The girl group Candy Shop (캔디샵), under Brave Entertainment, has heightened anticipation for their comeback by releasing a teaser for their new single 'TIP TOE'. The teaser, shared on their official social media and YouTube channel at midnight on March 14, showcases the youthful and vibrant essence of the group. 

In the teaser, members Soram, Sui, Sarang, and Julia are seen in school uniforms, enjoying moments like watching the sunset from a pedestrian bridge, dancing in classrooms and auditoriums, and capturing fun memories on camera together. Their pure and natural smiles, along with the innocent camaraderie, highlight their youth and have garnered enthusiastic responses from fans. 

The teaser also features snippets of the melody and choreography from 'TIP TOE', raising curiosity among global K-POP fans about the full track. The song is expected to present a more mature musical style and concept. 

'TIP TOE' has generated buzz for sampling the intro of Sistar19's hit 'Ma Boy', blending dreamy synths with rhythmic guitar to create a captivating city pop vibe. The song delicately expresses the emotions of wanting to approach someone while feeling hesitant, wrapped in an emotional melody. 

Candy Shop's new single 'TIP TOE' is set to be released on March 18 at 6 PM across various online music platforms.

Candy Shop Unveils Teaser for New Single 'TIP TOE'

The music video for 'HOT', the title track by the group LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), has officially surpassed 10 million views. Released on March 14, the video reached this milestone by 10:28 AM KST on March 15. 

'HOT' blends rock and disco elements within a pop genre, showcasing LE SSERAFIM's determination to ignite their passions, regardless of the uncertain outcomes. The music video vividly conveys this message, depicting the five members embarking on an adventure fueled by their desire to reclaim freedom in a chaotic environment. The final scene leaves viewers questioning whether it represents salvation or destruction, yet it concludes with the members joyfully embracing their freedom, echoing the lyrics, "If I can live as myself, I’d be happy even if I turn to ashes."

American entertainment outlet UPROXX commented, "The music video for 'HOT' encapsulates all the elements that emphasize the album's message of love. While snow, ice, and water can extinguish flames, LE SSERAFIM's fiery love cannot be contained." Meanwhile, international music publication BandWagon praised the unique direction and impressive choreography, highlighting the members' fearless progression.

As of 1 PM KST on March 15, the 'HOT' music video is trending worldwide on YouTube, holding the top spot in both the global and music video categories. It has also ranked in the top 22 trending videos across various countries, including Canada (2nd), the United States (5th), and France (2nd). Additionally, it has made it to the trending music video lists in 28 countries/regions, including South Korea (9th).

Following their comeback, LE SSERAFIM has been actively engaging with fans through various entertainment programs such as 'Yongta-ro', 'Workman', SBS's 'Running Man', and KBS2's 'Gag Concert'. They are set to embark on their first world tour, '2025 LE SSERAFIM WORLD TOUR 'EASY CRAZY HOT'', starting April 19, where they will meet fans around the globe.

르세라핌, 진짜 'HOT'하다..벌써 MV 1천만뷰 돌파

LE SSERAFIM's 'HOT' Music Video Surpasses 10 Million Views

On March 14, 2025, a funeral was held for the late singer Wheesung (휘성) at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, where numerous prominent figures from the music industry came to pay their respects. Among those who attended were Kim Tae-woo from g.o.d (지오디), Lee Hyori (이효리), Baby V.O.X (베이비복스), KCM, and IU (아이유). 

Wheesung's funeral was attended by fellow artists and colleagues who wanted to honor his memory. KCM, who had been preparing for a concert with Wheesung, and his close friend Kim Tae-woo were among the first to arrive. Other notable attendees included Lee Ji-young and Lee Young-hyun from Big Mama, as well as Song Baek-kyung from One Time, who had previously worked with Wheesung at YG Entertainment.

The girl group ICHILLIN' (아이칠린), also under the same agency as Wheesung, visited to pay their respects. Lee Hyori, along with Baby V.O.X members Shim Eun-jin and Lee Hee-jin, also made sure to say their goodbyes. Additionally, singers Ha Dong-kyun and Lee Roo, along with IU, who has been busy with her recent activities on 'Poksak Sogassuda', were present at the funeral.

Wheesung's long-standing career in the entertainment industry attracted not only music stars but also celebrities from various fields. Comedians Yoo Se-yoon and Jo Se-ho were seen at the funeral, with Jo Se-ho having a close relationship with Wheesung, often impersonating him on various shows. Prior to the news of Wheesung's passing, Jo Se-ho's appearance on MBC's 'Good Day' had teased an impersonation of Wheesung, but the production team decided to edit out the segment to avoid any insensitivity.

Even those who could not attend in person sent their condolences. BTS (방탄소년단) and TWICE (트와이스) sent wreaths, along with Naul from Brown Eyed Soul (브라운아이드소울), Lee Hyun from Duo Deuce (듀스), and singer Jung Joon-il, who also contributed wreaths to the memorial.

Wheesung was found in a state of cardiac arrest on March 10, 2025, in an apartment in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Emergency responders attempted CPR but were unable to revive him. An autopsy conducted by the National Forensic Service has so far yielded an initial finding of 'cause of death unknown'. 

The family initially planned a quiet funeral with only close friends and family, but ultimately decided to hold a public memorial to honor Wheesung's legacy as a singer. His brother expressed, "If anyone has fond memories of my brother's songs and music, please feel free to visit the funeral home and accompany him on his final journey."

The farewell ceremony is scheduled for 6 AM on March 16, 2025, followed by the burial on the same day at the Gwangneung Memorial Park (광릉추모공원).

故 휘성 빈소, 아이유·조세호 조문→BTS·트와이스 근조화환...연예계 함께 울었다 [종합]

Stars Pay Respects at Late Singer Wheesung's Funeral

The girl group PURPLE KISS (나고은, 도시, 이레, 유키, 채인, 수안) has shared their reflections as they celebrate their 4th anniversary since debuting on March 15, 2021. At midnight today, they posted a commemorative image on their official social media, showcasing the six members smiling brightly in a warm and cheerful atmosphere, highlighting their strong bond.

Known for their unpredictable concepts ranging from witches to zombies, PURPLE KISS has demonstrated a wide artistic spectrum. Recently, they successfully wrapped up their 'PURPLE KISS 2025 HEADWAY TOUR,' captivating audiences in 17 cities across the U.S. with their vibrant energy.

In messages shared through their agency, Na Go-eun expressed, "Meeting FLORY and my members is one of the best things I've done in my life. I hope we continue to support each other's paths in the future." Dosi added, "To my beloved FLORY, thank you for always making me feel special."

Ire shared, "Thanks to my members and FLORY, I've created many happy memories over the past four years. I promise to show even more amazing sides of myself in the future." Yuki stated, "I owe my current self and PURPLE KISS to the support of my members and FLORY. I hope we can continue to create beautiful memories together."

Chae-in reflected, "Having my members and FLORY by my side has made every moment happy. I will cherish these gift-like memories." Suan expressed her gratitude, saying, "I could reach this point because of my members and FLORY, and I've learned and grown so much. Thank you for teaching me how to love and be loved."

To celebrate their 4th anniversary, PURPLE KISS will host a live broadcast on their official YouTube channel at 1 PM today, followed by a series of special content for fans, marking 'PURKY DAY.'

퍼플키스, 데뷔 4주년.."플로리 덕분에 사랑하는 법 배워"

PURPLE KISS Celebrates 4th Anniversary with Heartfelt Messages

The K-pop group aespa (에스파), under SM Entertainment, is set to continue the excitement of their second world tour with an encore concert in Seoul. On March 12, 2025, aespa held their final concert of the tour, titled ‘SYNK : PARALLEL LINE’ (싱크 : 패러렐 라인), at the Movistar Arena in Madrid, Spain, successfully wrapping up a 10-month journey. 

The tour kicked off in June 2024 at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul and spanned across various cities in Asia, including Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Saitama, Osaka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Jakarta, Macau, and Bangkok. It also reached North and South America and Europe, with performances in Sydney, Melbourne, Seattle, Auckland, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Orlando, Charlotte, Newark, Toronto, Chicago, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Madrid. The group achieved sold-out shows in 28 cities, totaling 41 performances, with additional shows added due to overwhelming demand. 

The Madrid concert featured a dynamic setlist that included their mega-hits from 2024 such as ‘Supernova’ (슈퍼노바), ‘Armageddon’ (아마겟돈), and ‘Whiplash’ (위플래시), along with new tracks like ‘Pink Hoodie’ (핑크 후디), ‘Better Things’ (베터 띵스), ‘Die Trying’ (다이 트라잉), ‘Hold On Tight’ (홀드 온 타이트), and ‘Life’s Too Short’ (라이프스 투 쇼트), showcasing a variety of English songs that energized the audience. 

aespa will meet fans once again on March 15-16, 2025, at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul, for their encore concert titled ‘2024-25 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK : PARALLEL LINE – ENCORE’ (2024-25 에스파 라이브 투어 – 싱크 : 패러렐 라인 – 앙코르). Both days of the concert have sold out amid fierce ticket competition, raising anticipation for the performances. The final show on March 16 will also be streamed live on the global platform Beyond LIVE and Weverse.

에스파, 두 번째 월드투어 '28개 지역41회' 대장정 마침표

aespa Concludes Successful World Tour with Encore Concert in Seoul

The relationship timeline of actors Kim Soo-hyun (김수현) and the late Kim Sae-ron (고 김새론) has become a contentious issue, with conflicting claims emerging. On March 14, 2025, the debate intensified over the dating period of the two stars, with Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist (골드메달리스트), asserting that they were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 until the fall of 2020. They refuted allegations from the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) that suggested Kim Sae-ron was a minor during their relationship.

Gold Medalist acknowledged that they previously denied the dating rumors last year, stating that both actors found it difficult to accept the breakup that occurred four years prior to the initial dating rumors. In contrast, 'Garo Sero Research Institute' claimed during a live broadcast that Kim Sae-ron's diary entries indicated a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun from November 19, 2015, to July 7, 2021, when she was still a minor.

The agency also addressed a photo of the two that 'Garo Sero Research Institute' claimed was taken in the winter of 2020, arguing that this contradicted their assertion that the couple dated until the fall of 2020. Gold Medalist clarified that the photo was actually from early winter 2020, suggesting that 'Garo Sero Research Institute' was misleading the public.

The ongoing dispute has led to a complex narrative surrounding the couple's past relationship, with Gold Medalist's reversal on the dating denial and 'Garo Sero Research Institute's selective presentation of information fueling the controversy. The situation remains unresolved, with 'Garo Sero Research Institute' continuing to raise further allegations during their broadcasts, claiming they have more photos and videos to share. Meanwhile, Gold Medalist has expressed concern for Kim Soo-hyun's mental state, indicating he is experiencing severe anxiety. The agency's upcoming statement next week is highly anticipated for more clarity on the matter.

Recently, 'Garo Sero Research Institute' accused Kim Soo-hyun of 'grooming' Kim Sae-ron during her minor years, following her passing on February 16, 2025. They also claimed that Gold Medalist sent a notice of damages amounting to 700 million KRW to Kim Sae-ron, which they allege put pressure on Kim Soo-hyun, who they claim remained passive in the situation. Gold Medalist has firmly denied these allegations, labeling them as defamatory and has announced plans for legal action.

故 김새론 일기장 언급, 김수현 주장 '2019년 여름→2020년 가을' 교제 반박 되나 [종합]

Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's Relationship Timeline Sparks Controversy

On March 15, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Goldmedalist, issued a statement refuting the recent claims made by the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (commonly known as 가세연) during a live broadcast on March 14. The agency emphasized that the photos shared by 가세연 were taken on December 14, 2019, and argued that there is no justification for the indiscriminate release of images related to Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron's private lives. They urged for an end to the dissemination of personal information.

Goldmedalist also acknowledged the statement made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, expressing deep sympathy for her unimaginable pain following the loss of her daughter. They conveyed their sorrow over the hardships Kim Sae-ron faced during her life and expressed their understanding of the concerns raised by her mother regarding media coverage.

While the agency agreed with some of the points made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, they noted that there are aspects of her claims that differ from their perspective. They suggested that there may be information that she is not yet aware of and stated that publicly debating these issues would not be appropriate for honoring Kim Sae-ron's memory. Goldmedalist expressed a desire to meet with her mother to provide a thorough explanation and invited her to contact the agency at any time.

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from 가세연 regarding a supposed 'grooming' crime, claiming he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor. The agency clarified that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron did have a past relationship, they only dated from the summer of 2019, when she was an adult, until the fall of 2020. They also refuted claims that they pressured Kim Sae-ron regarding a compensation demand related to her DUI incident, stating that the legal documents were part of a process to address losses incurred by her former agency. Goldmedalist has announced plans for strong legal action against the false allegations made by 가세연.

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations and Seeks Communication with Kim Sae-ron's Family

Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has publicly criticized the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) for spreading personal information about the actor. The channel recently alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, claiming they dated for six years since her third year of middle school and raising suspicions of 'grooming' behavior. They also accused Gold Medalist of pressuring Kim Sae-ron regarding a 700 million KRW penalty related to her drunk driving incident, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun was complicit in this situation.

In response, Kim Sae-ron's family, including her mother and aunt, expressed their desire to restore her reputation, stating that Kim Soo-hyun portrayed her as a liar. Gold Medalist confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun did date Kim Sae-ron, their relationship only occurred after she turned 18, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They clarified that the legal documents sent to Kim Sae-ron were part of a process to address losses incurred by her previous agency due to her drunk driving incident, and they did not pressure her for payment.

On March 15, Gold Medalist condemned the release of a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, taken on December 14, 2019, stating there is no justification for such an invasion of privacy. They also acknowledged the immense pain Kim Sae-ron's mother is experiencing after her loss, expressing their condolences while also empathizing with her concerns regarding media coverage of her daughter.

Gold Medalist emphasized that some of the claims made by Kim Sae-ron's mother differ from their perspective and suggested that there may be information she is not yet aware of. They expressed a desire to meet with her in person to provide a thorough explanation, inviting her to contact their office at any time.

As Kim Soo-hyun faces ongoing scrutiny from the allegations made by Garo Sero Research Institute, his agency's request for a meeting with Kim Sae-ron's mother has drawn significant attention. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun continues to participate in his scheduled activities, including filming for the MBC variety show 'Good Day' (굿데이).

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron

Beauty brand Dinto has decided to terminate its advertising model contract with actor Kim Soo-hyun, who has recently been embroiled in allegations regarding his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time. On March 15, Dinto announced, "We have decided to end our advertising model contract with Kim Soo-hyun. Given the recent controversies, we believe it is important to uphold the principles of good faith and integrity in our partnership. Therefore, we could not proceed with an official statement or contract termination until we received a position statement from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency." 

According to Dinto, the contract with Kim Soo-hyun was set for one year and was valid until August 2025. The company further stated, "After confirming the agency's position, we have determined that there are significant reasons that make it difficult to fulfill the advertising model contract. We are currently in the process of officially terminating the contract through our legal counsel." 

Dinto emphasized that this decision was made to protect the values of the brand and consumer trust. They added, "We will continue to make careful and responsible decisions that align with consumer trust and pursue more meaningful projects to realize our values." 

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) and Kim Sae-ron's family, claiming that he was in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was in middle school, starting from when she was 15 years old and continuing for six years. 

On March 14, Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, released a second statement addressing the allegations. They confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were indeed former lovers, their relationship began after Kim Sae-ron turned 18, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. 

In a statement through 'Garo Sero,' Kim Sae-ron's mother asserted, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She has never pretended to be someone else for attention, nor was she a child who only enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create dating rumors through manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and Cyber Leakers have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of an ordinary and promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist has portrayed Sae-ron as a crazy girl who lies about her intentions regarding the photos she posted."

