On February 10, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Korea wrapped up its additional 50-minute hearings regarding the nomination of Ma Eun-hyeok as a Constitutional Court Justice. This session follows a previous postponement of the verdict. The court's decision is anticipated to have significant implications for the current administration and its judicial appointments. Meanwhile, notable figures such as Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, were seen attending court proceedings, raising public interest in the ongoing legal matters surrounding high-profile individuals in South Korea.

Constitutional Court Concludes Additional Hearings on Ma Eun-hyeok's Nomination

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

On the February 9 episode of KBS2's Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀), Lee Kyung-kyu made a notable appearance as the first special MC of the new year, expressing his eagerness to join the show as a film director. He humorously claimed, "I am the ideal boss, with over 80 employees who are quite vocal." Responding to comments about his softer demeanor, he noted, "I've changed a lot lately; even if the recording runs long, I don't complain."

During the episode, Um Ji-in made a surprising revelation about Jeon Hyun-moo, stating that Kim Jin-woong, Lee Kwang-yeop, and Hong Joo-yeon had met separately outside. Lee Kyung-kyu and Park Myung-soo joked that the two men were being used as scapegoats to distract from Hong Joo-yeon, adding humorously, "The common-law marriage was indeed real, and there are rumors of a child."

Jeon Hyun-moo, who has been the subject of marriage rumors for March, was humorously suggested to hold a meeting at the hotel where chef Shin Jong-chul works. He lamented, "What’s with the March wedding rumors? My mom called asking if I was getting married then, and even Chu texted to congratulate me. There’s so much misinformation out there!" When Park Myung-soo suggested a May wedding instead, Jeon Hyun-moo jokingly agreed but worried that it would lead to more headlines.

Um Ji-in also guided junior announcers Hong Joo-yeon, Jung Eun-hye, and Heo Yoo-won through a night shift manual. As it was their first time, they learned about the simultaneous radio news broadcast, prioritizing tasks like interpretation and name announcements. After a demonstration by Hong Joo-yeon went awry, Jeon Hyun-moo defended her, hinting at a romantic connection. Hong Joo-yeon successfully completed her radio news duties without mistakes, while Heo Yoo-won and Jung Eun-hye also wrapped up their segments smoothly.

In a light-hearted moment, Um Ji-in assisted the junior announcers with parking practice, revealing that Hong Joo-yeon’s car still bore the marks of a year-old scratch, and a supposed piece of underwear turned out to be a UV-blocking mask. Jung Eun-hye and Heo Yoo-won, who had recently obtained their licenses, faced some criticism for their parking skills, while Hong Joo-yeon struggled with a challenging parallel parking attempt.

Park Myung-soo met with Shin Gi-ru, seeking advice from Lee Kyung-kyu, whom he referred to as a living legend in the Korean entertainment industry. They discussed the diminishing presence of comedians in entertainment, with Lee Kyung-kyu expressing concern that there is no longer a place for those who have studied comedy. He emphasized the need to eliminate certain newcomers encroaching on the field.

Lee Kyung-kyu labeled chefs as significant troublemakers, stating that deeper discussions are necessary for collaboration. He criticized the trend of producers appearing on shows, arguing that they should focus solely on directing and editing. He humorously suggested that a ban on producers appearing in entertainment should be enacted.

He also voiced concerns about athletes transitioning to entertainment after retirement, citing the numerous shows hosted by former athletes like Seo Jang-hoon and Ahn Jung-hwan. While he initially criticized this trend, he later joked that he would encourage his son-in-law to pursue entertainment after retirement.

Lee Kyung-kyu expressed solidarity with singers and businesspeople but called for a crackdown on webtoon artists like Giann84, arguing that they have an unfair advantage in the industry. He identified announcers like Jeon Hyun-moo and Kim Seong-joo as disruptive elements in the entertainment ecosystem, while acknowledging that actors should be monitored closely.

He concluded by analyzing the trend of dating shows, lamenting the lack of originality in programming and expressing a willingness to participate in such formats himself, stating, "If I were to do it, I would focus solely on the format without any personal connections."

'퇴사' 김대호 앞길 막혔다…"생태계 교란종" 이경규 블랙리스트 11인 명단 공개 [종합]

Lee Kyung-kyu Reveals Blacklist of 11 Entertainers on 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears'

On February 10, KBS1's 'Gayo Stage' honored the memory of the late singer Song Dae-kwan. During the broadcast, announcer Kim Dong-gun expressed his condolences, stating, "Song Dae-kwan, who was beloved by the public, passed away on February 7 at the age of 79. Following the sudden loss of Hyun-cheol last year, we are all saddened by this news." He continued, "I can vividly recall how much Song Dae-kwan loved performing on 'Gayo Stage.' Today, we will remember him by sharing a video of his hit song 'Haetdeulnal.'" The show concluded with a performance of 'Haetdeulnal' from Song Dae-kwan's appearance on 'Show Everyone' aired on February 14, 1987. Song Dae-kwan died of a heart attack on February 7. His representatives stated, "He did not have any chronic illnesses or underlying conditions. However, he had recently been feeling unwell and was hospitalized, where he suddenly passed away from a heart attack."

"생전 모습 눈에 선해" 故송대관 '해뜰날', '가요무대' 엔딩 장식…먹먹한 추모 [순간포착]

KBS1's 'Gayo Stage' Pays Tribute to Late Singer Song Dae-kwan

Kai of EXO has completed his alternative military service and is set to reunite with his fans. He enlisted in May 2023, undergoing basic military training before transitioning to social service. At the time of his enlistment, Kai expressed his disappointment, stating, "I had a lot prepared, and it's unfortunate. I'm upset, but I can show you everything when I return." After serving for 1 year and 9 months, he is now gearing up for EXO's full group comeback. Fellow member Sehun, who enlisted in December 2023, is also expected to be discharged soon, raising fans' anticipation. Other EXO members have consistently mentioned their plans for a full group return. Suho and Chanyeol shared during an SM Town concert, "Kai will be back, and Sehun will join us soon. We are preparing to gather again for even better performances, so please look forward to it." In a recent interview, D.O. reassured fans, saying, "We are getting ready now, and I want to say you don’t need to worry. You will see the full group soon. We have been preparing since this year. EXO is still going strong." Kai debuted with EXO in 2012 and gained global popularity with his mini solo album 'ROVER' released before his enlistment.

카이, 오늘(10일) 소집해제..엑소 완전체 컴백 기대감

EXO's Kai Completes Alternative Military Service and Returns to Fans

On the February 10 episode of MBC's 'Oh Eun-young Report - Marriage Hell' (오은영 리포트 - 결혼 지옥), a couple struggling with despair was featured, highlighting the husband's ongoing battle with alcohol addiction and the impact it has had on their 37-year marriage. The wife, who works in insurance sales, revealed that her husband, after retiring, has been running an electronics store that has generated no income. She expressed her financial distress, stating that they are behind on rent and facing imminent legal action.

While managing the store, the wife has been tirelessly meeting clients, all the while feeling frustrated by her husband's irresponsible behavior, which has left him unable to assist at the store due to his drunkenness. The financial burden weighs heavily on her, as she disclosed that their household debt exceeds 400 million KRW, with monthly losses of around 6 million KRW. She has also taken out loans from credit cards, friends, and insurance policies, and is now at a point where she can no longer borrow money, with utility bills piling up.

The wife recounted a painful moment when her husband used his salary to buy a motorcycle and opted for revolving credit, accumulating a debt of 20 million KRW over ten years. She even shared that she had distributed flyers with her young children to help make ends meet.

Before their son enlisted in the military, she had hoped to maintain their family, but she expressed her disillusionment, stating, 'I no longer expect anything from you, especially after your infidelity.'

‘절망부부’ 아내, 알코올 중독 남편이 진 빚 갚느라 바빴는데..“외도까지 해”(결혼지옥)

Despairing Couple Faces Crisis After Husband's Infidelity

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

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.

The Rise of Lee Chan-won's Popularity Amidst Historical Revelations

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.

Constitutional Court Concludes Additional Hearings on Ma Eun-hyeok's Nomination

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

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