A bomb threat was reported at the concert venue of American rapper 'Too Holis' in Seoul, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of attendees. According to reports from Yonhap News on February 21, authorities received the threat at 6:24 PM regarding a performance scheduled to start at 6:30 PM in a two-story concert hall located in a seven-story building in Itaewon, Yongsan District. Police and fire departments responded promptly, evacuating the audience as a special police unit conducted a thorough search of the venue for over an hour. Fortunately, no explosives were found, and the concert was able to resume. Investigations into the incident are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the threat.

Bomb Threat at U.S. Rapper 'Too Holis' Concert in Seoul

A serving police officer has been apprehended after attempting to evade arrest while driving under the influence. The Suwon Western Police Station reported that a 30-year-old officer, identified as A, from the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul, is under investigation for violating traffic laws related to drunk driving. The incident occurred around 1 AM on February 20 in the Gwonseon District of Suwon, where A was found to have a blood alcohol concentration at a level that warrants a license suspension. 

Authorities responded to a report stating that a vehicle failed to move despite traffic signals changing. When officers requested A to exit the vehicle, he fled the scene. After a brief pursuit, he was caught near his residence. Following a breathalyzer test, A was allowed to return home, but an official interrogation has yet to take place. 

A police spokesperson indicated that it is believed A drove from Seoul to Suwon while intoxicated, and the investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

음주운전 적발되자 도주한 현직 경찰...면허 정지 수준

Police Officer Arrested for Drunk Driving After Fleeing from Authorities

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), consisting of members Kim Chaewon (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yunjin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eunchae (홍은채), has added another achievement to their record with their previous title track 'CRAZY'. The song has maintained its position on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks, debuting at number 7 and then dropping to number 13 in the latest chart released on February 21 (local time). This marks a significant milestone as the track continues to show strong performance six months after its release, especially as it ranks as the highest K-pop song on the chart for two weeks in a row. 'CRAZY' previously spent two weeks on the UK Official Singles Chart upon its release. The Physical Singles Chart is recognized as one of the two major pop charts in the UK, tracking sales of CDs, vinyl, and other physical formats over a week.

Musically, 'CRAZY' is an EDM-based track that captures the exhilarating feelings associated with thrilling experiences that many can relate to. After five months since its release, the song has shown resilience by re-entering various charts, including Billboard's 'Global 200', 'Global (Excluding the US)', and Spotify's 'Weekly Top Songs Global' and 'Daily Top Songs Global'. Recently, it surpassed 200 million streams on Spotify.

Building on the momentum of their previous work, LE SSERAFIM is set to release their fifth mini album 'HOT' on March 14 at 1 PM. This upcoming album reflects the group's dedication to love and passion. The trailer for the new album, titled 'Born Fire', has already gained traction, ranking among the trending videos on YouTube in 56 countries/regions, including South Korea, Japan, and the United States, shortly after its release on February 21.

르세라핌, 英 오피셜 피지컬 싱글 차트 2주 연속 진입..K팝 최고 순위

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Continues to Climb UK Charts Ahead of New Release

In a significant ruling, the Suwon District Court sentenced YouTuber Gujaeok (real name Lee Jun-hee) to three years in prison for extorting millions from mukbang star Tzuyang. Alongside him, other YouTubers including Karakula and Jujakgambeolsa were found guilty of extortion and aiding in extortion. On February 20, Judge Park Il-rang presided over the sentencing of Gujaeok, attorney Choi, Jujakgambeolsa (Jeon Guk-jin), Karakula (Lee Se-wook), and Crocodile (Choi Il-hwan). Gujaeok received a three-year prison sentence, while attorney Choi was sentenced to two years. Jujakgambeolsa and Karakula were each given one year in prison, suspended for three years, along with community service hours. Crocodile was fined 5 million won. Judge Park noted that the defendants appeared to lack awareness of the illegality of their actions regarding privacy violations, emphasizing that Gujaeok showed no remorse even in court. The court found Gujaeok guilty of extorting 55 million won from Tzuyang, coercing her into filming mukbangs, and extorting 22 million won from BJ Suit, while his threats were deemed not guilty. Additionally, Jujakgambeolsa's charges of extortion, threats, and coercion, as well as the aiding charges against Crocodile and Karakula, were all confirmed as guilty. Attorney Choi was also found guilty of violating the Personal Information Protection Act and the Attorney-at-Law Act. The case, known as the 'Tzuyang Incident,' emerged last August when a YouTube channel accused a group known as the 'Rekka Union' of threatening Tzuyang and demanding money based on her past. According to recorded conversations, Gujaeok received 55 million won from Tzuyang's side under the pretense of 'list management' consulting, part of which was passed to Jujakgambeolsa. Separately, Gujaeok has recently filed charges against Tzuyang's agency representatives A and B for perjury and defamation, and against Tzuyang's legal representative for inciting perjury. Gujaeok's side claims that A and B were the ones who openly disseminated Tzuyang's private information, asserting that he did not expose or widely share any of her private matters.

'쯔양 공갈' 렉카 유튜버, 1심서 '유죄' 판결...구제역은 "징역 3년" [종합]

YouTuber Gujaeok Sentenced to Three Years for Extortion of Mukbang Star Tzuyang

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

몬스타엑스 기현 "민간인 됐다!" 환호..'군 전역' 인증

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Kim Dae-ho, the former MBC announcer, is set to make his return to the airwaves just 21 days after resigning from the network. He will appear on MBC FM4U's 'Two O'Clock Date with Ahn Young-mi' on February 25. This episode will be a visual radio broadcast, marking Kim's first appearance since his departure from MBC on February 4. His exit was met with mixed reactions, including comments from Hong Seok-cheon on the same show, who expressed disdain for those he deemed 'traitors' in the industry. Fans are eager to see how Kim will respond to such remarks.

Kim Dae-ho joined MBC in 2011 during the network's 50th anniversary special 'New Employee' and gained popularity through the YouTube channel 'News Anhani' before becoming a household name on the reality show 'I Live Alone' (나 혼자 산다). He has also participated in various programs such as 'TV Inside TV', 'Unification Outlook', 'Zero Complaints UP', 'Dancing with the Stars Season 3', 'Today N', 'Home: Find It!', 'Ramen Grandpa Season 4', 'The Great Guide', 'Less Genius 2', 'Solo Alumni Association', 'Car to the Future', 'Run Away', 'Zero Won Happiness', 'Thank Goodness for Rest', 'Massage Road', and 'The Leader's Side Dish'. He also served as a caster for the upcoming Paris Olympics, showcasing his versatility.

In a recent episode of 'I Live Alone', Kim shared his thoughts on leaving MBC, stating, "Rather than quitting the company, I was thinking about how to live a different life. I felt like I had repaid what I had received, and after going through the Paris Olympics, I realized I had done everything I could do at the company." He officially completed his resignation process on February 4, citing reasons such as 'Going out to earn money' and 'A turning point in my life' in his resignation letter.

Now a free agent, Kim has signed an exclusive contract with One Hundred, a company that also represents the boy group THE BOYZ, as well as artists like Taemin, Lee Mujin, VIVIZ (Eunha, SinB, Umji), B.O, Ha Sung-woon, Ren, performance director Kasper, Kany, actor and singer Lee Seung-gi, entertainer Lee Soo-geun, and Bad Villain, among others. One Hundred is the parent company of INB100, which includes EXO members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen.

[단독] 김대호, 퇴사 21일 만 친정 MBC 귀환…'두데' 전격 출연

Former MBC Announcer Kim Dae-ho Returns to Broadcast After Leaving the Network

Kihyun of MONSTA X held a special live stream on February 21 to celebrate his military discharge, connecting with fans known as MONBEBE through the group's official YouTube channel. Dressed in his military uniform, Kihyun made a charming appearance that delighted fans. He greeted MONBEBE in the live chat, expressing his excitement to reunite with them after his service.

