Kim Sung-kyu of the K-pop group INFINITE has suffered a personal loss. His agency, Billions, announced on February 22 that his older sister passed away this morning after battling illness. The agency expressed deep sorrow over the news and stated that the funeral will be a private affair attended only by family and close friends, in accordance with the family's wishes. They requested that fans and the public respect the family's need for privacy during this difficult time. Meanwhile, INFINITE is set to make a comeback with their eighth mini-album, LIKE INFINITE, on March 6. However, Kim Sung-kyu will not be participating in the Kuala Lumpur concert of their 15th-anniversary tour, LIMITED EDITION, scheduled for today.

INFINITE's Kim Sung-kyu Faces Family Tragedy

Singer Hwang Chi Yeul has made a stylish and musical transformation as he prepares for the release of his third studio album, 'ALL OF ME (올 오브 미)'. On February 21, his agency, 10Two Entertainment, shared a sneak peek of the title track '웃기는 소리 같겠지만' on their official YouTube channel.

In the 40-second teaser, Hwang captivates viewers with his vibrant makeup and trendy denim outfit. He showcases his powerful vocals by passionately singing the highlight of '웃기는 소리 같겠지만', leaving fans eager for the full track.

This song marks Hwang's first foray into a strong band sound as a title track. The combination of his emotive voice and the dynamic band instrumentation creates a compelling listening experience. Notably, he premiered '웃기는 소리 같겠지만' during a recent solo concert, receiving an enthusiastic response from fans.

'ALL OF ME' is Hwang Chi Yeul's first full album in approximately six years, following 'The Four Seasons (더 포 시즌스)', released in 2019. True to its title, which translates to 'My Everything', Hwang has taken on the roles of producer and lyricist for all tracks, showcasing his musical talents.

The album 'ALL OF ME' is set to be released on February 27 at 6 PM across various music streaming platforms.

황치열, '웃기는 소리 같겠지만'…27일 정규 3집 'ALL OF ME' 발매

Hwang Chi Yeul Unveils Trendy Transformation Ahead of New Album Release

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?'

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially returned to his fans after completing his military service. On February 20, 2025, he was discharged from the Army's 25th Infantry Division after serving for approximately one and a half years. Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the division's military band, fulfilling his national duty.

Just three weeks before his enlistment, Kihyun shared his thoughts with fans, expressing gratitude for their support and reassuring them that he felt relieved, likening his service to catching up on overdue homework. He promised to make the most of his time before leaving and emphasized that while he and his fellow members would be temporarily absent, they would not be going anywhere else. Kihyun assured fans that he would return soon.

In preparation for his enlistment, Kihyun released his first solo photobook titled 'Moments Captured in November' and held an exhibition and pop-up store, creating special memories for his fans.

On the day of his enlistment, he conveyed his love for MONBEBE (the official fan club name) through Starship Entertainment, stating, "Although there will be a gap between us, whether long or short, I hope you enjoy each day while looking forward to my return. I love you, MONBEBE." He also expressed confidence that the other members would continue to work hard during his absence, and he looked forward to the day when all six members would reunite.

With Kihyun's safe return, he becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon. Currently, Hyungwon is serving in the Army's Capital Mechanized Infantry Division and is expected to be discharged on May 13, 2025.

This year marks a significant milestone for MONSTA X as they celebrate their 10th anniversary since debuting on May 14, 2015. Although member I.M has yet to begin his military service, fans are eagerly anticipating a full group reunion after Hyungwon's discharge, especially with many plans in place for the anniversary. Minhyuk recently shared in an interview with Elle that he is excited about the upcoming celebrations and can't wait to experience the atmosphere of performing together again, further heightening fans' anticipation.

몬스타엑스 기현, 오늘(21일) 만기 전역..'데뷔 10주년' 앞두고 팬들곁으로[Oh!쎈 이슈]

MONSTA X's Kihyun Completes Military Service and Returns to Fans

Actress Lee Ji Ah has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather, Kim Soon-hung, who has been accused of pro-Japanese activities. This issue resurfaced following reports on February 19 about a legal dispute among his heirs over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion KRW. Allegations suggest that Lee Ji Ah's father, the youngest among his siblings, forged documents using the seals of his older brother and sister during the land buyback process.

The controversy has inevitably impacted Lee Ji Ah's public image, with some netizens expressing shock and disapproval simply due to her familial ties. In response to the escalating situation, Lee Ji Ah's agency, BH Entertainment, released a statement on February 21, where she clarified her position regarding her grandfather.

Lee Ji Ah stated, "After much contemplation, I believe it is right to take responsibility and correct the facts, even though it is difficult. Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years. I have no memories of my grandfather, who passed away when I was two, and I grew up without any knowledge of his pro-Japanese actions."

She also addressed accusations that she had promoted herself using her family's background, asserting, "I have never released promotional articles leveraging my family background. However, false claims have circulated online, stating that I respect my grandfather, which is not true. I want to correct this and sincerely apologize as a descendant."

As the controversy unfolds, some netizens have voiced their opinions, suggesting that it is unreasonable to blame Lee Ji Ah for her grandfather's actions, with comments like, "No one chooses to be born into a pro-Japanese family," and "We need to move past this kind of collective blame. She has apologized, so the criticism should stop."

이지아=친일후손인 죄? 해명→사죄에 "연좌제 없어져야" (Oh!쎈 이슈)

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

G-DRAGON (지드래곤) has released a teaser for the music video of his title track 'TOO BAD' from his upcoming album 'Übermensch' (위버맨쉬). The teaser was shared today, February 22, at 1 PM KST on the official fan SNS (@fanplusonedotcom) and YouTube, ahead of the album's release on February 25.

The collaboration with Anderson .Paak (앤더슨 팩) has already captured the attention of music fans worldwide. Anderson .Paak, an American singer-songwriter, rapper, and drummer of Korean descent, gained fame after forming the R&B supergroup Silk Sonic with Bruno Mars (브루노 마스) in 2021, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and won multiple Grammy Awards in 2022. Fans are eager to see the unique synergy that G-DRAGON and Anderson .Paak will create together.

In the teaser, G-DRAGON makes a grand entrance on stage amidst a lively party, signaling the start of the festivities. The upbeat and rhythmic sounds of 'TOO BAD' play, showcasing G-DRAGON's stylish and kitschy vibe through various vibrant scenes. His fashion choices, including a black jacket with red checks, a red jacket paired with leather pants, a polka dot robe, and a striking yellow outfit with black patterns, highlight his status as a leading fashion icon in Korea.

Notably, the teaser features a special appearance by aespa's Karina (카리나). The video captures a moment where Karina waits by a blue car for G-DRAGON, who adjusts his shirt before meeting her, adding intrigue to the music video's storyline.

As anticipation builds for the title track 'TOO BAD', G-DRAGON is also set to kick off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA presented by Coupang Play' on March 29 and 30 at Goyang Sports Complex, starting at 6:30 PM each day.

지드래곤, 에스파 카리나와 투샷..‘TOO BAD’ MV 티저 공개

G-DRAGON Unveils Teaser for 'TOO BAD' Music Video Featuring Anderson .Paak

Park Bom (박봄) of 2NE1 has once again stirred the pot regarding her relationship with Lee Min Ho (이민호). In a recent post, she expressed frustration, stating, "Someone keeps deleting my posts. I am single and we are not in a relationship. It wasn't self-promotion; Lee Min Ho asked me to write it. I will focus on my work." 

Since last year, Park Bom has been vocal about her feelings for Lee Min Ho. In September 2024, she referred to him as her 'husband' and shared photos of them together on social media, which led to speculation about a romantic relationship. Her agency clarified that it was merely a playful expression of her fan affection, and fans took it lightly. 

However, on February 12 and 13, she posted more photos of Lee Min Ho, calling him her 'real husband.' When a fan questioned the authenticity, she replied, "Yes," and when asked who was deleting her posts, she mentioned, "The company." 

On February 19, she reiterated her claims, stating, "Hello everyone. I have been working hard, and everything I wrote is true. I will continue to work hard with 2NE1." This led her to assert that her relationship with Lee Min Ho was not a joke but genuine. 

In response, Lee Min Ho's representatives stated on February 20 that there is no personal relationship between him and Park Bom, calling her claims baseless. Park Bom then addressed her fans, saying, "Hello, dear fans. I am Park Bom. I am actually single. I posted because Lee Min Ho asked me to, and I want to clarify that I am alone." 

On February 21, she continued to make contradictory statements about her relationship with Lee Min Ho, insisting it was not self-promotion. After causing a stir online for nine days, Park Bom departed for Hong Kong and Macau, where she will perform with her group during the '2024-25 2NE1 Asia Tour [Welcome Back] in Macau.'

Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

Kihyun of MONSTA X held a special live stream on February 21 to celebrate his military discharge, connecting with fans known as MONBEBE through the group's official YouTube channel. Dressed in his military uniform, Kihyun made a charming appearance that delighted fans. He greeted MONBEBE in the live chat, expressing his excitement to reunite with them after his service.

During the stream, Kihyun showcased his signature humor, responding to fans who referred to him as 'Muscle Man' and 'Captain Korea' by saying, "I'm not quite Captain Korea, but I have gained some muscle since then." When fans asked for proof, he playfully replied, "What proof do you need? You can see it!" 

Kihyun also took a moment to blow out the candles on a cake celebrating his discharge and reminisced about the 'KIKITRIP' series, which he filmed during his military service. He shared that he had worked hard to create content during his time away and felt proud to see the positive reactions from fans. He encouraged those who became fans while he was in the military, reassuring them that there’s no need to worry about missing out, as they can look forward to more content in the future.

The live stream included a fun segment where Kihyun answered various questions related to topics like 'chicken,' 'songs,' and 'members.' When asked about his feelings the night before his discharge, he shared, "I was busy thinking about how to safely guide MONBEBE who came to see me, as there were so many cars outside the base. I was worried someone might get hurt, but everything went well, and I’m grateful for their support."

As the stream came to a close, Kihyun participated in a challenge time prepared for MONBEBE, showcasing his talents with various fun challenges, including the 'Today I LOVE YOU' challenge from the group Boynextdoor, leaving fans smiling until the very end.

After about an hour of interaction, Kihyun expressed his gratitude, saying, "It felt like time flew by while talking to MONBEBE. Thank you for waiting for me. I’ve worked hard during my service, and you can be proud of me. I’ll continue to show you my best side moving forward. This was the live stream celebrating my discharge as MONSTA X's Kihyun! Goodbye!"

Kihyun completed his military service after enlisting on August 22, 2023, and has now returned to the music scene. He is set to hold a free fan event titled 'TRIP TO KIKITOWN!' on March 8 at the Myunghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, where he will meet fans up close.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

A 23-year-old woman, identified as A, has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison by the Cheongju District Court for making a false rape accusation against her boyfriend after undergoing an abortion. The presiding judge, Jeong Woo-hyuk, stated that A had consensual sexual relations with her boyfriend in April 2021 but later claimed she was raped when he did not visit her following the procedure. A had previously been pregnant with her boyfriend's child and had an abortion. After he failed to contact her, she falsely reported that he had raped her and vandalized her home. Additionally, A faced charges for refusing a breathalyzer test while driving in July of the previous year. The judge noted that if the false rape claim had been proven true, the accused would have faced severe penalties, emphasizing A's repeated false statements and denial of responsibility as factors in determining her sentence.

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

K-pop group ASTRO (아스트로), under Fantagio, is set to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary on February 23 by gifting fans a new single titled 'Twilight' (트와일라잇). The announcement was made on February 22 at midnight through Fantagio's official social media and YouTube channel, where they released a teaser video for the upcoming single.

The teaser showcases the members of ASTRO snapping their fingers, radiating refreshing energy that brings smiles to viewers. A snippet of 'Twilight's' warm and hopeful melody plays in the background, heightening anticipation for the full track. Additionally, the teaser features a group photo that has never been shared before, sparking excitement for new content.

Last year, on their debut anniversary, ASTRO also released a special single titled 'Circles' (서클스), expressing their heartfelt gratitude to fans. This year, in addition to the new music, the group will unveil original content featuring all the members, raising curiosity about the special messages they will convey through 'Twilight'.

Ahead of the single's release, ASTRO surprised fans by dropping a new content series titled 'Starry Table' (별둥이네 별빛식탁) on their official YouTube channel on February 21. In the video, the members celebrate their 9th anniversary with a cozy dinner featuring dishes they prepared themselves.

During the celebration, the members reminisced about their journey from trainee days to the present, sharing various stories that highlighted their enduring friendship and teamwork. They exchanged heartfelt messages to commemorate the occasion. The eldest member, MJ, expressed his hopes for a healthy and happy year ahead, while leader JinJin thanked the members for their support over the years. Cha Eun-woo shared his belief that they would still be together for their 20th anniversary, and youngest member Yoon San-ha reflected on the lessons he continues to learn from his older members.

After the video was released, Cha Eun-woo shared it on his Instagram, tagging the late Moonbin's account to honor the special day together.

ASTRO's new single 'Twilight' will be available on various online music platforms on February 23 at 6 PM KST.

ASTRO to Celebrate 9th Anniversary with New Single 'Twilight'

On the morning of February 22, 2025, families of the victims of the tragic fire at the Banyan Tree Resort in Busan gathered to hold a press conference, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. The event was organized by the bereaved families in collaboration with the Busan Movement for a World Without Serious Accidents.

During the press conference, a representative of the families criticized a joint briefing held by the Busan city government on February 20, describing it as a mere attempt to deflect responsibility without addressing the concerns of the victims' families. He stated, "We can no longer tolerate the deceitful actions and indifference of the Busan city government and responsible agencies towards the bereaved families."

The representative further expressed outrage at the city’s comments during the briefing, where officials suggested that a memorial space would only be established if there were ten or more fatalities or thirty or more injuries, which he deemed disrespectful.

The families are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident, punishment for those responsible for the serious accident, preventive measures from the city and the construction companies involved, an official apology from the companies, the establishment of memorials, and adequate compensation and support for the bereaved families.

After the press conference, the families were allowed to enter the resort for the first time since the fire, which occurred nine days earlier. Previously, police had restricted their access to preserve the scene. Some family members were seen weeping as they embraced photographs of their loved ones at the site.

In a statement released nine days after the fire, the construction companies involved, Samjeong Corporation and Samjeong E&C, expressed their condolences, stating, "We sincerely apologize to the deceased, their families, and the injured. We also extend our heartfelt apologies to the public for the distress caused."

They added that their employees had visited the mourning sites to offer support and that the delay in their official apology was regrettable due to the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.

INFINITE's Kim Sung-kyu Faces Family Tragedy

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Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

ASTRO to Celebrate 9th Anniversary with New Single 'Twilight'

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

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Hwang Chi Yeul Unveils Trendy Transformation Ahead of New Album Release

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

MONSTA X's Kihyun Completes Military Service and Returns to Fans

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

G-DRAGON Unveils Teaser for 'TOO BAD' Music Video Featuring Anderson .Paak

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