'Golden Wave' is set to make its next stop in Bangkok. The 'Golden Wave in Bangkok' concert will take place on March 22 at the Thunder Dome in Thailand. Following successful events in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, last April and Tokyo, Japan, in October, this concert aims to engage global audiences once again.

The lineup features a stellar array of beloved K-Pop stars, showcasing a mix of idol groups and solo artists who will perform exclusive stages tailored for the Bangkok event. Confirmed performers include MINNIE, ENHYPEN, YOUNGJAE, EVNNE, KISS OF LIFE, WHIB, and TWS (in alphabetical order). Notably, Thai K-Pop idols MINNIE from (G)I-DLE and Natti from KISS OF LIFE will return to their homeland for this special occasion.

The artists will not only perform their hit songs but also present unique special stages designed to delight the audience's senses.

Actor Bae Hyun-sung, known for his roles in the dramas 'Our Blues' and 'Assembly Family,' will join as the MC for 'Golden Wave.' MINNIE will also take on the role of co-MC, raising anticipation for their chemistry on stage.

Tickets for 'Golden Wave in Bangkok' can be purchased through the Ticket Melon website.

Golden Wave Heads to Bangkok for Exciting K-Pop Event

Jeon Hyun-moo (전현무) and Hong Joo-yeon (홍주연) have found themselves at the center of marriage rumors, following a recent episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀) aired on February 9, 2025. The speculation about their potential wedding was reignited after a previous episode on February 2, where chef Jung Ji-sun (정지선) mentioned Jeon Hyun-moo's rumored marriage in March.

During the show, Jung Ji-sun was recording a segment for the popular program 'Gag Concert' (개그콘서트) with comedians Jo Soo-yeon (조수연) and Shin Yoon-seung (신윤승). In a playful moment, Jo Soo-yeon jokingly claimed that Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon would be getting married in May, which left the young fan, Woo-hyung, surprised.

This playful banter led to further jokes in the studio, with Kim Byung-hyun (김병현) and other cast members teasing Jeon Hyun-moo about his supposed upcoming nuptials. Jeon Hyun-moo even humorously admitted to dating Hong Joo-yeon for a month, prompting laughter from the audience.

In a segment of the show, Um Ji-in (엄지인) shared photos of Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon dining together, showcasing their apparent happiness. Jeon Hyun-moo defended Hong Joo-yeon when Um Ji-in playfully scolded her, and he expressed a sense of nostalgia when he saw her wearing headphones, drawing parallels to his past.

As the rumors continued, the initial March wedding speculation was pushed to May. With the addition of chef Shin Jong-cheol (신종철) to the panel, who praised the buffet's offerings, Park Myung-soo (박명수) chimed in, suggesting that Jeon Hyun-moo might have good news next month. Jeon Hyun-moo responded with disbelief, stating that his mother had even inquired about the marriage rumors.

In a light-hearted exchange, Park Myung-soo suggested moving the wedding date to May, to which Jeon Hyun-moo agreed but quickly noted that this would only lead to more articles about the change. The conversation took a humorous turn when Shin Jong-cheol offered to help plan the wedding, mentioning various events he could assist with, which left Jeon Hyun-moo visibly flustered.

"사귄 지 한달" 전현무, 母는 몰랐고 최측근만 알았다…5월로 결혼 연기 (사당귀)[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

In a significant ruling, the Suwon District Court's Criminal Division 11 sentenced two public officials for their involvement in an extortion scheme that lasted six years, during which they defrauded a colleague out of approximately 1.5 billion KRW (around $1.3 million). On February 9, 2025, the court handed down a six-year prison sentence to the main perpetrator, identified as A, and a two-year sentence to his accomplice, B, for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes (extortion).

The court found that in March 2012, A and B lured their colleague, referred to as C, to a restaurant where they consumed alcohol with a woman. They then falsely accused C of sexual assault while intoxicated, extorting over 980 million KRW from him. Additionally, between 2017 and 2018, they deceived C into believing he had committed sexual crimes against minors, resulting in an additional 660 million KRW in extortion. The defendants exploited C's tendency to forget events when drinking and his social interactions with women.

The court criticized the defendants for their actions, stating, "The defendants mobilized so-called 'honey trap' women to create a scenario where the intoxicated victim appeared to have committed a crime, thereby disguising their extortion as a need for criminal settlement. Their conduct is extremely reprehensible." It noted that A showed no genuine effort to compensate the victim and continued to deny his wrongdoing. In contrast, B acknowledged his involvement, expressed remorse, and repaid 75 million KRW to the victim, which the court considered in its sentencing decision, along with the victim's lack of desire for further punishment against B.

”성폭행 신고한대”...꽃뱀 여성과 짜고 6년간 15억 뜯어낸 공무원

Two Officials Sentenced for Extortion Scheme Involving False Sexual Assault Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP's Possible Return to BIGBANG Sparks Excitement Among Fans

A tragic incident occurred at an elementary school in Daejeon, where a first-grade student and a teacher were found stabbed. The student, identified as A, was transported to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. The incident took place around 6 PM on February 10, 2025, on the second floor of the school located in the Gwanjeo-dong area of Daejeon. Emergency services reported that A was unconscious upon arrival at the hospital. The teacher, referred to as B, sustained stab wounds to the neck and arm but is currently conscious and receiving treatment. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

대전 한 초등학교서 학생·교사 흉기에 찔려… 학생은 사망

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Student and Teacher Stabbed

Members of the K-pop group NewJeans have declared their intention to change their group name to NJZ, but their label Ador has rejected this new name amid an ongoing contract dispute. On February 10, Ador stated that the members' announcement on February 7 regarding the unapproved name has led to confusion. Ador emphasized that the contract with NewJeans remains legally valid and that claims of its termination are unilateral. Previously, Ador filed for a preliminary injunction to affirm its management rights and is currently awaiting a court decision. The label urged the media to use the official name 'NewJeans' based on the valid contract and requested accurate reporting on the significance of exclusive contracts in the entertainment industry. NewJeans is set to perform under the name NJZ at the 'Complex Live' event in Hong Kong from March 21 to 23, where they will unveil new music. The group claimed last November that their contract with Ador was terminated, while Ador insists the contract is valid until 2029 and is pursuing legal action. The first hearing for the injunction filed by Ador against the five members is scheduled for March 7, with the initial court date for the contract validity lawsuit set for April 3.

어도어 “NJZ 아닌 뉴진스…전속계약 법적 유효”

NewJeans Members Announce Name Change Amid Contract Dispute with Ador

It has been 18 years since the beloved actress Jeong Da-bin, often referred to as the 'Second Choi Jin-sil' for her vibrant charm, tragically passed away. On February 10, 2007, she was found dead in her boyfriend's apartment in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. While the police and the National Forensic Service concluded that her death was a suicide based on the autopsy, her family and agency have consistently argued that there was no reason for her to take her own life. To this day, the reasons behind Jeong Da-bin's death remain unclear.

Jeong Da-bin made her debut in 2000 with the SBS sitcom Don.com. She rose to fame with her role in the sitcom Nonstop 3 and showcased her adorable charm alongside Kim Rae-won in the 2003 drama Rooftop Room Cat. Her lovely visuals and refreshing acting style led many to anticipate her as the next 'Romantic Comedy Queen' following Choi Jin-sil.

However, after her appearance in the 2005 SBS drama The Summer's Hurricane, her career saw a decline. In 2007, she suddenly left her loved ones, shocking the entertainment industry. Even after 18 years, fans continue to remember her as a versatile actress capable of excelling in both comedy and romance.

Her colleagues share similar sentiments. In a 2018 MBC special titled 'Again, Twenty - New Nonstop,' Jo In-sung expressed his difficulty in attending her funeral, stating, 'It was hard to go to the mortuary. My heart was too pained. I felt so sorry that I wondered if I had the right to go. But I thought I should at least say goodbye on my way there.' 

Similarly, Jung Tae-woo reflected on the disbelief surrounding her death, saying, 'Everyone must have felt it was unbelievable. It was so hard to accept that Da-bin was gone. She had family and colleagues around her. We had good memories together. I still find myself talking to the air every time articles about her come out.'

Remembering Jeong Da-bin: 18 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

The popular K-pop group NewJeans has announced their independent activities under the new name NJZ. On February 9, they shared a group selfie on their official account, stating, "It's been a while since we took a group selfie." The photo features members Minji, Hani, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein striking V poses and smiling brightly.

The members expressed their satisfaction with their day, saying, "We feel like we had a very fulfilling day. We hope our fans, Bunnies (the official fan club), are enjoying good music and staying warm."

On February 7, NewJeans revealed their new team name, NJZ, and changed their previously established account 'Jins for Free' to 'NJZ Official.' They also announced plans for their upcoming activities, including a performance at the 'Complex Live' event at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong in March. They will debut their new song on March 23, the last day of ComplexCon, and mentioned that they will soon have an agent.

In response, Ador expressed disappointment over the members' unilateral decision to pursue this path before any legal judgment was made. Last November, NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contract with Ador, citing contract violations. They stated that they would not be liable for any penalties and would continue to use the NewJeans name. However, due to potential trademark issues, they have refrained from using the name since then.

Ador, on the other hand, maintains that the contract with NewJeans is valid until July 2029 and has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract, along with a request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from entering into advertising contracts.

As NJZ embarks on their independent journey, they face challenges ahead. A legal battle with Ador is set to begin in March, with a hearing scheduled for March 7 regarding the injunction. The first hearing for the contract validity lawsuit will take place on April 3.

Additionally, member Hani faces visa issues. As a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, she has been working under an E-6 (Artistic Performance) visa issued through Ador, which is set to expire soon. To renew this visa, she needs to submit various documents, including an exclusive contract, a business registration certificate, and a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Ador has stated they are preparing the necessary documents for Hani's visa extension, but if she does not return to Ador, they are unlikely to assist her.

Moreover, NewJeans must navigate public fatigue outside their core fandom, Bunnyz, allegations against former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, and industry backlash.

The future of NewJeans as NJZ remains a topic of great interest as they chart their new course.

NewJeans Launches Independent Activities as NJZ

The general ticket sales for 2NE1's 15th anniversary encore concert in Seoul will begin today, February 10, at 8 PM through Interpark Ticket. The concert, titled '2025 2NE1 CONCERT [WELCOME BACK] ENCORE IN SEOUL', is set to take place on April 12 and 13 at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Bangi-dong, Seoul.

This event marks the group's reunion with domestic fans approximately six months after their last performance in Seoul last October, which saw overwhelming demand with all tickets selling out. Many fans who missed out on tickets have been eagerly requesting additional shows, making the competition for tickets this time around expected to be fierce.

Unlike the pre-sale for temporary fan club members, this general sale will be open to everyone. Fans can look forward to a comprehensive showcase of 2NE1's musical journey, as this concert will serve as the grand finale of their tour.

In a video released today, 2NE1 expressed their excitement, stating, "We are coming back to Seoul. We will meet you at the much larger KSPO DOME. The first concert in Seoul was truly moving, so we are even more thrilled for this encore performance. Let's all jump together one last time!"

Currently, 2NE1 is successfully navigating their 15th anniversary Asia tour, '2024-25 2NE1 ASIA TOUR [WELCOME BACK]', having already completed concerts in cities such as Seoul, Manila, Jakarta, Kobe, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei. They are now set to perform in Ho Chi Minh City and Macau, aiming to achieve a record of 27 shows across 12 cities, attracting a total audience of 220,000, including the Seoul encore.

2NE1 to Hold Encore Concert in Seoul for 15th Anniversary

On February 11, KBS2's show Celebrity Soldier's Secret (셀럽 병사의 비밀) aired its eighth episode, delving into the identity of the 'Purple Killer,' a figure that instilled fear in many celebrities, including Kim Gu (김구), Walt Disney, and Edvard Munch (에드바르 뭉크). The episode explored the mysterious deaths surrounding the famous painter Gustav Klimt, known for his iconic kiss scene, who passed away suddenly in 1918 shortly before his hospital discharge due to a stroke. Following his death, his protégé and rival, Egon Schiele (에곤 실레), also died, leading to a series of unexplained deaths where victims exhibited a purple discoloration of the face and pneumonia symptoms before dying within days. This led to rumors in Europe that the German army had released poison gas during World War I.

The fear of death spread rapidly beyond Europe, reaching Korea during the Japanese occupation in 1918, where notable figures like Kim Gu, Walt Disney, Mahatma Gandhi, and Edvard Munch also contracted the Spanish flu.

Interestingly, the first recorded outbreak of the Spanish flu was reported in the United States, not Spain. This led to a heated discussion on the show, with guest Jang Do-yeon expressing outrage over the naming of the virus, comparing it to being unjustly labeled as the 'Jang Do-yeon virus.'

ENT specialist Lee Nak-jun (이낙준), known for his work on the Trauma Center, provided medical insights into the various rumors and treatments surrounding the flu at that time. Lee Chan-won (이찬원) humorously questioned whether mixing soju with chili powder could actually cure a cold, leading to a light-hearted moment where he publicly apologized to friends who had tried this remedy instead of taking proper medication.

The episode also featured Professor Song Dae-seop (송대섭) from Seoul National University, who developed the world's first MERS diagnostic kit in 2015. He emphasized the importance of the broadcast, revealing shocking facts about the Spanish flu and its current implications, including research suggesting that up to 300 new viruses could emerge each year over the next 50 years, equating to a new infectious disease potentially appearing almost every day.

The secrets of the 'Purple Killer' that swept the globe in 1918 will be revealed in the Spanish flu episode of Celebrity Soldier's Secret, airing on Tuesday, February 11, at 8:30 PM. Meanwhile, Lee Chan-won has disclosed that he has over 30 events scheduled in a month, with his fee reportedly around 28 million won.

The Rise of Lee Chan-won's Popularity Amidst Historical Revelations

Recent changes to TOP's (최승현) social media and official YouTube profiles have led to speculation about his potential return to BIGBANG. However, a representative for TOP clarified on February 11 that the name 'TOP' on his social media has not been altered and has always been listed that way. The representative also stated that TOP's stance regarding BIGBANG remains unchanged from what he expressed in a recent interview.

The speculation arose after fans noticed that the official BIGBANG YouTube account listed the members in the order of G-Dragon, Taeyang, TOP, and Daesung, and that TOP's profile referred to him as 'TOP 최승현' instead of 'Actor 최승현'. Despite these observations, the information is not new; the YouTube profile has been consistent since the release of their song '봄, 여름, 가을, 겨울' (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter).

TOP, who was sentenced to 20 months in prison with a two-year probation in 2016 for marijuana use, officially left YG Entertainment in 2022 and subsequently announced his departure from BIGBANG the following year. In a recent interview regarding his role as Thanos in the Netflix original series 'Squid Game Season 2', he reflected on the possibility of reuniting with BIGBANG, stating, 'I considered '봄 여름 가을 겨울' to be my last project.' He expressed that while fans still hope for a reunion, he feels a sense of guilt towards the other members and believes he will carry that regret for life.

Golden Wave Heads to Bangkok for Exciting K-Pop Event

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Remembering Jeong Da-bin: 18 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

NewJeans Launches Independent Activities as NJZ

2NE1 to Hold Encore Concert in Seoul for 15th Anniversary

The Rise of Lee Chan-won's Popularity Amidst Historical Revelations

TOP's Profile Update Sparks Speculation About BIGBANG Return

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Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

Two Officials Sentenced for Extortion Scheme Involving False Sexual Assault Claims

TOP's Possible Return to BIGBANG Sparks Excitement Among Fans

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Student and Teacher Stabbed

NewJeans Members Announce Name Change Amid Contract Dispute with Ador

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