The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career with the release of their new digital single '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' (Today Only I LOVE YOU) on January 6 at 6 PM. The track debuted at number 38 on the Melon daily chart on January 7, marking the group's highest achievement to date. After entering the daily chart at number 45, the song has climbed in rankings, reaching number 4 on Melon's 'Top 100', number 10 on Bugs, and number 22 on Genie, showcasing their impressive growth.

Additionally, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' entered the Korean Spotify 'Daily Top Songs' chart at number 27 on January 6 and secured the 10th position on the Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' chart in Korea on January 8, making it the highest-ranking K-pop boy group song on that day.

The single is also gaining traction in the global market, having reached number 1 on Japan's LINE MUSIC 'Top 100' chart on January 7, maintaining its position until 7 AM, and reclaiming the top spot again on January 8. Furthermore, it debuted at number 3 on QQ Music's rising chart in China, making BOYNEXTDOOR the only K-pop group in the 'Top 3' of that chart.

Musically, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' is a dance track that presents a unique perspective on post-breakup experiences, blending self-deprecating lyrics with an upbeat band sound to create a relatable breakup anthem. BOYNEXTDOOR is set to showcase their new song on music shows over the coming week.

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

'Yu Quiz on the Block' has achieved a new high in target ratings for 2024, featuring actress Song Hye-kyo and the members of the first-ever Antarctic winter research team from the Sejong Station. The special New Year episode aired on January 8, 2025, and included heartfelt discussions with Min Jun-hong, a member of the research team. The broadcast garnered an average rating of 6.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 8.1%, while achieving an average of 5.6% nationwide, with a peak of 7.5%. In the key demographic of viewers aged 20-49, the show recorded an average rating of 3.5% in the metropolitan area and 3.0% nationwide, marking it as the top-rated program across all channels during its time slot. This episode's ratings reflect the audience's strong interest, setting a record for the 2049 target demographic for the year 2024 (Nielsen Korea, paid platform basis).

The 37th Antarctic winter research team shared captivating stories about their experiences in the remote and mysterious land of Antarctica. Comprising 18 specialists, the team has conducted various groundbreaking studies at the Sejong Station, which spans approximately 1,700 square meters. They discussed the 'secret ecosystem' beneath the Antarctic ice, estimating that over 50% of the species found there are unique to the region. The episode also included somber moments, such as a tribute to the late Jeon Jae-kyu, a team member who lost his life while attempting to rescue a colleague 20 years ago, and the shocking revelations about zombie viruses discovered in Antarctica due to climate change.

Making her first talk show appearance in 23 years, Song Hye-kyo captivated viewers with her genuine and flowing conversation, sharing humorous anecdotes about her time working with Song Seung-heon on 'Autumn in My Heart.' Reflecting on her 28-year career as a top star, she discussed the highs and lows of her life, including the pressures of fame and her journey of self-acceptance. She also opened up about the emotional toll of facing false rumors and her feelings of monotony regarding her acting before her role in 'The Glory.'

Song Hye-kyo revealed that, at the suggestion of writer Noh Hee-kyung, she has been practicing daily gratitude exercises for the past five years, where she writes down her intentions for the day in the morning and lists ten things she is grateful for each evening. She shared that on the first day of this practice, she struggled to think of anything to be grateful for, but as she began to appreciate the small things, she realized there was so much to be thankful for.

She also discussed how 'The Glory' marked a turning point in her acting career, stating that she approached her 40s with the mindset that she could no longer rely solely on her looks. Despite the challenges of the role, she found herself excited to return for the next shoot. Hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho expressed their admiration for her candidness, remarking on the depth of her insights. Song Hye-kyo expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received during her return to variety shows, sharing photos from the set on her social media and thanking everyone for their kindness.

Looking ahead, next week's episode will feature the legendary Middle Eastern high school exam cheer squad, Beopryun Sunim, and IVE's Jang Won-young and An Yu-jin, who have made waves in both the music and entertainment industries since their debut. 'Yu Quiz on the Block' airs every Wednesday at 8:45 PM on tvN.

