The development of the 'Game Convergence Space' in Centum City, Haeundae District, Busan, is officially underway, aiming to become the heart of the local gaming industry ecosystem. On February 18, 2025, the Busan Metropolitan City and Busan Urban Corporation announced that the design competition was won by the consortium led by GIL Architecture, with their project 'Centum Stage Up' selected as the final design. 

This facility will serve as a crucial infrastructure for nurturing local game content companies, covering an area of 3,121 square meters with a budget of 117.4 billion KRW. The building will feature three underground levels and 18 to 20 above-ground floors. 

According to the Busan Urban Corporation, the winning design boasts a sleek and tidy facade, effectively accommodating the mixed-use nature of work, relaxation, and networking that characterizes gaming companies and their employees. 

Inside the building, there will be a global game center, a game content academy, and facilities for corporate tenants. The project is expected to secure construction permits within the year, with groundbreaking planned for next year and completion targeted for the second half of 2028. 

Shin Chang-ho, President of Busan Urban Corporation, stated, 'The Game Convergence Space will act as a catalyst for developing Busan's gaming industry startup ecosystem. We will do our utmost to ensure it serves as a key anchor facility for the gaming industry.'

Construction of Game Convergence Space in Busan Set to Begin

Actress 김민희 has made the decision to travel to Germany while heavily pregnant, although she did not show her face in front of the cameras. Her presence coincided with the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where director 홍상수's film '그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니' was invited to compete. A press conference took place on February 20, 2025, featuring 홍상수, along with actors 하성국, 권해효, 조윤희, and 강소이. Although 김민희 was reported to be in Germany as a production manager for the film, she did not engage with the press.

'그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니' tells the story of a 30-something poet named 동화 who unexpectedly visits his lover 준희's home, leading to a series of events. The film features actors who have previously collaborated with 홍상수, including 하성국, 권해효, and 조윤희.

Last month, it was revealed that 김민희 is expecting a child with 홍상수, with a due date set for this spring, which has drawn significant public interest regarding their attendance at the festival together. On February 19, the couple was spotted at Incheon International Airport boarding a flight to Munich. Despite her advanced pregnancy, 김민희 chose to accompany 홍상수 to the festival but opted to remain out of sight from the media.

김민희 and 홍상수 began their relationship in 2015 while working on the film '지금은 맞고 그때는 틀리다', and they have maintained a controversial affair for nearly a decade. 홍상수 had filed for divorce from his wife of 30 years, but she has shown no intention of accepting the divorce papers, leading to a prolonged legal battle. The court ultimately dismissed 홍상수's divorce petition, adhering to the principle that a spouse cannot file for divorce if they are deemed responsible for the marital breakdown. Despite these challenges, 김민희 and 홍상수 continue their relationship, and the news of their impending child has further shocked the public.

홀로 카메라 앞에 선 홍상수… ‘만삭 동행’ 김민희는 어디에

Kim Min-hee Attends Berlin Film Festival Amid Pregnancy Rumors

The K-pop sensation IVE (안유진, 가을, 레이, 장원영, 리즈, 이서) has solidified its global status by making the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's (IFPI) 'Global Album Sales Chart' for the second consecutive year. According to the official announcement made on February 18, 2025, IVE's second mini-album, 'IVE SWITCH (아이브 스위치)', secured the 7th position on the '2024 Global Album Sales Chart'. 

Last year, IVE made its debut on the chart with its first mini-album 'I’VE MINE (아이브 마인)' at 9th place and its first full album 'I’ve IVE (아이해브 아이브)' at 17th place. With this latest achievement, IVE has successfully surpassed its previous rankings within just over a year. 

The 'Global Album Sales Chart' ranks albums based on physical sales and total downloads worldwide. IVE's entry with 'IVE SWITCH' marks the second consecutive year on this chart, and they have now charted three albums in a row, from 'I’VE MINE' to 'IVE SWITCH'. 

Released in April 2024, 'IVE SWITCH' showcases a theme of transformation and self-discovery, embodying the group's unique identity of 'self-confidence' and signaling their potential for limitless expansion. 

IVE achieved over 1.31 million copies in first-week sales according to Hanteo Chart, earning them the title of 'million-seller' once again. Their impressive performance across various metrics in music and social media led to them winning the Artist of the Year award at the recently held 'Hanteo Music Awards 2024'. They also received a major award in the album category at the 39th Golden Disc Awards last month. 

Continuing their momentum, IVE is set to perform at 'Lollapalooza Paris' on July 20, 2025, at the Longchamp Racecourse in France, sharing the stage with global artists like Justin Timberlake, Tems, and Jo Dwet Filé, further establishing their reputation as a powerhouse in the global festival scene. 

Recently, IVE successfully wrapped up their comeback activities for their third mini-album 'IVE EMPATHY (아이브 엠파시)', achieving over 1.04 million copies in first-week sales, marking their fifth consecutive million-seller. Their pre-release track 'REBEL HEART (레블 하트)' and title track 'ATTITUDE (애티튜드)' led them to win 12 trophies on domestic music shows, showcasing their dominance in the music industry.

아이브, 눈 떴다 하면 기록·2년·3개 앨범 연속 IFPI '글로벌 앨범 세일즈 차트' 진입

IVE Achieves Global Recognition with 'IVE SWITCH' Ranking on IFPI Chart

The glam metal band Crackshot (크랙샷) is set to make a strong start to 2025 with the release of their new single 'Get Over' (겟 오버), which targets rock enthusiasts. The announcement was made by their agency, Rockstar Music & Live, stating that the track will be available on various online music platforms starting at noon on February 19.

Written and composed by the band's leader, Willy.K, 'Get Over' reflects the emotions Crackshot has experienced during challenging times, showcasing their growth as a band. Drummer Danny Lee also contributed to the arrangement, adding depth to the song's meaning.

'Get Over' encapsulates the band's explosive energy and determination to overcome inevitable hardships and trials. With intense instrumentation and Vincent's sharp vocal delivery, the track is expected to captivate listeners while offering them a sense of comfort and encouragement through its powerful lyrics.

The song aims to inspire those facing fears and uncertainties, wishing them luck in their challenges. It also seeks to instill resilience in those who are enduring tough times, encouraging them to hold on for a brighter tomorrow. Ultimately, it hopes to provide courage to those who feel defeated and are struggling to rise again.

Crackshot, consisting of Vincent (vocals), Willy.K (guitar), Danny Lee (drums), and Cyun (bass), gained fame as the winners of 'Superband 2' in 2021, with popular tracks like 'Go Away', 'Follow Me', 'Goodbye My Love', 'Walking On Fire', and 'INFP'.

In addition to the single release, Crackshot will hold their solo concert 'We Are Crackshot vol.4' on February 21, promising an even more dynamic musical journey than last year.

'슈퍼밴드2 우승자' 크랙샷, 성장 스토리 담은 신곡 'Get Over' 발표

Crackshot Kicks Off 2025 with Powerful New Single 'Get Over'

The highly anticipated drama 'Undercover High School' featuring actor Sung Kang-joon has finally been unveiled. The production conference for the new MBC Friday-Saturday drama took place on February 20 at MBC's new headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Attendees included Sung Kang-joon, Jin Ki-joo, Kim Shin-rok, Jeon Bae-soo, Kim Min-joo, Park Se-hyun, and director Choi Jung-in, who shared insights about the show.

'Undercover High School' follows a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent who goes undercover as a high school student to track down the missing gold bars of Emperor Gojong. After enlisting in the army in November 2021 and completing his service in May 2023, Sung Kang-joon is making his return to the small screen for the first time in nearly three years since his role in Disney+'s 'Grid' in 2022. He expressed his feelings about returning, stating, "It feels like it's been about three or four years since I last presented a project to everyone, and the world has changed a lot. The poses have changed, and there are so many new things. I realized that a lot has changed during my time away, and I thought I should quickly adapt and present an enjoyable work."

In the drama, Sung Kang-joon plays Jeong Hae-sung, an ace field agent of the NIS who is deployed for the 'Undercover High School' operation. At 31 years old, he finds himself back in a school uniform. He shared, "While filming, I encountered many new slang terms. I learned a lot of new things, but I couldn't understand any of it. There were actual high school students and adult friends around, and I felt they looked so young. I thought, 'Why do I feel so different from them?' It was a bit embarrassing to wear the uniform, but I reminded myself that I am 31 in the drama, so I decided to enjoy it."

Sung Kang-joon chose 'Undercover High School' as his comeback project because of its diverse genres. He noted, "The drama encompasses many genres, including comedy, action, romance, and crime, all blended together beautifully. While it is light-hearted, it also contains deeper messages that provoke thought and provide entertainment."

Reflecting on his time in the military, he remarked, "The time felt like an eternity. I thought a lot about my past, what kind of actor I want to be, and why I wanted to be an actor. Looking back, while not everything I did was satisfying, I realized I have no regrets. I always did my best when making choices. I decided to approach 'Undercover High School' with the same mindset, regardless of the outcome."

Jin Ki-joo plays Oh Soo-ah, Jeong Hae-sung's homeroom teacher. She emphasized the importance of her character's mission, stating, "Soo-ah has a reason for wanting to become a full-time teacher. She faces a dilemma where her sense of duty is hindered by her environment. I wanted to express the dilemmas faced by young adults entering society, and I hope I portrayed that well."

Kim Shin-rok portrays Seo Myung-joo, the school principal and mother of student council president Lee Ye-na, played by Kim Min-joo. When asked about their chemistry, Kim Shin-rok said, "We mainly meet after school at home, where we release the stress we've built up. We film several episodes at once, and from the first day, I tried various ways to portray a mother who loves but also wants to control her daughter. Kim Min-joo is beautiful in real life, but she looks even more stunning through the lens. I found that the more I express love, the more I want to control her, which made for great acting."

Jeon Bae-soo plays Team Leader Ahn, a father figure to Jeong Hae-sung, and he shares scenes with Park Se-hyun, who plays Ahn Yoo-jung, a member of the student council. Jeon expressed disappointment at not having filmed much together, while Park noted, "Although we haven't met often, we focused on fun and lively scenes. There was a bit of awkwardness at first, but once the camera was rolling, everything went smoothly. I wanted to be more affectionate, but I felt shy since we hadn't met much."

Director Choi Jung-in shared his thoughts on the casting, praising Sung Kang-joon for his genuine charm and suitability for the role. He also highlighted Jin Ki-joo's unique loveliness and how it complements her character's grounded nature. He expressed admiration for Kim Shin-rok's intelligence and how she provided guidance on set. 

As for the show's unique blend of genres, Choi stated, "It's a complex genre that includes elements of horror, action, comedy, and romance. I believe it offers a variety of attractions beyond the typical undercover investigation or thriller. I am confident that this is a well-made production."

Sung Kang-joon humorously mentioned a promise he made regarding viewership ratings, saying, "I mentioned a trip if we hit 12%. I might have said it while drunk, so I hope we can achieve that!" He added that he would feel embarrassed to cancel it if they don't reach the goal.

As the conference concluded, Sung Kang-joon highlighted the show's mix of genres, stating, "It's a blend of action, comedy, crime, and human elements. Viewers will likely notice a different vibe from my previous characters. Jin Ki-joo added that the drama contains hidden messages that viewers will discover as they watch. Kim Shin-rok remarked that the story reflects a world of coexistence, while Jeon Bae-soo noted its appeal to families. Kim Min-joo emphasized the beauty of the set and the actors, and Park Se-hyun pointed out the growth of the high school characters throughout the series.

'Undercover High School' is set to premiere on February 21 at 9:50 PM.

군복벗고 교복입은 서강준♥교사 진기주..'언더커버', 12% 넘고 해외여행 갈까[Oh!쎈 현장](종합)

Sung Kang-joon Returns to the Screen in 'Undercover High School'

J-Hope (제이홉) of BTS (방탄소년단) is set to return as a headliner for Lollapalooza, marking his second appearance since he closed the 2022 Lollapalooza Chicago. He will take the main stage at Lollapalooza Berlin, scheduled for July 12-13, 2025, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. This year, Lollapalooza Berlin celebrates its 10th anniversary and features an impressive lineup including Justin Timberlake, Benson Boone, and Armin van Buuren, generating significant excitement among fans.

The festival has praised J-Hope as a "pioneer and icon," stating, "He captivates the hearts of generations. His music blends hip hop and pop with boundless energy. His performances transcend boundaries with a powerful presence and musicality."

This will be J-Hope's first performance at a major European music festival, and notably, it will be his first concert in Germany since BTS's 'LOVE YOURSELF' world tour in 2018, nearly six years ago.

J-Hope made history as the first Korean artist to headline the main stage at Lollapalooza, delivering an unforgettable set in Chicago that included 18 songs over the course of an hour, captivating an audience of over 105,000. Media outlets hailed him as a "true solo artist with a historic headline set" (NME) and noted that he could "create a standout page in the history of music" (Consequence of Sound).

Before heading to Berlin, J-Hope will kick off his world tour with 'j-hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' in SEOUL' at the KSPO DOME in Songpa-gu, Seoul, from February 28 to March 2, 2025. Following this, he will perform in 15 cities across North America and Asia, including Brooklyn, Chicago, Mexico City, Manila, Saitama, Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Macau, Taipei, and Osaka, totaling 31 shows.

방탄소년단 제이홉, 7월 '롤라팔루자 베를린' 헤드라이너 출격[공식]

J-Hope to Headline Lollapalooza Berlin 2025

As SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) marks its 10th anniversary, the group is set to engage with fans worldwide through a series of exciting activities. The new special unit, HoshiXWoozi, will release their debut single 'BEAM' on March 10. The title 'BEAM' symbolizes the light emitted by Hoshi and Woozi, showcasing their originality and self-love developed through challenges since their trainee days. As leaders of the performance and vocal teams, both born in 1996, they are expected to shine as representatives of the '96 line.

In addition to their unit activities, SEVENTEEN will host a large-scale fan meeting titled 'SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND'' at Incheon Munhak Stadium on March 20-21, a rare stadium-sized event for a fan meeting. They will also return to Japan for fan meetings after two years, scheduled for April 24 and 26-27 at Kyocera Dome Osaka, and May 10-11 at Saitama Super Arena, under the title 'SEVENTEEN 2025 JAPAN FAN MEETING ‘HOLIDAY’.

On April 4, SEVENTEEN will head to Mexico to perform as the headliner on the first day of the Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025 festival, the largest music festival in Latin America, often referred to as 'Mexico's Coachella.' This marks the first time a K-pop artist will perform at this festival. Last year, SEVENTEEN made history as the first K-pop group to perform on the main stage at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival and headlined the main stage at Lollapalooza Berlin in Germany.

The year began with the return of the special unit BSS (부석순), consisting of Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi, who released their second single 'TELEPARTY' on January 8, delivering the message that 'if you are happy in this moment, everyone is young.' The title track 'Jeans' quickly topped real-time and daily charts on domestic music sites, and the album sold nearly 530,000 copies within a week of its release, showcasing the strength of the 'K-pop super unit' BSS.

The 'SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR,' which began in October last year, concluded its Asian leg in January and February, with performances in major stadiums in Bulacan, Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok. The tour received rave reviews from local media, highlighting SEVENTEEN's powerful presence and perfect performances, and attracted approximately 1,037,000 fans both online and offline.

A representative from Pledis Entertainment stated, 'As SEVENTEEN celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are preparing various activities to create meaningful memories with our fans. We hope everyone looks forward to this being 'SEVENTEEN's year.'

SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

The K-pop group LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), consisting of members Kim Chae-won (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yoon-jin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eun-chae (홍은채), is set to release their fifth mini album titled 'HOT' on March 14 at 1 PM. This album will serve as the final installment in their trilogy, following the releases of their third mini album 'EASY' in February and their fourth mini album 'CRAZY' in August of last year.

Since their debut with 'FEARLESS', LE SSERAFIM has consistently infused their music with genuine thoughts and emotions, resonating with listeners. 'EASY' explored themes of inner struggles and anxieties, while 'CRAZY' encouraged embracing chaos rather than succumbing to fear. With 'HOT', the group aims to showcase a passionate attitude towards love, further illustrating their journey of inner strength throughout this trilogy.

The 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' trilogy has been in the works since 2023. During their performance at the 2023 MAMA Awards, they captivated audiences with the theme 'REVOLUTION ON THE STREET', where the phrases 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' were sequentially displayed on LED screens. Additionally, the track 'Good Bones' from their third mini album features the lyrics, "EASY, CRAZY, HOT I can make it," while the music video for 'Smart' also hints at the next album's title, 'CRAZY'. This has provided fans with numerous clues about the trilogy over the past year.

LE SSERAFIM will unveil the album trailer for 'HOT' on the 21st. Known for their stylish and impressive trailers, anticipation is high among K-pop fans for this upcoming release.

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

K-pop sensation BLACKPINK has unveiled the first phase of their highly anticipated 2025 world tour, which will feature stadium performances across various countries. YG Entertainment announced the tour on their official blog on February 20, revealing a poster that outlines the tour schedule, which includes stops in South Korea, North America, Europe, and Japan.

The tour kicks off with performances at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea on July 5 and 6, before heading to major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, and Tokyo. 

