On February 23, V from BTS (방탄소년단) took to his social media to announce his well-being during military service. He wrote, "I’m here to report my survival, Sergeant Kim. D-17. The harsh winter is passing, and I will prepare healthily to meet you in the warm spring." Along with his message, he shared several photos showcasing his life in the military. 

In the images, V is seen in his military uniform, enjoying his leave while holding a bouquet at an exhibition and relaxing casually in the streets. His neatly fitted uniform, shorter hairstyle, and noticeable muscle gain reflect his everyday life. 

Additionally, V spent time with his close friend, singer Park Hyo-shin, capturing joyful moments together in a series of four photos. His commitment to fitness during his service is also evident, as he has transformed into a more muscular version of himself. 

V enlisted in December 2023 and is currently serving in the Military Police Special Operations Unit, with his discharge scheduled for June 2025.

BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

The drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐) is set to ease the disappointment of its conclusion with the release of a special OST album. The album will be available on various online music platforms today, February 23, at 6 PM.

The special OST album features nine tracks that were released throughout the series, along with the unique opening title song by Maytree, and 56 background music pieces that enhanced the emotional depth and atmosphere of each scene, bringing both tears and laughter to viewers.

Previously, the OST for 'Ask the Stars' garnered attention for its impressive lineup of artists, including Jin from BTS (방탄소년단), Seungkwan from SEVENTEEN (세븐틴), Lee Su-hyun from AKMU (악뮤), Lee Seung-yoon, BIG Naughty (서동현), Sion, Gemini, and Kim Kyung-hee, all of whom are beloved globally.

Notably, Jin's song 'Close to You (클로즈 투 유)' achieved remarkable success, entering the top ranks of the Billboard charts in the U.S. and the Official Charts in the UK, showcasing its widespread popularity.

The OST was produced under the direction of Nam Hye-seung, a renowned music director known for his work on hit dramas like 'Crash Landing on You' (사랑의 불시착), 'Queen of Tears' (눈물의 여왕), 'Goblin' (도깨비), and 'Our Beloved Summer' (그 해 우리는). His refined artistic sensibility significantly enhanced the drama's appeal, providing viewers with a profound emotional experience.

'Ask the Stars' tells the story of Eve (공효진), a boss working in a zero-gravity space station, and a mysterious visitor named Dinosaur (이민호) with a secret mission, capturing the audience's attention and securing a spot in Netflix's Global Series (Non-English) TOP 10.

The special OST album for 'Ask the Stars' will be released today at 6 PM on various online music platforms.

BTS 진→세븐틴 승관, '별들에게 물어봐' OST 스페셜 앨범 오늘(23일) 발표

Special OST Album for 'Ask the Stars' Released to Celebrate Series Finale

On February 22, actress Son Tae-young shared touching anecdotes about her son Lookhee during a recent Tokyo vlog on her channel 'Mrs. 뉴저지 손태영'. In the video titled 'Son Tae-young's Tokyo Vlog Part 2 (Luxury Hotel at 1 Million Won, Don Quijote Favorites)', she discussed her family while dining with staff during her trip to Japan.

While talking about Lookhee, who has grown to 180 cm, she remarked, "He’s so tall now, he feels like my husband." When asked if he was popular with girls, she humorously replied, "He’s in an all-boys school, so he can’t meet any girlfriends. How can he meet someone while riding his bike with a helmet on?" 

Son also mentioned that Lookhee will be able to drive starting from his 16th birthday, but he needs an adult to practice with. She expressed concern about potential conflicts between Lookhee and his father, saying, "I think they might argue a lot," to which she agreed.

Regarding her daughter Riho, Son noted, "She’s good at apologizing, but she struggles to say 'I’m sorry' because kids can be prideful." She added with a laugh, "When she doesn’t get a response to her calls, she texts, 'I’m sorry, Mom, please reply.' She cries easily and is very prayerful."

During a conversation in the hotel lounge, a friend shared a sweet story about Lookhee, saying, "Even though I walk fast, I couldn’t keep up with him. He was holding Riho’s hand, and when he noticed I was falling behind, he turned back and said, 'Mom, you walk too fast,' and matched his pace with mine. Lookhee is really sweet. I was so touched. Who does he take after?" 

Son Tae-young beamed with pride, saying, "He’s just himself." She also mentioned that Riho, despite being younger, keeps up well, adding, "She never cries, not even once." 

Her friend remarked that Riho might be determined to keep up, and Son humorously noted, "It’s fun playing with Riho. My brother says the house is too quiet without her. It really is quiet." When discussing how much Riho talks, Son emphasized, "No, she talks non-stop!"

권상우♥손태영 아들, 잘생겼는데 키180cm+스윗함까지.."여친? 만들수없어" 단호(Mrs.뉴저지)

Son Tae-young Shares Heartwarming Stories About Her Son Lookhee

In a recent episode of MBC's variety show Good Day (굿데이), the members of the 88 group gathered together, leading to a nostalgic moment when G-Dragon (지드래곤) commented on the current state of Big Bang (빅뱅), which now consists of only three members. 

The episode aired on February 23, 2025, and embraced a 'I Am Solo' theme, prompting the members to adopt playful names: G-Dragon became 영철, Kim Soo-hyun (김수현) was named 영수, Im Si-wan (임시완) took on 영자, Lee Soo-hyuk (이수혁) became 영호, Jung Hae-in (정해인) was called 옥순, and Kwanghee (광희) was referred to as 광수가. 

When G-Dragon arrived, the group expressed their surprise at being able to gather in one frame, especially Kwanghee, who had not seen G-Dragon in a long time, leading to a heartfelt reunion. 

Im Si-wan shared, "I recently saw Ji-yong on a variety show, and honestly, I didn't know he was so flexible," to which G-Dragon responded, "I used to do breakdancing and gymnastics when I was younger." 

Kwanghee reminisced about their music show days with G-Dragon, prompting G-Dragon to ask about the number of members in the group that Im Si-wan and Kwanghee were part of, ZE:A (제국의 아이들). Kwanghee expressed his desire to form a trio for vocal practice. 

In a surprising twist, G-Dragon remarked, "We didn't want to be a trio; it just happened that Big Bang went from five members to three," referencing the current lineup of the iconic group, which left everyone in stitches.

'폭탄발언' GD "빅뱅 멤버 3명 되고 싶어서 된 거 아냐"..황광희 '당황' ('굿데이')

G-Dragon Reflects on Big Bang's Current Lineup During 'Good Day' Reunion

In the latest episode of KBS2TV's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow,' which aired on February 21, Lee Young-ji caught viewers' attention by sharing candid advice with Park Bo-gum, the next season's MC. 

Lee Young-ji began by introducing the legendary band YB, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. She described them as a 'living legend' in the Korean music scene, known for their powerful metal music and their first-ever metal album. During the show, she engaged the audience in a fan challenge related to their new song, showcasing her energetic headbanging that even caused her in-ear monitors to fly off. This prompted laughter from fellow MC Yoon Do-hyun, who jokingly asked if she was okay, noting her disheveled appearance from all the excitement. Lee Young-ji responded, 'It’s the last show, so I gave it my all and headbanged to my heart's content.' 

Yoon Do-hyun praised her for her maturity and generosity at such a young age, while Park Tae-hee expressed curiosity about Lee Young-ji's witty approach to her guests, saying she would be someone to remember when encountering a rainbow. Lee Young-ji reflected on the secret to YB's longevity, stating, 'It’s all about having a warm heart.' 

As the final broadcast unfolded, a surprise video message for Lee Young-ji was revealed. Members of IVE praised her dedication, calling her the 'best MC' and expressing their admiration. Other notable figures, including Park Jae-beom and Jannabi, also sent their regards, acknowledging her hard work. After the video, Lee Young-ji expressed her gratitude, saying, 'I must have a lot of friends.' 

Notably, producer Na Young-seok made a surprise appearance. When Lee Young-ji shared her feelings about the emotional journey of being an MC, Na Young-seok reassured her that she had brought happiness to viewers, which she deeply appreciated, leading her to tear up. 

At the end of the show, Lee Young-ji humorously addressed Park Bo-gum, saying, 'Please practice the dance for 'Supernova' and make sure to perform it!' When asked to sum up her feelings in five words, she playfully said, 'Jealous of Park Bo-gum,' 'I hope he fails,' and 'I want to succeed alone,' showcasing her unique sense of humor. She concluded by asking the audience to give a big round of applause for Park Bo-gum for the next season.

