On February 7, singer Jung Seung-hwan made a memorable return to the stage during KBS2's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow', marking his discharge from military service after approximately 1 year and 7 months since his enlistment announcement on 'The Seasons - Choi Jung-hoon's Night Park'. 

Dressed in military uniform, Jung Seung-hwan opened the show with 'You Were' from the OST of 'Another Oh Hae-young', captivating the audience with his resonant voice. The moment he passed the microphone to the audience, a wave of enthusiastic singing erupted, showcasing the strong connection he has with his fans.

The episode also featured a fun segment where Jung, known for his nickname 'Human Copy Machine', humorously claimed, "I wasn't a vocal soldier, but a dance soldier," as he spontaneously attempted dance covers of popular girl group songs from aespa, IVE, and NMIXX. Lee Young-ji couldn't help but laugh, exclaiming, "You really nailed it! 'LOVE DIVE' is your personal color!"

Continuing the winter theme, Jung Seung-hwan performed 'Snowman', delivering a warm melody that perfectly complemented his soft vocal tone, enhancing the emotional depth of the song. He skillfully transitioned between his chest voice and falsetto, conveying a whirlwind of emotions as the song progressed.

Additionally, Jung Seung-hwan responded to Roy Kim's recent cover of 'Snowman' by performing 'If You Ask Me What Love Is', showcasing his unique interpretation and solidifying his reputation as an emotional ballad singer.

Jung Seung-hwan Melts Winter with Heartfelt Performances on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

In the upcoming episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), airing on February 9, 2025, Lee Min-ho's character, Gongryong, finds himself in a precarious situation. While the romantic tension between Gongryong and Eve Kim (played by Gong Hyo-jin) begins to blossom, an unexpected visitor disrupts their moment. The doorbell rings, and it’s none other than Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), who immediately takes Eve to a bar, questioning her drinking skills and suggesting a drinking game that leaves Eve bewildered.

As the night unfolds, Choi Go-eun expresses her frustrations, leading to a heated exchange where Eve apologizes for her feelings towards Gongryong. Choi Go-eun retorts that Gongryong is only interested in the glamorous life she represents, having risked everything to reach the stars, while Eve insists that her feelings are genuine.

The tension escalates as both women confront their feelings for Gongryong, with Choi Go-eun revealing her past with him, contrasting it with Eve's more recent connection. Their drunken escapades lead to a humorous scene where they both end up asleep in Gongryong's bed.

Meanwhile, Eve receives advice from Kang Tae-hee (Lee El), who warns her against pursuing a personal relationship with Gongryong, emphasizing the competitive nature of their environment. As the drama unfolds, Gongryong is questioned about his feelings, leading to a deeper discussion about love and life.

The episode also features a light-hearted date between Gongryong and Eve, where they share their thoughts on life and death, revealing their vulnerabilities. Gongryong expresses his desire to live a full life with Eve, while she contemplates the idea of dying happily in the moment.

As the plot thickens, Kang Kang-soo (Oh Jung-se) reveals Gongryong's feelings for Choi Go-eun, leading to a confrontation that puts Gongryong's career at risk. Despite the chaos, Choi Go-eun defends Gongryong, insisting that their relationship is not what it seems.

In a shocking twist, Kang Tae-hee discovers the truth about Eve and Gongryong's secret romance, raising the stakes for the couple as they navigate their feelings amidst external pressures.

이민호, 공효진과 ♥비밀열애+수정란 발각..인생 최대 위기 ('별들에게')[종합]

Lee Min-ho Faces Major Crisis in Latest Episode of 'Ask the Stars'

The members of 1 Night 2 Days (1박 2일) are set to reveal their intriguing fortunes for the New Year in the upcoming episode airing on February 9 at 6:10 PM KST on KBS 2TV. This episode features the second part of their adventure in Jinan, Jeollabuk-do, where the six members engage in a lottery game. Each member scratches off their lottery tickets with eager anticipation, and one lucky winner emerges, unleashing a joyful roar of excitement. 

As the other members witness this win, they scratch their own tickets with heightened hopes, only to face a series of disappointments. However, a surprising twist is expected to unfold soon after. 

Additionally, the team will participate in a fierce and intense Yutnori (윷놀이) game reminiscent of the popular series Squid Game (오징어게임) as part of their dinner lottery. The seemingly endless game pushes even the ever-energetic Jo Se-ho to exclaim, 'If I played this with my family during the holidays, I wouldn’t want to see them again.' 

In a competitive spirit, Jo Se-ho and DinDin engage in a height contest, leading to a nail-biting showdown that requires serious deliberation among the members to determine the winner. The outcome of this contest, which will reveal who claims the title of the shortest member on 1 Night 2 Days, is highly anticipated.

'11살 연하♥' 김종민, 4월 결혼 앞두고 대박 주인공 되나('1박2일')

New Year Surprises Await on 1 Night 2 Days

On February 9, musical actress 송문선 (Song Moon-sun) shared exciting news on her Instagram, revealing that she is expecting a baby. She mentioned, "I intended to formally announce this after completing the '광화문연가' (Gwanghwamun Sonata) performance in Yongin, but it seems the news got out through a senior colleague I live with. The reason for my health-related changes is not due to any issues; rather, a lovely little one is on the way!" 

송문선 (Song Moon-sun) continued, "I was planning to take a break after working on '천개의 파랑' (A Thousand Blues), but I feel it's a time to be cautious and not overexert myself. I apologize for the sudden cast change without prior explanation, which has been on my mind. I will ensure that the baby stays healthy in my womb, and I will share good news soon. Thank you!" 

송문선 (Song Moon-sun) and her husband, 김도빈 (Kim Do-bin), met while working at the Seoul Arts Company and got married in 2018. Their pregnancy news has drawn congratulations from friends and acquaintances, especially considering their age difference of eight years. 

김도빈 (Kim Do-bin) made his debut in 2006 with the play '이상한 동양화' (Strange Oriental Painting), while 송문선 (Song Moon-sun) debuted in 2011 with the musical '고독한 악사들' (Lonely Musicians).

'8살 연상연하' 김도빈♥송문선, 결혼 7년 만 임신 발표 "귀여운 아기 찾아와"

Musical Actress Song Moon-sun Announces Pregnancy

The highly anticipated second season of the legendary drama Signal (시그널) is set to debut in 2026. During the 'CJ ENM Content Talk 2025' event held at the CJ ENM Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul, it was announced that tvN is preparing a special return of the beloved series to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Originally aired in 2016, Signal follows detectives from the present and the past who communicate through a mysterious walkie-talkie to solve cold cases. The show masterfully blends time travel and mystery genres, captivating audiences and achieving a cult-like following.

Jo Jin-woong, who played Lee Jae-han, won the Grand Prize at the tvN10 Awards that year, while Kim Hye-soo as Cha Soo-hyun and Lee Je-hoon as Park Hae-young delivered performances that are still regarded as legendary. The open-ended conclusion left fans eagerly anticipating a sequel, and now, after a decade, their wishes are finally coming true.

Rumors of Signal Season 2 have circulated since last year. In March, writer Kim Eun-hee, who penned the original series, mentioned the sequel during a lecture at La Sapienza University in Rome, alongside B.A. Entertainment's Jang Won-seok, with whom she collaborated on the SBS drama The Uncanny Counter (악귀).

In June, Lee Je-hoon revealed that he had received the early script for Season 2 while promoting his film Escape (탈주), expressing his excitement by stating, "I can only think, 'This is insane.' I believe it will be a work that exceeds what people have imagined. Kim Eun-hee has outdone herself."

For Kim Eun-hee, Signal holds a special place in her heart. At an event in December 2016, she remarked, "Signal is truly special. The cast and crew have a deep affection for it. However, Season 2 can only happen if there is a great script. To work with these individuals again, we need an even better script."

Now, that great script is expected to be unveiled next year, marking a decade since the original aired. tvN has enjoyed immense success with romantic comedies like My Name is Seo-yeon (선재 업고 튀어) and Queen of Tears (눈물의 여왕), but the foundation of tvN dramas lies in Signal, which was broadcast to celebrate the network's 10th anniversary. Now, the stage is set for Season 2 as part of tvN's 20th-anniversary celebration.

