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

In the latest episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama Undercover High School (언더커버 하이스쿨), aired on March 14, the true identity of Jeong Hae-seong, played by Seo Kang-joon, was uncovered. 

During the episode, Jeong Hae-seong and Oh Soo-ah (Jin Ki-joo) were deployed on a mission that ultimately failed. Upon hearing Oh Soo-ah's real name, Jeong Hae-seong realized she was his first love and stared at her in disbelief. He asked, "Is your name Bong-ja? Oh Bong-ja?" to which Oh Soo-ah replied, "Yes, that was my original name... But why are you laughing at someone else's name? It's rude to laugh in front of someone. I was going to take you home, but never mind. Go by yourself," before turning back into the store.

Reflecting on his childhood memories with Oh Soo-ah, Jeong Hae-seong's attitude towards her changed the next day. He arrived early at the teacher's office, gazing at her with affection as she danced, and complimented her, saying, "You’re amazing. You will definitely become a great teacher."

Meanwhile, Jeong Hae-seong and the members of the domestic team 4 gathered to find clues about a ghost story related to the school anthem. When they struggled with the piano performance, Oh Soo-ah stepped in, saying, "I’ll do it."

She insisted, "The school anthem itself isn’t that difficult," but Jeong Hae-seong warned, "You could get expelled for entering the chairman's office by mistake." However, Team Leader Ahn encouraged her, stating, "You can do it. You are the unparalleled partner of our National Intelligence Service's top ace, Jeong Hae-seong, and an honorary field agent of our domestic team 4."

Flattered by the title of 'honorary field agent,' Oh Soo-ah agreed to participate, despite Jeong Hae-seong's protests. She even requested a written agreement promising that the government would support her in becoming a teacher at Byeongmun High School.

Eventually, Jeong Hae-seong pulled her aside, firmly stating, "I won’t say this twice. Don’t do it. It’s dangerous." Oh Soo-ah responded, "All the teachers at Byeongmun High are attending the event anyway. Since we’ve decided to go together, let’s focus on the mission."

Jeong Hae-seong questioned her obsession with becoming a teacher, asking, "Why are you so fixated on it? You shouldn’t take risks just because it seems obvious. Be honest with me." Oh Soo-ah replied, "There’s someone I want to show this to. I promised my first student that I would definitely become a teacher. I’m determined to do whatever it takes to achieve that. Life isn’t worth living without risks."

As the operation approached, Jeong Hae-seong was conscious of Oh Soo-ah while teaching self-defense techniques. When she unexpectedly hugged him from behind during the lesson, he awkwardly excused himself, muttering, "Get a grip, you’re acting strange today."

At the highly anticipated Byeongmun Night, Jeong Hae-seong was captivated by Oh Soo-ah, who appeared in a dress. He reassured her, placing a camera necklace around her neck, saying, "I’ll make sure nothing happens today, so don’t worry. And by the way, you look beautiful today."

After successfully infiltrating the chairman's office, Jeong Hae-seong and Oh Soo-ah sat together at the piano to play the school anthem. When nothing happened, Oh Soo-ah expressed her confusion, saying, "Nothing is happening."

After the mission failed, Team Leader Ahn instructed Jeong Hae-seong to exit, warning, "Come out, Hae-seong. It’s dangerous to stay there. Erase the entry records from the chairman's office and get out quickly." Following the order, Jeong Hae-seong announced, "I will withdraw," as he deleted the entry records from Seo Myung-joo's (Kim Shin-rok) computer. In that moment, he discovered his personnel record card and the operation plan file for Byeongmun Night, leaving him in shock. The upcoming preview hinted at Jeong Hae-seong taking independent action with Oh Soo-ah, raising questions about the plot's development.

팀에 배신자 있나..서강준, 김신록에 정체 발각→작전 유출 ‘충격’ (‘언더커버’)

Identity of Seo Kang-joon Revealed in Undercover High School

K-pop group LE SSERAFIM has made a sizzling comeback with their latest mini-album, 'HOT,' which features their first title track centered around the theme of love. The group, consisting of Kim Chaewon (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yunjin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eunchae (홍은채), held a showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on March 14, 2025, to celebrate the release of their fifth mini-album.

Set to drop at 1 PM KST, 'HOT' encapsulates a passionate approach to love, blending rock and disco elements into its pop sound. The album includes five tracks: the title song 'HOT,' the narratively rich 'Born Fire' in Korean, English, and Japanese, the candid 'Come Over,' the introspective 'Ash,' and 'So Cynical (Badum),' which encourages listeners to boldly embrace love, with contributions from members Kim Chaewon, Heo Yunjin, and Hong Eunchae.

During the showcase, Heo Yunjin expressed excitement about reaching the final installment of their trilogy, which began with 'EASY' and continued with 'CRAZY.' She emphasized the growth and learning experiences that shaped this album. Kim Chaewon shared her gratitude for the past year and her eagerness to engage with fans through this new release. Sakura noted the overwhelming support for 'CRAZY' and promised to deliver a hot and stylish comeback.

Hong Eunchae, celebrating her 20th birthday, mentioned her fresh start and the effort put into exploring new genres for this album. Kazuha highlighted the diverse musical styles that showcase their unique identity.

'HOT' serves as the conclusion to a trilogy that began in February 2023 with 'EASY,' which addressed the anxieties behind the scenes, followed by 'CRAZY,' which encouraged letting go of those fears. This latest release takes a step further, focusing on the willingness to dive into love wholeheartedly, regardless of the outcome, reflecting the group's evolving inner strength.

Kim Chaewon explained that the album captures a shift from the cynicism often celebrated in modern culture to a celebration of passionate love. Heo Yunjin added that each track embodies a fearless commitment to love, while Hong Eunchae noted their shared dedication to giving their all on stage.

The title track 'HOT,' co-written by Heo Yunjin, marks the first time LE SSERAFIM has sung about love in a title song. The lyrics convey a message of taking risks for love, with lines that evoke a sense of wonder and commitment.

The members focused on delivering the emotional depth of the lyrics during recording, and the song features one of their most lyrical melodies to date. Their choreography will emphasize the song's emotional resonance rather than adhering to a specific dance genre, promising a captivating performance.

Kim Chaewon described 'HOT' as a pop song infused with rock and disco, offering a different vibe from their previous title tracks. Heo Yunjin praised Kazuha's vocal delivery, which adds a unique flavor to the song.

As LE SSERAFIM embarks on this new chapter, Kazuha expressed her desire to create memorable performances that resonate with audiences, while Sakura reflected on the growth they've experienced over the past three years since their debut. The group aims to make a significant impact in the music industry with their bold approach to love and performance.

With their commitment to diving into love and embracing every moment, LE SSERAFIM's 'HOT' is set to ignite the K-pop scene once again.

"르세라핌, 다 불태웠다"..첫 사랑 노래로 'HOT'한 컴백(종합)[Oh!쎈 현장]

LE SSERAFIM Returns with Their First Love-Themed Title Track 'HOT'

Seoul National University (서울대학교) has decided to cease the public disclosure of admission statistics by high school and district, a practice it has maintained for over 20 years through the National Assembly. This means that parents will no longer have an official way to find out how many students from their child's school were admitted to the university, except for a few schools that choose to disclose their own data. The university stated that this decision is aimed at preventing the promotion of high school rankings, but concerns have been raised that parents may increasingly rely on unverified information from private education institutions.

On March 14, a representative from the office of National Assembly member Seo Ji-young (서지영) reported that Seoul National University refused to provide the requested admission data categorized by high school and region. A university official explained in a phone call that they will not disclose this information starting this year due to potential negative effects, such as promoting high school rankings.

Since the early 2000s, the university has submitted data on the number of admitted students by high school and region to the National Assembly. However, last year, it only provided data on the number of admissions by district, and this year, it has decided not to release even that information. Critics in the education sector have argued that the public disclosure of admission numbers encourages schools to focus solely on sending students to Seoul National University, neglecting character education and contributing to the ranking of high schools and universities.

Despite the ongoing desire among students to attend prestigious universities, the lack of specific information may lead to an increased dependence on private education. Private institutions have been known to unofficially gather and utilize data on university admissions through high schools.

Currently, parents can access information such as average grades and college admission rates for each high school through the information disclosure site '학교알리미' (School Information). However, experts note that the variability in grading systems across schools means this data does not accurately reflect school quality. The site does not provide information on how many students were admitted to specific universities.

Jo Jin-pyo, the head of the career research institute Wise Mentor (와이즈멘토), stated, "Without information on how many students from each high school were admitted to which universities, students will turn to private academies for answers. Since each student has different university goals, it is essential to disclose admission information for all universities, not just Seoul National University, to alleviate students' anxieties."

In some regions, educational authorities have taken steps to ensure transparency regarding college admissions. For instance, the Gangwon Provincial Office of Education (강원교육청) has been publicly sharing the college admission results of high schools in the province since 2022. This year, they reported that out of 9,765 examinees, 34 were admitted to Seoul National University, and 105 were accepted into medical programs (including medical, dental, and oriental medicine schools).

[단독] 고교별·지역별 합격자 정보, 서울대 “앞으로 공개 안한다”서울대, ‘A고, 서울대 OO명 입학’ 공개 안 한다

Seoul National University Stops Public Disclosure of High School Admission Data

A 30-something man, referred to as A, who was once a professional volleyball player, has been arrested by the Songpa Police Station in Seoul on charges of sexual assault. The police confirmed on March 14 that they apprehended A at the scene and have applied for an arrest warrant. The hearing for A's warrant began at 2:30 PM the same day. 

A is accused of forcibly propositioning a woman he had just met at an officetel in Songpa-gu around 11 PM on March 12, allegedly saying, 'Let's have sexual relations.' Reports indicate that A has a history of being investigated for sexual offenses prior to this incident. 

According to sources, A was drafted in the first round during the 2012 professional volleyball tryouts and was once considered 'the future of Korean volleyball' due to his height of over 2 meters. However, he struggled to adapt and retired in 2018. It has also been reported that A has had previous encounters with the law, including time spent in prison.

前 프로 배구선수, 강제추행 혐의로 경찰 체포

Former Professional Volleyball Player Arrested for Sexual Assault

On March 13, 2025, the K-pop group LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), consisting of Kim Chaewon (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yunjin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eunchae (홍은채), held a special showcase titled 'LE SSERAFIM COMEBACK SHOWCASE 'HOT'' at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their fifth mini album, 'HOT'. The event allowed fans to experience the group's performance a day early.

The showcase kicked off with the group's previous hit title track 'CRAZY', followed by a variety of performances including new songs like 'Come Over' and the title track 'HOT'. The atmosphere was lively as the members shared behind-the-scenes stories about trailer filming, song production, and recording sessions.

During the event, the members humorously pointed out that the highlight of the title track is the members' beauty as they tilt their heads at the beginning, bringing laughter to the audience. They also discussed the challenges of mastering the moonwalk dance move, revealing that they practiced walking from the door to the wall in the practice room using the move.

LE SSERAFIM took time to teach fans the cheering method for 'HOT' and engaged in a segment called 'The Most HOTtest Time', where they fulfilled fan-requested missions such as sharing ASMR readings of the lyrics, confessing love to each other, and playfully flirting with their fandom, FEARNOT (피어나). In closing, the members expressed their joy in starting this album journey with their fans and mentioned their upcoming world tour starting in April, encouraging fans to stay with them throughout their activities.

The mini album 'HOT' was officially released on March 14, 2025, at 1 PM KST, focusing on the theme of wholeheartedly embracing love. LE SSERAFIM is set to perform the title track on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' on March 15 at 3:15 PM KST.

르세라핌 "진심으로 준비한 앨범, 피어나와 함께 시작해 기뻐"

LE SSERAFIM Celebrates 'HOT' Mini Album Release with Fans at Showcase

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

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

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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Former Professional Volleyball Player Arrested for Sexual Assault

LE SSERAFIM Celebrates 'HOT' Mini Album Release with Fans at Showcase

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