Rapper Dok2 (도끼, Lee Jun-kyung) has shared his heartfelt feelings following the passing of his mother, who died on February 16. On March 9, he took to social media to express his emotions after spending several years quietly living in the U.S. with his parents. 

His mother had been battling pneumonia, diabetes, and a stroke for over three years before she passed away in hospice care. Dok2 revealed, "I usually release songs for my birthday, but this time, I’m dedicating a song to my mom on her birthday, which I will celebrate without her for the first time. I feel heartbroken that I couldn’t show her a better version of myself in the years leading up to her passing."

He continued, "Please listen to this song, putting aside everything about me. I dedicate it to everyone in similar situations, those who have experienced loss, and to my beloved mom who is now in heaven playing with our dog, Lupe, and to my suddenly lonely dad."

In a poignant closing, he urged others to cherish their parents while they can, stating, "Tell your parents you love them before it’s too late. 1956. 03. 09 ~ 2025. 02. 16. I love you, Mom. REST IN PARADISE ‘UMMA’ OUT NOW." 

Earlier, Dok2's brother, rapper Mister Gore, also shared the news of their mother's passing on social media on February 17.

Dok2 Reflects on the Loss of His Mother

On March 5, at Jeonju Vision University in Jeonju, South Korea, a group of 29 international students from various countries, including Vietnam, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, engaged in hands-on training with precision machining equipment such as lathes and milling machines. This initiative is part of the university's Future Mobility Department, which has expanded its foreign student enrollment from 30 to 120 to address the declining domestic student population. Among the students, 18 are from Vietnam, 10 from Myanmar, and one from Bangladesh, with a total of 10 female students participating. They collaborated in Korean, occasionally mixing in their native languages, to learn how to operate the machinery. One student, 26-year-old Pial from Bangladesh, shared his journey of leaving his studies in physics and chemistry to pursue a career in South Korea, expressing his desire to settle in Jeonju and eventually take the naturalization exam. 

Jeonju Vision University is part of a government initiative aimed at training foreign technical personnel in the root industries, which has led to a significant increase in foreign student enrollment. Students in this program typically spend a year studying Korean before embarking on a two-year curriculum focused on automotive parts and machinery. To support their living expenses, many work part-time jobs in convenience stores and restaurants while attending classes. Upon graduation, they often secure positions in domestic automotive parts companies. 

The number of foreign students in the Future Mobility Department has grown from an initial 30 to 50 in 2023, and 119 last year, with plans to enroll 120 students from countries like Vietnam and Myanmar by the second semester of this year. As the foreign student population increases, the university has also expanded its faculty and training equipment, adding two more professors and increasing the number of lathes and welding machines. Professor Baek Il-hyun noted that as graduation approaches, companies from various regions frequently inquire about hiring graduates, emphasizing the importance of foreign students in sustaining both the educational and industrial sectors. Graduates of this program are particularly sought after due to their superior Korean language skills compared to other foreign workers, making them valuable assets in the struggling domestic manufacturing industry.

The university's focus on recruiting international students is a response to the declining birthrate in South Korea, which has led to a significant drop in domestic student numbers. Jeonju Vision University, which once enrolled 100 Korean students annually, now sees only about 50 local students. To maintain financial stability, the institution has turned its attention to attracting foreign students.

The initiative includes 12 technical colleges, such as Jeonju Vision University, Geoje University, and Gunsan University, participating in the foreign technical personnel training program. The total number of new students in this program has surged from 260 in 2021 to 879 last year, with schools like Geoje University actively promoting the program in local universities in Kyrgyzstan to attract new students. As of last year, there were approximately 210,000 international students in South Korea, with plans from the Ministry of Education to increase this number to 300,000 by 2027.

Local governments are also taking steps to attract international students to offset the declining youth population. For instance, Busan has organized recruitment events in Japan and Central Asia, offering legal and housing support to help international students settle in the city after graduation. A representative from Busan stated that as the population in the second-largest city continues to decline, they aim to enhance support for international students to contribute to the local economy.

[단독] 외국인 인력 양성소로 변신한 지방 전문대

International Students Thrive in Future Mobility Program at Jeonju Vision University

'환승연애, 또 다른 시작' (Transit Love: A New Beginning) wraps up its journey in Jeju Island, showcasing the growth of its cast after the original series. This reality show, directed by 김영화 and 이승환, brings together participants from the previous season to create new memories and experiences. As the finale approaches, here are some key points to watch for.

# Lee Kwan-woo and Lee Hye-sun Face a Crisis! Differences in Temperature and Speed!
From their first meeting, Lee Kwan-woo and Lee Hye-sun have been in a direct mode, but as time passes, they reveal a growing disparity in their relationship. With limited time together, Lee Hye-sun seeks to deepen their connection through meaningful conversations, while Lee Kwan-woo remains cautious, preferring to observe rather than inquire.

Having spent the most time with Lee Kwan-woo in the Jeju house, Lee Hye-sun expresses her feelings of difficulty regarding his changing demeanor, leaving their future uncertain. As they embark on a one-on-one trip, the tension between them raises questions about the direction of their relationship.

# Park Ji-yeon and Kim Kwang-tae: Love is All About Timing! What Does Comfort Mean?
Joining the group as a new travel mate, Park Ji-yeon struggles alone in an unfamiliar environment, eventually shedding tears that evoke sympathy. In response, Kim Kwang-tae steps in with a caring demeanor, creating a unique chemistry between them.

The two embark on a one-on-one trip without hesitation, exuding a vibe reminiscent of long-term lovers, which brings smiles to viewers. However, their description of each other as “the most comfortable” leaves a lingering question about what 'comfort' truly means for them.

# Jo Hwi-hyun and Park Na-eun: Beyond Sibling Bonds! Entering a Phase of Exciting Certainty!
Park Na-eun approaches Jo Hwi-hyun with playful compliments, to which he responds with flirtation, establishing them as the 'vitamin couple' of the Jeju house. After confirming Park Na-eun's genuine feelings during a one-on-one conversation, Jo Hwi-hyun shifts into a bold pursuit mode, hinting at a deeper connection. As they grow closer during their trip, curiosity builds around whether their feelings will evolve beyond friendship.

# Jeong Hye-im, Kwak Min-jae, Jeong Kyu-min, and Lee Ji-yeon's Love Quadrangle: What Will Be the Outcome?
Although Jeong Hye-im and Kwak Min-jae did not connect in the original '환승연애', they find a second chance in '환승연애, 또 다른 시작'. However, the dynamics shift when Jeong Kyu-min expresses interest in Jeong Hye-im, creating another turning point.

Initially, Kwak Min-jae chooses Jeong Hye-im for their one-on-one trip, but their timing proves unfortunate. Meanwhile, Lee Ji-yeon actively pursues Kwak Min-jae, adding complexity to the already tangled relationships. Viewers are eager to see how this intricate narrative will conclude.

The journey in Jeju Island for '환승연애, 또 다른 시작' will culminate with the highly anticipated finale airing on March 12 at 12 PM.

파국이냐 최커냐..'환승연애', 정혜임·곽민재·정규민·이지연 결말은?

'환승연애, 또 다른 시작' Concludes Its Journey in Jeju Island

JYP Entertainment's boy band Xdinary Heroes (엑스디너리 히어로즈, XH) is gearing up for their return with the new track 'Beautiful Life' (뷰티풀 라이프). The group will release their sixth mini album titled 'Beautiful Mind' (뷰티풀 마인드) on March 24. On March 9, JYP teased fans by unveiling the tracklist image on their official social media channels, sparking excitement for the upcoming album.

The mini album 'Beautiful Mind' will feature a total of seven tracks, including the title song 'Beautiful Life', as well as 'FIGHT ME' (파이트 미), 'more than i like' (모어 댄 아이 라이크), 'Diamond' (다이아몬드), 'Supernatural' (수퍼내추럴), 'George the Lobster' (조지 더 랍스타), and 'BBB (Bitter But Better)' (비비비 (비터 벗 베터)).

All six members—Gunil, Jungsoo, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han, and Juyun—contributed to the songwriting process, showcasing the musical talents of this 'next-generation K-pop super band'. The title track 'Beautiful Life' is produced by the renowned K-pop hitmaker Lee Woo-min, known as "collapsedone", who previously collaborated with the group on their mini album tracks 'PLUTO' (플루토), the digital single 'Open ♭eta v6.3' (오픈 베타 버전6.3) title track 'Save me' (세이브 미), and the mini album title track 'Night before the end' (나이트 비포 디 엔드). Additionally, esteemed songwriters such as Shim Eun-ji, Versachoi (베르사최), and Lee Hae-sol have also contributed to enhance the album's quality.

Following their comeback, Xdinary Heroes will kick off their world tour 'Xdinary Heroes World Tour' in Seoul from May 2 to May 5. The group previously captivated audiences with their concert series 'Closed ♭eta' (클로즈드 베타), which sold out all 15 shows as part of the '2024 Xperiment Project' (2024 엑스페리먼트 프로젝트). Fans are eagerly anticipating this new chapter in their journey.

