The K-pop group IVE has made a triumphant return, clinching the top spot on SBS's Inkigayo on February 9, 2025. Competing against artists like Rosé and Baby Monster, IVE expressed their joy, stating, "We are so happy to receive a triple crown on Inkigayo, and we owe it all to our dedicated fans, DIVE, for their unwavering support and love."

During the broadcast, various artists showcased their comeback stages. IVE, promoting their third mini-album 'IVE EMPATHY,' delivered a vibrant performance of their title track 'ATTITUDE,' radiating confidence and charm.

Previously, IVE had dominated music shows with their pre-released title track 'REBEL HEART,' and they are set to continue their popularity surge with 'ATTITUDE.' This new song samples Suzanne Vega's 'Tom's Diner,' featuring dazzling synth sounds, a familiar melody, and an addictive chorus. The lyrics convey a message about embracing unchangeable situations with a positive attitude, emphasizing that the only thing one can change is their own attitude.

Additionally, the group All Hours made their comeback with a powerful performance of their title track 'GIMME GIMME.' This song is characterized by a wild guitar riff and an explosive EDM-style dance track, designed to be enjoyable and easy for everyone to groove to.

The episode also featured a variety of performances from artists including Kim Na-hee, Da-hye, Lee Sen, Maha, Shin Na-ra, CIX, IVE, All Hours, Woo Ye-rin, Candice, KickFlip, Kimmi, and 2Z, showcasing a rich array of musical talent.

IVE Tops Charts with Comeback Performance on Inkigayo

On February 10, 2025, SM Entertainment (SM, 대표: 장철혁·탁영준) announced its financial performance for the fourth quarter of 2024, reporting consolidated revenues of 273.8 billion KRW and an operating profit of 33.9 billion KRW. Compared to the same period last year, revenues increased by 9%, while operating profit surged by 275.6%. The net loss for the period was reduced to 24.1 billion KRW, less than half of the previous year's figure.

On a standalone basis, SM recorded fourth-quarter revenues of 181.8 billion KRW and an operating profit of 35.8 billion KRW, marking increases of 11% and 83.2%, respectively, from the previous year. The company also achieved a net profit of 8.3 billion KRW, marking a return to profitability.

Key drivers of SM's consolidated revenue growth in Q4 included increased sales from merchandise and licensing, as well as concert revenues. Additionally, the rise in artist activities in Japan and expanded drama production contributed to the revenue growth of major subsidiaries.

The significant increase in consolidated operating profit was attributed to higher sales from the headquarters and subsidiaries, changes in the sales mix, and the recognition of performance bonuses.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, SM has launched a new slogan, 'THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE,' and has begun unveiling brand films. Following the successful SMTOWN LIVE concert in Seoul last January, the company plans to release the SMTOWN album on February 14, coinciding with its anniversary. Upcoming events include the K-pop orchestra concert 'SM Classics Live 2025 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra' on February 14 and 15, and a global SMTOWN LIVE tour scheduled for the second quarter.

Notably, on February 24, SM will debut its new girl group, Hatz to Hatz, with their first single 'The Chase,' marking the company's first new girl group in five years since aespa. In March, solo mini-albums from Red Velvet's Seulgi and NCT's Ten, along with a single from Naivis, will be released.

In the second quarter, aespa will release a new mini-album, while RISE will drop their full album. NCT's Doyoung and Mark will also release solo albums, alongside mini-albums from EXO's Kai, Red Velvet's Irene & Seulgi, WayV, and NCT WISH.

Furthermore, aespa has been on a world tour, achieving sold-out shows in Seattle and LA, while NCT 127's world tour continues to gain momentum with a confirmed performance at Tokyo Dome. Other ongoing global performances include TVXQ's nationwide tour in Japan and Super Junior's Yesung and SHINee's Minho's Asia tours, with Taeyeon and NCT WISH also set to embark on their Asia tours.

Additionally, during the SMTOWN LIVE event held at Gocheok Sky Dome in January, SM unveiled SMTR25, a group of 25 male trainees, which received a warm response. The company is ramping up preparations for their debut through pre-promotion on social media and participation in the SMTOWN LIVE global tour, generating excitement for new intellectual properties.

Co-CEO 장철혁 stated, 'On our 30th anniversary, we have announced our new slogan, 'THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE.' SM will continue to be a company that remains committed to its cultural heritage while consistently striving for excellence. We will pursue continuous innovation and the expansion of our artist IP alongside our strong lineup of artists and rich content.'

'30주년' SM, 하츠투하츠 데뷔 전 겹경사..영업이익 339억 '대박' 났다

SM Entertainment Reports Strong Q4 2024 Financial Results

Renowned vocalist Seo Young-eun is set to warm hearts with her soothing voice. The music production company Donuts Culture announced that the collaboration track 'To Me, You Are' featuring Seo Young-eun will be released today (February 9) at 6 PM on various music platforms.

The film 'Cat Kiss: The Moment You Open Your Heart' (directed by Hwang Soo-bin), which premiered on February 5, tells the touching story of a fairy tale writer named Yong-hee (played by Oh Dong-min) who, after losing his wife, leads a listless life. His chance encounter with Roan (played by Ryu Abel) while caring for a cat helps him gradually rediscover the colors in his life, creating a heartwarming and inspiring healing drama.

The film offers a comforting message for those who have experienced loss, showcasing stories of individuals who open their hearts through their connection with cats. The chemistry between Oh Dong-min and Ryu Abel, along with the adorable child actors and cats, has garnered positive reviews.

The newly released collaboration track 'To Me, You Are' beautifully complements the film's mood, enhancing the synergy between the movie and the music. This pop ballad captures the excitement and bittersweetness of unrequited love, expressing the narrator's happiness in simply watching someone they adore, yet unable to convey their feelings. Poetic lyrics such as 'I loved you secretly like a flower blooming at dawn' and 'I wait for you with the tiniest hope' leave a lingering impression. The catchy chorus, 'To me, you are a love that feels like a dream / I only watched you, afraid of losing you,' combined with Seo Young-eun's voice, delivers a soft and warm embrace.

Seo Young-eun, known for timeless hits like 'Not Alone,' 'The One Inside Me,' and 'Smile,' showcases her unique warm and delicate vocals in this track, further amplifying its lyrical atmosphere and providing an immersive experience that resonates with the listener's heart.

The healing voice of Seo Young-eun delivers a warm confession in the collaboration track 'To Me, You Are' from the film 'Cat Kiss: The Moment You Open Your Heart,' which will be available on all music platforms today (February 9) at 6 PM.

서영은, 오늘(9일) '나에게 그댄' 발매..영화 '고양이키스'와 컬래버

Seo Young-eun's Heartwarming Collaboration for 'Cat Kiss: The Moment You Open Your Heart'

On February 9, musical actress 송문선 (Song Moon-sun) shared exciting news on her Instagram, revealing that she is expecting a baby. She mentioned, "I intended to formally announce this after completing the '광화문연가' (Gwanghwamun Sonata) performance in Yongin, but it seems the news got out through a senior colleague I live with. The reason for my health-related changes is not due to any issues; rather, a lovely little one is on the way!" 

송문선 (Song Moon-sun) continued, "I was planning to take a break after working on '천개의 파랑' (A Thousand Blues), but I feel it's a time to be cautious and not overexert myself. I apologize for the sudden cast change without prior explanation, which has been on my mind. I will ensure that the baby stays healthy in my womb, and I will share good news soon. Thank you!" 

송문선 (Song Moon-sun) and her husband, 김도빈 (Kim Do-bin), met while working at the Seoul Arts Company and got married in 2018. Their pregnancy news has drawn congratulations from friends and acquaintances, especially considering their age difference of eight years. 

김도빈 (Kim Do-bin) made his debut in 2006 with the play '이상한 동양화' (Strange Oriental Painting), while 송문선 (Song Moon-sun) debuted in 2011 with the musical '고독한 악사들' (Lonely Musicians).

'8살 연상연하' 김도빈♥송문선, 결혼 7년 만 임신 발표 "귀여운 아기 찾아와"

Musical Actress Song Moon-sun Announces Pregnancy

HYBE Media Corp (하이브미디어코프), led by CEO Kim Won-guk, has been highlighted as a studio to watch in 2025 by industry professionals and experts in the Korean video content sector. On February 8, Cine21 released a list of notable figures, keywords, and platforms for 2025, based on responses from 52 industry insiders. Among the actors to watch are Lee Byung-hun (이병헌) and Kim Go-eun (김고은), while rising stars include Choo Young-woo (추영우) and Chae Won-bin (채원빈). Renowned director Park Chan-wook (박찬욱) was also mentioned as a key figure. HYBE Media Corp stood out as the top production company to watch this year, known for its successful films such as 'The Insider' (내부자들), 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum' (곤지암), 'Drug King' (마약왕), 'The Man Standing Next' (남산의 부장들), 'Save Me from Evil' (다만 악에서 구하소서), 'Seoul's Spring' (서울의 봄), and 'Harbin' (하얼빈). The studio created a sensation in 2023 with 'Seoul's Spring', attracting 13 million viewers. In 2024, it continued to dominate the film industry with releases like 'Handsome Guys' (핸섬가이즈), 'Ordinary Family' (보통의 가족), and 'Harbin'. Looking ahead to 2025, the studio is set to unveil a variety of projects, starting with 'Secret That Cannot Be Told' (말할 수 없는 비밀), followed by 'Opposition' (야당), 'To the Land of Happiness' (행복의 나라로), 'Tropical Night' (열대야), and a project tentatively titled 'Boss' (보스).

‘서울의 봄’·’하얼빈’ 제작 하이브미디어코프, 2025년 주목해야 할 스튜디오 선정

HYBE Media Corp Recognized as Key Studio to Watch in 2025

On February 10, 2025, the Constitutional Court of Korea wrapped up its additional 50-minute hearings regarding the nomination of Ma Eun-hyeok as a Constitutional Court Justice. This session follows a previous postponement of the verdict. The court's decision is anticipated to have significant implications for the current administration and its judicial appointments. Meanwhile, notable figures such as Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, were seen attending court proceedings, raising public interest in the ongoing legal matters surrounding high-profile individuals in South Korea.

[속보] 인권위, ‘尹방어권 보장’ 안건 수정 의결

Constitutional Court Concludes Additional Hearings on Ma Eun-hyeok's Nomination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On February 7, 2025, 'Squid Game 2' (오징어 게임 2) was awarded the Best Foreign Language Series at the 30th Critics Choice Awards held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. This marks the second consecutive win for the series, following its success with the first season.

The Critics Choice Awards, organized by the Critics Choice Association (CCA) comprising film and television critics from the U.S. and Canada, saw 'Squid Game 2' compete against other nominees including 'Acapulco', 'Citadel: Honey Bunny', 'La Maquina', 'Lydia Poet's Law', 'My Brilliant Friend', 'Pachinko', and 'Sena', which are set in Mexico, India, Italy, and Brazil.

Notably, 'Squid Game 2' was not nominated in the Drama Series category. In contrast, the first season of 'Squid Game' received nominations for both Best Foreign Language Series and Best Drama Series at the 2022 Critics Choice Awards, where it triumphed in both categories, with Lee Jung-jae winning Best Actor. This year, the Drama Series award went to 'Shogun', which also secured wins for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. In the film category, 'Anora' won Best Picture, while John Chu of 'Wicked' took home the Best Director award. Best Actor and Best Actress were awarded to Adrien Brody for 'The Brutalist' and Demi Moore for 'Substance', respectively.

According to Netflix, as of February 9, 2025, 'Squid Game 2' has become the third most-watched Netflix show of all time, following 'Squid Game 1' and 'Wednesday', with a total of 1.2819 billion hours viewed.

Squid Game 2 Wins Best Foreign Language Series at Critics Choice Awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IVE Tops Charts with Comeback Performance on Inkigayo

What do you think?

Trending

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

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

Squid Game 2 Wins Best Foreign Language Series at Critics Choice Awards

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

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

More

SM Entertainment Reports Strong Q4 2024 Financial Results

Seo Young-eun's Heartwarming Collaboration for 'Cat Kiss: The Moment You Open Your Heart'

Musical Actress Song Moon-sun Announces Pregnancy

HYBE Media Corp Recognized as Key Studio to Watch in 2025

Constitutional Court Concludes Additional Hearings on Ma Eun-hyeok's Nomination

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea