In a recent episode of MBC's variety show Good Day (굿데이), the members of the 88 group gathered together, leading to a nostalgic moment when G-Dragon (지드래곤) commented on the current state of Big Bang (빅뱅), which now consists of only three members. 

The episode aired on February 23, 2025, and embraced a 'I Am Solo' theme, prompting the members to adopt playful names: G-Dragon became 영철, Kim Soo-hyun (김수현) was named 영수, Im Si-wan (임시완) took on 영자, Lee Soo-hyuk (이수혁) became 영호, Jung Hae-in (정해인) was called 옥순, and Kwanghee (광희) was referred to as 광수가. 

When G-Dragon arrived, the group expressed their surprise at being able to gather in one frame, especially Kwanghee, who had not seen G-Dragon in a long time, leading to a heartfelt reunion. 

Im Si-wan shared, "I recently saw Ji-yong on a variety show, and honestly, I didn't know he was so flexible," to which G-Dragon responded, "I used to do breakdancing and gymnastics when I was younger." 

Kwanghee reminisced about their music show days with G-Dragon, prompting G-Dragon to ask about the number of members in the group that Im Si-wan and Kwanghee were part of, ZE:A (제국의 아이들). Kwanghee expressed his desire to form a trio for vocal practice. 

In a surprising twist, G-Dragon remarked, "We didn't want to be a trio; it just happened that Big Bang went from five members to three," referencing the current lineup of the iconic group, which left everyone in stitches.

G-Dragon Reflects on Big Bang's Current Lineup During 'Good Day' Reunion

In the upcoming episode of TV CHOSUN's '식객 허영만의 백반기행' (Baekban Gihang), airing at 8:50 PM on February 23, actress Fujii Mina will continue her journey exploring the hidden gems of Tokushima, Japan. With over 20 years of acting experience across Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, Fujii Mina's unwavering passion for her craft shines through. She has taken on a variety of roles, including a nun, investigator, and genius analyst, expressing her enthusiasm by stating, 'Acting is still fun, and it’s my dream.' Previously, she revealed her admiration for Korean star Bae Yong-joon, which led her to take up Korean as a hobby and actively participate in various Korean television programs.

During the show, host Heo Young-man inquires about her parents' thoughts on her activities in Korea. Mina shares that her parents enjoy watching Korean dramas and provide her with unconditional support, regardless of where she works. She also expresses deep respect for her father, stating, 'I may not express it often, but I truly admire him.' 

The episode features Fujii Mina and Heo Young-man visiting Ryozenji Temple, the starting point of a 1,400 km Buddhist pilgrimage. While exploring the temple with other pilgrims, they decide to draw their fortunes for the year, leading to a humorous moment when one of them is disappointed with the result and ties the fortune paper to a tree. Their fortune results will be revealed during the broadcast. Following this, they visit an indoor fishing venue where Mina, a novice, competes against fishing veteran Heo Young-man in a sea bream fishing contest. Throughout the journey, Fujii Mina's bright and charming personality, along with the diverse travel experiences, promises to deliver an entertaining episode.

'박수진♥' 배용준에 반한 후지이 미나 "표현 못 하지만 깊이 존경"('백반기행')

Fujii Mina Shares Her Passion for Acting on 'Baekban Gihang'

In the latest episode of MBC Every1 and MBN's 'Are You Grown Up Yet?' airing today, February 22, Shin Jeong-yoon, who has been receiving constant marriage advice, visits a matchmaking agency. Accompanied by fellow 'D.K.N.I (Single Elderly)' family members, actors Kim Kwang-young and Park Jun-hyuk, Shin expresses her curiosity about how she would be evaluated in the marriage market. 

As she begins to fill out her profile, Shin is faced with detailed questions ranging from living arrangements with her parents to her financial status and the qualities she seeks in a partner. She candidly shares her current assets and reveals that her top priority in a partner is personality, followed by appearance, while profession is not a significant factor for her. 

During the counseling session, she learns that she ranks highly in personality and looks, but is taken aback by her overall rating, which considers her financial situation, the instability of her acting career, and her current living situation as a 'kangaroo kid' (an adult living with parents). The harsh realities of the marriage market leave the MCs speechless. 

Later, Shin opens up to her mother, who is eager for her to marry, stating that marriage feels like an unsolvable problem that she needs to contemplate. In response to Shin's heartfelt reflections, MC Hong Jin-kyung suggests, 'Isn't it okay to live happily with family without getting married? There's no guarantee that marriage will lead to happiness.' 

'Are You Grown Up Yet?' airs every Saturday at 8:20 PM on MBC Every1 and MBN.

'40세 미혼' 신정윤 "재산→직업 불안정" 결혼정보회사서 굴욕..충격 등급(다컸는데)

Shin Jeong-yoon Seeks Marriage Counseling on 'Are You Grown Up Yet?'

Choi Jun-hee, the daughter of the late actress 최진실, has recently provided an update on her ongoing health battles. On February 21, she uploaded a video titled "Do You Want to Spend the Day with Me? Seongsu Popup / Daily Mirror / Diet / Night Routine / Working Bunny Owner" on her YouTube channel '준희'. In the video, she documented a day out with her boyfriend, enjoying a popup event and a café visit before heading to her office to work and then returning home.

For dinner, Choi Jun-hee prepared a diet meal consisting of stir-fried cabbage, tomatoes, and chicken breast. She expressed her determination, stating, "With the runway just a few days away, I want to make sure I look my best."

After her meal, she took her medication and lamented, "This annoying lupus... Everyone, please take care of your health, day and night." Choi Jun-hee has previously revealed that her battle with lupus caused her weight to rise to 96 kg, but through consistent treatment and dieting, she has managed to lose 49 kg, bringing her down to 47 kg.

Additionally, she raised concerns last August when she disclosed that during her lupus treatment, she had been taking 24 steroid pills and receiving high doses of injections. She also mentioned being diagnosed with stage 3 avascular necrosis of the pelvis as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis.

On the same day, she shared a photo on her social media in workout clothes, pleading, "Pelvis, please hold on today, please, please, please..." 

Choi Jun-hee, who initially signed with an agency to pursue acting, has since terminated her contract and is now focusing on her career as an influencer and entrepreneur.

'故최진실 딸' 최준희 "지긋지긋한 루푸스"→'괴사' 골반 "제발 버텨줘" 간절

Choi Jun-hee Shares Update on Her Health Struggles

On February 23, actress Go Hyun-jung shared several stunning photos on her personal account, radiating charisma and elegance. In her post, she expressed her gratitude, stating, "Working with Tiffany for Vogue was, as always, a collaboration with the best talents in a dignified setting. I hope we can support each other and meet again this year. Thank you all!" 

Previously, Go Hyun-jung starred in the drama 'Namib' and faced health challenges that required major surgery before returning to the set of 'Mantis.' However, she has announced her recovery and is set to resume her activities, much to the delight of her fans.

Meanwhile, 'Mantis' (사마귀), starring Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon, is directed by Byun Young-joo and written by Lee Young-jong. The story revolves around a woman who was imprisoned years ago for being a serial killer, only to find that someone is now mimicking her crimes. The drama is scheduled to air on SBS in July.

큰 수술 후..그래 이게 고현정이지! 부티좔좔 독보적인 '고혹美'

Go Hyun-jung Showcases Unmatched Elegance in Recent Photoshoot

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra recently hosted a K-Pop concert titled 'SM Classics Live' on February 14 and 15 at the Seoul Arts Center and Lotte Concert Hall, respectively. This event featured orchestral arrangements of popular hits from SM Entertainment, including Red Velvet's 'Red Flavor', EXO's 'Growl', and Girls' Generation's 'Into the New World'. This marked the first time the Seoul Philharmonic performed a concert exclusively featuring K-Pop music, with the second day’s performance, featuring Red Velvet's Wendy, selling out quickly.

The concert opened with Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1', adding a grand touch to 'Into the New World'. 'Growl' began with the iconic opening melody from Beethoven's 'Symphony No. 5', transforming into a chorus reminiscent of a march. Experiencing the lively and vibrant K-Pop music through the rich harmonies and colors of an orchestral performance provided a unique enjoyment. This musical endeavor, which crosses genres, is referred to as 'crossover'. But how exactly does crossover happen?

The Fusion of Rock Bands and Orchestras

It is a common misconception that orchestras only perform classical music such as symphonies or concertos. However, orchestras also play a significant role in popular music, including light music and classic pop standards. A pivotal moment in the history of crossover occurred in 1969 when the British rock band Deep Purple collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This groundbreaking performance is still celebrated in rock history due to the unexpected combination of a hard-hitting rock band with an orchestra.

Their live album was titled 'Concerto for Group and Orchestra', named after a concerto composed by Deep Purple's keyboardist Jon Lord. This piece, lasting over 50 minutes, follows the traditional three-movement structure of classical concertos. Deep Purple returned to the Royal Albert Hall in 1999 to perform the same piece with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Since the collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic, many orchestras have partnered with rock bands. In 1999, the San Francisco Symphony performed with the heavy metal band Metallica, resulting in a concert titled 'S&M', which stands for Symphony and Metallica. The concert began with the theme from the Clint Eastwood film 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly', followed by a series of Metallica's greatest hits. There was considerable curiosity and concern about how Metallica's aggressive sound would mesh with an orchestra, but the arrangement and conducting by renowned composer Michael Kamen received widespread acclaim. Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony reunited for 'S&M2' in 2019.

The Berlin Philharmonic also released an album titled 'Moment of Glory' in 2000, featuring a collaboration with the German rock band Scorpions. Their song 'Wind of Change', inspired by their experience at the 1989 Moscow Music Peace Festival, became an anthem for the liberation movements in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Berlin Philharmonic and Scorpions performed together again at the 2000 World Expo in Hanover, Germany.

From Film Scores to Video Game Music

Orchestras have also made their mark in film music. Russian composers like Prokofiev and Shostakovich were not only exceptional classical composers but also excelled in film scoring. Many composers fled to the United States during the rise of the Nazis and World War II, continuing their work in film music. One of the most recognizable orchestral film scores is from the 1977 movie 'Star Wars', composed by John Williams. The iconic theme that begins with the subtitle 'A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away' and the 'Imperial March' associated with Darth Vader are both part of this score, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra under Williams' direction. Williams has also conducted the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic, showcasing his film scores from 'Star Wars', 'Jaws', 'E.T.', 'Indiana Jones', and 'Harry Potter'. Music columnist Yoo Jung-woo noted that "John Williams' film scores are transcending the realm of popular music and entering the domain of classical music."

Since 1935, the London Symphony Orchestra has participated in over 200 film scores. Recently, the crossover has expanded beyond film and television to include video game music. In this context, Korea is beginning to open up new avenues for crossover projects. There is hope that K-Pop music will reach a wider audience through more orchestral performances worldwide.

[신문은 선생님] [클래식 따라잡기] K팝과 오케스트라의 만남… 장르 넘나드는 ‘크로스오버’

Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Blends K-Pop with Classical Music

On February 23, V from BTS (방탄소년단) took to his social media to announce his well-being during military service. He wrote, "I’m here to report my survival, Sergeant Kim. D-17. The harsh winter is passing, and I will prepare healthily to meet you in the warm spring." Along with his message, he shared several photos showcasing his life in the military. 

In the images, V is seen in his military uniform, enjoying his leave while holding a bouquet at an exhibition and relaxing casually in the streets. His neatly fitted uniform, shorter hairstyle, and noticeable muscle gain reflect his everyday life. 

Additionally, V spent time with his close friend, singer Park Hyo-shin, capturing joyful moments together in a series of four photos. His commitment to fitness during his service is also evident, as he has transformed into a more muscular version of himself. 

V enlisted in December 2023 and is currently serving in the Military Police Special Operations Unit, with his discharge scheduled for June 2025.

BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

Director Hong Sang-soo, a frequent favorite at the Berlin International Film Festival, found himself without an award this year, as he and his partner, actress Kim Min-hee, focused on a prenatal trip rather than accolades. 

On February 22, 2025, the 75th Berlin International Film Festival held its awards ceremony just a day before the event's conclusion, recognizing the most impactful films of the year. The prestigious Golden Bear was awarded to Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud for his film 'Dreams,' which tells the story of a passionate teenage girl expressing her intense feelings for a teacher through a personal essay. The Jury Grand Prix Silver Bear went to Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro for 'Blue Trail,' while Venezuelan director Ivan Fund's 'The Message' received the Silver Bear for Best Director.

This year, the festival notably lacked recognition for Hong Sang-soo, who has been a beloved figure at the event since his 2008 film 'Night and Day' was invited to compete. Over the years, he has been featured in the competition section multiple times, including films like 'Nobody's Daughter Haewon,' 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' 'The Woman Who Ran,' 'Introduction,' 'The Novelist's Film,' 'In the Water,' 'The Need for Travelers,' and this year's entry, 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' This marks his ninth invitation, with eight of those being in the competitive category, showcasing his consistent presence in the festival.

Hong's impressive track record includes several awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, such as the Silver Bear for Best Actress (Kim Min-hee) for 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' the Best Director award for 'The Woman Who Ran,' and the Best Screenplay award for 'Introduction.' Last year, he won his second Jury Grand Prix with 'The Need for Travelers,' bringing his total Silver Bear wins to five. However, this year left him empty-handed, creating a bittersweet feeling.

Adding to the intrigue, Kim Min-hee, who is pregnant with Hong's child, garnered significant attention during her first international film festival appearance since her pregnancy announcement. The couple has been living together in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim became pregnant last summer. As she approaches her due date this spring, photos of her and Hong departing for Germany from Incheon International Airport on February 19 sparked considerable media interest, especially given the risks associated with her advanced pregnancy.

At the festival, Hong was careful not to showcase Kim's pregnancy publicly, opting instead to walk the red carpet with the cast of 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' During the official press conference, he mentioned Kim in relation to the film's budget, stating, "The staff needed to make the film includes myself, my assistant, and production manager Kim Min-hee," but refrained from discussing personal matters, including her pregnancy.

Thus, while the Berlin International Film Festival held special significance for Hong Sang-soo this year, it also brought a sense of disappointment with the lack of awards. Ultimately, Hong and the expectant Kim Min-hee had to settle for a 'prenatal trip' in Berlin rather than a trophy.

Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

On February 22, 2025, SEVENTEEN (에스쿱스, 정한, 조슈아, 준, 호시, 원우, 우지, 디에잇, 민규, 도겸, 승관, 버논, 디노) added another trophy to their collection at the inaugural 'The Awards' held at Korea University's Hwajeong Gymnasium. The group took home two prestigious awards: 'The Awards Black Label Artist of the Year' and the main award, 'The Awards Delight Blue Label'. 

In a video message, the members expressed their gratitude, stating, "We believe this award is possible because of our fans, CARAT. We will continue to work hard to repay you with great music and performances." They also noted that 2025 marks their 10th anniversary since debut, making this recognition even more special. They encouraged fans to look forward to a variety of activities planned for the year.

Last year, SEVENTEEN showcased their dominance in the K-pop scene by sweeping major music awards. They began with wins at the '2024 MAMA AWARDS' for 'Artist of the Year (VISA ARTIST OF THE YEAR)' and 'Album of the Year (VISA ALBUM OF THE YEAR)', followed by the Grand Prize at the 39th Golden Disc Awards and Best Album at the 32nd Hanteo Music Awards 2024 (HMA 2024).

Their global presence was further solidified with wins at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards for 'Top K-pop Touring Artist' and at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards for 'Best Group'. 

Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN is set to continue their vibrant activities this year. Members Hoshi and Woozi, both born in 1996, will release their first single 'BEAM' on March 10. They will also hold a group fan meeting titled '2025 SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND' on March 20-21 at Incheon Munhak Stadium. Additionally, they will make history as the first K-pop artists to perform at 'Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025', often referred to as the 'Coachella of Mexico', in April, followed by five local fan meetings in two Japanese cities.

SEVENTEEN Wins Big at the 1st The Awards

In the final episode of ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables, which aired on February 22, 2025, Joo Hyun-wook emerged as the ultimate champion, earning the chance to open his own restaurant. The show concluded a grueling 100-day survival competition featuring 20 contestants, all vying for a life-changing opportunity. Initially labeled as 'failures,' the participants transformed into skilled entrepreneurs through their dedication and hard work.

The top three finalists, including Joo Hyun-wook (16), Choi Jung-hyun (08), and Son Woo-sung (14), faced their final challenge at Namwon's Gwanghanru, where they operated their own eateries for three days. The winner was determined based on the net profit generated during this period. Baek Jong-won emphasized the challenge's intensity, stating, "This mission is very close to real business. With net profit as the standard, there are many factors to consider, including turnover, inventory management, and profit margins. It's the most difficult mission."

Each finalist approached the task with determination. Choi Jung-hyun, who had the least cooking experience among the three, aimed to succeed as a form of revenge against his parents who abandoned him in childhood, relying on his excellent interpersonal skills. Son Woo-sung, a father in his 40s with a debt of 500 million won, was driven by a sense of responsibility towards his family. Joo Hyun-wook, whose father fell into a pyramid scheme and incurred 400 million won in debt, had to abandon his athletic career to support his family. He entered the finals with solid cooking skills and a strong work ethic.

The top three showcased clear strengths and weaknesses. Baek Jong-won and the four mentor chefs (Kim Min-seong, David Lee, Lim Tae-hoon, and Yoon Nam-no) watched the finale with supportive hearts, having accompanied the contestants throughout their 100-day journey. However, the finale pushed the finalists to their limits both mentally and physically. Choi Jung-hyun's voice became hoarse from calling customers, Son Woo-sung endured severe pain reminiscent of a past illness, and Joo Hyun-wook was exhausted from a flood of orders.

Despite the challenges, the transformation and growth of the finalists were remarkable. Joo Hyun-wook, with the guidance of mentor Chef Lim Tae-hoon, created a popular dish called 'Eohyang Gaji' that turned his restaurant into a must-visit spot in Namwon within just three days. Ultimately, Joo Hyun-wook secured victory with total sales of 11,616,000 won and a net profit of 6,030,066 won. As the winner, he received 50 million won in startup funds and the opportunity to run his own restaurant.

Expressing his gratitude, Joo Hyun-wook said, "I followed Chef Lim Tae-hoon closely, and I am thankful to have achieved this result. I also want to thank Baek Jong-won for creating this opportunity. I will work hard to show even better results in the future." He added, "I had a strong desire to learn cooking, but it felt vague. Seeing Chef Lim, I thought he was the only model for my success. I feel hopeful now."

After the winner was announced, Baek Jong-won shared his thoughts in an interview, stating, "Having done numerous shows, I worry about what to do next after the first place. This was real training, and it feels unfortunate. We need to teach more and provide experiences to increase their chances of success. I want to show examples of the Les Misérables contestants succeeding and establishing themselves, as this will encourage more people to take on challenges."

The episode also featured eliminated contestants like Choi Yoon-sung (02), Jeon Dong-jin (03), Yang Kyung-min (04), Kim Guk-heon (06), Choi Jung-hyun (08), Yoo Hyo-deok (10), Son Woo-sung (14), and Lim Young-jun (18). Four months later, they were seen training together in a budget market, continuing their journey to become successful businesspeople. Their challenge has extended beyond 100 days, and glimpses of Joo Hyun-wook's preparations for his own restaurant were also shared.

Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables was designed to highlight the importance of 'opportunity' for those who have faced failure. Baek Jong-won and the mentor chefs dedicated themselves to supporting the contestants as teachers, mentors, and life guides. The once unruly contestants harnessed their desperation as a weapon, striving to seize the miraculous opportunity that came their way. Gradually, they transformed and grew into true entrepreneurs, showcasing the significance of 'opportunity' and the 'miracles created by desperation' to viewers, leaving a lasting impact from ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables.

Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

On February 22, 2025, ATEEZ made history by becoming the first K-Pop group to hold a concert at the La Défense Arena in Paris, France, as part of their 2025 world tour titled 'TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER' in Europe. This venue, which can accommodate around 40,000 spectators, is the largest concert hall in Europe, and ATEEZ's successful solo concert here further solidified their status as a world-class artist.

This performance marked ATEEZ's fourth solo concert in Paris, following their previous world tours: 'The Expedition Tour' in 2019, 'THE FELLOWSHIP: BEGINNING OF THE END' in 2022, and 'THE FELLOWSHIP: BREAK THE WALL' in 2023. The enthusiastic support from local fans has been a testament to ATEEZ's unwavering global popularity.

Additionally, ATEEZ's mini-album 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1' released last year reached fifth place on the French Albums Chart, while 'GOLDEN HOUR: Part.2' secured the fourth position, showcasing their significant achievements in the local music scene.

Following successful concerts in London and Berlin, where they added extra shows due to high demand, ATEEZ returned to Paris with an upgraded musical experience that captivated local fans once again.

During the concert, ATEEZ presented a rich setlist filled with beloved hits, dazzling the audience with their renowned performance skills and impressive live vocals, even amidst dynamic choreography. The show featured vibrant lighting, special effects, and powerful sound, creating an immersive experience that combined visual spectacle with emotional resonance.

As they made history at La Défense Arena, ATEEZ expressed their gratitude to their fans, known as ATINY, stating, "It was an honor to share this beautiful night with you. We promise to repay your immense support and happiness, just as you have been a light in our lives, we will be a light for you too."

ATEEZ will conclude their 2025 European tour with a performance at the ING Arena in Brussels, Belgium, on February 25, 2025.

G-Dragon Reflects on Big Bang's Current Lineup During 'Good Day' Reunion

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BTS's V Shares Update from Military Service

Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

SEVENTEEN Wins Big at the 1st The Awards

Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

ATEEZ Makes History as First K-Pop Group to Perform at La Défense Arena

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Choi Jun-hee Shares Update on Her Health Struggles

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Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Blends K-Pop with Classical Music

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