Kim Ri-eul, the renowned hanbok designer known for her work with BTS (방탄소년단), has tragically passed away at the age of 32. According to reports from Yonhap News on February 12, the Namwon police in Jeollabuk-do received a report of her death at an apartment on February 11 at around 9 PM, and they are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Kim first gained attention in 2016 when she introduced modern suits made from traditional hanbok fabric. She later established her own hanbok suit brand, Ri-eul. Her designs garnered significant acclaim, particularly when BTS wore her hanbok suits during their performance of the hit song 'IDOL' in 2020. The group also showcased her creations during their appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or other difficult issues, please reach out for help. You can contact suicide prevention hotlines for 24/7 professional counseling.

BTS Hanbok Designer Kim Ri-eul Passes Away at 32

On February 7, an episode titled 'Wonder Girls, KARA, and T-ara Gather to Dance Like 4th Generation Girl Groups' was released on the online channel 'I Am Gyuri.' The video featured members from KARA, Wonder Girls, and T-ara, specifically the 1988-born members Park Gyuri, Yubin, and Eunjung. The atmosphere was light-hearted as Eunjung and Yubin awkwardly greeted each other, eliciting laughter from viewers. 

Eunjung expressed to Park Gyuri, 'You are close with each of us, but I’m not close with Yubin,' to which Park Gyuri responded, 'That’s why I sat you two together.' 

Later, Park Gyuri asked if they had any favorite female idols these days. Eunjung mentioned, 'I really like Winter from aespa. She’s so pretty,' while Yubin took a moment to think before admitting, 'I haven’t been watching much lately.' 

Yubin then shared a nostalgic thought, saying, 'I suddenly remembered that we used to cover our seniors' performances at award shows. But now, when idol friends cover our songs, it hits differently. It makes me realize that we’ve become like our seniors, such as Fin.K.L and Shinhwa.' 

Park Gyuri was surprised, asking, 'Is that how we feel? I thought they just liked our songs.' Yubin went on to mention that NewJeans and BLACKPINK have covered Wonder Girls' hits like 'So Hot' and 'Tell Me.'

유빈 "블랙핑크, 뉴진스가 원더걸스 곡 커버했는데...보고 '현타' 왔다" ('나는규리여')

Former Wonder Girls Member Yubin Reflects on Her Journey

On the February 11 episode of MBN's music variety show, 'Current King of Masked Singers 2' (현역가왕2), singer No Ji-hoon captivated audiences with a touching tribute to his sisters following a heartfelt revelation about his family history. 

During the semifinals, No Ji-hoon chose to perform 'Irreversible Time' (돌릴 수 없는 세월) by Jo Hang-jo, explaining in an interview with the production team that the lyrics felt like a letter to his sisters. He shared, "After losing our parents just two weeks apart when I was young, I relied on my sisters to get through those tough times. Looking back, they were only 20 and 21 years old at the time, living in a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) and working to support us."

He expressed gratitude for their sacrifices, stating, "It must have been a difficult decision for them, but their dedication and selflessness have brought me to where I am today." As he passionately sang Jo Hang-jo's song, he occasionally paused to regain his composure, showcasing his genuine emotions.

Viewers were moved by his performance, with fellow judge Yoon Myung-sun advising him, "Let yourself cry at least once. Don’t hold back. No Ji-hoon is a ballad singer at heart." Another judge, Jang Young-ran, praised his authenticity, saying, "Today, you showed a sincere side of yourself. Previously, I thought of you as just handsome, but today was truly beautiful, and your emotions were conveyed perfectly."

"부모님 2주 차이로 돌아가셔" 노지훈, 가정사 고백에 '오열' 무대까지 ('현역가왕2') [순간포착]

Singer No Ji-hoon Dedicates Heartfelt Performance to His Sisters

On February 10, KBS1's 'Gayo Stage' honored the memory of the late singer Song Dae-kwan. During the broadcast, announcer Kim Dong-gun expressed his condolences, stating, "Song Dae-kwan, who was beloved by the public, passed away on February 7 at the age of 79. Following the sudden loss of Hyun-cheol last year, we are all saddened by this news." He continued, "I can vividly recall how much Song Dae-kwan loved performing on 'Gayo Stage.' Today, we will remember him by sharing a video of his hit song 'Haetdeulnal.'" The show concluded with a performance of 'Haetdeulnal' from Song Dae-kwan's appearance on 'Show Everyone' aired on February 14, 1987. Song Dae-kwan died of a heart attack on February 7. His representatives stated, "He did not have any chronic illnesses or underlying conditions. However, he had recently been feeling unwell and was hospitalized, where he suddenly passed away from a heart attack."

