Yeji of ITZY is set to showcase her multifaceted solo artist charm with the release of her debut album 'AIR' on March 10. JYP Entertainment revealed the tracklist for 'AIR' on their official social media channels on February 14 at midnight. 

The album will feature four tracks, including the title song 'Air', along with 'Invasion', 'Can't Slow Me, No', and '258'. Notably, Yeji contributed to the lyrics of the title track 'Air', reflecting her sincerity as she embarks on her solo career. Renowned K-pop producer J.Y. Park also lent his expertise to enhance the quality of the title track.

The album credits boast an impressive lineup of K-pop songwriters, including danke, who has worked with famous artists like IU and TWICE, as well as hitmakers like collapsedone, Noday, and Ryan Jeon, promising a diverse musical experience.

Yeji has garnered significant support from K-pop fans both domestically and internationally, thanks to her exceptional stage presence and charisma. With her first mini-album 'AIR', she is expected to captivate fans worldwide and establish herself as a solo artist.

Fans can listen to Yeji's debut album and the title track 'Air' on various music streaming platforms starting at 6 PM KST on March 10.

ITZY's Yeji to Make Solo Debut with New Album 'AIR'

On February 18, 2025, Kakao Entertainment (co-CEOs Kwon Ki-soo and Jang Yoon-jung) announced an impressive lineup of well-crafted projects featuring super IP originals and global star actors, showcasing their aspirations as a global studio. The company aims to solidify its position in the industry through a diverse array of well-made productions, including adaptations of popular story IPs and highly anticipated works from trusted South Korean actors. Following the establishment of a stable multi-studio system and a proven track record in media competitiveness, Kakao Entertainment plans to enhance its influence as a global studio by presenting a wealth of high-quality productions this year.

Kakao Entertainment is accelerating its IP crossover projects, which involve planning and producing dramas based on popular webtoons and web novels. Previous successes like 'In-House Match' (사내맞선), 'Nam Nam' (남남), and 'The Call' (지금 거신 전화는) have demonstrated the appeal of these adaptations, garnering explosive popularity both domestically and internationally. This year, the company is set to release more well-crafted dramas based on its popular webtoons, aiming to satisfy both original fans and drama enthusiasts.

One of the upcoming highlights is the new MBC weekend drama 'Bunny and Brothers' (바니와 오빠들), premiering in April. This romantic comedy follows Bunny, who, after a disastrous first love, finds herself entangled with charming men. The series features rising stars such as Noh Jung-ui, Lee Chae-min, and Jo Jun-young, and is based on a Kakao webtoon that has amassed over 170 million views, promising a refreshing campus romance this spring.

In the second quarter, Netflix will release the series 'Bad Relationship' (악연), a crime thriller that intertwines the fates of six individuals caught in an inescapable web of misfortune. Starring Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyu, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon, this adaptation is also based on a Kakao webtoon and is highly anticipated due to Kakao Entertainment's proven production capabilities.

On February 27, the exclusive series 'Secret Relationship' (비밀 사이) will debut on Watcha, featuring a passionate romance involving a woman unable to live a normal life and three men who seek to control her through their secrets.

Kakao Entertainment is also set to release several projects featuring beloved actors that have garnered attention from both domestic and international fans. The Netflix series 'Fool Me Once' (폭싹 속았수다), premiering on March 7, tells the adventurous life story of a rebellious girl and a foolish boy, with a star-studded cast including IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon.

Disney+'s original series 'Nine Puzzle' (나인 퍼즐), featuring Kim Da-mi and Son Seok-koo, is expected to release in the first half of the year. This mystery thriller revolves around a profiler and a detective who delve into a series of murders linked to a cold case from a decade ago.

In the third quarter, Netflix will unveil 'Eun-jung and Sang-yeon' (은중과 상연), a story about two friends entangled in a complex relationship filled with love, jealousy, and resentment. Additionally, SBS will air 'Praying Mantis' (사마귀), featuring Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon, which follows a woman imprisoned for being a serial killer and the new murders that mimic her past.

Kakao Entertainment is also generating buzz with the upcoming MBC drama '21st Century Grand Duke's Wife' (21세기 대군 부인), starring IU and Byun Woo-seok, set to begin filming this year. The story explores a romance between a wealthy heiress frustrated by her commoner status and a prince who has nothing.

In theaters, films featuring renowned actors are also making waves. The horror film 'The Black Nuns' (검은 수녀들), released in January, has surpassed 1.6 million viewers in South Korea and is gaining popularity abroad, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Kakao Entertainment is also preparing fresh and engaging variety shows. The talk show 'Choo Rai Choo Rai' (추라이 추라이), hosted by Choo Sung-hoon, will premiere on Netflix on February 26, while the reality show 'I Want to Date Even Though I'm a Virgin' (모태솔로지만 연애는 하고 싶어) will help socially awkward singles navigate their first relationships.

Kakao Entertainment stated, "We will continue to produce and present well-made content with fresh and diverse themes and genres that satisfy both domestic and global audiences, thereby enhancing our competitiveness as a global studio and expanding the global influence of K-content."

아이유부터 변우석까지 다 품은 카카오, 2025 라인업 美쳤다 [공식]

Kakao Entertainment Unveils Ambitious 2025 Lineup as a Global Studio

In a recent episode of MBC's program 'Questions' (질문들), aired on February 18, renowned filmmaker Bong Joon-ho shared his thoughts on the martial law declared on December 3, 2022. During his conversation with anchor Son Seok-hee, Bong noted that while international audiences often associate South Korea with cultural phenomena like Rosé's 'Apartment', BTS, and 'Squid Game', the concept of 'martial law' left many bewildered. He remarked, 'The term martial law seems more fitting for military coup films from the 70s and 80s in the Third World, so it felt surreal and disconcerting.' 

Bong recounted a humorous moment when a foreign friend jokingly asked if he was calling from prison, highlighting the shock many felt during that time. He reflected on his own childhood experience, recalling the '12.12 Military Coup' depicted in the film 'Seoul's Spring' when he was in the fourth grade, expressing disbelief that his generation would witness another martial law. However, he expressed relief that the legal frameworks built over time seem to be holding up.

Additionally, Bong mentioned being included in a blacklist created by the National Intelligence Service during the Lee Myung-bak administration, alongside fellow director Park Chan-wook. He clarified that they did not suffer direct consequences due to their reliance on private funding for their projects, unlike independent filmmakers and documentary directors who faced significant challenges due to the blacklist. He emphasized that creating such lists is fundamentally wrong.

In a lighter moment, Son Seok-hee pointed out that his silhouette appeared in Bong's acclaimed film 'Parasite' (기생충). Bong explained that he aims to enhance the realism of news scenes in his films by featuring actual journalists, which was the intention behind including Son's figure as well.

봉준호, 12.3 비상계엄에 황당 "해외 지인이 감옥에서 전화 받냐고" ('질문들')

Bong Joon-ho Reflects on December 3 Martial Law During MBC Interview

On February 17, a memorial was held for the late actress Kim Sae-ron (25) at the Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where her portrait was displayed. Following her passing on February 16, director Lee Jeong-beom, known for his work on her notable film 'The Man from Nowhere' (아저씨), expressed his condolences, hoping she would be remembered as a great actress.

In an interview with entertainment media OSEN, Lee shared, "This might be one of the few opportunities to talk about Sae-ron," as he reflected on her talent. He described her as not just a 'genius child actor' but rather a sensitive young girl who brought depth to her performances.

Lee noted, "Sae-ron had a different level of sensitivity compared to other child actors. While many young performers tend to mimic emotions or exaggerate their portrayals, she did not. When I asked her how she would feel in certain situations, it felt like I was conversing with a 21-year-old actress, despite her being only 11 at the time."

He emphasized that her emotional depth was not something that could be trained; it stemmed from her innate sensitivity and understanding of people. "The performance she delivered in 'The Man from Nowhere' was largely a product of her natural talent," he added. While some may label her as a genius, Lee preferred to highlight her exceptional ability to convey human emotions.

Reflecting on her maturity, he remarked, "Even as a child, she seemed to understand adult emotions, which greatly assisted me as a director. I owe a lot of the film's emotional weight to her performance."

Lee also acknowledged the challenges Kim faced as she grew up in the public eye, stating, "There were events that unfolded beyond her control, and she made mistakes, as anyone might. Being a public figure, she faced significant scrutiny and criticism. I hope she is not solely remembered for those moments. In my heart, she will always be the Sae-ron from 'The Man from Nowhere.'"

He concluded with a heartfelt wish that she would not be remembered as a young actress who tragically ended her life after struggles. "I believe she would want to be remembered as someone who enjoyed acting, laughed, and had fun on set."

The memorial for Kim Sae-ron is being held at Room 7 of the Seoul Asan Medical Center, with the funeral scheduled for February 19 at 6:20 AM. The burial will take place at the Seoul City Cemetery, and the proceedings will be private.

“김새론, 좋은 연기자로 기억되길”…‘아저씨’ 감독도 추모 

Director Remembers Late Actress Kim Sae-ron as a Talented Performer

In a tragic incident involving a 30-year-old man who worked at Jeonbuk Jangsu Agricultural Cooperative, four employees have been charged with workplace bullying. The Namwon branch of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office announced on February 17, 2025, that they have filed charges against four individuals, including a manager identified as A, for violations of the Labor Standards Act and threats. Additionally, two corporations, including the agricultural cooperative and a related labor consulting firm, have also been charged.

The charges stem from the case of employee B, who was found dead in his vehicle in January 2023. Investigations revealed that A and others had subjected B to workplace harassment over the course of a year, starting in January 2022. They allegedly issued unreasonable work orders, such as instructing B to go to Noryangjin to buy king crab and threatening disciplinary action for perceived incompetence.

Following B's death, which occurred just three months after his marriage, the Ministry of Employment and Labor conducted a special inspection that confirmed the bullying allegations. The prosecution stated that A and the others harassed B due to dissatisfaction with his work performance and assured that they would seek appropriate punishment for the accused.

직장 내 괴롭힘으로 30대 청년 극단적 선택...장수농협 간부 등 4명 기소

Four Employees Charged in Workplace Bullying Case Following Tragic Death of Colleague

Dahyun from TWICE and actor Jinyoung are set to make their big screen debut in the film 'The Girl We Liked Back Then'. On February 17, they appeared on SBS Power FM's '12시엔 주현영' to discuss their roles in the movie.

'The Girl We Liked Back Then' (adapted by director Jo Young-myung, produced by Take Pictures and JAYURO Pictures, distributed by Wavve Studio and CJ CGV) tells the story of Jinwoo (played by Jinyoung), who spends countless days trying to confess his feelings to Sunah (played by Dahyun) during his first love at eighteen. The film is a remake of a Taiwanese movie of the same name.

Dahyun expressed her excitement, saying, "I’m really nervous since this is my first film debut, and I’m looking forward to how audiences will receive it." Jinyoung added, "It’s been six years since 'In My Name', so I feel like I’m almost starting fresh with this film."

Having watched the original five times, Jinyoung shared, "I was a fan of the original. After watching it for the fifth time, I received a casting offer a few days later. I thought, 'Is this fate?' I felt I had to do it, but there was pressure because the original was so well-received. I thought about it a lot but decided to approach it in my own style."

When asked about her choice to take on this role, Dahyun said, "I really enjoyed the original, and I wanted to play a student character in a school uniform. Sunah fits that role perfectly, and I was thrilled to be offered this opportunity."

Juhyun asked if Dahyun found acting enjoyable, to which she replied, "There was a scene where Sunah cries, and I was worried about my ability to portray that emotion. I kept questioning myself right up until we started filming."

Jinyoung reflected on Dahyun's performance, stating, "She was incredibly immersed in her role that day. It felt like she was on another level. I had to react to her, but she started crying so much that I felt overwhelmed. The filming went really well, and I was amazed by her talent, especially since it was her first acting experience."

Juhyun also mentioned that 'The Girl We Liked Back Then' is set to be released in 34 countries, including Taiwan, where the original film was made. Jinyoung expressed his curiosity about how audiences in those countries would react to their remake, saying he would love to see it in person.

Dahyun added, "I want to go to the theaters in Korea to see how the audience reacts when it’s released." Jinyoung shared that he attended his previous film's screenings multiple times just to gauge audience reactions.

Dahyun recalled an emotional moment at an overseas screening, saying, "I felt like I suddenly became a crybaby. While taking photos with the audience, I was asked to turn around, and the flash from the phones hit me. In that brief moment, I realized, 'I’m making my film debut.' It was an overwhelming feeling, and I couldn’t control my emotions."

When asked if she received any advice from JYP's Park Jin-young, Dahyun said, "He told me he understands because he has acted before. He promised to support me wholeheartedly. We invited him to the premiere, but unfortunately, he has a schedule conflict, so we’ll watch it separately. I’m grateful for his support."

In closing, Jinyoung stated, "Our film is about the blossoming feelings of love. I hope it does well so we can meet again," while Dahyun added, "Please show a lot of love for our movie."

'The Girl We Liked Back Then' is set to hit theaters on February 21.

'연기 데뷔' 트와이스 다현 "박진영 조언? 나도 해봐서 안다고..응원해줘"(12시엔 주현영)[종합]

TWICE's Dahyun and Actor Jinyoung Star in 'The Girl We Liked Back Then'

Lee Changsub of BTOB has officially graduated from the web variety show '전과자' (Jeongwaja), signaling a new chapter in his career. On February 17, the YouTube channel 'ootb STUDIO' released a video titled 'Graduation and New Jeongwaja Student [Graduation Ceremony]', marking Changsub's departure after hosting the show through its fifth season.

In the video, he humorously shared, "I have some good news. I am finally graduating. I have transferred 66 times, and it has been very tough." He reflected on his two years of enjoyable experiences studying at various schools but explained that he needs to focus on his main career and take care of his vocal health, which is why he is stepping back. He added, "This isn’t the end of my relationship with ootb. There will be opportunities to meet again through new content, whether on an island or in a car."

Taking over the hosting duties for 'Jeongwaja' Season 6 is EXO's Kai. Changsub advised Kai to listen well to the professors, bond with the students, and get plenty of rest.

Kai, who joined the show after completing his military service, expressed surprise at being asked if he was considering going back to the army on his first day out.

'Jeongwaja' is a campus culture revival program that visits universities across the country to experience various academic departments firsthand. Season 6, hosted by Kai, is set to premiere on March 20 at 6 PM on the 'ootb STUDIO' YouTube channel.

BTOB's Lee Changsub Graduates from Web Variety Show 'Jeongwaja'

The sudden death of actress Kim Sae-ron has sent shockwaves not only through South Korea but also internationally. Major news outlets, including Reuters, AFP, CNN, and The New York Times, have reported on her passing, highlighting her impressive filmography and the intense competition within the Korean entertainment industry that places immense pressure on stars.

Kim Sae-ron, who gained recognition at a young age, was noted for her promising talent. She made her mark at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009 with the film 'The Traveler' and walked the red carpet again with 'Dohee-ya.' Her performances in films such as 'The Man from Nowhere' (아저씨), 'The Neighbors' (이웃사람), and 'The Village' (동네사람들) showcased her acting skills and star power. Recently, her role in the Netflix series 'Hunting Dogs' (사냥개들) garnered attention from international audiences.

However, her career faced a significant downturn following a drunk driving incident in 2022, where she crashed into a guardrail and a tree in Gangnam, Seoul, and fled the scene. A blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2%, leading to her departure from the SBS drama 'Trolley' and substantial edits to her scenes in 'Hunting Dogs.' Following these events, she received a suspension from broadcasting, effectively halting her entertainment activities.

International media have focused on the challenges Kim faced in her attempts to make a comeback amid severe public criticism. Reuters reported that Kim was one of South Korea's most promising actresses, but her career suffered a serious blow after the drunk driving incident. AFP noted that despite her versatility and the high expectations placed upon her, she struggled to secure new roles after the 2022 incident.

CNN and The New York Times viewed her situation as indicative of broader structural issues within the Korean entertainment industry. The NYT pointed out that while the industry is thriving, the pressure on stars is immense, with public expectations and criticism often at odds, leading many to experience significant mental strain. CNN echoed this sentiment, stating that the series of tragic events involving K-pop and K-drama stars has brought attention to mental health issues within the industry.

The media also referenced other stars who have tragically passed away, such as Sulli, Jonghyun, and Moonbin, highlighting the systemic problems faced by entertainers in Korea. They emphasized that the competitive nature of K-entertainment, combined with the demand for perfection in appearance and behavior, places severe burdens on stars.

Kim Sae-ron's efforts to revive her career were further complicated by malicious comments and public scrutiny. She had been intermittently updating her social media to signal her return. In May of last year, she was cast in the play 'Dongchimi' but withdrew after just one day due to health issues. She later expressed her desire to return with a role in the film 'Guitar Man,' which ultimately became her final project.

Fans have voiced their concerns over the harshness of the criticism directed at Kim, arguing that while she made mistakes, the atmosphere surrounding her comeback was excessively punitive. In online communities, many have expressed that the backlash she faced was beyond what any individual should endure. Supporters from the DC Inside Female Celebrity Gallery released a statement asserting that Kim acknowledged her mistakes and worked hard to make amends, but the level of criticism she faced was inhumane.

Kim Sae-ron's funeral is set to take place at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul, with the burial scheduled for 6:20 AM on February 19.

Tragic Passing of Actress Kim Sae-ron Shakes Korean Entertainment Industry

Shin Soohyun, the main vocalist of the group U-KISS, is embarking on a new musical journey. Recently, he shared a teaser image for his first single album titled 'i am' on his official social media channels, signaling his solo comeback.

In the released photo, Shin Soohyun's face remains shrouded in mystery, building anticipation for the music and performances he will unveil with 'i am'. This album marks his first single release since debuting, encapsulating his efforts to discover a new facet of his voice and the emotions he experienced throughout that process. It is expected to include his recently released remake single '또 다른 시작' (Another Beginning), showcasing his musical authenticity.

Shin Soohyun's first single album 'i am' will be available on various music platforms on March 11 at 6 PM. Following the release, he will hold his first solo concert titled 'SHIN SOOHYUN SOLO CONCERT 'I AM' IN SEOUL' on March 15 at the YES24 Wonderbox in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, marking the official start of his solo activities.

U-KISS's Shin Soohyun Announces Solo Debut with 'i am'

The original series 'Study Group' (스터디그룹), produced by Studio Dragon, is receiving an enthusiastic response overseas. This comedy-action high school drama, available on domestic streaming service 티빙 and various global platforms like Rakuten Viki and Viu, follows the story of Yoon Ga-min (윤가민), played by Hwang Min-hyun (황민현), who, despite his talent for fighting, aspires to excel academically. As he navigates the challenges of a notoriously difficult school, he forms a study group to tackle the fierce competition of entrance exams.

According to Rakuten Viki, in its third week of airing, 'Study Group' ranked in the top two in 74 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, France, and the UAE, and made it to the top five in 147 countries. Additionally, it topped the weekly charts in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia during the first week of February, as reported by Viu. The show's global success has led to its acquisition by Japan's OTT platform ABEMA, where it will premiere on February 21.

A representative from Rakuten Viki stated, 'Study Group' brings a fresh and intriguing change to the K-drama trend, captivating global fans with its unique approach.'

International media attention has also been drawn to the series. Forbes published an article on February 8 titled 'An Ordinary Hero on the Surface, Standing Up to Bullying in K-Drama Study Group,' praising it as a well-written show that appeals to a wide range of viewers.

Viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with 'Study Group' achieving an impressive rating of 9.8 on Rakuten Viki, nearing a perfect score. It also holds an 8.5 rating on IMDb and an 8.9 on MyDramaList, reflecting its strong reception among global audiences.

Study Group (스터디그룹) Gains International Popularity

Starship Entertainment has made a striking move by releasing the music video for Kiki's debut title track 'I Do Me' as the first content of their promotional campaign. Kiki, a five-member group, was introduced through this unexpected approach, skipping traditional teasers. On February 16, the music video was uploaded to Starship's official YouTube channel, creating a significant buzz without revealing any information about the group aside from their name.

The music video for 'I Do Me' quickly gained attention for its mysterious concept, catchy music, and the members' captivating performances. Within just 12 hours, it reached the top of the trending videos on YouTube in South Korea, amassing over 2.19 million views by 10 AM on February 18, showcasing Kiki's powerful debut.

Filmed in New Zealand, the music video beautifully captures the members' individuality against stunning natural backdrops. The video opens with sweeping shots of a vast landscape, reminiscent of an art film, and highlights the unique charm of each member, effectively showcasing Kiki's distinctive style.

The pre-released track 'I Do Me' is a pop dance song that emphasizes Kiki's confident and assertive spirit, expressing a girl's determination to trust her instincts and live boldly. The song features dreamy synthesizer sounds and a strong disco beat, creating a harmonious blend of emotional vocal melodies and groovy rhythms that resonate with listeners.

With its unprecedented promotional strategy and innovative concept, Kiki is poised to not just be another rookie group but to carve out a new path in the K-pop scene.

Following the music video release, Kiki's official website was launched on February 17, revealing member profiles and stage names in a unique format that sets them apart from existing idol groups. The website's design, themed around a 'Jam Factory,' creatively represents Kiki's identity in a way not previously seen in K-pop.

Kiki's groundbreaking debut and exceptional promotional efforts are expected to make a significant impact in the K-pop industry. They will release the audio for 'I Do Me' on February 24 and officially debut on March 24, with further promotional updates to be shared on their official social media channels.

ITZY's Yeji to Make Solo Debut with New Album 'AIR'

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BTOB's Lee Changsub Graduates from Web Variety Show 'Jeongwaja'

Tragic Passing of Actress Kim Sae-ron Shakes Korean Entertainment Industry

U-KISS's Shin Soohyun Announces Solo Debut with 'i am'

Study Group (스터디그룹) Gains International Popularity

Starship Entertainment Unveils New Group Kiki with Bold Debut Strategy

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Kakao Entertainment Unveils Ambitious 2025 Lineup as a Global Studio

Bong Joon-ho Reflects on December 3 Martial Law During MBC Interview

Director Remembers Late Actress Kim Sae-ron as a Talented Performer

Four Employees Charged in Workplace Bullying Case Following Tragic Death of Colleague

TWICE's Dahyun and Actor Jinyoung Star in 'The Girl We Liked Back Then'

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