On the March 9 episode of MBC's Good Day (굿데이), G-Dragon (지드래곤) showcased his status as a fashion icon by causing military-style slippers to sell out. During the show, members of the group BSS, including Seungkwan (승관), Dokyum (도겸), and Hoshi (호시), expressed their admiration for G-Dragon. While enjoying a hamburger together, Hoshi asked, "Where do you usually shop, hyung?" He then noted that the price of G-Dragon's recently purchased acupressure slippers had skyrocketed, leading to a sellout of even military slippers. G-Dragon humorously responded, "I don't understand why. I received them too," showing a hint of embarrassment.

The BSS members were visibly starstruck to be in G-Dragon's presence. Hoshi exclaimed, "I feel like I've made it! Is this what success feels like?" Meanwhile, Dokyum requested to exchange phone numbers with G-Dragon, saying, "Can I get your number since we're getting closer?" G-Dragon, acknowledging the moment, agreed to share his number but playfully added, "Just take half a step closer; you're already right in front of me," which elicited laughter from everyone.

G-Dragon's Fashion Influence Shines on Good Day

SBS's Friday-Saturday drama, Treasure Island (보물섬), continues its impressive upward trajectory by setting a new record for viewership ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode aired on March 8 achieved a nationwide rating of 11.2%, marking a 3 percentage point increase from the previous episode. This performance secured the top spot across all channels during its time slot, as well as the number one position for Saturday mini-series and weekly mini-series. In the Seoul metropolitan area, the rating reached 11%, with a peak moment hitting 12.3%, showcasing the show's explosive popularity. The 2049 demographic rating also stood at 2.9%, indicating a strong response from younger viewers.

In this episode, the intertwined desires of three characters—Seo Dong-joo (박형식), Yeom Jang-seon (허준호), and Heo Il-do (이해영)—heightened the tension. A key plot twist involved Seo Dong-joo hacking a political slush fund account worth 2 trillion won, only to lose his memory afterward, intensifying the psychological battle among the characters.

Yeom Jang-seon, suspecting Seo Dong-joo's amnesia, kidnapped him and subjected him to brutal water torture, yet Seo Dong-joo remained tight-lipped about the account password. This prompted Yeom Jang-seon and Heo Il-do to devise a new strategy, leading to a dramatic rescue attempt by Heo Il-do. Yeom Jang-seon feigned concern for Seo Dong-joo, while Heo Il-do maintained a watchful yet secretive demeanor, adding to the suspense.

However, the real conflict escalated afterward. Heo Il-do began to blackmail Yeom Jang-seon, demanding half of the political slush fund, which sufficiently rattled Yeom Jang-seon. Meanwhile, Seo Dong-joo confronted Heo Il-do at his workout space, asking pointedly, "Did you try to kill me with a gun, Representative?" 

In a desperate move to restore Seo Dong-joo's memory, Yeom Jang-seon resorted to extreme measures, staging a traffic accident to eliminate Seo Dong-joo's sister, Sister Agnes (한지혜). The shocking scene left Seo Dong-joo devastated, seemingly triggering the return of his forgotten memories.

The episode concluded with a powerful juxtaposition of Seo Dong-joo's anguished cries and Yeom Jang-seon's cruel smile, leaving viewers eager to see if Seo Dong-joo will finally retaliate against Yeom Jang-seon and how the revenge narrative will unfold.

Treasure Island, known for its gripping plot and the actors' immersive performances, airs every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

[SC리뷰] 박형식, 허준호에 반격 시작할까…충격 엔딩에 시청률 11.2% 돌파

Treasure Island Hits New Ratings High with Episode 6

Director Bong Joon-ho's latest film, 'Mickey 17', has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 2 million viewers within just 10 days of its release. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system and distributor Warner Bros. Korea, the film, which premiered on February 28, reached this impressive audience count by the morning of March 9.

'Mickey 17' is the fastest film to reach 2 million viewers among this year's releases. Since its debut, it has dominated the box office, holding the number one spot for nine consecutive days. With no significant competition on the horizon, it is expected to maintain its box office supremacy.