"생전 모습 눈에 선해" 故송대관 '해뜰날', '가요무대' 엔딩 장식…먹먹한 추모 [순간포착]

KBS1's 'Gayo Stage' Pays Tribute to Late Singer Song Dae-kwan

Broadcaster 조나단 has made a generous donation of 2.1 million won to support a new semester initiative for children and youth in orphanages. On February 10, the international development NGO, 지파운데이션, announced that Jonathan's contribution will be allocated to the 'Think I' program, which aims to help children prepare for the new school year with essential items such as backpacks, clothing, and school supplies. 

Jonathan expressed his gratitude, stating, 'I received support from a charity organization when I was young, and I believe that the love and care I received back then shaped who I am today. I have always kept that gratitude in my heart, and I am very happy to be able to give back now. I believe that even a small act of sharing can be a reason for someone to live. I sincerely hope that the children growing up will not give up on their hopes and dreams.' 

Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jonathan is currently preparing for naturalization in South Korea and has recently passed the Level 2 Korean History Proficiency Test, showcasing his deep affection for Korean history and culture. Last November, he also donated 5 million won to support menstrual products for vulnerable women and youth through 지파운데이션.

'한국 귀화' 조나단, 210만원 기부 "어릴 적 후원 받아..돌려줄 수 있어 기뻐"

Broadcaster Jonathan Donates 2.1 Million Won to Support Orphaned Children

The popular K-pop group INFINITE has officially begun the countdown to their full group comeback. On February 12 at midnight, their agency, INFINITE Company, revealed the comeback scheduler for INFINITE's (김성규, 장동우, 남우현, 이성열, 엘, 이성종) eighth mini album titled 'LIKE INFINITE' through their official social media channels.

According to the schedule, the tracklist for 'LIKE INFINITE' will be unveiled on February 14, followed by a comeback trailer on February 17. From February 18 to 20 and again from February 24 to 26, fans can look forward to two versions of concept photos showcasing the group's stunning visuals, along with two versions of moving posters to heighten the excitement for their return.

On February 28, a teaser for the music video of the title track will be released, and on March 3, just three days before the album drops, an album preview featuring snippets of all the tracks will be made available, further building anticipation among global fans eagerly awaiting new music from INFINITE.

This marks the first album release featuring all six members since their digital single 'Flower' was released on June 9, 2024, in celebration of their 14th anniversary, which served as a heartfelt tribute to their dedicated fanbase, known as Inspirit.

With a diverse and exciting schedule leading up to their highly anticipated comeback, INFINITE is set to captivate global fans with their new music and performances in 'LIKE INFINITE'. The mini album will be released on March 6 at 6 PM KST across various music platforms.

Since December of last year, INFINITE has been meeting fans worldwide through their 15th-anniversary concert series 'LIMITED EDITION'. After successful shows in Seoul, Taipei, Macau, Jakarta, and Singapore, they will continue their tour in Yokohama, Japan on February 15 and 16, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on February 22, and Hong Kong on March 1. They will conclude the tour with encore performances at the Inspire Arena in Incheon on April 12 and 13, wrapping up the 'LIMITED EDITION' series with a spectacular finale.

인피니트, 3월 6일 컴백 확정..역대급 귀환

INFINITE Kicks Off Countdown to Full Group Comeback

The K-pop girl group IVE has expressed their condolences by sending a wreath to the funeral of 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul, who tragically lost her life at the hands of a female teacher in Daejeon. It has been reported that Kim was a devoted fan of IVE. On February 12, IVE's agency confirmed that they sent the wreath to Kim's funeral at the Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon the previous day.

In a media interview, Kim's father shared that her dream was to meet Jang Won-young, a member of IVE. He recalled how Kim had asked for a photo card of Jang as a birthday gift and would stay up late to watch any program featuring her. He expressed a heartfelt request for IVE representatives to send a warm message to his daughter as she embarks on her final journey.

Upon learning of Kim's father's interview, IVE promptly sent a photo card along with the wreath to convey their sympathies.

Meanwhile, the teacher involved, referred to as A, had taken a leave of absence due to mental health issues in early December last year but returned to work less than a month later, presenting a doctor's note stating she was fit to resume her duties. However, on February 6, she exhibited violent behavior by injuring a colleague who was checking on her.

On the day of the incident, February 10, the Daejeon City Office of Education sent an inspector to the school to investigate and recommended that A be separated from the students. Unfortunately, this recommendation was not acted upon. Later that day, A lured Kim out of her classroom and fatally attacked her in an audiovisual room.

After the incident, A inflicted self-harm and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. Authorities plan to arrest her once she recovers to investigate the motives behind her actions, and they are also considering the public disclosure of her personal information.