During the stream, Kihyun showcased his signature humor, responding to fans who referred to him as 'Muscle Man' and 'Captain Korea' by saying, "I'm not quite Captain Korea, but I have gained some muscle since then." When fans asked for proof, he playfully replied, "What proof do you need? You can see it!" 

Kihyun also took a moment to blow out the candles on a cake celebrating his discharge and reminisced about the 'KIKITRIP' series, which he filmed during his military service. He shared that he had worked hard to create content during his time away and felt proud to see the positive reactions from fans. He encouraged those who became fans while he was in the military, reassuring them that there’s no need to worry about missing out, as they can look forward to more content in the future.

The live stream included a fun segment where Kihyun answered various questions related to topics like 'chicken,' 'songs,' and 'members.' When asked about his feelings the night before his discharge, he shared, "I was busy thinking about how to safely guide MONBEBE who came to see me, as there were so many cars outside the base. I was worried someone might get hurt, but everything went well, and I’m grateful for their support."

As the stream came to a close, Kihyun participated in a challenge time prepared for MONBEBE, showcasing his talents with various fun challenges, including the 'Today I LOVE YOU' challenge from the group Boynextdoor, leaving fans smiling until the very end.

After about an hour of interaction, Kihyun expressed his gratitude, saying, "It felt like time flew by while talking to MONBEBE. Thank you for waiting for me. I’ve worked hard during my service, and you can be proud of me. I’ll continue to show you my best side moving forward. This was the live stream celebrating my discharge as MONSTA X's Kihyun! Goodbye!"

Kihyun completed his military service after enlisting on August 22, 2023, and has now returned to the music scene. He is set to hold a free fan event titled 'TRIP TO KIKITOWN!' on March 8 at the Myunghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, where he will meet fans up close.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

On the morning of February 22, 2025, families of the victims of the tragic fire at the Banyan Tree Resort in Busan gathered to hold a press conference, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. The event was organized by the bereaved families in collaboration with the Busan Movement for a World Without Serious Accidents.

During the press conference, a representative of the families criticized a joint briefing held by the Busan city government on February 20, describing it as a mere attempt to deflect responsibility without addressing the concerns of the victims' families. He stated, "We can no longer tolerate the deceitful actions and indifference of the Busan city government and responsible agencies towards the bereaved families."

The representative further expressed outrage at the city’s comments during the briefing, where officials suggested that a memorial space would only be established if there were ten or more fatalities or thirty or more injuries, which he deemed disrespectful.

The families are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident, punishment for those responsible for the serious accident, preventive measures from the city and the construction companies involved, an official apology from the companies, the establishment of memorials, and adequate compensation and support for the bereaved families.

After the press conference, the families were allowed to enter the resort for the first time since the fire, which occurred nine days earlier. Previously, police had restricted their access to preserve the scene. Some family members were seen weeping as they embraced photographs of their loved ones at the site.

In a statement released nine days after the fire, the construction companies involved, Samjeong Corporation and Samjeong E&C, expressed their condolences, stating, "We sincerely apologize to the deceased, their families, and the injured. We also extend our heartfelt apologies to the public for the distress caused."

They added that their employees had visited the mourning sites to offer support and that the delay in their official apology was regrettable due to the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

Park Bom (박봄) of 2NE1 has once again stirred the pot regarding her relationship with Lee Min Ho (이민호). In a recent post, she expressed frustration, stating, "Someone keeps deleting my posts. I am single and we are not in a relationship. It wasn't self-promotion; Lee Min Ho asked me to write it. I will focus on my work." 

Since last year, Park Bom has been vocal about her feelings for Lee Min Ho. In September 2024, she referred to him as her 'husband' and shared photos of them together on social media, which led to speculation about a romantic relationship. Her agency clarified that it was merely a playful expression of her fan affection, and fans took it lightly. 

