Actor Ha Jung-woo has officially wrapped up filming for his latest directorial venture, 'The Neighbors Above' (working title). On February 8, he took to social media to announce the completion of the shoot, stating, "The filming was intense and brief, and I was quite surprised by how intense it was. I haven't seen the sun in five weeks. Everyone worked really hard." 

Accompanying his post were photos from the set, showcasing a cheerful atmosphere with Ha Jung-woo alongside co-stars Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Dong-wook, and Lee Ha-nee. 

'The Neighbors Above' revolves around two couples who meet due to noise disturbances from their apartments, leading to a series of comedic events during a shared dinner. This film marks Ha Jung-woo's fourth directorial project, following 'Roller Coaster', 'Huh Sam-kwan', and 'Lobby'. The film has generated excitement, especially with Ha Jung-woo, Kim Dong-wook, Gong Hyo-jin, and Lee Ha-nee in leading roles.

Ha Jung-woo Completes Filming for New Directorial Project 'The Neighbors Above'

Three members of the KBS drama production team have been referred to the prosecution for allegedly damaging the cultural heritage site, Byeongsan Seowon, located in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The Andong police announced on February 10, 2025, that the individuals, including a member identified as A, were charged with violating laws related to the preservation and utilization of cultural heritage. The incident occurred on December 30, 2024, when they reportedly hammered nails into various structures within Byeongsan Seowon, including the pavilion known as Mandae-ru (晩對樓) and the pillars of Dongjae (東齋), which served as dormitories for scholars.

The crew's actions were intended to hang lanterns, a lighting prop for their filming. A passing tourist witnessed the act and reported it to the city of Andong, which subsequently filed a complaint against the production team with the police. Following the incident, KBS issued an apology and announced the complete destruction of all footage filmed at Byeongsan Seowon.

Byeongsan Seowon was established in 1575 by the scholar Ryu Seong-ryong (서애 류성룡), who played a significant role during the Imjin War and authored the reflective work 'Jingbirok' (징비록). After Ryu's death, the site was renamed Byeongsan Seowon in 1614 when his spirit tablet was enshrined there. It was designated as a Confucian academy by royal decree in 1863 and was recognized as Historic Site No. 260 in 1978. In 2010, it became part of Hahoe Folk Village, and in 2019, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under 'Korean Seowon.'

‘세계유산’ 병산서원에 못질한 KBS 드라마 관계자 3명 송치

KBS Drama Crew Faces Legal Action for Damaging Cultural Heritage Site

On February 9, 2025, a funeral service was held for the late singer Song Dae-kwan (송대관), who passed away on February 7 at the age of 79. The service took place at the Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where fellow artists and friends gathered to pay their respects. Among those in attendance were Tae Jin-ah (태진아), Kang Jin (강진), Seol Woon-do (설운도), Kim Chang-yeol (김창열), Han Ji-il (한지일), Kim Sung-hwan (김성환), Lee Sook (이숙), and Park Sang-cheol (박상철). 

Tae Jin-ah delivered a heartfelt eulogy, recalling how Song Dae-kwan had always been a mentor to him, saying, "He would tell me, 'Just follow my path, and you will succeed.'" Overcome with emotion, Tae Jin-ah shared that he had not eaten for three days, reflecting on how difficult it was to imagine performing without his friend. He also mentioned his wife's struggle with dementia and how she reacted to the news of Song's passing, expressing disbelief and sorrow. 

Tae Jin-ah reminisced about their plans for a joint performance in May, stating, "We had just discussed doing a rival dinner show together, and he was excited about it. We were even finalizing the setlist the day before he passed." 

As he concluded his tribute, Tae Jin-ah expressed his hope that Song would find peace in the afterlife, saying, "Please create a good place for me to come to you one day. Goodbye, my eternal rival." 

Kang Jin also shared his thoughts, stating, "I already miss him and wonder why he had to leave so soon. He was a natural-born singer who brought joy to the people through his music. We will forever remember him shining on stage." He wished for Song to rest peacefully and continue watching over them from above. 

The funeral service concluded with Song Dae-kwan's burial at the Utopia Memorial Park in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, following a brief ceremony at the Seoul Memorial Park. Song Dae-kwan had suffered from cholangiocarcinoma and had been undergoing treatment prior to his passing, which was due to a heart attack. He made his debut in 1967 with the hit song "Injeong Manheun Ajeossi" and was known for numerous hits including "Haetdeulnal," "Yuhyeongga," and "Ne Bakja." He was often referred to as one of the 'Four Kings of Trot' alongside Tae Jin-ah, Seol Woon-do, and the late Hyun Chul (현철).

“잘 가, 영원한 나의 라이벌이여”… 태진아, 송대관 영결식 추도사

Tributes Pour in for Late Singer Song Dae-kwan at His Funeral

On the February 9 episode of KBS2's Boss's Ear (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀), host Jun Hyun-moo addressed rumors about his wedding, initially speculated to take place in March, and clarified that it would actually be in May. During the show, fellow cast members including Shin Jong-chul, Park Myung-soo, and Eom Ji-in discussed various topics, leading to a revelation by Eom Ji-in about Jun Hyun-moo's alleged meetings with Kim Jin-woong, Lee Kwang-yeop, and Hong Joo-yeon. Park Myung-soo and Lee Kyung-kyu humorously suggested that the two men were merely distractions to help Hong Joo-yeon. They joked about the existence of a common-law marriage and even mentioned that there might be a child involved, eliciting laughter from the audience. When Shin Jong-chul appeared on the show, Park Myung-soo brought up the wedding rumors, prompting Jun Hyun-moo to express his disbelief, saying, 'What’s this March wedding rumor? My mom called me asking if I’m getting married in March, and even Chu congratulated me. There’s so much misinformation.' Park Myung-soo then suggested moving the wedding to May, to which Jun Hyun-moo responded positively, but quickly added, 'Then another article will come out saying I corrected it to May.'

"5월로 연기" 전현무, 母도 몰랐던 3월 결혼설…예식장·뷔페는 '5성급' (사당귀)[순간포착]

Jun Hyun-moo Clarifies Wedding Rumors, Shifts Date to May

On February 9, comedian Shin Bong-sun took to social media to share her latest updates, posting two photos with the caption 'Goodnight.' In the images, she is seen wearing pajamas and gazing at the camera, showcasing her successful weight loss and radiant beauty. Her sharp jawline and distinct facial features have captured the attention of many. Fans reacted enthusiastically, with comments like 'She looks like IU' and 'This is a new peak for her.' Fellow entertainers Kim Ho-young and Jo Hye-ryun also chimed in, complimenting her looks with remarks such as 'Why are you so pretty?' and 'You look great, Bong-sun.' Shin Bong-sun debuted as a comedian in 2005 through KBS's 20th public recruitment and recently appeared in the musical 'Menopause,' which concluded on August 25 of last year.

"조혜련X김호영도 놀란 미모"…신봉선, 11kg 감량한 유지어터

Comedian Shin Bong-sun Shares Recent Photos and Stunning Transformation

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, 드디어 규모 키웠다..서울 앙코르 콘서트 예매 오픈

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

On the February 9 episode of SBS's Running Man, Yoo Jae-suk took on a big brother role as he discussed setting up Ji Ye-eun on a date. The cast members were on a mission to help Ji Ye-eun find a boyfriend. Despite dressing up in a beggar costume, Ji Ye-eun showcased her stunning beauty, particularly when she smiled, revealing her bright white teeth. When asked about her smile, she humorously mentioned it was due to her fake teeth. Yoo Jae-suk jokingly expressed his desire to introduce her to a younger acquaintance, while Kim Jong-kook also chimed in, saying he wanted to send Ji Ye-eun's photo to potential suitors.

Ji Ye-eun has previously sparked rumors of a romantic connection with actor Kang Hoon on Running Man, and the two recently won the Rising Star Award together at an awards ceremony. During the episode, Haha brought up chef Yoon Nam-no, known for his role in the cooking show 'Black and White Chef,' who had previously named Ji Ye-eun as his ideal type.

In a past appearance on Radio Star, Yoon Nam-no expressed his admiration for Ji Ye-eun, stating, 'I’m a fan of Ji Ye-eun. She often plays quirky roles, but in person, she is incredibly beautiful. I was impressed by how she practiced her lines in the waiting room.' Ji Ye-eun responded with a shout-out to Yoon Nam-no, thanking him for his kind words, which brought laughter to the set. Haha jokingly suggested that other male cast members, including Mickey Kwang-soo, Yoo Hee-kwan, and Yang Se-chan, should compete for Ji Ye-eun's affection, while Yoo Jae-suk humorously noted that everyone around them seemed to be on their side.

Yoo Jae-suk Plays Matchmaker for Ji Ye-eun on Running Man

In a remarkable achievement, 16-year-old ballerino Park Yoon-jae (박윤재) from Seoul Arts High School won first place at the Prix de Lausanne ballet competition held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 8. This victory marks him as the first Korean male dancer to win this prestigious title. Park expressed his disbelief and gratitude, stating, "It is an honor to perform on the 'Prix de Lausanne' stage that I have dreamed of since childhood, and I can't believe I made it to the finals and received such a significant award." 

Previously, Korean ballerinas Kang Soo-jin (강수진) and Park Se-eun (박세은) won the competition in 1985 and 2007, respectively. The Prix de Lausanne is recognized as one of the top five ballet competitions in the world, alongside the Varna, Jackson, Moscow, and Paris competitions, and is open to dancers aged 15 to 18. This year, the 53rd edition of the competition featured 85 participants, with 20 advancing to the finals. Among the Korean dancers, Kim Bo-kyung (김보경), 17, from Busan Arts High School, secured 8th place.

Park's victory opens doors for him to grow as an internationally recognized ballerino, as winners are often offered opportunities to join affiliated ballet companies or schools abroad.

16-Year-Old Ballerino Park Yoon-jae Makes History at Prix de Lausanne

Kai of EXO has completed his alternative military service and is set to reunite with his fans. He enlisted in May 2023, undergoing basic military training before transitioning to social service. At the time of his enlistment, Kai expressed his disappointment, stating, "I had a lot prepared, and it's unfortunate. I'm upset, but I can show you everything when I return." After serving for 1 year and 9 months, he is now gearing up for EXO's full group comeback. Fellow member Sehun, who enlisted in December 2023, is also expected to be discharged soon, raising fans' anticipation. Other EXO members have consistently mentioned their plans for a full group return. Suho and Chanyeol shared during an SM Town concert, "Kai will be back, and Sehun will join us soon. We are preparing to gather again for even better performances, so please look forward to it." In a recent interview, D.O. reassured fans, saying, "We are getting ready now, and I want to say you don’t need to worry. You will see the full group soon. We have been preparing since this year. EXO is still going strong." Kai debuted with EXO in 2012 and gained global popularity with his mini solo album 'ROVER' released before his enlistment.

EXO's Kai Completes Alternative Military Service and Returns to Fans

On February 10, Netflix confirmed the production of a new series tentatively titled <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely) and revealed its star-studded cast, including Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, Kim Seol-hyun, Cha Seung-won, and Lee Ha-nee. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Korean entertainment industry during the 1960s to 1980s, the series will explore the growth stories of individuals who, despite having little, dared to dream of shining success.

The series is penned by renowned writer Noh Hee-kyung, known for her emotionally resonant works such as <우리들의 블루스> (Our Blues), <디어 마이 프렌즈> (Dear My Friends), and <그 겨울, 바람이 분다> (That Winter, the Wind Blows). Her involvement has already generated significant anticipation for <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely). The direction will be handled by Lee Yoon-jung, celebrated for her high-quality productions in dramas like <커피프린스 1호점> (Coffee Prince) and <치즈인더트랩> (Cheese in the Trap).

The casting is equally impressive. Song Hye-kyo, who has captivated audiences with her performances in <태양의 후예> (Descendants of the Sun) and <그 겨울, 바람이 분다>, will portray the character Min-ja, a resilient woman shaped by her challenging childhood. As she navigates life, she seizes opportunities in the Korean music industry, showcasing her evolution in this role.

Gong Yoo, known for his impactful roles in <도깨비> (Goblin) and <오징어 게임> (Squid Game) Season 2, will play Dong-goo, Min-ja's childhood friend who shares her journey into the music industry. His character is unpredictable yet devoted to Min-ja.

Kim Seol-hyun, who has built a diverse filmography with roles in <살인자의 쇼핑목록> (Shopping List of a Killer) and <조명가게> (Lighting Store), will take on the role of Min-hee, a character intertwined with Min-ja through a complex relationship.

Cha Seung-won, recognized for his charismatic performances in <최고의 사랑> (The Greatest Love) and <부산행> (Train to Busan), will portray the legendary composer Gil-yeo, a pivotal figure in the music industry who has helped many artists achieve success.

Lastly, Lee Ha-nee, known for her roles in <극한직업> (Extreme Job) and <유령> (Ghost), will play Yang-ja, Min-hee's mother, who dreams of becoming a singer despite facing harsh realities.

With the collaboration of the trusted writer Noh Hee-kyung and director Lee Yoon-jung, along with a powerful cast, <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely) is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix.

Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, and Writer Noh Hee-kyung Team Up for New Netflix Series

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.

Ha Jung-woo Completes Filming for New Directorial Project 'The Neighbors Above'

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Trending

Yoo Jae-suk Plays Matchmaker for Ji Ye-eun on Running Man

16-Year-Old Ballerino Park Yoon-jae Makes History at Prix de Lausanne

EXO's Kai Completes Alternative Military Service and Returns to Fans

Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, and Writer Noh Hee-kyung Team Up for New Netflix Series

NewJeans Launches Independent Activities as NJZ

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KBS Drama Crew Faces Legal Action for Damaging Cultural Heritage Site

Tributes Pour in for Late Singer Song Dae-kwan at His Funeral

Jun Hyun-moo Clarifies Wedding Rumors, Shifts Date to May

Comedian Shin Bong-sun Shares Recent Photos and Stunning Transformation

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

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