Lee Changsub of BTOB has officially graduated from the web variety show '전과자' (Jeongwaja), signaling a new chapter in his career. On February 17, the YouTube channel 'ootb STUDIO' released a video titled 'Graduation and New Jeongwaja Student [Graduation Ceremony]', marking Changsub's departure after hosting the show through its fifth season.

In the video, he humorously shared, "I have some good news. I am finally graduating. I have transferred 66 times, and it has been very tough." He reflected on his two years of enjoyable experiences studying at various schools but explained that he needs to focus on his main career and take care of his vocal health, which is why he is stepping back. He added, "This isn’t the end of my relationship with ootb. There will be opportunities to meet again through new content, whether on an island or in a car."

Taking over the hosting duties for 'Jeongwaja' Season 6 is EXO's Kai. Changsub advised Kai to listen well to the professors, bond with the students, and get plenty of rest.

Kai, who joined the show after completing his military service, expressed surprise at being asked if he was considering going back to the army on his first day out.

'Jeongwaja' is a campus culture revival program that visits universities across the country to experience various academic departments firsthand. Season 6, hosted by Kai, is set to premiere on March 20 at 6 PM on the 'ootb STUDIO' YouTube channel.

BTOB's Lee Changsub Graduates from Web Variety Show 'Jeongwaja'

In the latest episode of KBS 2TV's popular variety show, Superman Returns (슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다), aired on February 19, Park Soo-hong expressed interest in Kim Jun-ho's sons, Eun-woo and Jung-woo, as potential suitors for his daughter, Jae-i. 

The episode featured Kim Jun-ho and his athletic second son, Jung-woo, visiting a gym for some exercise. The gym instructor introduced the children, who were all around 22 months old, as 'our representative athletes,' to which Kim Jun-ho humorously remarked, 'They are referred to as athletes.' 

Despite their young age, the children showcased impressive skills, with Jung-woo astonishing everyone by successfully holding a handstand for 10 seconds on his first attempt. The gym session progressed to a hanging competition on the horizontal bar, marking Jung-woo's first time hanging since his birth. Contrary to Kim Jun-ho's worries, Jung-woo managed to hang calmly, even surpassing a friend who fell earlier by hanging for an impressive 14 seconds without any support. Park Soo-hong was amazed, stating, 'He must have the DNA of a national athlete.' 

Jung-woo later faced off against his four-month-older sister in the finals, again achieving a time of 14 seconds to win the competition. The panelists noted Jung-woo's competitive spirit, attributing it to his resemblance to his father, which made Kim Jun-ho beam with pride. 

Park Soo-hong, impressed by Jung-woo's abilities, commented, 'I think my daughter Jae-i would get along well with Jung-woo. They look adorable together.' An Young-mi jokingly remarked that Park Soo-hong seems eager whenever the boys are around, to which he replied, 'I just think it would be nice for both families to meet for a meal.' 

As the episode continued, Park Soo-hong observed Eun-woo and Jung-woo celebrating the traditional Korean holiday, Jeongwol Daeboreum, and remarked, 'They are like angels. That's why I like that family.' When asked to choose between Eun-woo and Jung-woo, Park Soo-hong humorously noted, 'How can I know who my daughter will like? Everyone has their own preferences.'

박수홍, 김준호와 사돈 될듯..‘국대 DNA’ 뽐낸 子에 “딸 재이랑 잘 어울려” (‘슈돌’)

Park Soo-hong Eyes Kim Jun-ho's Sons as Potential Match for His Daughter

The glam metal band Crackshot (크랙샷) is set to make a strong start to 2025 with the release of their new single 'Get Over' (겟 오버), which targets rock enthusiasts. The announcement was made by their agency, Rockstar Music & Live, stating that the track will be available on various online music platforms starting at noon on February 19.

Written and composed by the band's leader, Willy.K, 'Get Over' reflects the emotions Crackshot has experienced during challenging times, showcasing their growth as a band. Drummer Danny Lee also contributed to the arrangement, adding depth to the song's meaning.

'Get Over' encapsulates the band's explosive energy and determination to overcome inevitable hardships and trials. With intense instrumentation and Vincent's sharp vocal delivery, the track is expected to captivate listeners while offering them a sense of comfort and encouragement through its powerful lyrics.

The song aims to inspire those facing fears and uncertainties, wishing them luck in their challenges. It also seeks to instill resilience in those who are enduring tough times, encouraging them to hold on for a brighter tomorrow. Ultimately, it hopes to provide courage to those who feel defeated and are struggling to rise again.

Crackshot, consisting of Vincent (vocals), Willy.K (guitar), Danny Lee (drums), and Cyun (bass), gained fame as the winners of 'Superband 2' in 2021, with popular tracks like 'Go Away', 'Follow Me', 'Goodbye My Love', 'Walking On Fire', and 'INFP'.

In addition to the single release, Crackshot will hold their solo concert 'We Are Crackshot vol.4' on February 21, promising an even more dynamic musical journey than last year.

'슈퍼밴드2 우승자' 크랙샷, 성장 스토리 담은 신곡 'Get Over' 발표

Crackshot Kicks Off 2025 with Powerful New Single 'Get Over'

Lee Byung-hun's recent activities are drawing significant attention. Following the announcement of 'Squid Game Season 2' and the re-screening of 'Joint Security Area (JSA)', fans are eager to see the real Lee Byung-hun on the web variety show 'Jjanhan Hyung'. On February 20, it was reported that Lee Byung-hun participated as a special guest in the recording of 'Jjanhan Hyung' on February 19 at a location in Seoul. This news has sparked excitement among both domestic and international fans. Lee has been showcasing his versatility through various projects, with 'Squid Game Season 2' being one of the most notable. Released in December last year, 'Squid Game 2' features a fierce rivalry between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who returns for revenge, and the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), as they engage in a deadly game. The series recently won the Best Foreign Language Series award at the 37th Critics' Choice Awards held in California on February 7, highlighting its immense popularity. Additionally, Lee Byung-hun attended a special screening of 'Joint Security Area (JSA)', directed by Park Chan-wook, on February 4 at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall, alongside co-stars Lee Young-ae, Song Kang-ho, and Kim Tae-woo. This film, recognized as a 'Visionary' work by CJ ENM for its 30th anniversary, is celebrated for its humanistic portrayal of the Korean divide and its impact on public perception of inter-Korean relations. As a leading actor in Korea, Lee Byung-hun's decision to appear on 'Jjanhan Hyung' marks his first foray into a drinking show format since his debut 34 years ago, showcasing a more personal side of him. His close friend Shin Dong-yup expressed his excitement, stating, 'It's frustrating that people don't recognize how funny he is. More people need to know!' Lee has previously shown his comedic side in the Coupang Play series 'SNL Korea', where he even parodied his signature smile. Fans are now curious about what stories will unfold in 'Jjanhan Hyung'.

[단독] "많은 사람들이 알아야" 이병헌, '오겜2'→'JSA' 경사 속 '짠한형' 뜬다 [종합]

Lee Byung-hun to Appear on Web Variety Show 'Jjanhan Hyung'

Hello! This is a preview of the highly anticipated film 'Mickey 17', directed by Bong Joon-ho, who previously won acclaim for 'Parasite' at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards. This sci-fi blockbuster, set in the 2050s, boasts a production budget exceeding $100 million.

Recently, I've been asked, "Is 'Mickey 17' not that great?" My response is that it’s not exactly disappointing; if I had to rank it, I’d place it somewhere between 'Snowpiercer' and 'Okja'. (For clarity, I do enjoy 'Snowpiercer' as well.) If you go in expecting another masterpiece like 'Parasite', you might be let down, but the film offers stunning visuals and an engaging universe, making it worth seeing in theaters.

'Mickey 17' is an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel 'Mickey7'. If you’re wondering whether to read the book first, I recommend watching the film instead. Reading the novel beforehand might make the initial world-building feel tedious.

The story revolves around a human printing technology that allows for the repeated creation of individuals by uploading biological data and memories. In this era, replacing humans is cheaper and more efficient than machines. The protagonist, Mickey Barnes (played by Robert Pattinson), is an 'expendable' sent to dangerous locations for space colonization, repeatedly dying and being resurrected. Just knowing this much will suffice.

One of my favorite scenes is when Mickey is printed. Instead of a sleek modern laser printer, it resembles an old inkjet printer, clunkily producing Mickey in a way that is both humorous and tragic, perfectly capturing the film's tone.

As an explorer on an icy planet, Mickey faces radiation exposure, toxic gas, and becomes a test subject for new drugs, constantly dying and being reborn. He is thrown into a furnace only to be printed again, evoking the concept of reincarnation. Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the 17th Mickey, 'Mickey 17', with his slumped shoulders, delicate voice, and weary smile, effectively embodies the plight of a laborer.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Mark Ruffalo shines as a rockstar-like dictator, but I found Steven Yeun’s role as Mickey’s friend particularly memorable. His innocent question, "What does it feel like to die?" is so infuriatingly naive that it makes you want to give him a kick. He plays a character that is charming yet unsettling, though I wished he had more screen time.

In the original novel, I was curious about the native creature of the icy planet, the 'Creeper'. The film’s depiction, crafted by a monster expert, is bizarrely captivating. It combines the grotesqueness of 'The Host' with the cuteness of 'Okja'. While the book describes it as a giant spider, the film presents it as a creature reminiscent of an armadillo or a furry maggot. The scenes where Creepers swarm are thrilling, akin to witnessing a monster movie in space.

Bong Joon-ho proudly claims this is his first film to include a love story. The peculiar love triangle between 'Mickey 17' and 'Mickey 18' over their girlfriend, Nasha, adds an interesting twist. While viewers may not perceive it as a traditional love story, it offers a taste of what a Bong Joon-ho love film feels like—strange yet endearing, much like the Creepers.

While 'Mickey 17' is an engaging film, it may struggle to meet the heightened expectations set by 'Parasite'. The tension characteristic of Bong Joon-ho's work is somewhat lacking, and the pacing feels loose in the middle. While the original novel delves into philosophical questions about whether 'Mickey 17' and 'Mickey 18' are the same person and the nature of human cloning, the film leans more towards satirizing inhumane capitalism and arrogant colonialism. This overt satire may detract from the depth and enjoyment found in the source material. The villain, portrayed in a comic and slightly deranged manner, feels overly typical compared to the film's themes.

Given its substantial budget, the film appears to be crafted in a lighter, more mainstream style. Personally, I found the movie enjoyable, but I preferred the original novel. As with any film that divides opinions, it’s best to see it for yourself. 'Mickey 17' is set to premiere in South Korea on February 28, marking its global debut. Until next time, thank you for reading!

[그 영화 어때] 봉준호표 사랑 영화? 이상한데 귀여운 ‘미키17’

Anticipation Builds for Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17'

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

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.

BTOB's Lee Changsub Graduates from Web Variety Show 'Jeongwaja'

What do you think?

Trending

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

Park Soo-hong Eyes Kim Jun-ho's Sons as Potential Match for His Daughter

Crackshot Kicks Off 2025 with Powerful New Single 'Get Over'

Lee Byung-hun to Appear on Web Variety Show 'Jjanhan Hyung'

Anticipation Builds for Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17'

Police Officer Arrested for Drunk Driving After Fleeing from Authorities

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