributed to popular culture for many years and was loved by many. Her absence is a significant loss for us all. She has touched audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm emotions through numerous works. We will cherish her memories and achievements and strive to honor her life and values."

Born in 1960, Lee Yoon-hee began her acting career in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). From 2007 onwards, she appeared in various films such as '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대' (The Drug King), '러브픽션' (Love Fiction), '7번방의 선물' (Miracle in Cell No. 7), '감기' (Flu), '더 킹' (The King), '특별시민' (Citizen Kane), and '보안관' (The Sheriff), as well as dramas like '자이언트' (Giant), '참 좋은 시절' (What’s So Wrong with Secretary Kim), '구해줘2' (Save Me 2), '블랙독' (Black Dog), '킹덤 시즌2' (Kingdom Season 2), '편의점 샛별이' (Convenience Store Saet-byul), and '모범택시' (Taxi Driver).

Last year, she was seen in Netflix's '선산' (The Silent Sea) and tvN's '세작, 매혹된 자들' (The Tale of Nokdu) in the roles of Kim Mu-sun and Choam Kim Je-nam, respectively.

Her funeral will take place on January 13 at 8 AM, with her final resting place at Ulsan Sky Park.

Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

Renowned actor Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her exceptional supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), she died unexpectedly on the morning of January 11, 2025, with no known chronic illnesses reported.

Bome Entertainment expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Lee Yoon-hee's untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences as she embarks on her final journey."

Born on January 28, 1960, Lee made her acting debut in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). She gained recognition in 2007 for her role as Elder Kang in the film '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), marking the beginning of her film career. Over the years, she appeared in notable films such as 'The King of Affection' (아부의 왕, 2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (극비수사, 2015), 'Citizen K' (특별시민, 2017), and 'Harodongseon' (하로동선, 2022).

In addition to her film work, Lee was a familiar face on television, featuring in dramas like 'Save Me 2' (구해줘2, 2019), 'Black Dog' (블랙독, 2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (편의점 샛별이, 2020), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시, 2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (십시일반, 2020), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (살인자의 쇼핑목록, 2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (도적, 칼의 소리, 2023), 'Seonsan' (선산, 2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (세작, 매혹된 자들, 2024).

Just last month, she signed an exclusive contract with Bome Entertainment and was set to continue her active career.

Her funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital (울산병원) with the burial scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park (울산하늘공원).

BBGIRLS Unveils Heartwarming Concept Film for 'LOVE 2'

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Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

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