On March 15, Jennie held her first solo concert, 'The Ruby Experience,' at Inspire Arena to celebrate the release of her debut album, 'Ruby' (루비). This event marked a significant milestone as it was her first solo performance in Korea, showcasing all tracks from her album. 

The concert featured a total of 15 live performances, starting with the album's opening track, 'Intro: JANE with FKJ,' followed by 'start a war,' and a seamless flow of songs including 'Handlebars,' 'Mantra,' 'Love Hangover,' 'ZEN,' and 'Damn Right.' Notably, the music video for 'Seoul City' was premiered during the show. 

After performing the title track 'like JENNIE,' along with 'with the IE (way up)' and 'ExtraL,' Jennie took a moment to express her gratitude to fans, becoming emotional during her speech. She concluded the main set with 'F.T.S' and 'Filter,' but the audience's cheers brought her back for an encore featuring 'Starlight' and 'twin.' 

Despite the vibrant performances and diverse musical styles, some fans expressed disappointment online, citing that the concert fell short of expectations. The event was initially advertised with a runtime of 120 minutes, but it lasted only about 75 minutes, with limited interaction time of 5-10 minutes with the audience. 

Ticket prices also sparked criticism, with costs set at 220,000 KRW for Ruby seats, 165,000 KRW for R seats, 154,000 KRW for S seats, and 143,000 KRW for A seats, leading to claims of poor value for money. However, many attendees praised the concert, stating that the high production value justified the ticket prices.

Jennie's First Solo Concert 'The Ruby Experience' Leaves Fans Divided

On March 14, 2025, actress Nam Bora appeared on KBS2TV's 편스토랑 (Newly Released Menu) and shared a distressing story about being scammed. During the episode, she was seen contemplating the main wedding photo for her mobile invitation, which sparked a lively chat among her family members. They humorously commented, 'This photo is a hit, not something you just see at home.' 

Later, Nam Bora sent a message in the family group chat asking, 'Who wants to come over for a tteokbokki party today?' As her siblings arrived one by one, they included her younger siblings, Se-bin, So-ra, and the youngest, Young-il. The siblings enjoyed a feast of Korean street food while engaging in cheerful conversation.

Amidst the light-hearted banter, Nam Bora revealed that she had recently fallen victim to a significant scam, losing a staggering 1.45 million won. She explained that the incident was related to her preparation for a volunteer event where she intended to make 800 rolls of kimbap. To make the process easier, she purchased a kimbap cutter but found it too expensive at retail prices, prompting her to search for a second-hand option.

Nam Bora recounted, 'I found a decent item and transferred the money, but the seller ghosted me. I realized too late that I had been scammed. I was upset not only about the money lost but also about the thought of having to cut 800 rolls by hand.'

결혼앞두고 무슨 일..남보라, 거액 '사기피해' 당했다 ('편스토랑')

Nam Bora Reveals Shocking Scam Experience on 편스토랑

Actor Park Byung-eun recently shared his thoughts on his upcoming project, 'Eve,' featuring Seo Ye-ji. In a new episode of the YouTube channel 'Yeojeongjaehyeong,' where he appeared alongside Ha Jung-woo, Park discussed how he began his acting career. He revealed that a teacher suggested he try acting during middle school, which led him to audition for the Theater and Film Department at Anyang Arts High School without any prior lessons. He was surprised to be accepted after performing a free acting piece. 

During high school, he gained extensive experience in acting and stage production, which proved beneficial during auditions later on. He recalled a time while preparing for the film 'Assassination,' where he borrowed money from a friend to rent a costume from a theater association, dressing as a Japanese officer for a photoshoot. Despite the unconventional setting, he felt no embarrassment due to his passion. 

Having spent nearly 20 years in relative obscurity, Park expressed that he did not feel significant stress from being an unknown actor. He maintained a humble confidence that hard work would eventually lead to recognition. However, he admitted to feeling a sense of urgency in his late 30s, especially as he approached 40 and wanted to meet his parents' expectations. Before 'Assassination,' he lived with his parents, and after the film's success, he moved out to establish his independence. 

Since then, Park has taken on leading roles in dramas such as 'Eve' and 'This Life Is Our First.' He mentioned that while he felt a sense of entering a new project, he did not experience overwhelming joy or anxiety. He had to start personal training for the role, but he did not feel the need to drastically change his physique. Regardless of the project's scale, he approached it with the same mindset, without feeling particularly nervous.

'김딱딱 논란' 후…서예지 복귀작 주연 박병은 "주위에서 축하한다고" (요정재형)[순간포착]

Park Byung-eun Reflects on His Journey and Upcoming Role in 'Eve'

Baek Jong-won, the CEO of The Born Korea, has publicly apologized regarding the controversy surrounding the company's products. On March 13, he released a statement on The Born Korea's website, expressing his deep sense of responsibility and sincere regret for causing concern among the public. He acknowledged that the company had fallen short of expectations, particularly in terms of unacceptable mistakes made during the production and distribution processes.

Baek stated, "I humbly accept the criticisms directed at me and promise to swiftly improve all matters, including legal issues. Furthermore, as a publicly listed company, I will lead a company-wide innovation and growth to meet the expectations of our shareholders. I sincerely apologize once again to everyone who has shown continued interest and expectations for me and the company."

The Born Korea faced criticism for allegedly violating agricultural land laws by using foreign ingredients in products manufactured at its Baekseok factory in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, which is located in an agricultural promotion zone that requires the use of domestic agricultural products. Additionally, the company has been scrutinized for misrepresenting the pork content in its product, Baekham, and the citrus content in its citrus beer, as well as for using Chinese ingredients labeled as domestic in its Han Shin Pocha octopus stir-fry sold on its online store.

Baek Jong-won has also been criminally charged for violating origin labeling laws. If proven guilty, he could face up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million KRW under the law regarding the labeling of agricultural and fishery products.

Baek, who has been a popular figure in the food industry, is now facing backlash due to these controversies. As public scrutiny increases, many are reflecting on his past actions, which could further impact his image. This year, he is set to appear in MBC's 'Chef in Antarctica' and tvN's 'Business Genius Baek Sa-jang 3', while also preparing for the second season of the hit Netflix show 'Black and White Chef'. The question remains whether he can recover his image following these events.

[SC이슈] '형사입건' 백종원 이미지 타격 불가피..'흑백요리사2'·'남극의 셰프' 어쩌나

Baek Jong-won Issues Apology Over Product Controversy

On the morning of March 16, 2025, the funeral and burial service for the late Wheesung (휘성) took place at the Seoul Samsung Hospital in Gangnam, Seoul. Amidst the gentle patter of rain, around 100 family members, friends from the entertainment industry, and fans gathered to bid their final farewells. 

Wheesung's brother, Choi Hyuk-seong (최혁성), expressed heartfelt sentiments, stating, "Though Wheesung's life as a human has ended, the music of singer Wheesung will live on forever. As long as his songs are heard in the world, he will remain alive." The group Mighty Mouth's Chuplex also paid tribute, recalling him as an artist who knew nothing but music, which was his everything. 

His agency, Tajo Entertainment, remarked, "Artist Wheesung will forever be a star in our hearts." The ceremony concluded with a video montage of Wheesung's performances and one of his hit songs, 'Dasi Mannan Nal' (다시 만난 날). 

Following the service, singers Ha Dong-kyun and Chuplex assisted in carrying the casket alongside the bereaved family. Attendees were visibly emotional as they mourned the loss of the beloved artist. Wheesung will find his final resting place at the Gwangneung Memorial Park. 

Wheesung was discovered deceased at his home in the Gwangjin District of Seoul on March 10. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, reports indicate that a syringe was found near the body. Authorities have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to determine the cause of death. 

Initially, the family intended to hold a private funeral, but later decided to open a mourning space on March 14 to ensure that Wheesung would not depart alone. Many celebrities, including Kim Bum-soo, IU, Lee Hyori, K.Will, and Gummy, visited to pay their respects, while groups like BTS (방탄소년단), TWICE, and Zico sent floral tributes. 

Wheesung debuted in 2002 with the song 'Andoenayo' (안되나요) and became a leading figure in the development of R&B in South Korea with hits like 'With Me' (위드 미), 'I Thought About Marriage' (결혼까지 생각했어), and 'Incurable Disease' (불치병). He also showcased his talents as a songwriter and producer, contributing to tracks for artists like Younha (윤하) and Lee Hyori (이효리).

"음악은 영원히"…故 휘성 오늘(16일) 발인, 하늘도 울었다[종합]

Beloved Singer Wheesung Laid to Rest in Emotional Farewell

XIUMIN, a member of EXO and a solo artist, recently held a special event to celebrate his comeback. On March 15, he hosted the 'XIUMIN SPECIAL STAGE 'WHEE!' at Yonsei University's Baekjeong Memorial Hall, coinciding with the release of his second mini-album, 'Interview X'.

The event, which was free for fans, featured XIUMIN in a stylish suit, curly hair, and a cute plush bag, showcasing his youthful charm right from his entrance. He performed his title track 'WHEE!', captivating the audience with a powerful yet fluid dance routine complemented by sophisticated lighting.

After the performance, XIUMIN engaged with fans by discussing each of the six tracks on the album, reading heartfelt messages left by fans, which created a warm and intimate atmosphere. He also took the time to teach fans the 'WHEE!' challenge, demonstrating each move and culminating in a memorable group video shoot with over 800 fans.

To express his gratitude for their support, XIUMIN prepared thoughtful gifts such as tissues, toy cameras, photo cards, and roses. He also held a spontaneous album signing through a lucky draw, extending the event well beyond its scheduled time and creating unforgettable memories for his fans.

The special stage concluded with a performance of 'Switch Off', and XIUMIN bid farewell to his fans, promising to return soon.

In addition to his comeback, XIUMIN will embark on the '2025 XIUMIN FAN CONCERT 'X Times ( )' ASIA TOUR', starting on March 22 at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan, Seoul. The tour will visit six cities across Asia, including Tokyo on April 11, Osaka on April 13, Bangkok on April 19, Manila on May 10, and Taipei on May 25.

Moreover, starting March 24, XIUMIN will star as Heo Kyun in the drama 'Heo Sikdang', which will be available on Netflix and Wavve every Monday and Tuesday at 5 PM, continuing his active presence in music, drama, and performances.

'KBS와 갈등' 시우민, 드디어 날개 폈다…'WHEE!' 강렬한 인상

XIUMIN Celebrates Comeback with Special Fan Event

The family of the late Kim Sae-ron has reiterated their demand for a public apology from actor Kim Soo-hyun. On March 15, they released a statement via the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소), outlining their requests. They are seeking acknowledgment from Kim Soo-hyun regarding his alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her minor years, as well as an official apology for claims made by his agency, Gold Medalist, that they had not dated in the past three years. Additionally, they want recognition of Kim Sae-ron's contributions as a founding member of the company and an apology for the pressure related to a 700 million won compensation demand stemming from her DUI incident. The family emphasized that their focus is solely on obtaining a formal apology from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency, clarifying that the omission of his name in previous statements was to concentrate on warnings regarding Lee Jin-ho and cyber harassment. 

The ongoing dispute has escalated, with Kim Sae-ron's family alleging that she was groomed by Kim Soo-hyun during her teenage years. They claim that Gold Medalist pressured them with legal documents related to Kim Sae-ron's DUI, which they argue Kim Soo-hyun ignored. In response, Gold Medalist has denied the allegations, stating that Kim Soo-hyun only dated Kim Sae-ron from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, and that the legal documents were merely procedural and not a demand for payment. Despite these denials, the family continues to counter these claims through 'Garo Sero Research Institute', leading to public scrutiny of both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron's private lives. Kim Soo-hyun's representatives expressed concern that publicly airing these disputes is inappropriate for both the deceased and her family. Nevertheless, the family has stated that they had no choice but to release photos of Kim Soo-hyun taken during their relationship to substantiate their claims against Lee Jin-ho, further intensifying the situation.

Kim Sae-ron's Family Demands Public Apology from Kim Soo-hyun

The family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron is set to file a defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber known as A, who is a former journalist. According to reports from Hankyung.com, the family's legal representative, attorney Bu Ji-seok from the law firm Bu-yu, will submit the complaint to the Seoul Police Agency on March 17 at 2 PM, citing defamation through false statements.

Attorney Bu stated, "It is true that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship. The ongoing debate centers around whether they started dating in 2015 when Kim Sae-ron was a minor, which A has dismissed as a 'self-made drama.' This is a clear falsehood."

Before filing the lawsuit, attorney Bu will explain the reasons for the complaint on behalf of Kim Sae-ron's family. A has produced several videos about Kim Sae-ron over the past three years, all of which were made private following the news of her passing.

The family has also expressed their desire for a sincere public apology from A through the YouTube channel 'Garoseoro Research Institute,' stating, "We plan to file a complaint against A next week and hope for a heartfelt public apology. We also expect an apology regarding the incident where A called after the funeral, claiming they couldn't find the burial site. While A justifies this as fact-checking, the family feels mocked and deeply offended."

Additionally, the family claims that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship from 2015 to 2021. Although Kim Soo-hyun's side has repeatedly denied the dating rumors, they recently clarified that they did not date when Kim Sae-ron was a minor, but rather from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after she became an adult.

Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16. During her lifetime, she and Kim Soo-hyun were both signed under the same agency, Gold Medalist.

Kim Sae-ron's Family Files Defamation Lawsuit Against YouTuber

The families of actor Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron have issued conflicting statements, escalating their ongoing dispute. Kim Soo-hyun's representatives criticized the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' for spreading personal information and expressed a desire to meet with Kim Sae-ron's mother. In response, Kim Sae-ron's family urged her mother to contact them directly.

Previously, 'Garo Sero Research Institute' alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor, claiming they dated for six years. They accused Kim Sae-ron's former agency, Gold Medalist, of pressuring her with a demand for 700 million KRW in damages related to a drunk driving incident. They also criticized Kim Soo-hyun for allegedly enabling this behavior.

Kim Sae-ron's mother and aunt, who were close to her, stated that Kim Soo-hyun portrayed her daughter as a liar and expressed a desire to restore her late daughter's honor.

In response, Kim Soo-hyun's side confirmed that they did date but clarified that their relationship lasted from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after Kim Sae-ron became an adult. They denied any claims of pressuring her regarding the damages, stating that the legal notice was part of a standard procedure following her drunk driving incident. Gold Medalist announced plans for strong legal action against the false allegations made by 'Garo Sero'.

On March 15, Gold Medalist condemned the release of a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, taken on December 14, 2019, stating there was no justification for such an invasion of privacy. They expressed sympathy for Kim Sae-ron's mother, acknowledging her immense pain after losing her daughter, while also highlighting that Kim Soo-hyun has been affected by the recent reports.

However, they noted that some of the claims made by Kim Sae-ron's mother differ from their perspective, suggesting that there may be information she is not aware of. They expressed a desire to meet with her to provide a thorough explanation.

Meanwhile, Kim Sae-ron's family reiterated their demands for a public apology from Kim Soo-hyun, including acknowledgment of their past relationship and the circumstances surrounding the legal notice regarding the damages. They emphasized that they seek no more than an official apology from him and his agency.

As the situation unfolds, Kim Soo-hyun's reputation is taking a hit, with several brands reportedly distancing themselves from him, including Prada and Dinto, while others have removed his images from their official social media accounts.

Kim Soo-hyun and Late Kim Sae-ron's Families Clash Over Controversial Allegations

The family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has reiterated their stance through the YouTube channel 가로세로연구소 on March 15, 2025. They are calling for Kim Soo-hyun to acknowledge their past relationship, which reportedly began during their teenage years, and to issue a formal apology. They expressed dissatisfaction with the claims made by his agency, Gold Medalist, stating that they had not been in a relationship for the past three years, and demanded a retraction of these statements made just three days prior.

Furthermore, the family requested recognition of Kim Sae-ron's contributions as a founding member of the agency and an apology regarding a claim for 700 million won that was made against her. They clarified that mentioning Kim Soo-hyun was intended to focus on addressing cyberbullying and that they seek nothing but an official apology from his agency.

The family also plans to file a complaint against a person named Lee Jin-ho next week and is asking for a sincere public apology from him. They expressed their discomfort over Lee's actions during their mourning period, which they felt were mocking rather than fact-checking.

In response, Gold Medalist confirmed that the photos released by 가세연 were taken on December 14, 2019, and emphasized that there is no justification for the indiscriminate release of private images. They expressed sympathy for Kim Sae-ron's mother, acknowledging the profound pain she has experienced since her daughter's passing, and stated that they would like to meet with her to provide further explanations regarding the situation.

The agency also noted that while they empathize with the concerns raised by Kim Sae-ron's mother, there are differing views on some of her claims, and they believe that public disputes would not honor the memory of the deceased. They encouraged her to reach out to their office for a discussion.

Family of Late Kim Sae-ron Demands Apology from Kim Soo-hyun and His Agency

On March 15, 2025, KBS2's variety show Salim Namja-deul 2 (살림하는 남자들2) kicked off a new project titled 'Chueok Salim Nam' featuring former One Time member Song Baek-kyung as its first guest. The episode highlighted Song as a devoted father to his two sons, 9-year-old Song Ru-bin and 8-year-old Song Ru-an. Since marrying in 2016 and welcoming his first child in 2017, Song has been on a fast-paced journey through fatherhood.

He explained his absence from the entertainment scene, stating, "I felt that I wasn't living as a celebrity, so I declined offers to appear on shows." He also mentioned that he had instructed his children not to discuss his past as a singer and entertainer, emphasizing that he wanted to keep that part of his life private.

After dropping his kids off at taekwondo class, Song visited KBS, where he had previously worked as a voice actor for two years. He shared that his first child was conceived during his honeymoon, and both of his sons are part of his journey with One Time. As he transitioned into fatherhood, he sought a stable income that would allow him to utilize his skills, leading him to enroll in night classes to become a voice actor.

When asked if he had completely stepped away from broadcasting, Song clarified, "I avoid shows that require me to be on camera, but I continue to work as a voice actor, recording for major brand advertisements, including fast-food and bank commercials."

He expressed his motivation for joining Salim Namja-deul, stating, "As my children start learning Hangul, they search for me online and find videos of me performing on stage. They ask why I’m not on TV anymore, and I wanted to show them that even though I’m not a singer now, I’m still working hard in a different way."

Regarding his former One Time bandmates, Song mentioned that they still keep in touch, although their paths have diverged. He noted that Danny is now a father of two in the U.S., and he last heard that Oh Jin-hwan is running a café in Jeju Island. He also spoke about Teddy, the leader of One Time, who has become a significant figure in K-pop, producing hits for groups like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and BLACKPINK. Song remarked, "Teddy and I are on completely different paths now, and I felt awkward reaching out. I last saw him at my wedding."

In addition to his voice acting career, Song has recently opened a chicken skewer business, which he has been running for four months. He stated, "My family is my source of strength. I live for them."

Jennie's First Solo Concert 'The Ruby Experience' Leaves Fans Divided

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