송혜교, 23년만 루머 정면 돌파 효과..'유퀴즈' 시청률 자체 최고 [종합]

Yu Quiz on the Block Sets New Ratings Record with Song Hye-kyo and Antarctic Researchers

On the January 8 episode of TV Chosun's Perfect Life (퍼펙트 라이프), legendary Miss Korea Jang Yoon-jung made an appearance, revealing her current activities as a traditional Korean painting artist. Reflecting on her journey into 민화 (minhwa), she shared, "About six years ago, I was going through a tough time. A friend suggested I try painting, which is a very calming activity. I became captivated by the beauty of the colors in 민화, and the subtle hues of Korean coloring brought me a sense of peace. It has been a therapeutic process for me."

Jang, who majored in dance at university, completed two hours of 민화 work before heading to a dance academy to pursue her hobby. After a 30-year hiatus, she showcased her stunning dance skills in traditional Korean dance, leaving everyone in awe.

Later, Jang visited a cooking studio to prepare a meal for her agency's CEO, Kim Hyun-jung. She expressed her gratitude, stating, "When I decided to restart my career 7-8 years ago, he was one of the few who offered me support when I had nothing. I am truly thankful to him."

Displaying her impressive culinary skills, Jang surprised everyone by suggesting they drink soju, saying, "Shall we have a drink?" This caught everyone off guard, especially since her CEO humorously recalled, "Didn’t you used to avoid soju? The first time you tried it, we ended up at our sixth round of drinks, and then you disappeared the next day!"

A flustered Jang admitted, "I had never tried soju before, so I didn’t know my limit. I ended up drinking quite a bit and got really drunk!" When asked if she had any drinking habits, she replied, "When I drink, my tone gets really high, and I become very cheerful."

Additionally, Lee Sung-mi praised Jang's beauty when a photo from her Miss Korea days at age 17 was shown, saying, "No one can match that beauty. In fact, actress Kim Sung-ryung was so intimidated by Jang that she postponed her own Miss Korea participation by a year to avoid competing against her."


소속사 대표의 폭로..“장윤정, 6차까지 술 마시고 연락두절” (‘퍼펙트라이프’)

Jang Yoon-jung Surprised by Agency's CEO Revelations on Perfect Life

The K-pop group ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) has successfully wrapped up their first large-scale overseas tour and is set to make waves in the 2025 music scene with a surprise pre-release track on January 20. This comes ahead of their upcoming Japanese EP, 'PREZENT,' scheduled for release on January 29. 

On January 8, their agency, Wake One, announced that ZEROBASEONE members Seong Han-bin (성한빈), Kim Ji-woong (김지웅), Zhang Hao (장하오), Seok Matthew (석매튜), Kim Tae-rae (김태래), Ricky (리키), Kim Kyu-bin (김규빈), Park Geon-wook (박건욱), and Han Yoo-jin (한유진) will unveil the track 'Doctor! Doctor!' in Korea before their Japanese activities commence. This song is part of their fifth mini-album, set to be released in February. 

Along with the comeback announcement, the group shared a poster for 'Doctor! Doctor!' on their official social media, featuring an intriguing image of someone attempting to swallow a heart-shaped capsule. 

'Doctor! Doctor!' is described as an R&B ballad with an addictive melody and the members' sweet vocal harmonies, promising a fresh sound. The quirky logo combining an exclamation mark and a heart hints at the new charm ZEROBASEONE will showcase in their upcoming mini-album, heightening anticipation among fans. 

Since their debut, ZEROBASEONE has made history as the first K-pop group to achieve 'million-seller' status with four consecutive albums released within a day. They continue to break career highs with each comeback, expanding their reach beyond Korea to the global stage. Their recent tour, 'TIMELESS WORLD,' captivated 140,000 fans worldwide, solidifying their status as a top-tier fifth-generation group. 

Having secured their debut through fierce competition, ZEROBASEONE is carving out their unique path with authentic narratives that resonate with themes of destiny, eternity, and love. Fans are eager to see what stories they will tell through their fifth mini-album and what new milestones they will achieve in K-pop history. 

As they prepare for their domestic comeback next month, ZEROBASEONE is poised to continue their dynamic journey, aiming for dual popularity both at home and abroad.

제로베이스원, 20일 선공개 곡 'Doctor! Doctor!'로 깜짝 컴백[공식]

ZEROBASEONE to Surprise Release 'Doctor! Doctor!' Ahead of Japanese EP Launch

On January 8, 2025, the action film '하얼빈' (Harbin), directed by Woo Min-ho and produced by Hive Media Corp, held a press screening and media conference at CGV in Yongsan, Seoul. The film has maintained its position as the top-grossing movie in South Korea for 15 consecutive days, nearing 4 million admissions. 

As of January 8, 'Harbin' has achieved the highest ticket reservation rate among all films, surpassing competitors such as '동화지만 청불입니다' (It's a Fairytale but Rated R) directed by Lee Jong-seok, '페라리' (Ferrari) by Michael Mann, and '보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅' (Bogotá: The Last Land of Opportunity) by Kim Sung-jae. Since claiming the top spot in ticket reservations on December 15, 2024, it has held this position for 25 days straight. Furthermore, since its release on December 24, it has not relinquished the number one spot at the box office, showcasing its impressive performance. 

The film's success is not limited to South Korea; it has also made waves internationally, achieving global sales in 117 countries, including the United States, Japan, France, Taiwan, Australia, and Spain. 'Harbin' began its international rollout on December 25, 2024, with releases in the U.S. and Singapore, followed by an expanded release in the U.S. on January 3, and confirmed openings in Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan in the coming weeks. Other countries are expected to announce their release dates soon. 

The significance of this achievement lies in the historical subject matter, which resonates with audiences across diverse cultures. A representative from CJ ENM's international distribution team noted that the anticipation surrounding Woo Min-ho's new project, along with the star power of actors like Hyun Bin, has attracted international buyers. The film has also been recognized at prestigious film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, enhancing its appeal. 

'Harbin' has been described as a must-see film, delivering an unparalleled audiovisual experience that meets the expectations of viewers. The film intricately weaves the story of General Ahn Jung-geun and the Korean Independence Army, stirring emotions and garnering positive reviews. The narrative connects the historical figure of Ahn Jung-geun from 1909 to contemporary issues faced by the Korean public in 2025, raising curiosity about whether 'Harbin' will surpass 4 million admissions in its third week and reach 5 million. 

Set in 1909, 'Harbin' depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those chasing them. The film features a star-studded cast, including Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, and Lee Dong-wook, with direction by Woo Min-ho, known for 'The Insider' and 'The Man Standing Next.'

[종합] "전 세계 퍼진 '까레아 우라!'"…'하얼빈' 韓서 15일 연속 1위→해외 117개국 판매까지

Action Film 'Harbin' Dominates Korean Box Office and Gains Global Attention

The Korean entertainment community is mourning the loss of voice actor and actor Yoo Ho-han, who passed away from a heart attack on January 7 at the age of 52. Known for his work in popular series such as 짱구는 못 말려 (Crayon Shin-chan) and the Avengers franchise, Yoo's contributions to the industry were significant. His funeral is scheduled for January 11, with burial at the Hambeoksan Memorial Park in Hwaseong.

Yoo Ho-han joined KBS as a voice actor in 2002 and lent his voice to numerous animated series including 명탐정 코난 (Detective Conan), 원피스 (One Piece), and 유희왕 GX (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX). He also appeared in films like 청년경찰 (Midnight Runners) and the Netflix series 사냥개들 (The Hunt). 

In addition to his voice acting, Yoo was a strong advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors. He served as the 31st president of the KBS Voice Actors Association for three years, promoting unity among colleagues. As the senior vice president of the Korean Voice Actors Association and a delegate for the Korean Broadcasting Actors Labor Union, he actively participated in negotiations to protect voice actors' rights.

Lee Yeon-hee, director of the Korean Voice Actors Association, expressed deep sorrow over Yoo's passing, stating, "He was an irreplaceable voice actor who showed strong camaraderie with all his colleagues. Losing him feels like losing my right arm. His absence will be profoundly felt."

Yoo's death follows the recent passing of entrepreneur and influencer Lee Hee-cheol, who also died on January 7. Lee's close friend, broadcaster Pungja, shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sadness over the sudden loss. Lee Hee-cheol was known for his role on KBS2's 살림하는 남자들2 (Salim Nam) and was a prominent figure in the influencer and restaurant industry.

The unexpected deaths of both Yoo and Lee have left fans and colleagues in shock, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the beloved figures.

‘살림남’ 이희철→’짱구’ 성우 유호한, 심근경색 사망..새해부터 이틀째 비보 충격 [종합]

Beloved Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

In the latest episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, captivating viewers with her unique storytelling. Celebrating her 28th year in the entertainment industry, she revealed that it has been 23 years since her last variety show appearance.

Song Hye-kyo shared her journey, starting from her teenage years when she debuted after winning a school uniform contest. At just 20, she gained widespread recognition for her role in Autumn in My Heart (가을동화), marking a significant transformation in her public image. Following this, she starred in hit dramas like All In (올인), Hotelier (호텔리어), and Full House (풀하우스), becoming a ratings queen in her twenties. Reflecting on that time, she noted, "I never felt anxious about whether my projects would succeed. I had a lot of fun and sometimes found it annoying to have to work instead of hanging out with friends. I often thought about what I would do for fun after work."

She also expressed some regrets about her career choices, saying, "I missed out on roles because I thought I should switch to serious characters after playing a comedic one. I wish I had taken on more diverse roles. I sometimes wonder why I was so selective when I was still developing as an actress."

Known for her strong connections and charm, Song Hye-kyo commented on how others perceive her humor, stating, "People think I’m funny, but I just respond to situations as they come. I don’t see myself as particularly humorous."

In a light-hearted moment, fellow guest Jo Se-ho mentioned that Shin Hyun-ji had reached out to him, saying that Song Hye-kyo was incredibly entertaining and addictive to watch. Song Hye-kyo humorously admitted, "I’m not entirely devoid of a desire to be funny."

Despite her long career, Song Hye-kyo has faced her share of challenges, including numerous rumors. She explained, "Starting so young in this industry, I’ve dealt with many rumors. I’ve learned to let them go, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. During interviews, I often say, 'I don’t know where these stories come from; ask the person who made them up.'"

As she enters her forties, she feels a shift in her approach to acting, stating, "I’ve started preparing myself more. The differences between me and younger actors are becoming more apparent. I realize I need to focus on my acting skills now; I can’t rely on my looks anymore."

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

In the latest episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), aired on January 8, 2025, renowned actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, highlighting her exceptional character. Upon seeing Song Hye-kyo, host Jo Se-ho expressed his astonishment, while she too was intrigued to meet him in person for the first time. Jo Se-ho remarked, 'I have only seen you on TV,' to which Song Hye-kyo responded, 'I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity. Congratulations on your marriage, even if it's a bit late.' 

During their pre-shoot meeting, Song Hye-kyo surprised Jo Se-ho with a wedding gift, demonstrating her thoughtfulness. Jo Se-ho promised to reciprocate her kindness, stating, 'I’m not someone who forgets gifts.' 

Additionally, Song Hye-kyo prepared gifts for the production staff, showcasing her generous spirit. She expressed, 'I feel like I must repay the love I have received,' leaving everyone in admiration.

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

In the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's Squid Game (오징어 게임), Won Ji-an has captured the hearts of global audiences with her portrayal of the character Se-mi. The series continues the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), as Gi-hun returns to the deadly games seeking revenge. Within just four days of its release, the show amassed an impressive 68 million views, securing the top spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 and ranking as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history based on its opening week viewership.

Won Ji-an's striking transformation into Se-mi, characterized by her short haircut, bold piercings, and choker accessories, has drawn significant attention from viewers. This dramatic shift from her previous roles has surprised many, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Her visual transformation complements Se-mi's strong and charismatic personality, as she navigates the challenges of the game while being kind to the vulnerable Min-su (played by Lee David). Their dynamic, particularly Se-mi's protective nature towards the timid Min-su, has resonated with fans, leading to a mix of admiration and humor, with some viewers jokingly expressing their dislike for Min-su due to the unfolding tragic narrative.

Won Ji-an has previously demonstrated her acting prowess in acclaimed series such as D.P. and Youth of May (소년비행), establishing herself as a talented actress. With her captivating performance in Squid Game Season 2, she has garnered attention not only in South Korea but also internationally.

Looking ahead, Won Ji-an is set to continue her busy schedule with upcoming roles in Disney+'s original series Polaris and Made in Korea, further solidifying her rising star status in the entertainment industry.

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

On January 8, 2025, the YouTube channel 'Naraesik' released a new video titled 'Lee Jun-hyuk X Nucksal | My Perfect Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal Secretary | Scary Stories from the New Year, Lee Jun-hyuk's Songs, Never-ending Board Games'. In this episode, Park Na-rae, who turned 40 this year, greeted the new year by gifting ten types of pizza, including 'waist pizza', 'chest pizza', 'shoulder pizza', 'leg pizza', 'wrinkle pizza', 'poor pizza', and 'laugh pizza'. She also prepared a menu of pizza and side dishes, showcasing kimchi cheese fries inspired by a famous taco restaurant in Itaewon.

Guests Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal joined the show, with Lee introducing himself humorously as someone responding to a rude late-night call from Kim Jae-wook. Park Na-rae explained the show's 'multi-level marketing' system, mentioning that Lee Si-eon had been promoted to diamond status while Kim Jae-wook was a ruby member. Lee Jun-hyuk revealed that he missed a call from Kim Jae-wook, who was intoxicated at the time, expressing sympathy for him.

While making pizza, Lee Jun-hyuk shared his love for fast food but noted the challenges of needing to lose weight for roles. He recalled needing to gain weight for 'The Outlaws 3'. Nucksal humorously admitted to never having been this heavy, stating he was 50 kg in his twenties but gained weight after quitting smoking post-marriage, adding, 'I’m so happy to be married' in a deadpan manner, which elicited laughter.

Lee Jun-hyuk commented on a photo of Park Na-rae's bulked-up physique on the wall, saying it was his preferred style. Park Na-rae shared her trainer's advice on achieving a slim waist by building up her back, aiming for a Brock Lesnar-like physique. Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his admiration for Brock Lesnar and flirtatiously remarked that Park Na-rae looked like a fairy in real life, suggesting that her on-screen persona was exaggerated.

Discussing his upcoming drama 'My Perfect Secretary', Lee Jun-hyuk mentioned that this is his first true romance project, stating, 'I’m like a character from a comic strip. In 'You Forgot Poetry', it was a sitcom, but this is my first time with a proper romance. I even get to kiss Han Ji-min.'

He also expressed his aspirations in variety shows, saying he respects entertainers for their energy and humor. He wants to engage in witty banter and feels the need to develop a character for variety shows, likening it to performing without a script in theater. Park Na-rae initiated a two-line poem challenge to help him practice, and Lee successfully created a poem about 'beer', earning applause.

When the topic of scary stories arose, Lee Jun-hyuk recounted his childhood experiences with ghosts, including a chilling encounter at his grandmother's house and another incident during elementary school that left him feeling uneasy. 

In conclusion, Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his desire to work hard on 'My Perfect Secretary' and earn some well-deserved rest, emphasizing the importance of diligence in the current entertainment industry, where one project does not guarantee success. He looks forward to meeting fans in the new year with exciting new roles to explore.

Lee Jun-hyuk Teases Romantic Chemistry with Han Ji-min in 'My Perfect Secretary'

On January 8, 2025, actress Yoo Hana shared heartfelt tributes on her Instagram story in memory of her close friend, the late Lee Hee-cheol, who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. She posted a touching message alongside a warm photo of the two, reminiscing about their 23 years of friendship filled with playful banter and laughter, always concluding with wishes to live well and long.

Yoo Hana expressed her sorrow, saying, "When Do-hyun grows up, let’s hang out together. To drink and have fun with Do-hyun, you need to be healthy. You were always so proud of Do-hyun’s achievements. Where have you gone?" Do-hyun is her son.

In a poignant moment, she shared another photo of herself with Lee Hee-cheol, pleading, "Please tell me this is a lie. I won’t be angry." This heartfelt message resonated deeply with her followers.

Yoo Hana and Lee Hee-cheol were known to be close friends in the entertainment industry. In November 2023, she made a guest appearance on KBS 2TV's 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' to support him. Their friendship dates back to their first year of high school, with Lee Hee-cheol describing Yoo Hana as a friend he could always count on.

Pungja, another close friend of Lee Hee-cheol, also took to Instagram on January 7 to share the heartbreaking news, stating, "I can’t believe this as I write. For those who loved him and haven’t heard yet, my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today."

On January 8, Lee Hee-cheol's family revealed to OSEN that the cause of death was a heart attack, expressing their shock as he had been in relatively good health recently. His memorial is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

Lee Hee-cheol was a well-known influencer, CEO of a restaurant business, photographer, and visual director. He gained popularity in 2023 as a regular cast member on 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' and was also recognized as Pungja's close brother on YouTube.

However, it seems he had been facing personal struggles in silence. In a New Year’s post on his social media, he reflected on the challenges of 2024, describing it as a difficult year for both his health and mental well-being. Despite this, he maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude and hope for a healthier 2025.

Tragically, despite his optimistic messages, Lee Hee-cheol has now passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and friendship.

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

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Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

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Yoo Hana and Pungja Mourn the Sudden Passing of Lee Hee-cheol

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