선재? 눈여? tvN 근본은 '시그널'..10년 만에 시즌2 공개 확정 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Legendary Drama 'Signal' Season 2 Set to Premiere in 2026

On the February 9 episode of KBS2's Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀), Lee Kyung-kyu made a notable appearance as the first special MC of the new year, expressing his eagerness to join the show as a film director. He humorously claimed, "I am the ideal boss, with over 80 employees who are quite vocal." Responding to comments about his softer demeanor, he noted, "I've changed a lot lately; even if the recording runs long, I don't complain."

During the episode, Um Ji-in made a surprising revelation about Jeon Hyun-moo, stating that Kim Jin-woong, Lee Kwang-yeop, and Hong Joo-yeon had met separately outside. Lee Kyung-kyu and Park Myung-soo joked that the two men were being used as scapegoats to distract from Hong Joo-yeon, adding humorously, "The common-law marriage was indeed real, and there are rumors of a child."

Jeon Hyun-moo, who has been the subject of marriage rumors for March, was humorously suggested to hold a meeting at the hotel where chef Shin Jong-chul works. He lamented, "What’s with the March wedding rumors? My mom called asking if I was getting married then, and even Chu texted to congratulate me. There’s so much misinformation out there!" When Park Myung-soo suggested a May wedding instead, Jeon Hyun-moo jokingly agreed but worried that it would lead to more headlines.

Um Ji-in also guided junior announcers Hong Joo-yeon, Jung Eun-hye, and Heo Yoo-won through a night shift manual. As it was their first time, they learned about the simultaneous radio news broadcast, prioritizing tasks like interpretation and name announcements. After a demonstration by Hong Joo-yeon went awry, Jeon Hyun-moo defended her, hinting at a romantic connection. Hong Joo-yeon successfully completed her radio news duties without mistakes, while Heo Yoo-won and Jung Eun-hye also wrapped up their segments smoothly.

In a light-hearted moment, Um Ji-in assisted the junior announcers with parking practice, revealing that Hong Joo-yeon’s car still bore the marks of a year-old scratch, and a supposed piece of underwear turned out to be a UV-blocking mask. Jung Eun-hye and Heo Yoo-won, who had recently obtained their licenses, faced some criticism for their parking skills, while Hong Joo-yeon struggled with a challenging parallel parking attempt.

Park Myung-soo met with Shin Gi-ru, seeking advice from Lee Kyung-kyu, whom he referred to as a living legend in the Korean entertainment industry. They discussed the diminishing presence of comedians in entertainment, with Lee Kyung-kyu expressing concern that there is no longer a place for those who have studied comedy. He emphasized the need to eliminate certain newcomers encroaching on the field.

Lee Kyung-kyu labeled chefs as significant troublemakers, stating that deeper discussions are necessary for collaboration. He criticized the trend of producers appearing on shows, arguing that they should focus solely on directing and editing. He humorously suggested that a ban on producers appearing in entertainment should be enacted.

He also voiced concerns about athletes transitioning to entertainment after retirement, citing the numerous shows hosted by former athletes like Seo Jang-hoon and Ahn Jung-hwan. While he initially criticized this trend, he later joked that he would encourage his son-in-law to pursue entertainment after retirement.

Lee Kyung-kyu expressed solidarity with singers and businesspeople but called for a crackdown on webtoon artists like Giann84, arguing that they have an unfair advantage in the industry. He identified announcers like Jeon Hyun-moo and Kim Seong-joo as disruptive elements in the entertainment ecosystem, while acknowledging that actors should be monitored closely.

He concluded by analyzing the trend of dating shows, lamenting the lack of originality in programming and expressing a willingness to participate in such formats himself, stating, "If I were to do it, I would focus solely on the format without any personal connections."

'퇴사' 김대호 앞길 막혔다…"생태계 교란종" 이경규 블랙리스트 11인 명단 공개 [종합]

Lee Kyung-kyu Reveals Blacklist of 11 Entertainers on 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears'

On the February 9 episode of SBS's Running Man, Yoo Jae-suk took on a big brother role as he discussed setting up Ji Ye-eun on a date. The cast members were on a mission to help Ji Ye-eun find a boyfriend. Despite dressing up in a beggar costume, Ji Ye-eun showcased her stunning beauty, particularly when she smiled, revealing her bright white teeth. When asked about her smile, she humorously mentioned it was due to her fake teeth. Yoo Jae-suk jokingly expressed his desire to introduce her to a younger acquaintance, while Kim Jong-kook also chimed in, saying he wanted to send Ji Ye-eun's photo to potential suitors.

Ji Ye-eun has previously sparked rumors of a romantic connection with actor Kang Hoon on Running Man, and the two recently won the Rising Star Award together at an awards ceremony. During the episode, Haha brought up chef Yoon Nam-no, known for his role in the cooking show 'Black and White Chef,' who had previously named Ji Ye-eun as his ideal type.

In a past appearance on Radio Star, Yoon Nam-no expressed his admiration for Ji Ye-eun, stating, 'I’m a fan of Ji Ye-eun. She often plays quirky roles, but in person, she is incredibly beautiful. I was impressed by how she practiced her lines in the waiting room.' Ji Ye-eun responded with a shout-out to Yoon Nam-no, thanking him for his kind words, which brought laughter to the set. Haha jokingly suggested that other male cast members, including Mickey Kwang-soo, Yoo Hee-kwan, and Yang Se-chan, should compete for Ji Ye-eun's affection, while Yoo Jae-suk humorously noted that everyone around them seemed to be on their side.

Yoo Jae-suk Plays Matchmaker for Ji Ye-eun on Running Man

In a remarkable achievement, 16-year-old ballerino Park Yoon-jae (박윤재) from Seoul Arts High School won first place at the Prix de Lausanne ballet competition held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 8. This victory marks him as the first Korean male dancer to win this prestigious title. Park expressed his disbelief and gratitude, stating, "It is an honor to perform on the 'Prix de Lausanne' stage that I have dreamed of since childhood, and I can't believe I made it to the finals and received such a significant award." 

Previously, Korean ballerinas Kang Soo-jin (강수진) and Park Se-eun (박세은) won the competition in 1985 and 2007, respectively. The Prix de Lausanne is recognized as one of the top five ballet competitions in the world, alongside the Varna, Jackson, Moscow, and Paris competitions, and is open to dancers aged 15 to 18. This year, the 53rd edition of the competition featured 85 participants, with 20 advancing to the finals. Among the Korean dancers, Kim Bo-kyung (김보경), 17, from Busan Arts High School, secured 8th place.

Park's victory opens doors for him to grow as an internationally recognized ballerino, as winners are often offered opportunities to join affiliated ballet companies or schools abroad.

16-Year-Old Ballerino Park Yoon-jae Makes History at Prix de Lausanne

Kai of EXO has completed his alternative military service and is set to reunite with his fans. He enlisted in May 2023, undergoing basic military training before transitioning to social service. At the time of his enlistment, Kai expressed his disappointment, stating, "I had a lot prepared, and it's unfortunate. I'm upset, but I can show you everything when I return." After serving for 1 year and 9 months, he is now gearing up for EXO's full group comeback. Fellow member Sehun, who enlisted in December 2023, is also expected to be discharged soon, raising fans' anticipation. Other EXO members have consistently mentioned their plans for a full group return. Suho and Chanyeol shared during an SM Town concert, "Kai will be back, and Sehun will join us soon. We are preparing to gather again for even better performances, so please look forward to it." In a recent interview, D.O. reassured fans, saying, "We are getting ready now, and I want to say you don’t need to worry. You will see the full group soon. We have been preparing since this year. EXO is still going strong." Kai debuted with EXO in 2012 and gained global popularity with his mini solo album 'ROVER' released before his enlistment.

EXO's Kai Completes Alternative Military Service and Returns to Fans

On February 10, Netflix confirmed the production of a new series tentatively titled <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely) and revealed its star-studded cast, including Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, Kim Seol-hyun, Cha Seung-won, and Lee Ha-nee. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Korean entertainment industry during the 1960s to 1980s, the series will explore the growth stories of individuals who, despite having little, dared to dream of shining success.

The series is penned by renowned writer Noh Hee-kyung, known for her emotionally resonant works such as <우리들의 블루스> (Our Blues), <디어 마이 프렌즈> (Dear My Friends), and <그 겨울, 바람이 분다> (That Winter, the Wind Blows). Her involvement has already generated significant anticipation for <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely). The direction will be handled by Lee Yoon-jung, celebrated for her high-quality productions in dramas like <커피프린스 1호점> (Coffee Prince) and <치즈인더트랩> (Cheese in the Trap).

The casting is equally impressive. Song Hye-kyo, who has captivated audiences with her performances in <태양의 후예> (Descendants of the Sun) and <그 겨울, 바람이 분다>, will portray the character Min-ja, a resilient woman shaped by her challenging childhood. As she navigates life, she seizes opportunities in the Korean music industry, showcasing her evolution in this role.

Gong Yoo, known for his impactful roles in <도깨비> (Goblin) and <오징어 게임> (Squid Game) Season 2, will play Dong-goo, Min-ja's childhood friend who shares her journey into the music industry. His character is unpredictable yet devoted to Min-ja.

Kim Seol-hyun, who has built a diverse filmography with roles in <살인자의 쇼핑목록> (Shopping List of a Killer) and <조명가게> (Lighting Store), will take on the role of Min-hee, a character intertwined with Min-ja through a complex relationship.

Cha Seung-won, recognized for his charismatic performances in <최고의 사랑> (The Greatest Love) and <부산행> (Train to Busan), will portray the legendary composer Gil-yeo, a pivotal figure in the music industry who has helped many artists achieve success.

Lastly, Lee Ha-nee, known for her roles in <극한직업> (Extreme Job) and <유령> (Ghost), will play Yang-ja, Min-hee's mother, who dreams of becoming a singer despite facing harsh realities.

With the collaboration of the trusted writer Noh Hee-kyung and director Lee Yoon-jung, along with a powerful cast, <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely) is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix.

Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, and Writer Noh Hee-kyung Team Up for New Netflix Series

It has been 18 years since the beloved actress Jeong Da-bin, often referred to as the 'Second Choi Jin-sil' for her vibrant charm, tragically passed away. On February 10, 2007, she was found dead in her boyfriend's apartment in Samseong-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. While the police and the National Forensic Service concluded that her death was a suicide based on the autopsy, her family and agency have consistently argued that there was no reason for her to take her own life. To this day, the reasons behind Jeong Da-bin's death remain unclear.

Jeong Da-bin made her debut in 2000 with the SBS sitcom Don.com. She rose to fame with her role in the sitcom Nonstop 3 and showcased her adorable charm alongside Kim Rae-won in the 2003 drama Rooftop Room Cat. Her lovely visuals and refreshing acting style led many to anticipate her as the next 'Romantic Comedy Queen' following Choi Jin-sil.

However, after her appearance in the 2005 SBS drama The Summer's Hurricane, her career saw a decline. In 2007, she suddenly left her loved ones, shocking the entertainment industry. Even after 18 years, fans continue to remember her as a versatile actress capable of excelling in both comedy and romance.

Her colleagues share similar sentiments. In a 2018 MBC special titled 'Again, Twenty - New Nonstop,' Jo In-sung expressed his difficulty in attending her funeral, stating, 'It was hard to go to the mortuary. My heart was too pained. I felt so sorry that I wondered if I had the right to go. But I thought I should at least say goodbye on my way there.' 

Similarly, Jung Tae-woo reflected on the disbelief surrounding her death, saying, 'Everyone must have felt it was unbelievable. It was so hard to accept that Da-bin was gone. She had family and colleagues around her. We had good memories together. I still find myself talking to the air every time articles about her come out.'

Jung Seung-hwan Melts Winter with Heartfelt Performances on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

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