Actress Kang Ye-won is making a strong start in 2025 with her participation in the reality dating show 'Can We Love Now?' (이젠 사랑할 수 있을까) and the culinary program 'Chef Heo Young-man's Dining Journey' (식객 허영만의 백반기행). Her appearance in 'Can We Love Now?' was teased in a preview aired on February 24, where she expressed her readiness for love, stating, "I can't continue living like this. I feel it would be very dangerous if time passes this way. I am always ready for love and want to give and receive it." 

Kang also shared her recent worries, shedding tears during the segment, which heightened viewers' curiosity about her journey. The show features solo stars with social status and wealth seeking true love, including notable figures like Joo Byung-jin, Park So-hyun, and Cheon Jung-myung, who have focused solely on success until now.

In addition to her role in 'Can We Love Now?', Kang Ye-won has confirmed her participation in 'Chef Heo Young-man's Dining Journey', with filming set to take place in March, although the broadcast date is yet to be announced. This program, hosted by the renowned cartoonist Heo Young-man, explores the meaning and value of authentic flavors through visits to traditional eateries across the country, providing heartwarming stories and healing experiences since its debut in 2019.

Kang Ye-won has garnered much love for her performances in films such as 'Haeundae', 'Harmony', 'Hello Ghost', and dramas like 'The 1,000th Man', 'Bad Guys', and 'One and Only'.

Kang Ye-won Kicks Off 2025 with Exciting New Projects

On February 24, actress Han Ji-eun shared her thoughts on the possibility of reuniting with singer-actor Hwang Min-hyun for a second season of the popular series Study Group during an interview at a café in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. 

In the interview, she reflected on her recent projects, including the tvN drama Ask the Stars, which recently concluded, and the Tving original series Study Group, which wrapped up on February 20. Study Group is a comedic high school action drama based on a popular webtoon, featuring Hwang Min-hyun as Yoon Ga-min, a student who struggles academically but excels in fighting, as he forms a study group to tackle the challenges of a tough school environment. Han Ji-eun plays the role of teacher Lee Han-gyeong.

Han Ji-eun mentioned that the director had promised a fast-paced storyline from the beginning, and she had seen some rough cuts during production, which she found entertaining. She expressed gratitude for the show's unexpected popularity, saying, "I heard it turned out well, and I’m thankful that it received more love than we anticipated."

After Hwang Min-hyun enlisted in the military, the cast has continued to stay in touch and even watched the final episode together. Han Ji-eun noted, "We regularly meet and keep in contact. We watched the last episode together. It’s disappointing for us, and I think Min-hyun feels the most upset about it. He’s such a dedicated and hardworking friend who had a lot of affection for Study Group. We’ve been supporting him by sharing his photos and promoting the show."

When asked about the chemistry between her fiancé Lee Min-ho in Ask the Stars and Hwang Min-hyun in Study Group, she said, "Both were comfortable to work with, but the dynamics were different. Min-ho is a peer and plays a character with a past romantic relationship, while Min-hyun’s character is a student. There was a different kind of camaraderie with Min-hyun."

Regarding the possibility of a second season of Study Group, Han Ji-eun expressed optimism about reuniting with Hwang Min-hyun, stating, "If I had to choose, I think the chances of meeting Min-hyun again are higher. I can’t confirm a second season yet, but we all want to do it together. I believe Min-hyun’s chances are greater. We’re just waiting for him to return from the military. There’s a lot of affection for this project."

However, she clarified that if a second season were to happen, there would be no romantic storyline between her character and Hwang Min-hyun’s, saying, "There’s absolutely no chance of that," which brought a smile to her face.

한지은 "'스터디그룹' 시즌2, 황민현 제대만 기다려...사제 로맨스는 NO" [인터뷰③]

Han Ji-eun Discusses Potential Reunion with Hwang Min-hyun for Study Group Season 2

In the latest episode of tvN's drama '그놈은 흑염룡' (The Black Dragon), which aired on February 25, 2025, the character 반주영 (played by 최현욱) begins to develop feelings for 백수정 (played by 문가영) after she discovers his hidden secrets. 