Set in a futuristic world, 'Mickey 17' tells the story of a disposable employee known as an 'Expendable', who is sent on a mission to colonize an icy planet. These Expendables are a type of clone created by a human printing machine. The plot revolves around Mickey, who is the 17th version of himself, and his encounter with the 18th Mickey, who is printed under the assumption that the 17th version has died. The film is based on the novel 'Mickey7' by Edward Ashton, published in 2022.

This marks Bong's third English-language film, following 'Snowpiercer' (2013) and 'Okja' (2016). The cast features Hollywood stars including Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo, Naomi Ackie, and Toni Collette.

봉준호 ‘미키17’, 개봉 10일째 200만 넘겼다 

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' Surpasses 2 Million Viewers in Just 10 Days

Yeji, a member of the popular girl group ITZY, expressed her excitement about her solo debut after six years during a press conference held on March 10 at the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residence. Introducing herself as 'Yeji from ITZY,' she shared, 'I am extremely nervous. I’ve been so busy with schedules that it didn’t feel real until I stood here today. I really want to do well.' 

Reflecting on her journey, Yeji mentioned, 'When I heard the news about my solo debut, I felt joy mixed with disbelief, thinking, 'Has it really been this long?' As the first member of the team to go solo, I felt a lot of pressure.' She added, 'Being the oldest and the leader of the group, I believe they trusted me to take this first step as a solo artist.' 

Her first mini-album, 'AIR,' is set to be released at 6 PM today, and it showcases her passion for music and performance. Last year, Yeji made her solo debut with the track 'Crown On My Head' from ITZY's album 'BORN TO BE,' where she displayed her vibrant stage presence and solidified her reputation as a 'performance queen.' The music industry is eagerly anticipating the unique charm she will bring as a solo artist.

ITZY 예지 "솔로 데뷔, 잘해 보고 싶은 마음..첫 주자 부담 컸다"

ITZY's Yeji Shares Excitement for Solo Debut After Six Years

“군용 슬리퍼도 품절” 지드래곤 영향력 대박..패션아이콘 답네 (‘굿데이’)[핫피플]

On March 10, 2025, Pledis Entertainment introduced SEVENTEEN's new special unit, HoshiXWoozi, showcasing their distinctive aura as representatives of the '96 line. The duo released the music video for their title track '동갑내기' from their first single album 'BEAM' on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel and SEVENTEEN's official social media at 6 PM.

The music video highlights HoshiXWoozi's self-love and originality through its artistic visuals. In a world where finding true identity can be challenging due to imitation, the two members shine with their unique presence, depicted through sophisticated compositions and vibrant colors.

The video opens with HoshiXWoozi being showcased like art pieces in a gallery. They exude confidence amidst a crowd of spectators busy taking notes and snapping photos. Their captivating aura is enhanced by eclectic lighting and kitschy imagery, creating a visually pleasing experience.

'동갑내기' narrates the journey of Hoshi and Woozi, who met as trainees in middle school and grew into one of K-pop's top groups, all while keeping the tone light. The track combines 2000s hip-hop rhythms with vocal chops and synthesizing, resulting in a fresh and innovative hybrid sound. Lyrics like '손오공 중에 우두머리' and '우리처럼 해봐요. Just like this' reflect their pride and self-affirmation.

Ahead of the 'BEAM' release, HoshiXWoozi surprised fans with a pre-release of the '동갑내기' challenge on SEVENTEEN's official social media, heightening anticipation for the full track. The video, showcasing their genuine chemistry and carefree charm, quickly garnered views, demonstrating the intense interest from fans worldwide.

HoshiXWoozi are set to perform their new song on various music shows, starting with Mnet's 'M Countdown' on March 13. Additional content is also on the way, including special video teasers and the main video being released sequentially from March 11 to 12. Furthermore, a pop-up store celebrating the album release will be open from March 11 to 16 on the 5th floor of Hyundai Department Store in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul.

세븐틴 호시X우지, 흉내낼 수 없는 독보적 '96라인'..자기애 충만 '동갑내기'

SEVENTEEN's New Unit HoshiXWoozi Unveils Unique Aura with 'BEAM'

In the latest episode of SBS's variety show My Little Old Boy (미운우리새끼), it was revealed that Kim Jong-min's fiancée is a businesswoman with a background in studying abroad. During the broadcast on March 9, Kim Jong-min headed to Hong Eun-dong, located beneath Bukhansan Mountain, where he pulled out a 'house-hunting checklist' sent by his fiancée. Upon seeing this, Shin Dong-yup commented, 'It makes sense since she is a businesswoman; she seems to be more meticulous.' 

The duo then discovered a charming three-story house at the end of a hilly road. Kim Jong-min was impressed by the serene yard and was astonished to find a private swimming pool that offers 24-hour heated water. Everyone expressed their delight, exclaiming, 'This is amazing!' 

They also revealed a cozy living room adjacent to the kitchen. Kim Jong-min affectionately referred to his fiancée as 'Hiyung' and boasted about her cooking skills, showcasing her impressive culinary abilities with dishes like galbijjim (braised short ribs), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) that she prepared for his birthday. He noted her proficiency in both Korean and Western cuisines, saying, 'It feels like she has a study abroad vibe,' and mentioned that she indeed studied abroad. 

However, Kim Jong-min humorously added, 'I might want to order food after we get married because it might be tough,' showcasing his affectionate side.

Kim Jong-min's Fiancée Revealed as a Businesswoman with Study Abroad Experience on 'My Little Old Boy'

Seulgi, a member of the popular K-pop group Red Velvet, is set to release her second mini album titled 'Accidentally On Purpose' today, March 10, 2025. The album will be available for streaming on various music platforms starting at 6 PM KST, and fans can also catch the music video for the title track 'Baby, Not Baby' on the SMTOWN YouTube channel.

This new album features a total of six tracks, including the pop dance song 'Baby, Not Baby,' which showcases Seulgi's dynamic artistry with its punk bass and refreshing electric guitar sounds. The album promises to offer a deeper insight into Seulgi's evolving musical style.

In addition to the album release, Seulgi will host a countdown live event on YouTube, TikTok, and Weverse starting at 5 PM KST, allowing her global fans to celebrate her comeback together.

In a recent interview, Seulgi shared her thoughts on the album and her artistic journey:

Q: It’s been about 2 years and 5 months since your first solo album. How do you feel about releasing your second mini album?
- I’m really happy to greet everyone with a solo album after such a long time. I spent a lot of time discussing with the staff how to capture my growth in this album. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed preparing it.

Q: Can you introduce the title track 'Baby, Not Baby'? Why did you choose it as the title track?
- 'Baby, Not Baby' conveys a message about focusing on my true self rather than conforming to others' expectations of me. When I first heard the music, I felt a strong connection to the character I could portray, and I thought it would be fun to work on, which is why it became the title track.

Q: You’ve taken on a different 'bad girl' styling in the album jacket and music video. How was that experience? Any memorable reactions?
- It was fun to present a look and concept that contrasts with what I've shown in Red Velvet. The character I portray in the album acts outlandishly, which surprised and entertained those around me since it’s something I wouldn’t normally do.

Q: What should fans look out for in the 'Baby, Not Baby' music video? Any memorable moments from the shoot?
- I think every part of the video is a highlight. I hope you notice my lovable yet mischievous side, the changing styles, and the performances with the dancers. The last scene we shot, where I had messy hair and smudged makeup, was particularly memorable because I really got into character and went wild. (laughs)

Q: Seulgi is known for her powerful performances. What did you focus on while preparing for this album's choreography?
- I practiced a lot with the dancers to ensure our movements matched the lyrics and captured the details of the choreography. Since the dance requires strong core stability, I also worked hard on my core exercises.

Q: Besides the title track, which other song would you recommend from the album?
- I recommend 'Praying.' It was the last song I recorded for the album, and I insisted on including it because I felt it was too good to leave out. I love that it showcases my deeper vocal range from low to high notes.

Q: You participated in writing the lyrics for 'Weakness' as well. How was that experience, and what should listeners pay attention to?
- The lyrics came together surprisingly quickly. I wrote several lines that matched the song's sweet mood, and I was thrilled that some of my lyrics were chosen. Sometimes, having feelings for someone can feel like a weakness you don’t want to reveal. I hope listeners think of someone they like while listening.

Q: What are your plans for promoting this album, and what goals do you have?
- I’ve never set limits for myself. I enjoy challenges and find fulfillment in showing new sides of myself. I’m excited to finally share a fun side of Seulgi in this album. I hope it becomes a great gift for my fans, known as 'ReVeluv,' and I want to perform in various places with their support.

Q: Last year was significant for you with Red Velvet's 10th anniversary and starting your YouTube channel. What do you want 2025 to be like?
- I hope 2025 will be a year where I can showcase more great content, starting with this solo album. Personally, I want to take more lessons to develop myself further.

Q: Finally, do you have a message for your global fans who have been waiting for your comeback?
- It’s been a while since I’ve greeted you with a solo album. Thank you for your patience and for all the supportive messages. They have helped me create the music I want to make. I’m grateful for your constant support! I’ll repay you with my performances! Thank you, I love you!

Red Velvet's Seulgi Releases Second Mini Album 'Accidentally On Purpose'

G-Dragon has officially announced his exit from MBC's 'Good Day'. In the episode aired on March 9, the artist was seen passionately working on a music project. He reunited with Jung Hyung-don and Defconn after two months, surprising Jung with a back hug while they were chatting. G-Dragon complimented Jung, who recently lost 21 kg, saying, "You've become quite handsome lately; you look the most like a celebrity I've ever seen."

Jung responded with a smile, saying, "I've decided not to accept that kind of thing from you anymore."

With just 35 days left to complete the project, G-Dragon expressed, "It feels like a great gift to see familiar faces again. I need to create the most important song, but I haven't done it yet. Before meeting everyone, I envisioned a grand and powerful song, but I realized I was too quick to decide on the direction. I had a very rigid image in mind. After meeting the participants and gaining inspiration, I've decided to erase my previous list and redefine the direction for the group song."

He also declared, "I’m stepping back. I didn’t think about myself. It’s a good pressure, but when you say, 'You’ll handle it,' it adds more pressure."

Later, G-Dragon attended Taeyang's solo concert, where he performed alongside Taeyang and Daesung as part of Big Bang. He boldly stated, "I’ve been waiting for you guys. You need to inspire me, you creative geniuses!"

Taeyang responded with a dose of reality, saying, "The song usually comes last. I feel like we’re not there yet," but G-Dragon insisted, "Now that we need to make music, drop your ideas in the group chat one by one."

Taeyang and Daesung began brainstorming, and G-Dragon expressed his satisfaction, saying, "This is why our team is so great. We listen to the music I create and provide immediate feedback."

G-Dragon Announces Departure from 'Good Day'

In a world submerged by a massive flood, a lone black cat discovers an old boat and embarks on a journey with a diverse group of animals, including a Golden Retriever, a capybara, and a snake-eating eagle, all seeking survival. This unique narrative unfolds in the Latvian film 'Flow', directed by 1994-born Gints Zilbalodis, which recently made headlines at the Academy Awards by winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, triumphing over major studios like Pixar and DreamWorks. 

With a modest budget of €3.5 million (approximately $3.5 million) and a production team of just over 20 people, 'Flow' has been hailed as a remarkable achievement, especially when compared to the $200 million budget of its competitor, 'Inside Out 2'. The film's success is seen as a potential game-changer for the animation industry. 

The story follows the black cat as it navigates a post-apocalyptic world, reminiscent of Noah's Ark, where it must learn to cooperate with other animals to survive. Viewers experience the beauty of nature through the cat's perspective, exploring a world where only remnants of humanity remain, and nature is reclaiming its space. 

Unlike typical animated films featuring anthropomorphized characters, the animals in 'Flow' behave authentically, with no dialogue throughout its 85-minute runtime. This absence of speech encourages audiences to immerse themselves in the meticulously crafted sounds of nature, such as flowing water, cracking earth, and breaking trees, enhancing the tension and fear experienced by the small creatures. 

The film's innovative production method has also garnered praise, as it was created using the free 3D animation software Blender. While it may not boast the flashy CGI of Disney films, its unique visual style, reminiscent of video game graphics, is distinguished by delicate animal movements and a watercolor-like color palette. 

The black cat, initially fearful of water and struggling to connect with other animals, gradually learns to adapt and grow through its experiences. After winning the Oscar, Zilbalodis expressed gratitude to the Academy, Blender, his parents, and his pets, emphasizing the importance of unity and overcoming differences. 

Watching nature quietly recover without human noise brings a sense of peace, and the ASMR-like sounds may even induce drowsiness. However, surrendering to the flow of water may lead to unexpected discoveries. 'Flow' is suitable for all audiences and is set to be released on March 19.

Latvian Film 'Flow' Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature

On March 5, at Jeonju Vision University in Jeonju, South Korea, a group of 29 international students from various countries, including Vietnam, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, engaged in hands-on training with precision machining equipment such as lathes and milling machines. This initiative is part of the university's Future Mobility Department, which has expanded its foreign student enrollment from 30 to 120 to address the declining domestic student population. Among the students, 18 are from Vietnam, 10 from Myanmar, and one from Bangladesh, with a total of 10 female students participating. They collaborated in Korean, occasionally mixing in their native languages, to learn how to operate the machinery. One student, 26-year-old Pial from Bangladesh, shared his journey of leaving his studies in physics and chemistry to pursue a career in South Korea, expressing his desire to settle in Jeonju and eventually take the naturalization exam. 

Jeonju Vision University is part of a government initiative aimed at training foreign technical personnel in the root industries, which has led to a significant increase in foreign student enrollment. Students in this program typically spend a year studying Korean before embarking on a two-year curriculum focused on automotive parts and machinery. To support their living expenses, many work part-time jobs in convenience stores and restaurants while attending classes. Upon graduation, they often secure positions in domestic automotive parts companies. 

The number of foreign students in the Future Mobility Department has grown from an initial 30 to 50 in 2023, and 119 last year, with plans to enroll 120 students from countries like Vietnam and Myanmar by the second semester of this year. As the foreign student population increases, the university has also expanded its faculty and training equipment, adding two more professors and increasing the number of lathes and welding machines. Professor Baek Il-hyun noted that as graduation approaches, companies from various regions frequently inquire about hiring graduates, emphasizing the importance of foreign students in sustaining both the educational and industrial sectors. Graduates of this program are particularly sought after due to their superior Korean language skills compared to other foreign workers, making them valuable assets in the struggling domestic manufacturing industry.

The university's focus on recruiting international students is a response to the declining birthrate in South Korea, which has led to a significant drop in domestic student numbers. Jeonju Vision University, which once enrolled 100 Korean students annually, now sees only about 50 local students. To maintain financial stability, the institution has turned its attention to attracting foreign students.

The initiative includes 12 technical colleges, such as Jeonju Vision University, Geoje University, and Gunsan University, participating in the foreign technical personnel training program. The total number of new students in this program has surged from 260 in 2021 to 879 last year, with schools like Geoje University actively promoting the program in local universities in Kyrgyzstan to attract new students. As of last year, there were approximately 210,000 international students in South Korea, with plans from the Ministry of Education to increase this number to 300,000 by 2027.

Local governments are also taking steps to attract international students to offset the declining youth population. For instance, Busan has organized recruitment events in Japan and Central Asia, offering legal and housing support to help international students settle in the city after graduation. A representative from Busan stated that as the population in the second-largest city continues to decline, they aim to enhance support for international students to contribute to the local economy.

G-Dragon's Fashion Influence Shines on Good Day

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Kim Jong-min's Fiancée Revealed as a Businesswoman with Study Abroad Experience on 'My Little Old Boy'

Red Velvet's Seulgi Releases Second Mini Album 'Accidentally On Purpose'

G-Dragon Announces Departure from 'Good Day'

Latvian Film 'Flow' Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature

International Students Thrive in Future Mobility Program at Jeonju Vision University

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