On February 9, comedian Shin Bong-sun took to social media to share her latest updates, posting two photos with the caption 'Goodnight.' In the images, she is seen wearing pajamas and gazing at the camera, showcasing her successful weight loss and radiant beauty. Her sharp jawline and distinct facial features have captured the attention of many. Fans reacted enthusiastically, with comments like 'She looks like IU' and 'This is a new peak for her.' Fellow entertainers Kim Ho-young and Jo Hye-ryun also chimed in, complimenting her looks with remarks such as 'Why are you so pretty?' and 'You look great, Bong-sun.' Shin Bong-sun debuted as a comedian in 2005 through KBS's 20th public recruitment and recently appeared in the musical 'Menopause,' which concluded on August 25 of last year.

Comedian Shin Bong-sun Shares Recent Photos and Stunning Transformation

On February 10, 2025, SM Entertainment (SM, 대표: 장철혁·탁영준) announced its financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2024, reporting consolidated revenues of 273.8 billion KRW and an operating profit of 33.9 billion KRW. Compared to the same period last year, revenues increased by 9%, while operating profit surged by 275.6%. The net loss for the period was reduced to 24.1 billion KRW, less than half of the previous year's figure.

On a standalone basis, SM recorded fourth-quarter revenues of 181.8 billion KRW and an operating profit of 35.8 billion KRW, marking increases of 11% and 83.2%, respectively, from the previous year. The company also achieved a net profit of 8.3 billion KRW, marking a return to profitability.

Key drivers of SM's consolidated revenue growth in Q4 included increased sales from merchandise and licensing, as well as concert revenues. Additionally, the rise in artist activities in Japan and expanded drama production contributed to the revenue growth of major subsidiaries.

The significant increase in consolidated operating profit was attributed to higher sales from the headquarters and subsidiaries, changes in the sales mix, and the recognition of performance bonuses.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, SM has launched a new slogan, 'THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE,' and has begun unveiling brand films. Following the successful SMTOWN LIVE concert in Seoul last January, the company plans to release the SMTOWN album on February 14, coinciding with its anniversary. Upcoming events include the K-pop orchestra concert 'SM Classics Live 2025 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra' on February 14 and 15, and a global SMTOWN LIVE tour scheduled for the second quarter.

Notably, on February 24, SM will debut its new girl group, Hatz to Hatz, with their first single 'The Chase,' marking the company's first new girl group in five years since aespa. In March, solo mini-albums from Red Velvet's Seulgi and NCT's Ten, along with a single from Naivis, will be released.

In the second quarter, aespa will release a new mini-album, while RISE will drop their full album. NCT's Doyoung and Mark will also release solo albums, alongside mini-albums from EXO's Kai, Red Velvet's Irene & Seulgi, WayV, and NCT WISH.

Furthermore, aespa has been on a world tour, achieving sold-out shows in Seattle and LA, while NCT 127's world tour continues to gain momentum with a confirmed performance at Tokyo Dome. Other ongoing global performances include TVXQ's nationwide tour in Japan and Super Junior's Yesung and SHINee's Minho's Asia tours, with Taeyeon and NCT WISH also set to embark on their Asia tours.

Additionally, during the SMTOWN LIVE event held at Gocheok Sky Dome in January, SM unveiled SMTR25, a group of 25 male trainees, which received a warm response. The company is ramping up preparations for their debut through pre-promotion on social media and participation in the SMTOWN LIVE global tour, generating excitement for new intellectual properties.

Co-CEO 장철혁 stated, 'On our 30th anniversary, we have announced our new slogan, 'THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE.' SM will continue to be a company that remains committed to its cultural heritage while consistently striving for excellence. We will pursue continuous innovation and the expansion of our artist IP alongside our strong lineup of artists and rich content.'

'30주년' SM, 하츠투하츠 데뷔 전 겹경사..영업이익 339억 '대박' 났다

SM Entertainment Reports Strong Q4 2024 Financial Results

Yeji of ITZY is set to make her solo debut with the release of her first mini album titled 'AIR' on March 10. JYP Entertainment surprised fans by announcing the news at midnight on their official social media channels, unveiling a trailer video and a promotional schedule. 

The opening trailer captivates viewers with a cinematic, sci-fi movie vibe, showcasing Yeji's stunning visuals and dynamic expressions, heightening anticipation for her solo debut. 

Fans can look forward to a variety of promotional content leading up to the release, including the official trailer on February 10, the tracklist on February 14, concept photos and short films on February 24, 26, and 28, an album spoiler on March 3, and music video teasers and photos on March 5 and 7. On the release day, the album cover will be revealed at midnight, followed by a countdown live event at 5 PM to celebrate her solo debut with fans. 

Last year, Yeji showcased her first solo track 'Crown on My Head (예지)' through ITZY's album 'BORN TO BE', demonstrating her passionate aura as a performer. With her impressive performances and confident demeanor, Yeji is expected to bring a unique charm to the music scene as a solo artist.

[공식] ITZY 예지, 3월 10일 솔로 데뷔…'퍼포먼스 퀸' 출격

ITZY's Yeji to Make Solo Debut with Mini Album 'AIR' on March 10

KBS has faced criticism following the controversy surrounding the damage to the historic Byeongsan Seowon during the filming of its new drama, '남주의 첫날밤을 가져버렸다' (The Male Lead's First Night). In a meeting held on February 3, KBS disclosed that the filming crew had used nails at the cultural site, leading to public outcry. Kim Young-jo, head of the KBS Drama Center, expressed deep regret over the incident, stating, "We sincerely apologize for the damage to the cultural heritage and will strive to prevent such occurrences in the future." 

During the meeting, Kim acknowledged the lack of a prompt response on January 2, attributing it to confusion among the team. He explained, "Our props team was understandably frightened, and while they attempted to provide accurate information, we needed to verify the facts ourselves. There was significant chaos that day, and we regret the delay in addressing the situation."

Kim further elaborated on the challenges faced by the production team, citing the demanding nature of filming schedules, limited budgets, and the constraints of the 52-hour workweek. He noted, "The reality is that the production process for dramas carries a high risk of accidents."

He also pointed out that due to insufficient TV license fees, many programs lack assistant directors, and in this particular drama, there was only one KBS staff member present on set. This shortage of personnel contributed to the inadequate handling of the situation, especially with many freelancers involved who may not have been fully aware of the protocols.

Kim committed to enhancing training for external staff to prevent future incidents and requested understanding of KBS's current dire circumstances. 

The controversy first came to light on January 2 when architect Min Seo-hong shared on social media that the filming crew had damaged Byeongsan Seowon. KBS later acknowledged that the production team had received prior filming permission but faced complaints from onlookers about the use of nails on the cultural site. KBS expressed its regret over the seriousness of the situation. 

Following the incident, Andong City filed a complaint against KBS for cultural heritage damage and requested the complete destruction of all footage filmed at Byeongsan Seowon. KBS has decided to discard all footage from the filming at the site, and on February 7, the Andong police referred three members of the props team to the prosecution for violating laws related to the preservation and utilization of cultural heritage.

"수신료 부족·주52시간제" KBS 드라마 센터장이 밝힌 '병산서원' 못질 논란 원인 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

KBS Apologizes for Cultural Heritage Damage Amid Production Challenges

On February 8, 2025, singer Kyuhyun held a spectacular concert in Jakarta, Indonesia, as part of his 'KYUHYUN 10th Anniversary Asia Tour 'COLORS' IN JAKARTA'. The event took place at the Casablanca Hall, marking a significant milestone in his solo career. 

Kyuhyun opened the show with the vibrant track 'Restart', followed by the refreshing and warm songs 'Together', 'Journey', and 'Last Poem', showcasing his impressive vocal abilities. 

A highlight of the evening was when Kyuhyun engaged with fans during performances of 'Time with You' and 'Flying, Deep in the Night', stepping into the audience to create memorable moments. 

The Jakarta concert featured exclusive special stages, including a duet with local artist Ghea Indrawari on 'Jiwa yang Bersedih', and a cover of the popular song 'SISA RASA' by Mahalini, which thrilled the audience. 

With a rich setlist that encapsulated his 10 years of solo activity, including OSTs and a Super Junior medley, the concert was a celebration of Kyuhyun's journey as an artist. The enthusiastic response from local fans, filled with cheers and applause, added to the electrifying atmosphere. 

Kyuhyun will continue his anniversary tour in Taipei on February 22-23, followed by performances in Yokohama, Bangkok, Macau, and Manila.

규현, 亞 투어 중 자카르타도 홀렸다..솔로 활동 10년 집대성

Kyuhyun Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Fans in Jakarta

The K-pop group STAYC is set to embark on a new journey with their upcoming solo concert. The members—Sumin (수민), Sieun (시은), Isa (아이사), Seeun (세은), Yoon (윤), and Jae (재이)—unveiled a poster for the 2025 STAYC TOUR 'STAY TUNED' on their official social media on February 10. The concert will take place on April 12 and 13 at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul.

The poster features a sleek design utilizing sound waves, showcasing STAYC's stunning visuals that shine through the darkness. Their black styling contrasts beautifully with their radiant aura, captivating global fans.

The concert introduction reads, 'STAYC's new story, our stage unfolding ahead. Turn up the volume now,' which, combined with the members' determined gazes and confident poses, heightens anticipation for STAYC's musical transformation.

According to the poster, tickets for the Seoul concert, which will kick off the 2025 world tour, will be available for fan club pre-sale on February 12, followed by general sales starting on February 14.

Having shown remarkable health and activity last year, STAYC is generating excitement for their April world tour, coinciding with their comeback in March, where they will introduce a new musical chapter.

Additionally, STAYC is currently focused on preparing for their March comeback and new album. Fans can stay updated on the group's upgraded team identity and upcoming events through their official social media channels.

‘3월 컴백’ 스테이씨, 4월 서울 단독콘서트 개최 확정..2번째 월드투어 시작

STAYC to Launch New Chapter with Solo Concert in April

It has been 18 years since the beloved actress Jeong Da-bin, often referred to as the 'Second Choi Jin-sil' for her vibrant charm, tragically passed away. On February 10, 2007, she was found dead in her boyfriend's apartment in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. While the police and the National Forensic Service concluded that her death was a suicide based on the autopsy, her family and agency have consistently argued that there was no reason for her to take her own life. To this day, the reasons behind Jeong Da-bin's death remain unclear.

Jeong Da-bin made her debut in 2000 with the SBS sitcom Don.com. She rose to fame with her role in the sitcom Nonstop 3 and showcased her adorable charm alongside Kim Rae-won in the 2003 drama Rooftop Room Cat. Her lovely visuals and refreshing acting style led many to anticipate her as the next 'Romantic Comedy Queen' following Choi Jin-sil.

However, after her appearance in the 2005 SBS drama The Summer's Hurricane, her career saw a decline. In 2007, she suddenly left her loved ones, shocking the entertainment industry. Even after 18 years, fans continue to remember her as a versatile actress capable of excelling in both comedy and romance.

Her colleagues share similar sentiments. In a 2018 MBC special titled 'Again, Twenty - New Nonstop,' Jo In-sung expressed his difficulty in attending her funeral, stating, 'It was hard to go to the mortuary. My heart was too pained. I felt so sorry that I wondered if I had the right to go. But I thought I should at least say goodbye on my way there.' 

Similarly, Jung Tae-woo reflected on the disbelief surrounding her death, saying, 'Everyone must have felt it was unbelievable. It was so hard to accept that Da-bin was gone. She had family and colleagues around her. We had good memories together. I still find myself talking to the air every time articles about her come out.'

Remembering Jeong Da-bin: 18 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

The popular K-pop group NewJeans has announced their independent activities under the new name NJZ. On February 9, they shared a group selfie on their official account, stating, "It's been a while since we took a group selfie." The photo features members Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein striking V poses and smiling brightly.

The members expressed their satisfaction with their day, saying, "We feel like we had a very fulfilling day. We hope our fans, Bunnies (the official fan club), are enjoying good music and staying warm."

On February 7, NewJeans revealed their new team name, NJZ, and changed their previously established account 'Jins for Free' to 'NJZ Official.' They also announced plans for their upcoming activities, including a performance at the 'Complex Live' event at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong in March. They will debut their new song on March 23, the last day of ComplexCon, and mentioned that they will soon have an agent.

In response, Ador expressed disappointment over the members' unilateral decision to pursue this path before any legal judgment was made. Last November, NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract with Ador, citing contract violations. They stated that they would not be liable for any penalties and would continue to use the NewJeans name. However, due to potential trademark issues, they have refrained from using the name since then.

Ador, on the other hand, maintains that the contract with NewJeans is valid until July 2029 and has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract, along with a request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from entering into advertising contracts.

As NJZ embarks on their independent journey, they face challenges ahead. A legal battle with Ador is set to begin in March, with a hearing scheduled for March 7 regarding the injunction. The first hearing for the contract validity lawsuit will take place on April 3.

Additionally, member Hani faces visa issues. As a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, she has been working under an E-6 (Artistic Performance) visa issued through Ador, which is set to expire soon. To renew this visa, she needs to submit various documents, including an exclusive contract, a business registration certificate, and a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Ador has stated they are preparing the necessary documents for Hani's visa extension, but if she does not return to Ador, they are unlikely to assist her.

Moreover, NewJeans must navigate public fatigue outside their core fandom, Bunnyz, allegations against former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, and industry backlash.

The future of NewJeans as NJZ remains a topic of great interest as they chart their new course.

NewJeans Launches Independent Activities as NJZ

The general ticket sales for 2NE1's 15th anniversary encore concert in Seoul will begin today, February 10, at 8 PM through Interpark Ticket. The concert, titled '2025 2NE1 CONCERT [WELCOME BACK] ENCORE IN SEOUL', is set to take place on April 12 and 13 at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Bangi-dong, Seoul.

This event marks the group's reunion with domestic fans approximately six months after their last performance in Seoul last October, which saw overwhelming demand with all tickets selling out. Many fans who missed out on tickets have been eagerly requesting additional shows, making the competition for tickets this time around expected to be fierce.

Unlike the pre-sale for temporary fan club members, this general sale will be open to everyone. Fans can look forward to a comprehensive showcase of 2NE1's musical journey, as this concert will serve as the grand finale of their tour.

In a video released today, 2NE1 expressed their excitement, stating, "We are coming back to Seoul. We will meet you at the much larger KSPO DOME. The first concert in Seoul was truly moving, so we are even more thrilled for this encore performance. Let's all jump together one last time!"

Currently, 2NE1 is successfully navigating their 15th anniversary Asia tour, '2024-25 2NE1 ASIA TOUR [WELCOME BACK]', having already completed concerts in cities such as Seoul, Manila, Jakarta, Kobe, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei. They are now set to perform in Ho Chi Minh City and Macau, aiming to achieve a record of 27 shows across 12 cities, attracting a total audience of 220,000, including the Seoul encore.

2NE1 to Hold Encore Concert in Seoul for 15th Anniversary

Recent changes to TOP's (최승현) social media and official YouTube profiles have led to speculation about his potential return to BIGBANG. However, a representative for TOP clarified on February 11 that the name 'TOP' on his social media has not been altered and has always been listed that way. The representative also stated that TOP's stance regarding BIGBANG remains unchanged from what he expressed in a recent interview.

The speculation arose after fans noticed that the official BIGBANG YouTube account listed the members in the order of G-Dragon, Taeyang, TOP, and Daesung, and that TOP's profile referred to him as 'TOP 최승현' instead of 'Actor 최승현'. Despite these observations, the information is not new; the YouTube profile has been consistent since the release of their song '봄, 여름, 가을, 겨울' (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter).

TOP, who was sentenced to 20 months in prison with a two-year probation in 2016 for marijuana use, officially left YG Entertainment in 2022 and subsequently announced his departure from BIGBANG the following year. In a recent interview regarding his role as Thanos in the Netflix original series 'Squid Game Season 2', he reflected on the possibility of reuniting with BIGBANG, stating, 'I considered '봄 여름 가을 겨울' to be my last project.' He expressed that while fans still hope for a reunion, he feels a sense of guilt towards the other members and believes he will carry that regret for life.

TOP's Profile Update Sparks Speculation About BIGBANG Return

On February 11, KBS2's show Celebrity Soldier's Secret (셀럽 병사의 비밀) aired its eighth episode, delving into the identity of the 'Purple Killer,' a figure that instilled fear in many celebrities, including Kim Gu (김구), Walt Disney, and Edvard Munch (에드바르 뭉크). The episode explored the mysterious deaths surrounding the famous painter Gustav Klimt, known for his iconic kiss scene, who passed away suddenly in 1918 shortly before his hospital discharge due to a stroke. Following his death, his protégé and rival, Egon Schiele (에곤 실레), also died, leading to a series of unexplained deaths where victims exhibited a purple discoloration of the face and pneumonia symptoms before dying within days. This led to rumors in Europe that the German army had released poison gas during World War I.

The fear of death spread rapidly beyond Europe, reaching Korea during the Japanese occupation in 1918, where notable figures like Kim Gu, Walt Disney, Mahatma Gandhi, and Edvard Munch also contracted the Spanish flu.

Interestingly, the first recorded outbreak of the Spanish flu was reported in the United States, not Spain. This led to a heated discussion on the show, with guest Jang Do-yeon expressing outrage over the naming of the virus, comparing it to being unjustly labeled as the 'Jang Do-yeon virus.'

ENT specialist Lee Nak-jun (이낙준), known for his work on the Trauma Center, provided medical insights into the various rumors and treatments surrounding the flu at that time. Lee Chan-won (이찬원) humorously questioned whether mixing soju with chili powder could actually cure a cold, leading to a light-hearted moment where he publicly apologized to friends who had tried this remedy instead of taking proper medication.

The episode also featured Professor Song Dae-seop (송대섭) from Seoul National University, who developed the world's first MERS diagnostic kit in 2015. He emphasized the importance of the broadcast, revealing shocking facts about the Spanish flu and its current implications, including research suggesting that up to 300 new viruses could emerge each year over the next 50 years, equating to a new infectious disease potentially appearing almost every day.

The secrets of the 'Purple Killer' that swept the globe in 1918 will be revealed in the Spanish flu episode of Celebrity Soldier's Secret, airing on Tuesday, February 11, at 8:30 PM. Meanwhile, Lee Chan-won has disclosed that he has over 30 events scheduled in a month, with his fee reportedly around 28 million won.

Comedian Shin Bong-sun Shares Recent Photos and Stunning Transformation

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