On February 11, former national speed skating representative Lee Sang-hwa took to her social media to share a candid update about her fitness journey. Accompanying her post, she wrote, "Muscle loss. Starting to exercise again," along with a photo of herself in workout attire at the gym. The mirror selfie showcased her commitment to staying active even after retirement, impressing fans with her dedication. Although she mentioned losing muscle, Lee still displayed a toned physique that caught the attention of many. 

Lee Sang-hwa, who formed a connection with Kangnam through SBS's 'Law of the Jungle,' married him in 2019. Last year, the couple shared their journey of preparing for parenthood by visiting a fertility clinic on their YouTube channel, 'Neighborhood Friend Kangnam.'

Former Speed Skater Lee Sang-hwa Shares Fitness Update

Recently, speculation has arisen regarding Choi Seung-hyun (최승현), known as TOP, potentially rejoining BIGBANG. Discussions on various online communities have highlighted that his name has appeared on BIGBANG's official YouTube account, where 'TOP' is listed. Fans are buzzing with excitement, asking, 'Is the full BIGBANG lineup coming back?' alongside the names of G-Dragon (지드래곤), Taeyang (태양), and Daesung (대성). 

Adding to the speculation, TOP's personal social media also features the name 'TOP,' reminiscent of his rapper persona from his BIGBANG days, which has delighted fans. This comes nearly two years after he officially announced his departure from the group. 

In 2016, TOP was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years, due to charges related to marijuana use. After his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment ended in 2022, he confirmed his exit from BIGBANG in 2023. 

Recently, TOP has been active on his personal social media, sharing a series of stylish profile photos showcasing various suit styles. Notably, these black-and-white images were revealed during an interview with domestic media last month, where he expressed his desire to continue acting. With his name appearing on both BIGBANG's official channel and his own social media, fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of his status. 

Additionally, TOP recently made an appearance as Thanos in the Netflix original series Squid Game Season 2.

빅뱅 탈퇴 2년만에 'TOP' 재합류? 최승현 SNS+빅뱅 공식계정 '눈길' (Oh!쎈 이슈)

TOP's Possible Return to BIGBANG Sparks Excitement Among Fans

On February 11, the Seoul Administrative Court accepted the Korea Football Association's (KFA) request to suspend the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's (MCST) demand for severe disciplinary action against its president, Chung Mong-kyu. The court's Administrative Division 5, presided over by Judge Kim Soon-yeol, ruled in favor of the KFA's request regarding the specific audit results and action demands from the MCST. As a result, the enforcement of the MCST's audit findings will be halted until 30 days after the final ruling in the main lawsuit. The court acknowledged the urgent need to prevent irreparable harm to the applicant, stating that it did not find significant public interest concerns that would arise from the suspension. In November of last year, the MCST announced the results of its audit, recommending severe penalties, including suspension of qualifications, for Chung and other key figures. The KFA contested this decision and filed a lawsuit on January 21, seeking to annul the MCST's ruling and requesting a suspension of its enforcement. With the KFA deferring any judgment on Chung's disciplinary status until the court's final decision, he has declared his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for this month. According to KFA regulations, individuals who receive severe disciplinary actions, such as suspension, are ineligible to serve as KFA executives. The KFA presidential election is set to take place on February 26, having been postponed twice from its original date of February 8 due to a request for an injunction against the election by former national team coach Huh Jung-moo and the resignation of all members of the election committee.

법원, 문체부 ‘정몽규 축구협회장 징계’ 집행정지...오는 선거서 4선 도전

Court Grants Suspension of Disciplinary Action Against KFA President Chung Mong-kyu

Comedian Park Na-rae has achieved the remarkable feat of ranking first in the non-drama cast popularity index for the first week of February, according to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex, with a share of 1.39%. Currently, she showcases her unique charm and fearless antics on MBC's shows, including 나 혼자 산다 (I Live Alone) and 구해줘! 홈즈 (Home Alone!). Her talent was further recognized when she won the Best Female Reality Star award at the 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards, solidifying her status as a leading comedian.

In the February 7 episode of 나 혼자 산다, Park Na-rae shared a festive celebration with singer Park Ji-hyun, displaying their delightful chemistry as 'real Mokpo siblings.' The episode featured Park Na-rae preparing a lavish 12-course meal for Park Ji-hyun, who reciprocated with custom shoes and concert tickets, creating heartwarming moments. They also engaged in an entertaining game of Go-Stop, bringing laughter to viewers.

Beyond television, Park Na-rae is thriving as a YouTuber. Her healing cooking talk show, 나래식 (Narae's Kitchen), which launched last year, has become a hit, showcasing her impressive culinary skills and the delightful chemistry with her star-studded guests. The show has amassed over 32 million views and surpassed 200,000 subscribers, reflecting its immense popularity.

Looking ahead, Park Na-rae is set to debut in the original U+ Mobile TV variety show 내편하자4 (Let's Be Friends 4) on February 17, where she will join Han Hye-jin, Pungja, and Um Ji-yoon for an even more thrilling talk show experience.

박나래, '나혼산'·'나래식' 쌍끌이 통했다...예능 출연자 화제성 1위

Comedian Park Na-rae Claims Top Spot in Popularity Rankings

On February 11, 2025, EXO member Kai made his much-anticipated return with his first live stream titled 'KAI: Happily Ever After' on the online channel 'EXO'. As he descended the stairs holding a bouquet of flowers, he captured the attention of fans, affectionately calling out to his fandom, EXO-L, and checking in on them.

Reflecting on his time in the military, Kai shared, "Being in the army helped me understand your feelings better. I didn't realize it before, but now I've taken the red pill," adding humorously, "I also dislike Mondays."

He also revealed a personal change, stating, "I've changed in another way. I used to only drink lattes, but now I can't start my mornings without an iced Americano. I apologize to the fans who love lattes for the pressure they felt from me, and I’m trying to cut out milk."

This live broadcast was a special opportunity for Kai to reconnect with fans after a long time, featuring segments that showcased his budding variety show skills, DIY gifts filled with fan love, and a dance challenge for 2024 that highlighted his status as a 'world-class performer'.

Kai has gained global popularity through his work with EXO and has also made a name for himself as a solo artist with hits like 'Mmmh', 'Peaches', and 'Rover', showcasing his performance strengths. His future activities are highly anticipated.

After enlisting in the army in May 2023 and completing basic military training, Kai served as a social service agent and returned to the public on February 10, 2025.

'전역 후 첫 라이브' 카이, 깜짝 고백 "군대에서 취향 바뀌어, 강경 OO파였는데..." ('EXO')

EXO's Kai Holds First Live Stream After Military Service

Dr. Na Jong-ho, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University, spoke out regarding the tragic murder of 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul by a teacher in Daejeon. He emphasized that 'the crime lies with the perpetrator, not with depression.' In a Facebook post titled 'Depression is Not a Crime,' Dr. Na, who graduated from Seoul National University and has appeared on the tvN show 'You Quiz on the Block,' expressed concern over the media's focus on the teacher's history of depression during this sensitive time. He stated that such coverage could reinforce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, potentially deterring those in need from seeking help, which could worsen South Korea's mental health crisis. Dr. Na highlighted that the treatment rate for depression in South Korea remains alarmingly low at just 10%, meaning that 9 out of 10 individuals do not receive adequate care.

As a father of a daughter the same age as the victim, Dr. Na described the incident as heart-wrenching and expressed his condolences to the victim's family, hoping they receive the support they need. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of depression patients in South Korea rose from 691,164 in 2017 to 933,481 in 2021, a 35.1% increase. However, the treatment rate remains the lowest among OECD countries, with only 11% of individuals receiving care compared to 66% in the United States. Experts attribute this low rate to the negative perception of mental health treatment and the belief that individuals should overcome depression on their own.

On February 10, Kim Ha-neul was found fatally injured in a school audiovisual room, having been stabbed. The police responded to a report of a missing child and discovered her unconscious in a storage area. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she did not survive. The teacher, identified as A (48), was also found injured and later confessed to the attack, indicating that she had intended to harm students indiscriminately. A knife was recovered from the scene, and it was revealed that the teacher had purchased it with the intent to commit the crime and take her own life.

‘유퀴즈’ 정신과 교수 “우울증은 죄 없어…가해자 죗값 치러야”

Yale Professor Addresses Mental Health Stigma After Tragic School Incident

Kim Ri-eul, the renowned hanbok designer known for her work with BTS (방탄소년단), has tragically passed away at the age of 32. According to reports from Yonhap News on February 12, the Namwon police in Jeollabuk-do received a report of her death at an apartment on February 11 at around 9 PM, and they are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Kim first gained attention in 2016 when she introduced modern suits made from traditional hanbok fabric. She later established her own hanbok suit brand, Ri-eul. Her designs garnered significant acclaim, particularly when BTS wore her hanbok suits during their performance of the hit song 'IDOL' in 2020. The group also showcased her creations during their appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or other difficult issues, please reach out for help. You can contact suicide prevention hotlines for 24/7 professional counseling.

BTS Hanbok Designer Kim Ri-eul Passes Away at 32

The K-pop girl group IVE has expressed their condolences by sending a wreath to the funeral of 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul, who tragically lost her life at the hands of a female teacher in Daejeon. It has been reported that Kim was a devoted fan of IVE. On February 12, IVE's agency confirmed that they sent the wreath to Kim's funeral at the Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon the previous day.

In a media interview, Kim's father shared that her dream was to meet Jang Won-young, a member of IVE. He recalled how Kim had asked for a photo card of Jang as a birthday gift and would stay up late to watch any program featuring her. He expressed a heartfelt request for IVE representatives to send a warm message to his daughter as she embarks on her final journey.

Upon learning of Kim's father's interview, IVE promptly sent a photo card along with the wreath to convey their sympathies.

Meanwhile, the teacher involved, referred to as A, had taken a leave of absence due to mental health issues in early December last year but returned to work less than a month later, presenting a doctor's note stating she was fit to resume her duties. However, on February 6, she exhibited violent behavior by injuring a colleague who was checking on her.

On the day of the incident, February 10, the Daejeon City Office of Education sent an inspector to the school to investigate and recommended that A be separated from the students. Unfortunately, this recommendation was not acted upon. Later that day, A lured Kim out of her classroom and fatally attacked her in an audiovisual room.

After the incident, A inflicted self-harm and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. Authorities plan to arrest her once she recovers to investigate the motives behind her actions, and they are also considering the public disclosure of her personal information.

K-pop Group IVE Sends Condolences to Family of Young Fan

K-pop superstar G-DRAGON is set to host his long-awaited world tour concerts in Korea this March. The presenting partner, Coupang Play, announced on February 11 that the 'G-DRAGON 2025 World Tour 'Webermanche' in Korea' will take place on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

This concert marks G-DRAGON's first solo performance in eight years since his last world tour in 2017. Fans can expect a vibrant setlist featuring new tracks such as 'HOME SWEET HOME' and 'PO￦ER', along with songs from his third studio album, including 'TOO BAD', 'DRAMA', 'IBELONGIIU', 'TAKE ME', 'BONAMANA', and 'GYRO-DROP'.

Ticket sales will begin with a pre-sale for G-DRAGON's fan club on February 26 at 8 PM, followed by general sales on February 27 at 8 PM. Tickets for the 'G-DRAGON 2025 World Tour 'Webermanche' in Korea' will be available exclusively through the Coupang Play mobile app. More details regarding ticket purchases and the concert will be revealed on February 14.

G-DRAGON previously set a record during his second world tour in 2017, performing 36 concerts and attracting around 650,000 fans, making it the largest tour by a K-pop solo artist to date. Last year, he also garnered attention for his upgraded performances at award shows and fellow BIGBANG member Taeyang's concert. Fans are eager to see if G-DRAGON will break new records with his unique performances and stage presence during this upcoming tour.

G-DRAGON to Hold World Tour Concerts in Korea This March

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.

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

On the February 11 episode of MBN's music variety show, 'Current King of Masked Singers 2' (현역가왕2), singer No Ji-hoon captivated audiences with a touching tribute to his sisters following a heartfelt revelation about his family history. 

During the semifinals, No Ji-hoon chose to perform 'Irreversible Time' (돌릴 수 없는 세월) by Jo Hang-jo, explaining in an interview with the production team that the lyrics felt like a letter to his sisters. He shared, "After losing our parents just two weeks apart when I was young, I relied on my sisters to get through those tough times. Looking back, they were only 20 and 21 years old at the time, living in a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) and working to support us."

He expressed gratitude for their sacrifices, stating, "It must have been a difficult decision for them, but their dedication and selflessness have brought me to where I am today." As he passionately sang Jo Hang-jo's song, he occasionally paused to regain his composure, showcasing his genuine emotions.

Viewers were moved by his performance, with fellow judge Yoon Myung-sun advising him, "Let yourself cry at least once. Don’t hold back. No Ji-hoon is a ballad singer at heart." Another judge, Jang Young-ran, praised his authenticity, saying, "Today, you showed a sincere side of yourself. Previously, I thought of you as just handsome, but today was truly beautiful, and your emotions were conveyed perfectly."

Former Speed Skater Lee Sang-hwa Shares Fitness Update

What do you think?

Trending

BTS Hanbok Designer Kim Ri-eul Passes Away at 32

K-pop Group IVE Sends Condolences to Family of Young Fan

G-DRAGON to Hold World Tour Concerts in Korea This March

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

Singer No Ji-hoon Dedicates Heartfelt Performance to His Sisters

More

TOP's Possible Return to BIGBANG Sparks Excitement Among Fans

Court Grants Suspension of Disciplinary Action Against KFA President Chung Mong-kyu

Comedian Park Na-rae Claims Top Spot in Popularity Rankings

EXO's Kai Holds First Live Stream After Military Service

Yale Professor Addresses Mental Health Stigma After Tragic School Incident

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea