Actor Choi Min-young is set to expand his global presence once again with the upcoming release of 'XO, Kitty' Season 2. This series is a spin-off of the popular Netflix show 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before,' which gained significant attention worldwide when it premiered in 2023. Choi Min-young reprises his role as Dae, Kitty's boyfriend, and is expected to captivate audiences with his performance in the new season.

In December, Choi participated in the overseas promotion for 'XO, Kitty Season 2' in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where he engaged in extensive promotional activities. He conducted interviews with major media outlets such as Deadline and BuzzFeed, as well as global magazines like Teen Vogue, showcasing his commitment to the series. Notably, he also attended the screening event for Netflix's 'Squid Game Season 2' in LA, further solidifying his status as a key figure in K-content.

In Season 1 of 'XO, Kitty,' Choi Min-young's portrayal of Dae, the reason behind Kitty's transfer to KISS (Korean International School of Seoul), was well-received, highlighting his fluent English and the authentic emotions of a teenager. As anticipation builds for Season 2, fans are eager to see what new charms he will bring to the character.

Additionally, Choi Min-young is currently performing in the musical 'Clover' on the Daehakro stage, and 'XO, Kitty Season 2' is set to premiere globally on January 16. He previously gained recognition for his role as Nam Joo-hyuk's younger brother in tvN's 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One.'

Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

In the new tvN weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), actress Park Ye-young captivates audiences with her vibrant portrayal of the character Ma Eun-soo, a research assistant aiding Gong Hyo-jin in mouse reproduction experiments. In a recent episode, Park depicted a tense moment when a lab mouse suffers a heart attack, showcasing her ability to remain calm under pressure, only to break into tears when the mouse revives, revealing her quirky yet endearing charm. 

Her character is not only passionate about her research, often foregoing her commute home, but also sports a lively hairstyle and oversized glasses that enhance her appeal. 

Unlike her more subdued role alongside Jo Jung-seok in 'The Great Show' (세작, 매혹된 자들), Park is now embracing a lively and free-spirited version of Ma Eun-soo. As the youngest character in a diverse cast, her energy and chemistry with co-stars Gong Hyo-jin and Heo Nam-jun are highly anticipated. 

'Ask the Stars' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM, promising to showcase Park Ye-young's unrestrained charm.

'세작' 동상궁 맞아?..박예영, 조정석 이어 공효진과 '마우스 생식 실험' 케미(별들에게)

Park Ye-young Shines in 'Ask the Stars' with Unique Performance

Yoon-ho, the son of singer Yoon Min-soo, has returned to Korea for winter break while studying at a prestigious university in the United States. On January 5, Kim Song, the wife of singer Kang Won-rae, shared a heartwarming post about Yoon-ho visiting their church, expressing pride in his growth from a cute child to a handsome young man. She wished him health and success as he returns to the U.S., sharing a photo of them together where Yoon-ho's tall stature and charming looks stood out.

Yoon-ho's remarkable growth was also highlighted on January 1, when his father posted a photo of them dining together after a sauna session. The image showcased Yoon-ho's transformation into a young adult, maintaining his adorable features from his days on the show 'Where Are You Going, Dad?'. His striking visuals have drawn comparisons to idols.

Last year, Yoon-ho graduated early from an international school and enrolled at the University of North Carolina, one of the top public universities in the U.S., famously attended by basketball legend Michael Jordan.

In related news, Yoon Min-soo announced his divorce after 18 years of marriage in May 2022. His ex-wife shared a message explaining their decision to part ways, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting Yoon-ho and asking for privacy regarding their situation. The couple married in 2006 and welcomed Yoon-ho later that year, but their marriage ultimately ended. Despite their separation, they were seen together at Yoon-ho's graduation ceremony two months after the divorce announcement.

美명문대 간 윤후, ‘윤민수와 이혼’ 母와 포착..훈훈 아이돌 비주얼[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Yoon Min-soo's Son Yoon-ho Spotted in Korea During Winter Break

The girl group Baby Monster is making waves in the music scene with their exceptional talent, successfully capturing the hearts of global fans. Their title track 'DRIP' from their first studio album has recently soared to impressive heights on various music charts. As of January 8, 2025, YG Entertainment reported that 'DRIP' reached 10th place on Melon's HOT100 and 26th on the TOP100. Additionally, it secured the 8th spot on Bugs and continues to break its own records on major domestic music platforms like Genie, Flo, and Vibe.

The group's remarkable live performance skills and stage presence are believed to be key factors in their rising music rankings. Recently, they showcased 'DRIP' during the '2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon' (가요대전), receiving widespread acclaim from music fans both domestically and internationally with their signature handheld microphone live performance.

The performance video uploaded on SBS's official YouTube channel on December 25, 2024, has already surpassed 5 million views, marking the second-highest view count for a rookie group, following YG's senior girl group 2NE1. This achievement highlights their significant impact despite being newcomers to the year-end stage.

Moreover, their one-take live performance on Japan's YouTube channel 'THE FIRST TAKE' has also gained traction, surpassing 5 million views within two weeks of its release. The high-quality live rendition has been met with praise, and the video continues to rank among the top trending videos. With their appearances on various platforms, Baby Monster has consistently garnered millions of views, indicating their growing influence and potential for expansion in the future.

Baby Monster is set to kick off their first world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR IN SEOUL,' on January 25 and 26 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, before heading to the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok to connect with fans worldwide.

베이비몬스터, 음원 차트 역주행 파워..멈춤 없는 상승세

Baby Monster Captivates Global Fans with 'DRIP' Success

GOT7 has officially begun the countdown to their highly anticipated comeback. Kakao Entertainment has revamped the group's official social media accounts to celebrate the release of their mini album 'WINTER HEPTAGON' (윈터 헵타곤) and has unveiled a detailed schedule for the upcoming promotions.

According to the schedule released on January 7, the group will share a variety of content leading up to their comeback on January 20, including concept photos in two themes: 'WINTER' and 'HEPTAGON', a tracklist, a highlight medley, and music video teasers. The black-and-white visuals and the new heptagon logo are particularly eye-catching, evoking a strong winter atmosphere.

'WINTER HEPTAGON' marks GOT7's first comeback in nearly three years, with all seven members—JAY B, Mark, Jackson, Park Jin-young, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom—coming together to create a project that showcases their evolved charm, thanks to Kakao Entertainment's systematic planning and production. The album's title, which means 'heptagon', hints at the unique synergy that only the complete GOT7 can deliver. Additionally, the group's official social media accounts have been refreshed, generating excitement among their fans, known as Ahgase (아가새), for this long-awaited group activity.

Since their debut in 2014, GOT7 is celebrating their 11th anniversary with this special winter release. As they kick off their promotional schedule, fans are eagerly anticipating high-quality music, stunning visuals, and captivating chemistry among the members.

GOT7's mini album 'WINTER HEPTAGON' will be available on various online music platforms on January 20 at 6 PM KST, with physical album pre-orders already underway on multiple sales sites.

갓세븐, 'WINTER HEPTAGON' 본격 컴백 카운트다운 시작

GOT7 Kicks Off Comeback Countdown with 'WINTER HEPTAGON'

On January 7, it was officially announced that actress 박세영 (Park Se-young) is expecting her first child, with a due date set for June. A representative for the actress confirmed the news, stating, "박세영 씨가 임신했다. 오는 6월 출산을 앞두고 있다." 

박세영 made her acting debut in 2011 with the play 'Oedipus' and has since appeared in various popular dramas including 'Love Rain' (사랑비), 'God's Gift - 14 Days' (신의), 'School 2013' (학교 2013), 'My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol' (내 딸, 금사월), 'Money Flower' (돈꽃), and 'Special Labor Inspector Jo Jang-poong' (특별근로감독관 조장풍). Her most recent project was the 2022 drama 'Mental Coach Jegal' (멘탈코치 제갈길).

In February 2022, she married fellow actor 곽정욱 (Kwak Jung-wook), who is known for his roles in 'Fairy Comeback' (요정컴미) and 'The Age of Warriors' (야인시대). The couple has been enjoying their newlywed life while preparing for their upcoming addition to the family. Reports indicate that 박세영 is currently in a stable phase of her pregnancy, having navigated the early stages smoothly and is now focusing on prenatal care. She plans to balance motherhood with her acting career after the birth of her child.

'곽정욱♥' 박세영, 결혼 3년 만에 임신 "6월 출산 예정" [공식입장]

Actress Park Se-young Announces Pregnancy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

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

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