The highly anticipated film 'Mickey 17', directed by Bong Joon-ho, has achieved the top spot in pre-booking rates. As of 7 AM on February 17, the film recorded a pre-booking rate of 24.1%, equivalent to 43,788 tickets sold, surpassing its competitor 'Captain America: Brave New World'. Known for captivating global audiences with engaging narratives and profound messages, Bong Joon-ho's latest work has generated immense excitement leading up to its release. 'Mickey 17' promises to deliver a unique and refreshing experience with its unprecedented storyline. This film marks Bong Joon-ho's return after six years since 'Parasite', and is based on the novel 'Mickey 7' by Edward Ashton. The plot revolves around 'Mickey', an expendable worker who faces death repeatedly and is printed anew each time. The story unfolds as 'Mickey 18' is created under the assumption that 'Mickey 17' has perished. 'Mickey 17' is set to hit theaters in South Korea on February 28.

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' Tops Pre-Booking Charts Ahead of Release

In the latest episode of 'I Am SOLO' (나는 솔로), aired on February 19, 2025, Kwangsoo finally decided to use his Super Date Ticket on Sunja after much contemplation. The episode showcased the 24th season participants, including Youngsoo, Kwangsoo, Sangcheol, Youngja, and Oksun, utilizing their Super Date Tickets earned from a previous game. 

Youngsoo was the first to use his ticket, immediately confessing his feelings to Oksun through a poem. Meanwhile, Kwangsoo appeared deep in thought about his choice. In an interview, he expressed, "It felt like a poisoned chalice, and I was conflicted. I realized I hadn't had a one-on-one date with Oksun, which contradicted my earlier discussions."

Kwangsoo further shared his dilemma, stating, "I didn't think I would win, but now that I have the Super Date Ticket, I’m torn between using it for Oksun or Sunja."

Ultimately, he chose Sunja, who was unaware of his decision. In her interview, she remarked, "As soon as Kwangsoo won the Super Date Ticket, he came to me and said, 'I’m going to have dinner with you and will check the menu.' I thought he was very polite and considerate, and I felt reassured that I was the only one on his mind." The MCs, aware of the full situation, expressed their sympathy, saying, "Doesn't Sunja not know?"

24기 광수, 슈퍼 데이트권 획득 후..순자·옥순 고민 “독이 든 성배 같다” (‘나는 솔로’)

Kwangsoo Uses Super Date Ticket on Sunja in 'I Am SOLO'

Director Bong Joon-ho reflected on the late actor Lee Sun-kyun during his appearance on MBC's current affairs program 'Questions from Son Seok-hee' on February 18, 2025. While promoting his new film 'Mickey17', Bong expressed his sorrow over Lee's tragic passing, stating, "He was a good person and a good actor." 

Son Seok-hee brought up Lee, who starred alongside Bong in the acclaimed film 'Parasite', noting that many still mourn his loss and question the police investigation surrounding his death. Lee took his own life in December 2023 while under investigation for drug-related charges. In response to this tragedy, 29 cultural and artistic organizations formed the 'Cultural and Artistic Coalition' and released a statement on January 12, 2024, addressing the circumstances of Lee's death.

Bong participated in the coalition's statement and called for a thorough investigation into the police's handling of the case, emphasizing that the authorities cannot evade responsibility by merely claiming they followed legal procedures. When asked about his thoughts on the incident, Bong shared, "He was someone I worked with, and many memories come to mind. No matter what anyone says, he was a good person and a good actor." 

He further explained that his involvement in the statement was a natural response as a colleague, but he also felt a sense of guilt, reflecting, "I should have acted sooner. I wonder why I couldn't do more before such a tragic situation arose."

봉준호 “이선균, 누가 뭐라 해도 좋은 사람”

Bong Joon-ho Remembers Late Actor Lee Sun-kyun as a 'Good Person and Good Actor'

'The Girl We Liked That Year' (그 시절, 우리가 좋아했던 소녀) is set to capture the essence of first love as Jinyoung (진영) and Dahyun (다현) grace the screen with their youthful charm. The film, which held its press screening on February 19 at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, features the lead actors alongside director Jo Young-myung (조영명).

This movie, adapted from the popular Taiwanese film of the same name starring Kai Ko (가인동) and Michelle Chen (천옌시), tells the story of Jinwoo (진우), played by Jinyoung, who spends countless days pining for Sunah (선아), portrayed by Dahyun, before finally confessing his feelings at the age of eighteen.

'The Girl We Liked That Year' is set to release in South Korea and Indonesia, followed by screenings in Thailand on March 6, the Philippines on March 12, and subsequently in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The film will also debut in South America, starting with Brazil, and Vietnam's CGV is expected to take a more aggressive distribution approach, raising hopes for a successful global box office performance.

Jinyoung expressed his initial apprehension upon receiving the casting offer, admitting he was a fan of the original work. He stated, "I thought a lot about how I could bring my own feelings into the role, and after being cast, I refrained from watching the original to focus on my own emotions and memories from that age."

Dahyun shared her admiration for the original film, noting, "It’s one of my favorite movies. After reading the script, I decided not to watch the original again to portray Sunah in my own way. The director also helped me express the character."

The chemistry between Jinyoung and Dahyun was evident as they prepared for their first collaboration. Jinyoung mentioned, "We had many discussions to express our characters fully, reflecting on childhood emotions. I found it frustrating that Jinwoo couldn’t just confess his feelings directly, which is relatable to that time in life."

Dahyun added, "Before filming, we rented a rehearsal space for script readings and discussions with the director. I felt a great connection with Jinyoung, and I’m grateful for the experience."

After a six-year hiatus from the big screen since 'My Annoying Brother' (내안의 그놈), Jinyoung expressed his joy in returning to film, saying, "I’ve wanted to act in movies, and this project made me very happy. It felt like a fresh start, and I was both excited and nervous."

Dahyun, who began her acting career after nine years with TWICE, shared her excitement for her debut film role, stating, "I’m thrilled and anxious about how audiences will receive it. I’ve always dreamed of being an actress, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that came my way last year."

When asked about moments of excitement during filming, Jinyoung revealed, "I often felt excited. At one point, I told Dahyun, 'You look just like Sunah now.' That feeling of excitement grew as we worked together."

Dahyun reflected on her favorite scene, saying, "Every moment was thrilling, especially when Sunah stands up to the teacher and shares a laugh while crying. It symbolizes how Jinwoo expands her world and creates shared memories."

The film features Jinyoung's real-life parents, Park Sung-woong (박성웅) and Shin Eun-jung (신은정), who play his on-screen parents, adding a unique touch to the film. Jinyoung expressed gratitude for their participation, despite the challenges of filming intimate scenes.

Director Jo Young-myung explained the casting choice, saying, "I wanted to express genuine emotions without exaggeration. Since Jinyoung was close to them, it felt natural to cast them as a real couple, which added authenticity to the family dynamic."

Jinyoung praised Dahyun, saying, "As a senior, I wanted to support her. I was impressed by her performance, especially in a challenging scene. I shared insights from my experiences to help her."

Dahyun acknowledged Jinyoung's support, stating, "Everything was new to me, and he provided invaluable guidance throughout the process. I felt secure working alongside him."

Dahyun also mentioned that her TWICE members are eagerly anticipating the film, expressing their excitement in their group chat. She shared that they plan to attend the premiere to show their support.

'The Girl We Liked That Year' is set to hit theaters on February 21.

"서로에게 실제로 설레"..'그 시절' 진영♥다현, 대만 원작 안 부러운 케미 [종합]

'The Girl We Liked That Year' Brings First Love to Life with Jinyoung and Dahyun

Broadcast personality Park Soo-hong and his wife Kim Da-ye have chosen the renowned Apgujeong Hyundai Apartment, famous for its celebrity residents, as their new home. On February 20, reports emerged that the couple purchased a large unit in the 'Apgujeong Shin-Hyundai Apartment' in Gangnam, Seoul, at a record price. 