K-pop Group IVE Sends Condolences to Family of Young Fan

K-pop superstar G-DRAGON is set to host his long-awaited world tour concerts in Korea this March. The presenting partner, Coupang Play, announced on February 11 that the 'G-DRAGON 2025 World Tour 'Webermanche' in Korea' will take place on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

This concert marks G-DRAGON's first solo performance in eight years since his last world tour in 2017. Fans can expect a vibrant setlist featuring new tracks such as 'HOME SWEET HOME' and 'PO￦ER', along with songs from his third studio album, including 'TOO BAD', 'DRAMA', 'IBELONGIIU', 'TAKE ME', 'BONAMANA', and 'GYRO-DROP'.

Ticket sales will begin with a pre-sale for G-DRAGON's fan club on February 26 at 8 PM, followed by general sales on February 27 at 8 PM. Tickets for the 'G-DRAGON 2025 World Tour 'Webermanche' in Korea' will be available exclusively through the Coupang Play mobile app. More details regarding ticket purchases and the concert will be revealed on February 14.

G-DRAGON previously set a record during his second world tour in 2017, performing 36 concerts and attracting around 650,000 fans, making it the largest tour by a K-pop solo artist to date. Last year, he also garnered attention for his upgraded performances at award shows and fellow BIGBANG member Taeyang's concert. Fans are eager to see if G-DRAGON will break new records with his unique performances and stage presence during this upcoming tour.

G-DRAGON to Hold World Tour Concerts in Korea This March

The popular program ‘더 트롯쇼’ (The Trot Show) is set to make its way to Japan. On March 10, 2025, the special event ‘더 트롯쇼 IN JAPAN’ will take place at the Grand Cube in Osaka, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. There will be two performances at 2 PM and 7 PM, featuring the same lineup but with different arrangements, generating high anticipation among local fans.

This special edition of ‘The Trot Show IN JAPAN’ is produced by the team behind Korea's first trot chart program, along with the ‘트롯뮤직어워즈 2024’ (Trot Music Awards 2024) and ‘SBS 트롯대전’ (SBS Trot Competition). The event aims to enhance cultural exchange between Korea and Japan, showcasing a festival that transcends K-POP to include both trot and J-POP, appealing to audiences of all ages.

The performances will feature prominent representatives from both Korean trot and Japanese J-POP, creating a stage for musical interaction and unity with fans. Attendees can expect a variety of performances from trot artists, collaborative stages between K-trot and J-POP, and a grand finale featuring beloved songs from both countries.

A stellar lineup of 12 Korean trot artists will perform, including the ‘powerful vocalist’ 금잔디 (Geum Jandi), ‘versatile entertainer’ 김희재 (Kim Hee-jae), ‘trot powerhouse’ 박구윤 (Park Gu-yoon), ‘vibrant voice’ 박지현 (Park Ji-hyun), ‘multi-talented’ 손태진 (Son Tae-jin), ‘trot queen’ 송가인 (Song Ga-in), ‘silky voice’ 송민준 (Song Min-jun), ‘gentle emotion’ 안성훈 (Ahn Seong-hoon), ‘trot legend’ 진성 (Jin Seong), ‘milk boy’ 최수호 (Choi Soo-ho), ‘trot Barbie’ 홍지윤 (Hong Ji-yoon), and ‘trot beast idol’ 황윤성 (Hwang Yoon-seong). Japanese artists include the ‘black singing king’ 마츠자키 시게루 (Matsuzaki Shigeru) and the ‘skilled singer connecting both nations’ 우타고코로 리에 (Utago Koro Rie), who will also engage with fans.

These artists are diligently preparing to deliver a high-quality performance, featuring stunning visuals and engaging interactions that express their love for global fans.

The Trot Show to Celebrate 60 Years of Korea-Japan Relations

'Current King of Masked Singer 2' aired its semifinals on February 11, showcasing the intense competition among 14 active singers. The results of the second round, dubbed 'The Dramatic Showdown,' saw Enok (에녹), Park Seo-jin (박서진), Hwanhee (환희), Kim Junsu (김준수), Kang Moon-kyung (강문경), Shin Seung-tae (신승태), Shin Yu (신유), and Kim Soo-chan (김수찬) emerge victorious.

During the episode, Jaehwa (재하) performed 'The End of Parting' by Hye-eun (혜은이), while Kim Kyung-min (김경민) chose 'Lost Love' by Kim Soo-hee (김수희), and Na Tae-joo (나태주) sang 'Sangpalja' by Jinseong (진성). Jaehwa received praise for engaging with the audience for the first time, creating a performance that some deemed even more meaningful than the finals.

