Park Young-soo (박영수), a former special prosecutor involved in the 'Daejang-dong 50 Billion Club' scandal, has been sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 500 million won for allegedly receiving large sums of money from private contractors. The court revoked his bail today, leading to his immediate re-arrest.

Park appeared at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, for the first-instance ruling related to the Daejang-dong case.

Former Special Prosecutor Park Young-soo Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

On the February 13 episode of SBS Plus's I Am SOLO, Love Continues (나는 SOLO, 그 후 사랑은 계속된다), viewers were captivated by the daily life of Sunja from the 22nd season. After finishing her night shift, Sunja returned home to wash dishes and prepare breakfast for her two sons, showcasing her dedication to parenting despite her lack of sleep. 

Sunja expressed her newfound happiness since appearing on the show, stating, "I feel much happier than before. It's like coming out of a cave when people recognize me on the street. Just that feeling is refreshing." She also shared that she currently lives in an apartment after moving from a newly built villa due to safety concerns for her children on their way to school. 

Previously, Sunja had admitted to drinking daily, but when asked if she still drinks, she replied, "I haven't had any alcohol in a while. I used to drink to fall asleep quickly during my three months at the academy, but now I have other responsibilities, so I don't seek it out anymore." 

Her commitment to parenting, often going over 20 hours without sleep, left her fellow cast members in shock. Kyungri expressed concern, asking, "Can't you just sleep?" while Bomi empathized, saying, "Watching her is exhausting. Just three days of that and she'd need an IV." 

Sunja revealed that her sleep patterns differ between weekdays and weekends, leading her to take sleep aids due to poor sleep quality. Defconn remarked on her schedule, saying, "It's almost like an idol's schedule!" Kyungri, a former member of Nine Muses, added, "I was an idol too, but I've never lived a life like that," reflecting on the challenges Sunja faces.

'나인뮤지스 출신' 경리, 22기 순자 근황에 씁쓸 "아이돌이어도 저렇게 안 살아" ('나솔사계')

Defconn, Kyungri, and Bomi React to Sunja's Busy Life on 'I Am SOLO, Love Continues'

The popular program ‘더 트롯쇼’ (The Trot Show) is set to make its way to Japan. On March 10, 2025, the special event ‘더 트롯쇼 IN JAPAN’ will take place at the Grand Cube in Osaka, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. There will be two performances at 2 PM and 7 PM, featuring the same lineup but with different arrangements, generating high anticipation among local fans.

This special edition of ‘The Trot Show IN JAPAN’ is produced by the team behind Korea's first trot chart program, along with the ‘트롯뮤직어워즈 2024’ (Trot Music Awards 2024) and ‘SBS 트롯대전’ (SBS Trot Competition). The event aims to enhance cultural exchange between Korea and Japan, showcasing a festival that transcends K-POP to include both trot and J-POP, appealing to audiences of all ages.

The performances will feature prominent representatives from both Korean trot and Japanese J-POP, creating a stage for musical interaction and unity with fans. Attendees can expect a variety of performances from trot artists, collaborative stages between K-trot and J-POP, and a grand finale featuring beloved songs from both countries.

A stellar lineup of 12 Korean trot artists will perform, including the ‘powerful vocalist’ 금잔디 (Geum Jandi), ‘versatile entertainer’ 김희재 (Kim Hee-jae), ‘trot powerhouse’ 박구윤 (Park Gu-yoon), ‘vibrant voice’ 박지현 (Park Ji-hyun), ‘multi-talented’ 손태진 (Son Tae-jin), ‘trot queen’ 송가인 (Song Ga-in), ‘silky voice’ 송민준 (Song Min-jun), ‘gentle emotion’ 안성훈 (Ahn Seong-hoon), ‘trot legend’ 진성 (Jin Seong), ‘milk boy’ 최수호 (Choi Soo-ho), ‘trot Barbie’ 홍지윤 (Hong Ji-yoon), and ‘trot beast idol’ 황윤성 (Hwang Yoon-seong). Japanese artists include the ‘black singing king’ 마츠자키 시게루 (Matsuzaki Shigeru) and the ‘skilled singer connecting both nations’ 우타고코로 리에 (Utago Koro Rie), who will also engage with fans.

These artists are diligently preparing to deliver a high-quality performance, featuring stunning visuals and engaging interactions that express their love for global fans.

송가인-김희재-손태진-진성 출연..‘더 트롯쇼 IN JAPAN’, 3월 10일 오사카 개최

The Trot Show to Celebrate 60 Years of Korea-Japan Relations

Actress Park Han-byeol is gearing up for her return to the entertainment industry. On February 12, she uploaded a video titled '[Various Things] A Promising Start to 2025 Filled with Good Things / Bonus Airwrap Tips' on her YouTube channel. In the video, Park shared her journey from Jeju Island to Seoul, expressing her excitement about frequently traveling to the city after signing with a new agency. She showcased her enthusiasm for decorating her new home in Seoul.

Following this, Park Han-byeol mentioned that she has begun scheduling meetings for drama projects. "I've heard that short-form dramas are quite popular these days, with episodes lasting just one minute, making them easy to watch quickly. It's been six years since I last acted, so I feel a mix of anticipation and nervousness. I wonder if I'll forget everything and feel like a rookie again when I get on set," she shared.

Park Han-byeol stepped back from her career in 2019 after her husband, Yoo In-seok, was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal alongside former BIGBANG member Seungri. Yoo was charged with soliciting prostitution, facilitating sex trafficking, and embezzling company funds, leading to a sentence of one year and eight months in prison, suspended for three years.

Since then, Park has distanced herself from the entertainment scene, even opening a café in Jeju. However, she announced her comeback by signing an exclusive contract with Chan Entertainment on December 19 of last year.

박한별, '승리 절친' 남편 버닝썬 논란 6년만 복귀 "드라마 미팅"[SC이슈]

Park Han-byeol Prepares for Comeback After Hiatus

On the February 13 episode of MBC's Home Alone! (구해줘! 홈즈), DinDin shared a nostalgic moment by mentioning Jang Won-young, a fellow alum from his elementary school. The episode featured a special segment on apartments in Dongbu Ichon-dong, following previous segments on Daechi-dong, Apgujeong-dong, and Jamsil-dong. 

As a local of Ichon-dong, DinDin explored the area with his companions, Yoo Joon-wan and Yang Se-chan. While walking along Ichon-ro, he pointed out an apartment, saying, "This is where Haha used to live. He lived on the first floor, and his mother would take me out for meals." 

DinDin recounted fond memories of playing in the playground, where Haha's mother would come and say, "Is that Haha? He used to hang out just like you guys!" He even mentioned that they became close enough for her to lend him money for karaoke outings. 

Later, the trio visited DinDin's favorite snack shop, which started as a cart run by an elderly woman and has now grown into a successful business. DinDin noted, "Won-young also comes here with her mom to eat," highlighting their shared roots in the neighborhood.

장원영, 딘딘과 같은 초등학교 출신..."부촌 금수저였다" (‘홈즈’) [순간포착]

DinDin Mentions Jang Won-young on MBC's Home Alone!

On the evening of February 12, 2025, YG Entertainment announced that actress Son Na-eun has fallen victim to a phone hacking incident. The agency revealed that the hacker illegally accessed her personal data and demanded money in exchange for not disclosing the information. In an effort to protect her family and friends from harm, Son Na-eun initially complied with the hacker's demands. However, the situation escalated as the hacker continued to threaten her for additional funds, even reaching out to her family members, causing significant emotional distress. YG Entertainment emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that both Son Na-eun and her family are suffering greatly due to the harassment. The police are currently conducting a formal investigation into the hacking incident, while YG Entertainment has vowed to take strong legal action against any criminal activities related to privacy invasion and extortion. Son Na-eun's team has also requested that the media refrain from reporting unverified information as the investigation unfolds. The public is now watching closely to see if the authorities can apprehend the perpetrator and prevent further harm to Son Na-eun and her loved ones.

손나은, 해킹 피해 어쩌나...가해자 추가 금전 요구까지 "경찰 정식 수사" [종합](공식)

Son Na-eun's Phone Hacked, Family Targeted by Extortionist

K-pop supergroup aespa has been awarded the Group of the Year title at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 event. Announced on February 12, 2025, aespa's recognition comes as a result of their groundbreaking musical achievements and global influence. The group made waves last year with three consecutive mega-hits: 'Supernova' (슈퍼노바), 'Armageddon' (아마겟돈), and 'Whiplash' (위플래시), solidifying their status in the music industry.

The Billboard Women in Music ceremony honors women who are pioneering innovation and change in the music industry. This year, alongside aespa, notable artists such as Tyla, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Meghan Trainor, and Muni Long will also be recognized.

The event is set to take place on March 29, 2025, at the YouTube Theater in Hollywood Park, Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live. aespa is expected to attend the ceremony to express their gratitude and perform.

In addition to this accolade, aespa is currently on their second world tour, '2024-25 aespa LIVE TOUR - SYNK: PARALLEL LINE,' which includes stops in major cities across North America and Europe.

aespa Wins Group of the Year at Billboard's Women in Music 2025

On February 10, a tragic incident occurred in Daejeon when a 40-year-old teacher wielded a knife, resulting in the death of 8-year-old elementary student Kim Ha-neul. According to Kim's father, she was a devoted fan of Jang Won-young from the K-pop group IVE, often staying up late to watch her broadcasts and asking for photo cards. In response to the heartbreaking news, IVE sent a wreath and photo cards to Kim's funeral to express their condolences.

Following this, Kim's father met with reporters on February 12, requesting that Jang Won-young visit the funeral. He shared, "Ha-neul had asked me to make sure she could attend an IVE concert in Daejeon. Her dream was to meet Jang Won-young. I know she is busy, but if possible, I would appreciate it if she could come to see Ha-neul."

This request sparked a heated debate online, with many netizens urging Jang Won-young to pay her respects, while others questioned why she should be obligated to attend. Comments ranged from supportive pleas to criticisms suggesting that sending condolences through the wreath was sufficient. Some argued that if Jang Won-young were to visit, it could lead to further controversies about who she chooses to visit in the future.

In light of the backlash, Kim's father clarified, "My request for Jang Won-young to visit was not a demand but a heartfelt plea. I just wanted to show my daughter the person she admired so much, and it’s painful to see some people speak carelessly about it."

Tragic Incident Leads to Calls for IVE's Jang Won-young to Attend Funeral

Actress 김민희 is reportedly pregnant with the child of director 홍상수, with whom she has been in a relationship for over nine years. As the 75th Berlin International Film Festival kicks off today, there is heightened interest in whether the couple will attend together. The festival runs from February 13 to 23 in Berlin, Germany, where 홍상수's latest film, '그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니' (What Does the Nature Say to You), has been officially invited to compete in the feature film category.

The film features actors 하성국, 권해효, and 조윤희, all of whom have previously collaborated with 홍상수. 김민희 also took on the role of production manager for this project. The narrative revolves around a thirty-something poet named 동화 who unexpectedly visits his lover 준희's home, leading to a series of events.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that 홍상수 has been invited to the Berlin Film Festival, following previous films such as '도망친 여자' (The Woman Who Ran), '인트로덕션' (Introduction), '소설가의 영화' (The Novelist's Film), '물안에서' (In the Water), and '여행자의 필요' (The Need for Travel).

홍상수 has received multiple accolades at the festival, including the Silver Bear for Best Actress for '밤의 해변에서 혼자' (Alone on the Night's Beach) at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival, the Silver Bear for Best Director for '도망친 여자' at the 70th festival, and the Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for '인트로덕션' at the 71st festival, among others.

With the recent news of 김민희's pregnancy, expected to result in a spring birth, many are curious if the couple will be seen together at this year's festival.

The relationship between 홍상수 and 김민희 began in 2015 during the filming of '지금은 맞고 그때는 틀리다' (Right Now, Wrong Then). 홍상수 has been in the process of divorce from his wife of 30 years, who has shown resistance to the divorce proceedings, indicating her desire to maintain their family. Despite the ongoing legal battles, 홍상수 and 김민희 have continued their relationship, which has now taken a significant turn with the announcement of her pregnancy.

Kim Min-hee Pregnant with Hong Sang-soo's Child Ahead of Berlin Film Festival

The K-pop group TWS (투어스) has been recognized as one of the essential emerging artists to watch in the global music scene for 2025, according to the renowned British music publication NME. On February 12, NME unveiled its annual list, 'The NME 100: essential emerging artists for 2025,' which highlights 100 promising new artists from around the world. TWS, consisting of members 신유, 도훈, 영재, 한진, 지훈, and 경민, is the only K-pop boy group featured on this year's list.

NME praised TWS for their unique approach, stating, "While K-pop boy groups are often known for grand concepts and intense songs, TWS takes a more realistic look at today's youth." The publication further noted that their heartfelt and charming sound, which resonated with Korean audiences in 2024, is likely to captivate listeners worldwide soon.

Since their debut last year, TWS has garnered significant attention for their refreshing melodies and lyrics that evoke the essence of youth. Their debut track, '첫 만남은 계획대로 되지 않아' (Our First Meeting Didn't Go as Planned), topped the 2024 Melon annual chart, and the group has achieved a total of 13 awards, including seven rookie awards at major ceremonies.

International media has also spotlighted TWS, with their music being recognized as some of the best K-pop of 2024 by outlets like NME, Billboard, and Dazed. The American music publication Consequence named TWS as the 'Breakout Act of the Year' last year, highlighting their role as representatives of the next generation of K-pop.

Building on their rising global popularity, TWS will hold their first fan meeting, '2025 TWS 1ST FANMEETING '42:CLUB' IN SEOUL,' from February 14 to 16 at the Handball Stadium in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. The group demonstrated their strong ticketing power by selling out all three sessions in record time during pre-sales.

TWS Named One of NME's Essential Emerging Artists for 2025

Global artist Jennie (제니) has been recognized in the prestigious 'Billboard Women in Music 2025' awards, where she will receive the Global Force Award. Announced on February 12, 2025, by Billboard, the award honors Jennie's explosive global influence since her solo debut. The 'Billboard Women in Music' event celebrates outstanding female artists, creators, producers, and executives who have made significant impacts in the music industry over the past year. Jennie shares this honor with renowned artists such as Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, and Tyla.

Jennie's successful solo career was marked by her single 'Mantra' (만트라), which made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks following its release in October 2024. Her latest single, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' (러브 행오버), recently debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new personal best.

Looking ahead, Jennie is set to release her first full-length solo album, 'Ruby' (루비), on March 7, 2025. She is also generating excitement with the pre-release of the music video for 'ZEN' (젠) and the single 'Love Hangover' (러브 행오버).

The 'Billboard Women in Music 2025' ceremony will take place on March 29, 2025, at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.

Former Special Prosecutor Park Young-soo Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

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aespa Wins Group of the Year at Billboard's Women in Music 2025

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TWS Named One of NME's Essential Emerging Artists for 2025

Jennie Wins Global Force Award at Billboard Women in Music 2025

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Defconn, Kyungri, and Bomi React to Sunja's Busy Life on 'I Am SOLO, Love Continues'

The Trot Show to Celebrate 60 Years of Korea-Japan Relations

Park Han-byeol Prepares for Comeback After Hiatus

DinDin Mentions Jang Won-young on MBC's Home Alone!

Son Na-eun's Phone Hacked, Family Targeted by Extortionist

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