Fans can check out Xdinary Heroes' sixth mini album 'Beautiful Mind' and the title track 'Beautiful Life' starting from March 24 at 6 PM on various music streaming platforms.

엑스디너리 히어로즈, 컴백 타이틀곡은 'Beautiful Life'..음악 역량 집약

Xdinary Heroes Set to Make a Comeback with 'Beautiful Life'

Park Soo-hong's family has made a generous donation of 33 million won to assist mothers in need, their children, and couples facing infertility challenges. The donation ceremony took place on March 7 at Ewha Womans University Medical Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, where their child, Jae-i, was born. Of the total amount, 30 million won was donated directly to the medical center, while 3 million won was specifically requested for the maternity ward. In appreciation, the medical center presented a plaque of gratitude to the couple.

Park Soo-hong expressed his heartfelt thanks, stating, "The staff at Ewha Womans University Medical Center provided unwavering support throughout our journey to welcome Jae-i. It was a challenging time, but thanks to the dedication of the medical team, we were able to persevere. I also want to thank everyone we met during our infertility treatment who offered their encouragement. This donation is a small token of our appreciation."

The couple also honored their commitment to the public by sharing their infertility journey on their personal YouTube channel, where they documented their tests and treatments, receiving significant support from viewers. They had previously pledged to donate all YouTube earnings to society, and this donation is a fulfillment of that promise.

Park Soo-hong added, "We contributed a bit more from our YouTube channel earnings in 2024. My wife has been managing the channel for four years, often sacrificing sleep to edit videos, and we are grateful for the support that has helped us grow."

Additionally, Park Soo-hong has committed to ongoing charitable efforts. Recently, he ventured into the kitchenware business, collaborating with Hyungseong F&B (CEO Park Yong-hyung) to launch a high-quality pot set. This initiative arose from his desire to actively participate in raising Jae-i and to prepare homemade baby food, highlighting the need for quality kitchen tools.

Reflecting on his past experiences, Park Soo-hong recalled an event held at Ewha Womans University Medical Center four years ago, where he was warmly welcomed and encouraged to have a healthy and beautiful child at their facility. He remarked, "As I raise Jae-i, I am increasingly aware of the gratitude I feel towards those around me. I will seek more ways to help and support others in all my future endeavors."

박수홍♥김다예, 유튜브 수익 기부 약속 지켰다..난임 부부 위해 3300만원 전달 (공식)

Park Soo-hong's Family Donates 33 Million Won to Support Mothers and Infertile Couples

‘모친상’ 도끼 “母, 폐렴·뇌졸중으로 3년 넘게 투병” 

In the upcoming episode of UNDERCOVER (언더커버), airing today, March 9, at 7:40 PM on ENA, Seo Samuel (서사무엘) will make a surprising announcement regarding his marriage. The episode features model Han Hye-jin (한혜진) as a special MC and showcases the 'TOP 10' contestants: Kim Ye-chan (김예찬), Kim Ui-seo (김의서), Park Jun-seong (박준성), Vincent Blue (빈센트블루), Seo Samuel, Seo Hee (서희), Lee Joon (이준), Lee Ji-min (이지민), Jeon Geon-ho (전건호), and Jung Nam-do (정남도). 

The episode will highlight the first round of the final mission, the '1vs1 TOP5 Decision Match,' where the ten cover singers will compete with their 'life cover songs' to determine who advances to the second round. A notable face-off will occur between Vincent Blue and Seo Samuel. 

Having previously teamed up in the 'Duet Tag Battle,' the stakes are high as one of them must be eliminated in this final mission, adding to the suspense for viewers. Seo Samuel expressed his emotions before his performance, stating, "This is a song I wanted to sing for someone I love, and I will be getting married soon. I will sing it thinking of my wife." This heartfelt sentiment raises anticipation for his performance. 

Vincent Blue, on the other hand, chose to cover Park Jin-young's (박진영) 'Swing Baby (스윙 베이비),' emphasizing that the song contains elements he excels at. However, as he begins his performance, unexpected challenges arise, leaving the outcome uncertain. 

Additionally, Jeon Geon-ho, who faced criticism from 'TOP Listeners' in previous rounds, showcases a transformed persona. Acknowledging past mistakes, he stated, "I have learned a lot about being human and want to show my new self," as he covers Dear Cloud's (디어클라우드) 'Ice Fortress (얼음요새).' His sincere performance reportedly impressed 'TOP Listener' Jung Jae-hyung (정재형), who praised him, saying, "I saw Jeon Geon-ho in a new light. I was so happy."

Surprising Marriage Announcement from Seo Samuel on UNDERCOVER

Park Han-byul is set to return to the entertainment scene after a six-year hiatus, joining the cast of TV Chosun's variety show 'Dad and Me' (아빠하고 나하고) Season 2. This marks her first appearance on television since her husband, Yoo In-seok, was embroiled in the Burning Sun scandal. The production team announced that Park has already completed filming and will share her daily life with her father, although the broadcast date is still under discussion.

The new season of 'Dad and Me,' premiering on March 11, focuses on the complex relationship between fathers and their children, allowing them to express their feelings and work towards understanding and forgiveness. Park Han-byul, the only daughter of former soccer player Park Chae-hwa, will be featured alongside her father, which has generated significant interest as they have rarely appeared together on a variety show.

Park's return to the entertainment industry comes after a challenging period. She married Yoo In-seok, the former CEO of Yuri Holdings, in 2017 and welcomed a son. However, in 2019, Yoo was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal, leading to a suspended prison sentence of one year in 2020. At that time, Park expressed her concerns about separating her husband's past from her own life, stating, "I felt it was impossible to completely separate the past of someone I would spend my life with from myself, but I was in a very cautious position as the investigation was ongoing. I apologize."

Following the scandal, Park halted her entertainment activities, with her last project being the MBC drama 'When It Hurts, Love' (슬플 때 사랑한다) in 2019. The drama aired during the height of her husband's controversy, resulting in calls for her to step down, but she completed the series. Afterward, she moved to Jeju Island with her son and started a new life, even opening a café.

In October 2021, she hinted at a possible return to acting by re-signing with her former agency, EL Park, which expressed support for her comeback. However, the contract eventually ended without any significant developments. In 2023, Park launched her personal YouTube channel and signed with a new agency, Chan Entertainment, in December 2024, signaling her return to the industry. She emphasized her commitment to returning to acting through short-form dramas and confirmed her comeback to variety shows with 'Dad and Me.'

Additionally, in November of last year, Park invited her close friend, comedian Hong In-kyu, to her YouTube channel, where they discussed her husband's situation. She asked if there were any questions he wanted to ask about the controversy, to which he cautiously inquired about their relationship. Park reassured him that they were doing well, addressing the divorce rumors circulating about them. Hong noted that he felt relieved to hear that everything was resolved, and Park humorously gestured that she was keeping a close watch on her husband.

As Park Han-byul returns to the variety show scene with her father, many are curious if she will openly discuss the emotional struggles and challenges she faced during the Burning Sun incident.

Park Han-byul Makes Comeback to Variety Shows After Six Years Amid Divorce Rumors

In the latest episode of SBS's variety show My Little Old Boy (미운우리새끼), it was revealed that Kim Jong-min's fiancée is a businesswoman with a background in studying abroad. During the broadcast on March 9, Kim Jong-min headed to Hong Eun-dong, located beneath Bukhansan Mountain, where he pulled out a 'house-hunting checklist' sent by his fiancée. Upon seeing this, Shin Dong-yup commented, 'It makes sense since she is a businesswoman; she seems to be more meticulous.' 

The duo then discovered a charming three-story house at the end of a hilly road. Kim Jong-min was impressed by the serene yard and was astonished to find a private swimming pool that offers 24-hour heated water. Everyone expressed their delight, exclaiming, 'This is amazing!' 

They also revealed a cozy living room adjacent to the kitchen. Kim Jong-min affectionately referred to his fiancée as 'Hiyung' and boasted about her cooking skills, showcasing her impressive culinary abilities with dishes like galbijjim (braised short ribs), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) that she prepared for his birthday. He noted her proficiency in both Korean and Western cuisines, saying, 'It feels like she has a study abroad vibe,' and mentioned that she indeed studied abroad. 

However, Kim Jong-min humorously added, 'I might want to order food after we get married because it might be tough,' showcasing his affectionate side.

Kim Jong-min's Fiancée Revealed as a Businesswoman with Study Abroad Experience on 'My Little Old Boy'

Singer-songwriter Lee Mujin made a memorable debut in Taiwan with his first solo concert on March 8, 2025, at Zepp New Taipei. The event, part of his nationwide tour titled '2025 Lee Mujin National Tour Concert: Supplementary Volume in TAIPEI,' marked the first time his signature concert series has been held overseas.

The concert was themed 'Lee Mujin's Bookstore,' creatively comparing his music to various literary genres. The performance was divided into chapters such as 'Novel,' 'Screenplay,' 'Essay,' 'Poetry,' and 'Fairy Tale,' enhancing the emotional storytelling and providing a deeper immersive experience for the audience.

Lee Mujin kicked off the show with powerful renditions of 'Can I Have a Moment?' and 'Summer Greeting (Demo),' setting a special tone for his first encounter with local fans. He continued to evoke emotions with songs like 'I Guess It's Autumn,' 'Constellation,' and 'It's Snowing,' while engaging with the audience through tracks like 'You for a Moment,' 'Comma,' and 'Practice Room No. 8.'

During the 'Mujin's Random Song' segment, he surprised fans with a popular Taiwanese song '愛?但說不出口' and the OST '那些年' from the hit film 'The Girl We Loved Back Then,' which received an enthusiastic response, prompting fans to request an encore. Lee Mujin graciously obliged, showcasing his impressive vocal talent once again.

The concert featured a variety of performances, including the title track 'Youth Comic' from his mini-album '滿花 (Full Bloom),' along with hits like 'Traffic Light' and 'Assignment Song (I'm Sorry, Professor).' The show concluded with encore performances of 'Is Anyone There?' and 'Just the Two of Us.'

After the final encore, Lee Mujin shared a group photo with fans, expressing his gratitude for the unforgettable memories made during his first concert in Taiwan. He remarked, "I never imagined I would hold a concert in Taiwan, but I am so thankful to create precious memories with all of you. After three years of the national tour 'Supplementary Volume,' it was a joy to finally come overseas, especially to Taiwan and with Taiwanese fans."

Lee Mujin Holds Successful First Concert in Taiwan

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has taken the lead in promoting director Bong Joon-ho's latest film, 'Mickey17'. Recently, he shared on his Instagram, "'Mickey17' is hitting theaters in the U.S. this weekend. I’m thrilled to meet the Kenneth-Ilpa couple, the Mickeys, and Nasha and Kai in space, and to taste the secret sauce!" 

He continued, "Bong Joon-ho has infused this film with powerful and hopeful messages that are more important now than ever. Don’t worry; it’s a feel-good movie. It’s best enjoyed in a big crowd. This is a film meant for the cinema!" 

Ruffalo also shared a photo with Bong Joon-ho from the set, showcasing his excitement about joining the director's project. 

Released on February 28, 'Mickey17' follows a disposable character, Mickey (played by Robert Pattinson), who faces his 17th death while being a part of dangerous missions. The story takes a twist when 'Mickey 18' is printed, believing Mickey has died. As of March 9, the film has surpassed 2 million viewers in South Korea. 

Based on the sci-fi novel 'Mickey 7' by Edward Ashton, Bong Joon-ho adapted the screenplay and directed the film. This marks his first new project in six years since the Academy Award-winning 'Parasite', and it is his third overseas project following 'Okja' and 'Snowpiercer'. 

In the film, Robert Pattinson portrays Mickey, who escapes to the icy planet Niflheim to evade threats from loan sharks, only to face horrific deaths repeatedly as part of a 'human print' job. Mark Ruffalo plays Kenneth Marshall, a dictatorial politician on a spaceship colonizing the universe, while Naomi Ackie stars as Nasha, Mickey's only love on Niflheim, and Steven Yeun plays Timo, a friend who betrays Mickey. 

Since its release, 'Mickey17' has dominated the box office for nine consecutive days, achieving remarkable success. The film earned $2.5 million during preview screenings and is set to screen in 3,770 theaters across North America starting March 6. 

The projected opening weekend earnings in North America are estimated between $18 million and $20 million, with international earnings expected to reach $20 million to $25 million, bringing the global box office forecast to between $40 million and $45 million. 

With a production budget of $118 million, 'Mickey17' will need to gross approximately $275 million to $300 million globally to break even. Mark Ruffalo's enthusiastic promotion of 'Mickey17' has certainly caught the public's attention.

Dok2 Reflects on the Loss of His Mother

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Surprising Marriage Announcement from Seo Samuel on UNDERCOVER

Park Han-byul Makes Comeback to Variety Shows After Six Years Amid Divorce Rumors

Kim Jong-min's Fiancée Revealed as a Businesswoman with Study Abroad Experience on 'My Little Old Boy'

Lee Mujin Holds Successful First Concert in Taiwan

Mark Ruffalo Promotes Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey17' Ahead of U.S. Release

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