Broadcast personality Jang Do-yeon is stepping into the world of acting for the first time. Her agency, Tn Entertainment, announced on January 18, 2025, that she has recently completed filming for the movie 'Your Country' (working title). The film is co-directed by her close friend and notable filmmaker Lee Ok-seop, alongside Koo Kyo-hwan, who also stars in the lead role. In the film, Jang Do-yeon develops a unique chemistry with Koo Kyo-hwan. Jang's friendship with director Lee Ok-seop is well-known in the industry. The release date for 'Your Country' has yet to be announced.

Jang Do-yeon Makes Her Acting Debut in 'Your Country'

Two individuals, including the CEO of a Chinese company identified as A and a design team leader, have been indicted for allegedly attempting to export semiconductor cleaning equipment made using stolen technology from Samsung Electronics' subsidiary, Semes. The Suwon District Prosecutors' Office announced on January 19, 2025, that they are facing charges of violating the Industrial Technology Protection Act and the Unfair Competition Prevention and Trade Secret Protection Act. 

According to prosecutors, from October 2021 to April 2022, the accused obtained blueprints and process recipes for cleaning equipment from former employees of Semes and attempted to manufacture and export the equipment to China. They allegedly used the designs for the cleaning equipment's chamber and a transfer robot, creating new versions based on these stolen blueprints. They are also accused of drafting a new process recipe using Samsung's proprietary cleaning process documentation.

The technology in question is considered a critical national technology, capable of precisely removing contaminants as fine as one ten-thousandth the width of a human hair during semiconductor manufacturing processes. Prosecutors emphasized that the technology, developed over 30 years with an investment of approximately 218.8 billion won, could have caused irreparable damage to South Korea's semiconductor industry if it had been successfully exported.

The investigation began in January 2024 after receiving a tip-off from the National Intelligence Service. It was revealed that the CEO had recruited engineers from various semiconductor companies, including Samsung, to establish a business focused on cleaning equipment. They had signed a contract worth 7.82 billion won for direct investment from a Chinese semiconductor equipment company and planned to transfer all personnel and technology to this Chinese entity.

One prototype was successfully exported to China, but production of two additional units was halted following a police raid. The accused denied the allegations, claiming the technology was developed independently. However, forensic analysis revealed digital fingerprints confirming the theft of technology.

The suspects reportedly took precautions against investigations by using aliases, operating without signage, and deleting documents after copying them. They even changed their mobile phones after hearing rumors that industry insiders had witnessed the exported prototype and were planning to report it.

Prosecutors noted that while previous technology leaks often involved foreign companies luring engineers with high salaries, this case marks a shift where a foreign entity established a base in South Korea to directly facilitate the theft of critical national technology.

삼성전자 반도체 세정장비 기술 중국에 유출 시도한 일당 구속기소

Former Samsung Engineer Arrested for Attempting to Export Stolen Semiconductor Cleaning Technology to China

On January 17, Kwon Eun-bi visited the online channel 'Kino' for a candid discussion with Pentagon member Kino. During the episode titled 'Why Do You Only Talk to Me About Work?', Kino humorously introduced Kwon Eun-bi as 'a beautiful woman whom I've never seen in a romantic light, my leader, the great rabbit.' Kwon Eun-bi responded, admitting she had never felt excited about meeting Kino, stating, 'I felt we were really similar at our first meeting. When people are too similar, there's no attraction; it needs to be a bit opposite.' 

Kino reminisced about a past conversation with Kwon Eun-bi, recalling how he expressed his happiness for her success with 'Waterbomb,' to which she replied that she felt disappointed that people only remembered her for that event. He shared, 'About three months before 'Waterbomb,' I candidly told her, 'I’m just hanging in there,' and she encouraged me, saying, 'Let’s not give up. In the end, those who endure will win.' She proved that three months later.' 

Kwon Eun-bi reflected on her journey, acknowledging that while 'Waterbomb' helped her gain recognition, she felt some people were unaware of her other efforts. 'I wanted to engage in various activities to show that I can do more than just that. I believe that’s why I’ve been able to maintain consistent activity rather than just a fleeting moment of fame,' she shared, hinting at her personal growth throughout her career.

'워터밤 여신' 권은비, 무명 아이돌 멤버에 '참'조언 "버티면 이긴다" ('키노')

Kwon Eun-bi and Kino Share Heartfelt Conversation on YouTube

On January 17, actress Jang Shin-young took to her personal social media to share updates for the first time in five months. Accompanied by a variety of emojis, she posted several photos, including one where she holds a bouquet of flowers in celebration of her birthday. Another photo features her taking a mirror selfie without the bouquet.

Notably, the last image in her post includes a handwritten letter from her second son, who wrote, "Happy birthday, Mom! I love you." This heartfelt message showcases the affection her son has for her, adding a warm touch to her birthday celebration.

This post marks Jang Shin-young's first update since the conclusion of her husband Kang Kyung-jun's legal troubles in August 2023. Kang was embroiled in a lawsuit after being accused of having an affair, which led to a claim for 50 million won in damages. The accuser alleged that Kang had an extramarital relationship with a woman identified as A.

While Kang denied the allegations, he chose to settle the lawsuit, indicating that the emotional toll of the situation was too great for him to endure a prolonged legal battle. He expressed his desire to address any misunderstandings through legal means but ultimately accepted the situation as a consequence of his actions.

About a month after the case was resolved, Jang Shin-young reflected on her experiences in a social media post, stating, "I spent time in what felt like a dark tunnel, unaware of how quickly time was passing. When I wished for time to stop, I heard my child calling me 'Mom,' which snapped me back to reality. I realized I couldn't give up; I needed to protect my children."

She also discussed her relationship with Kang, mentioning, "We had many conversations. I have reflected and felt remorse countless times. I am trying to rebuild our family for the sake of our children." Jang requested that the public refrain from excessive criticism of her husband, expressing concern about how it might affect their children.

In October 2023, Jang Shin-young appeared on SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' (미운 우리 새끼), where she candidly shared, "Honestly, it would be a lie to say it wasn't difficult. I went through a tough time and worked hard to regain my daily life. I lost my center and have been trying to return to my true self. Time has passed, and I can't change what has already happened, but I am taking steps to figure out how to maintain my family."

Despite the challenges she faced, Jang Shin-young has decided to stay with her family. When asked if her decision was influenced by her children, she affirmed, "Yes, it is for my children," emphasizing her desire to be a strong support for them. She concluded by stating, "Looking back, I have no regrets about my choice."


장신영, ‘불륜’ ♥강경준 용서 후 5개월만 근황..“엄마 사랑해요” 子 손편지 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Jang Shin-young Shares Heartwarming Birthday Moments After Recent Challenges

Actress Jeon Mi-do recently opened up about her experience joining the cast of tvN's Hospital Playlist (슬기로운 의사생활) in a video on the YouTube channel '요정재형'. She revealed that the casting director was a senior from her university, a fact she was unaware of until she received a call. Jeon recalled, "I wasn't in regular contact with him, so I was surprised to hear from him. He mentioned that I would need to audition, and at that point, I didn't have high expectations."

She further explained that she had previously auditioned for a significant role in the drama Mother (마더) but did not succeed. This led her to believe that she would have to start from scratch in the industry, despite her stage experience. When she was offered the audition for Hospital Playlist, she thought it would be great to land even a minor role, such as a patient's family member.

As she progressed through the audition process, she realized she was being considered for a major role. Jeon noted, "They didn't provide the script in advance. I was told to perform when I was ready, and it was for the first scene of Season 1. During my second audition, I had a scene with Ik-jun (played by Jo Jung-seok), and they kept giving me scenes to perform."

Interestingly, she mentioned that the director paused the audition for an hour after seeing her, contemplating whether she was the right fit for the character Chae Song-hwa. Jeon Mi-do also shared that the four male leads were already well-known actors, which made the casting team deliberate on whether to cast her as Chae Song-hwa or another character, Gyeo-ul. Jo Jung-seok had seen her performance and recommended her to the production team, which ultimately helped her secure the role. Jeon expressed gratitude for the teamwork that led to her joining the series.

전미도, 신인으로 '슬의생' 합류한 비하인드.."1시간 오디션 중단" (요정재형)

Jeon Mi-do Shares Behind-the-Scenes of Joining Hospital Playlist

It has been two years since the passing of the beloved actress Yoon Jeong-hee, who left us on January 19, 2023, in Paris, France, at the age of 79. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017, she had been living in Paris with her husband, pianist Baek Gun-woo, and their daughter. On the day of her death, Baek Gun-woo shared the news via an email titled 'Actress Yoon Jeong-hee's Passing,' stating, 'My wife, who has been cherished by the public for many years, peacefully left this world at 5 PM while listening to our daughter Jin-hee's violin.' He also mentioned that, in accordance with Yoon Jeong-hee's wishes, her funeral would be held quietly in Paris with family. Yoon Jeong-hee made her debut in 1967 with the film 'Youth Theater,' overcoming fierce competition with odds of 1,200 to 1. Throughout her career, she appeared in approximately 330 films, including notable titles such as 'Kang Myung-hwa,' 'Fog,' 'The Japanese,' 'The Great Man Im Kkeokjeong,' 'Night Walk,' 'Bunregi,' 'First Experience,' and 'Seokhwa Village.' Her final film was 'Poetry' (시) directed by Lee Chang-dong in 2010. Yoon Jeong-hee's portrayal of Mi-ja, a character embodying both resilience and youthful innocence, earned her numerous accolades, including Best Actress awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards. She also had the honor of walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

"오래도록 기억해 달라" 故윤정희, 오늘(19일) 2주기…알츠하이머 투병 끝 별세

Remembering Yoon Jeong-hee: Two Years Since Her Passing

In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), Lee Min-ho's character, Gong-ryong, openly reveals his feelings for Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin. During the episode aired on January 18, Gong-ryong receives a call from Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), where he informs her of his decision to break off their engagement. After confessing his love to Eve, Gong-ryong expresses regret to Choi Go-eun, who apologizes for announcing their engagement. He responds, 'I'm sorry. I'm a foolish man,' to which she reassures him, 'Why do you think you're foolish? You're doing well, even succeeding in surgery. I feel unworthy to face you.' Gong-ryong then states, 'I don't deserve you. It's not because of Kang Kang-soo (Oh Jung-se), but because of me. I won't marry you. I'm sorry,' before ending the call. Choi Go-eun is left in shock, seemingly unable to process the news.

Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon recently expressed their deep affection for each other on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' as they prepare for their wedding in April. During the January 18 broadcast, Ailee shared her thoughts on proposals, stating, "I was already preparing for the wedding, so receiving a proposal felt strange and I didn't like it. But my boyfriend had everything planned after a trip, and we ended up keeping it simple."

She continued, "I was monitoring some YouTube content, and it turned into a video letter. My family and friends from the U.S. appeared, and my boyfriend thanked me for agreeing to marry him. It was so my style that I cried. My single life is officially over," proudly showing off her diamond ring.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon, who gained fame from the Netflix reality show 'Single's Inferno' (솔로지옥), will tie the knot on April 20 after a year of dating. While Choi Si-hoon has previously acted, he is currently focused on his F&B and MCN businesses.

As a wedding gift, Yoo Jae-suk and the 'How Do You Play?' team presented the couple with matching mugs, slippers, and pajamas. Ailee expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying she was deeply moved by the gifts, especially as she joined the Winter Song project.

However, the biggest surprise came from her fiancé, Choi Si-hoon, who shared a heartfelt video message: "I’m happy to have the chance to do a small event. As we start our second chapter in life, I promise to protect you forever and be by your side. No matter who bothers you, I’ll take care of it. You know I’m a real man, right? Thank you for starting this new life with me, I love you."

In an impromptu call, he added, "I’m sending our dog to puppy kindergarten. I’m nervous but happy. My wife is an amazing person. I want to protect her and start a life together. I hope we can be happy for a long time while taking care of our health."

Hearing Choi Si-hoon’s sincere words brought Ailee to tears.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon Showcase Their Love on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' Ahead of Their Wedding

Actor Robert Pattinson has made his first trip to South Korea, arriving at Incheon International Airport on January 19, 2025. The visit is part of the promotional activities for Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film, 'Mickey 17'. Sporting sunglasses and a casual outfit, Pattinson drew attention as he greeted numerous fans at the airport. He warmly interacted with them, offering autographs and handshakes, showcasing his appreciation for their support.

Despite a busy filming schedule for his next project, Pattinson expressed a strong desire to visit South Korea, the home country of director Bong Joon-ho. His arrival marks the beginning of global promotional efforts for 'Mickey 17'. On January 20, he will participate in a footage screening of the film, followed by a press conference with Korean media, where he will discuss various aspects of 'Mickey 17' and engage with fans during a stage greeting.

'Mickey 17' is Bong Joon-ho's first directorial project since the acclaimed 'Parasite'. The film follows a disposable character named Mickey, who is sent on dangerous missions and is printed anew each time he dies. The story unfolds as Mickey faces his 17th death, leading to the unexpected emergence of Mickey 18. Pattinson plays two contrasting versions of Mickey, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Originally, 'Mickey 17' began production in the summer of 2022, with a release date set for March 29, 2023. However, Warner Bros. shifted the release of 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' to that date, resulting in 'Mickey 17' being rescheduled for a Korean release on January 28, 2025, and a global release on January 31, 2025. Following further adjustments, the North American release has been moved up to March 7, 2025, with a worldwide premiere in South Korea on February 28, 2025.

Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

In the latest episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서), which aired on January 18, 2025, the relationship between 강지윤 (Han Ji-min) and 유은호 (Lee Jun-hyuk) deepens significantly. 

During the episode, 강지윤 finds herself falling asleep at 유은호's home, where she dreams of her late father and wakes up in tears. In a moment of comfort, 유은호 holds her hand tightly. After spending the night, 강지윤 hurriedly packs her things and leaves. 

The two characters are also seen trying to resolve a conflict at work regarding a controversy over counterfeit luxury bags presented by a luxury appraiser from Careerway. Amidst this chaos, 유은호's daughter 별 (기소유) has an accident after meeting 강지윤, leading to her hospitalization. 

As the story unfolds, 강지윤 begins to develop feelings for 유은호, displaying unusual curiosity about him by asking 서미애 (이상희) about his character. She also shows a willingness to trust people rather than just relying on cold logic when addressing workplace issues. 

Her change in demeanor does not go unnoticed by 우정훈 (김도훈), who teasingly remarks on their apparent closeness and encourages 강지윤 to ask him anything about 유은호, whom he claims to know well. Although 강지윤 dismisses the notion by saying, "What do you mean, what kind of person? He’s my secretary," her gaze betrays her true feelings. 

Ultimately, during a date where they attend a performance together, 강지윤 realizes her feelings when she spots 유은호 among a crowd. In a preview for the next episode, she is seen trying to avoid him but ultimately confesses, "I have a problem. I like you, 유은호."

Han Ji-min Realizes Her Feelings for Lee Jun-hyuk in 'My Perfect Secretary'

In the latest episode of SBS's Running Man, which aired on January 19, 2025, Jeon So-min's jealousy took center stage, bringing plenty of laughs. After a 14-month hiatus, Jeon made her much-anticipated return, with the cast welcoming her back enthusiastically, exclaiming, "The lost So-min has returned!"

Upon seeing the new cast member, Ji Ye-eun, Jeon expressed her excitement, saying, "I wanted to meet Ji Ye-eun because I'm a fan of SNL," showcasing her admiration. However, she humorously noted, "But she seems to have low stamina," to which Ji Ye-eun agreed, eliciting laughter from the group. Fellow member Choi Daniel chimed in with a surprise compliment, stating, "But Ji Ye-eun is really tall!"

As the games commenced, Jeon So-min began to warm up, prompting the others to joke, "So-min is warming up, but there's still some leftover energy!" When she remarked, "I haven't used my brain in a while," the members playfully retorted, "When did you ever use it?" This banter continued as they faced a quiz challenge, with Haha expressing his hopes for Ji Ye-eun to showcase Jeon So-min's skills, only for Jeon to impress everyone by answering questions correctly.

In a surprising twist, Yang Se-chan declared, "I want to team up with Ji Ye-eun," which visibly upset Jeon So-min. Yang then teased her, saying, "You should be jealous!" and asked, "Why are you jealous?" Jeon playfully responded, "I saw on the show that you treat Ye-eun really well. Do you really like her that much?" This sparked a humorous skit that had everyone laughing.

Later, Jeon So-min and Ji Ye-eun teamed up. Ji Ye-eun, reflecting on her own stamina issues, apologized to Jeon, who humorously took on a mentor role, asking, "Why are you so weak?" Ji Ye-eun then declared, "I won't fill up on tasteless food; I'd rather starve!" She successfully charmed Yang Se-chan into giving her food with her acting skills. Jeon So-min, feeling left out, exclaimed, "Why is only Ye-eun getting food?" to which Haha quipped, "It's because I only love Ye-eun!" Jeon then shouted, "Do you love her? Do you really love this girl?" adding to the comedic atmosphere.

Jang Do-yeon Makes Her Acting Debut in 'Your Country'

What do you think?

Trending

Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon Showcase Their Love on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' Ahead of Their Wedding

Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

Han Ji-min Realizes Her Feelings for Lee Jun-hyuk in 'My Perfect Secretary'

Jealousy Sparks Laughter on Running Man as Jeon So-min Returns

More

Former Samsung Engineer Arrested for Attempting to Export Stolen Semiconductor Cleaning Technology to China

Kwon Eun-bi and Kino Share Heartfelt Conversation on YouTube

Jang Shin-young Shares Heartwarming Birthday Moments After Recent Challenges

Jeon Mi-do Shares Behind-the-Scenes of Joining Hospital Playlist

Remembering Yoon Jeong-hee: Two Years Since Her Passing

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