During the episode, 백수정 stumbles upon 반주영's secret room filled with comic books, musical instruments, records, and figurines, leaving her astonished. When confronted, 반주영 tries to brush it off as belonging to his nephew, but the lie quickly unravels. 

He questions her, "What do you want? This is my room, and everything here is what I like. What difference does it make?" To which 백수정 responds, "It makes a difference. You like comics too, not just your band. I’m learning so much more about you now." Their conversation leads to a moment of closeness when 반주영 catches her as she nearly falls, creating a charged atmosphere between them.

Later, when 백수정 receives news that her father has been hospitalized, 반주영 drives her to the hospital, even arranging for her family to have a VIP room. He also lends her a luxury car when her own breaks down. 

As the story unfolds, 반주영 learns about 백수정's mother's illness, prompting her to share her childhood memories of her mother's sickness. She reveals, "I can't help but think of my mom when I visit the hospital. It's been a long time, but the memories linger." 반주영 comforts her, stating, "Time alone can't heal all wounds. Sometimes, we need other forms of comfort, like music, comics, or games."

In a pivotal moment before an important meeting, 반주영 shares his computer password with 백수정, which humorously turns out to be '오레와아쿠마다' (I am Akuma). He feels embarrassed but also relieved to have someone know his secret. 

As their relationship deepens, 백수정 recalls her first love, the '흑염룡' (Black Dragon), who was the only one to see her vulnerable side. 

During a meeting, 백수정 opposes 반주영's suggestion, leading him to question if anyone else shares her view. When the room falls silent, he remarks on the oddity of everyone remaining quiet about a clearly flawed proposal. Despite this, 백수정 feels uneasy about the deception, prompting 반주영 to ask how he can make it up to her, jokingly stating, "You’re the only one who can give me chocolate milk now."

Their budding romance takes a playful turn as they go on an arcade date. While enjoying various games, 백수정 receives a call from 서하진 (played by 임세미), leading them to a restaurant. On their way, when 백수정's shoelace comes undone, 반주영 ties it for her, creating a sweet moment between them. Just then, 서하진 calls out, "Don’t come! The Black Dragon is here!" leaving viewers intrigued about the unfolding drama.

최현욱, 비밀 들키더니..문가영과 ♥묘한 기류 “백수정 씨밖에 없어” (‘그놈은 흑염룡’)

Romantic Tension Builds in '그놈은 흑염룡' as Secrets Unravel

Actress Lee Young-ae is set to make her return to the theater stage after 32 years with the play 'Hedda Gabler'. This production is part of the LG Arts Center's celebration of its 25th anniversary, following the success of 'The Cherry Orchard' in 2024, which attracted 40,000 viewers. 'Hedda Gabler' will run from May 7 to June 8 at the LG SIGNATURE Hall in Seoul, featuring Lee Young-ae and the entire cast in every performance.

Based on Henrik Ibsen's original work, 'Hedda Gabler' explores the psyche of a woman yearning for freedom amidst societal constraints and oppression, often referred to as the 'female Hamlet'. Lee Young-ae's character, Hedda, is portrayed as elegant on the outside but is internally conflicted with hidden anxieties, desires, and a destructive nature. Known for her diverse roles in productions like 'Dae Jang Geum', 'Lady Vengeance', and the upcoming drama 'Eunsu's Good Day', Lee is expected to deliver a powerful transformation on stage.

The cast includes Kim Jung-ho as Hedda's husband Tesman, Ji Hyun-jun as the judge Brack who psychologically pressures Hedda, Lee Seung-joo as her former lover Lovborg who awakens her dormant desires, Baek Ji-won as her jealous friend Thea, Lee Jung-mi as her traditional aunt, and Jo Ji-eun as her maid Berta.

Ibsen's 'Hedda Gabler' has sparked various interpretations and debates on stages worldwide due to its complex portrayal of human psychology and unpredictable plot developments. This production is adapted from Richard Eyre's acclaimed version, which won the 2006 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Revival, and is directed by Jeon In-cheol, known for his meticulous text analysis and contemporary issue-driven works. He aims to reflect the multifaceted inner world of Hedda and the complexities of modern society through the surrounding characters.

Tickets for 'Hedda Gabler' will go on sale starting March 7 at 2 PM through the LG Arts Center's website and major ticketing platforms.

[공식] 이영애, 32년 만에 연극 무대 복귀..'헤다 가블러'로 돌아온다

Lee Young-ae Returns to the Stage in 'Hedda Gabler' After 32 Years

The K-pop group IVE is maintaining its strong momentum with their latest release, 'IVE EMPATHY'. On February 23, during the SBS music show Inkigayo, IVE secured the top spot for the second consecutive week with their title track 'ATTITUDE'. 

As IVE's promotional activities for the new album come to a close, member Lee Seo, who also serves as the MC for Inkigayo, accepted the trophy on behalf of the group. This achievement marks IVE's third win on music shows for 'ATTITUDE', bringing their total to 14 wins when including the pre-release track 'REBEL HEART', which has achieved 11 wins. 

In a statement through their agency Starship Entertainment, IVE expressed their joy over winning first place on Inkigayo, especially with Lee Seo as the MC. They thanked their fans, known as DIVE, for their unwavering support, stating, "We are so happy and grateful for all the love even as our activities come to an end. Every time we hear such wonderful news, it gives us the strength to keep pushing forward. We will continue to work hard to bring you great music." 

Released on February 3, 'ATTITUDE' embodies the IVE philosophy of embracing situations that cannot be changed, focusing instead on one's attitude towards them. The song was co-written by lyricist Seo Ji-eum, who also contributed to IVE's previous hits in their narcissism trilogy, alongside member Jang Won-young, enhancing the group's unique charm. 

'ATTITUDE' has dominated major domestic music charts, achieving first place on Melon HOT100 (within 30 days of release), first on Bugs' real-time chart, and third on Melon HOT100 (within 100 days of release). Additionally, it made its mark on Billboard Japan's 'HOT100', 'Streaming Songs', and 'Download Songs' charts, and entered the top 10 of Spotify's 'Top Songs Debut Global' chart, showcasing IVE's international music power. 

IVE concluded their promotional activities for 'IVE EMPATHY' on February 16 with their performance on Inkigayo. The group has achieved five consecutive million-seller albums and reached a 'Perfect All-Kill' on domestic charts with 'REBEL HEART'.

아이브, 벌써 14번째 1위.."모두 다이브 덕분"

IVE Continues Dominance with 'IVE EMPATHY' and 'ATTITUDE'

On February 25, actress Ra Mi-ran shared a video on her social media account to cheer on the rookie idol group Kiki. Accompanying the video, she wrote, "#kiki #키키 #수이 #미야 #I DO ME" and added a playful comment, "Haha, what’s going on? I got everything wrong. Go for it, Kiki!" In the video, Ra Mi-ran showcased her charming look with a fresh medium-length hairstyle, a light checkered shirt over a burgundy t-shirt, and jeans. Beside her, Kiki members Sui and Miya danced to their debut track "I DO ME," flaunting their youthful and relaxed outfits. Fans reacted with comments like, "Wow, Ra Mi-ran dances well too!" and "What did she get wrong?" Kiki, a new girl group under Starship Entertainment, debuted with the pre-single "I DO ME." Additionally, Ra Mi-ran recently won the 'Multi-Entertainer' award at the 2025 Korea First Brand Awards and is set to appear in the MBC drama "Let’s Go to the Moon."

'제 2의 아이브' 키키, 대배우 라미란과 벌써 콜라보

Actress Ra Mi-ran Shows Support for New Idol Group Kiki

On February 25, 2025, HYBE and the Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency (경기북부청) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Gyeonggi Northern Police Headquarters in Uijeongbu, South Korea, to address the rising issue of cyber crimes, particularly deepfake incidents. 

The collaboration aims to establish a cyber crime reporting hotline to protect artists from potential harm and to facilitate the apprehension of offenders. This agreement stems from a mutual understanding of the necessity for cooperation between entertainment companies and law enforcement in investigating cyber crimes targeting artists.

There has been a notable increase in deepfake crimes both domestically and internationally, especially on messaging platforms with servers located abroad. High-profile individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their public visibility, leading to a surge in illegal video incidents and rapid dissemination of such content. This situation underscores the urgent need for collaboration between entertainment agencies and police to safeguard victims and create a swift response system.

The Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency anticipates that this partnership with HYBE will enhance their capabilities in cyber crime investigations. The agency has achieved national recognition for its effectiveness in cyber sexual violence investigations, ranking first in the country for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, and being designated as a top cyber team by the National Police Agency in 2024.

In light of this MOU, HYBE plans to further develop its artist protection systems. 

Gyeonggi Northern Police Chief Kim Ho-seung expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, "Working with HYBE, a leading entertainment company in South Korea, will enhance our investigative efficiency. As cyber crime methods become increasingly sophisticated with technological advancements, we aim to improve our investigative expertise based on this MOU." 

HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang also expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, "We are pleased to collaborate with the Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency, which has expertise in cyber crime investigations. We will continue to do our utmost to protect the rights of our artists."

HYBE Partners with Gyeonggi Northern Police to Combat Cyber Crimes

On February 26, G-Dragon from BIGBANG shared a photo on his personal social media, showcasing a reunion with his friends from the '88 Line'—Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Hae-in, and Kwanghee—who he became close with through the variety show Good Day (굿데이). The image features a four-shot collage taken at G-Dragon's comeback listening party, which included guests Hong Jin-kyung, Jo Se-ho, and Code Kunst, alongside the '88 Line' members. The group displayed their playful side, striking various fun poses, including V signs and the popular 'Agungbang' pose. Meanwhile, G-Dragon's third studio album, Übermensch, has made a significant impact, topping charts immediately upon release. The title track, 'TOO BAD,' quickly reached number one on major Korean music platforms such as Melon, Genie, Bugs, and Vibe.

G-Dragon Reunites with '88 Line' Friends at Listening Party

Lisa of BLACKPINK is set to take the stage at the 97th Academy Awards, which will be held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. She will perform alongside rapper Doja Cat and British singer-songwriter Raye. Lisa's performance will feature her song 'Born Again' from her upcoming debut solo album 'Alter Ego', which is scheduled for release on February 28. 'Born Again', featuring Doja Cat and Raye, recently debuted at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 13 on the UK Official Top 100. This marks a significant moment as it is the first time a K-pop artist will perform at the Academy Awards. Although Lisa hails from Thailand, she has made her mark as a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK. Additionally, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who starred in the musical film 'Wicked', will also perform at the ceremony.

BLACKPINK's Lisa to Perform at the 97th Academy Awards

On February 25, Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, unveiled its '2024 Global Impact List,' highlighting the most streamed Korean music overseas in the second half of 2024. Remarkably, half of the top 10 songs on the list are solo tracks by members of BTS (방탄소년단). Additionally, one-third of the top 30 songs are attributed to their individual works, reaffirming the group's immense influence. This chart reflects the listening habits of Spotify users outside of Korea from July to December 2024.

Jimin's (지민) second solo album, 'MUSE,' saw its title track 'Who' claim the top spot on the '2024 Global Impact List,' marking it as the biggest hit of the latter half of last year. Alongside 'Who,' four other tracks from the album made the rankings, with 'Be Mine' landing at fifth place. Jin's (진) first solo album 'Happy,' released in November, featured the title track 'Running Wild' at sixth place and the pre-released song 'I’ll Be There' at eighth. Additionally, 'Winter Ahead (with PARK HYO SHIN)' by V (뷔) and Park Hyo Shin also secured the ninth position.

Other notable entries include Jimin's 'Slow Dance (feat. Sofia Carson)' at 19th, 'Rebirth (Intro)' at 22nd, and 'Interlude: Showtime' at 28th. Jin's 'Super Tuna,' officially released in October 2022, ranked 23rd, while V's duet 'White Christmas (with V of BTS)' featuring Bing Crosby reached 26th.

According to Spotify's '2024 Wrapped' campaign released in December, BTS was recognized as the Korean artist with the highest global streams last year, amassing an impressive 3.9 billion streams throughout the year. This achievement marks BTS's seventh consecutive year as the most streamed K-pop artist on Spotify since 2018.

BTS Members Dominate Spotify's Global Impact List with Solo Tracks

G-Dragon (지드래곤) of BIGBANG has made his much-anticipated comeback. On February 25, he released his third solo studio album, 'Webermanche' (위버맨쉬), marking his first new music in over eight years since his 2017 mini-album 'Kwon Ji Yong' (권지용). The album has generated significant buzz, but reactions have been mixed. While many fans praised G-Dragon's artistry, some criticized the explicit lyrics found in several tracks.

For instance, the song 'Bona Mana' (보나마나) features provocative lines such as, "Get on top of me and rub it, push me hard, scream girl, love's sonata, hit-and-run chart, only scream girl, dick inside me, may the madman shine, dreaming, all day long, zoom zoom."

In 'Zyro Drop' (자이로드롭), he sings, "You’re riding on my big cloud, in a steel cage, a delicacy, G-nightmare, play with me when the sun sets, quietly comforting myself."

The track 'I Belong to You' (아이빌롱투유) opens with, "One bed, two sleeping places, heart racing, dizzy silhouette, I see through your veil, day and night, what matters is love is never done until the break of dawn."

The title track 'Too Bad' (투 배드) includes lines like, "Just holding hands lightly, a playful touch, is this good?! My MBTI is sexy type, so be my sexy."

Netizens are divided in their opinions, with some defending the artistic expression and arguing that pop lyrics can be even more explicit, while others find the lyrics overly suggestive and cheap. Despite the controversy surrounding the explicit content, G-Dragon continues to thrive. According to Hanteo Chart, 'Webermanche' sold over 600,000 copies within just three hours of its release, a remarkable feat considering no promotional events like fan signings or video calls were utilized.

The album has also dominated music charts, with the title track 'Too Bad' reaching number one on major Korean streaming platforms. As of 7 AM on February 26, it had maintained a top position on Melon for 12 consecutive hours, with all tracks from the album ranking high on real-time charts, showcasing G-Dragon's enduring influence.

Currently, G-Dragon is appearing on MBC's 'Good Day' (굿데이) and is set to kick off his new world tour at Goyang Sports Complex on March 29 and 30.

Kang Ye-won Kicks Off 2025 with Exciting New Projects

What do you think?

Trending

HYBE Partners with Gyeonggi Northern Police to Combat Cyber Crimes

G-Dragon Reunites with '88 Line' Friends at Listening Party

BLACKPINK's Lisa to Perform at the 97th Academy Awards

BTS Members Dominate Spotify's Global Impact List with Solo Tracks

G-Dragon Makes a Triumphant Return with New Album 'Webermanche'

More

Han Ji-eun Discusses Potential Reunion with Hwang Min-hyun for Study Group Season 2

Romantic Tension Builds in '그놈은 흑염룡' as Secrets Unravel

Lee Young-ae Returns to the Stage in 'Hedda Gabler' After 32 Years

IVE Continues Dominance with 'IVE EMPATHY' and 'ATTITUDE'

Actress Ra Mi-ran Shows Support for New Idol Group Kiki

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