On January 10, 2025, KBS2TV's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' featured the long-awaited reunion of GFRIEND, marking their first full group performance in four years. The members opened the show with their hit song 'From Today On,' expressing their excitement about reuniting. Lee Young-ji remarked that hearing the group greeting was an emotional moment. 

This year also marks GFRIEND's 10th anniversary since their debut, making their reunion even more special. The members clarified that despite rumors of disbandment, they had simply completed their contract and emphasized, 'We have never disbanded.' 

GFRIEND has released a total of 93 songs, and when asked about their most meaningful tracks, they highlighted 'Glass Bead,' 'From Today On,' and 'Time for the Moon Night,' referring to them as their signature songs. 

Additionally, they announced a special project song titled 'In Our Gentle Season,' inspired by their fans, known as Buddies. The members expressed their eagerness to connect with fans during their upcoming Asia tour, stating, 'We want to see our fans' faces and communicate with them.'

GFRIEND Reunites After Four Years on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

The KBS2 show 'Salim Nam' (살림하는 남자들 시즌2) will pay tribute to the late Lee Hee-cheol during its broadcast on January 18. According to OSEN, the show will include a memorial subtitle in honor of Lee, who appeared on the program from August 12 to November 15, 2023. Due to the scheduling of the '2024 KBS Acting Awards' on January 11, the tribute will be featured in the episode airing on the 18th.

Lee Hee-cheol passed away from a heart attack. His brother expressed deep sorrow, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It all happened in just one day." Many celebrities, including Hong Seok-cheon, Yoo Min-sang, Jung Il-woo, Park Seul-ki, and Yoo Ha-na, have shared their condolences following the news of his passing.

In addition to his role on 'Salim Nam', Lee was the CEO of the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon and operated a YouTube channel titled 'Lee Hee-cheol's Bui-log'. His funeral is being held at the Soonchunhyang University Hospital funeral hall.

故이희철, 심근경색 사망 비보..'살림남' 추모 동참 [공식]

KBS2's 'Salim Nam' to Honor Late Lee Hee-cheol

In the latest episode of KBS2TV's The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow, actor Song Joong-ki humorously mentioned that he came prepared for potential legal action during his appearance. The episode aired on January 10, 2025, marking Song's first appearance on a music talk show in his 17-year career. Lee Young-ji introduced him as a 'box office guarantee' known for hits like Vincenzo and The Youngest Son of a Conglomerate. 

Upon taking the stage, Song expressed his nervousness, wishing everyone a Happy New Year. When Lee mentioned that fans reportedly oppose his singing and dancing, Song joked, 'I came here ready to be sued. I believe my fans will understand, even if they might actually sue me.' 

Lee reassured him, saying, 'No one in the audience thinks they can sing well, so don’t worry. We just need you here.' Song complimented Lee's ability to put people at ease, calling her 'the Korean Oprah Winfrey.' Lee shared that she grew up reading his autobiography, which touched him. 

They also discussed Song's recent film, Bogotá, which is currently showing in theaters. When asked to create a three-line poem about the movie, Song playfully said, 'Don’t you want to see Bogotá? / Let’s go, go, go to the theater! / I’ll drive you there.' Lee praised his creativity, and Song humorously added, 'I was sweating; it was almost a disaster!' 

Lee expressed her long-time admiration for Song, calling him a 'box office guarantee' and reminisced about wanting to marry him after watching his film, A Werewolf Boy, only to realize he is married now, which made everyone laugh.

"고소 당할 각오" 송중기의 큰 결심..팬들도 깜짝 놀란 출연 ('레인보으')

Song Joong-ki Jokes About Legal Action on 'Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

The 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards took place on November 29 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, where Im Ji-yeon dazzled on the red carpet. Her dynamic performance in the JTBC weekend drama 'Okssi Buin Jeon' (written by Park Ji-sook, directed by Jin Hyuk and Choi Bo-yoon) has resonated with viewers, solidifying the show as a major hit. 

In the series, Im Ji-yeon portrays Ok Tae-young, a woman who defies the oppressive circumstances of her lowly status as a slave in Joseon. After escaping her harsh life, she embarks on a journey to forge her own destiny as a noblewoman. Ok Tae-young not only protects her loved ones but also champions the cause of the oppressed, helping those wronged due to their lack of power. 

In her quest for justice, Ok Tae-young sheds her traditional hanbok and begins to assert herself publicly, representing the grievances of her friends, Mak-sim (Kim Jae-hwa) and her daughter Baek-i (Yoon Seo-ah). This stands in stark contrast to her former mistress, Kim So-hye (Ha Yul-ri), who treated her servants as less than human. 

As the story unfolds, Ok Tae-young becomes involved with Seong Yun-gyeom (Choo Young-woo), the son of the local magistrate, further enhancing her character's agency. Despite facing threats from those envious of her newfound status and dealing with a runaway husband, she actively works to restore her family's honor and protect her household. 

Her efforts lead to the rescue of slaves exploited by her former master, children forced into illegal labor, and innocent widows wronged by societal norms. Ok Tae-young embodies the principle of 'living responsibly because one has,' influencing not just her own happiness but also the lives of others around her. 

Im Ji-yeon previously described her character's goal as striving for an independent life, while writer Park Ji-sook emphasized that Ok Tae-young is a figure who resists her fate and forges her own path despite numerous adversities. 

The proactive and compassionate actions of Ok Tae-young add depth to the intense narrative of 'Okssi Buin Jeon,' which airs every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 PM on JTBC. Im Ji-yeon's remarkable journey as a symbol of miraculous social ascent continues to captivate audiences.

임지연, 양반 사기극까지 '대박' 터트린 '미다스의 손'..'옥씨부인전' 이끈 걸크러시

Im Ji-yeon's Empowering Role in 'Okssi Buin Jeon' Captivates Audiences

The beloved characters Wallace and Gromit are back after a 16-year hiatus with the new Netflix film, "Wallace & Gromit: The Flight Before Christmas." Directed by Nick Park and produced by the renowned Aardman Animations, the series has been a staple of British clay animation since its inception in 1989. The film, which premiered on January 3, 2025, has received a rare 100% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, evoking nostalgia for fans of all ages.

The film is filled with clever ideas and witty humor, featuring the eccentric inventor Wallace as he creates a state-of-the-art robot. However, when the intelligent robot begins to act on its own, Wallace finds himself in trouble, prompting his loyal dog Gromit to come to the rescue. The timely theme of artificial intelligence serves as a satire on the rapid advancements in technology that often spiral out of human control.

Despite its cute and charming characters, the series maintains a thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of horror and suspense films. The villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw, who once terrified children, makes a chilling return, prompting viewers to recall their childhood fears. In the film's climax, Wallace and Gromit engage in blockbuster-level action sequences against Feathers McGraw.

This collaboration between Netflix and the BBC exemplifies a successful partnership between OTT platforms and traditional television. The film was first aired on BBC on Christmas Day, attracting 9.4 million viewers on its opening day, and has since climbed to the second spot on the Netflix charts in South Korea, right after "Hwaran." Viewers expressed their joy, stating it felt like a trip back to elementary school and thanking the characters for their return.

It has been 36 years since the first Wallace and Gromit short film was released. As fans have grown up, the original voice of Wallace, Peter Sallis, passed away in 2017, and Ben Whitehead has since taken over the role. Last year, a company that supplied animation clay closed its doors, raising concerns about the studio's future, but Aardman has successfully revived its operations.

While Aardman has incorporated some modern technology, it continues to uphold traditional production methods. The tactile feel of the clay is still evident, with traces of human fingerprints visible on the figures. In a touching moment, Wallace, who attempted to invent a machine to pet Gromit, apologizes, saying, "But there are things in this world that machines can't do." This sentiment reflects Aardman's commitment to handcrafted animation.

1㎜씩 움직여 만드는 ‘동심’… 16년 만에 돌아온 괴짜 듀오

Wallace and Gromit Return in New Netflix Film for 36th Anniversary

In the latest episode of SBS's variety show, 꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기 (The Day That Ties Tails), SEVENTEEN's DK (도겸) shared his admiration for former Kia Tigers pitcher Yoon Suk-min. The episode, which aired on January 9, featured DK alongside fellow guests Ha Do-kwon and Joo Si-eun. 

During the show, host Jang Do-yeon showcased a dance known as '삐끼삐끼,' which became a viral sensation in 2024, particularly associated with the Kia Tigers' strikeout song. Upon seeing the dance, DK remarked, "I recognized it from the hint. I've loved baseball since I was a child." 

The segment included an interview with Yoon Suk-min, who was part of the final roster for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. DK was visibly excited, stating, "We share the same real name, so I have a lot of interest in him," which surprised Jang Do-yeon.

'꼬꼬무' 세븐틴 도겸, 윤석민 선수에 호감 "나랑 본명 같아"

SEVENTEEN's DK Expresses Admiration for Former Kia Tigers Pitcher Yoon Suk-min

The rising girl group aespa has reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse in the music industry, according to the 2024 year-end results from the Circle Chart (formerly known as Gaon Chart), operated by the Korea Music Content Association. On January 10, Circle Chart announced that aespa's pre-release track 'Supernova' from their first full album 'Armageddon' topped both the annual digital and streaming charts, earning them two prestigious titles.

In addition to 'Supernova', aespa placed eight songs on the annual digital chart, including 'Drama' at 20th, 'Armageddon' at 29th, 'Spicy' at 52nd, 'Whiplash' at 60th, 'UP' (KARINA Solo) at 66th, 'Next Level' at 169th, and 'Live My Life' at 183rd, showcasing their dominance in the public's playlists this year.

On the album chart, SEVENTEEN's mini album 'SPILL THE FEELS' achieved remarkable success with 3,183,338 copies sold, securing the top spot. SEVENTEEN also claimed second place with their best album '17 IS RIGHT HERE', which sold 3,153,616 copies, marking them as the top artist on the annual album chart for two consecutive years. In the Circle Certified Album category, their mini album 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN', released in 2023, reached 5 million certifications.

Stray Kids also made waves with their mini album 'ATE', released in July last year, which recorded retail sales of 859,437 copies, earning them the top position on the annual retail album chart. They achieved four weekly number ones and a total of 2,880,052 album sales for 'ATE' on the annual album chart. Their mini album '樂-STAR', released in 2023, also reached 4 million certifications this year.

BLACKPINK member and solo artist Rosé's pre-release single 'APT.' featuring American pop star Bruno Mars topped both the global K-pop chart and the V Color Ring chart, making her a double winner.

Top artist Im Young-woong dominated the download chart with 'Warmth' at number one and 'Home' at number two, maintaining his position at the top of the annual download chart for four consecutive years since 2021.

Girl group FIFTY FIFTY continued their success by securing the number one spot on the Social Chart 2.0 for two years in a row, following their achievement last year.

aespa Dominates Circle Chart's 2024 Year-End Rankings

(G)I-DLE has made a significant impact on the 2024 music charts, according to the annual rankings released by South Korean streaming platforms Genie Music and Melon. The track '나는 아픈 건 딱 질색이니까' (Fate) from their second studio album '2' (Two) secured the top two spots on the charts, reaffirming the group's powerful presence in the K-pop scene. 

In addition to 'Fate', other songs from the album, including '퀸카' (Queencard), '클락션' (Klaxon), 'Super Lady', and 'Wife', also made it into the top 100 of the annual charts, marking a successful end to 2024 for the group. 

'Fate' features a refreshing band sound reminiscent of an anime soundtrack. Despite being a B-side track, it gained popularity through word of mouth, showcasing (G)I-DLE's diverse musical range. 

Earlier, (G)I-DLE received the Digital Song Award at the 39th Golden Disc Awards for 'Fate'. They also won the Best Album Award for their million-selling album '2' and were honored with the Grand Record Award at the 2024 KGMA, along with the prestigious 'Record of the Year' at the 2024 MMA.

(G)I-DLE Dominates 2024 Music Charts with 'Fate'

On January 8, the popular TV Chosun show 'Miss Three Rang' featured a special duet performance by Miss Kim and Na Young, representing the show's TOP 7. Before their showdown against Nam Chang Hee, the duo explained their collaboration, stating, "With Nam Chang Hee being such a big name lately, we felt one person wouldn't be enough. So, we decided to team up."

To win over director Lee Kyung Kyu, Miss Kim and Na Young chose to perform 'Tess Hyung,' originally by Na Hoon Ah. From the very first note, their powerful vocals captivated the audience, and they cleverly altered the lyrics from "Ah, Tess Hyung!" to "Ah, Kyung Kyu Hyung!" adding a humorous twist that delighted viewers. This lively performance quickly elevated the atmosphere.

Miss Kim showcased her rich, honeyed voice, while Na Young brought an infectious energy to the stage. Their seamless coordination, honed from years of working together, made their dance and vocal performance truly engaging, reminiscent of a debuting trot girl group. Their stage presence was undoubtedly one of the standout moments of 'Miss Three Rang.'

Even Lee Kyung Kyu, known for his reserved demeanor, couldn't help but get up and respond to their playful lyrics, saying, "Ah, Kyung Kyu Hyung!" and "Ah, why are you calling me!" His right-hand man, Lee Yoon Seok, chimed in with a cheeky remark, "Kyung Kyu Hyung, stop being so grumpy!" which elicited laughter from the cast.

Miss Kim and Na Young's performance earned an impressive score of 99 points, kicking off the new year on a high note. Known for her vibrant energy, Miss Kim is expected to continue her active presence in broadcasts and events throughout 2025.

Miss Kim and Na Young Deliver a Memorable Duet on 'Miss Three Rang'

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.

NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

Former Big Bang member TOP is set to break his silence as he prepares for an interview on January 15 regarding his role in Netflix's Squid Game 2 (오징어게임2). The series continues the intense rivalry between Seong Gi-hun (이정재) and the Front Man (이병헌), with TOP portraying Thanos, a retired drug-addicted rapper. 

While other cast members, including director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, Park Gyu-young, Yang Dong-geun, Lee Seo-hwan, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Jo Yu-ri, and Park Sung-hoon, have actively promoted the show through interviews, TOP has remained largely silent. 

His silence is understandable given his controversial past, which began in 2016 when he was sentenced to two years of probation for marijuana use with trainee Han Seo-hee. Following this, he lost his position as a police officer and served as a social service worker, facing allegations of receiving preferential treatment. He was discharged in July 2019 but faced backlash for parking in a disabled spot on his last day. 

Afterward, he publicly stated he had no intention of returning to the entertainment scene, even declaring he would not make a comeback in Korea. This led to his departure from Big Bang, leaving many fans disappointed by his lack of remorse. 

Recently, without any explanation or apology, TOP announced his return through Squid Game 2, erasing all references to Big Bang from his profile and adopting his real name, Choi Seung-hyun. While fellow Big Bang members celebrated their 18th anniversary with fans, TOP blocked those who mentioned the group, further fueling public discontent. 

As speculation arises about whether his casting in Squid Game 2 is due to connections with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, concerns about his acting skills have also emerged, with critics pointing to his unclear pronunciation and exaggerated expressions. 

TOP's upcoming interview is highly anticipated, as many wonder whether his attempt to re-enter the spotlight will be beneficial or detrimental to his career.

GFRIEND Reunites After Four Years on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

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aespa Dominates Circle Chart's 2024 Year-End Rankings

(G)I-DLE Dominates 2024 Music Charts with 'Fate'

Miss Kim and Na Young Deliver a Memorable Duet on 'Miss Three Rang'

NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

TOP from Big Bang to Speak Out Ahead of Squid Game 2 Release

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KBS2's 'Salim Nam' to Honor Late Lee Hee-cheol

Song Joong-ki Jokes About Legal Action on 'Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

Im Ji-yeon's Empowering Role in 'Okssi Buin Jeon' Captivates Audiences

Wallace and Gromit Return in New Netflix Film for 36th Anniversary

SEVENTEEN's DK Expresses Admiration for Former Kia Tigers Pitcher Yoon Suk-min

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