On January 11, 2025, KBS2 aired the '2024 KBS Acting Awards,' hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min. During the ceremony, actor Choi Tae-joon received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in 'Iron Family' (다리미 패밀리). In his acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude, stating, "I feel thankful to be able to work as an actor. I am very grateful to the director and writer for this opportunity. I believe I have gained many wonderful colleagues while working on 'Iron Family.' I was able to go to the set with a joyful heart, and I hope we can finish this project well together." 

Choi Tae-joon also acknowledged many people he is thankful for, saying, "There are so many people I want to thank individually, but I can't recall them all right now. I will make sure to reach out to each one of them later." He particularly highlighted his wife, Park Shin-hye, saying, "There is one person I must not forget. Park Shin-hye, who always inspires me to become a better person despite my shortcomings. I sincerely thank you," which drew cheers from the audience. 

He concluded his speech by thanking his parents, who always pray for him, and expressed his desire to become a better actor in the future.

Choi Tae-joon Expresses Gratitude to Wife Park Shin-hye at KBS Acting Awards

On January 11, 2025, actress Lee Young-ae made a surprise appearance at the '2024 KBS Drama Awards' broadcast on KBS2. The awards ceremony, held on December 31 at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, was hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min.

Lee Young-ae captivated the audience as she presented the Popularity Award. Her unexpected presence elicited cheers and applause from the crowd. She greeted everyone warmly, saying, "Hello, it's been a while since I've greeted you at the KBS Drama Awards. It's nice to see you all."

A particularly amusing moment occurred right after her greeting when the camera captured the shocked expression of actor Kim Myung-soo, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. Jang Sung-kyu commented on Kim's surprise, to which Kim responded with a sheepish smile.

Lee Young-ae expressed her excitement about returning to the stage, stating, "I’m really nervous to be here after such a long time. There’s a reason I’m here today. I will be greeting you through a new KBS drama in 2025 titled 'Eun-soo's Good Day.' In this drama, I play the role of Kang Eun-soo, an ordinary housewife who gets involved in a dangerous deal to protect her beloved family. Many talented actors, including Kim Young-kwang and Park Yong-woo, are working hard on this project, so I hope you look forward to it. Thank you!"

She continued, "I will be presenting the Popularity Award. I remember receiving the Popularity Award at the KBS Drama Awards a long time ago for my works 'Seo-gong' and 'Invitation.' While all awards are precious, the Popularity Award holds a special meaning as it reflects the love from the audience. Let’s see who the shining star is that has captured everyone’s hearts through their work."

The winners of the Popularity Award that evening were actors Kim Myung-soo and Geum Sae-rok, who connected with viewers through their respective dramas 'Treat Me Right' and 'Iron Family.'

이영애, 'KBS 연기대상' 깜짝등장..넋나간 김명수 "많이 놀라" [2024 KBS 연기대상]

Lee Young-ae Surprises at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards

The highly anticipated ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE] in SEOUL’ concert is set to commence today, January 11, at 5 PM at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. This two-day event, running until January 12, will be streamed live globally on the Beyond LIVE platform and Weverse.

This year's concert features a star-studded lineup of artists from SM Entertainment, including Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon, SHINee's Key and Minho, EXO's Suho and Chanyeol, Red Velvet, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, WayV, aespa, RISE, NCT WISH, Naivis, Joemi, and Raiden. Additionally, artists from SM's sub-labels such as Mavista, SM Jazz Trio, and Min Jiwoon, along with 25 trainees from SMTR25, will also perform. The SMTOWN Family, featuring H.O.T.'s Tony An, S.E.S.'s Bada, and Fly to the Sky's Hwanhee, will join the lineup, alongside the British boy group Dear Alice and the trot idol group Mytro, all of whom have generated significant buzz, leading to a complete sell-out of tickets.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the concert promises a diverse array of performances from SM artists, including pre-stages from sub-label artists and unique collaborations between SMTOWN Family and SM artists, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.

The concert will also showcase tracks from the 30th-anniversary commemorative album ‘2025 SMTOWN: THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE,’ featuring remakes of SM's hit songs by both junior and senior artists, offering fans a fresh take on beloved music.

Furthermore, highlights from the first day, including the pre-stage and the album preview, will be available for free streaming on Melon at noon and on SMTOWN's official YouTube channel at 1 PM on January 12, promising to attract a positive response from fans.

Following the Seoul concert, ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025’ will embark on a global tour.

SM 30주년 서울 콘서트, 오늘(10일) 고척돔 개최..SM 히스토리 총망라

SMTOWN LIVE 2025 Kicks Off in Seoul

On January 11, the production companies behind the tvN drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐) announced an impressive lineup for its original soundtrack (OST). The series, which features the story of Eve (공효진), a boss working in a zero-gravity space station, and a mysterious guest named Dinosaur (이민호) with a secret mission, has quickly gained popularity, ranking first in Netflix's Top 10 series in South Korea.

The OST lineup includes global superstars such as Jin from BTS (방탄소년단), emotional vocalist Seungkwan from SEVENTEEN (세븐틴), and the captivating voice of Lee Su-hyun from AKMU (악뮤), raising anticipation among fans. Additionally, the lineup features the versatile sounds of Lee Seung-yoon, hip-hop and R&B icon BIG Naughty (서동현), the unique voice of Sion, and talented musician Gemini, all set to enhance the drama's emotional depth.

Notably, the project is overseen by music director Nam Hye-seung, known for his sophisticated musical contributions to hits like 'Queen of Tears', 'Our Beloved Summer', and 'Goblin', promising a well-crafted OST that will drive the narrative of the series.

Since its premiere on January 4, 'Ask the Stars' has received acclaim for its fresh concept and stellar cast. The show has consistently topped viewership ratings across cable and general programming channels, and it has also secured the top spot on Netflix's charts and fifth place in TV-OTT drama buzz.

The OST will begin with the release of 'Feel Like a Million' by BIG Naughty (서동현), which was launched on January 5, and subsequent tracks will be released in line with the drama's progression.

BTS 진·세븐틴 승관·악뮤 이수현, ‘별들에게 물어봐’ OST 황금 라인업 [공식]

Star-Studded OST Lineup Revealed for 'Ask the Stars'

Lady Jane (레이디제인), known as the 'Goddess of Hongdae,' has shared the exciting news that she is expecting twins after her third attempt at in vitro fertilization (IVF). The singer married musical actor Lim Hyun-tae (임현태), who is ten years her junior, in July 2023. The couple previously discussed their plans for children on the reality show 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2' (동상이몽2), where Lim expressed a strong desire to start a family, while Lady Jane took a more relaxed approach, noting that they had only been married for two months. Lim, however, was determined, stating that given their age difference and circumstances, it would be beneficial for both of them to have children sooner rather than later. He even suggested using a pregnancy test as soon as they saw each other. Lim has been actively researching fertility methods, gathering information from online forums and even taking Lady Jane to a herbal medicine clinic under the guise of visiting a restaurant. Despite the pressure, Lady Jane expressed her frustration with her husband's obsession with pregnancy. The couple has been open about their IVF journey, sharing details on their personal YouTube channel. After two unsuccessful attempts, Lady Jane revealed that she had gained 9 kg while preparing for the third round of IVF. On January 10, 2025, she took to Instagram to announce, "We have finally welcomed a precious new life into our family!" She shared that they had been waiting to share the news until reaching a stable point in the pregnancy and expressed her gratitude for the support they received. Lady Jane also mentioned that she is currently experiencing morning sickness and bloating, and she thanked friends for their understanding regarding canceled plans. She encouraged others who have successfully navigated this phase to share their tips with her.

"쌍둥이 부모됐다" 레이디 제인. 시험관 시술 3차 만에 깜짝 '임신' 소식 (Oh!쎈 이슈)

Lady Jane Announces Pregnancy with Twins After IVF Journey

On January 11, 2025, popular kids creator 헤이지니 (Kang Hye-jin) shared exciting news on her Instagram, revealing that she is expecting her second child. She announced, "Today, I have joyful news to share! We found out about our second baby on our wedding anniversary, 24.11.11." 

헤이지니 expressed her thoughts on expanding her family, saying, "I had a vague desire to have a second child, but as time passed, I became very comfortable with my first child. I hoped to have a baby with a closer age gap rather than a late birthday, and I wished for the baby to come quickly. And just like that, we were surprised with this news!" 

She also noted that her first child was born in July, and the due date for the second child is also in July, making it a special coincidence. Additionally, she humorously mentioned that their household now includes two rabbits and two snakes, with her first child and one rabbit being born in the Year of the Rabbit, while she and the upcoming baby are born in the Year of the Snake. 

In 2018, 헤이지니 married 박충혁, the director of Kids Works, and welcomed her first child in July 2023. She continues to thrive as a kids creator.

'400만 구독자' 헤이지니, 뱀띠 맘 된다 "결혼기념일에 둘째..7월 예정" [전문]

Kids Creator 헤이지니 Announces Second Pregnancy

The start of 2025 has brought heartbreaking news as beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry have passed away unexpectedly. On January 7, Lee Hee-cheol (이희철), known for his vibrant personality and contributions to the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon, died at the age of 39. His close friend, comedian Pungja (풍자), shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sorrow over his sudden departure. She wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this, but my dear brother has become a star in the sky. Please pray he finds a good place."

The family revealed that Lee's cause of death was a heart attack, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that." In a heartfelt message posted on his account, they described him as someone who cherished his family and friends, urging everyone to remember him fondly.

The news shocked fans and colleagues alike, especially since Lee had shared a hopeful New Year’s message just a week prior, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned.

In the wake of his passing, fellow entertainers expressed their grief. Yoo Min-sang (유민상), who worked with Lee on SBS Love FM's "Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio," shared his sorrow on air, reminiscing about Lee's bright smile and kind demeanor.

Additionally, actress Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her roles in various dramas, also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64. Her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), announced her death, expressing deep condolences to her family and fans. Lee had recently signed with a new agency and was set to continue her active career, making her loss even more tragic.

Moreover, voice actor Yoo Ho-han (유호한), aged 52, died from a heart attack on January 7. He was well-known for his work in popular series like "Crayon Shin-chan" and the "Avengers" films. Yoo was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors, having served as the president of the KBS Voice Actors Association.

The entertainment community mourns these significant losses, remembering the joy and talent each of these individuals brought to their craft.

Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

On January 11, KBS2 aired the '2024 KBS Acting Awards,' hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min. During the ceremony, actor Kim Jung-hyun received the Best Actor award for his role in 'The Iron Family.' 

Upon accepting the award, Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am well aware of my shortcomings. Despite that, I am thankful to be standing here today. Just a few years ago, I thought I would never act again due to various reasons, including my own doubts. I am truly grateful to be in this position now." 

He continued, "While it is customary to express gratitude when receiving an award, I believe that true appreciation cannot exist without reflecting on the past. When I started acting, I engaged in behavior that hurt many people and caused discomfort. I sincerely apologize for that and bow my head in remorse, receiving applause from the audience."

Kim emphasized that his apology is not the end of the matter, stating, "I do not seek forgiveness, but I see this as a necessary step in moving forward with my life."

He added, "I have shared some heavy thoughts from my heart, but I will keep my remarks brief. I want to thank the 'Iron Family,' KBS, writer Seo Suk-hyang, KeyEast, Monster Union, and all the staff who have supported us. I am grateful to my seniors Kim Young-ok and Park In-hwan, as well as my parents and fellow actors Park Ji-young and Shin Hyun-joon, who are all working hard. I know it’s a tiring time, but I hope to be a source of strength for everyone."

Kim concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks to his fans, saying, "I want to sincerely thank the fans who have allowed me to stand here today. Lastly, to my family, who have shared my burdens and pain, I have always wanted to be a proud son, brother, and sibling, but I feel I have not lived up to that. I hope this moment can be remembered as a small but meaningful step towards that. Thank you, I love you all."

Kim Jung-hyun Apologizes for Past Controversies at KBS Acting Awards

On January 11, 2025, during the MBC show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), singer Ailee shared her love story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno (솔로지옥). The episode featured a winter song special, with Ailee and singer John Park as the first guests. Host Yoo Jae-suk mentioned Ailee's exciting news, stating, "Ailee has good news. She is getting married in April next year." Surprised, fellow cast member Haha congratulated her, while Yoo clarified that she would be marrying the contestant from Single's Inferno. Ailee responded with a smile, saying, "That's right. I escaped from Single's Inferno!" 

When asked if she received a proposal, Ailee explained, "I didn't get a proposal, but I find it a bit strange. In the U.S., proposals happen before wedding preparations, but here, we start dating with marriage in mind, so receiving a proposal feels different." Fellow guest Joo Woo-jae agreed, noting that proposals in Korea often feel like a performance. Ailee added, "For me, it felt a bit foreign, so when we went ring shopping, I just said, 'I want this one.'" 

Joo then inquired about their pet names, to which Ailee revealed, "I saw an official statement where he said he would take good care of 'Princess Ye-jin,' which was quite surprising!" 

Ailee recounted how they met through a friend, initially without any romantic interest. They later attended a concert together, where she noticed his tall stature and broad shoulders. Their relationship began to blossom when they attended a g.o.d concert, where Ailee felt cold and he offered her his jacket. As they shared the jacket, their hands touched, leading to a moment where she didn't want to pull away, marking the start of their relationship. Joo humorously remarked that they probably didn't hear any of the concert due to their distraction, to which Ailee joked about feeling hot and sweaty. 

Ailee Reveals Love Story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno

The beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee has sadly passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Her funeral is being held at the VIP room 1 of Ulsan Hospital. Survived by her spouse and two sons, the family is mourning deeply as they receive visitors at the funeral home.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that she had no known chronic illnesses, leading to a sudden passing.

Her agency, 범엔터테인먼트 (Bum Entertainment), expressed their sorrow through an official statement, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her."

They further honored her legacy, saying, "Lee Yoon-hee was a precious individual who contributed to popular culture for many years and was loved by many. Her absence is a significant loss for us all. She has touched audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm emotions through numerous works. We will cherish her memories and achievements and strive to honor her life and values."

Born in 1960, Lee Yoon-hee began her acting career in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). From 2007 onwards, she appeared in various films such as '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대' (The Drug King), '러브픽션' (Love Fiction), '7번방의 선물' (Miracle in Cell No. 7), '감기' (Flu), '더 킹' (The King), '특별시민' (Citizen Kane), and '보안관' (The Sheriff), as well as dramas like '자이언트' (Giant), '참 좋은 시절' (What’s So Wrong with Secretary Kim), '구해줘2' (Save Me 2), '블랙독' (Black Dog), '킹덤 시즌2' (Kingdom Season 2), '편의점 샛별이' (Convenience Store Saet-byul), and '모범택시' (Taxi Driver).

Last year, she was seen in Netflix's '선산' (The Silent Sea) and tvN's '세작, 매혹된 자들' (The Tale of Nokdu) in the roles of Kim Mu-sun and Choam Kim Je-nam, respectively.

Her funeral will take place on January 13 at 8 AM, with her final resting place at Ulsan Sky Park.

Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

Renowned actor Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her exceptional supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), she died unexpectedly on the morning of January 11, 2025, with no known chronic illnesses reported.

Bome Entertainment expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Lee Yoon-hee's untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences as she embarks on her final journey."

Born on January 28, 1960, Lee made her acting debut in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). She gained recognition in 2007 for her role as Elder Kang in the film '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), marking the beginning of her film career. Over the years, she appeared in notable films such as 'The King of Affection' (아부의 왕, 2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (극비수사, 2015), 'Citizen K' (특별시민, 2017), and 'Harodongseon' (하로동선, 2022).

In addition to her film work, Lee was a familiar face on television, featuring in dramas like 'Save Me 2' (구해줘2, 2019), 'Black Dog' (블랙독, 2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (편의점 샛별이, 2020), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시, 2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (십시일반, 2020), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (살인자의 쇼핑목록, 2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (도적, 칼의 소리, 2023), 'Seonsan' (선산, 2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (세작, 매혹된 자들, 2024).

Just last month, she signed an exclusive contract with Bome Entertainment and was set to continue her active career.

Her funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital (울산병원) with the burial scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park (울산하늘공원).

Choi Tae-joon Expresses Gratitude to Wife Park Shin-hye at KBS Acting Awards

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