(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'

The Korean entertainment community is mourning the loss of voice actor and actor Yoo Ho-han, who passed away from a heart attack on January 7 at the age of 52. Known for his work in popular series such as 짱구는 못 말려 (Crayon Shin-chan) and the Avengers franchise, Yoo's contributions to the industry were significant. His funeral is scheduled for January 11, with burial at the Hambeoksan Memorial Park in Hwaseong.

Yoo Ho-han joined KBS as a voice actor in 2002 and lent his voice to numerous animated series including 명탐정 코난 (Detective Conan), 원피스 (One Piece), and 유희왕 GX (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX). He also appeared in films like 청년경찰 (Midnight Runners) and the Netflix series 사냥개들 (The Hunt). 

In addition to his voice acting, Yoo was a strong advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors. He served as the 31st president of the KBS Voice Actors Association for three years, promoting unity among colleagues. As the senior vice president of the Korean Voice Actors Association and a delegate for the Korean Broadcasting Actors Labor Union, he actively participated in negotiations to protect voice actors' rights.

Lee Yeon-hee, director of the Korean Voice Actors Association, expressed deep sorrow over Yoo's passing, stating, "He was an irreplaceable voice actor who showed strong camaraderie with all his colleagues. Losing him feels like losing my right arm. His absence will be profoundly felt."

Yoo's death follows the recent passing of entrepreneur and influencer Lee Hee-cheol, who also died on January 7. Lee's close friend, broadcaster Pungja, shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sadness over the sudden loss. Lee Hee-cheol was known for his role on KBS2's 살림하는 남자들2 (Salim Nam) and was a prominent figure in the influencer and restaurant industry.

The unexpected deaths of both Yoo and Lee have left fans and colleagues in shock, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the beloved figures.

‘살림남’ 이희철→’짱구’ 성우 유호한, 심근경색 사망..새해부터 이틀째 비보 충격 [종합]

Beloved Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

In the latest episode of Channel A's 'Yojeum Namja Life - Bride School' (요즘 남자 라이프-신랑수업), which aired on January 8, 2025, viewers witnessed the heartfelt journey of couples Park Hyun-ho (박현호) and Eun Ga-eun (은가은) as they prepare for their upcoming wedding in April, alongside Kim Jong-min (김종민) who is also planning for his future family. The episode showcased Park and Eun visiting their role model, Lee Seung-chul (이승철), to learn from his exemplary marriage. Meanwhile, Kim met with his friend and father of five, Lee Dong-gook (이동국), to discuss his own family planning.

During their car ride, Park and Eun reminisced about their wedding photoshoot, which took place just 100 days before their wedding. Eun shared, 'The temperature dropped to minus 3 degrees on the day of the shoot, but I didn’t need a heater. Just having him touch my back warmed me up.' Park responded, 'Seeing Ga-eun makes my heart warmer.' Their wedding photos revealed a picturesque and affectionate atmosphere.

Later, they arrived at Lee Seung-chul's cultural space, affectionately referred to as the 'principal's office.' Lee welcomed them warmly and expressed his affection by saying he would share the rice cake gift with his wife. When asked how he addresses Eun, Park replied, 'I call her my master,' to which Lee praised him, saying, 'That's excellent. You should entrust your life to your master.'

In a light-hearted conversation, Lee asked Eun if she felt the reality of getting married, to which she admitted to having fears and doubts. Park, however, claimed he felt no fear at all. Eun explained that she was concerned about how life would change after marriage, especially with thoughts of having children. Lee encouraged them, sharing his own experience of supporting his wife during her pregnancy.

After their meeting, the couple showcased a drawing they created together, featuring the name 'Eun-ho' (은호), a combination of their names, for their future child. They also enjoyed a performance by Lee Seung-chul at an ice rink, where Eun secretly hoped for a proposal, but instead, Lee surprised his wife with a birthday bouquet. Park noted, 'I might have raised the bar too high for myself,' but vowed to learn from Lee to propose beautifully in the future.

The episode also highlighted Kim Jong-min's new year resolutions, where he declared his intention to start planning for children. He visited Lee Dong-gook, known for his large family, to gain insights on parenting. Lee shared tips on health and fitness, emphasizing the importance of being a strong father.

The episode concluded with Kim treating Lee and his five children to a meal, where he playfully asked if Lee was a good husband. The children praised their father, creating a warm and humorous atmosphere. Kim left feeling fulfilled after the delightful gathering.

김종민, ♥11세 연하 예비신부와 2세 계획발표 “올해 임신 목표”(‘신랑수업’)

Couples in 'Bride School' Share Their 2025 Marriage and Family Plans

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

홍자매 신작, 고민시는 확정·차은우는 검토..로맨스 호흡 이뤄질까 [종합]

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

The MBC daily drama ‘Kind-hearted Seonju’ (친절한 선주씨), which has been facing frequent interruptions due to ongoing news coverage, has made a remarkable comeback by achieving its highest ratings yet. The 31st episode, aired on January 8, recorded a nationwide rating of 6.5% according to Nielsen Korea, marking a significant milestone for the series. Since its premiere in mid-November last year, ‘Kind-hearted Seonju’ consistently maintained ratings in the 5% range. However, the political situation that began in early December led to numerous news specials, resulting in a detrimental impact on the show's viewership due to frequent cancellations.

As a daily drama that airs five days a week, maintaining a steady connection with viewers is crucial. The unexpected news interruptions disrupted the viewing habits of audiences who were initially drawn to the show. In fact, during a two-week period in early December, the show aired only twice, making it one of the most affected programs during that time. Fortunately, with the start of the new year, regular broadcasts resumed, allowing the show to soar to a 6.5% rating, signaling a strong resurgence.

In the latest episode, the character Jin Sang-ah (최정윤) confronts her father, Jin Jung-bae (김명수), the president of Jin Construction, who warns her that if she does not reconcile with her estranged husband Kim So-woo (송창의), he will remove her from the company. Meanwhile, Pi Seon-ju (심이영) breaks down in tears as she confesses her divorce from her husband Jeon Nam-jin (정영섭) in front of her family. Her mother Han Man (이효춘) expresses anger but ultimately comforts Seon-ju, who has tried her best to avoid the divorce.

‘Kind-hearted Seonju’ airs every weekday at 7:05 PM.

'친절한 선주씨', 시국 결방 핸디캡 뚫었다...시청률 6.5% 껑충 자체 최고 [공식]

‘Kind-hearted Seonju’ Achieves Record Ratings Amidst News Interruptions

The sudden passing of popular influencer and YouTuber Lee Hee-cheol has left many in shock, as his family has confirmed the cause of death. On January 8, Lee's brother revealed in an interview that the cause was a heart attack (심근경색). He expressed his sorrow, stating, "Although my brother had been feeling unwell recently, he was still healthy. It happened overnight..." The funeral is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The news of Lee's death was first shared by fellow YouTuber Pungja on January 7 through social media, where he wrote, "I can hardly believe this as I write, but for those who loved my brother and haven't heard the news yet, I must share that my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today."

Pungja continued, "Please pray that he goes to a good place. This is so sudden that many friends have yet to be informed. If you need my contact information, please DM me for details about the funeral."

In addition, Lee's final post on social media has garnered attention. On December 31, he reflected on the challenges of the past year, stating, "2024 has been incredibly tough for me, both physically and mentally. I believe that pain leads to learning and growth, and I am determined to face it with humility and strength. I want to express my gratitude for everything, even the hardships!" He concluded with a hopeful message for the new year, wishing for a healthier 2025 and a life filled with gratitude.

The family has released a statement to dispel any rumors surrounding his death, emphasizing the importance of his relationships with friends and family. Lee's brother shared, "Our brother, who was always full of energy and love, unexpectedly left for a long journey to the heavens on January 7 due to a heart attack. He cherished those around him as much as family, and although he appeared strong, he was gentle at heart. Please join us in making his final journey a little less lonely and more beautiful. We will not forget the precious hearts of each one of you."

Lee Hee-cheol was a close friend of Pungja and gained popularity in 2023 as a regular cast member on KBS2TV's 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' (살림하는 남자들 시즌2). He was a multi-talented individual, working as an influencer, restaurant CEO, photographer, and recently serving as the visual director for the girl group CLASS:y (클라씨).

[단독] '풍자가 알린' 이희철 사망, '심근경색' 사인 밝혀지며 억측 불식 (종합)

Influencer Lee Hee-cheol Passes Away Suddenly at 39

On January 9, SBS aired an episode of the variety show 'The Day That Tails the Day' (꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기), featuring a nostalgic look back at the baseball events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This Olympic event reignited the popularity of Korean professional baseball, and key figures from that time gathered for interviews. 

Lee Seung-yup, who struggled with a batting average of .100 during the tournament, made a significant impact in the semifinal against Japan with a crucial double and a two-run homer in the eighth inning. However, he believes his most important contribution was securing the final out ball from the championship game against Cuba. 

Lee shared, "After the 27th and final out, the KBO requested that we not throw the ball away but keep it. I thought it was important not to discard it." He added with a smile, "I think the biggest thing I did for Korean baseball was not the home run against Japan in the semifinals, but preserving that ball and handing it over to the KBO."

Lee Seung-yup Remembers the 2008 Beijing Olympics on 'The Day That Tails the Day'

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

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'

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 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.

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

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Lee Seung-yup Remembers the 2008 Beijing Olympics on 'The Day That Tails the Day'

NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

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

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

aespa Dominates Circle Chart's 2024 Year-End Rankings

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Beloved Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

Couples in 'Bride School' Share Their 2025 Marriage and Family Plans

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

‘Kind-hearted Seonju’ Achieves Record Ratings Amidst News Interruptions

Influencer Lee Hee-cheol Passes Away Suddenly at 39

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