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.

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

Three members of the KBS drama production team have been referred to the prosecution for allegedly damaging the cultural heritage site, Byeongsan Seowon, located in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The Andong police announced on February 10, 2025, that the individuals, including a member identified as A, were charged with violating laws related to the preservation and utilization of cultural heritage. The incident occurred on December 30, 2024, when they reportedly hammered nails into various structures within Byeongsan Seowon, including the pavilion known as Mandae-ru (晩對樓) and the pillars of Dongjae (東齋), which served as dormitories for scholars.

The crew's actions were intended to hang lanterns, a lighting prop for their filming. A passing tourist witnessed the act and reported it to the city of Andong, which subsequently filed a complaint against the production team with the police. Following the incident, KBS issued an apology and announced the complete destruction of all footage filmed at Byeongsan Seowon.

Byeongsan Seowon was established in 1575 by the scholar Ryu Seong-ryong (서애 류성룡), who played a significant role during the Imjin War and authored the reflective work 'Jingbirok' (징비록). After Ryu's death, the site was renamed Byeongsan Seowon in 1614 when his spirit tablet was enshrined there. It was designated as a Confucian academy by royal decree in 1863 and was recognized as Historic Site No. 260 in 1978. In 2010, it became part of Hahoe Folk Village, and in 2019, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under 'Korean Seowon.'

‘세계유산’ 병산서원에 못질한 KBS 드라마 관계자 3명 송치

KBS Drama Crew Faces Legal Action for Damaging Cultural Heritage Site

The latest episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' aired on February 9, 2025, and featured a lively discussion among the panelists regarding MC Jeon Hyun-moo's rumored relationship with Hong Joo-yeon. Prior to revealing a video, announcer Eom Ji-in disclosed that Jeon Hyun-moo had met with Kim Jin-woong, Lee Kwang-yeop, and Hong Joo-yeon separately. Photos showed him enjoying a meal with the trio, prompting Lee Kyung-kyu and Park Myung-soo to humorously label Kim Jin-woong and Lee Kwang-yeop as 'scapegoats' and suggested they were merely a cover to distract from Hong Joo-yeon. They jokingly spread false news, claiming that the couple was in a common-law marriage and even had children. 

As chef Shin Jong-cheol joined the panel, the speculation about a March wedding resurfaced. After praising the buffet where he works, Park Myung-soo quipped that Jeon Hyun-moo might also have good news next month. Jeon Hyun-moo responded, bewildered, 'What’s with this March wedding rumor? My mom called to ask if I was getting married, and Chu texted to congratulate me. There’s so much misinformation out there.' When Park Myung-soo suggested moving the wedding date to May, Jeon Hyun-moo agreed but quickly added, 'If I say May, then another article will come out saying I confirmed it.' 

The March wedding rumors first emerged during the February 2 broadcast when Jung Ji-sun visited 'Gag Concert' with her son. The son jokingly suggested that his favorite comedian, Shin Yoon-seung, should marry Jo Soo-yeon, leading the panel to fabricate a story to trick Kim Byung-hyun into believing Jeon Hyun-moo was also getting married next month. Jeon Hyun-moo claimed he had been dating for about a month, completely fooling Kim Byung-hyun, who seemed to have seen the dating news on TV.

전현무, 최측근에만 밝혔던 홍주연과 3월 결혼…母 몰랐고 女가수는 축하 [종합]

Rumors of Jeon Hyun-moo's Marriage Spark Buzz on 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears'

Netflix has officially confirmed the production of a new series titled '천천히 강렬하게' (Slowly but Intensely), featuring a star-studded cast including Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, Kim Seol-hyun, Cha Seung-won, and Lee Ha-nee. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Korean entertainment industry during the 1960s to 1980s, the series will explore the growth stories of individuals who, despite having little, dared to dream of brilliant success.

The script is penned by renowned writer Noh Hee-kyung, known for her emotionally resonant works such as '우리들의 블루스' (Our Blues), '디어 마이 프렌즈' (Dear My Friends), and '그 겨울, 바람이 분다' (That Winter, The Wind Blows). Her involvement has already generated significant anticipation for 'Slowly but Intensely'. The series will be directed by Lee Yoon-jung, celebrated for her ability to deliver high-quality and engaging dramas like '커피프린스 1호점' (Coffee Prince) and '치즈인더트랩' (Cheese in the Trap).

The casting is equally impressive. Song Hye-kyo, who has captivated audiences with her performances in '태양의 후예' (Descendants of the Sun) and '더 글로리' (The Glory), will portray the character 'Min-ja', a resilient woman shaped by her challenging childhood. As she navigates life, she seizes opportunities in the Korean music industry.

Gong Yoo, known for his roles in '도깨비' (Goblin) and '오징어 게임' (Squid Game), will play 'Dong-goo', a childhood friend of Min-ja who shares her journey into the music industry. His character is unpredictable yet deeply loyal to Min-ja.

Kim Seol-hyun, recognized for her roles in '살인자의 쇼핑목록' (Shopping List of a Killer) and '조명가게' (Lighting Store), will take on the role of 'Min-hee', who has a complex relationship with Min-ja, showcasing both innocence and rebelliousness.

Cha Seung-won, who has made a mark in both film and television, will portray 'Gil-yeo', a legendary composer whose artists achieve great success under his guidance. Lastly, Lee Ha-nee will play 'Yang-ja', Min-hee's mother, who pursues her dream of becoming a singer despite facing harsh realities.

With the collaboration of the trusted writer Noh Hee-kyung and director Lee Yoon-jung, 'Slowly but Intensely' promises to be a compelling addition to Netflix's lineup.

[공식] 송혜교·공유 드디어 만난다..'천천히 강렬하게' 제작 확정

Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo to Star in New Netflix Series 'Slowly but Intensely'

The highly anticipated second season of the legendary drama Signal (시그널) is set to debut in 2026. During the 'CJ ENM Content Talk 2025' event held at the CJ ENM Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul, it was announced that tvN is preparing a special return of the beloved series to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Originally aired in 2016, Signal follows detectives from the present and the past who communicate through a mysterious walkie-talkie to solve cold cases. The show masterfully blends time travel and mystery genres, captivating audiences and achieving a cult-like following.

Jo Jin-woong, who played Lee Jae-han, won the Grand Prize at the tvN10 Awards that year, while Kim Hye-soo as Cha Soo-hyun and Lee Je-hoon as Park Hae-young delivered performances that are still regarded as legendary. The open-ended conclusion left fans eagerly anticipating a sequel, and now, after a decade, their wishes are finally coming true.

Rumors of Signal Season 2 have circulated since last year. In March, writer Kim Eun-hee, who penned the original series, mentioned the sequel during a lecture at La Sapienza University in Rome, alongside B.A. Entertainment's Jang Won-seok, with whom she collaborated on the SBS drama The Uncanny Counter (악귀).

In June, Lee Je-hoon revealed that he had received the early script for Season 2 while promoting his film Escape (탈주), expressing his excitement by stating, "I can only think, 'This is insane.' I believe it will be a work that exceeds what people have imagined. Kim Eun-hee has outdone herself."

For Kim Eun-hee, Signal holds a special place in her heart. At an event in December 2016, she remarked, "Signal is truly special. The cast and crew have a deep affection for it. However, Season 2 can only happen if there is a great script. To work with these individuals again, we need an even better script."

Now, that great script is expected to be unveiled next year, marking a decade since the original aired. tvN has enjoyed immense success with romantic comedies like My Name is Seo-yeon (선재 업고 튀어) and Queen of Tears (눈물의 여왕), but the foundation of tvN dramas lies in Signal, which was broadcast to celebrate the network's 10th anniversary. Now, the stage is set for Season 2 as part of tvN's 20th-anniversary celebration.

선재? 눈여? tvN 근본은 '시그널'..10년 만에 시즌2 공개 확정 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Legendary Drama 'Signal' Season 2 Set to Premiere in 2026

On February 9, 2025, the funeral service for the late singer Song Dae-kwan was held at the Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno, Seoul. Fellow artists gathered to pay their respects, singing his hit song '해뜰날' (The Day the Sun Rises) as a tribute. Among those present were singers Yang Ji-won, Seol Woon-do, Kang Jin, Moon Hee-ok, Park Sang-cheol, Lee Ja-yeon, and Tae Jin-ah. Tae Jin-ah, who shared a close bond with Song, delivered an emotional eulogy, saying, "Rest well, my eternal rival!" 

The service began at 9:30 AM and lasted for about an hour and a half, attended by around 70 family members and fellow artists. Despite the hopeful lyrics of '해뜰날,' the atmosphere was filled with sorrow as attendees sang along, their faces reflecting their grief. 

Emotional tributes continued throughout the ceremony. Lee Ja-yeon, co-chair of the funeral committee alongside Tae Jin-ah, expressed that future generations would remember Song's humor, warm smile, and timeless songs. Seol Woon-do reminisced about Song's dedication, stating, "He was destined to be the best in his field. A singer's life begins and ends on stage, and he left us doing what he loved. Though it hurts, I find comfort in that." Kang Jin described Song as a friendly and approachable figure, expressing his longing for the late artist. 

The service also highlighted the struggles Song faced in recent years, as he continued to perform actively despite financial difficulties. Tae Jin-ah shared that they had planned a rival dinner show for May and had even discussed the setlist the day before Song's passing. 

Song Dae-kwan, who rose to fame with hits like '해뜰날' (1975), '차표 한 장' (One Train Ticket), and '네 박자' (Four Beats), faced significant challenges in 2013 due to a fraud case linked to his wife's failed real estate investment. He revealed in 2021 that his debts had reached 28 billion won, yet he persevered, often eating simple meals in his car while performing up to five events a day. By 2020, he announced that he had cleared most of his debts and continued to grace the stage until his passing. 

During the two-day mourning period, his two sons and wife, Lee Jeong-sim, were present, along with fellow artists and celebrities who came to pay their respects. Notable attendees included singers Na Hoon-a, Jo Yong-pil, and Lim Young-woong, who sent floral tributes. 

Following the service, Song was laid to rest at the Utopia Memorial Hall in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, a burial site arranged by his close friend and fellow artist Kim Seong-hwan.

“아내 빚 280억 갚으려 하루 5개 행사... 그래도 원망 안한다며 감싸”

Farewell to Song Dae-kwan: A Heartfelt Goodbye from Fellow Artists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NewJeans Launches Independent Activities as NJZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP's Profile Update Sparks Speculation About BIGBANG Return

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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