Singer and actress Jo Yu-ri is currently garnering significant attention due to her role in 'Squid Game Season 2' and is in discussions for her next project. On January 7, a representative from Jo Yu-ri's team confirmed to OSEN that she has received an offer from the production team of the new drama 'Variety'. However, no decisions have been made yet, and discussions are ongoing.

'Variety' is the latest work from director Kim Yong-hoon, known for his work on the Netflix series 'Mask Girl'. The drama is said to be a thriller set within the idol industry.

Jo Yu-ri debuted as a member of the project girl group IZ*ONE through the Mnet audition program 'Produce 48'. After completing her group activities, she transitioned to a solo career and has been balancing her music with acting, recently appearing in the web drama 'Mimicus'.

In 'Squid Game Season 2', she plays the role of Jun-hee, a young pregnant woman who participates in the deadly games alongside her ex-boyfriend Myung-ki, portrayed by Im Si-wan.

Jo Yu-ri in Talks for New Drama 'Variety' Amidst 'Squid Game Season 2' Success

The special unit of SEVENTEEN, known as BSS (부석순), consisting of members Seungkwan (승관), Dokyeom (도겸), and Hoshi (호시), has launched a vibrant celebration for the youth. On January 8 at 6 PM KST, they released their second single album 'TELEPARTY' along with the music video for the title track '청바지' (Jeans). The album, themed around a 'party connected through telepathy with the world', aims to uplift and encourage modern individuals who have become weary and forgotten their youth amidst the hustle of daily life.

The music video for '청바지' showcases BSS as 'happiness makers', guiding people of all ages back to their youthful spirits. They appear in various settings where youth feels constrained, such as busy offices, tired classrooms, and nagging living rooms, distributing jeans to transform the atmosphere. Their infectious energy, combined with catchy music and clever parodies, makes it a repeat-worthy watch.

The video also features a star-studded lineup of cameos. Notably, singer and actress Uhm Jung-hwa (엄정화), who presented SEVENTEEN with their first grand prize at the 2023 MAMA Awards, makes an appearance. Additionally, actors Jung Young-joo (정영주) and Gal So-won (갈소원) portray a mother-daughter duo engaged in a humorous argument over jeans, while actor Moon Sang-hoon (문상훈) brings to life the popular 'Moon Teacher' concept from the YouTube channel 'Badunus', adding to the fun.

Musically, '청바지' is a unique blend of swing jazz and country sounds, interpreted through BSS's distinct style. The title is an abbreviation of 'Youth is Now', conveying the message that anyone can be youthful if they find happiness in the present, regardless of age. The new album features three tracks, including '청바지', 'Happy Alone' in the New Jack Swing genre, and '사랑 노래' (Love Song), reminiscent of 2000s R&B. SEVENTEEN's hit-making duo Woozi (우지) and Bumzu (범주) contributed to the songwriting and composition of all tracks, with BSS members also co-writing the lyrics.

Following the album release, BSS is set to perform '청바지' on the cable channel Mnet's 'M Countdown' on January 9. SEVENTEEN will continue their group activities, with upcoming performances scheduled for January 18-19 at Bulacan Stadium in the Philippines, January 25-26 at the National Stadium in Singapore, February 8-9 at Jakarta International Stadium in Indonesia, and February 15-16 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, as part of their 'SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR IN ASIA.'

세븐틴 부석순, 청춘 소환 행복 메이커..'청바지' 공개

SEVENTEEN's Special Unit BSS Kicks Off a Party for Youth with New Single 'TELEPARTY'

In a recent episode of Salon Drip 2, Song Joong-ki showcased his generosity by purchasing prizes for the staff, creating a warm atmosphere. The episode, titled 'Our Dad Roars Roars Roars,' was released on January 7. 

Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon, who co-starred in the film 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' that premiered on December 31, shared amusing anecdotes during the show. Lee Hee-joon praised Song Joong-ki for his thoughtfulness, recalling how he checked on him during a press conference when he appeared tired due to lack of sleep from caring for his baby. He humorously noted that an article later referred to it as 'Song Joong-ki's Sweet Whisper.' 

Lee Hee-joon also revealed that what was described as a 'warm touch' when Song Joong-ki patted his thigh was actually a mental check to keep him alert. He acknowledged that despite being the lead actor with many responsibilities, Song Joong-ki made an effort to look after everyone, from the youngest staff member to the team during gatherings. 

When asked about his involvement in staff dinners, Song Joong-ki confirmed that he often organizes them, stating, 'If the atmosphere is tough, I feel we need to lift each other up, even when abroad.' He shared that during peak stressful times, he gathered the crew and, along with the other actors, pooled their money to buy prizes like phones and tablets for a raffle. 

He also mentioned that he enjoys being the MC at these gatherings, admitting that he can't sleep if he doesn't do a good job. Lee Hee-joon chimed in, sharing that he danced salsa at one of the events. Song Joong-ki expressed his desire to visit Colombia for the best dining experiences, noting that his mother-in-law is Colombian and has previously praised the food. 

In a light-hearted exchange, Lee Hee-joon mentioned his love for Sitges in southern Spain, which he found beautiful and similar in cuisine to Korean food. Song Joong-ki playfully reminded him that they were there to promote 'Bogotá,' to which Lee Hee-joon quickly responded that 'Bogotá' is also a wonderful city. 

Additionally, it was reported in the past that Song Joong-ki earns around 1 billion KRW annually from domestic advertisements, and approximately 3.5 billion KRW over two years in China. His endorsement of a domestic beauty brand reportedly quadrupled its sales. 

Song Joong-ki's real estate assets are also impressive, exceeding 50 billion KRW. He has purchased a luxury condo in Hawaii for 2.7 billion KRW, which he uses as a personal retreat, located near the famous Waikiki Beach, showcasing his global investment savvy.

'500억원↑ 재산' 송중기, 사비로 스태프들 경품 FLEX ('살롱2')

Song Joong-ki's Heartwarming Gesture on Salon Drip 2

On January 7, actor Go Kyung-pyo faced rumors circulating online that he had taken explicit photos in a photo booth. In response, his agency, CLN Company, announced their commitment to taking strong legal action against malicious defamation and the spread of false information. A representative stated, "We will pursue strict legal measures against any illegal activities that occur following this notice, without any agreements or leniency. We will continue to do our best to protect our artist's rights and support the fans who cheer for them." 

In light of the absurd rumors, Go Kyung-pyo took to his personal social media to share a photo from the photo booth in question, reassuring fans with the message, "Don't worry, I'm not that crazy," and added, "Let's see what happens to the crazies." 

Previously, Go Kyung-pyo gained attention for his enthusiastic performance at a film awards ceremony when Zico was a guest performer, earning him nicknames like 'Any Kyung-pyo' and 'Excited Kyung-pyo.' He also made headlines with his bold hime cut hairstyle and has been known for his distinct style. 

Last year, during his appearance on KBS 2TV's The Seasons - Zico's Artist, he expressed pride in his unique persona, stating, "Where is the answer in the world? It's not easy to pull off that look as well as I do." His remarks were met with cheers from the audience, prompting him to respond, "If you like it a lot, I will enjoy it even more," which earned him even louder applause. 

Now, Go Kyung-pyo is tackling the 19+ rumors in his own way, and fans are eagerly anticipating his next move against the naysayers.

아무리 '흥 많은' 고경표라지만..19금 네컷사진 루머는 참지 않아 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Go Kyung-pyo Responds Boldly to 19+ Photo Rumors

A unique blend of zombie horror and romantic comedy is coming to screens with the new series 'Newtopia'. The production press conference took place on January 7 at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, featuring cast members Park Jung-min (박정민), Jisoo (지수), and director Yoon Sung-hyun (윤성현).

'Newtopia' tells the story of a late-blooming soldier, Jae-yoon, and his determined girlfriend, Young-joo, as they navigate a zombie-infested Seoul to reunite. Directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, known for films like 'The King’s Case Note' (파수꾼) and 'Time to Hunt' (사냥의 시간), the series promises a fresh take on the K-zom-com genre, combining visually appealing zombies with romantic elements.

Park Jung-min plays Jae-yoon, a soldier who is solely focused on his girlfriend despite the world falling apart around him. Jisoo portrays Young-joo, a strong-willed girlfriend who bravely faces hordes of zombies to find Jae-yoon. Their chemistry is expected to shine through, even amidst the chaos of a zombie apocalypse.

During the event, Park Jung-min introduced himself, stating, "Hello, I am Park Jung-min, playing Jae-yoon in this series." Jisoo and director Yoon also shared their introductions. Park explained his character's situation: "I am a late-blooming soldier, and as Young-joo waits for me, our relationship becomes strained. Just as we are on the brink of breaking up, zombies invade Seoul. Jae-yoon is stationed on the 77th floor and runs down to the first floor, while Young-joo fights her way through the zombies to reach him."

Jisoo added, "Young-joo is a fresh graduate waiting for Jae-yoon, who joined the military late. As she faces challenges in her new life, their relationship becomes distant. When disaster strikes, she realizes her love for Jae-yoon and bravely rushes to him."

Director Yoon shared insights on the creation of 'Newtopia', expressing his long-standing love for zombie stories and how he was drawn to the script after reading it twice. He noted, "I wanted to create something unique, especially since many zombie stories have been released recently. My goal was to introduce a fresh perspective and feeling through this project."

Park Jung-min, who has collaborated with Yoon before, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I debuted under the director's guidance and have always appreciated him. There was no reason to decline his offer, especially since I was curious about his take on comedy. It was meaningful for me to be offered the lead role in his project."

Jisoo also shared her excitement about the script, noting that it presented a colorful and unique take on the zombie genre, which influenced her decision to join the cast without hesitation.

The director had Park Jung-min in mind for the role of Jae-yoon from the start, emphasizing the importance of character uniqueness in the series. He praised Jisoo's humor and talent, stating, "It’s not easy to make people laugh, but she has a natural charm that shines through."

As the two actors shared their experiences, Park Jung-min revealed that he plans to keep signed CDs and couple photos with Jisoo as cherished mementos. He humorously recalled how he once struggled to approach her during their previous project, 'The King’s Case Note'.

The two actors expressed their excitement about reuniting for 'Newtopia', with Jisoo recalling how she felt honored to work alongside Park Jung-min again. They both praised each other's performances and support during filming, especially in scenes that required them to communicate over the phone.

Despite the zombie theme limiting their romantic scenes, Park Jung-min expressed hope for a sequel, saying, "It’s a bit disappointing, but if 'Newtopia 2' happens, we can explore that more. I’m looking forward to it!"

As Jisoo embarks on her acting career while balancing her role in BLACKPINK, she shared her hopes for the series' success, feeling a familial bond with her group members who support each other’s endeavors.

'Newtopia' is set to premiere on Coupang Play on February 7 at 8 PM.

‘뉴토피아’ 박정민♥블랙핑크 지수, 좀비떼 뚫고 다시 사랑할 수 있을까 [종합]

New Zombie Romantic Comedy Series 'Newtopia' Set to Premiere

On January 7, Fantagio announced that actress Gong Min-jung gave birth to a daughter on January 2. Both mother and child are reported to be healthy and are currently resting under the warm care of their family. In a statement through her agency, Gong expressed her awe and joy at the arrival of their precious new life, stating, "It is truly miraculous and moving to know that such a small and precious life has come to us. Becoming a mother has made me respect all mothers in this world. I sincerely thank everyone who has offered their encouragement and congratulations."

Gong Min-jung and Jang Jae-ho starred together as a couple in the tvN drama "Marry My Husband," which concluded in February of last year. While their characters portrayed an age-gap relationship, both actors were born in 1986, making them the same age in real life. They were reportedly friends even before working together on the show.

Gong Min-jung made her acting debut in 2013 with the film "I Want to Die in Your Arms" and has since showcased her versatility in various projects, including the film "Kim Ji-young: Born 1982" and dramas like "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" and "Marry My Husband." She also left a strong impression on viewers in the Netflix series "Mental Hospital Morning" as Heo Ji-an. Currently, she is appearing in the KBS Joy drama "Today, I’m Sorry" as Choi Ha-na.

Jang Jae-ho, who debuted in theater with "The Regret in That Blanket" in 2008, gained recognition for his role as Lee Hyung-chan in the drama "Confession," where he partnered with Yoo Jae-myung. In "Marry My Husband," he played a husband who cheated on his wife, stirring anger among viewers. He has also appeared in films like "Wolf Hunt," "The Devil's Deal," and "Desperate Chase." Recently, he showcased his strong presence in the Netflix original series "Squid Game 2," which premiered on December 26, 2023, where he faced off against Park Gyu-young's character.

Fantagio's official statement reads: "Hello, this is Fantagio. We are pleased to announce that actress Gong Min-jung has given birth to a daughter on January 2. Both mother and child are healthy and resting comfortably with the support of their family. Gong Min-jung shared her feelings, saying, 'It is truly miraculous and moving to know that such a small and precious life has come to us. I have newfound respect for all mothers in this world. I sincerely thank everyone who has offered their encouragement and congratulations.' We appreciate the support and blessings for Gong Min-jung and her child as they welcome this precious new life into their family. We ask for your continued warm attention and love for Gong Min-jung's future projects. Thank you.

[공식] 장재호♥공민정, 소중한 딸 품에 안았다…"산모와 아이 모두 건강" (전문)

Korean Actors Gong Min-jung and Jang Jae-ho Welcome Their First Child

On January 7, it was announced that actress Park Se-young (박세영) is pregnant and is expecting her first child in June. This news comes three years after her marriage to actor Kwak Jung-wook (곽정욱). When their wedding was first revealed, there were rumors of a premarital pregnancy, but those claims were unfounded.

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook first met while starring in the drama School 2013 (학교 2013), where they played top student Song Ha-kyung and troublemaker Oh Jung-ho, respectively. Their performances alongside notable actors like Lee Jong-suk (이종석), Kim Woo-bin (김우빈), and Jang Na-ra (장나라) helped revive the beloved School series after a decade.

From their initial connection, the two developed a friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. Park Se-young, born in 1988, is two years older than her husband, who was born in 1990. They quietly nurtured their relationship and tied the knot in February 2022.

At the time of their marriage, representatives clarified that while they met on the set of School 2013, they had not been dating for a decade, nor was there a premarital pregnancy. Now, three years later, the couple is excited to welcome their first child.

Kwak Jung-wook debuted as a child actor in 1996 and has appeared in numerous dramas, including When a Woman Loves (여자가 사랑할 때), Three Men and Three Women (남자 셋 여자 셋), and The King’s Path (대왕의 길). Park Se-young also began her career as a child actress and gained recognition in dramas such as The Divine (신의) and My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol (내딸, 금사월), where she showcased her talent as a villain. She has also starred in various other series and films, including Whisper (귓속말) and The Cat Funeral (고양이 장례식).

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook Expecting Their First Child

In the latest episode of Salon Drip 2, actor Song Joong-ki opened up about his children, showcasing his affectionate side. The episode, titled 'Our Dad Roars,' premiered on January 7, 2025, on the Salon Drip 2 channel.

During the show, Lee Hee-joon, who met Song Joong-ki for the first time, shared how his close friend Jin Sun-kyu praised Song, leading to their collaboration on a film project. They described their acting discussions as a form of study, where they interpret the same script in different ways and engage in improvisation. Song Joong-ki expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, noting that he had never formally studied acting and found the experience enlightening. He even mentioned reinterpreting a script from the historical drama 'Deep Rooted Tree' in a modern context, which surprised viewers.

As the show progressed, the conversation shifted to family. Lee Hee-joon was caught on camera saying, 'Dad is working,' during a call with the production team, explaining that his child loves to play and keeps him busy. He humorously noted that his son thinks he is a bookworm because he often reads scripts, while his mother is known for her role in the soccer variety show 'Goal Digger.'

Lee Hee-joon also shared insights about his six-year-old son, revealing that he is a talented artist with a sensitive nature, having previously been a national basketball player.

When asked about Song Joong-ki's children, the conversation turned to their resemblance to their parents. Song Joong-ki, who married former actress Katie Louise Saunders in 2023 and welcomed a son in Rome, Italy, shared that his first child has his lips but resembles his wife in the eyes, while the second child has his wife's nose.

He expressed a desire for his children to inherit their mother's linguistic abilities, as she is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and French. Song Joong-ki mentioned that he admires her dedication to learning Korean and hopes their children will also develop strong language skills, enhancing their quality of life.

Song Joong-ki Shares Heartwarming Insights About His Children on Salon Drip 2

Actor Choi Min-young is set to expand his global presence once again with the upcoming release of 'XO, Kitty' Season 2. This series is a spin-off of the popular Netflix show 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before,' which gained significant attention worldwide when it premiered in 2023. Choi Min-young reprises his role as Dae, Kitty's boyfriend, and is expected to captivate audiences with his performance in the new season.

In December, Choi participated in the overseas promotion for 'XO, Kitty Season 2' in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where he engaged in extensive promotional activities. He conducted interviews with major media outlets such as Deadline and BuzzFeed, as well as global magazines like Teen Vogue, showcasing his commitment to the series. Notably, he also attended the screening event for Netflix's 'Squid Game Season 2' in LA, further solidifying his status as a key figure in K-content.

In Season 1 of 'XO, Kitty,' Choi Min-young's portrayal of Dae, the reason behind Kitty's transfer to KISS (Korean International School of Seoul), was well-received, highlighting his fluent English and the authentic emotions of a teenager. As anticipation builds for Season 2, fans are eager to see what new charms he will bring to the character.

Additionally, Choi Min-young is currently performing in the musical 'Clover' on the Daehakro stage, and 'XO, Kitty Season 2' is set to premiere globally on January 16. He previously gained recognition for his role as Nam Joo-hyuk's younger brother in tvN's 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One.'

Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career with the release of their new digital single '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' (Today Only I LOVE YOU) on January 6 at 6 PM. The track debuted at number 38 on the Melon daily chart on January 7, marking the group's highest achievement to date. After entering the daily chart at number 45, the song has climbed in rankings, reaching number 4 on Melon's 'Top 100', number 10 on Bugs, and number 22 on Genie, showcasing their impressive growth.

Additionally, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' entered the Korean Spotify 'Daily Top Songs' chart at number 27 on January 6 and secured the 10th position on the Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' chart in Korea on January 8, making it the highest-ranking K-pop boy group song on that day.

The single is also gaining traction in the global market, having reached number 1 on Japan's LINE MUSIC 'Top 100' chart on January 7, maintaining its position until 7 AM, and reclaiming the top spot again on January 8. Furthermore, it debuted at number 3 on QQ Music's rising chart in China, making BOYNEXTDOOR the only K-pop group in the 'Top 3' of that chart.

Musically, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' is a dance track that presents a unique perspective on post-breakup experiences, blending self-deprecating lyrics with an upbeat band sound to create a relatable breakup anthem. BOYNEXTDOOR is set to showcase their new song on music shows over the coming week.

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

On the January 7 episode of SBS's entertainment show 'Dolsing Po Man' (돌싱포맨), actress Kim Ji-hoo shared the captivating love story of her relationship with husband Kim Ho-jin. During the show, she reflected on a pivotal moment in her life that transformed her career, recalling how her iconic short haircut in the 1990s sparked a 'bob cut syndrome' at a time when long hair was the norm. 

When asked about her first encounter with Kim Ho-jin, she revealed that they initially disliked each other, to the point where she would suggest leaving when he arrived on set. However, the atmosphere among the drama team was lively, and during a night out, she confronted him about his feelings towards her. This boldness was perceived as cute by Kim Ho-jin, leading to a change in their dynamic. 

Kim Ji-hoo clarified that Kim Ho-jin never truly disliked her, and after they opened up to each other, they quickly became friends. Their relationship took a romantic turn when they met again at a rock café, where she initiated their first kiss. This marked the beginning of their love story, which eventually led to their marriage, leaving viewers in awe of their 'drama-like' romance.

Jo Yu-ri in Talks for New Drama 'Variety' Amidst 'Squid Game Season 2' Success

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Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook Expecting Their First Child

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Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

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Go Kyung-pyo Responds Boldly to 19+ Photo Rumors

New Zombie Romantic Comedy Series 'Newtopia' Set to Premiere

Korean Actors Gong Min-jung and Jang Jae-ho Welcome Their First Child

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