According to the reports, Park Soo-hong and Kim Da-ye acquired a 170㎡ unit in the 12th phase of the Apgujeong Shin-Hyundai Apartment for 7.05 billion KRW, co-owning it with equal shares. They completed the ownership transfer on February 10, and on the same day, a bank mortgage of 3 billion KRW was established. Considering that the maximum bond amount typically represents about 120% of the loan, it is estimated that they borrowed around 2.5 billion KRW, with approximately 4.5 billion KRW of their own funds used for the purchase. 

The Apgujeong Shin-Hyundai Apartments, located along the Han River, were built in 1982 and consist of 27 buildings with a total of 1,924 units, each up to 13 stories high. The complex is conveniently located near Apgujeong Station on Subway Line 3 and is directly across from the Hyundai Department Store's Apgujeong branch. Additionally, it is within walking distance of various lifestyle and educational facilities, making it a traditional affluent neighborhood. 

This apartment complex was featured on MBC's 'Save Me! Homes,' where host Kim Sook expressed her emotional connection to the area, recalling her unsuccessful attempts to purchase a property there in her 20s due to high prices. She noted that the prices would suddenly increase by millions of KRW during negotiations. 

The Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments are categorized by their construction year into Old Hyundai, Seongsu Hyundai, Shin-Hyundai, and Employee Hyundai. Kim Sook highlighted that Apgujeong is unique in South Korea for being an administrative district composed solely of apartments. The complex has gained fame as a 'celebrity apartment' due to notable residents like Yoo Jae-suk and Noh Hong-chul. 

This news comes amid ongoing family conflicts for Park Soo-hong, as his older brother has been indicted for embezzling approximately 6.2 billion KRW of Park's earnings over a decade. The prosecution alleges that the brother misappropriated funds for real estate purchases and personal expenses. While he admitted to some charges, he denied most of the embezzlement allegations. In a recent sentencing hearing, the prosecution sought prison terms of seven years for the brother and three years for an accomplice, but the court found some charges not guilty, sentencing the brother to two years in prison, with an appeal currently underway.

박수홍 친형 '62억 횡령' 눈물 닦았다…♥김다예와 70억 아파트 새 둥지 [종합]

Park Soo-hong and Kim Da-ye's New Home in Celebrity-Famous Apgujeong Apartment

The popular K-pop group SEVENTEEN is set to unveil their new special unit, HoshiXWoozi, with the release of their debut single 'BEAM' on March 10. Pledis Entertainment announced this exciting news on February 19, sharing a concept teaser on the global fan platform Weverse and SEVENTEEN's official social media channels.

The teaser video showcases the HoshiXWoozi logo alongside the album title in a striking and intense atmosphere. The monochrome visuals, which blend light and darkness, offer a fresh and artistic presentation. As the video concludes, the release date for 'BEAM' is revealed, heightening anticipation among fans.

The title 'BEAM' symbolizes the light emitted by Hoshi and Woozi. Their journey from trainees to becoming one of the top K-pop groups has been marked by continuous challenges, and their originality and self-love are expressed through various forms of light.

Hoshi and Woozi, who first collaborated on the track 'Don't Wanna Cry' from SEVENTEEN's second studio album 'TEEN, AGE' released in November 2017, are reuniting in this special unit after nearly eight years. As leaders of the performance and vocal teams, and close friends born in 1996, fans can expect exceptional quality and genuine chemistry from this duo.

SEVENTEEN has consistently showcased a diverse range of special units, demonstrating their limitless musical spectrum. The unit BSS (Seungkwan, DK, Hoshi) has captivated audiences with hits like 'Fighting' and 'Jeans,' while the unit JeonghanXWonwoo achieved record-breaking first-week sales for a K-pop unit album with their single 'THIS MAN' released last June.

세븐틴 새 유닛 호시X우지 출격..3월 10일 ‘BEAM’ 발매 [공식]

SEVENTEEN's New Special Unit HoshiXWoozi to Release Debut Single 'BEAM' on March 10

As SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) marks its 10th anniversary, the group is set to engage with fans worldwide through a series of exciting activities. The new special unit, HoshiXWoozi, will release their debut single 'BEAM' on March 10. The title 'BEAM' symbolizes the light emitted by Hoshi and Woozi, showcasing their originality and self-love developed through challenges since their trainee days. As leaders of the performance and vocal teams, both born in 1996, they are expected to shine as representatives of the '96 line.

In addition to their unit activities, SEVENTEEN will host a large-scale fan meeting titled 'SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND'' at Incheon Munhak Stadium on March 20-21, a rare stadium-sized event for a fan meeting. They will also return to Japan for fan meetings after two years, scheduled for April 24 and 26-27 at Kyocera Dome Osaka, and May 10-11 at Saitama Super Arena, under the title 'SEVENTEEN 2025 JAPAN FAN MEETING ‘HOLIDAY’.

On April 4, SEVENTEEN will head to Mexico to perform as the headliner on the first day of the Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025 festival, the largest music festival in Latin America, often referred to as 'Mexico's Coachella.' This marks the first time a K-pop artist will perform at this festival. Last year, SEVENTEEN made history as the first K-pop group to perform on the main stage at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival and headlined the main stage at Lollapalooza Berlin in Germany.

The year began with the return of the special unit BSS (부석순), consisting of Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi, who released their second single 'TELEPARTY' on January 8, delivering the message that 'if you are happy in this moment, everyone is young.' The title track 'Jeans' quickly topped real-time and daily charts on domestic music sites, and the album sold nearly 530,000 copies within a week of its release, showcasing the strength of the 'K-pop super unit' BSS.

The 'SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR,' which began in October last year, concluded its Asian leg in January and February, with performances in major stadiums in Bulacan, Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok. The tour received rave reviews from local media, highlighting SEVENTEEN's powerful presence and perfect performances, and attracted approximately 1,037,000 fans both online and offline.

A representative from Pledis Entertainment stated, 'As SEVENTEEN celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are preparing various activities to create meaningful memories with our fans. We hope everyone looks forward to this being 'SEVENTEEN's year.'

SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

The K-pop group LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), consisting of members Kim Chae-won (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yoon-jin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eun-chae (홍은채), is set to release their fifth mini album titled 'HOT' on March 14 at 1 PM. This album will serve as the final installment in their trilogy, following the releases of their third mini album 'EASY' in February and their fourth mini album 'CRAZY' in August of last year.

Since their debut with 'FEARLESS', LE SSERAFIM has consistently infused their music with genuine thoughts and emotions, resonating with listeners. 'EASY' explored themes of inner struggles and anxieties, while 'CRAZY' encouraged embracing chaos rather than succumbing to fear. With 'HOT', the group aims to showcase a passionate attitude towards love, further illustrating their journey of inner strength throughout this trilogy.

The 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' trilogy has been in the works since 2023. During their performance at the 2023 MAMA Awards, they captivated audiences with the theme 'REVOLUTION ON THE STREET', where the phrases 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' were sequentially displayed on LED screens. Additionally, the track 'Good Bones' from their third mini album features the lyrics, "EASY, CRAZY, HOT I can make it," while the music video for 'Smart' also hints at the next album's title, 'CRAZY'. This has provided fans with numerous clues about the trilogy over the past year.

LE SSERAFIM will unveil the album trailer for 'HOT' on the 21st. Known for their stylish and impressive trailers, anticipation is high among K-pop fans for this upcoming release.

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

K-pop sensation BLACKPINK has unveiled the first phase of their highly anticipated 2025 world tour, which will feature stadium performances across various countries. YG Entertainment announced the tour on their official blog on February 20, revealing a poster that outlines the tour schedule, which includes stops in South Korea, North America, Europe, and Japan.

The tour kicks off with performances at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea on July 5 and 6, before heading to major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, and Tokyo. 

While the full details are yet to be revealed, all confirmed venues are large stadiums capable of accommodating tens of thousands of fans. Notably, BLACKPINK will be the first K-pop girl group to perform at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, often referred to as the 'dream stage' for pop artists. Additionally, their solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex marks a first for K-pop girl groups.

BLACKPINK will share the stage with other global music icons, performing at renowned venues like SoFi Stadium in LA, Soldier Field in Chicago, Rogers Centre in Toronto, City Field in New York, Stade de France in Paris, Ippodromo Snai La Maura in Milan, Estadi Olímpic in Barcelona, and Tokyo Dome, further solidifying their status as a top-tier global group.

YG Entertainment stated, "We are preparing for a tour of unprecedented scale and quality, comparable to the historic [BORN PINK] tour that wrote a new chapter in K-pop history. We ask for your continued interest in the additional locations and dates that will be announced soon."

The teaser released alongside the announcement highlights moments from the previous 'BORN PINK' tour, which set a record for K-pop girl group world tours with over 1.8 million attendees. The explosive stage presence of BLACKPINK and the enthusiasm of fans worldwide are sure to elevate anticipation for the upcoming tour, with the phrase 'AND MORE' prominently displayed in the video, hinting at more surprises to come.

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

K-pop group ONF has made a remarkable comeback, soaring to the top of both domestic and international music charts. On February 18, they released their second full-length album, Part.1 'ONF: MY IDENTITY', with the title track 'The Stranger' hitting number one on the Bugs real-time chart on the day of its release. The album's entire tracklist has also charted, showcasing the group's impressive popularity.

Internationally, 'ONF: MY IDENTITY' has made significant strides, reaching the number one spot on Japan's iTunes 'Top Albums' chart and landing in the top 10 of the same chart in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Additionally, the album secured the 16th position on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart, highlighting ONF's strong presence in the global music scene.

With a successful comeback underway, ONF is set to kick off their promotional activities on February 20 at 6 PM KST on Mnet's 'M Countdown'. They will perform 'The Stranger' for the first time, delivering a dynamic performance filled with healing energy and impactful choreography that symbolizes the shape of a circle.

'The Stranger' is a pop track characterized by its funky rhythm and showcases ONF's impressive vocal range. The song conveys a positive message about pursuing dreams amidst a challenging world, with members Min-kyun and Wyatt contributing to its creation, adding a unique touch to the group's sound.

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans has encountered difficulties in their initial activities as NJZ. On February 19, five major music organizations in South Korea, including the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, issued a statement calling for policy support to eradicate tampering in the K-pop industry. They claimed that the actions of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and NewJeans are causing significant harm to the industry and urged the government and National Assembly to establish anti-tampering legislation.

In response, NewJeans took a stand. A lengthy rebuttal was posted on accounts managed by the members' parents, asserting that HYBE and the organizations involved are engaging in misleading media play. They stated that their exclusive contract with HYBE has been terminated due to unfair treatment.

The group specifically claimed that HYBE's Chairman Bang Si-hyuk personally pressured U.S. contacts to cancel NJZ members' performances, as relayed by a representative from ComplexCon, who is assisting with the event preparations.

Ador countered this by stating, "We have never pressured the cancellation of NewJeans' Hong Kong performance. Chairman Bang has confirmed that he has had no contact regarding the Hong Kong concert."

Ador further explained that they requested the event organizers to use the official team name NewJeans, as previously requested by domestic media, and to conduct the performance through Ador based on the exclusive contract.

NewJeans maintains that their exclusive contract with Ador was terminated in November of last year and has declared 'NJZ' as their new team name. In response, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract and has sought an injunction against the group's agency status and advertising contracts. They argue that the official team name is not NJZ but NewJeans, asserting that the exclusive contract remains valid. The first hearing related to the injunction is set for March, while the lawsuit regarding the exclusive contract will begin in April. If the court rules in favor of HYBE, NewJeans' independent activities may be jeopardized.

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' Tops Pre-Booking Charts Ahead of Release

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SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans Faces Challenges in First Activities as NJZ

More

Kwangsoo Uses Super Date Ticket on Sunja in 'I Am SOLO'

Bong Joon-ho Remembers Late Actor Lee Sun-kyun as a 'Good Person and Good Actor'

'The Girl We Liked That Year' Brings First Love to Life with Jinyoung and Dahyun

Park Soo-hong and Kim Da-ye's New Home in Celebrity-Famous Apgujeong Apartment

SEVENTEEN's New Special Unit HoshiXWoozi to Release Debut Single 'BEAM' on March 10

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