However, Kim Kyung-min faced criticism for not fully capturing the essence of trot due to his young age, and Na Tae-joo struggled with his condition, receiving more encouragement than critique.

No Ji-hoon (노지훈) performed 'Irreversible Time' by Jo Hang-jo, while Choi Soo-ho (최수호) sang 'Hwangseong Old Site' by Lee Ae-ri (이애리수). No Ji-hoon shared a touching personal story about losing his parents within two weeks, which resonated with the audience. The celebrity judging panel remarked on the beauty of his emotional performance, while they suggested that Choi Soo-ho could have better conveyed the historical context of his nearly century-old song.

Kim Junsu and Kang Moon-kyung, who ranked high in the first round, solidified their positions with 'I Can't Find the Cuckoo' by Jo Yong-pil (조용필) and 'Because I'm a Woman' by Shim Soo-bong (심수봉), respectively. Enok captivated viewers with a musical rendition of 'Ok-kyung' by Tae Jin-ah (태진아).

Jin Hae-sung (진해성) performed 'A Piece of Cloud Lying Long' by Na Hoon-a (나훈아), while Kim Soo-chan sang 'Yun Jung-ro Love Song' by Joo Hyun-mi (주현미), and Park Seo-jin delivered a powerful rendition of 'Lost Love' by Tae Jin-ah, earning him high praise for his unexpected vocal prowess.

Hwanhee showcased his individuality with 'Your Name' by Hyun-cheol (현철), Shin Yu performed 'Ball' by Na Hoon-a, and Shin Seung-tae concluded the round with 'Four Beats' by Song Dae-kwan (송대관).

After tallying the scores from the first round, the celebrity judges, public support votes, and the national judging panel, the rankings were established as follows: Kang Moon-kyung, Shin Seung-tae, Hwanhee, Jin Hae-sung, Kim Junsu, Shin Yu, Kim Soo-chan, Park Seo-jin, and Choi Soo-ho.

Unfortunately, Enok, Jaehwa, Na Tae-joo, No Ji-hoon, and Kim Kyung-min found themselves in the elimination zone, but Enok secured the final ticket to the finals through votes from the national judging panel present at the semifinals.

Survivors of 'Current King of Masked Singer 2' Revealed

Following the tragic passing of weathercaster Oh Yoo-anna, Jang Sung-kyu has issued a detailed statement in response to accusations of being a bystander. On February 11, he shared on his social media that he initially intended to wait until the family found peace before speaking out. However, he was encouraged by the family to clarify his position due to concerns about facing secondary victimization. 

Oh Yoo-anna, who worked as a weathercaster for MBC since 2021, passed away on September 15, 2024. Her family revealed that she had suffered bullying from senior weathercasters, sought therapy at over ten psychiatric facilities, and left behind 17 letters. The individuals implicated in the bullying include Lee Hyun-seung, Kim Ga-young, Park Ha-myung, and Choi Ah-ri.

Jang Sung-kyu faced backlash after claims emerged that he had facilitated Oh Yoo-anna's suicide due to his friendship with Kim Ga-young. A YouTube channel, 'Garo-Setro Research Institute,' even accused him of lacking remorse for allegedly sharing Oh's struggles with her seniors. In his defense, Jang stated that he had introduced Oh as a junior to Kim Ga-young, who he believed cared for her. He recounted that after listening to Oh's concerns, he felt his support alone was insufficient and suggested that Kim Ga-young assist her. However, Kim Ga-young cited work-related issues that made it difficult for her to help.

Jang emphasized that he never conveyed any negative remarks about Oh to anyone, nor did he engage in conversations that could be construed as harmful. He expressed regret for not taking more proactive measures at the time, believing that Oh was handling her challenges with resilience. 

He reiterated that he was not a perpetrator or bystander, as they had exchanged friendly messages, including recommendations for restaurants shortly before her passing. Jang concluded his statement by offering condolences to Oh's family and pledging to take legal action against anyone who crosses boundaries with him or his family. 

In his full statement, Jang expressed deep sorrow for the loss and reiterated his commitment to support the family in any way possible, while also addressing the need for legal recourse against those who have overstepped their bounds.

BTS Hanbok Designer Kim Ri-eul Passes Away at 32

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K-pop Group IVE Sends Condolences to Family of Young Fan

G-DRAGON to Hold World Tour Concerts in Korea This March

The Trot Show to Celebrate 60 Years of Korea-Japan Relations

Survivors of 'Current King of Masked Singer 2' Revealed

Jang Sung-kyu Addresses Allegations Following the Death of Weathercaster Oh Yoo-anna

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INFINITE Kicks Off Countdown to Full Group Comeback

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