Global artist Jennie (제니) has been recognized in the prestigious 'Billboard Women in Music 2025' awards, where she will receive the Global Force Award. Announced on February 12, 2025, by Billboard, the award honors Jennie's explosive global influence since her solo debut. The 'Billboard Women in Music' event celebrates outstanding female artists, creators, producers, and executives who have made significant impacts in the music industry over the past year. Jennie shares this honor with renowned artists such as Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, and Tyla.

Jennie's successful solo career was marked by her single 'Mantra' (만트라), which made its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks following its release in October 2024. Her latest single, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' (러브 행오버), recently debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new personal best.

Looking ahead, Jennie is set to release her first full-length solo album, 'Ruby' (루비), on March 7, 2025. She is also generating excitement with the pre-release of the music video for 'ZEN' (젠) and the single 'Love Hangover' (러브 행오버).

The 'Billboard Women in Music 2025' ceremony will take place on March 29, 2025, at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.

Jennie Wins Global Force Award at Billboard Women in Music 2025

Broadcaster Kim Shin-young has sparked controversy after making remarks about virtual idols during her radio show, expressing her struggle to accept the concept and suggesting that it might lead to a sense of disillusionment. The comments were made on February 16 during her MBC FM4U program, 'Midday Hope Song with Kim Shin-young.' While discussing the new song 'Dash' by the five-member virtual idol group PLAVE, she stated, "Hasn't PLAVE been around for less than two years? I still haven't adjusted to it." 

Kim also reacted to singer Go Young-bae's photo with PLAVE members, questioning how he could have recorded or broadcast with them. When rapper Haeng-ju explained that virtual idols exist in a different realm and can only interact through social media, Kim expressed disbelief, asking if Go had taken the photo alone. Haeng-ju clarified that it was a composite image, indicating that while the virtual idols can appear in the same space, Go had to be in a different location to take the picture. 

Kim then candidly stated, "Honestly, I think PLAVE can't come on our show. I feel like I might really experience '현타' (a sense of reality hitting hard)." She further expressed her discomfort with the idea of not being able to see the members in person, admitting that while society should embrace this culture, she personally has not yet come to terms with it. 

Her comments were interpreted by fans as derogatory towards virtual idols, leading to a flood of criticism on the show's viewer board. Comments included, "How can you say something that could hurt others on a national broadcast, claiming it's just your opinion?" and "Regardless of personal opinions, it's upsetting to hear someone belittle other artists." 

Similar sentiments were echoed on the official Instagram of 'Midday Hope Song,' with comments highlighting the need for respect and consideration for those who enjoy virtual idol culture. One user noted, "It's natural to feel resistance to unfamiliar cultures, but expressing that openly can be disrespectful to those who appreciate it." 

According to Global Information Inc. (GII), the virtual idol and YouTuber market is projected to grow from $1.08 billion last year to $4.04 billion by 2029, indicating a significant rise in popularity. PLAVE, which debuted in March 2023, is one of the leading virtual idol groups, recently selling over a million copies of their new album within a week. They achieved first place on a domestic music program with their song 'WAY 4 LUV' in March last year and sold out their first solo concert in just ten minutes in April.

“가상 아이돌과 방송? 현타 올 듯” 김신영 논란된 발언, 뭐길래 

Kim Shin-young Faces Backlash Over Comments on Virtual Idols

The K-pop group SEVENTEEN (에스쿱스, 정한, 조슈아, 준, 호시, 원우, 우지, 디에잇, 민규, 도겸, 승관, 버논, 디노) has secured the highest position among K-pop artists on the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) annual main chart. According to data released on February 18, 2025, SEVENTEEN ranked 3rd on the 'Global Artist Chart 2024', following global superstars Taylor Swift and Drake.

The IFPI Global Artist Chart ranks artists based on physical album sales, digital downloads, and audio and video streaming figures from around the world, making it a reliable indicator of an artist's popularity for the year. SEVENTEEN first entered the top 10 in 2021 at 9th place, then climbed to 6th in 2022 and 2nd in 2023, showcasing their consistent success.

In the album category, SEVENTEEN also performed exceptionally well. Their 12th mini album 'SPILL THE FEELS' and their best album '17 IS RIGHT HERE' achieved 3rd and 4th places, respectively, on the 'Global Album Sales Chart 2024'. They are the only artists to have two albums in the top 5 of this chart.

Additionally, on the 'Global Album Chart 2024', their mini album ranked 6th and the best album 8th, making SEVENTEEN the sole artist with two albums in the top 10.

Last year, SEVENTEEN solidified their status as the 'top K-pop group' with nearly 10 million in annual album sales. They also held the 'SEVENTEEN 'RIGHT HERE' WORLD TOUR', performing 30 shows across 14 cities in North America, Japan, and Asia, attracting over 1.037 million fans both online and offline.

Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN will host the '2025 SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND'' on February 20-21 at Incheon Munhak Stadium, providing fans with a memorable experience. They will also hold a fan meeting in Japan titled 'SEVENTEEN 2025 JAPAN FANMEETING 'HOLIDAY'' in April and May, with five shows across Osaka's Kyocera Dome and Saitama Super Arena.

세븐틴, 테일러 스위프트·드레이크 이어 국제음반산업협회 ‘톱3’ 등극

SEVENTEEN Achieves Highest Ranking Among K-Pop Artists on IFPI Global Chart

ONF has made a vibrant comeback, shedding their darker themes for a new track filled with healing energy. On February 18, a showcase was held at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their second full album, Part 1, titled 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'.

During the event, member Hyojin expressed his excitement, stating, "It's been a while since our last comeback with 'Buy My Monster'. I'm thrilled to share new music with our fans. I often worry if our music will be well-received, but we will work hard to earn your love this time, so please keep an eye on us."

The album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY' focuses on stories that align with 'our' standards rather than the absolute criteria set by the world. The members showcase a burst of bright energy, presenting an upgraded musical spectrum along with their impeccable performance skills.

Hyojin emphasized, "The title of this album, 'Identity', allows us to clearly showcase ONF's identity. We will work hard to show those who may not know us what kind of group we are." Etion added, "Our first full album was well-received by our fandom, Fuze. Although there is pressure with the second album, I believe good music leads to good results, so I will approach this with confidence."

The title track, 'The Stranger', is a pop song characterized by its funky rhythm and impressive vocal range. The theme revolves around 'our story as dream chasers', where the members' charming tones harmoniously blend, showcasing a strong determination to forge their own path.

Seungjun described the album as filled with intense healing energy, stating, "It's been four years since our first full album in 2021, and we have prepared expanded music and performances. The title track conveys a message of hope and strength to those in darkness, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. We aim to become a unique presence based on our own standards, not the world's."

Yoo noted, "While the song sounds bright and exciting, our stage presence will reveal a more mature side of us."

Wyatt shared, "This song is meant to inspire hope for many who are chasing their dreams in unfamiliar places. As dreamers ourselves, we hope this track gives us and others the strength to continue pursuing our aspirations."

Wyatt also highlighted the unique aspects of this album, mentioning, "We collaborated closely with producer Hwang Hyun from the beginning of the process. We aimed to create a completely different style from our previous songs, and I believe our combined ideas have resulted in something special."

When asked about the shift from darker themes to a focus on hope, Seungjun explained, "We believe we are a group that radiates healing energy. During our 'Beautiful Beautiful' promotions, we felt we brought a lot of joy and energy. We want to convey hope and bright energy this time, as we are a positive idol group."

Regarding the decision to split the second full album into two parts, Hyojin stated, "We have a clear overarching theme. By dividing it into Part 1 and Part 2, we have more time to work on the music. We hope to present a more polished album in Part 2, so please look forward to it."

Seungjun elaborated on ONF's identity, saying, "Since our debut, we have maintained an identity that includes unexpected charm. The song 'The Stranger' reflects our journey to carve out our own path, showcasing our ambition to present our unique music after serving in the military together."

Etion attributed their confidence in creating good music to the unity among the members, stating, "Our journey has not been easy, but we have grown together and built trust in each other, which naturally translates into our music and performances."

Seungjun expressed his goal for this album, saying, "I want to achieve a number one spot on a public broadcast. We reached number one on 'The Show' with our last album, 'Buy My Monster', and I aim to continue progressing as an artist."

Etion hinted at their upcoming activities, stating, "Starting with today's showcase, we will be showcasing various performances on music shows. We are also discussing concert plans, so please stay tuned."

When asked about their dreams, Seungjun mentioned, "I dream of going on a world tour. I haven't had much experience performing overseas, so I want to work hard to release great music and meet many international fans."

Minkyun added, "My dream is to continue performing healthily for a long time. I admire and respect the group g.o.d, and if we can continue to make music together for a long time, that would be a dream come true."

Wyatt shared his vision for ONF's future, stating, "I don't want to set a specific end date. I want to keep going as long as we can, even until the end of our lives if possible. That's the mindset I have."

In closing, when asked about new descriptors for their music, Wyatt expressed, "There are many phrases out there, but I haven't heard 'stage masters' much. Our performance this time is really good, and I want to hear that we are a 'stage master' and that our performance is captivating."

Etion added, "There are many popular places these days, but the truly good ones often have long wait times. I hope we can be known as a 'waiting list for hit songs' place."

ONF's second full album, Part 1, 'ONF: MY IDENTITY', was released on February 18 at 6 PM.

"공중파 1위 목표"..온앤오프의 이유있는 자신감, '명곡맛집' 이은 '무대맛집'[Oh!쎈 현장](종합)

ONF Returns with Healing Energy in New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

The highly anticipated film '승부' (Victory) has officially confirmed its theatrical release date for March 26, 2025, alongside the unveiling of its official poster. The poster features the legendary South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun, who has transformed into the iconic Go player Cho Hun-hyun. It captures Cho's competitive spirit, showcasing the film's powerful essence even before its release.

Lee Byung-hun, recognized as one of South Korea's finest actors, is making his return to the big screen after a two-year hiatus since 'Concrete Utopia' in 2023. His involvement in the globally anticipated series 'Squid Game 3', set to premiere in the latter half of the year, has further heightened interest in 'Victory'. 

The film narrates the story of Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun), who, after losing a match against his disciple, seeks to reclaim his status as a top player, driven by his innate competitive nature. Directed by Kim Hyung-joo, known for 'The Sheriff', 'Victory' promises to be a compelling tale of resilience and determination.

[공식] 유아인 지우고 돌아왔다…'승부', 3월 26일 극장 개봉 확정

Film 'Victory' Set for March 26 Release with Official Poster Unveiling

Prosecutors in Daegu have filed an appeal against the life sentence given to 서동하 (Seo Dong-ha), 34, who was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend in front of her family. The Daegu District Prosecutors' Office submitted the appeal on February 17, citing the need for a harsher sentence than the life imprisonment imposed in the first trial. Previously, prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Seo. They argued that the nature and outcome of the crime warranted a more severe punishment. On February 13, Seo's defense team also filed an appeal, claiming the sentence was inappropriate. 

Seo was arrested and charged after he fatally attacked his ex-girlfriend, identified as A, with a weapon he had prepared in advance in the hallway of an apartment in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, around noon on November 8 of last year. He also attempted to kill her mother but failed. Investigations revealed that after dating for about four months, Seo began stalking A after their breakup, visiting her home and workplace. A reported him to the police three times for stalking, which led Seo to plan his revenge against her.

검찰, 헤어진 여친 스토킹 살해범 서동하 1심 무기징역에 “형 가볍다” 항소

Prosecutors Appeal Life Sentence of Man Who Murdered Ex-Girlfriend

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.

Jennie Wins Global Force Award at Billboard Women in Music 2025

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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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Kim Shin-young Faces Backlash Over Comments on Virtual Idols

SEVENTEEN Achieves Highest Ranking Among K-Pop Artists on IFPI Global Chart

ONF Returns with Healing Energy in New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

Film 'Victory' Set for March 26 Release with Official Poster Unveiling

Prosecutors Appeal Life Sentence of Man Who Murdered Ex-Girlfriend

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