T.O.P (최승현), the former member of the iconic K-pop group BIGBANG, is set to participate in an interview regarding his role in Netflix's 'Squid Game 2' on January 15 in Seoul. This marks his first interaction with the press since his involvement in a drug scandal, drawing significant attention. 

In February 2017, T.O.P enlisted as a conscripted police officer but was later implicated in a marijuana smoking incident at his home in 2016, resulting in a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Following this, he announced his departure from BIGBANG and retirement from the entertainment industry. However, his unexpected casting in 'Squid Game 2' has sparked controversy. 

Additionally, actors Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, known to have a close relationship with T.O.P, have faced speculation regarding their involvement in his casting. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, along with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, has addressed the 'network casting controversy' in interviews and press conferences, but public sentiment remains skeptical. T.O.P's perceived lack of acting skills has further fueled criticism. As he breaks his silence to attend this interview, many are eager to hear his perspective. 

'Squid Game 2', which premiered on December 26, continues the story of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he returns for revenge and faces off against the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun). T.O.P plays the role of Thanos, a 'drug-addicted rapper' in the series.

Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P to Speak Out in 'Squid Game 2' Interview

On January 10, 2025, actors Song Joong-ki (송중기) and Lee Hee-joon (이희준) are set to embark on an extensive promotional campaign for their film 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' (보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅), which is captivating audiences with its diverse and engaging elements. The film tells the story of Guk-hee (송중기), who travels to Bogotá, Colombia, filled with hope after the IMF crisis, and becomes entangled with influential figures in the Korean community, including Su-young (이희준) and Sergeant Park (권해효). 

Starting their day at 11 AM, the duo will appear on SBS Power FM's 'Park Ha-sun's Cine Town' to share their delightful banter. Their on-screen chemistry as Guk-hee and Su-young has garnered attention, and they are expected to discuss behind-the-scenes stories and key viewing points, promising an entertaining experience for listeners. Additionally, Song Joong-ki will make a special appearance on KBS2's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' at 10 PM, marking his first performance on a music program. Known for his impressive singing skills, he will showcase his favorite songs, adding a unique charm to the promotional efforts for 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances'. 

The film continues to receive rave reviews from audiences, thanks to the stellar performances of its cast and the gripping narrative of a crime drama. 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' is currently showing in theaters nationwide.

'보고타' 송중기, 오늘(10일) 생애 첫 음악쇼 '더시즌즈' 출격..홍보 열일ing [공식]

Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon Kick Off Major Promotions for 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances'

On January 11, 2025, actress Lee Young-ae made a surprise appearance at the '2024 KBS Drama Awards' broadcast on KBS2. The awards ceremony, held on December 31 at the KBS Hall in Yeouido, was hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min.

Lee Young-ae captivated the audience as she presented the Popularity Award. Her unexpected presence elicited cheers and applause from the crowd. She greeted everyone warmly, saying, "Hello, it's been a while since I've greeted you at the KBS Drama Awards. It's nice to see you all."

A particularly amusing moment occurred right after her greeting when the camera captured the shocked expression of actor Kim Myung-soo, leaving the audience in fits of laughter. Jang Sung-kyu commented on Kim's surprise, to which Kim responded with a sheepish smile.

Lee Young-ae expressed her excitement about returning to the stage, stating, "I’m really nervous to be here after such a long time. There’s a reason I’m here today. I will be greeting you through a new KBS drama in 2025 titled 'Eun-soo's Good Day.' In this drama, I play the role of Kang Eun-soo, an ordinary housewife who gets involved in a dangerous deal to protect her beloved family. Many talented actors, including Kim Young-kwang and Park Yong-woo, are working hard on this project, so I hope you look forward to it. Thank you!"

She continued, "I will be presenting the Popularity Award. I remember receiving the Popularity Award at the KBS Drama Awards a long time ago for my works 'Seo-gong' and 'Invitation.' While all awards are precious, the Popularity Award holds a special meaning as it reflects the love from the audience. Let’s see who the shining star is that has captured everyone’s hearts through their work."

The winners of the Popularity Award that evening were actors Kim Myung-soo and Geum Sae-rok, who connected with viewers through their respective dramas 'Treat Me Right' and 'Iron Family.'

이영애, 'KBS 연기대상' 깜짝등장..넋나간 김명수 "많이 놀라" [2024 KBS 연기대상]

Lee Young-ae Surprises at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards

Despite facing numerous controversies, the K-pop group NewJeans has solidified their popularity. For two consecutive years, they have achieved the highest album sales among female K-pop artists, and they have successfully completed their official debut in Japan, further confirming their global appeal.

In 2023, NewJeans sold a total of 3,098,275 albums, marking them as the top-selling female K-pop artist with a market share of 11.4% according to the Circle Chart 2024 album sales review. Their double single 'How Sweet,' released in May, sold over 1.24 million copies, while their Japanese debut single 'Supernatural,' released in June, surpassed 1.3 million copies. Additionally, their earlier releases 'NewJeans,' 'OMG,' and 'Get Up' continued to sell well, contributing to their record-breaking sales.

Their digital music power is equally impressive, with 13 songs including 'How Sweet,' 'Super Shy,' 'Ditto,' 'OMG,' 'ETA,' and 'Hype Boy' making it onto the Circle Chart 2024 global K-pop section. They placed 11 songs in the digital category and 10 in the streaming category. Notably, eight of their tracks ranked on the 2024 Melon annual chart, with 'Supernatural' catching attention by ranking second on the Melon overseas annual chart. While K-pop artists often appear on international charts, NewJeans stands out as the only artist in the top tier, according to Melon.

Their debut in Japan was also remarkable. NewJeans officially debuted in Japan with 'Supernatural' in June 2023, which topped the Oricon chart on its release day and received a Gold Disc certification from the Japan Record Association for exceeding 100,000 copies shipped. They also set a record for being the fastest overseas artist to perform at the Tokyo Dome within just 1 year and 11 months. This success led to them winning the Excellent Work Award at the prestigious 66th Japan Record Awards for 'Supernatural.' Furthermore, they secured the second position in the 'New Artist Ranking' of the Oricon annual ranking 2024 sales category, the highest rank for any overseas artist. The ranking is based on the total sales of singles, albums, streaming, and music DVDs. Oricon reported that NewJeans generated sales of 2.09 billion yen (approximately 193.12 million won) during the counting period from December 11, 2023, to December 8, 2024.

As of November 29, 2023, NewJeans has claimed that their exclusive contract with Ador has been terminated. Their last official schedule with Ador was at the Golden Disc Awards held in Fukuoka, Japan. Although the members have announced their intention to pursue independent activities, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract.

뉴진스, 2024년 日서만 193억 벌었다…국내외 1위 올킬[종합]

NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

On January 8, actor Lee Byung-hun shared his thoughts on the international fan reactions to his bromance with Lee Jung-jae during an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. He remarked, "The bromance with Lee Jung-jae has spread like a meme among foreign fans, and I neither find it unpleasant nor particularly enjoyable."

The Netflix original series Squid Game (오징어 게임), which premiered in September 2021, became a global phenomenon. The highly anticipated Season 2, returning after three years, features a fierce rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who vows revenge and re-enters the deadly games, and the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun). Director Hwang Dong-hyuk returns to helm the sequel, where Lee Byung-hun's character disguises himself as Oh Young-il to participate in the games.

Lee Byung-hun and Lee Jung-jae reunited for the first time since the 1998 drama White Night 3.98 (백야 3.98). Reflecting on their time together, Lee Byung-hun noted, "Although we worked together on both White Night 3.98 and Season 1 of Squid Game, we never really acted together until Season 2. It was a great experience to finally understand each other's acting styles and patterns. Given that we debuted around the same time and have been friends for so long, it felt significant. During Season 2, I thought, 'Wow, we are finally sharing lines together.'"

Interestingly, some global viewers have speculated whether Squid Game 2 hints at a Boys' Love (BL) relationship between the two characters. Lee Byung-hun humorously responded, "I was just as surprised as the Korean fans! When I watch videos on foreign fans' YouTube channels, I see 'BL' written in capital letters, and I initially thought they had mistakenly written 'BH' for my name. I even wondered if it was an abbreviation for 'Byung-hun Lee.' It seems this has turned into a meme among foreign fans, and I neither find it unpleasant nor particularly delightful."

Squid Game 2 (오징어 게임2) was released on December 26, and Season 3 is expected to premiere later this year.

[인터뷰②] '오징어 게임2' 이병헌 "이정재와 BL이냐고요? 그저 '병헌 리' 약자인 줄"

Lee Byung-hun Discusses International Fans' Reactions to His Bromance with Lee Jung-jae

Comedian Kim Sook revealed that she has been trying to purchase an apartment in the prestigious Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments in Gangnam, Seoul, for over 20 years, but has faced repeated failures. She explained that sellers often raise prices at the last minute during contract signings, a situation that continues to occur in the real estate market today.

During her appearance on MBC's 'Home for Rent! (구해줘! 홈즈)' on January 9, Kim expressed her emotional connection to the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments, stating, "Thinking about this place brings me to tears." The apartments gained fame as the residence of popular entertainers like Yoo Jae-suk and Noh Hong-chul during their time on the show 'Infinite Challenge (무한도전)'. Kim noted that other celebrities, including Hong Hyun-hee, Lee Ji-hye, Oh Sang-jin, and Kim Hee-ae, have also moved into the area.

Reflecting on her past attempts, Kim shared, "I came here in my 20s to buy an apartment, but it was too expensive, so I couldn't purchase one. I returned after making some money, but I still couldn't buy it." She recounted how prices would suddenly increase by 50 million to 100 million KRW right before signing the contract, saying, "I went to the real estate office thinking it was 500 million KRW, but it turned out to be 600 million KRW. The seller would say, 'I raised the price suddenly.' This happened about three times at the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments."

Kim met with a real estate agent who had previously shown her properties and expressed her frustration, asking, "If it's 1 billion KRW, why does it change when we come to sign the contract?" The agent replied that just last week, a price had been raised by 250 million KRW during a contract signing.

She then visited an actual listing for the apartment, which featured large windows overlooking the Han River. Kim explained, "In the past, people were very particular about the direction of the apartments. A north-facing apartment was undesirable, while south or east-facing was preferred. Here in Gangnam, they even designed the utility room to face north towards the Han River. Nowadays, renovations allow for views of the Han River even from south-facing apartments."

The apartment in question has a reported area of 196 square meters (approximately 65 pyeong) and is listed for 9 billion KRW. The jeonse (long-term lease) price is 2.5 billion KRW, while the monthly rent is around 800,000 KRW with a deposit of 500 million KRW.

The first phases of the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments were completed in 1976. Despite being over 40 years old, they remain a prominent residential complex in Gangnam. With ongoing redevelopment projects, a unit of the same size sold for a record 8.3 billion KRW last August, surpassing the previous high of 5.39 billion KRW in January 2021.

As of last year, the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments dominated the top rankings for price per 3.3 square meters, with the highest being Apgujeong Hyundai 14th phase at 1.512 billion KRW. The third and fourth spots were also held by Apgujeong Hyundai 4th and 5th phases, priced at 1.414 billion KRW and 1.3489 billion KRW, respectively.

“계약서 쓰다 갑자기 가격 올려”…김숙, 압구정 현대 세 번 놓친 이유

Comedian Kim Sook Shares Her Struggles to Buy a Luxury Apartment in Apgujeong

The start of 2025 has brought heartbreaking news as beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry have passed away unexpectedly. On January 7, Lee Hee-cheol (이희철), known for his vibrant personality and contributions to the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon, died at the age of 39. His close friend, comedian Pungja (풍자), shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sorrow over his sudden departure. She wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this, but my dear brother has become a star in the sky. Please pray he finds a good place."

The family revealed that Lee's cause of death was a heart attack, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that." In a heartfelt message posted on his account, they described him as someone who cherished his family and friends, urging everyone to remember him fondly.

The news shocked fans and colleagues alike, especially since Lee had shared a hopeful New Year’s message just a week prior, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned.

In the wake of his passing, fellow entertainers expressed their grief. Yoo Min-sang (유민상), who worked with Lee on SBS Love FM's "Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio," shared his sorrow on air, reminiscing about Lee's bright smile and kind demeanor.

Additionally, actress Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her roles in various dramas, also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64. Her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), announced her death, expressing deep condolences to her family and fans. Lee had recently signed with a new agency and was set to continue her active career, making her loss even more tragic.

Moreover, voice actor Yoo Ho-han (유호한), aged 52, died from a heart attack on January 7. He was well-known for his work in popular series like "Crayon Shin-chan" and the "Avengers" films. Yoo was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors, having served as the president of the KBS Voice Actors Association.

The entertainment community mourns these significant losses, remembering the joy and talent each of these individuals brought to their craft.

Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

On January 11, KBS2 aired the '2024 KBS Acting Awards,' hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min. During the ceremony, actor Kim Jung-hyun received the Best Actor award for his role in 'The Iron Family.' 

Upon accepting the award, Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am well aware of my shortcomings. Despite that, I am thankful to be standing here today. Just a few years ago, I thought I would never act again due to various reasons, including my own doubts. I am truly grateful to be in this position now." 

He continued, "While it is customary to express gratitude when receiving an award, I believe that true appreciation cannot exist without reflecting on the past. When I started acting, I engaged in behavior that hurt many people and caused discomfort. I sincerely apologize for that and bow my head in remorse, receiving applause from the audience."

Kim emphasized that his apology is not the end of the matter, stating, "I do not seek forgiveness, but I see this as a necessary step in moving forward with my life."

He added, "I have shared some heavy thoughts from my heart, but I will keep my remarks brief. I want to thank the 'Iron Family,' KBS, writer Seo Suk-hyang, KeyEast, Monster Union, and all the staff who have supported us. I am grateful to my seniors Kim Young-ok and Park In-hwan, as well as my parents and fellow actors Park Ji-young and Shin Hyun-joon, who are all working hard. I know it’s a tiring time, but I hope to be a source of strength for everyone."

Kim concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks to his fans, saying, "I want to sincerely thank the fans who have allowed me to stand here today. Lastly, to my family, who have shared my burdens and pain, I have always wanted to be a proud son, brother, and sibling, but I feel I have not lived up to that. I hope this moment can be remembered as a small but meaningful step towards that. Thank you, I love you all."

Kim Jung-hyun Apologizes for Past Controversies at KBS Acting Awards

On January 11, 2025, during the MBC show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), singer Ailee shared her love story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno (솔로지옥). The episode featured a winter song special, with Ailee and singer John Park as the first guests. Host Yoo Jae-suk mentioned Ailee's exciting news, stating, "Ailee has good news. She is getting married in April next year." Surprised, fellow cast member Haha congratulated her, while Yoo clarified that she would be marrying the contestant from Single's Inferno. Ailee responded with a smile, saying, "That's right. I escaped from Single's Inferno!" 

When asked if she received a proposal, Ailee explained, "I didn't get a proposal, but I find it a bit strange. In the U.S., proposals happen before wedding preparations, but here, we start dating with marriage in mind, so receiving a proposal feels different." Fellow guest Joo Woo-jae agreed, noting that proposals in Korea often feel like a performance. Ailee added, "For me, it felt a bit foreign, so when we went ring shopping, I just said, 'I want this one.'" 

Joo then inquired about their pet names, to which Ailee revealed, "I saw an official statement where he said he would take good care of 'Princess Ye-jin,' which was quite surprising!" 

Ailee recounted how they met through a friend, initially without any romantic interest. They later attended a concert together, where she noticed his tall stature and broad shoulders. Their relationship began to blossom when they attended a g.o.d concert, where Ailee felt cold and he offered her his jacket. As they shared the jacket, their hands touched, leading to a moment where she didn't want to pull away, marking the start of their relationship. Joo humorously remarked that they probably didn't hear any of the concert due to their distraction, to which Ailee joked about feeling hot and sweaty. 

Ailee Reveals Love Story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno

The beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee has sadly passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Her funeral is being held at the VIP room 1 of Ulsan Hospital. Survived by her spouse and two sons, the family is mourning deeply as they receive visitors at the funeral home.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that she had no known chronic illnesses, leading to a sudden passing.

Her agency, 범엔터테인먼트 (Bum Entertainment), expressed their sorrow through an official statement, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her."

They further honored her legacy, saying, "Lee Yoon-hee was a precious individual who contributed to popular culture for many years and was loved by many. Her absence is a significant loss for us all. She has touched audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm emotions through numerous works. We will cherish her memories and achievements and strive to honor her life and values."

Born in 1960, Lee Yoon-hee began her acting career in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). From 2007 onwards, she appeared in various films such as '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대' (The Drug King), '러브픽션' (Love Fiction), '7번방의 선물' (Miracle in Cell No. 7), '감기' (Flu), '더 킹' (The King), '특별시민' (Citizen Kane), and '보안관' (The Sheriff), as well as dramas like '자이언트' (Giant), '참 좋은 시절' (What’s So Wrong with Secretary Kim), '구해줘2' (Save Me 2), '블랙독' (Black Dog), '킹덤 시즌2' (Kingdom Season 2), '편의점 샛별이' (Convenience Store Saet-byul), and '모범택시' (Taxi Driver).

Last year, she was seen in Netflix's '선산' (The Silent Sea) and tvN's '세작, 매혹된 자들' (The Tale of Nokdu) in the roles of Kim Mu-sun and Choam Kim Je-nam, respectively.

Her funeral will take place on January 13 at 8 AM, with her final resting place at Ulsan Sky Park.

Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

Renowned actor Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her exceptional supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), she died unexpectedly on the morning of January 11, 2025, with no known chronic illnesses reported.

Bome Entertainment expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Lee Yoon-hee's untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences as she embarks on her final journey."

Born on January 28, 1960, Lee made her acting debut in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). She gained recognition in 2007 for her role as Elder Kang in the film '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), marking the beginning of her film career. Over the years, she appeared in notable films such as 'The King of Affection' (아부의 왕, 2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (극비수사, 2015), 'Citizen K' (특별시민, 2017), and 'Harodongseon' (하로동선, 2022).

In addition to her film work, Lee was a familiar face on television, featuring in dramas like 'Save Me 2' (구해줘2, 2019), 'Black Dog' (블랙독, 2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (편의점 샛별이, 2020), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시, 2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (십시일반, 2020), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (살인자의 쇼핑목록, 2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (도적, 칼의 소리, 2023), 'Seonsan' (선산, 2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (세작, 매혹된 자들, 2024).

Just last month, she signed an exclusive contract with Bome Entertainment and was set to continue her active career.

Her funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital (울산병원) with the burial scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park (울산하늘공원).

Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P to Speak Out in 'Squid Game 2' Interview

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