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's Yeji Shares Excitement for Solo Debut After Six Years

'환승연애, 또 다른 시작' (Transit Love: A New Beginning) wraps up its journey in Jeju Island, showcasing the growth of its cast after the original series. This reality show, directed by 김영화 and 이승환, brings together participants from the previous season to create new memories and experiences. As the finale approaches, here are some key points to watch for.

# Lee Kwan-woo and Lee Hye-sun Face a Crisis! Differences in Temperature and Speed!
From their first meeting, Lee Kwan-woo and Lee Hye-sun have been in a direct mode, but as time passes, they reveal a growing disparity in their relationship. With limited time together, Lee Hye-sun seeks to deepen their connection through meaningful conversations, while Lee Kwan-woo remains cautious, preferring to observe rather than inquire.

Having spent the most time with Lee Kwan-woo in the Jeju house, Lee Hye-sun expresses her feelings of difficulty regarding his changing demeanor, leaving their future uncertain. As they embark on a one-on-one trip, the tension between them raises questions about the direction of their relationship.

# Park Ji-yeon and Kim Kwang-tae: Love is All About Timing! What Does Comfort Mean?
Joining the group as a new travel mate, Park Ji-yeon struggles alone in an unfamiliar environment, eventually shedding tears that evoke sympathy. In response, Kim Kwang-tae steps in with a caring demeanor, creating a unique chemistry between them.

The two embark on a one-on-one trip without hesitation, exuding a vibe reminiscent of long-term lovers, which brings smiles to viewers. However, their description of each other as “the most comfortable” leaves a lingering question about what 'comfort' truly means for them.

# Jo Hwi-hyun and Park Na-eun: Beyond Sibling Bonds! Entering a Phase of Exciting Certainty!
Park Na-eun approaches Jo Hwi-hyun with playful compliments, to which he responds with flirtation, establishing them as the 'vitamin couple' of the Jeju house. After confirming Park Na-eun's genuine feelings during a one-on-one conversation, Jo Hwi-hyun shifts into a bold pursuit mode, hinting at a deeper connection. As they grow closer during their trip, curiosity builds around whether their feelings will evolve beyond friendship.

# Jeong Hye-im, Kwak Min-jae, Jeong Kyu-min, and Lee Ji-yeon's Love Quadrangle: What Will Be the Outcome?
Although Jeong Hye-im and Kwak Min-jae did not connect in the original '환승연애', they find a second chance in '환승연애, 또 다른 시작'. However, the dynamics shift when Jeong Kyu-min expresses interest in Jeong Hye-im, creating another turning point.

Initially, Kwak Min-jae chooses Jeong Hye-im for their one-on-one trip, but their timing proves unfortunate. Meanwhile, Lee Ji-yeon actively pursues Kwak Min-jae, adding complexity to the already tangled relationships. Viewers are eager to see how this intricate narrative will conclude.

The journey in Jeju Island for '환승연애, 또 다른 시작' will culminate with the highly anticipated finale airing on March 12 at 12 PM.

파국이냐 최커냐..'환승연애', 정혜임·곽민재·정규민·이지연 결말은?

'환승연애, 또 다른 시작' Concludes Its Journey in Jeju Island

On March 10, the YouTube channel 'Lim Young-woong' released the second behind-the-scenes video for 'Lim Young-woong Recital.' In the video, Lim was seen in the waiting room for a poster shoot, spending time with his pet dog, Si-wol. He affectionately treated Si-wol with snacks before starting the photo session. When prompted by the staff to pose, Lim playfully gestured, bringing smiles to those around him.

In a relaxed second outfit, Lim laid on the floor, showcasing a comfortable pose. However, while chatting with the staff, he struggled to recall the name of a chicken galbi restaurant. He humorously remarked, "I think I have young-onset dementia these days. I can't even remember restaurant names. Maybe I should play some Go-Stop (a Korean card game)."

Lim also shared insights about the overall retro concept of the shoot, mentioning props that evoke nostalgia, such as old books and LP records. He explained, "I’m holding a concert under the name 'Recital.' Nowadays, the term 'recital' isn’t commonly used, but it was often used by senior artists in the past for their solo concerts. I wanted to evoke that sense of nostalgia by including the word 'recital.'"

During the shoot, Lim attempted to include Si-wol, but the dog was uncooperative, leading to a few missed shots and laughter among the crew.

The video also featured Lim's first rehearsal, where he was seen intensely focused, treating the practice as if it were a live performance. He was meticulous, considering the fans who would come to enjoy his music.

Lim commented, "My close friends are taking the lead in the performance, adapting it to my style." During a break, he snacked and mentioned, "I’ve only eaten one meal today. My energy is running low."

임영웅, 아직 34세인데? "청년 치매 걸려, 음식점 이름도 기억 안 나" ('임영웅')

Lim Young-woong Talks About Memory Loss During Recent Video

On March 8, 2025, MBC's 'How Do You Play?' featured a special segment titled 'Lee Kyung-kyu is Back,' where the show revisited the concept of hidden conscience in today's society, 29 years after its original airing. The segment resonated with viewers, blending emotional moments, humor, and a public service message, leading to a strong viewer response.

The episode achieved a 2.2% rating in the key demographic of viewers aged 20-49, making it the top-rated Saturday variety show. In the Seoul metropolitan area, the household rating reached 4.4%. The peak moment of the episode occurred when Lee Kyung-kyu expressed his determination to revive 'Lee Kyung-kyu is Back,' hitting a high of 6.6% in viewership.

As a legendary figure in Korean entertainment, Lee Kyung-kyu brought back 'Conscience Refrigerator,' a segment that originally aired in 1996, which focused on finding individuals who uphold moral standards, particularly at traffic stops. He shared, "Initially, it was a TV, but I suggested we give away a large refrigerator instead. The idea was that 'putting your conscience in the refrigerator keeps it fresh.'" He humorously noted, "Sometimes when I drive and see a car stopping at a traffic line, I feel emotional. I created that!"

During the episode, cast member Joo Woo-jae playfully provoked Lee Kyung-kyu, leading to a humorous exchange where Lee declared a boycott against him. Joo Woo-jae had recently been named on Lee's 'blacklist' of 11 individuals in the entertainment industry. Despite Lee's ban on talking, Joo Woo-jae continued to interject, leading to more laughter as Lee exclaimed, "You don’t understand the meaning of life. Just eat your refrigerated food!"

The cast split into teams to search for acts of conscience on the roads and in the subway. They prepared various household appliances as prizes for the segment. The first task involved finding someone who stops at a red flashing light in a children's safety zone, while the second focused on locating a person who would return a lost wallet to the lost and found in the subway.

In the bustling subway, Joo Woo-jae, Lee Yi-kyung, Park Jin-joo, and Mi-joo began their search. Many passersby ignored a wallet, assuming the owner would return for it. Eventually, a couple from Hong Kong, Jacob and Tracy, discovered the wallet and took it to the lost and found, further enhancing the heartwarming atmosphere by stating they would donate the prize instead of keeping it. Joo Woo-jae expressed his emotional response, saying, "My faith in humanity is restored," while Lee Yi-kyung felt teary-eyed.

Lee Kyung-kyu, Yoo Jae-suk, and Haha expressed concern that many people might not know they are required to stop at red flashing lights. An expert's prior test revealed that only 1 in 50 drivers complied. The disappointment grew as cars sped through the children's safety zone, ignoring pedestrians. However, the first moral individual appeared: Park Yoon-sik, a representative from an air conditioning company, who stated, "I always stop because children need to cross safely." He also promised to donate his prize to those in need.

The second moral individual, Kim Sa-gon, who runs a café, shared that he grew up watching Lee Kyung-kyu's 'Conscience Refrigerator.' Lee expressed pride, saying, "I’m so happy to see the children I raised doing well." Yoo Jae-suk was moved by Kim's understanding of the red flashing light's significance, exclaiming, "Wow! I’m touched!" Lee Kyung-kyu expressed his joy at reviving 'Conscience Refrigerator,' stating, "'How Do You Play?' is truly a great program. I’m ready for any Thursday recording!" Yoo Jae-suk promised to return with 'Lee Kyung-kyu is Back,' affirming that "conscience is alive." 

Viewers reacted positively, stating, "This episode was necessary and raised awareness," and "In a world where people honk even when crossing slowly, meeting such individuals warmed my heart." Others noted, "I didn’t know about stopping at red flashing lights. I’ll be more careful in the future," and praised the Hong Kong couple for their unexpected generosity.

29년만 돌아온 이경규 '양심냉장고', 또 통했다 '시청률 1위'…'양심 키즈' 뭉클('놀면')

Lee Kyung-kyu Revives 'Conscience Refrigerator' on MBC's 'How Do You Play?'

On the latest episode of MBN's entertainment show 'Let's Go' (가보자GO), Lee Hee-jun (이희준) and Lee Hye-jung (이혜정) opened up about their love story. The couple, who married in 2016 and have a son together, showcased their son's artistic talent during the broadcast. When asked how they would handle their son studying abroad, Lee Hye-jung emphasized the importance of supporting their son's choices rather than pushing him in any direction.

The couple also revealed a secret room in their home, which serves as Lee Hee-jun's workspace for character analysis and project development. Lee Hye-jung shared that when her husband plays a villain, he tends to avoid going upstairs, as his demeanor changes significantly.

When discussing their first meeting, Lee Hye-jung recounted how they met at a birthday gathering for a designer friend, where they were seated together by chance. She noted that Lee Hee-jun was focused solely on her and asked about her life plans, leading to an instant connection. They later went to a club, where they shared their first kiss, with Lee Hye-jung admitting she initiated it, but Lee Hee-jun followed up with another kiss. However, they parted ways without exchanging phone numbers, which surprised viewers.

Months later, they reconnected at a mutual friend's performance, where Lee Hye-jung felt that Lee Hee-jun was showing interest in her as he sang to her during their car ride to the venue.

이혜정 "이희준과 첫만남에 키스..연락처 없이 헤어져" 충격 ('가보자GO')

Lee Hee-jun and Lee Hye-jung Share Their Love Story on 'Let's Go'

Rapper Dok2 (도끼, Lee Jun-kyung) has shared his heartfelt feelings following the passing of his mother, who died on February 16. On March 9, he took to social media to express his emotions after spending several years quietly living in the U.S. with his parents. 

His mother had been battling pneumonia, diabetes, and a stroke for over three years before she passed away in hospice care. Dok2 revealed, "I usually release songs for my birthday, but this time, I’m dedicating a song to my mom on her birthday, which I will celebrate without her for the first time. I feel heartbroken that I couldn’t show her a better version of myself in the years leading up to her passing."

He continued, "Please listen to this song, putting aside everything about me. I dedicate it to everyone in similar situations, those who have experienced loss, and to my beloved mom who is now in heaven playing with our dog, Lupe, and to my suddenly lonely dad."

In a poignant closing, he urged others to cherish their parents while they can, stating, "Tell your parents you love them before it’s too late. 1956. 03. 09 ~ 2025. 02. 16. I love you, Mom. REST IN PARADISE ‘UMMA’ OUT NOW." 

Earlier, Dok2's brother, rapper Mister Gore, also shared the news of their mother's passing on social media on February 17.

‘모친상’ 도끼 “母, 폐렴·뇌졸중으로 3년 넘게 투병” 

Dok2 Reflects on the Loss of His Mother

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'

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.

International Students Thrive in Future Mobility Program at Jeonju Vision University

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.

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

What do you think?

Trending

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'

G-Dragon Announces Departure from 'Good Day'

International Students Thrive in Future Mobility Program at Jeonju Vision University

Latvian Film 'Flow' Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature

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'환승연애, 또 다른 시작' Concludes Its Journey in Jeju Island

Lim Young-woong Talks About Memory Loss During Recent Video

Lee Kyung-kyu Revives 'Conscience Refrigerator' on MBC's 'How Do You Play?'

Lee Hee-jun and Lee Hye-jung Share Their Love Story on 'Let's Go'

Dok2 Reflects on the Loss of His Mother

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