While the full details are yet to be revealed, all confirmed venues are large stadiums capable of accommodating tens of thousands of fans. Notably, BLACKPINK will be the first K-pop girl group to perform at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, often referred to as the 'dream stage' for pop artists. Additionally, their solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex marks a first for K-pop girl groups.

BLACKPINK will share the stage with other global music icons, performing at renowned venues like SoFi Stadium in LA, Soldier Field in Chicago, Rogers Centre in Toronto, City Field in New York, Stade de France in Paris, Ippodromo Snai La Maura in Milan, Estadi Olímpic in Barcelona, and Tokyo Dome, further solidifying their status as a top-tier global group.

YG Entertainment stated, "We are preparing for a tour of unprecedented scale and quality, comparable to the historic [BORN PINK] tour that wrote a new chapter in K-pop history. We ask for your continued interest in the additional locations and dates that will be announced soon."

The teaser released alongside the announcement highlights moments from the previous 'BORN PINK' tour, which set a record for K-pop girl group world tours with over 1.8 million attendees. The explosive stage presence of BLACKPINK and the enthusiasm of fans worldwide are sure to elevate anticipation for the upcoming tour, with the phrase 'AND MORE' prominently displayed in the video, hinting at more surprises to come.

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

K-pop group ONF has made a remarkable comeback, soaring to the top of both domestic and international music charts. On February 18, they released their second full-length album, Part.1 'ONF: MY IDENTITY', with the title track 'The Stranger' hitting number one on the Bugs real-time chart on the day of its release. The album's entire tracklist has also charted, showcasing the group's impressive popularity.

Internationally, 'ONF: MY IDENTITY' has made significant strides, reaching the number one spot on Japan's iTunes 'Top Albums' chart and landing in the top 10 of the same chart in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Additionally, the album secured the 16th position on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart, highlighting ONF's strong presence in the global music scene.

With a successful comeback underway, ONF is set to kick off their promotional activities on February 20 at 6 PM KST on Mnet's 'M Countdown'. They will perform 'The Stranger' for the first time, delivering a dynamic performance filled with healing energy and impactful choreography that symbolizes the shape of a circle.

'The Stranger' is a pop track characterized by its funky rhythm and showcases ONF's impressive vocal range. The song conveys a positive message about pursuing dreams amidst a challenging world, with members Min-kyun and Wyatt contributing to its creation, adding a unique touch to the group's sound.

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans has encountered difficulties in their initial activities as NJZ. On February 19, five major music organizations in South Korea, including the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, issued a statement calling for policy support to eradicate tampering in the K-pop industry. They claimed that the actions of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and NewJeans are causing significant harm to the industry and urged the government and National Assembly to establish anti-tampering legislation.

In response, NewJeans took a stand. A lengthy rebuttal was posted on accounts managed by the members' parents, asserting that HYBE and the organizations involved are engaging in misleading media play. They stated that their exclusive contract with HYBE has been terminated due to unfair treatment.

The group specifically claimed that HYBE's Chairman Bang Si-hyuk personally pressured U.S. contacts to cancel NJZ members' performances, as relayed by a representative from ComplexCon, who is assisting with the event preparations.

Ador countered this by stating, "We have never pressured the cancellation of NewJeans' Hong Kong performance. Chairman Bang has confirmed that he has had no contact regarding the Hong Kong concert."

Ador further explained that they requested the event organizers to use the official team name NewJeans, as previously requested by domestic media, and to conduct the performance through Ador based on the exclusive contract.

NewJeans maintains that their exclusive contract with Ador was terminated in November of last year and has declared 'NJZ' as their new team name. In response, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract and has sought an injunction against the group's agency status and advertising contracts. They argue that the official team name is not NJZ but NewJeans, asserting that the exclusive contract remains valid. The first hearing related to the injunction is set for March, while the lawsuit regarding the exclusive contract will begin in April. If the court rules in favor of HYBE, NewJeans' independent activities may be jeopardized.

Construction of Game Convergence Space in Busan Set to Begin

What do you think?

Trending

SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans Faces Challenges in First Activities as NJZ

More

Kim Min-hee Attends Berlin Film Festival Amid Pregnancy Rumors

IVE Achieves Global Recognition with 'IVE SWITCH' Ranking on IFPI Chart

Crackshot Kicks Off 2025 with Powerful New Single 'Get Over'

Sung Kang-joon Returns to the Screen in 'Undercover High School'

J-Hope to Headline Lollapalooza Berlin 2025

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea