DJ Koo Jun-yup, formerly of the group Clon, is facing a difficult time following the death of his wife, the late Seo Hee-won (서희원). Reports from Chinese media on February 26 revealed that Koo has been crying daily since her passing. A month after Seo's death, he has been seen with swollen eyes, indicating his ongoing sorrow. Close friends of the couple shared that Koo struggles to hold back tears when discussing Seo, and his condition has worsened to the point where he requires treatment for his swollen eyes. He has also lost significant weight due to his inability to eat properly.

Koo Jun-yup married actress Seo Hee-won in 2022, rekindling a romance that began two decades earlier. The couple's reunion after Seo's divorce captivated fans in both South Korea and Taiwan. Seo was previously married to businessman Wang Xiaofei (왕샤오페이) in 2011, with whom she had a son and a daughter, but they divorced in 2021. Following their remarriage, Wang's side faced backlash for spreading malicious rumors about the couple.

Tragically, Seo Hee-won passed away suddenly on February 2 at the age of 48. She reportedly succumbed to complications from pneumonia caused by the flu after failing to receive adequate treatment at a local hospital in Japan. Following her death, an outpouring of support and condolences has been directed towards Koo and Seo's family. However, Koo's struggle to cope with the loss has raised concerns among those close to him.

Seo Hee-won's funeral is set to be held as a tree burial, with the family currently searching for a suitable location for the ceremony.

DJ Koo Jun-yup Struggles with Grief After Wife's Passing

On April 2, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun's legal team announced that they have filed additional charges against Kim Se-yeol, the operator of the YouTube channel 가로세로연구소 (Garo Sero Research Institute), for violating stalking laws. This action follows ongoing allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor.

The law firm representing Kim Soo-hyun, LK Partners, stated, "Since the broadcast on March 10, Garo Sero has aired daily content about Kim Soo-hyun, except for one day, spreading false information. They have indiscriminately shared photos and videos of Kim Soo-hyun, as well as private letters and messages on their channel. The only way to stop Garo Sero's 'cyber harassment' is through strict investigation and punishment."

They further emphasized that they have consistently refuted the false claims made by Garo Sero, particularly the assertion that Kim Soo-hyun was involved with Kim Sae-ron during her underage years. The firm plans to compile evidence to counter these allegations and reaffirm that the claims are unequivocally false.

Kim Soo-hyun acknowledged in a press conference on March 31 that he dated Kim Sae-ron for about a year starting in 2019, after she had reached adulthood. However, he firmly denied any relationship during her minor years, stating, "The family of the deceased claims that I drove her to her death because I was her ex-boyfriend and are demanding I confess to things I did not do."

He also labeled a reconstructed KakaoTalk conversation released by Kim Sae-ron's family as fabricated and disclosed his emotional distress over the situation. Additionally, he revealed that he has filed criminal complaints against the deceased's family and Garo Sero, along with a lawsuit seeking damages amounting to 12 billion KRW.

김수현 측 “가세연 김세의, 스토킹 혐의로 추가 고소”

Kim Soo-hyun Takes Legal Action Against YouTube Channel Over False Allegations

Singer Kwon Eun-bi is set to make a stunning return to the music scene as the embodiment of spring. On April 2, her agency, Woollim Entertainment, revealed a teaser image for her new digital single 'Hello Stranger' on their official social media channels, confirming her comeback.

The released image features Kwon Eun-bi's face illuminated by the glow of a flickering candle, creating a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere that instantly captivated her global fanbase. The phrase 'Like a thief in the night' is boldly displayed in striking red font, adding an extra layer of mystery. The teaser showcases Kwon Eun-bi's luscious lips and intriguing aura, sparking curiosity about the new music and concept she will unveil.

Kwon Eun-bi kicked off the new year with her digital single 'Snow is Falling (눈이 와) (Feat. Coogie)' in January, which beautifully captured the winter vibe with its warm and cozy emotions set to a dreamy beat. As she continues to shine in various fields and solidify her status as an icon of the MZ generation, fans are eagerly anticipating the unique music and charm she will bring with 'Hello Stranger' after a three-month hiatus.

Kwon Eun-bi's new digital single 'Hello Stranger' is scheduled for release on April 14 at 6 PM across all major music platforms.

권은비, 14일 신곡 'Hello Stranger' 발매 확정..'봄 여신' 화려한 귀환

Kwon Eun-bi Announces Spring Comeback with 'Hello Stranger'

On April 2, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially filed a complaint against Kim Se-yeol, the operator of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute), for violating stalking laws. Kim Soo-hyun's legal representatives from LK Partners announced that both he and a gold medalist have taken this action due to ongoing harassment.

The complaint follows a series of broadcasts by Garo Sero, which began on March 10, 2025, with a sensational title claiming that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in the death of actress Kim Sae-ron, alleging a six-year relationship that started when she was just 15. The channel has reportedly aired content about Kim Soo-hyun daily, except for one day, spreading false information.

Kim Soo-hyun's team stated that Garo Sero has indiscriminately shared images and videos of the actor, including private letters and messages, on their YouTube channel. They emphasized that the only way to stop such 'cyber harassment' is through strict investigation and punishment.

Furthermore, the gold medalist has refuted all claims made by Garo Sero regarding the alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron, asserting that the accusations are entirely false and based on manipulated evidence. They plan to continue to respond firmly to any further dissemination of false information by Garo Sero.

In related news, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025. Following her funeral, her family claimed through Garo Sero that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old.

김수현 측 “가세연 운영자 김세의, 스토킹 혐의로 추가 고소” (전문)[공식]

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

JYP Entertainment's girl group NiziU has heightened anticipation for their music show activities by releasing behind-the-scenes photos from the music video for their new song 'LOVE LINE (운명선)' on April 3. 

NiziU made their comeback on March 31 with the release of their second Korean single 'LOVE LINE' and its title track 'LOVE LINE (운명선)'. They will kick off their promotional activities starting today with a performance on Mnet's 'M Countdown', followed by appearances on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' on April 5 and SBS's 'Inkigayo' on April 6.

The title track 'LOVE LINE (운명선)' draws on the theme of being connected to one's destined partner by a red thread, likening feelings for a loved one to the 'fate line' found in palmistry. The music video showcases the journey of the nine members, who are on a special mission to connect people's destinies. With its whimsical storyline and a vibrant, retro aesthetic, the video offers various engaging elements that enhance viewer immersion.

On April 3, JYP shared behind-the-scenes photos from the 'LOVE LINE (운명선)' music video, showcasing the members—Mako, Riku, Rima, Rio, Maya, Miihi, Mayuka, Ayaka, and Nina—smiling playfully against a backdrop of stylish neon signs and colorful threads. The individual shots highlight their street-style fashion and confident expressions, showcasing each member's unique personality.

On the day of their comeback, NiziU held a countdown live session on their official YouTube channel at 5 PM, interacting with fans. They celebrated the album release by unboxing the album, watching teaser videos, and discussing spoiler keywords. The members expressed their excitement, stating, "We are thrilled and happy to make our comeback after our enjoyable debut activities in Korea. We hope our fans, WithU, will enjoy the new album we have worked hard on."

NiziU made a significant mark in the K-pop scene with their debut single 'Press Play' and its title track 'HEARTRIS', achieving a music show win just nine days after their official debut in October 2023, and ranking seventh in the first-week sales of K-pop girl group debut albums at that time. With 'LOVE LINE', their first domestic comeback in about 1 year and 5 months, they aim to deliver even deeper music and performances as they continue their journey.

'JYP 애착인형' 니쥬, 오늘(3일) '엠카' 컴백..음방 활동 스타트

NiziU Unveils 'LOVE LINE' Music Video Behind-the-Scenes Ahead of Comeback Performances

The highly anticipated film 'Lobby' has officially premiered today, April 2. As of this morning, it has secured the top spot in pre-sales for newly released films, alongside 'Victory', marking the beginning of a vibrant spring for Korean cinema.

Just three days prior to its release, 'Lobby' achieved the highest pre-sale rate among all films, and it continues to lead the pre-sales for films debuting in the first week of April. Critics, including renowned film reviewer Lee Dong-jin, have praised 'Lobby' for its rare ensemble of major stars in Korean cinema and highlighted the growth of actor-director Ha Jung-woo, contributing to the film's explosive word-of-mouth buzz.

Audience screenings and VIP previews have generated enthusiastic responses, with viewers commenting on the film's humor, calling it "incredibly fun! I hope to see more comedies like this," and noting how the rapid-fire dialogue made the time fly by. Many have also remarked on the strong appeal of the characters, particularly praising Lee Dong-hwi's comedic performance, and applauding the cast's exceptional acting skills.

Currently, 'Lobby' is in a tight race for box office supremacy with 'Victory'. The two films feature Ha Jung-woo and Lee Byung-hun, who previously collaborated in 'Ashfall', making their joint return to theaters this spring particularly noteworthy. Fans are eager to see if the camaraderie between these two leading actors can bring a warm spring to the box office.

The plot of 'Lobby' follows Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), a startup CEO who knows little beyond research, as he embarks on his first-ever lobbying golf game to secure a 4 trillion won national project. The film is currently enjoying a successful run in theaters.

[공식] 하정우 연출 '로비', 개봉 영화 예매율 1위…'승부'와 쌍끌이 흥행 예고

Film 'Lobby' Premieres Today, Topping Box Office Pre-Sales

Former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun), a central figure in the Burning Sun scandal, has reached out to the media to refute rumors about pursuing business opportunities in China. On April 3, he contacted Ilgan Sports, stating, "I want to correct the misinformation. I am not leaving Korea; I currently reside here. My overseas trips are mostly for friends' weddings or personal vacations, and I have no business meetings planned."

Seungri emphasized, "Despite claims that I am still interested in the entertainment or cultural sectors, I have no such plans. My recent meetings with industry contacts were simply casual dinners with former colleagues."

He further clarified, "I am not conceptualizing any other business ventures, and I do not know anyone from a major corporation as has been suggested."

After serving a 1.5-year prison sentence for charges related to prostitution and facilitating prostitution, Seungri was released in February 2023. He shared that since his release, he has not engaged in any economic activities and is primarily spending time with family, living a quiet life.

Reflecting on his continued presence in the news despite his retirement from the entertainment industry, he remarked, "It seems people find it entertaining to criticize me. They even refer to me as 'Defeat' instead of Seungri, as if it's a meme."

Seungri expressed his desire to clarify the false narratives surrounding him, acknowledging that the ongoing discussions may be causing fatigue for many. He sincerely apologized for any distress caused by the noise surrounding his personal life and pledged to act more responsibly to avoid further controversies.

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

On April 3, 2025, G-Dragon's agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced that they are taking a strong stance against the spread of false information and malicious posts targeting the artist on online communities and social media. The agency expressed serious concern over these harmful actions, stating that they will pursue legal action against those responsible. They emphasized that spreading false information, defamation, insults, and invasion of privacy are clear illegal acts that could lead to legal consequences under the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal law.

Galaxy Corporation is currently monitoring online platforms closely and collecting relevant evidence, with plans to utilize fan reports as crucial support for their legal actions. They urged fans to report any malicious posts they encounter.

The agency confirmed that they will thoroughly review any harmful content directed at G-Dragon and will proceed with necessary legal measures without any settlements or leniency regarding the dissemination of false information and defamation. They assured fans of their commitment to protecting the artist's rights through diligent monitoring and ongoing responses.

In related news, G-Dragon recently kicked off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA, presented by Coupang Play' with concerts held on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

On April 3, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing regarding Ador's lawsuit against the five members of NewJeans, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract. While NewJeans previously attended a hearing related to Ador's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from signing contracts with other agencies, they did not appear for this session.

Ador maintains that the exclusive contract signed with NewJeans in April 2022 is still valid and expressed a willingness to negotiate or reach a settlement. However, NewJeans asserts that they terminated the contract in November 2023 and stated, "We cannot consider any form of negotiation."

A significant point of contention during the hearing was the differing views on former CEO Min. Ador acknowledged Min's contributions to the group's success but argued that NewJeans could exist without him. They emphasized that as a subsidiary of the leading company HYBE, they could support NewJeans through other producers. They also pointed out that NewJeans successfully completed a recent concert in Hong Kong without Min's assistance, suggesting inconsistencies in NewJeans' claims.

In response, NewJeans expressed distrust towards Ador, citing the complete change in management and a lack of communication regarding alternatives following Min's departure. They stated, "The fundamental trust has been broken, making collaboration impossible."

Ador countered that Min left voluntarily, not as a result of being ousted. They claimed that even after the court deemed the management change legal, they offered Min a chance to continue as a director and producer, which he declined, leading to a breakdown in communication and NewJeans' unilateral declaration of contract termination.

NewJeans announced their contract termination with Ador in November 2023, prompting Ador to file for both a temporary injunction and a formal lawsuit against the members. On March 21, the court granted Ador's request for a temporary injunction, leading NewJeans to announce a halt in their activities.

The next court date is set for June 5, 2025, at 11:10 AM. The judge noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, "There have been instances where contracts were terminated without any settlements, but this is a unique situation. I will consider how to assess the trust relationship."


NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

A group of four foreign tourists was recently filmed smoking in Bukhansan National Park, igniting a wave of criticism among local netizens. A citizen, identified as A, reported the incident on JTBC's '사건반장' on April 1, stating that he and his girlfriend encountered the group at Baegundae, the highest peak of Bukhansan, the day before. The footage shows the tourists sitting on a rock, casually smoking and flicking ashes onto the ground. A noted that other hikers warned them about the fire risk, but the tourists continued to smoke, laughing and responding with 'Okay, okay' while discarding their cigarette butts on the mountain.

According to Article 34 of the Forest Protection Act, smoking and other fire-related activities are prohibited in forested areas and their adjacent regions. This law aims to prevent forest fires and protect the environment, with stricter regulations in national parks like Bukhansan. Violators can face fines and legal repercussions.

The video of the tourists smoking has drawn significant backlash, especially as it surfaced just three days after a devastating forest fire in North Gyeongsang Province. Online reactions included comments like, 'How disrespectful do they think Korea is?' and 'They should be punished severely.' Many expressed concern that such actions could be seen as provocative given the recent wildfire crisis.

In response to the incident, the government announced a crackdown on illegal activities in forests, including smoking and carrying flammable materials, until May 31. Under the Forest Protection Act, those who start a fire in the mountains can face up to 15 years in prison, while negligent actions leading to forest fires can result in up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won.

Foreign Tourists Spark Controversy for Smoking in Bukhansan National Park

On April 3, 2025, approximately 20,000 attendees, including surviving victims and their families, gathered at the Jeju 4·3 Peace Park for the '77th Anniversary of the 4·3 Victims Commemoration Ceremony.' This year's event was themed 'The Breath of 4·3 is History, the Wave of Peace is Global,' emphasizing the resilience of the Jeju people and extending messages of comfort and hope to those who have faced similar tragedies worldwide.

The ceremony commenced at 10 AM with a moment of silence to honor the 4·3 victims, followed by flower offerings, speeches, poetry readings, family stories, and memorial performances. A 3D representation of the 'Peace Bell' was unveiled, symbolizing the number 7 to mark the 77th anniversary, and the bell was rung seven times. A siren signaled a minute of silence across Jeju Island.

Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivered a poignant speech, stating, 'The spirit of Jeju 4·3 teaches us the importance of unity and coexistence. If we cannot overcome conflicts of ideology, generations, regions, and classes, it will be difficult to navigate the current crisis and achieve sustainable growth for South Korea.' He expressed hope that the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation from 4·3 would unite the nation and propel it toward a brighter future, assuring that the government would strive to foster true harmony and integration.

During the ceremony, cultural historian Hong Chun-ho shared the history of the Jeju 4·3 incident through storytelling. A video presentation highlighted efforts to register Jeju 4·3 records as UNESCO World Documentary Heritage.

A touching family story was shared about the late Kim Hee-sook, who was 29 during the 4·3 incident. Genetic testing of her remains led to a reunion of three generations, including her son Kim Kwang-ik and grandson Kim Kyung-hyun, after over 70 years.

The ceremony concluded with a memorial performance by singer Yang Hee-eun and the Bella Children's Choir, who sang 'The Song of the Camellia Flower' and 'Evergreen.'

DJ Koo Jun-yup Struggles with Grief After Wife's Passing

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Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

Foreign Tourists Spark Controversy for Smoking in Bukhansan National Park

77th Anniversary of Jeju 4·3 Victims Commemoration Ceremony Held

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Kim Soo-hyun Takes Legal Action Against YouTube Channel Over False Allegations

Kwon Eun-bi Announces Spring Comeback with 'Hello Stranger'

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

NiziU Unveils 'LOVE LINE' Music Video Behind-the-Scenes Ahead of Comeback Performances

Film 'Lobby' Premieres Today, Topping Box Office Pre-Sales

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