Comedian Hong Hyun-hee and her husband, broadcaster Jay Seon, recently donned traditional Thai clothing for a family photo shoot. On March 15, their YouTube channel, '홍현희 제이쓴 홍쓴TV', featured a video titled 'We Are Immigrating'. In the video, Hong expressed her excitement, saying, "Since we’re here, we should take a photo in traditional Thai attire," recalling a similar experience in Guam. However, Jay Seon humorously questioned the need for a family photo. 

The couple then headed to a location for the photo shoot, complete with makeup and hairstyling. Jay Seon was impressed with Hong Hyun-hee's transformation, exclaiming, "You look at least ten years younger!" He later changed his phone's wallpaper to a picture of them in traditional attire, stating, "Doesn’t this look like a local’s phone?" 

Jay Seon also shared the original family photo on his personal social media account, captioning it, "Our blessed Chiang Mai." He encouraged others visiting Chiang Mai to take similar photos. The couple's striking appearance led many netizens to comment, "I thought they were locals!" while broadcaster Jang Young-ran remarked, "So cute!"

Comedian Hong Hyun-hee and Host Jay Seon Capture Family Moments in Traditional Thai Attire

On March 14, 2025, the media showcase for LE SSERAFIM's (르세라핌) fifth mini album, 'HOT,' took place at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The album encapsulates a heartfelt dedication to love and passion. The group, consisting of Kim Chae-won (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yoon-jin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eun-chae (홍은채), performed their new tracks during the event, showcasing their vibrant energy and musical growth.

[사진]신곡으로 돌아온 르세라핌

LE SSERAFIM Unveils New Mini Album 'HOT' at Media Showcase

On March 15, 2025, KBS2's variety show Salim Namja-deul 2 (살림하는 남자들2) kicked off a new project titled 'Chueok Salim Nam' featuring former One Time member Song Baek-kyung as its first guest. The episode highlighted Song as a devoted father to his two sons, 9-year-old Song Ru-bin and 8-year-old Song Ru-an. Since marrying in 2016 and welcoming his first child in 2017, Song has been on a fast-paced journey through fatherhood.

He explained his absence from the entertainment scene, stating, "I felt that I wasn't living as a celebrity, so I declined offers to appear on shows." He also mentioned that he had instructed his children not to discuss his past as a singer and entertainer, emphasizing that he wanted to keep that part of his life private.

After dropping his kids off at taekwondo class, Song visited KBS, where he had previously worked as a voice actor for two years. He shared that his first child was conceived during his honeymoon, and both of his sons are part of his journey with One Time. As he transitioned into fatherhood, he sought a stable income that would allow him to utilize his skills, leading him to enroll in night classes to become a voice actor.

When asked if he had completely stepped away from broadcasting, Song clarified, "I avoid shows that require me to be on camera, but I continue to work as a voice actor, recording for major brand advertisements, including fast-food and bank commercials."

He expressed his motivation for joining Salim Namja-deul, stating, "As my children start learning Hangul, they search for me online and find videos of me performing on stage. They ask why I’m not on TV anymore, and I wanted to show them that even though I’m not a singer now, I’m still working hard in a different way."

Regarding his former One Time bandmates, Song mentioned that they still keep in touch, although their paths have diverged. He noted that Danny is now a father of two in the U.S., and he last heard that Oh Jin-hwan is running a café in Jeju Island. He also spoke about Teddy, the leader of One Time, who has become a significant figure in K-pop, producing hits for groups like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and BLACKPINK. Song remarked, "Teddy and I are on completely different paths now, and I felt awkward reaching out. I last saw him at my wedding."

In addition to his voice acting career, Song has recently opened a chicken skewer business, which he has been running for four months. He stated, "My family is my source of strength. I live for them."

‘연예계 은퇴’ 송백경, KBS 성우+자영업자로 변신 “두 子 위해 출연” (‘살림남’)[종합]

Song Baek-kyung Transitions to Voice Acting and Entrepreneurship on 'Salim Nam'

The popular girl group LE SSERAFIM has achieved a remarkable feat with their latest mini-album, 'HOT', which was released on March 14 at 1 PM KST. According to the sales tracking site Hanteo Chart, the album sold an impressive 567,735 copies on its first day, securing the number one spot on the domestic album charts.

The excitement surrounding this comeback is also reflected on iTunes, where the album debuted at number three on the Worldwide iTunes Albums chart. As of 9 AM KST on March 15, 'HOT' has made its way into the top album charts in 34 countries and regions, including Japan, the United States, France, and Russia. Notably, it has reached the top ten in 27 countries, including Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.

The title track, which shares the same name as the album, has entered the iTunes 'Top Songs' chart in 25 countries, including Sweden, Canada, France, and the United States. Additionally, all five tracks from the new album dominated the real-time rising chart on Japan's AWA music platform, taking the top five spots as of 6 PM KST on March 14, showcasing their immense popularity in the region.

The music video for the title track has also gained significant traction, ranking in the top trending videos on YouTube in 21 countries, including Canada (2nd), the United States (5th), and the United Kingdom (9th) as of 9 AM KST. It is currently holding the top positions on YouTube's Worldwide Trending and Music Video Trending charts. The 'HOT' music video captivates viewers with its bold direction, synchronized choreography, and unique set design.

LE SSERAFIM is set to continue the momentum with a live performance on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' at 3:15 PM KST on March 15.

르세라핌, 'HOT' 컴백 첫 날에만 57만 장 팔았다

LE SSERAFIM's New Album 'HOT' Tops Korean Charts

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.

캔디샵, 신곡 'TIP TOE' MV 티저 공개...설렘 가득한 청춘 감성 예고

Candy Shop Unveils Teaser for New Single 'TIP TOE'

'That Guy is a Black Dragon' (그놈은 흑염룡), the tvN drama written by Kim Soo-yeon and directed by Lee Soo-hyun, has achieved remarkable success, holding the number one spot in 118 countries for three weeks straight. The series tells the story of Baek Soo-jung, a team leader known as the 'Department Head Killer,' who struggles with the painful memories of her first love, and Ban Joo-yeon, a third-generation chaebol who hides his inner geek persona. Their reunion at work, after a disastrous childhood connection through an online game, sets the stage for a sweet and nostalgic office romance.

The show's popularity is not just limited to South Korea; it has garnered significant attention internationally. On the global streaming platform Rakuten Viki, 'That Guy is a Black Dragon' debuted at number one in the Americas, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and India during its first week and has maintained that position for three consecutive weeks. It has firmly held the top spot in major countries, including the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, France, and India.

In Japan, the online streaming service U-NEXT ranks it sixth overall and fourth among dramas, making it the top Korean drama currently airing. Additionally, in Indonesia, the platform Vidio places it third among all dramas and first among Korean dramas, further proving its global appeal.

The chemistry between Moon Ga-young (as Baek Soo-jung) and Choi Hyun-wook (as Ban Joo-yeon) has received widespread acclaim from viewers both domestically and internationally. Viki viewers have commented on the stark contrast in their ages and statuses, noting how their shared dedication to work creates excellent chemistry. Comments on MyDramaList describe the series as a mix of sweetness and a touch of bitterness, highlighting the undeniable chemistry between the leads and the perfect balance of humor and tension in this addictive romance.

In response to the overwhelming positive feedback, Moon Ga-young expressed her gratitude, stating, 'I am thankful that so many people love the characters and immerse themselves in Baek Soo-jung's journey. I hope viewers find joy and happiness in 'That Guy is a Black Dragon,' and I am thrilled by the support from both domestic and international audiences. I hope everyone continues to enjoy the remaining episodes.'

Choi Hyun-wook also shared his thoughts, saying, 'I was initially worried about playing the role of a department head for the first time, but I am grateful to all the actors and staff who helped bring Ban Joo-yeon and the Black Dragon to life. It’s been a fun experience, and I appreciate the viewers who have enjoyed it. As we enter the latter half of the drama, I hope everyone stays with us until the end.'

As the Strawberry Dragon couple navigates the challenges of their past love, anticipation builds for how they will overcome the crises that arise in 'That Guy is a Black Dragon.' The show airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM.

문가영♥최현욱 '그놈은 흑염룡' 해외 호평 터졌다..118개국 1위

'That Guy is a Black Dragon' Tops Global Charts for Three Consecutive Weeks

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 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.

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

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.

Comedian Hong Hyun-hee and Host Jay Seon Capture Family Moments in Traditional Thai Attire

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

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

Dinto Terminates Contract with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Controversy

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

Kim Sae-ron's Mother Speaks Out for Justice

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