"다음MC 박보검 질투, 나 빼고 망해" 이영지, '레인보우' 하차 솔직 심경 '폭소' [순간포착]

Lee Young-ji Offers Honest Advice to Park Bo-gum on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

On February 22, 2025, MBC's variety show How Do You Play? featured Lee Yi-kyung amidst health rumors. During the episode, Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Yi-kyung, and Shin Eun-kyung visited popular eateries, including a trip to Namdaemun Market after enjoying some grilled fish. Yoo Jae-suk noted that it was Shin Eun-kyung's first time at the market, to which she explained that she hasn't explored much outside her immediate area. In contrast, Yoo Jae-suk remarked on Lee Yi-kyung's extensive travels, while Shin Eun-kyung mentioned that he seems to have no downtime in his busy schedule. Recently, Lee Yi-kyung appeared on SBS's Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 (동상이몽2 - 너는 내 운명), revealing that his rigorous work schedule, which includes five fixed variety shows without any days off, has led to rumors of retirement and loan issues. Yoo Jae-suk further commented on Lee Yi-kyung's hectic lifestyle, stating that he often visits the hospital for IV drips, calling it excessive. When asked about his sleep schedule, Lee Yi-kyung claimed that four hours of sleep is sufficient for him. Yoo Jae-suk exaggeratedly added that Lee Yi-kyung works out and then suffers from nosebleeds the next day. Matsushige Yutaka, a guest on the show, expressed concern for Lee Yi-kyung's health, advising him to take care of himself, to which Lee Yi-kyung reassured everyone that he is healthy.

'고정 5개' 이이경 건강이상 "4시간 취침+휴일無, 코피쏟아..링거맞고 다녀"(놀뭐)[핫피플]

Lee Yi-kyung Faces Health Concerns on 'How Do You Play?'

Director Hong Sang-soo, a frequent favorite at the Berlin International Film Festival, found himself without an award this year, as he and his partner, actress Kim Min-hee, focused on a prenatal trip rather than accolades. 

On February 22, 2025, the 75th Berlin International Film Festival held its awards ceremony just a day before the event's conclusion, recognizing the most impactful films of the year. The prestigious Golden Bear was awarded to Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud for his film 'Dreams,' which tells the story of a passionate teenage girl expressing her intense feelings for a teacher through a personal essay. The Jury Grand Prix Silver Bear went to Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro for 'Blue Trail,' while Venezuelan director Ivan Fund's 'The Message' received the Silver Bear for Best Director.

This year, the festival notably lacked recognition for Hong Sang-soo, who has been a beloved figure at the event since his 2008 film 'Night and Day' was invited to compete. Over the years, he has been featured in the competition section multiple times, including films like 'Nobody's Daughter Haewon,' 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' 'The Woman Who Ran,' 'Introduction,' 'The Novelist's Film,' 'In the Water,' 'The Need for Travelers,' and this year's entry, 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' This marks his ninth invitation, with eight of those being in the competitive category, showcasing his consistent presence in the festival.

Hong's impressive track record includes several awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, such as the Silver Bear for Best Actress (Kim Min-hee) for 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' the Best Director award for 'The Woman Who Ran,' and the Best Screenplay award for 'Introduction.' Last year, he won his second Jury Grand Prix with 'The Need for Travelers,' bringing his total Silver Bear wins to five. However, this year left him empty-handed, creating a bittersweet feeling.

Adding to the intrigue, Kim Min-hee, who is pregnant with Hong's child, garnered significant attention during her first international film festival appearance since her pregnancy announcement. The couple has been living together in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim became pregnant last summer. As she approaches her due date this spring, photos of her and Hong departing for Germany from Incheon International Airport on February 19 sparked considerable media interest, especially given the risks associated with her advanced pregnancy.

At the festival, Hong was careful not to showcase Kim's pregnancy publicly, opting instead to walk the red carpet with the cast of 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' During the official press conference, he mentioned Kim in relation to the film's budget, stating, "The staff needed to make the film includes myself, my assistant, and production manager Kim Min-hee," but refrained from discussing personal matters, including her pregnancy.

Thus, while the Berlin International Film Festival held special significance for Hong Sang-soo this year, it also brought a sense of disappointment with the lack of awards. Ultimately, Hong and the expectant Kim Min-hee had to settle for a 'prenatal trip' in Berlin rather than a trophy.

Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

On February 22, 2025, SEVENTEEN (에스쿱스, 정한, 조슈아, 준, 호시, 원우, 우지, 디에잇, 민규, 도겸, 승관, 버논, 디노) added another trophy to their collection at the inaugural 'The Awards' held at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium. The group took home two prestigious awards: 'The Awards Black Label Artist of the Year' and the main award, 'The Awards Delight Blue Label'. 

In a video message, the members expressed their gratitude, stating, "We believe this award is possible because of our fans, CARAT. We will continue to work hard to repay you with great music and performances." They also noted that 2025 marks their 10th anniversary since debut, making this recognition even more special. They encouraged fans to look forward to a variety of activities planned for the year.

Last year, SEVENTEEN showcased their dominance in the K-pop scene by sweeping major music awards. They began with wins at the '2024 MAMA AWARDS' for 'Artist of the Year (VISA ARTIST OF THE YEAR)' and 'Album of the Year (VISA ALBUM OF THE YEAR)', followed by the Grand Prize at the 39th Golden Disc Awards and Best Album at the 32nd Hanteo Music Awards 2024 (HMA 2024).

Their global presence was further solidified with wins at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards for 'Top K-pop Touring Artist' and at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards for 'Best Group'. 

Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN is set to continue their vibrant activities this year. Members Hoshi and Woozi, both born in 1996, will release their first single 'BEAM' on March 10. They will also hold a group fan meeting titled '2025 SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND' on March 20-21 at Incheon Munhak Stadium. Additionally, they will make history as the first K-pop artists to perform at 'Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025', often referred to as the 'Coachella of Mexico', in April, followed by five local fan meetings in two Japanese cities.

SEVENTEEN Wins Big at the 1st The Awards

In the final episode of ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables, which aired on February 22, 2025, Joo Hyun-wook emerged as the ultimate champion, earning the chance to open his own restaurant. The show concluded a grueling 100-day survival competition featuring 20 contestants, all vying for a life-changing opportunity. Initially labeled as 'failures,' the participants transformed into skilled entrepreneurs through their dedication and hard work.

The top three finalists, including Joo Hyun-wook (16), Choi Jung-hyun (08), and Son Woo-sung (14), faced their final challenge at Namwon's Gwanghanru, where they operated their own eateries for three days. The winner was determined based on the net profit generated during this period. Baek Jong-won emphasized the challenge's intensity, stating, "This mission is very close to real business. With net profit as the standard, there are many factors to consider, including turnover, inventory management, and profit margins. It's the most difficult mission."

Each finalist approached the task with determination. Choi Jung-hyun, who had the least cooking experience among the three, aimed to succeed as a form of revenge against his parents who abandoned him in childhood, relying on his excellent interpersonal skills. Son Woo-sung, a father in his 40s with a debt of 500 million won, was driven by a sense of responsibility towards his family. Joo Hyun-wook, whose father fell into a pyramid scheme and incurred 400 million won in debt, had to abandon his athletic career to support his family. He entered the finals with solid cooking skills and a strong work ethic.

The top three showcased clear strengths and weaknesses. Baek Jong-won and the four mentor chefs (Kim Min-seong, David Lee, Lim Tae-hoon, and Yoon Nam-no) watched the finale with supportive hearts, having accompanied the contestants throughout their 100-day journey. However, the finale pushed the finalists to their limits both mentally and physically. Choi Jung-hyun's voice became hoarse from calling customers, Son Woo-sung endured severe pain reminiscent of a past illness, and Joo Hyun-wook was exhausted from a flood of orders.

Despite the challenges, the transformation and growth of the finalists were remarkable. Joo Hyun-wook, with the guidance of mentor Chef Lim Tae-hoon, created a popular dish called 'Eohyang Gaji' that turned his restaurant into a must-visit spot in Namwon within just three days. Ultimately, Joo Hyun-wook secured victory with total sales of 11,616,000 won and a net profit of 6,030,066 won. As the winner, he received 50 million won in startup funds and the opportunity to run his own restaurant.

Expressing his gratitude, Joo Hyun-wook said, "I followed Chef Lim Tae-hoon closely, and I am thankful to have achieved this result. I also want to thank Baek Jong-won for creating this opportunity. I will work hard to show even better results in the future." He added, "I had a strong desire to learn cooking, but it felt vague. Seeing Chef Lim, I thought he was the only model for my success. I feel hopeful now."

After the winner was announced, Baek Jong-won shared his thoughts in an interview, stating, "Having done numerous shows, I worry about what to do next after the first place. This was real training, and it feels unfortunate. We need to teach more and provide experiences to increase their chances of success. I want to show examples of the Les Misérables contestants succeeding and establishing themselves, as this will encourage more people to take on challenges."