However, on February 12 and 13, she posted more photos of Lee Min Ho, calling him her 'real husband.' When a fan questioned the authenticity, she replied, "Yes," and when asked who was deleting her posts, she mentioned, "The company." 

On February 19, she reiterated her claims, stating, "Hello everyone. I have been working hard, and everything I wrote is true. I will continue to work hard with 2NE1." This led her to assert that her relationship with Lee Min Ho was not a joke but genuine. 

In response, Lee Min Ho's representatives stated on February 20 that there is no personal relationship between him and Park Bom, calling her claims baseless. Park Bom then addressed her fans, saying, "Hello, dear fans. I am Park Bom. I am actually single. I posted because Lee Min Ho asked me to, and I want to clarify that I am alone." 

On February 21, she continued to make contradictory statements about her relationship with Lee Min Ho, insisting it was not self-promotion. After causing a stir online for nine days, Park Bom departed for Hong Kong and Macau, where she will perform with her group during the '2024-25 2NE1 Asia Tour [Welcome Back] in Macau.'

Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

A 23-year-old woman, identified as A, has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison by the Cheongju District Court for making a false rape accusation against her boyfriend after undergoing an abortion. The presiding judge, Jeong Woo-hyuk, stated that A had consensual sexual relations with her boyfriend in April 2021 but later claimed she was raped when he did not visit her following the procedure. A had previously been pregnant with her boyfriend's child and had an abortion. After he failed to contact her, she falsely reported that he had raped her and vandalized her home. Additionally, A faced charges for refusing a breathalyzer test while driving in July of the previous year. The judge noted that if the false rape claim had been proven true, the accused would have faced severe penalties, emphasizing A's repeated false statements and denial of responsibility as factors in determining her sentence.

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

K-pop group ASTRO (아스트로), under Fantagio, is set to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary on February 23 by gifting fans a new single titled 'Twilight' (트와일라잇). The announcement was made on February 22 at midnight through Fantagio's official social media and YouTube channel, where they released a teaser video for the upcoming single.

The teaser showcases the members of ASTRO snapping their fingers, radiating refreshing energy that brings smiles to viewers. A snippet of 'Twilight's' warm and hopeful melody plays in the background, heightening anticipation for the full track. Additionally, the teaser features a group photo that has never been shared before, sparking excitement for new content.

Last year, on their debut anniversary, ASTRO also released a special single titled 'Circles' (서클스), expressing their heartfelt gratitude to fans. This year, in addition to the new music, the group will unveil original content featuring all the members, raising curiosity about the special messages they will convey through 'Twilight'.

Ahead of the single's release, ASTRO surprised fans by dropping a new content series titled 'Starry Table' (별둥이네 별빛식탁) on their official YouTube channel on February 21. In the video, the members celebrate their 9th anniversary with a cozy dinner featuring dishes they prepared themselves.

During the celebration, the members reminisced about their journey from trainee days to the present, sharing various stories that highlighted their enduring friendship and teamwork. They exchanged heartfelt messages to commemorate the occasion. The eldest member, MJ, expressed his hopes for a healthy and happy year ahead, while leader JinJin thanked the members for their support over the years. Cha Eun-woo shared his belief that they would still be together for their 20th anniversary, and youngest member Yoon San-ha reflected on the lessons he continues to learn from his older members.

After the video was released, Cha Eun-woo shared it on his Instagram, tagging the late Moonbin's account to honor the special day together.

ASTRO's new single 'Twilight' will be available on various online music platforms on February 23 at 6 PM KST.

Bomb Threat at U.S. Rapper 'Too Holis' Concert in Seoul

What do you think?

Trending

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

ASTRO to Celebrate 9th Anniversary with New Single 'Twilight'

More

Police Officer Arrested for Drunk Driving After Fleeing from Authorities

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Continues to Climb UK Charts Ahead of New Release

YouTuber Gujaeok Sentenced to Three Years for Extortion of Mukbang Star Tzuyang

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Former MBC Announcer Kim Dae-ho Returns to Broadcast After Leaving the Network

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea