Kang Seung-yeon, affectionately dubbed the 'next-generation Trot goddess,' has surprised fans by releasing a teaser image for her upcoming single 'Dokmu' ahead of her comeback. The singer-songwriter, who is signed under Artsroient, shared the teaser on her official social media on March 9, showcasing her talents in both songwriting and composing.

In the striking teaser image, Kang Seung-yeon captivates with her stunning visuals, dressed in a glamorous outfit while holding a standing microphone, exuding a chic and intense vibe. This has heightened curiosity about the concept of her new song.

Alongside the teaser, she announced, "My self-composed song 'Dokmu' will be released on March 12 at noon. I hope for your great interest," marking her official journey as a singer-songwriter.

This new track comes approximately seven months after her last release, 'No Straw,' which debuted in August of the previous year. Fans are eager to see what fresh musical colors Kang Seung-yeon will bring to the K-pop scene with 'Dokmu.'

Since her debut album 'Bbi-yong Bbi-yong' in 2021, Kang Seung-yeon has garnered significant love for her model-like proportions, refreshing looks, and captivating vocal tone.

Fans can look forward to experiencing 'Dokmu' on various online music platforms starting March 12 at noon.

Kang Seung-yeon Unveils Teaser for New Song 'Dokmu' Ahead of Comeback

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has taken the lead in promoting director Bong Joon-ho's latest film, 'Mickey17'. Recently, he shared on his Instagram, "'Mickey17' is hitting theaters in the U.S. this weekend. I’m thrilled to meet the Kenneth-Ilpa couple, the Mickeys, and Nasha and Kai in space, and to taste the secret sauce!" 

He continued, "Bong Joon-ho has infused this film with powerful and hopeful messages that are more important now than ever. Don’t worry; it’s a feel-good movie. It’s best enjoyed in a big crowd. This is a film meant for the cinema!" 

Ruffalo also shared a photo with Bong Joon-ho from the set, showcasing his excitement about joining the director's project. 

Released on February 28, 'Mickey17' follows a disposable character, Mickey (played by Robert Pattinson), who faces his 17th death while being a part of dangerous missions. The story takes a twist when 'Mickey 18' is printed, believing Mickey has died. As of March 9, the film has surpassed 2 million viewers in South Korea. 

Based on the sci-fi novel 'Mickey 7' by Edward Ashton, Bong Joon-ho adapted the screenplay and directed the film. This marks his first new project in six years since the Academy Award-winning 'Parasite', and it is his third overseas project following 'Okja' and 'Snowpiercer'. 

In the film, Robert Pattinson portrays Mickey, who escapes to the icy planet Niflheim to evade threats from loan sharks, only to face horrific deaths repeatedly as part of a 'human print' job. Mark Ruffalo plays Kenneth Marshall, a dictatorial politician on a spaceship colonizing the universe, while Naomi Ackie stars as Nasha, Mickey's only love on Niflheim, and Steven Yeun plays Timo, a friend who betrays Mickey. 

Since its release, 'Mickey17' has dominated the box office for nine consecutive days, achieving remarkable success. The film earned $2.5 million during preview screenings and is set to screen in 3,770 theaters across North America starting March 6. 

The projected opening weekend earnings in North America are estimated between $18 million and $20 million, with international earnings expected to reach $20 million to $25 million, bringing the global box office forecast to between $40 million and $45 million. 

With a production budget of $118 million, 'Mickey17' will need to gross approximately $275 million to $300 million globally to break even. Mark Ruffalo's enthusiastic promotion of 'Mickey17' has certainly caught the public's attention.

1710억 '미키17'을 살려라!..'홍보요정' 마크 러팔로, 봉 감독과 인증샷 공개 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Mark Ruffalo Promotes Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey17' Ahead of U.S. Release

In the latest episode of MBC's entertainment show Point of Omniscient Interference (전지적 참견 시점), YouTuber Sim Euddeum showcased her unique morning routine, which begins with a 10km marathon. Her manager expressed happiness about living with Sim Euddeum, stating that their daily workouts together have significantly improved their health. He humorously noted that they do laundry three to four times a day, with Sim Euddeum contributing to 90% of the laundry load.

Sim Euddeum's day was packed, as she met with singer Sean and actor Ko Han-min early in the morning. Her manager mentioned that he couldn't join them for the run, as they were all set to hit the track together. During their light jog, Sim Euddeum asked Sean if he had been running every day, to which he casually replied that he had already covered 240km up to that point.

Sim Euddeum remarked on the intensity of Sean's life, saying, "Honestly, my life is tough, but Sean's seems five times tougher." Sean humorously added that losing three to four toenails while running is what makes it truly intense.

She emphasized the benefits of running with others, stating, "It's much better to run together. When I'm with Sean and Ko Han-min, I don't even check my watch; they help me pace myself," highlighting Sean's experience as a marathon runner.

심으뜸, 가수 션과 러닝 크루 결성 "2025년 240km 러닝"('전참시')

YouTuber Sim Euddeum Starts Her Day with a 10km Marathon on 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

On March 9, 2025, it was announced that our children’s hospital (우리아이들병원) in Guro, Seoul, will begin operating a 24-hour clinic called the '79 Clinic' starting next month. This clinic will cater to mild and moderate pediatric cases year-round. The Seongbuk branch of the same medical foundation will also provide 24-hour services, marking a first for pediatric hospitals in South Korea. 

On February 24, 2025, at 8:30 PM, the Guro hospital was bustling with patients, with 15 children waiting for treatment, primarily for mild ailments like low-grade fevers and rashes. One parent, Kim (36) from Yeongdeungpo, expressed the need for late-night medical services, stating, 'As a working parent, I can't take my child to a local clinic after work. It would be a relief to have a clinic available at night and even in the early morning.' 

Currently, the operating hours for the 107 government-designated nighttime and holiday clinics, known as 'Dalbit Children's Hospitals,' only extend until midnight on weekdays. This limitation often leaves parents in a dilemma about whether to call emergency services or wait until the next morning for treatment. The new initiative by our children’s hospital aims to fill this gap. Jeong Seong-gwan, the director of the medical foundation, emphasized that when a child is unwell, parents often find themselves in urgent situations, even if it’s not an emergency. The goal is to provide a supportive environment where parents can rely on the clinic like a friend in times of need. 

The Guro hospital currently employs 18 specialists, including 16 pediatricians, while the Seongbuk branch has 18 staff members across pediatrics and psychiatry. To support the 24-hour operation, the hospital plans to hire an additional eight doctors, including pediatric and emergency medicine specialists. They are also seeking more nurses and clinical staff. In cases where a child’s condition is serious during late-night visits, the hospital will ensure quick transfers to affiliated emergency rooms. 

Similar systems are already in place in countries like the United States and Canada, where mild cases are directed to urgent care clinics instead of emergency rooms, allowing emergency staff to focus on severe cases. In South Korea, the burden of emergency room costs for mild cases has increased significantly, highlighting the need for more accessible medical facilities during off-hours. 

Additionally, the Gangnam District Health Center in Seoul is preparing to launch an 'Emergency Care Clinic' aimed at reducing service gaps for patients of all ages, providing care even when local clinics are closed. This initiative is a long-term goal of Lee Jong-cheol, the head of the Gangnam Health Center, who is known for being the personal physician of the late Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee. Although initially planned to open earlier this year, the clinic is now set to launch in the second half of 2025 due to challenges in recruiting specialists.

[단독] 서울에 24시 소아청소년 병원 생긴다

New 24/7 Pediatric Clinic Launches in Guro and Seongbuk

In the latest episode of KBS JOY and KBS 2TV's Old Meeting Pursuit (오래된 만남 추구), which aired on March 9, Hwang Dong-joo expressed his intention to approach Lee Young-ja with sincerity, stating, "I may be clumsy, but I will come to you comfortably." The episode showcased a cheerful gathering of the first season's cast, including successful couples Hwang Dong-joo & Lee Young-ja, Koo Bon-seung & Kim Sook, Lee Jae-hwang & Jang Seo-hee, along with Ji Sang-ryeol and Woo Hee-jin.

Before the gathering, Hwang Dong-joo was invited to join Koo Bon-seung and Kim Sook on their after-date. During this time, Kim Sook called Lee Young-ja, who expressed her heartfelt feelings for Hwang Dong-joo, saying, "Why are you meeting my man?" and "Who are you to call someone I can't even reach?" Hwang Dong-joo admitted he hesitated to contact Lee Young-ja, saying, "I was worried about Yumi noona. I got too excited and didn't consider her feelings," hinting at the pressure from the explosive interest following their on-screen romance.

As the gathering commenced, Hwang complimented Lee Young-ja's makeup, saying, "You look so beautiful today." When Lee asked if his mother watched the show, Hwang replied, "My mom likes Yumi noona too. She told me to look nice for the shoot today." Lee then revealed, "My family already calls you brother-in-law," reigniting speculation about their relationship.

After the event, Hwang surprised Lee with a large bouquet of flowers, stating, "I wanted to give you the biggest and prettiest flowers." When Lee expressed concern about the flowers wilting, Hwang reassured her, saying, "Enjoy them now. Wear the best clothes and eat the best food first." Lee expressed gratitude for the genuine connection they shared during their date, saying, "The lights of love turned on during my free date with Hwang Dong-joo." Hwang promised, "Even if I'm a bit clumsy, I will come to you comfortably... Let's meet often."

In a touching moment, Hwang received a unique coat from Lee, which is the only one of its kind in the country. Lee apologized for only giving it to Koo Bon-seung, but Hwang found it meaningful, saying, "It's not something you bought; it's a cherished item. That makes it even more special." As their relationship begins to blossom slowly but surely through Old Meeting Pursuit, public interest in Hwang Dong-joo and Lee Young-ja's future continues to grow.

‘결혼설’ 황동주♥이영자, 가족 허락도 받았다 “母도 좋아해..형부라고 불러”(‘오만추’)[종합]

Hwang Dong-joo Promises to Approach Lee Young-ja Comfortably in 'Old Meeting Pursuit'

The popular K-pop group SHINee (샤이니) is set to return with their seventh solo concert titled ‘SHINee WORLD Ⅶ [E.S.S.A.Y] (Every Stage Shines Around You)’. This exciting event will take place from May 23 to May 25 at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul. Fans can look forward to a vibrant showcase of SHINee's diverse music and performances.

All four members—Onew (온유), Key (키), Minho (민호), and Taemin (태민)—will participate in this concert, making it a significant occasion as it coincides with the group's 17th debut anniversary. Following their 15th anniversary fan meeting in 2023 and the encore of their sixth solo concert in 2024, SHINee plans to celebrate their debut date (May 25) with their official fandom, SHINee World (샤이니월드).

Ticket sales for the concert will be handled through Melon Ticket, with fan club pre-sales starting on March 18 at 8 PM and general sales opening on March 20 at 8 PM.

As SHINee marks their 17th year in the industry, they continue to be recognized for their unique musical style, earning them the title of the 'Edge of K-pop' and maintaining a strong, devoted fanbase worldwide.

샤이니, 5월 일곱 번째 단독 콘서트로 돌아온다

SHINee Announces Their 7th Solo Concert: SHINee WORLD Ⅶ [E.S.S.A.Y]

In the latest episode of SBS's variety show My Little Old Boy (미운우리새끼), it was revealed that Kim Jong-min's fiancée is a businesswoman with a background in studying abroad. During the broadcast on March 9, Kim Jong-min headed to Hong Eun-dong, located beneath Bukhansan Mountain, where he pulled out a 'house-hunting checklist' sent by his fiancée. Upon seeing this, Shin Dong-yup commented, 'It makes sense since she is a businesswoman; she seems to be more meticulous.' 

The duo then discovered a charming three-story house at the end of a hilly road. Kim Jong-min was impressed by the serene yard and was astonished to find a private swimming pool that offers 24-hour heated water. Everyone expressed their delight, exclaiming, 'This is amazing!' 

They also revealed a cozy living room adjacent to the kitchen. Kim Jong-min affectionately referred to his fiancée as 'Hiyung' and boasted about her cooking skills, showcasing her impressive culinary abilities with dishes like galbijjim (braised short ribs), japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) that she prepared for his birthday. He noted her proficiency in both Korean and Western cuisines, saying, 'It feels like she has a study abroad vibe,' and mentioned that she indeed studied abroad. 

However, Kim Jong-min humorously added, 'I might want to order food after we get married because it might be tough,' showcasing his affectionate side.

Kim Jong-min's Fiancée Revealed as a Businesswoman with Study Abroad Experience on 'My Little Old Boy'

Seulgi, a member of the popular K-pop group Red Velvet, is set to release her second mini album titled 'Accidentally On Purpose' today, March 10, 2025. The album will be available for streaming on various music platforms starting at 6 PM KST, and fans can also catch the music video for the title track 'Baby, Not Baby' on the SMTOWN YouTube channel.

This new album features a total of six tracks, including the pop dance song 'Baby, Not Baby,' which showcases Seulgi's dynamic artistry with its punk bass and refreshing electric guitar sounds. The album promises to offer a deeper insight into Seulgi's evolving musical style.

In addition to the album release, Seulgi will host a countdown live event on YouTube, TikTok, and Weverse starting at 5 PM KST, allowing her global fans to celebrate her comeback together.

In a recent interview, Seulgi shared her thoughts on the album and her artistic journey:

Q: It’s been about 2 years and 5 months since your first solo album. How do you feel about releasing your second mini album?
- I’m really happy to greet everyone with a solo album after such a long time. I spent a lot of time discussing with the staff how to capture my growth in this album. I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed preparing it.

Q: Can you introduce the title track 'Baby, Not Baby'? Why did you choose it as the title track?
- 'Baby, Not Baby' conveys a message about focusing on my true self rather than conforming to others' expectations of me. When I first heard the music, I felt a strong connection to the character I could portray, and I thought it would be fun to work on, which is why it became the title track.

Q: You’ve taken on a different 'bad girl' styling in the album jacket and music video. How was that experience? Any memorable reactions?
- It was fun to present a look and concept that contrasts with what I've shown in Red Velvet. The character I portray in the album acts outlandishly, which surprised and entertained those around me since it’s something I wouldn’t normally do.

Q: What should fans look out for in the 'Baby, Not Baby' music video? Any memorable moments from the shoot?
- I think every part of the video is a highlight. I hope you notice my lovable yet mischievous side, the changing styles, and the performances with the dancers. The last scene we shot, where I had messy hair and smudged makeup, was particularly memorable because I really got into character and went wild. (laughs)

Q: Seulgi is known for her powerful performances. What did you focus on while preparing for this album's choreography?
- I practiced a lot with the dancers to ensure our movements matched the lyrics and captured the details of the choreography. Since the dance requires strong core stability, I also worked hard on my core exercises.

Q: Besides the title track, which other song would you recommend from the album?
- I recommend 'Praying.' It was the last song I recorded for the album, and I insisted on including it because I felt it was too good to leave out. I love that it showcases my deeper vocal range from low to high notes.

Q: You participated in writing the lyrics for 'Weakness' as well. How was that experience, and what should listeners pay attention to?
- The lyrics came together surprisingly quickly. I wrote several lines that matched the song's sweet mood, and I was thrilled that some of my lyrics were chosen. Sometimes, having feelings for someone can feel like a weakness you don’t want to reveal. I hope listeners think of someone they like while listening.

Q: What are your plans for promoting this album, and what goals do you have?
- I’ve never set limits for myself. I enjoy challenges and find fulfillment in showing new sides of myself. I’m excited to finally share a fun side of Seulgi in this album. I hope it becomes a great gift for my fans, known as 'ReVeluv,' and I want to perform in various places with their support.

Q: Last year was significant for you with Red Velvet's 10th anniversary and starting your YouTube channel. What do you want 2025 to be like?
- I hope 2025 will be a year where I can showcase more great content, starting with this solo album. Personally, I want to take more lessons to develop myself further.

Q: Finally, do you have a message for your global fans who have been waiting for your comeback?
- It’s been a while since I’ve greeted you with a solo album. Thank you for your patience and for all the supportive messages. They have helped me create the music I want to make. I’m grateful for your constant support! I’ll repay you with my performances! Thank you, I love you!

Red Velvet's Seulgi Releases Second Mini Album 'Accidentally On Purpose'

Singer-songwriter Lee Mujin made a memorable debut in Taiwan with his first solo concert on March 8, 2025, at Zepp New Taipei. The event, part of his nationwide tour titled '2025 Lee Mujin National Tour Concert: Supplementary Volume in TAIPEI,' marked the first time his signature concert series has been held overseas.

The concert was themed 'Lee Mujin's Bookstore,' creatively comparing his music to various literary genres. The performance was divided into chapters such as 'Novel,' 'Screenplay,' 'Essay,' 'Poetry,' and 'Fairy Tale,' enhancing the emotional storytelling and providing a deeper immersive experience for the audience.

Lee Mujin kicked off the show with powerful renditions of 'Can I Have a Moment?' and 'Summer Greeting (Demo),' setting a special tone for his first encounter with local fans. He continued to evoke emotions with songs like 'I Guess It's Autumn,' 'Constellation,' and 'It's Snowing,' while engaging with the audience through tracks like 'You for a Moment,' 'Comma,' and 'Practice Room No. 8.'

During the 'Mujin's Random Song' segment, he surprised fans with a popular Taiwanese song '愛?但說不出口' and the OST '那些年' from the hit film 'The Girl We Loved Back Then,' which received an enthusiastic response, prompting fans to request an encore. Lee Mujin graciously obliged, showcasing his impressive vocal talent once again.

The concert featured a variety of performances, including the title track 'Youth Comic' from his mini-album '滿花 (Full Bloom),' along with hits like 'Traffic Light' and 'Assignment Song (I'm Sorry, Professor).' The show concluded with encore performances of 'Is Anyone There?' and 'Just the Two of Us.'

After the final encore, Lee Mujin shared a group photo with fans, expressing his gratitude for the unforgettable memories made during his first concert in Taiwan. He remarked, "I never imagined I would hold a concert in Taiwan, but I am so thankful to create precious memories with all of you. After three years of the national tour 'Supplementary Volume,' it was a joy to finally come overseas, especially to Taiwan and with Taiwanese fans."

Lee Mujin Holds Successful First Concert in Taiwan

On March 5, at Jeonju Vision University in Jeonju, South Korea, a group of 29 international students from various countries, including Vietnam, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, engaged in hands-on training with precision machining equipment such as lathes and milling machines. This initiative is part of the university's Future Mobility Department, which has expanded its foreign student enrollment from 30 to 120 to address the declining domestic student population. Among the students, 18 are from Vietnam, 10 from Myanmar, and one from Bangladesh, with a total of 10 female students participating. They collaborated in Korean, occasionally mixing in their native languages, to learn how to operate the machinery. One student, 26-year-old Pial from Bangladesh, shared his journey of leaving his studies in physics and chemistry to pursue a career in South Korea, expressing his desire to settle in Jeonju and eventually take the naturalization exam. 

Jeonju Vision University is part of a government initiative aimed at training foreign technical personnel in the root industries, which has led to a significant increase in foreign student enrollment. Students in this program typically spend a year studying Korean before embarking on a two-year curriculum focused on automotive parts and machinery. To support their living expenses, many work part-time jobs in convenience stores and restaurants while attending classes. Upon graduation, they often secure positions in domestic automotive parts companies. 

The number of foreign students in the Future Mobility Department has grown from an initial 30 to 50 in 2023, and 119 last year, with plans to enroll 120 students from countries like Vietnam and Myanmar by the second semester of this year. As the foreign student population increases, the university has also expanded its faculty and training equipment, adding two more professors and increasing the number of lathes and welding machines. Professor Baek Il-hyun noted that as graduation approaches, companies from various regions frequently inquire about hiring graduates, emphasizing the importance of foreign students in sustaining both the educational and industrial sectors. Graduates of this program are particularly sought after due to their superior Korean language skills compared to other foreign workers, making them valuable assets in the struggling domestic manufacturing industry.

The university's focus on recruiting international students is a response to the declining birthrate in South Korea, which has led to a significant drop in domestic student numbers. Jeonju Vision University, which once enrolled 100 Korean students annually, now sees only about 50 local students. To maintain financial stability, the institution has turned its attention to attracting foreign students.

The initiative includes 12 technical colleges, such as Jeonju Vision University, Geoje University, and Gunsan University, participating in the foreign technical personnel training program. The total number of new students in this program has surged from 260 in 2021 to 879 last year, with schools like Geoje University actively promoting the program in local universities in Kyrgyzstan to attract new students. As of last year, there were approximately 210,000 international students in South Korea, with plans from the Ministry of Education to increase this number to 300,000 by 2027.

Local governments are also taking steps to attract international students to offset the declining youth population. For instance, Busan has organized recruitment events in Japan and Central Asia, offering legal and housing support to help international students settle in the city after graduation. A representative from Busan stated that as the population in the second-largest city continues to decline, they aim to enhance support for international students to contribute to the local economy.

International Students Thrive in Future Mobility Program at Jeonju Vision University

In a world submerged by a massive flood, a lone black cat discovers an old boat and embarks on a journey with a diverse group of animals, including a Golden Retriever, a capybara, and a snake-eating eagle, all seeking survival. This unique narrative unfolds in the Latvian film 'Flow', directed by 1994-born Gints Zilbalodis, which recently made headlines at the Academy Awards by winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, triumphing over major studios like Pixar and DreamWorks. 

With a modest budget of €3.5 million (approximately $3.5 million) and a production team of just over 20 people, 'Flow' has been hailed as a remarkable achievement, especially when compared to the $200 million budget of its competitor, 'Inside Out 2'. The film's success is seen as a potential game-changer for the animation industry. 

The story follows the black cat as it navigates a post-apocalyptic world, reminiscent of Noah's Ark, where it must learn to cooperate with other animals to survive. Viewers experience the beauty of nature through the cat's perspective, exploring a world where only remnants of humanity remain, and nature is reclaiming its space. 

Unlike typical animated films featuring anthropomorphized characters, the animals in 'Flow' behave authentically, with no dialogue throughout its 85-minute runtime. This absence of speech encourages audiences to immerse themselves in the meticulously crafted sounds of nature, such as flowing water, cracking earth, and breaking trees, enhancing the tension and fear experienced by the small creatures. 

The film's innovative production method has also garnered praise, as it was created using the free 3D animation software Blender. While it may not boast the flashy CGI of Disney films, its unique visual style, reminiscent of video game graphics, is distinguished by delicate animal movements and a watercolor-like color palette. 

The black cat, initially fearful of water and struggling to connect with other animals, gradually learns to adapt and grow through its experiences. After winning the Oscar, Zilbalodis expressed gratitude to the Academy, Blender, his parents, and his pets, emphasizing the importance of unity and overcoming differences. 

Watching nature quietly recover without human noise brings a sense of peace, and the ASMR-like sounds may even induce drowsiness. However, surrendering to the flow of water may lead to unexpected discoveries. 'Flow' is suitable for all audiences and is set to be released on March 19.

Kang Seung-yeon Unveils Teaser for New Song 'Dokmu' Ahead of Comeback

What do you think?

Trending

Kim Jong-min's Fiancée Revealed as a Businesswoman with Study Abroad Experience on 'My Little Old Boy'

Red Velvet's Seulgi Releases Second Mini Album 'Accidentally On Purpose'

Lee Mujin Holds Successful First Concert in Taiwan

International Students Thrive in Future Mobility Program at Jeonju Vision University

Latvian Film 'Flow' Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature

More

Mark Ruffalo Promotes Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey17' Ahead of U.S. Release

YouTuber Sim Euddeum Starts Her Day with a 10km Marathon on 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

New 24/7 Pediatric Clinic Launches in Guro and Seongbuk

Hwang Dong-joo Promises to Approach Lee Young-ja Comfortably in 'Old Meeting Pursuit'

SHINee Announces Their 7th Solo Concert: SHINee WORLD Ⅶ [E.S.S.A.Y]

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea