On April 3, SBS confirmed that production for Season 2 of Good Partner (굿파트너) is officially underway. However, a representative from the network noted that the project is still in its early stages, with no set timeline or casting decisions made yet. 

Good Partner is a human legal office drama featuring star lawyer Cha Eun-kyung (played by 장나라), who specializes in divorce, and rookie lawyer Han Yu-ri (played by 남지현), who is navigating her first divorce case. The series garnered significant attention, achieving a peak viewership rating of 17.7%. 

The first season earned several accolades, with 장나라 winning the Grand Prize at the SBS Drama Awards, while 남지현 received the Best Acting Award, and both 김준한 and 표지훈 were recognized with Excellence Awards.

Good Partner Season 2 in Production

On April 1, 2025, actress Park Eun-hye appeared on SBS Plus's 'Solo' and shared her candid feelings about returning to the entertainment industry following her divorce. Known for her glamorous past, often referred to as the 'Korean Wang Jo-hyun', Park revealed that she has been single for nine years. 

Park Eun-hye married a businessman four years her senior in April 2008, but the couple divorced in September 2018 due to differing values after ten years of marriage. She became a mother to twin boys in 2011 and has since taken on the responsibility of raising them alone, maintaining a cordial relationship with her ex-husband for the sake of their children. 

Reflecting on her divorce, Park stated, "If you count the time we were separated, it’s been nine years. I thought that getting divorced would mean the end of my acting career and that no one would want to work with me again. I felt like I wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore, yet I still wanted to separate and live independently." She expressed her concerns about how the public would perceive her, fearing that her good image would be tarnished by the divorce. 

During the show, Park also shared a glimpse into her daily life in her townhouse. She woke up and made a video call to her twin sons, who are currently studying in Canada. She explained, "In November two years ago, they went to Canada with their father. I wanted them to grow up freely rather than just focusing on studies. When they were about to enter middle school, their father suggested taking them to Canada for a few years, so I agreed." Park added that while she struggles with English, her ex-husband is fluent due to his own study abroad experience. 

Comedian Shin Dong-yeop praised her ex-husband for being a responsible father, stating, "Even if the couple didn’t match, he is doing his best as a father to the kids." Park responded, "Even right after the divorce, we occasionally had meals together as a family. The kids were confused about why their dad wasn’t coming home."

박은혜 "이혼 후, 배우 인생 끝나는 줄 알았다" 심경 최초고백 ('솔로라서')

Park Eun-hye Opens Up About Life After Divorce on 'Solo' Show

On April 2, Goldmedalist, the agency representing actor Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sa-rang, issued a statement addressing allegations made by the family of the late Sulli (Choi Jin-ri) regarding the film 'Real'. The agency clarified that Sulli was fully aware of the intimate scenes in the film prior to filming. They stated, "Regarding the bed scene, the late actress Choi Jin-ri was informed and prepared for the scene beforehand. Additionally, there was a 'standing-in' actor present during the filming, who did not perform but assisted with the actor's movements during preparation."

Goldmedalist also emphasized that Kim Soo-hyun had no involvement in the script or filming process, asserting that the production team handled all aspects of the project. They denied any contact with Sulli's mother, stating they did not have her contact information.

The controversy arose when Sulli's brother claimed during her funeral that there were discrepancies regarding the filming of intimate scenes, including the absence of a body double on the day of filming. He demanded a response from Kim Soo-hyun and director Lee Sa-rang regarding these allegations.

In light of recent accusations against Kim Soo-hyun related to the late Kim Sae-ron, Sulli's brother expressed frustration online, hinting at a deeper issue involving Kim Soo-hyun. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun has strongly denied any inappropriate relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her underage years, urging the family to present their evidence to the authorities for verification.

Goldmedalist reiterated their commitment to transparency, stating, "We understand the concerns raised, but we cannot accept the unfounded claims being circulated. We ask for restraint in spreading unverified information that harms those who worked passionately on 'Real'."

故김새론 문제 수습불가인데..김수현, 故설리 유족에 반박 '산 넘어 산' [Oh!쎈 이슈](전문)

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations Related to Late Sulli and 'Real'

The brother of the late Sulli, a former member of the girl group f(x), has stirred controversy by naming several celebrities in a series of claims. He revealed that Sulli had a relationship with P.O, a member of Block B, for about a year, and alleged that IU had given Sulli the script for the film 'Real'. 

On April 2, Sulli's brother made headlines by discussing her past romance with P.O during a live broadcast, which coincided with a press conference held by Kim Soo-hyun regarding his own personal controversies. This revelation has led to renewed speculation about P.O and Sulli's relationship, especially given the sensitive context of Sulli's passing. P.O's agency, Artist Company, responded to the claims, stating, "We cannot confirm matters related to the actor's private life. We cannot verify the past relationship with the deceased as it is a private matter."

The mention of P.O's name has intensified the discussion surrounding the alleged romance, marking the first time such claims have surfaced since Sulli's death. Fans have expressed concern that discussing Sulli in this manner is disrespectful. 

Sulli's brother did not stop there; he also named other celebrities, including IU, Goo Hara, Kim Sae-ron, Han Ji-eun, Suzy, and Ahn So-hee, in his social media posts. He claimed that IU had a close relationship with Sulli and had introduced her to a psychiatrist. Additionally, he raised questions about the filming of 'Real', suggesting that Sulli faced significant physical and mental challenges during production, and hinted at possible coercion regarding her exposure scenes. 

These statements have drawn criticism for being reckless and invasive, as they involve the private lives of Sulli's colleagues without substantial evidence. Observers are concerned that such revelations may lead to sensationalism rather than constructive dialogue about the issues at hand.

피오 열애설에 아이유 소환..故설리 친오빠, 선 넘은 실명 폭로 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Sulli's Brother Sparks Controversy with Celebrity Revelations

On April 20, at Golfzon, a screen golf company located in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, employees and their children waved goodbye with smiles as they prepared for the weekend. Established in 2017, Golfzon's on-site daycare allows all employees to enroll their children if they wish. As the clock struck 5 PM, the elevators buzzed with employees heading home, and noticeable empty desks filled the office. Every month, the company designates the Friday following payday (the 20th) as a paid day off for all staff, encouraging them to spend quality time with their families. Additionally, Golfzon supports employees with up to 1.5 million KRW annually for golf expenses, leading many to enjoy family golf outings once a month, contributing to the lively atmosphere on Thursday evenings.

Founded in 2000, Golfzon not only develops screen golf programs but also operates numerous screen golf facilities nationwide, employing around 550 staff members. From its inception, the company has believed that work-life balance enhances corporate competitiveness, implementing various family-friendly policies.

One notable benefit is the 'G-Marriage Care' program, which provides financial support for wedding expenses, offering up to 6 million KRW based on age to employees preparing for marriage. Park Young-rae, a 41-year-old employee who married four years ago, expressed, "It gives me peace of mind knowing the company supports us during significant expenses."

Post-marriage, the company continues to focus on work-life balance, offering up to 3 million KRW for infertility treatments. Employees who adopt children receive a 5 million KRW incentive, along with an annual scholarship of 2 million KRW for each adopted child from age one until they graduate high school.

For biological children, the company provides a 'birth congratulatory fund' of 400,000 KRW for the first child, 1.1 million KRW for the second, and 5.1 million KRW for the third. Scholarships of 2 million KRW are awarded annually starting from age five for the first child, age three for the second, and age one for the third. Regardless of adoption status, employees' children receive 7 million KRW annually for college until graduation.

Employees with young children particularly appreciate the on-site daycare, which operates until 8 PM. Golfzon established this daycare in 2017, even though it was not mandated. Kang Shin-wook, a 36-year-old father of a three-year-old, noted, "Private daycare centers usually have early pick-up times, creating pressure to finish work by quitting time. The workplace daycare offers more flexibility, which is a huge help for parenting."

If work obligations delay pick-up, the company cafeteria prepares children's meals and trays, allowing parents to dine with their kids before heading home. The daycare's educational programs, including English lessons taught by native speakers, have received high satisfaction ratings. Many employees have transitioned from private daycare to the workplace facility.

Golfzon also implements a flexible working hours system, allowing employees to arrive between 8 AM and 10 AM and complete their eight-hour workday without prior approval for their start time. Jeon Da-hae, a 37-year-old mother of a four-year-old, shared, "During the cold season when kids often get sick, I can take them to the doctor without worrying about strict reporting as long as I arrive before 10 AM."

The family-friendly culture and various benefits have attracted more experienced applicants, with many new hires reporting increased family time since joining Golfzon. The company also offers free golf lessons for employees and their families, with professional instructors available at the on-site facilities. Choi Min-gun, a 46-year-old father of a fifth-grade son and a second-grade daughter, enjoys golfing with his family. After his son took lessons three years ago, they now travel abroad for golf vacations during school breaks. Choi dreams of having his second child join them on the course, fostering family conversations throughout their rounds.

The company’s support has also led to new family hobbies. Kim Kyung-hwan, a 45-year-old father of two elementary school children, now goes camping five to six times a year, thanks to the company’s camping expense support (up to 80,000 KRW per night for two nights annually). His children have grown to love camping, often going more than the supported days. Kim remarked, "Seeing my kids enjoy grilled meat at the campsite makes all my fatigue disappear. The best part is the welfare system that allows us to spend time together as a family."

Golfzon hosts an annual family invitation event, where not only children but also employees' parents are welcomed for a meal together. Employees noted that when urgent matters arise, colleagues often say, "Go ahead, we’ve got this," and team members celebrate those going on parental leave with gifts. A Golfzon representative stated, "The key to corporate growth lies in organizational culture, and we plan to continue supporting our employees' work-life balance."


입양 장려금 500만원… 고교까지 매년 200만원 장학금도 줘요

Golfzon: A Family-Friendly Workplace Supporting Parenthood

Park Sung-il, the music director of Netflix's 폭싹 속았수다 (Crash Course in Romance), is raising his voice for the protection of creators' rights. On April 7 at 10 AM, the '2nd Cultural Power National Assembly Forum' will take place in the Second Seminar Room of the National Assembly, focusing on the philosophy and sustainability of South Korea's cultural policy. This event is co-hosted by members of the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Culture and Arts, including Kang Yu-jeong, Kim Yoon-deok, Min Hyung-bae, Park Soo-hyun, Yang Moon-seok, Lee Gi-heon, Lim Oh-kyung, Jeon Jae-soo, and Jo Gye-won, and organized by the Cultural Power Network (Chairman Lee Woo-jong).

The forum will explore the theme 'Dialogue for a Cultural Powerhouse - The Direction and Sustainability of South Korea's Cultural Policy.' The aim is to seek a philosophical and practical direction for cultural and artistic policies that transcend mere administration or industrial development, fostering coexistence among creators, citizens, and both local and central governments.

The forum will be chaired by Professor Choi Jun-ho, an honorary professor at the Korea National University of Arts, who has linked theory and policy in the cultural arts sector. The keynote speech will be delivered by Kang Yu-jeong, who will emphasize that cultural policy should be approached as a matter of citizens' lives and rights rather than a political tool, advocating for a reconfiguration of policies to focus on relationships, senses, and the language of art and life.

Presentations will feature Professor Kim Hyun-hwan from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies discussing 'Principles of Cultural Policy,' outlining the philosophical foundations and basic structures of cultural policy design. Professor Lee Won-jae from Kyung Hee Cyber University will address 'Sustainability of Cultural Policy,' arguing for a shift from short-term results to a 'way of life' perspective, proposing practical tasks accordingly.

The discussion will include three experts reflecting on policy realities. Park Sung-il will share insights as a leading OST director known for his work on dramas like 폭싹 속았수다 (Crash Course in Romance) and 나의 아저씨 (My Mister), highlighting the need for improved creator rights and fair contract structures. The second discussant, Ko Dong-hyun, a researcher at Yonsei University's Institute for Social Development, will diagnose structural issues in centralized cultural policies and propose data-driven, region-specific policy designs and cultural decentralization strategies. Lastly, So Hong-sam, former head of the Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation, will stress the importance of cultural institutions evolving beyond mere project execution to become autonomous cultural entities, advocating for necessary institutional reforms and budget restructuring.

Lee Woo-jong, chairman of the Cultural Power Network, stated, 'As cultural policy enters a transformative phase, whether South Korea remains a cultural laggard or advances as a cultural powerhouse depends on our preparedness. I hope this forum will serve as a catalyst for clarifying the philosophy and execution strategies of cultural policy.' He added, 'We all share the responsibility to respond to the 'light sticks' created by citizens with cultural and artistic endeavors.'

'폭싹' 박성일, 문화강국 위해 목소리 낸다 '창작자 권익보호 필요'

Music Director Park Sung-il Advocates for Creator Rights at Cultural Policy Forum

On April 3, 2025, G-Dragon's agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced that they are taking a strong stance against the spread of false information and malicious posts targeting the artist on online communities and social media. The agency expressed serious concern over these harmful actions, stating that they will pursue legal action against those responsible. They emphasized that spreading false information, defamation, insults, and invasion of privacy are clear illegal acts that could lead to legal consequences under the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal law.

Galaxy Corporation is currently monitoring online platforms closely and collecting relevant evidence, with plans to utilize fan reports as crucial support for their legal actions. They urged fans to report any malicious posts they encounter.

The agency confirmed that they will thoroughly review any harmful content directed at G-Dragon and will proceed with necessary legal measures without any settlements or leniency regarding the dissemination of false information and defamation. They assured fans of their commitment to protecting the artist's rights through diligent monitoring and ongoing responses.

In related news, G-Dragon recently kicked off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA, presented by Coupang Play' with concerts held on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun), a central figure in the Burning Sun scandal, has reached out to the media to refute rumors about pursuing business opportunities in China. On April 3, he contacted Ilgan Sports, stating, "I want to correct the misinformation. I am not leaving Korea; I currently reside here. My overseas trips are mostly for friends' weddings or personal vacations, and I have no business meetings planned."

Seungri emphasized, "Despite claims that I am still interested in the entertainment or cultural sectors, I have no such plans. My recent meetings with industry contacts were simply casual dinners with former colleagues."

He further clarified, "I am not conceptualizing any other business ventures, and I do not know anyone from a major corporation as has been suggested."

After serving a 1.5-year prison sentence for charges related to prostitution and facilitating prostitution, Seungri was released in February 2023. He shared that since his release, he has not engaged in any economic activities and is primarily spending time with family, living a quiet life.

Reflecting on his continued presence in the news despite his retirement from the entertainment industry, he remarked, "It seems people find it entertaining to criticize me. They even refer to me as 'Defeat' instead of Seungri, as if it's a meme."

Seungri expressed his desire to clarify the false narratives surrounding him, acknowledging that the ongoing discussions may be causing fatigue for many. He sincerely apologized for any distress caused by the noise surrounding his personal life and pledged to act more responsibly to avoid further controversies.

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

Stray Kids has successfully wrapped up their concert in Rio de Janeiro as part of their world tour 'Stray Kids World Tour 'dominATE''. On April 1st (local time), the group held their first-ever solo concert at Estádio Nilton Santos, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 55,000 fans, showcasing their immense popularity in the region.

The concert kicked off with the powerful track 'MOUNTAINS' from their mini-album 'ATE'. The audience was treated to a parade of hit songs infused with the group's unique energy, including '소리꾼', 'Back Door', 'Chk Chk Boom', '神메뉴', '특', and 'MANIAC', all of which received an overwhelming response from fans.

Highlights of the performance included the intense rapping of Han and Felix in 'Truman', the powerful energy of Changbin and I.N in 'Burnin' Tires', the captivating mood of Bang Chan and Hyunjin in 'ESCAPE', and the sweet vocals of Lee Know and Seungmin in 'CINEMA'. The stage also featured a grand and unique rendition of 'GIANT (Korean Ver.)', elevating the atmosphere to new heights.

The setlist, filled with self-composed songs, was complemented by rich band sounds, explosive stage energy, and mesmerizing performances, creating an electrifying experience. A stunning 360-degree fireworks display lit up the night sky, providing unforgettable moments for both Stray Kids and their fandom, STAY. After the concert, the eight members expressed their gratitude, reflecting on their seven-year journey and the joy of connecting with fans. They hope to receive the same warm welcome upon their next meeting.

The 'dominATE' world tour, which is the group's largest to date with 55 performances across 34 regions, will continue in São Paulo on April 5th and 6th, before heading to major stadiums across Latin America, North America, Japan, and Europe until the end of July. Stray Kids is expected to attract a total of 2.2 million fans, setting a new record for the highest attendance in a single K-pop tour.

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

On April 3, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing regarding Ador's lawsuit against the five members of NewJeans, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract. While NewJeans previously attended a hearing related to Ador's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from signing contracts with other agencies, they did not appear for this session.

Ador maintains that the exclusive contract signed with NewJeans in April 2022 is still valid and expressed a willingness to negotiate or reach a settlement. However, NewJeans asserts that they terminated the contract in November 2023 and stated, "We cannot consider any form of negotiation."

A significant point of contention during the hearing was the differing views on former CEO Min. Ador acknowledged Min's contributions to the group's success but argued that NewJeans could exist without him. They emphasized that as a subsidiary of the leading company HYBE, they could support NewJeans through other producers. They also pointed out that NewJeans successfully completed a recent concert in Hong Kong without Min's assistance, suggesting inconsistencies in NewJeans' claims.

In response, NewJeans expressed distrust towards Ador, citing the complete change in management and a lack of communication regarding alternatives following Min's departure. They stated, "The fundamental trust has been broken, making collaboration impossible."

Ador countered that Min left voluntarily, not as a result of being ousted. They claimed that even after the court deemed the management change legal, they offered Min a chance to continue as a director and producer, which he declined, leading to a breakdown in communication and NewJeans' unilateral declaration of contract termination.

NewJeans announced their contract termination with Ador in November 2023, prompting Ador to file for both a temporary injunction and a formal lawsuit against the members. On March 21, the court granted Ador's request for a temporary injunction, leading NewJeans to announce a halt in their activities.

The next court date is set for June 5, 2025, at 11:10 AM. The judge noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, "There have been instances where contracts were terminated without any settlements, but this is a unique situation. I will consider how to assess the trust relationship."


NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

A new controversy has emerged in South Korea involving foreign BJ Black Dave, a rapper and skateboarder from New York, who was caught on video attacking a pedestrian while live streaming on the Australian platform Kick. The incident occurred on March 31, when Dave approached a man trying to enter a vehicle and suddenly threw a punch while hurling insults. 

While it is speculated that the attack was a reaction to the man parking on the sidewalk, the exact context remains unclear. The victim, standing by the passenger door, was caught off guard and left the scene without retaliating. When the man attempted to defend himself, Dave shouted, "Don’t touch my body!" while continuing to curse. 

The incident was broadcast live, leading to widespread outrage online as viewers questioned why a foreigner would behave this way in Korea. Many expressed that such actions should not be overlooked. 

This incident has drawn comparisons to Johnny Somali, a Somali-American YouTuber who is currently facing trial for disruptive behavior in Korea, including playing loud music in a convenience store and causing disturbances on public transport. Somali's trial began on March 7, where he displayed a lack of remorse, arriving late and mocking the court. His next hearing is scheduled for April 9. 

The repeated inappropriate actions of foreign internet personalities in Korea have sparked calls for stricter penalties. Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women's University stated on Facebook that the increasing number of foreign YouTubers causing chaos in Korea is a significant issue. He emphasized the need to prevent such individuals from mocking the country and threatening its citizens, suggesting that strong punishments for Somali could set a positive precedent. He also advocated for the deportation of disruptive YouTubers. 

As incidents involving foreign BJs continue to raise concerns, the public is calling for action to ensure the safety and respect of local citizens.

Good Partner Season 2 in Production

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G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

Controversy Erupts as Foreign BJ Black Dave Assaults Pedestrian in Korea

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Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations Related to Late Sulli and 'Real'

Sulli's Brother Sparks Controversy with Celebrity Revelations

Golfzon: A Family-Friendly Workplace Supporting Parenthood

Music Director Park Sung-il Advocates for Creator Rights at Cultural Policy Forum

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