Jung Seung-won, the winner of Phantom Singer 4, showcased his impressive vocal range during his solo debut on KBS2's Immortal Songs, which aired on March 15. He performed a stunning rendition of Baby V.O.X's classic hit 'Why' in a classical style, captivating both the original artists and the audience.

As the first-generation girl group Baby V.O.X took the stage, Jung explained his choice of song, noting the orchestral elements in 'Why' that inspired him to reinterpret it classically. Accompanied by a large orchestra, he delivered powerful high notes that sent chills through the audience, adding depth to the performance.

The response from the judges and fellow performers was overwhelmingly positive. Yoo Jung-wan praised Jung's ability to captivate with just his voice, while EXID's Jeonghwa expressed her admiration, saying he resembled a 'wounded wolf.' Hani chimed in, humorously noting his masculine presence.

Baby V.O.X members were equally mesmerized, with Yoon Eun-hye commenting on the 'sexy vibe' of the performance, and Lee Hee-jin stating it felt like watching a musical, declaring herself a fan of Jung Seung-won after witnessing his stage presence.

Previously, Jung Seung-won announced his upcoming single '너를 사랑한다는 말 (I mean, I love you),' set to be released on March 25, with teaser content expected to follow. The new track will be available at 6 PM KST on the release date.

Jung Seung-won Shines in First Solo Appearance on Immortal Songs

On March 13, 2025, the K-pop group LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), consisting of Kim Chaewon (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yunjin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eunchae (홍은채), held a special showcase titled 'LE SSERAFIM COMEBACK SHOWCASE 'HOT'' at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their fifth mini album, 'HOT'. The event allowed fans to experience the group's performance a day early.

The showcase kicked off with the group's previous hit title track 'CRAZY', followed by a variety of performances including new songs like 'Come Over' and the title track 'HOT'. The atmosphere was lively as the members shared behind-the-scenes stories about trailer filming, song production, and recording sessions.

During the event, the members humorously pointed out that the highlight of the title track is the members' beauty as they tilt their heads at the beginning, bringing laughter to the audience. They also discussed the challenges of mastering the moonwalk dance move, revealing that they practiced walking from the door to the wall in the practice room using the move.

LE SSERAFIM took time to teach fans the cheering method for 'HOT' and engaged in a segment called 'The Most HOTtest Time', where they fulfilled fan-requested missions such as sharing ASMR readings of the lyrics, confessing love to each other, and playfully flirting with their fandom, FEARNOT (피어나). In closing, the members expressed their joy in starting this album journey with their fans and mentioned their upcoming world tour starting in April, encouraging fans to stay with them throughout their activities.

The mini album 'HOT' was officially released on March 14, 2025, at 1 PM KST, focusing on the theme of wholeheartedly embracing love. LE SSERAFIM is set to perform the title track on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' on March 15 at 3:15 PM KST.

르세라핌 "진심으로 준비한 앨범, 피어나와 함께 시작해 기뻐"

LE SSERAFIM Celebrates 'HOT' Mini Album Release with Fans at Showcase

On March 16, director Damien Chazelle held a virtual meeting with audiences in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Daegu to celebrate the 10th anniversary re-release of his acclaimed film 'Whiplash.' The film, which originally debuted a decade ago, has quickly climbed to the third spot at the box office following its reopening on March 12, attracting over 12,000 viewers in just three days. 'Whiplash' tells the intense story of a student aspiring to be the best jazz drummer and his tyrannical instructor, a narrative that resonated deeply with audiences during its initial release in 2015, earning praise for its depiction of the competitive spirit prevalent among Koreans. The film was imported by the small distribution company Miravision for a mere 50 million KRW, yet it grossed an impressive 12.66 billion KRW.

During the virtual event, Chazelle expressed his desire to explore the concept of greatness, asking, "How can one achieve greatness, and what does greatness truly mean?" He shared his happiness that audiences continue to engage with the film and offer various interpretations. The live-streamed discussion reached over 1,000 viewers across three Megabox theaters.

Reflecting on the film a decade later, Chazelle admitted there are aspects he wishes he could change, but he ultimately feels that it captures his most authentic self at that time. At just 29 years old, he wrote and directed 'Whiplash,' which contains autobiographical elements from his own life. Chazelle dedicated five years to studying drums in his teenage years, striving to become a perfect drummer. He once wrote in a Los Angeles Times op-ed about practicing for eight hours a day in his basement. The scene where the protagonist Andrew rushes to a concert while bleeding from a car accident is based on Chazelle's real-life experience. Eventually realizing he would never become a 'great' drummer, he shifted his focus to studying visual environment at Harvard University.

The character of Fletcher, played by J.K. Simmons, is inspired by the conductor of the band Chazelle was part of. During the virtual discussion, Chazelle recalled giving Simmons a single direction: "Just scream like a beast," to which Simmons delivered an outstanding performance, embodying the character's intensity. Chazelle remarked on his luck in working with such a talented actor.

When asked whether the film has a happy or sad ending, Chazelle described it as a "happy ending wrapped in tragedy or a sad ending wrapped in comedy," leaving the interpretation up to the audience. He acknowledged that the pursuit of perfection he experienced as a teenager still lingers within him. Having won the Academy Award for Best Director for 'La La Land,' Chazelle stated, "There is still a peak I want to reach in my heart, and I want to keep striving to get there."

최고 드러머를 꿈꾸는 제자와 폭군 스승… 해피엔딩? 새드엔딩?… 답은 관객에 달려

Damien Chazelle Reflects on 'Whiplash' as Film Reopens After 10 Years

On March 15, 2025, fans were eagerly anticipating a long-awaited performance by Wheesung (휘성). However, the beloved artist was not present among them. Instead, fans were met with his bright smile in a portrait, unable to hold back their tears in grief.

Wheesung debuted in 2002 with his first album 'Like A Movie' and quickly gained popularity with numerous hits such as '안되나요', '전할 수 없는 이야기', 'With Me', '다시 만난 날', '일년이면', 'I’m Missing You', '결혼까지 생각했어', '가슴 시린 이야기', '너라는 명작', '불치병', '주르륵', and '사랑은 맛있다'. His music resonated with fans of all ages.

In addition to his solo work, Wheesung showcased his songwriting and composing talents on albums for various artists, including Gummy (거미), Ailee (에일리), Ali (알리), Wax (왁스), and TWICE. He was recognized as a leading R&B artist in South Korea and a trusted singer-songwriter, creating many beloved songs. He also demonstrated his versatility by performing in musicals.

However, in 2020, Wheesung was found unconscious after taking a sleep-inducing drug, leading to a police investigation. He was charged with purchasing and habitually using propofol 12 times over three months, resulting in a one-year prison sentence, two years of probation, a fine of 60.5 million won, 40 hours of community service, and 40 hours of drug treatment lectures.

This news shocked his fans deeply. In response, Wheesung held a Christmas concert in December 2021, just two months after his sentencing, and participated in drama OSTs to give back through music. He also organized a fan meeting and concert to celebrate his 20th debut anniversary, showcasing his fight against depression through his art.

In February, he held a birthday fan meeting titled 'HAPPY 휘's DAY', which sold out immediately, proving his enduring popularity. He was scheduled to perform at a joint concert 'The Story' with KCM on March 15 at the Daegu EXCO Auditorium.

Tragically, just five days before the concert, on March 10, Wheesung was discovered in cardiac arrest at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, at the age of 43. An autopsy was conducted on March 12 at the National Forensic Service, with preliminary results indicating 'unknown cause of death'. Further detailed results are expected to take about two weeks.

Initially, Wheesung's family planned a quiet funeral without a public viewing, but they later decided to hold a memorial service due to the encouragement of fellow artists. The memorial was set up on March 14 at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, with the funeral scheduled for March 16 at the Gwangneung Memorial Park.

The family expressed, "We believe it is respectful to provide a time and place for many who loved and remembered our brother, the singer Wheesung, and the person Choi Wheesung, to pay their respects. We invite everyone who knew him and those who found happiness in his music to visit the memorial and accompany him on his final journey."

As planned, Wheesung was supposed to take the stage with KCM today, but he is no longer with his fans. Heartbroken fans rushed to the memorial, shedding tears in front of his portrait, where only his radiant smile could offer them solace.

故휘성, 오늘 공연인데..콘서트 대신 영정으로 마주하다니 '오열 추모' [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Fans Mourn the Loss of Wheesung Ahead of Scheduled Concert

Actor Kim Soo-hyun recently faced allegations regarding a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron that purportedly began during her teenage years. Despite the controversy, he proceeded with the filming of MBC's entertainment program 'Good Day' on March 13. A representative from 'Good Day' confirmed to OSEN that Kim's schedule was adjusted to minimize his commitments during the recording.

The filming included key appearances from other stars like G-Dragon, and there was uncertainty about Kim Soo-hyun's participation due to the backlash surrounding the dating rumors. However, he attended as planned, and the schedule was streamlined after discussions.

The allegations stem from claims made by the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) and Kim Sae-ron's family, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship for six years starting when she was 15. In response, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, firmly denied these claims, labeling them as defamatory.

On March 14, Gold Medalist issued a follow-up statement clarifying that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were indeed former lovers, their relationship only began after she turned 18, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They also refuted claims regarding a photo of the two, asserting it was taken during their adult relationship, not during her teenage years.

Additionally, Gold Medalist addressed a situation where Kim Sae-ron reportedly reached out to Kim Soo-hyun for help regarding a financial issue stemming from her DUI incident, which resulted in significant penalties. The agency explained that they had worked to reduce her financial liabilities and had not pressured her for repayment after settling the matter.

Gold Medalist emphasized that the allegations made by 'Garo Sero' misrepresented facts, including the age of the photos and the nature of their past relationship. They expressed concern over the public's perception of Kim Soo-hyun, stating that while criticism is part of being a public figure, he should not be subjected to unfounded rumors and personal attacks.

In conclusion, Kim Soo-hyun's team has provided detailed rebuttals to the allegations, asserting that they have evidence to support their claims, which justified his participation in the 'Good Day' filming despite the surrounding controversy.

김수현, 故김새론 미성년자 열애 의혹에도 ‘굿데이’ 촬영 강행 이유 있었다[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Kim Soo-hyun Addresses Dating Controversy During 'Good Day' Filming

On March 15, Yoon Eun-hye appeared as a guest on MBC's entertainment program Point of Omniscient Interference (전지적 참견 시점), alongside fellow guest Xiumin. During the episode, Yoon revealed that she continues to live with her manager, who humorously noted that they have been cohabiting for seven years because neither of them has gotten married. Yoon shared, 'I used to enjoy being alone, but during times of depression or stress, my manager has always been there for me. He knows when I'm not doing well.' 

The duo showcased their playful dynamic, bickering over small things from breakfast to getting ready for work, often blurring the lines between celebrity and manager roles. Yoon demonstrated her attentiveness by helping her manager with his outfits and even doing his makeup. 

Yoon also opened up about her family struggles, particularly her relationship with her father after her mother fell ill. 'There were times when my father and I didn't communicate for a long time. Recently, we had a moment that helped us reconnect,' she said, recalling a poignant meeting after her mother was discharged from the hospital. 'My mom had lost a lot of weight. My dad rushed to see me and apologized to both me and my manager, saying, 'I'm sorry, Eun-hye' and 'I'm sorry, Sang-min.' It made me realize we are still a family. Since then, things have improved between us.'

윤은혜, 가정사 고백 “연락 끊었던 父, 갑자기 내게 미안하다고”(전참시)[종합]

Yoon Eun-hye Opens Up About Family Life on MBC's 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

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

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 tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron has sparked numerous allegations against fellow actor Kim Soo-hyun, who has attempted to clarify the situation multiple times, yet public sentiment remains cold. The bereaved family is demanding an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun's side, which has responded by suggesting there may be misunderstandings and has requested a meeting to discuss the matter. Meanwhile, the private lives of both individuals continue to be exposed, causing distress.

On March 16, following Kim Sae-ron's death, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) revealed details surrounding her demise. According to the channel and the family, Kim Soo-hyun allegedly dated Kim Sae-ron from 2015 to 2021 when she was a minor, and after her DUI incident in 2022, he pressured her to repay 700 million KRW borrowed to settle the accident, despite her financial struggles.

In response, Kim Soo-hyun's team categorically denied these claims, labeling them as blatant falsehoods. They stated, 'Garo Sero has made malicious allegations that we colluded with YouTubers to harass the late Kim Sae-ron, including claims that she dated Kim Soo-hyun from the age of 15 and that our management's response to her DUI was inappropriate. These are all unacceptable falsehoods, and we are considering the strongest legal actions against the dissemination of these lies.'

As 'Garo Sero' escalated its accusations against Kim Soo-hyun, his team promised to clarify their position based on clear evidence, quickly moving to refute the claims. They asserted, 'It is not true that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. We have not demanded repayment of any debts after writing off the full amount owed by Kim Sae-ron.' They acknowledged a relationship but clarified it began only after she reached adulthood, using clothing in disputed photos as evidence to counter the allegations of underage dating.

In a counter-response, Kim Sae-ron's mother spoke through 'Garo Sero,' stating, 'Sae-ron never lied to the media. She was not a child who only enjoyed nightlife with friends, nor did she fabricate dating rumors with manipulated photos. However, individuals like Lee Jin-ho and Cyber Leakers have created false articles that dragged a promising young actress and her family into hell. Now that Sae-ron is gone, there are outrageous false articles claiming she was a breadwinner whose family squandered hundreds of billions.' She emphasized the family's desire to restore Sae-ron's honor as an actress and correct the false narratives, hoping for legal and institutional measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

As the back-and-forth continues between 'Garo Sero,' Kim Soo-hyun's representatives, and the bereaved family, the private lives of both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron are being unnecessarily exposed. Kim Soo-hyun's team expressed, 'We believe it is inappropriate to publicly debate these matters, especially considering the efforts of the deceased's mother to restore her honor. We would like to meet with her to provide a thorough explanation. Please feel free to contact the Gold Medalist office at any time.' However, this statement has reportedly incited further anger from the family, leading to the anticipation of additional revelations.

As the cycle of accusations and rebuttals continues, the private lives of the deceased and Kim Soo-hyun remain in the spotlight, causing unnecessary distress. The late Kim Sae-ron seems unable to find peace even in death, while Kim Soo-hyun appears increasingly unstable amid the swirling allegations. It is time for rational dialogue to resolve these issues rather than allowing emotions to escalate further.

Controversy Surrounds Kim Soo-hyun Following Kim Sae-ron's Death

The family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has reiterated their demand for a public apology from actor Kim Soo-hyun, his agency Gold Medalist, and YouTuber A, emphasizing that they seek nothing but an official apology. On March 15, the family released a statement through the YouTube channel 가세연 (Gaseyeon). This follows urgent official statements from Gold Medalist on March 14 and 15.

The family is requesting four specific apologies: 1. An acknowledgment of Kim Soo-hyun's alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron since her teenage years, claiming they dated for over six years starting when she was 15; 2. A retraction of Gold Medalist's previous claims that they had not been in a relationship for the past three years; 3. Recognition of Kim Sae-ron's contributions as a founding member of the company; and 4. An apology regarding the demand for repayment of 700 million won.

The family clarified that their mention of Kim Soo-hyun was intended as a warning against cyber defamation, stating, "We do not seek anything other than an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency. To prove the falsehood of the cyber defamation, we had no choice but to reveal a photo of Kim Soo-hyun."

In a controversial move, 가세연 released a photo purportedly showing a man believed to be Kim Soo-hyun washing dishes at Kim Sae-ron's home while partially undressed. They added that he was not wearing pants. The family explained that the photo was released to counter false claims made by YouTuber A, but this has raised concerns about privacy violations.

Despite the family's consent to release the photo, many view it as an inappropriate breach of privacy, especially since it was taken during Kim Sae-ron's adult relationship with Kim Soo-hyun. Previously, Kim Soo-hyun's side denied their relationship, but in a statement released on March 14, they acknowledged dating Kim Sae-ron, specifying the relationship lasted from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after she became an adult.

Responses to the situation vary, with some arguing that Kim Soo-hyun brought this upon himself and that Kim Sae-ron's side may have more evidence to present.

Gold Medalist expressed concern in a statement on March 15, stating, "We believe that publicly debating this matter is inappropriate for both the late actress and her mother, who have been seeking ways to restore her honor." They indicated they are awaiting contact from the family. Amidst this ongoing conflict, several brands that had contracts with Kim Soo-hyun have already distanced themselves due to the controversy.

Jung Seung-won Shines in First Solo Appearance on Immortal Songs

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

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

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

Controversy Surrounds Kim Soo-hyun Following Kim Sae-ron's Death

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

More

LE SSERAFIM Celebrates 'HOT' Mini Album Release with Fans at Showcase

Damien Chazelle Reflects on 'Whiplash' as Film Reopens After 10 Years

Fans Mourn the Loss of Wheesung Ahead of Scheduled Concert

Kim Soo-hyun Addresses Dating Controversy During 'Good Day' Filming

Yoon Eun-hye Opens Up About Family Life on MBC's 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

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