A 36-year-old man, identified as A, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Chuncheon District Court for committing fraud while already facing charges for similar offenses. Presiding Judge Kim Taek-seong announced the verdict on February 23, 2025. 

Between October 2022 and June 2023, A posted advertisements on a second-hand trading site, claiming to sell items such as an elf accompaniment device and amusement park tickets. He defrauded approximately 190 victims, amassing over 200 million won. 

Investigations revealed that A deceived victims by promising to deliver goods upon receiving payment. Notably, he continued his fraudulent activities even while evading authorities during his ongoing trial for previous fraud charges. 

Judge Kim emphasized the severity of A's actions, stating, "He repeatedly committed fraud over a significant period, and the total amount defrauded is substantial. His prior convictions for similar crimes were also taken into account during sentencing."

Chuncheon Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Fraud During Ongoing Trial

Director Hong Sang-soo attended the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where he made a point to mention his partner, actress Kim Min-hee. The press conference for his film 'What Does the Nature Say to You?' took place on February 20 in Berlin. 

On February 19, Kim Min-hee was spotted traveling to Germany with Hong while visibly pregnant, raising speculation about their joint appearance at the festival. However, she did not attend the press conference, which featured Hong alongside actors Ha Sung-koo, Kwon Hae-hyo, Jo Yoon-hee, and Kang So-yi. 

Hong's latest film, his 33rd feature, revolves around a thirty-something poet named Dong-hwa who unexpectedly visits his lover Jun-hee's home. Kim Min-hee contributed to the film as a production manager. 

Although Kim was absent from the event, Hong mentioned her during a discussion about the film's budget, stating, "I don’t calculate a separate budget. The number of people we need to make the film is three production managers and one boom operator," directly referencing Kim. 

The couple began their relationship in 2015 while working on the film 'Right Now, Wrong Then' and have maintained a controversial relationship for nearly a decade. Reports suggest that Kim is six months pregnant and is expected to give birth this spring. It was revealed that she learned of her pregnancy last summer, and Hong has been by her side for all medical check-ups. 

On February 19, Kim was seen at the airport wearing sunglasses and a black mask, dressed in a long coat, clearly showing her pregnancy. 

This marks Hong Sang-soo's sixth consecutive invitation to the Berlin International Film Festival, following previous films such as 'The Woman Who Ran,' 'Introduction,' 'The Novelist's Film,' 'In Water,' and 'The Need for Travelers.'

홍상수, '만삭' 김민희와 당당 행보ing..기자회견서 공개적 언급 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Hong Sang-soo Mentions Kim Min-hee at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival

Actress Ham So-won has shared her condolences following the tragic news of Kim Sae-ron's passing. On February 22, she posted a conversation from her social media where a netizen inquired about her recent lack of video updates. In her response, Ham So-won reflected on her own struggles with negativity and online criticism at the age of 45, expressing empathy for the young actress's hardships. She mentioned that she has been taking a break to process her feelings but promised to return with a brighter demeanor soon. Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16 and was laid to rest on February 19. For those facing mental health challenges, support is available through various counseling hotlines.

함소원, 故김새론 비보에 애도..“나도 악플 힘들었는데 어린 친구가..”

Ham So-won Expresses Condolences Over Kim Sae-ron's Passing

In the latest episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀), chef Jeong Ji-sun shared her emotional journey as a female owner chef in a male-dominated culinary world. During the show, she broke down in tears while discussing the challenges she faced in gaining recognition. 

When fellow chef Kim Hee-eun mentioned that there are a few female owner chefs her age, Jeong expressed her envy, recalling her own struggles to find employment even after studying abroad. She revealed, "Most of the chefs in Chinese cuisine were men. I used to arrive at work two hours early, and I can't even count how many times I was hit with a ladle in the kitchen or bumped with a Chinese cleaver."

Jeong also recounted a painful incident where she had to get 30 stitches after injuring her hand in a machine, yet she continued to seek work out of fear of being fired. She shared that when she opened her restaurant, T&Mimi, she deliberately kept quiet about being a female owner chef due to the discrimination and territorial behavior from her male counterparts. 

Reflecting on her past, she recalled, "There were seniors who said, 'Let's see how well you do.'" This memory brought her to tears, prompting host Jeon Hyun-moo to express surprise at seeing her cry, suggesting that those who doubted her might now feel ashamed. 

Jeong concluded by stating, "If I had colleagues, seniors, or mentors to guide me back then, I might have received help. I felt so lonely." Her heartfelt revelations about the difficulties faced by female owner chefs will be aired in the full episode of 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' this Sunday at 4:40 PM KST.

정지선, 선배들에 '악질 괴롭힘' 당했다 "기계에 손 들어가도 일해" 오열

Chef Jeong Ji-sun Opens Up About Struggles as a Female Owner Chef

G-DRAGON (지드래곤) has released a teaser for the music video of his title track 'TOO BAD' from his upcoming album 'Übermensch' (위버맨쉬). The teaser was shared today, February 22, at 1 PM KST on the official fan SNS (@fanplusonedotcom) and YouTube, ahead of the album's release on February 25.

The collaboration with Anderson .Paak (앤더슨 팩) has already captured the attention of music fans worldwide. Anderson .Paak, an American singer-songwriter, rapper, and drummer of Korean descent, gained fame after forming the R&B supergroup Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars (브루노 마스) in 2021, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won multiple Grammy Awards in 2022. Fans are eager to see the unique synergy that G-DRAGON and Anderson .Paak will create together.

In the teaser, G-DRAGON makes a grand entrance on stage amidst a lively party, signaling the start of the festivities. The upbeat and rhythmic sounds of 'TOO BAD' play, showcasing G-DRAGON's stylish and kitschy vibe through various vibrant scenes. His fashion choices, including a black jacket with red checks, a red jacket paired with leather pants, a polka dot robe, and a striking yellow outfit with black patterns, highlight his status as a leading fashion icon in Korea.

Notably, the teaser features a special appearance by aespa's Karina (카리나). The video captures a moment where Karina waits by a blue car for G-DRAGON, who adjusts his shirt before meeting her, adding intrigue to the music video's storyline.

As anticipation builds for the title track 'TOO BAD', G-DRAGON is also set to kick off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA presented by Coupang Play' on March 29 and 30 at Goyang Sports Complex, starting at 6:30 PM each day.

지드래곤, 에스파 카리나와 투샷..‘TOO BAD’ MV 티저 공개

G-DRAGON Unveils Teaser for 'TOO BAD' Music Video Featuring Anderson .Paak

“사기죄 재판 중에 또다시 범죄”… 30대 사기범 ‘징역 3년’

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, 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.

Chuncheon Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Fraud During Ongoing Trial

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BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

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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

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Hong Sang-soo Mentions Kim Min-hee at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival

Ham So-won Expresses Condolences Over Kim Sae-ron's Passing

Chef Jeong Ji-sun Opens Up About Struggles as a Female Owner Chef

G-DRAGON Unveils Teaser for 'TOO BAD' Music Video Featuring Anderson .Paak

Chuncheon Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Fraud During Ongoing Trial

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