Global pop sensation HEYOON's (혜윤) Instagram was taken over by Chris Patrick on February 23, from noon to 2:30 PM, where he shared delightful behind-the-scenes moments from the 'ASAP' music video. With over 4.3 million followers, HEYOON's account showcased Chris Patrick's playful photos, building excitement for her comeback.

Chris Patrick kicked off the takeover by posting two unique photos of himself, announcing the behind-the-scenes reveal of the 'ASAP' music video. One image featured him monitoring HEYOON's performance on set, while another captured a humorous moment where he adjusted his stance to minimize the height difference for a two-shot with HEYOON, using the witty Korean hashtag '#매너다리' (manners leg).

The duo also teased fans by dancing in a circular motion, hinting at the 'ASAP' challenge. HEYOON, who debuted as a solo artist last year after being part of the global pop group Now United, previously gained attention with her collaboration with Armani White. In her upcoming single 'ASAP', she teams up with Chris Patrick, known for his hit 'X Files', which has garnered 11 million streams.

The highly anticipated single 'ASAP' will be released simultaneously worldwide on February 27 at noon KST across global music platforms.

Chris Patrick Takes Over HEYOON's Instagram with Fun 'ASAP' Music Video Behind-the-Scenes

In the upcoming episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀), Jeong Ji-sun meets Michelin-starred chef Kim Hee-eun to explore her ambitions in fine dining. The show, which aims to create a fulfilling workplace for bosses in South Korea, has maintained its position as the top-rated entertainment program in its time slot for 142 consecutive weeks, achieving a peak viewership rating of 7.4% according to Nielsen Korea.

During the episode airing on February 23, Jeong Ji-sun reconnects with Kim Hee-eun, a friend of ten years, through a gathering of female owner-chefs to study fine dining courses. Jeong Ji-sun praises Kim Hee-eun's stunning looks, stating, "She looks more like a model than a chef." In the studio, Jeong Ji-sun's own beauty is noted to be improving daily, with host Jeon Hyun-moo commenting on the significant change in her expressions, predicting a bright future ahead.

As Kim Hee-eun prepares her 'petit dining course,' the visual presentation is described as artistic, prompting Jeon Hyun-moo and Park Myung-soo to exclaim "unbelievable" repeatedly. When a dish featuring chicken breast and flower-shaped asparagus, named 'Gyehwa,' is revealed, Park Myung-soo marvels, "This is simply the beauty of Korea," while Kim Sook exclaims, "It looks like a lotus flower." Jeong Ji-sun expresses her reluctance to eat the beautifully presented dish, saying, "It feels like a waste to eat it."

The episode also sheds light on the financial realities of Michelin chefs, with Kim Hee-eun revealing that despite high prices, her profit margin does not exceed 10%, shocking viewers. Jeong Ji-sun then shares her goal for the year, stating, "My aim is to venture into fine dining Chinese cuisine," sparking excitement for her future challenges. Kim Hee-eun's 'petit dining course' will be showcased in the main broadcast of 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears.'

'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' airs every Sunday at 4:40 PM KST.

정지선 꿈 완전 무너졌다…미슐랭 원스타 "마진율 10% 못 넘어" (사당귀)

Chef Jeong Ji-sun Reveals Ambitions for Fine Dining with Michelin-Starred Chef Kim Hee-eun

In the latest episode of KBS 2TV's weekend drama Eagle Brothers (독수리 5형제를 부탁해!), which aired on February 22, Ma Gwang-sook (엄지원) finds herself in a precarious situation due to the schemes of Dokgo Tak (최병모). After a night of heavy drinking, Gwang-sook mistakenly confuses Han Dong-seok (안재욱) for Oh Jang-soo (이필모) and causes a scene. Dong-seok struggles to calm her down, but Gwang-sook eventually faints. The situation resolves when Gong Joo-sil (박준금) arrives at the party and takes Gwang-sook home.

Meanwhile, the brothers of the Soju family reveal their own struggles. The second brother, Oh Cheon-soo (최대철), has a heated argument with his wife over the phone, while the youngest, Oh Gang-soo (이석기), suffers from worsening hearing issues, adding to the family's woes.

In a twist, Dokgo Tak complicates Gwang-sook's life by blocking the loan extension for the Soju family business. When Gwang-sook learns of this, she attempts to clarify the situation with the bank, only to be confronted by Dokgo Tak, who presents her with a takeover proposal. Gwang-sook is taken aback by his abruptness.

Just as the conversation becomes tense, Gwang-sook receives a call from LX Hotel regarding a tasting test for Jang Gwang-ju (a liquor named after her and Jang-soo). This news boosts her confidence, and she hands the proposal back to Dokgo Tak, questioning why he only brought a few pages for such a prestigious acquisition, delivering a satisfying moment for viewers.

The episode concludes with Gwang-sook heading to LX Hotel for the tasting test, where she unexpectedly discovers that Dong-seok, whom she thought was just a doorman, is actually the hotel president, leaving viewers eager for the next episode.

Fans reacted enthusiastically to the episode, with comments like, "Gwang-sook's drunken antics are both sad and hilarious," and "I can't believe she finally figured out Dong-seok's true identity! Can't wait for the next episode!"

엄지원, 만취해 안재욱에 술주정 부렸는데..호텔 사장 사실 알았다 (‘독수리 5형제’)[종합]

Eagle Brothers: Ma Gwang-sook Discovers Han Dong-seok's True Identity

Singer-songwriter 이소라 is set to return to the stage with her solo concert after a hiatus of one year and three months. According to NHN Link, the ticketing platform, her seventh spring concert titled ‘봄 밤 핌’ (Spring Night Bloom) will take place from March 27 to 30 at the LG Arts Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul.

This concert marks her first performance since ‘소라에게’ (To Sora) at Kyung Hee University’s Peace Hall in December 2023. The event promises to showcase her poetic stage presence and crystal-clear sound, offering a tribute to her uncompromising approach to music.

It has been nine years since 이소라 held a spring concert, the last being in a small theater in 2016. The title ‘봄 밤 핌’ translates to ‘Everything that Blooms on a Spring Night.’

A representative from NHN Link stated, “이소라 plans to sing about the sweet yet poignant, warm yet melancholic essence of spring nights in her unique style. This concert is a refreshing piece of news for fans who have been eagerly awaiting a chance to see her live, as such opportunities are rare.”

Tickets for ‘봄 밤 핌’ will be available for purchase on Ticket Link starting at 6 PM on the 27th.

이소라 debuted in 1993 as a member of the vocal group ‘낯선 사람들’ (Strangers) with their first album. She transitioned to a solo career in 1995, releasing numerous hits including ‘난 행복해’ (I’m Happy), ‘청혼’ (Proposal), ‘그대안의 블루’ (Blue in You), and ‘기억해 줘’ (Remember Me). Her collaboration with BTS (방탄소년단) member Suga on the track ‘신청곡’ (Requested Song) topped major music charts both domestically and internationally. Additionally, her song ‘바람이 부네요’ (The Wind Blows) from the drama ‘슬기로운 의사생활’ (Hospital Playlist) gained significant popularity.

‘솔로전향 30주년’ 이소라, 내달 콘서트 ‘봄 밤 핌’

Isora to Hold Solo Concert After 1 Year and 3 Months

On February 22, 2025, singer Park Seo-jin appeared on KBS2's 'Salim Namja Deul 2' where he consulted a fortune teller about his facial features. The fortune teller questioned whether Park had undergone any cosmetic procedures, noting that those who have surgery often have distinct facial characteristics that can obscure traditional fortune-telling methods. Fellow guest Baek Ji-young humorously chimed in, suggesting that they should not look at each other's faces either. The fortune teller explained that surgery can alter one's natural facial structure, making it difficult to read their fortune accurately. Park then asked if cosmetic surgery could change his fortune, to which the fortune teller replied that it would only change his appearance. Park's sister, Hyo-jung, brought up the idea of showing pre-surgery photos, which led to a playful exchange where Park insisted that his past photos were natural. The fortune teller made a bold remark about Park's face, stating it looked 'funny' and lacked order, with each feature appearing to stand out independently. When asked about his hairline, Hyo-jung mentioned that he had also had hair transplants. Park admitted that his hairline had receded but explained that he wanted to enhance his looks because he felt his features were too free-spirited and not attractive. Baek Ji-young laughed, saying he seemed a bit sensitive about the topic. Ultimately, Park expressed relief that his fortune could no longer be read, suggesting that if it were deemed problematic, he might have felt pressured to change it further. He concluded that he feels perfect as he is now.

'1억 성형' 박서진, 충격 '비포' 얼굴 공개..역술가 "눈코입 자유분방" 독설(살림남)[순간포착]

Singer Park Seo-jin Gets His Fortune Told on KBS2's 'Salim Namja Deul 2'

On the morning of February 22, 2025, families of the victims of the tragic fire at the Banyan Tree Resort in Busan gathered to hold a press conference, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. The event was organized by the bereaved families in collaboration with the Busan Movement for a World Without Serious Accidents.

During the press conference, a representative of the families criticized a joint briefing held by the Busan city government on February 20, describing it as a mere attempt to deflect responsibility without addressing the concerns of the victims' families. He stated, "We can no longer tolerate the deceitful actions and indifference of the Busan city government and responsible agencies towards the bereaved families."

The representative further expressed outrage at the city’s comments during the briefing, where officials suggested that a memorial space would only be established if there were ten or more fatalities or thirty or more injuries, which he deemed disrespectful.

The families are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident, punishment for those responsible for the serious accident, preventive measures from the city and the construction companies involved, an official apology from the companies, the establishment of memorials, and adequate compensation and support for the bereaved families.

After the press conference, the families were allowed to enter the resort for the first time since the fire, which occurred nine days earlier. Previously, police had restricted their access to preserve the scene. Some family members were seen weeping as they embraced photographs of their loved ones at the site.

In a statement released nine days after the fire, the construction companies involved, Samjeong Corporation and Samjeong E&C, expressed their condolences, stating, "We sincerely apologize to the deceased, their families, and the injured. We also extend our heartfelt apologies to the public for the distress caused."

They added that their employees had visited the mourning sites to offer support and that the delay in their official apology was regrettable due to the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.

부산 리조트 화재 사고 유족 “철저한 진상규명, 책임자 처벌” 촉구

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

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

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, 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.

Chris Patrick Takes Over HEYOON's Instagram with Fun 'ASAP' Music Video Behind-the-Scenes

What do you think?

Trending

BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

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

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

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Singer Park Seo-jin Gets His Fortune Told on KBS2's 'Salim Namja Deul 2'

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