GUNWOO has officially embarked on his solo career, showcasing an electrifying dance performance. On March 8, he released a teaser video for his debut single 'Shot' through his social media channels, generating excitement among fans. The teaser highlights GUNWOO's charismatic presence and stunning visuals, raising anticipation for the full music video.

The new track 'Shot' features a powerful beat and an addictive melody, combining GUNWOO's unique performance style with his rap skills, further heightening expectations for the complete song. 

Regarding his solo debut, GUNWOO expressed, "It's a new challenge, and while I feel some pressure, I want to enjoy this journey with my fans." He added, "This song marks my first step in starting anew, and I hope everyone looks forward to it. I aim to showcase various sides of myself through my music activities." 

GUNWOO's new single will be available on various music streaming platforms today, March 10, at 6 PM.

GUNWOO Unveils Teaser for Solo Debut Track 'Shot'

In the latest episode of MBC's entertainment show Point of Omniscient Interference (전지적 참견 시점), YouTuber Sim Euddeum showcased her unique morning routine, which begins with a 10km marathon. Her manager expressed happiness about living with Sim Euddeum, stating that their daily workouts together have significantly improved their health. He humorously noted that they do laundry three to four times a day, with Sim Euddeum contributing to 90% of the laundry load.

Sim Euddeum's day was packed, as she met with singer Sean and actor Ko Han-min early in the morning. Her manager mentioned that he couldn't join them for the run, as they were all set to hit the track together. During their light jog, Sim Euddeum asked Sean if he had been running every day, to which he casually replied that he had already covered 240km up to that point.

Sim Euddeum remarked on the intensity of Sean's life, saying, "Honestly, my life is tough, but Sean's seems five times tougher." Sean humorously added that losing three to four toenails while running is what makes it truly intense.

She emphasized the benefits of running with others, stating, "It's much better to run together. When I'm with Sean and Ko Han-min, I don't even check my watch; they help me pace myself," highlighting Sean's experience as a marathon runner.

심으뜸, 가수 션과 러닝 크루 결성 "2025년 240km 러닝"('전참시')

YouTuber Sim Euddeum Starts Her Day with a 10km Marathon on 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

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

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has taken the lead in promoting director Bong Joon-ho's latest film, 'Mickey17'. Recently, he shared on his Instagram, "'Mickey17' is hitting theaters in the U.S. this weekend. I’m thrilled to meet the Kenneth-Ilpa couple, the Mickeys, and Nasha and Kai in space, and to taste the secret sauce!" 

He continued, "Bong Joon-ho has infused this film with powerful and hopeful messages that are more important now than ever. Don’t worry; it’s a feel-good movie. It’s best enjoyed in a big crowd. This is a film meant for the cinema!" 

Ruffalo also shared a photo with Bong Joon-ho from the set, showcasing his excitement about joining the director's project. 

Released on February 28, 'Mickey17' follows a disposable character, Mickey (played by Robert Pattinson), who faces his 17th death while being a part of dangerous missions. The story takes a twist when 'Mickey 18' is printed, believing Mickey has died. As of March 9, the film has surpassed 2 million viewers in South Korea. 

Based on the sci-fi novel 'Mickey 7' by Edward Ashton, Bong Joon-ho adapted the screenplay and directed the film. This marks his first new project in six years since the Academy Award-winning 'Parasite', and it is his third overseas project following 'Okja' and 'Snowpiercer'. 

In the film, Robert Pattinson portrays Mickey, who escapes to the icy planet Niflheim to evade threats from loan sharks, only to face horrific deaths repeatedly as part of a 'human print' job. Mark Ruffalo plays Kenneth Marshall, a dictatorial politician on a spaceship colonizing the universe, while Naomi Ackie stars as Nasha, Mickey's only love on Niflheim, and Steven Yeun plays Timo, a friend who betrays Mickey. 

Since its release, 'Mickey17' has dominated the box office for nine consecutive days, achieving remarkable success. The film earned $2.5 million during preview screenings and is set to screen in 3,770 theaters across North America starting March 6. 

The projected opening weekend earnings in North America are estimated between $18 million and $20 million, with international earnings expected to reach $20 million to $25 million, bringing the global box office forecast to between $40 million and $45 million. 

With a production budget of $118 million, 'Mickey17' will need to gross approximately $275 million to $300 million globally to break even. Mark Ruffalo's enthusiastic promotion of 'Mickey17' has certainly caught the public's attention.

1710억 '미키17'을 살려라!..'홍보요정' 마크 러팔로, 봉 감독과 인증샷 공개 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Mark Ruffalo Promotes Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey17' Ahead of U.S. Release

Former MIRAE member Son Dong-pyo is set to unveil his first self-composed track, 'Stally', today (March 9) at 6 PM KST across various music streaming platforms. 

'Stally' features a blend of gentle drum and guitar sounds, complemented by Son Dong-pyo's soft vocals. The song's unembellished melody and straightforward lyrics leave a lasting impression on listeners. 

This track is particularly special as it showcases Son Dong-pyo's own songwriting and composition skills. It reflects his journey as he transitions from the end of his teenage years into his twenties, conveying a message of comfort and courage to those who feel lost in the hustle of life. 

Following the music release, a mood film will be shared on Son Dong-pyo's official YouTube channel on March 10 at 6 PM KST, presenting a more serious side of him, devoid of his usual playful demeanor, and emphasizing his sincerity towards music. 

Recently, Son Dong-pyo has demonstrated his versatility by participating in various web entertainment shows and dramas. With 'Stally', he marks his return to his primary career as a singer, showcasing his growth as an artist. 

Fans can listen to Son Dong-pyo's single 'Stally' starting today at 6 PM KST on all major music platforms.

손동표, 오늘(9일) 데뷔 첫 자작곡 'Stally' 발매..'나'에게 전하는 위로

Son Dong-pyo Releases Heartfelt Debut Single 'Stally'

Yeji, the leader of the popular K-pop group ITZY, has officially launched her solo career. On March 10, 2025, she held a press conference at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel & Serviced Residences in Songpa-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of her first mini album, 'AIR'. As the first member of ITZY to embark on a solo journey, Yeji expressed both excitement and pressure about this new chapter.

At the press conference, Yeji introduced herself, saying, "I am Yeji from ITZY, making my solo debut. I am extremely nervous. I’ve been so busy with schedules that I didn’t realize I was debuting solo until I stood here today. I really want to do well." Reflecting on her long-awaited solo debut, she shared, "When I heard the news about my solo activities, I felt joy but also thought, 'Has it really been this long?' Being the first solo artist from the team carries a lot of pressure. As the oldest member and leader, I believe they trusted me to take this step first."

The support from her fellow ITZY members has been a significant source of strength for Yeji. She mentioned, "The other members cheered me on, saying they were happy for me to be the first. It warmed my heart and gave me strength. They even visited the set and sent a coffee truck, which was a first for me. Their encouragement made me feel proud to be part of this group."

JYP Entertainment's founder and chief producer, Park Jin-young, also provided support for Yeji's solo debut, boosting her confidence with praise. Yeji noted, "He paid close attention to the direction of the project. I felt a lot of pressure while practicing, but he told me, 'It’s more important to showcase who you are than to focus on the results. Just showing your potential is enough.' His advice helped ease my burden. He also praised my music video, which was encouraging."

Yeji's mini album 'AIR' features the title track of the same name, a synth-pop song characterized by a strong bass line and catchy hook. Yeji contributed to the lyrics, adding authenticity, while Park Jin-young's involvement as a producer enhanced the album's quality. The album also showcases Yeji's unique movements, delivering breathtaking performances.

In addition to 'Air', the album includes three other tracks: 'Invasion', 'Can't Slow Me, No', and '258'. A talented team of songwriters, including Danke, who has worked with artists like IU and TWICE, and K-pop hitmaker collapsedone, contributed to the album, raising expectations.

Yeji first gained attention in 2018 through the SBS music competition show 'The Fan', where she showcased her talent before officially debuting with ITZY in February 2019. Over the past six years, she has captivated fans worldwide as the 'K-pop Performance Queen' with her dynamic performances and confident stage presence. Last year, she drew attention with her solo track 'Crown On My Head' from ITZY's album 'BORN TO BE'. Her recent performances during ITZY's second world tour, which spanned 32 shows across 28 regions, further demonstrated her potential as a solo artist.

As she embarks on her solo career after seven years, Yeji views this as a significant turning point. She expressed her desire to discover parts of herself she didn’t know and to leave a lasting impression as Yeji. "I hope that my solo debut will pave the way for the other members to showcase their individual sides as well," she stated.

Despite the pressure of starting her solo journey, Yeji is focused on demonstrating her identity as an artist. She emphasized, "I want to show that I am someone who loves the stage. I aspire to perform on grand stages in a way that satisfies the audience."

Yeji concluded by sharing her aspirations, saying, "Just debuting is already a goal achieved for me. I want to be recognized as a promising solo artist and prove my capabilities. I feel a strong determination to work hard and earn the title of 'Yeji, the one and only.'"

Fans are eagerly anticipating how Yeji will establish her solo identity through her music and performances, as she steps out from ITZY as the 'K-pop Performance Queen'.

"역시 예지!"..ITZY 7년차 리더에서 '솔로 퀸'으로(종합)[Oh!쎈 현장]

ITZY's Yeji Makes Solo Debut with Mini Album 'AIR'

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'

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

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'

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.

GUNWOO Unveils Teaser for Solo Debut Track 'Shot'

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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'

Latvian Film 'Flow' Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature

G-Dragon Announces Departure from 'Good Day'

International Students Thrive in Future Mobility Program at Jeonju Vision University

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YouTuber Sim Euddeum Starts Her Day with a 10km Marathon on 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

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

Mark Ruffalo Promotes Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey17' Ahead of U.S. Release

Son Dong-pyo Releases Heartfelt Debut Single 'Stally'

ITZY's Yeji Makes Solo Debut with Mini Album 'AIR'

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