Global artist Jennie has made headlines by appearing on the cover of Billboard magazine. On January 9, Billboard released an article titled 'A Battle with Myself: Jennie’s In-Depth Reflection on Creating Her Solo Album' on their official website, showcasing her photoshoot and interview for the January issue.

Billboard highlighted Jennie, stating, 'While the world knows BLACKPINK's Jennie, her upcoming solo debut album will reveal her true self.' In the interview, Jennie shared her journey, saying, 'I started listing what I wanted in life and figuring out what the next steps were. It hit me that I hadn’t yet fulfilled my dream of releasing a solo album. I wanted to achieve that goal for my own satisfaction.' She candidly discussed her experiences in establishing ODDATELIER and partnering with Columbia Records.

Jennie expressed her desire to complete herself as Jennie Ruby Jane, stating, 'Once the album is out, you will understand what I mean. I’ve incorporated various genres and elements, from rapping to singing and harmonizing, ensuring that I love every track on the album.' She confirmed that she has completed preparations for her new album.

More of Jennie's photos and interview can be found on the Billboard website.

Jennie Graces the Cover of Billboard Magazine

On January 9, as severe weather conditions affected the Jeju region, a Chinese tourist was apprehended for illegally flying a drone near Jeju International Airport. The Jeju Police Agency reported that the individual, identified as Mr. A, launched the drone without permission approximately 2 kilometers from the airport runway on December 31. Authorities are investigating potential security threats in collaboration with the National Intelligence Service and Korea Airports Corporation, as the area within a 9.3-kilometer radius of the airport is designated as a no-fly zone for drones. This incident follows a previous occurrence last year when a suspected drone-related object was detected, leading to flight disruptions and inconveniencing travelers.

‘국가중요시설 최고등급’ 제주공항 몰래 드론 촬영한 중국인

Chinese Tourist Arrested for Unauthorized Drone Use Near Jeju International Airport

On January 9, 2025, Seo Ye-ji's agency, Sublime, announced that they are pursuing legal action against individuals posting malicious comments and articles about the actress. The agency stated, "There have been numerous unfounded and harmful posts directed at Seo Ye-ji, and we can no longer overlook the psychological distress caused to our artist. After discussions, we have decided to file a lawsuit." 

They further revealed that a dedicated team has been monitoring online communities, social media, and portal sites, leading to the filing of an initial lawsuit against over 130 online trolls through a law firm. The investigation is currently underway. 

The agency emphasized their commitment to protecting Seo Ye-ji, stating, "We will continue to monitor and respond vigorously to any malicious rumors, posts, or comments without leniency." Seo Ye-ji has recently expressed her distress over the negative rumors and comments, and the outcome of this legal action against the trolls is highly anticipated.

[공식] 악플러 130명 고소하며 강경 대응 나선 서예지 "선처 없어"

Seo Ye-ji Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Oh Ji-min, a former member of the idol group BTL, recently opened up about his early marriage during an appearance on MBN's 'Special Report World' on January 9. Ji-min debuted in 2014 as part of the nine-member boy group BTL, but after two years, the group disbanded, leading him to pursue a career as a paint technician. He shared, "I was studying theater and film when I got the chance to join BTL. I thought that becoming an idol would help me transition into acting more quickly. I debuted in May 2014 and was active for about two years."

Reflecting on his time as an idol, Ji-min admitted, "I should have taken it more seriously, but I often felt lost. I thought it would work out, but the uncertainty of my future was daunting. I realized I needed to complete my military service to focus on my acting career, so I decided to enlist right away."

However, Ji-min revealed that he got married five years ago and is now raising two sons. He recounted, "While I was in the military, I met my wife for the first time during a birthday celebration with friends. I thought she was beautiful, and that was the beginning. I initially saw her as just another pretty girl, but when I ran into her again at a bar, I felt it was fate and decided to pursue her."

His wife recalled their first meeting, saying, "He asked me what I thought he would do for a living. I thought he looked like a bad guy who would take advantage of women, but then I found out he was an entertainer, which I found amusing at the time."

The couple began their relationship through letters after meeting at first sight, but just five months later, Ji-min received news that his girlfriend was pregnant, two months before his military discharge. Ji-min expressed his initial fears, stating, "I thought my dreams were over. I felt conflicted, changing my mind dozens of times a day. I knew I had to take responsibility for the new life, but I also worried about how I could raise a child with nothing to my name."

He explained, "I didn't say anything extreme like 'let's get rid of it,' but I suggested we should wait until we could take responsibility. Ultimately, she reassured me, saying, 'I won't hold you back. I will raise the child, and you can continue on your path.' Hearing that made me realize I needed to step up."

At just 25 and 21 years old, they became parents. Ji-min's wife shared, "He took care of diaper changes, late-night feedings, and putting the baby to sleep. I let him handle most of the first child's care because I wanted him to bond with our child. I thought if I didn't keep my head straight, everything would fall apart. I had to manage my mental health, his, and the baby’s. I realized that if I struggled, we wouldn't be able to survive together, so I tried to support him as best as I could."


'아이돌 출신' 오지민 "군인때 술자리서 만난 여친 임신..'끝났다' 싶었다"('특종세상')

Former BTL Idol Oh Ji-min Shares His Early Marriage Story

K-pop group GFRIEND is set to make a splash on music shows as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with the release of a new song. The members—Sowon (소원), Yerin (예린), Eunha (은하), Yuju (유주), SinB (신비), and Umji (엄지)—will debut their title track '우리의 다정한 계절 속에 (Season of Memories)' on Mnet's '엠카운트다운' at 6 PM KST on January 9. Following this performance, fans can catch them on various music shows throughout the week.

Anticipation for GFRIEND's new stage is at an all-time high. Their recent appearances at the '39th Golden Disc Awards' and 'Studio Dance' on YouTube have quickly climbed the trending charts since their release on January 7. Known for their synchronized choreography and fast-paced dance moves, the group is once again generating buzz with their performance.

The new song '우리의 다정한 계절 속에 (Season of Memories)' has been praised for its nostalgic choreography that resonates with K-pop fans. The performance emphasizes the bond between the group and their fans, focusing on expressing their journey rather than following current trends. The cinematic structure connecting the past and present of the group is particularly moving, featuring nods to previous hits like '시간을 달려서 (Rough)'.

Park So-yeon (박소연), the performance director from Source Music, shared, "I wanted the stage to evoke memories of the time GFRIEND and their fans have shared, like a panorama. I hope it allows everyone to reflect on the journey they've taken together, fostering a deep sense of empathy."

The members actively contributed to the choreography, expressing desires to maintain their signature large arm movements and harmoniously blend their past and present. They even dedicated time to practice in a separate studio while attending an awards ceremony in Japan, showcasing their commitment to the performance.

GFRIEND's special album 'Season of Memories' is set for official release on January 13 at 6 PM KST. The group promises to deliver a collection that encapsulates their unique emotions, collaborating closely with Source Music, with whom they have a long-standing partnership.

여자친구, 오늘(9일) ‘엠카’ 출연..팀의 과거 현재 잇는 무대 예고

GFRIEND to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Special Album and Performances

블랙핑크 지수 이어 제니까지, 솔로 컴백 예고 "나 자신과의 싸움"

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

On January 9, during the broadcast of MBN's Special Report (특종세상), An Sang-tae shared his experiences of suffering from online harassment due to false accusations of noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor. He revealed that he felt trapped by the claims, stating, 'It turned out that the person from the apartment below was right. The previous tenants and the ones below them never had such issues.' He recounted meeting the accuser in court, where they explained their actions were driven by stress from raising children. 

An expressed the emotional toll this situation took on him, saying, 'Even though I am not a criminal, I couldn't even go out to eat because of the media coverage. There were cruel comments about my daughter, suggesting horrific things. It was very painful, and thankfully, my child was very young at the time.' 

Currently, An is involved in film production and directing. When asked about his earnings, he humorously noted, 'I make about 320,000 won a year.' He added, 'Even if not many people watch my films, I feel happy when they resonate with the stories I imagined.'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

On January 9, SBS aired an episode of the variety show 'The Day That Tails the Day' (꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기), featuring a nostalgic look back at the baseball events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This Olympic event reignited the popularity of Korean professional baseball, and key figures from that time gathered for interviews. 

Lee Seung-yup, who struggled with a batting average of .100 during the tournament, made a significant impact in the semifinal against Japan with a crucial double and a two-run homer in the eighth inning. However, he believes his most important contribution was securing the final out ball from the championship game against Cuba. 

Lee shared, "After the 27th and final out, the KBO requested that we not throw the ball away but keep it. I thought it was important not to discard it." He added with a smile, "I think the biggest thing I did for Korean baseball was not the home run against Japan in the semifinals, but preserving that ball and handing it over to the KBO."

Lee Seung-yup Remembers the 2008 Beijing Olympics on 'The Day That Tails the Day'

On January 9, 2025, Son Bin-a, a seven-year veteran singer, achieved the coveted '진' (Jin) title during the master auditions of TV Chosun's Mister Trot 3, competing in the newly established '현역부 X' (Active Division X). Previously, she had reached the top 101 in Mister Trot 1 but failed to advance further. In Mister Trot 2, she participated in the Active Division and received an all-heart from the masters, yet was eliminated in the first round of the finals.

This time, Son Bin-a took a bold step by solely relying on her voice in the '현역부 X' category. Performing '가버린 사랑' (Gone Love) by Tae Jin-ah behind a black curtain, she showcased a more mature and profound vocal tone that captivated both the masters and the audience. The format of '현역부 X' allowed viewers to guess the identity of the singer, adding an element of surprise to the competition. Son Bin-a expressed her determination, stating, "I believe that if I keep climbing without giving up, I will eventually reach the top. I felt that I couldn't fully showcase my voice in Mister Trot 1 and 2, and I want to be recognized for my singing."

In the same episode, Park Ji-hoo, competing in the Workplace Division, touched hearts by sharing his challenging family story while performing '인생아 고마웠다' (Thank You, Life) by Jo Hang-jo. Meanwhile, Choi Jae-myung, a student at Seoul Arts College, made his debut in the University Division. He impressed the masters with his clear and pure appearance, delivering a heartfelt rendition of '상사화' (Higanbana) by Ahn Ye-eun, showcasing solid traditional vocal techniques. Master Kim Yeon-ja praised him, saying, "You could come to sing for the masters instead of on stage. You're perfect, with great vocalization, pronunciation, and confidence," while Lee Kyung-kyu expressed interest in signing him to his agency.

Son Bin-a Triumphs in Mister Trot 3 Auditions

On January 8, the popular TV Chosun show 'Miss Three Rang' featured a special duet performance by Miss Kim and Na Young, representing the show's TOP 7. Before their showdown against Nam Chang Hee, the duo explained their collaboration, stating, "With Nam Chang Hee being such a big name lately, we felt one person wouldn't be enough. So, we decided to team up."

To win over director Lee Kyung Kyu, Miss Kim and Na Young chose to perform 'Tess Hyung,' originally by Na Hoon Ah. From the very first note, their powerful vocals captivated the audience, and they cleverly altered the lyrics from "Ah, Tess Hyung!" to "Ah, Kyung Kyu Hyung!" adding a humorous twist that delighted viewers. This lively performance quickly elevated the atmosphere.

Miss Kim showcased her rich, honeyed voice, while Na Young brought an infectious energy to the stage. Their seamless coordination, honed from years of working together, made their dance and vocal performance truly engaging, reminiscent of a debuting trot girl group. Their stage presence was undoubtedly one of the standout moments of 'Miss Three Rang.'

Even Lee Kyung Kyu, known for his reserved demeanor, couldn't help but get up and respond to their playful lyrics, saying, "Ah, Kyung Kyu Hyung!" and "Ah, why are you calling me!" His right-hand man, Lee Yoon Seok, chimed in with a cheeky remark, "Kyung Kyu Hyung, stop being so grumpy!" which elicited laughter from the cast.

Miss Kim and Na Young's performance earned an impressive score of 99 points, kicking off the new year on a high note. Known for her vibrant energy, Miss Kim is expected to continue her active presence in broadcasts and events throughout 2025.

Jennie Graces the Cover of Billboard Magazine

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Jennie Graces the Cover of Billboard Magazine

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