Dinto Terminates Contract with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Controversy

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has finally broken her silence, asserting that her daughter never lied about working at a coffee shop and was subjected to bullying by the public. She expressed a desire for her daughter's honor to be restored.

On March 14, the 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소), claiming to represent Kim Sae-ron's family, released a statement purportedly from her mother. The institute noted that Kim's mother preferred not to reveal her voice, so they used AI technology to present her statement.

In her statement, Kim Sae-ron's mother said, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She never pretended to work part-time or was just a girl who enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create false dating rumors with manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of a promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist labeled her as a 'crazy girl' who lied about her intentions in the photos she posted. Now that Sae-ron is gone, there are outrageous false articles claiming she was a breadwinner for her family and that they squandered hundreds of billions earned from her. These articles are not worth seeing or reading."

She continued, "The ones who trampled on my fallen child and kicked her while she was down are Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters. There were also irresponsible media outlets that spread the false narratives written by Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, along with various malicious commenters who supported them. Sae-ron endured this for three years, sleepless and lonely. This is akin to the collective bullying she faced from the public due to the false articles triggered by Lee Jin-ho."

She added, "If Professor Kwon Young-chan from the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association had not reached out to us, and if Kim Se-yi from Garo Sero had not offered help, our family would have been scapegoats to Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, carrying the burden of Sae-ron's tarnished reputation for life."

In conclusion, she stated, "The actions of Lee Jin-ho and his associates are criminal. It is difficult to hold them accountable for murder within the outdated legal framework. We, the bereaved family, wish to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime, correct the false articles that are entirely untrue, and hope that legal and institutional measures are established to prevent such incidents from happening again, ensuring that the media fulfills its responsibilities."

Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, at the age of 25. A friend who was supposed to meet her discovered her unresponsive and reported it. Police stated that there were no signs of foul play.

In connection with this, the Garo Sero Institute alleged that actor Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since her minor years, raising suspicions of 'grooming.' They also claimed that Gold Medalist pressured Kim Sae-ron with a 700 million won compensation notice and that Kim Soo-hyun turned a blind eye to it.

In response, Gold Medalist issued an urgent statement on March 14, denying the allegations and clarifying that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult. They also refuted claims regarding the compensation notice, stating it was merely a legal procedure related to a penalty from Kim Sae-ron's DUI incident and not a demand for payment.

Kim Sae-ron's Mother Speaks Out for Justice

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has publicly addressed the media regarding the false narratives surrounding her daughter. In a statement released on March 14 through a YouTube channel, she expressed that their goal is to restore the tarnished reputation of her daughter, who was unfairly affected by numerous misleading articles. She emphasized the need to hold accountable malicious YouTubers and cyber bullies who have contributed to this situation.

A stated, "Sae-ron never lied to the media. She did not engage in gambling or pretend to work part-time. She was not a girl who only enjoyed nightlife with friends, nor did she create false dating rumors through manipulated photos." She lamented that since Sae-ron's passing, there have been outrageous claims about her being a 'girl head of the household' and that her family squandered her earnings, leading to a plethora of baseless articles that are not worth reading.

A further elaborated on the impact of these false articles, stating that they targeted her young daughter, who had just turned twenty, and that Sae-ron bore the brunt of vicious personal attacks alone. She described the three years of suffering that Sae-ron endured, likening it to being bullied by the public due to the false reports initiated by a figure named Lee Jin-ho.

The family hopes to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime and wishes for legal and institutional measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.

The family has also claimed that Kim Sae-ron was in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old, a statement that Kim Soo-hyun's side has denied as false. However, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' has released letters and photos allegedly sent by Kim Soo-hyun during his military service, further complicating the narrative. They also claimed that a gold medalist demanded compensation from Kim Sae-ron following her DUI incident.

Candy Shop Unveils Teaser for New Single 'TIP TOE'

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Kim Sae-ron's Mother Speaks Out for Justice

Mother of Late Actress Kim Sae-ron Speaks Out Against False Reports

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