The episode also featured eliminated contestants like Choi Yoon-sung (02), Jeon Dong-jin (03), Yang Kyung-min (04), Kim Guk-heon (06), Choi Jung-hyun (08), Yoo Hyo-deok (10), Son Woo-sung (14), and Lim Young-jun (18). Four months later, they were seen training together in a budget market, continuing their journey to become successful businesspeople. Their challenge has extended beyond 100 days, and glimpses of Joo Hyun-wook's preparations for his own restaurant were also shared.

Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables was designed to highlight the importance of 'opportunity' for those who have faced failure. Baek Jong-won and the mentor chefs dedicated themselves to supporting the contestants as teachers, mentors, and life guides. The once unruly contestants harnessed their desperation as a weapon, striving to seize the miraculous opportunity that came their way. Gradually, they transformed and grew into true entrepreneurs, showcasing the significance of 'opportunity' and the 'miracles created by desperation' to viewers, leaving a lasting impact from ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables.

Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

On February 22, 2025, actress Park Ji-young (박지영) and broadcaster Park Hye-jin (박혜진) experienced the passing of their father at the age of 87. According to their agency, Prain TPC, Park Ji-young was abroad for a work schedule but returned home urgently upon hearing the sad news. 

Park Ji-young, who gained fame as a Miss Chunhyang contestant in 1989, debuted as an MBC talent in the 19th recruitment. She has since starred in numerous historical dramas such as 'Jang Nok-su' (장녹수), 'Ggokji' (꼭지), and 'Toji' (토지), as well as popular series like 'Jealousy Incarnate' (질투의 화신) and 'The Uncanny Counter' (악귀). Recently, she appeared in the KBS 2TV drama 'Iron Family' (다리미 패밀리). 

Her sister, Park Hye-jin, joined MBC as a newscaster in 2001 and has been working as a freelance broadcaster since leaving the network in 2014. 

The wake for their father is being held at the Jeonbuk National University Hospital funeral hall, Room 3, where family members, including their mother and brother, are receiving guests. The funeral service is scheduled for February 25, after which the deceased will be laid to rest at Jangsu Seonyoung.

Actress Park Ji-young and Broadcaster Park Hye-jin Mourn the Loss of Their Father

On February 22, 2025, ATEEZ made history by becoming the first K-Pop group to hold a concert at the La Défense Arena in Paris, France, as part of their 2025 world tour titled 'TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER' in Europe. This venue, which can accommodate around 40,000 spectators, is the largest concert hall in Europe, and ATEEZ's successful solo concert here further solidified their status as a world-class artist.

This performance marked ATEEZ's fourth solo concert in Paris, following their previous world tours: 'The Expedition Tour' in 2019, 'THE FELLOWSHIP: BEGINNING OF THE END' in 2022, and 'THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL' in 2023. The enthusiastic support from local fans has been a testament to ATEEZ's unwavering global popularity.

Additionally, ATEEZ's mini-album 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1' released last year reached fifth place on the French Albums Chart, while 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2' secured the fourth position, showcasing their significant achievements in the local music scene.

Following successful concerts in London and Berlin, where they added extra shows due to high demand, ATEEZ returned to Paris with an upgraded musical experience that captivated local fans once again.

During the concert, ATEEZ presented a rich setlist filled with beloved hits, dazzling the audience with their renowned performance skills and impressive live vocals, even amidst dynamic choreography. The show featured vibrant lighting, special effects, and powerful sound, creating an immersive experience that combined visual spectacle with emotional resonance.

As they made history at La Défense Arena, ATEEZ expressed their gratitude to their fans, known as ATINY, stating, "It was an honor to share this beautiful night with you. We promise to repay your immense support and happiness, just as you have been a light in our lives, we will be a light for you too."

ATEEZ will conclude their 2025 European tour with a performance at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium, on February 25, 2025.

BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

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Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

SEVENTEEN Wins Big at the 1st The Awards

Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

Actress Park Ji-young and Broadcaster Park Hye-jin Mourn the Loss of Their Father

ATEEZ Makes History as First K-Pop Group to Perform at La Défense Arena

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Special OST Album for 'Ask the Stars' Released to Celebrate Series Finale

Son Tae-young Shares Heartwarming Stories About Her Son Lookhee

G-Dragon Reflects on Big Bang's Current Lineup During 'Good Day' Reunion

Lee Young-ji Offers Honest Advice to Park Bo-gum on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

Lee Yi-kyung Faces Health Concerns on 'How Do You Play?'

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