Actor Kang Tae-oh has won over viewers with a direct confession in the tvN weekend drama 'Potato Research Institute' (감자연구소), where he plays the principled character So Baek-ho. His performance showcases the essence of romantic comedy, effortlessly transitioning between the charming love interest and the prickly boss, achieving a perfect synchronization with his character and elevating the excitement for the audience.

Initially portrayed as a dry, robotic personality, So Baek-ho begins to experience confusing emotions after an unexpected drunken kiss with Kim Mi-kyung (이선빈). Even after receiving a dismissal notice, he shows concern for her return home and follows her into a potato greenhouse during a storm, gradually revealing his softer side.

In a particularly memorable moment during the broadcast on the 15th, So Baek-ho boldly declares, "It's interesting," as a direct confession to Kim Mi-kyung, filling the living rooms with anticipation. Kang Tae-oh's serious gaze and deep emotional delivery enhance the intensity of his performance, capturing the viewers' expectations even further.

Kang Tae-oh Captivates Hearts with Bold Confession in 'Potato Research Institute'

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, 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

Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has publicly criticized the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) for spreading personal information about the actor. The channel recently alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, claiming they dated for six years since her third year of middle school and raising suspicions of 'grooming' behavior. They also accused Gold Medalist of pressuring Kim Sae-ron regarding a 700 million KRW penalty related to her drunk driving incident, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun was complicit in this situation.

In response, Kim Sae-ron's family, including her mother and aunt, expressed their desire to restore her reputation, stating that Kim Soo-hyun portrayed her as a liar. Gold Medalist confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun did date Kim Sae-ron, their relationship only occurred after she turned 18, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They clarified that the legal documents sent to Kim Sae-ron were part of a process to address losses incurred by her previous agency due to her drunk driving incident, and they did not pressure her for payment.

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 is no justification for such an invasion of privacy. They also acknowledged the immense pain Kim Sae-ron's mother is experiencing after her loss, expressing their condolences while also empathizing with her concerns regarding media coverage of her daughter.

Gold Medalist emphasized that some of the claims made by Kim Sae-ron's mother differ from their perspective and suggested that there may be information she is not yet aware of. They expressed a desire to meet with her in person to provide a thorough explanation, inviting her to contact their office at any time.

As Kim Soo-hyun faces ongoing scrutiny from the allegations made by Garo Sero Research Institute, his agency's request for a meeting with Kim Sae-ron's mother has drawn significant attention. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun continues to participate in his scheduled activities, including filming for the MBC variety show 'Good Day' (굿데이).

'미성년 교제 논란' 김수현, 김새론 母에 만남 요청 "충분히 설명할것"(공식)[종합]

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron

Incheon City has announced that the application process for its '천원주택' (Thousand Won Housing) program, aimed at newlywed couples without homes, has attracted significant interest, achieving a competition rate of 7.36 to 1. From March 6 to March 14, a total of 3,681 applications were submitted for 500 available units. 

The '천원주택' program allows eligible newlywed couples, prospective newlyweds, and single-parent families to rent housing for a monthly fee of just 30,000 KRW (approximately $25), which breaks down to about 1,000 KRW per day. This rental agreement can last for a maximum of six years. 

Priority is given to families with newborns, followed by newlywed couples with children, and then those without children. 

Incheon City plans to announce the results of the selection process on June 5, following income and asset evaluations of the applicants. Those selected will be able to move in starting in July after completing the necessary housing viewing and contract procedures. 

Additionally, Incheon City is set to launch another round of applications for the '전세임대형' (Jeonse Rental Type) Thousand Won Housing in April. This option allows applicants to choose a market home under 85 square meters, with Incheon Urban Corporation facilitating the lease agreement with the landlord. 

The total number of units available in this upcoming round will also be 500, with further details to be provided on the Incheon City and Incheon Urban Corporation websites. 

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok expressed that this initiative has highlighted the needs of newlywed couples and emphasized the city's commitment to implementing effective housing policies to alleviate the burden on residents.

무주택 신혼부부 대상 ‘1000원 주택’…첫 입주자 모집 경쟁률 ‘7.36대 1’

Incheon Sees High Demand for Affordable Housing with 7.36:1 Competition Rate

The girl group PURPLE KISS (나고은, 도시, 이레, 유키, 채인, 수안) has shared their reflections as they celebrate their 4th anniversary since debuting on March 15, 2021. At midnight today, they posted a commemorative image on their official social media, showcasing the six members smiling brightly in a warm and cheerful atmosphere, highlighting their strong bond.

Known for their unpredictable concepts ranging from witches to zombies, PURPLE KISS has demonstrated a wide artistic spectrum. Recently, they successfully wrapped up their 'PURPLE KISS 2025 HEADWAY TOUR,' captivating audiences in 17 cities across the U.S. with their vibrant energy.

In messages shared through their agency, Na Go-eun expressed, "Meeting FLORY and my members is one of the best things I've done in my life. I hope we continue to support each other's paths in the future." Dosi added, "To my beloved FLORY, thank you for always making me feel special."

Ire shared, "Thanks to my members and FLORY, I've created many happy memories over the past four years. I promise to show even more amazing sides of myself in the future." Yuki stated, "I owe my current self and PURPLE KISS to the support of my members and FLORY. I hope we can continue to create beautiful memories together."

Chae-in reflected, "Having my members and FLORY by my side has made every moment happy. I will cherish these gift-like memories." Suan expressed her gratitude, saying, "I could reach this point because of my members and FLORY, and I've learned and grown so much. Thank you for teaching me how to love and be loved."

To celebrate their 4th anniversary, PURPLE KISS will host a live broadcast on their official YouTube channel at 1 PM today, followed by a series of special content for fans, marking 'PURKY DAY.'

퍼플키스, 데뷔 4주년.."플로리 덕분에 사랑하는 법 배워"

PURPLE KISS Celebrates 4th Anniversary with Heartfelt Messages

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 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

MBC's Good Day (굿데이) is set to unveil a massive recording studio where the 'Good Day Assembly' will take place. In the upcoming fifth episode airing today, March 16, at 9:10 PM, viewers can look forward to the vibrant chemistry among the newly formed karaoke group from Hannam-dong, featuring stars like G-Dragon (지드래곤), Kim Go-eun (김고은), and Jung Hae-in (정해인). 

Ahead of the broadcast, a preview video showcased G-Dragon, Kim Go-eun, Jung Hae-in, Jo Se-ho (조세호), and Code Kunst (코드 쿤스트) at a karaoke venue in Hannam-dong. When Jo Se-ho explained the quarterly karaoke meet-up, Jung Hae-in eagerly expressed, "Count me in! I’ll come running if you call!" 

The episode's highlight will be Kim Go-eun's requested performance of 'Bbibbi' (삐딱하게). As G-Dragon sang the track, Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in were captivated, exclaiming, "Wow, this is amazing!" and began filming G-Dragon's performance on their phones, creating a memorable moment. This unique karaoke concert by G-Dragon has already heightened anticipation for the full episode. 

The episode will also feature the first look at the recording studio where the 'Good Day Assembly' will be held. G-Dragon, along with Jung Hyung-don (정형돈), Defconn (데프콘), and Code Kunst, went on a pre-visit to the studio, which can accommodate around 30 people, showcasing its impressive scale. 

While exploring the studio, Defconn remarked on the effective sound diffuser, showcasing his musician side, which led to playful banter with Jung Hyung-don, providing comedic moments. The group began brainstorming ideas for welcoming guests, with G-Dragon suggesting a floral path reminiscent of a poster shoot, further building excitement for the 'Good Day Flower Path' and the family gatherings that will take place there. 

MBC's Good Day is a music project where G-Dragon collaborates with various artists to create this year's song, with the third episode airing today at 9:10 PM.

MBC's Good Day Reveals Exciting New Recording Studio for Upcoming Episode

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.

Kang Tae-oh Captivates Hearts with Bold Confession in 'Potato Research Institute'

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Trending

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

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

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

MBC's Good Day Reveals Exciting New Recording Studio for Upcoming Episode

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

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

Fans Mourn the Loss of Wheesung Ahead of Scheduled Concert

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron

Incheon Sees High Demand for Affordable Housing with 7.36:1 Competition Rate

PURPLE KISS Celebrates 4th Anniversary with Heartfelt Messages

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