Actress Ham So-won has shared her condolences following the tragic news of Kim Sae-ron's passing. On February 22, she posted a conversation from her social media where a netizen inquired about her recent lack of video updates. In her response, Ham So-won reflected on her own struggles with negativity and online criticism at the age of 45, expressing empathy for the young actress's hardships. She mentioned that she has been taking a break to process her feelings but promised to return with a brighter demeanor soon. Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16 and was laid to rest on February 19. For those facing mental health challenges, support is available through various counseling hotlines.

Ham So-won Expresses Condolences Over Kim Sae-ron's Passing

Jimin (지민) of BTS (방탄소년단) is making a significant impact on the UK Official Charts. His title track 'Who' from his second solo album 'MUSE' debuted at number 37 on the UK Official Singles Chart on February 21, marking its 25th week on the chart. Released in July of last year, the song also continues to showcase Jimin's popularity, entering the 'Audio Streaming' chart at 48 and the 'Single Streaming' chart at 53, both for the 30th week.

On Spotify, the strength of BTS is evident as Jimin's 'Who', Jin's (진) solo album title track 'Running Wild', and Jungkook's (정국) first solo single 'Seven (feat. Latto)' all climbed the ranks in the 'Weekly Top Songs Global' chart for the period of February 14-20. They landed at 14th, 92nd, and 96th places, respectively. Additionally, the duet 'Winter Ahead (with PARK HYO SHIN)' by V (뷔) and Park Hyo Shin is holding strong at 130th.

In the 'Weekly Top Albums Global' chart, both group and solo albums saw a rise in rankings. BTS's anthology album 'Proof', released in June 2022, and the repackaged album 'LOVE YOURSELF 結 'Answer'', released in 2018, climbed three and five spots to 48th and 181st, respectively. Jimin's 'MUSE' maintained a strong position at 23rd, while Jungkook's first solo album 'GOLDEN' rose one spot to 56th, and Jin's 'Happy - :') (Remixes)' jumped an impressive ten spots to 152nd.

BTS 지민, 英 오피셜 싱글 차트 25주 째 진입..장기 흥행ing

Jimin Dominates UK Official Charts with 'Who' from 'MUSE'

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic passing of actress 故이은주, who left this world on February 22, 2005, at the young age of 25. Her death, attributed to struggles with depression, occurred at her home in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

Lee Eun-joo began her career in the entertainment industry after winning a silver medal at the 1996 Sun Kyung Smart Model Contest. She made her acting debut in the drama 'Start' the following year and gained recognition for her role as the young version of Shim Eun-ha in 'White Night 3.98'. In 1998, she expanded her career to film with her appearance in 'Trout'.

She solidified her status as a promising actress by starring in films directed by Hong Sang-soo, such as 'The Day a Pig Fell into the Well' and 'The Power of Gangwon Province', earning her the Best New Actress award at the Daejong Film Awards. Her filmography continued to grow with notable works like 'Bungee Jumping of Their Own', 'Love Story', and 'Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War'. Notably, 'Tae Guk Gi' surpassed 10 million viewers, making Lee Eun-joo the first Korean actress to achieve a '10 Million Career'.

In 2004, she maintained her popularity with roles in the drama 'Firebird' and the film 'The Scarlet Letter'. However, her sudden death shocked the nation, especially as it was revealed that she had been battling severe depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite, leading to medical treatment.

The unexpected loss of such a talented young actress in her twenties sent ripples through South Korean society, as it was the first time a young female celebrity had taken her own life. Many of her fellow actresses, including Kim Hye-soo, Jeon Do-yeon, Uhm Ji-won, Kim So-yeon, Son Ye-jin, and Kim Min-jung, expressed their grief and shock over her passing.

Even after two decades, fans continue to mourn her loss. The entertainment industry has seen similar tragedies since her death, amplifying the sorrow surrounding her memory. Just a week before this anniversary, actress Kim Sae-ron also passed away at the age of 24, reigniting waves of grief among fans and colleagues alike.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. In South Korea, you can contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at ☎109, Mental Health Centre Crisis Counselling at ☎1577-0199, or the Hope Line at ☎129 for 24/7 support.

故이은주 사망, 25살에 떠난 청춘..20년째 반복되는 비극[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Remembering Lee Eun-joo: 20 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

On February 22, 2025, MBC's variety show How Do You Play? featured Lee Yi-kyung amidst health rumors. During the episode, Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Yi-kyung, and Shin Eun-kyung visited popular eateries, including a trip to Namdaemun Market after enjoying some grilled fish. Yoo Jae-suk noted that it was Shin Eun-kyung's first time at the market, to which she explained that she hasn't explored much outside her immediate area. In contrast, Yoo Jae-suk remarked on Lee Yi-kyung's extensive travels, while Shin Eun-kyung mentioned that he seems to have no downtime in his busy schedule. Recently, Lee Yi-kyung appeared on SBS's Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 (동상이몽2 - 너는 내 운명), revealing that his rigorous work schedule, which includes five fixed variety shows without any days off, has led to rumors of retirement and loan issues. Yoo Jae-suk further commented on Lee Yi-kyung's hectic lifestyle, stating that he often visits the hospital for IV drips, calling it excessive. When asked about his sleep schedule, Lee Yi-kyung claimed that four hours of sleep is sufficient for him. Yoo Jae-suk exaggeratedly added that Lee Yi-kyung works out and then suffers from nosebleeds the next day. Matsushige Yutaka, a guest on the show, expressed concern for Lee Yi-kyung's health, advising him to take care of himself, to which Lee Yi-kyung reassured everyone that he is healthy.

'고정 5개' 이이경 건강이상 "4시간 취침+휴일無, 코피쏟아..링거맞고 다녀"(놀뭐)[핫피플]

Lee Yi-kyung Faces Health Concerns on 'How Do You Play?'

The ratings for SBS's Friday-Saturday drama Treasure Island (보물섬) have skyrocketed. According to Nielsen Korea, the second episode aired on February 22, 2025, achieved a nationwide rating of 8.1%, marking a significant increase of 2 percentage points from the previous episode. In the Seoul metropolitan area, the rating stood at 7.8%, with a peak momentarily reaching 9.9%. This impressive performance positions Treasure Island as the top mini-series on Saturdays and the leading mini-series of the week, establishing a strong competitive edge just two episodes in.

In this episode, the character Seo Dong-joo (박형식) faced betrayal from his girlfriend Ye Eun-nam (홍화연) but managed to rise above it. The mastermind behind this betrayal was revealed to be the influential figure Yeom Jang-seon (허준호), setting the stage for a fierce confrontation between Seo Dong-joo and Yeom Jang-seon. This highly anticipated pairing of 박형식 and 허준호 brought intense tension and shock to viewers.

Seo Dong-joo was left reeling during the wedding of the granddaughter of Chairman Cha Gang-cheon (우현), where he discovered that the bride was none other than Ye Eun-nam, who was set to marry Yeom Jang-seon’s niece. Heartbroken and feeling betrayed, Seo Dong-joo was forcibly confined during the ceremony.

After shedding tears, he returned to the wedding venue, where Ye Eun-nam informed him that she had chosen an arranged marriage and urged him to leave Daesan Group. Despite his protests that he would never abandon Daesan, the pain of losing Ye Eun-nam weighed heavily on him. Chairman Cha Gang-cheon further complicated matters by inviting Seo Dong-joo to a family gathering, revealing his awareness of the relationship between Seo Dong-joo and Ye Eun-nam.

Realizing that the chairman had changed the safe's password, Seo Dong-joo declared his intention to leave Daesan. However, Chairman Cha Gang-cheon revealed a significant secret: he had an illegitimate son and planned to elevate him to the top of Daesan Group. Determined to keep Seo Dong-joo under his control, the chairman sent a large amount of gold bullion to Yeom Jang-seon through Seo Dong-joo.

The confrontation between Seo Dong-joo and Yeom Jang-seon escalated, with Yeom expressing his unease about Seo Dong-joo's potential departure from Daesan. The psychological battle between the two intensified, while Seo Dong-joo struggled to maintain his composure around Ye Eun-nam, unable to express any emotions.

Yeom Jang-seon, unwilling to let Seo Dong-joo go, plotted to eliminate him as a threat to his puppet, Heo Il-do (이해영), who was vying for the position of vice president at Daesan Group. Unbeknownst to Seo Dong-joo, he was ambushed by an unknown assailant. In a desperate struggle, he fought back and managed to escape, bloodied but alive.

In a shocking twist, Seo Dong-joo discovered the assailant's phone ringing and answered it, only to hear Cheon Gu-ho (주연우), a loyal aide to Yeom Jang-seon, asking, "Where is Seo Dong-joo?" The episode concluded with Seo Dong-joo in shock, realizing that Yeom Jang-seon had attempted to kill him. The preview for the next episode hinted at an escalating conflict between Seo Dong-joo and Yeom Jang-seon, raising anticipation among viewers.

Episode 2 of Treasure Island delivered a whirlwind of developments that captivated audiences. The intense confrontation between Seo Dong-joo and Yeom Jang-seon showcased the powerful performances of 박형식 and 허준호, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. As the series progresses, the stakes continue to rise, with new episodes airing every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

‘보물섬’ 박형식, 방송 2회만에 승기 잡았다..시청률 1위[종합]

Treasure Island Sees Dramatic Ratings Surge in Episode 2

On February 21, 2025, the KBS2TV show 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' featured the iconic YB band, fulfilling a promise made to Lee Young-ji. Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, Lee Young-ji introduced YB with excitement, stating, 'It's an honor to meet legendary seniors from the start.' 

Yoon Do-hyun, a member of YB, mentioned, 'We haven't released a new song yet, but since it's the last episode for Young-ji, we prepared something special.' This was in reference to a promise made during their previous appearance to return with new metal music. Lee Young-ji expressed her gratitude, saying, 'You are the only one who kept your promise to come.' 

The episode featured a performance of YB's classic hit 'I Think I Loved You,' showcasing their powerful metal sound. Notably, YB is recognized for releasing their first metal album, which includes impressive growling techniques. 

During the show, Lee Young-ji initiated a fan challenge related to their new song, stating, 'I have a great idea,' and engaged the audience in creating the challenge together. She even headbanged so energetically that her in-ear monitor flew out. Yoon Do-hyun humorously remarked, 'You’re working hard, are you okay?' and added, 'I’m sorry for the sweat and messy hair.' Lee Young-ji responded, 'Since it’s the last episode, I gave it my all and headbanged to my heart's content.'

"유일하게 약속지켜" 이영지, 마지막 방송에 의리 빛낸 '레전드 가수' 누구? ('레인보우')

YB Band Honors Promise on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

In the final episode of ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables, which aired on February 22, 2025, Joo Hyun-wook emerged as the ultimate champion, earning the chance to open his own restaurant. The show concluded a grueling 100-day survival competition featuring 20 contestants, all vying for a life-changing opportunity. Initially labeled as 'failures,' the participants transformed into skilled entrepreneurs through their dedication and hard work.

The top three finalists, including Joo Hyun-wook (16), Choi Jung-hyun (08), and Son Woo-sung (14), faced their final challenge at Namwon's Gwanghanru, where they operated their own eateries for three days. The winner was determined based on the net profit generated during this period. Baek Jong-won emphasized the challenge's intensity, stating, "This mission is very close to real business. With net profit as the standard, there are many factors to consider, including turnover, inventory management, and profit margins. It's the most difficult mission."

Each finalist approached the task with determination. Choi Jung-hyun, who had the least cooking experience among the three, aimed to succeed as a form of revenge against his parents who abandoned him in childhood, relying on his excellent interpersonal skills. Son Woo-sung, a father in his 40s with a debt of 500 million won, was driven by a sense of responsibility towards his family. Joo Hyun-wook, whose father fell into a pyramid scheme and incurred 400 million won in debt, had to abandon his athletic career to support his family. He entered the finals with solid cooking skills and a strong work ethic.

The top three showcased clear strengths and weaknesses. Baek Jong-won and the four mentor chefs (Kim Min-seong, David Lee, Lim Tae-hoon, and Yoon Nam-no) watched the finale with supportive hearts, having accompanied the contestants throughout their 100-day journey. However, the finale pushed the finalists to their limits both mentally and physically. Choi Jung-hyun's voice became hoarse from calling customers, Son Woo-sung endured severe pain reminiscent of a past illness, and Joo Hyun-wook was exhausted from a flood of orders.

Despite the challenges, the transformation and growth of the finalists were remarkable. Joo Hyun-wook, with the guidance of mentor Chef Lim Tae-hoon, created a popular dish called 'Eohyang Gaji' that turned his restaurant into a must-visit spot in Namwon within just three days. Ultimately, Joo Hyun-wook secured victory with total sales of 11,616,000 won and a net profit of 6,030,066 won. As the winner, he received 50 million won in startup funds and the opportunity to run his own restaurant.

Expressing his gratitude, Joo Hyun-wook said, "I followed Chef Lim Tae-hoon closely, and I am thankful to have achieved this result. I also want to thank Baek Jong-won for creating this opportunity. I will work hard to show even better results in the future." He added, "I had a strong desire to learn cooking, but it felt vague. Seeing Chef Lim, I thought he was the only model for my success. I feel hopeful now."

After the winner was announced, Baek Jong-won shared his thoughts in an interview, stating, "Having done numerous shows, I worry about what to do next after the first place. This was real training, and it feels unfortunate. We need to teach more and provide experiences to increase their chances of success. I want to show examples of the Les Misérables contestants succeeding and establishing themselves, as this will encourage more people to take on challenges."

The episode also featured eliminated contestants like Choi Yoon-sung (02), Jeon Dong-jin (03), Yang Kyung-min (04), Kim Guk-heon (06), Choi Jung-hyun (08), Yoo Hyo-deok (10), Son Woo-sung (14), and Lim Young-jun (18). Four months later, they were seen training together in a budget market, continuing their journey to become successful businesspeople. Their challenge has extended beyond 100 days, and glimpses of Joo Hyun-wook's preparations for his own restaurant were also shared.

Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables was designed to highlight the importance of 'opportunity' for those who have faced failure. Baek Jong-won and the mentor chefs dedicated themselves to supporting the contestants as teachers, mentors, and life guides. The once unruly contestants harnessed their desperation as a weapon, striving to seize the miraculous opportunity that came their way. Gradually, they transformed and grew into true entrepreneurs, showcasing the significance of 'opportunity' and the 'miracles created by desperation' to viewers, leaving a lasting impact from ENA's Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables.

Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

On February 22, 2025, actress Park Ji-young (박지영) and broadcaster Park Hye-jin (박혜진) experienced the passing of their father at the age of 87. According to their agency, Prain TPC, Park Ji-young was abroad for a work schedule but returned home urgently upon hearing the sad news. 

Park Ji-young, who gained fame as a Miss Chunhyang contestant in 1989, debuted as an MBC talent in the 19th recruitment. She has since starred in numerous historical dramas such as 'Jang Nok-su' (장녹수), 'Ggokji' (꼭지), and 'Toji' (토지), as well as popular series like 'Jealousy Incarnate' (질투의 화신) and 'The Uncanny Counter' (악귀). Recently, she appeared in the KBS 2TV drama 'Iron Family' (다리미 패밀리). 

Her sister, Park Hye-jin, joined MBC as a newscaster in 2001 and has been working as a freelance broadcaster since leaving the network in 2014. 

The wake for their father is being held at the Jeonbuk National University Hospital funeral hall, Room 3, where family members, including their mother and brother, are receiving guests. The funeral service is scheduled for February 25, after which the deceased will be laid to rest at Jangsu Seonyoung.

Actress Park Ji-young and Broadcaster Park Hye-jin Mourn the Loss of Their Father

Director Hong Sang-soo, a frequent favorite at the Berlin International Film Festival, found himself without an award this year, as he and his partner, actress Kim Min-hee, focused on a prenatal trip rather than accolades. 

On February 22, 2025, the 75th Berlin International Film Festival held its awards ceremony just a day before the event's conclusion, recognizing the most impactful films of the year. The prestigious Golden Bear was awarded to Norwegian director Dag Johan Haugerud for his film 'Dreams,' which tells the story of a passionate teenage girl expressing her intense feelings for a teacher through a personal essay. The Jury Grand Prix Silver Bear went to Brazilian director Gabriel Mascaro for 'Blue Trail,' while Venezuelan director Ivan Fund's 'The Message' received the Silver Bear for Best Director.

This year, the festival notably lacked recognition for Hong Sang-soo, who has been a beloved figure at the event since his 2008 film 'Night and Day' was invited to compete. Over the years, he has been featured in the competition section multiple times, including films like 'Nobody's Daughter Haewon,' 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' 'The Woman Who Ran,' 'Introduction,' 'The Novelist's Film,' 'In the Water,' 'The Need for Travelers,' and this year's entry, 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' This marks his ninth invitation, with eight of those being in the competitive category, showcasing his consistent presence in the festival.

Hong's impressive track record includes several awards at the Berlin International Film Festival, such as the Silver Bear for Best Actress (Kim Min-hee) for 'On the Beach at Night Alone,' the Best Director award for 'The Woman Who Ran,' and the Best Screenplay award for 'Introduction.' Last year, he won his second Jury Grand Prix with 'The Need for Travelers,' bringing his total Silver Bear wins to five. However, this year left him empty-handed, creating a bittersweet feeling.

Adding to the intrigue, Kim Min-hee, who is pregnant with Hong's child, garnered significant attention during her first international film festival appearance since her pregnancy announcement. The couple has been living together in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim became pregnant last summer. As she approaches her due date this spring, photos of her and Hong departing for Germany from Incheon International Airport on February 19 sparked considerable media interest, especially given the risks associated with her advanced pregnancy.

At the festival, Hong was careful not to showcase Kim's pregnancy publicly, opting instead to walk the red carpet with the cast of 'What Does the Natural World Say to You?' During the official press conference, he mentioned Kim in relation to the film's budget, stating, "The staff needed to make the film includes myself, my assistant, and production manager Kim Min-hee," but refrained from discussing personal matters, including her pregnancy.

Thus, while the Berlin International Film Festival held special significance for Hong Sang-soo this year, it also brought a sense of disappointment with the lack of awards. Ultimately, Hong and the expectant Kim Min-hee had to settle for a 'prenatal trip' in Berlin rather than a trophy.

Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

Rei, a member of the popular K-pop group IVE, has become a significant trendsetter among Gen Z fans. Known for her adorable charm, she has garnered a massive following with her unique style and engaging personality. Her nickname, which combines 'Rei' and 'cute' (레이 + 귀요미), reflects her endearing appeal. 

One of Rei's most notable contributions to current trends is the 'Gyaru Peace' pose, which involves forming a V with her fingers and flipping it upside down. This pose, popular in the 2000s, saw a resurgence in 2022 thanks to Rei's frequent use of it in photos. It has since inspired various other poses, including the 'Cherry Peace.' 

Another viral trend initiated by Rei is the 'Ribbon Heart' pose, which she introduced with the message, 'I will show you my ribbon every day.' This pose quickly gained popularity among fans and fellow idols alike. Additionally, her 'Kongsuni Pose,' where she places her fists on her cheeks, has also become a signature move. 

In the recent performance of 'Attitude,' Rei's part, dubbed 'Raging Guinea Pig,' has captured more attention than the choreography itself. Her dynamic movements, synchronized with the powerful beat, have earned her this playful nickname, highlighting her energetic stage presence. 

Rei's influence extends beyond music; she showcases her skills as a social media instructor on the show '따라해볼레이 by 섭씨쉽도.' Here, she shares tips on engaging with audiences through various platforms, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in content creation. 

Her videos on IVE's official TikTok account consistently achieve impressive view counts, often surpassing one million, particularly her 'Raging Guinea Pig' clip. IVE is often referred to as the 'MZ Wannabe' and 'MZ Icon,' reflecting their strong connection with the self-loving and confident Gen Z audience. Rei's ability to set and discover trends significantly contributes to the IVE phenomenon, leaving fans eager to see what she will popularize next.

IVE's Rei: The Trendsetter Captivating Gen Z

A 36-year-old man, identified as A, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Chuncheon District Court for committing fraud while already facing charges for similar offenses. Presiding Judge Kim Taek-seong announced the verdict on February 23, 2025. 

Between October 2022 and June 2023, A posted advertisements on a second-hand trading site, claiming to sell items such as an elf accompaniment device and amusement park tickets. He defrauded approximately 190 victims, amassing over 200 million won. 

Investigations revealed that A deceived victims by promising to deliver goods upon receiving payment. Notably, he continued his fraudulent activities even while evading authorities during his ongoing trial for previous fraud charges. 

Judge Kim emphasized the severity of A's actions, stating, "He repeatedly committed fraud over a significant period, and the total amount defrauded is substantial. His prior convictions for similar crimes were also taken into account during sentencing."

Ham So-won Expresses Condolences Over Kim Sae-ron's Passing

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Joo Hyun-wook Crowned Winner of Baek Jong-won's Les Misérables

Actress Park Ji-young and Broadcaster Park Hye-jin Mourn the Loss of Their Father

Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee Attend Berlin International Film Festival Amid Personal Milestones

IVE's Rei: The Trendsetter Captivating Gen Z

Chuncheon Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Fraud During Ongoing Trial

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Jimin Dominates UK Official Charts with 'Who' from 'MUSE'

Remembering Lee Eun-joo: 20 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

Lee Yi-kyung Faces Health Concerns on 'How Do You Play?'

Treasure Island Sees Dramatic Ratings Surge in Episode 2

YB Band Honors Promise on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

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