On the January 7 episode of SBS's entertainment show 'Dolsing Po Man' (돌싱포맨), actress Kim Ji-hoo shared the captivating love story of her relationship with husband Kim Ho-jin. During the show, she reflected on a pivotal moment in her life that transformed her career, recalling how her iconic short haircut in the 1990s sparked a 'bob cut syndrome' at a time when long hair was the norm. 

When asked about her first encounter with Kim Ho-jin, she revealed that they initially disliked each other, to the point where she would suggest leaving when he arrived on set. However, the atmosphere among the drama team was lively, and during a night out, she confronted him about his feelings towards her. This boldness was perceived as cute by Kim Ho-jin, leading to a change in their dynamic. 

Kim Ji-hoo clarified that Kim Ho-jin never truly disliked her, and after they opened up to each other, they quickly became friends. Their relationship took a romantic turn when they met again at a rock café, where she initiated their first kiss. This marked the beginning of their love story, which eventually led to their marriage, leaving viewers in awe of their 'drama-like' romance.

Kim Ji-hoo Reveals Love Story with Husband Kim Ho-jin on 'Dolsing Po Man'

In a recent episode of MBC's 'Live Today Morning', it was reported that certain scenes featuring TOP (real name Choi Seung-hyun) from Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 2 were censored with mosaics. The show discussed the impressive global rankings achieved by 'Squid Game' Season 2 on Netflix, but also highlighted the controversies surrounding it in South Korea.

The program noted that the casting of TOP, who has a prior drug conviction, has sparked debates regarding his acting abilities. Clips from 'Squid Game' Season 2 showcased various actors, including Lee Jung-jae, Im Si-wan, and Park Sung-hoon. However, TOP, who plays the role of Thanos, a rapper and runner-up from a hip-hop survival show, was blurred out.

The censorship appears to stem from TOP's classification as a drug offender in South Korea. In 2017, he was charged with marijuana use and received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Following this incident, he left BIGBANG and ceased his entertainment activities.

Currently, broadcasting companies make case-by-case decisions regarding the participation of celebrities who have been convicted of drug-related offenses. Although TOP is not officially listed as banned from KBS, MBC, or SBS, his past controversies have led to his scenes being censored. He is, however, currently banned from appearing on EBS.

In response to the ongoing discussions about this issue, director Hwang Dong-hyuk of 'Squid Game' Season 2 expressed in a recent interview that he was unaware of the extent of the backlash, noting that in some countries, marijuana is legal, which he believed would mitigate such problems.

‘오겜2′ 탑, 공중파 방송서 모자이크 처리...무슨 일?

TOP's Scenes in 'Squid Game' Season 2 Censored on Broadcast TV

Rumors of an engagement between Tom Holland and Zendaya have surfaced following the sighting of a diamond ring. According to TMZ, Holland proposed to Zendaya during a family gathering at her home in the U.S. between Christmas and New Year’s last year. Zendaya's family reportedly has a very positive view of Holland. 

The engagement speculation gained traction after a diamond ring was spotted on Zendaya's left ring finger at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards held on January 5 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. 

The couple first met while filming 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017) in 2016 and have since appeared together in 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' (2019) and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' (2021), developing both a professional and romantic relationship. 

Since publicly dating in 2021, Holland and Zendaya are set to star together in the fourth 'Spider-Man' film and Christopher Nolan's 'Odyssey', both scheduled for release in 2026. 

A source told People, "Everyone close to them knew they would get engaged, but the timing was a surprise. Tom has wanted to propose to Zendaya. They are both busy but enjoying the moment and not rushing into wedding plans."

이게 얼마야? 젠다야 약지에 다이아 포착..♥톰홀랜드와 결혼 임박 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Tom Holland and Zendaya Spark Engagement Rumors with Diamond Ring

The girl group Baby Monster is making waves in the music scene with their exceptional talent, successfully capturing the hearts of global fans. Their title track 'DRIP' from their first studio album has recently soared to impressive heights on various music charts. As of January 8, 2025, YG Entertainment reported that 'DRIP' reached 10th place on Melon's HOT100 and 26th on the TOP100. Additionally, it secured the 8th spot on Bugs and continues to break its own records on major domestic music platforms like Genie, Flo, and Vibe.

The group's remarkable live performance skills and stage presence are believed to be key factors in their rising music rankings. Recently, they showcased 'DRIP' during the '2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon' (가요대전), receiving widespread acclaim from music fans both domestically and internationally with their signature handheld microphone live performance.

The performance video uploaded on SBS's official YouTube channel on December 25, 2024, has already surpassed 5 million views, marking the second-highest view count for a rookie group, following YG's senior girl group 2NE1. This achievement highlights their significant impact despite being newcomers to the year-end stage.

Moreover, their one-take live performance on Japan's YouTube channel 'THE FIRST TAKE' has also gained traction, surpassing 5 million views within two weeks of its release. The high-quality live rendition has been met with praise, and the video continues to rank among the top trending videos. With their appearances on various platforms, Baby Monster has consistently garnered millions of views, indicating their growing influence and potential for expansion in the future.

Baby Monster is set to kick off their first world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR IN SEOUL,' on January 25 and 26 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, before heading to the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok to connect with fans worldwide.

베이비몬스터, 음원 차트 역주행 파워..멈춤 없는 상승세

Baby Monster Captivates Global Fans with 'DRIP' Success

Shaoting of the girl group Kep1er is currently in discussions regarding her future activities following the expiration of her contract with her Chinese agency. After returning to South Korea, she is negotiating with Wake One and Clap Entertainment about her upcoming involvement with Kep1er. The group's future plans will be finalized after these discussions.

Shaoting debuted in 2021 after finishing ninth in the Mnet audition program Girls Planet 999: Girls Battle. Initially, Kep1er was formed as a project group with a planned activity period of 2 years and 6 months. However, in November of last year, seven members, excluding Kang Yeseo and Mashiro, successfully re-signed, marking the first re-contracting for a project group.

Kep1er made a comeback with their sixth mini-album TIPI-TAP, achieving notable success, including reaching 147th on the Billboard 200 chart. However, Shaoting was unable to participate in the group's December schedule as she was engaged in individual activities in China.

With her contract with Top Class Entertainment expiring on January 1, Shaoting expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the agency and everyone who supported her throughout her journey. She also reflected on her personal growth and looked forward to the new year, stating, "I am excited about the journey of discovering myself and looking at the world."

As fans are curious about her next steps following the end of her contract, it has been confirmed that Shaoting is currently discussing her future activities with Kep1er after returning to Korea.

Meanwhile, Kep1er is set to perform at the 2024 Super Sound Festival in Macau on January 18 and will hold the 2025 Kep1er FAN CON TOUR BEYOND THE STAR in SEOUL on February 15 and 16 at the Sungshin Women's University Unjeong Green Campus Auditorium.

[단독] 케플러 샤오팅, 中 소속사 계약 만료..국내 복귀 "향후 활동 논의 중"

Kep1er's Shaoting Discusses Future Activities After Contract Expiration with Chinese Agency

The Netflix series Squid Game (오징어 게임) Season 2 has achieved a remarkable milestone, amassing 126.2 million views just 11 days after its release. This impressive figure, calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the show's runtime, has allowed it to maintain the top spot in the global Netflix Top 10 for the second consecutive week.

Squid Game Season 2 continues the gripping narrative of Gi-hun (이정재), who returns to the deadly games seeking revenge, and his intense rivalry with the Frontman (이병헌). According to Netflix Tudum, from December 30 to January 5, the series recorded 58.2 million views, securing the number one position in both English and non-English categories across 93 countries.

After debuting as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history, Squid Game Season 2 has now climbed to second place with its 126.2 million views. This achievement further solidifies the show's status as a global phenomenon, with both Seasons 1 and 2 ranking among Netflix's all-time most popular non-English series. Additionally, Season 1 has made a resurgence, now sitting at second place in the global Top 10 non-English series, reflecting the ongoing enthusiasm from viewers worldwide.

Fans of the series are buzzing with theories and interpretations regarding the next installment, Squid Game Season 3, which is set to premiere in 2025.

The games featured in Season 2 have sparked a worldwide craze, particularly the shocking transformation of childhood games into deadly competitions. Viewers have expressed their reactions on platforms like YouTube, commenting on the juxtaposition of cheerful children's songs with the grim nature of the games, highlighting the chilling contrast between innocence and danger.

As anticipation builds for the next season, the impact of Squid Game continues to resonate globally, captivating audiences with its unique storytelling and intense drama.

'오징어게임2' 넷플릭스 글로벌 톱10 2주째 1위..11일만에 새 기록 썼다

Squid Game Season 2 Breaks Records on Netflix

In the latest episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), aired on January 8, 2025, renowned actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, highlighting her exceptional character. Upon seeing Song Hye-kyo, host Jo Se-ho expressed his astonishment, while she too was intrigued to meet him in person for the first time. Jo Se-ho remarked, 'I have only seen you on TV,' to which Song Hye-kyo responded, 'I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity. Congratulations on your marriage, even if it's a bit late.' 

During their pre-shoot meeting, Song Hye-kyo surprised Jo Se-ho with a wedding gift, demonstrating her thoughtfulness. Jo Se-ho promised to reciprocate her kindness, stating, 'I’m not someone who forgets gifts.' 

Additionally, Song Hye-kyo prepared gifts for the production staff, showcasing her generous spirit. She expressed, 'I feel like I must repay the love I have received,' leaving everyone in admiration.

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career with the release of their new digital single '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' (Today Only I LOVE YOU) on January 6 at 6 PM. The track debuted at number 38 on the Melon daily chart on January 7, marking the group's highest achievement to date. After entering the daily chart at number 45, the song has climbed in rankings, reaching number 4 on Melon's 'Top 100', number 10 on Bugs, and number 22 on Genie, showcasing their impressive growth.

Additionally, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' entered the Korean Spotify 'Daily Top Songs' chart at number 27 on January 6 and secured the 10th position on the Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' chart in Korea on January 8, making it the highest-ranking K-pop boy group song on that day.

The single is also gaining traction in the global market, having reached number 1 on Japan's LINE MUSIC 'Top 100' chart on January 7, maintaining its position until 7 AM, and reclaiming the top spot again on January 8. Furthermore, it debuted at number 3 on QQ Music's rising chart in China, making BOYNEXTDOOR the only K-pop group in the 'Top 3' of that chart.

Musically, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' is a dance track that presents a unique perspective on post-breakup experiences, blending self-deprecating lyrics with an upbeat band sound to create a relatable breakup anthem. BOYNEXTDOOR is set to showcase their new song on music shows over the coming week.

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

In the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's Squid Game (오징어 게임), Won Ji-an has captured the hearts of global audiences with her portrayal of the character Se-mi. The series continues the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), as Gi-hun returns to the deadly games seeking revenge. Within just four days of its release, the show amassed an impressive 68 million views, securing the top spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 and ranking as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history based on its opening week viewership.

Won Ji-an's striking transformation into Se-mi, characterized by her short haircut, bold piercings, and choker accessories, has drawn significant attention from viewers. This dramatic shift from her previous roles has surprised many, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Her visual transformation complements Se-mi's strong and charismatic personality, as she navigates the challenges of the game while being kind to the vulnerable Min-su (played by Lee David). Their dynamic, particularly Se-mi's protective nature towards the timid Min-su, has resonated with fans, leading to a mix of admiration and humor, with some viewers jokingly expressing their dislike for Min-su due to the unfolding tragic narrative.

Won Ji-an has previously demonstrated her acting prowess in acclaimed series such as D.P. and Youth of May (소년비행), establishing herself as a talented actress. With her captivating performance in Squid Game Season 2, she has garnered attention not only in South Korea but also internationally.

Looking ahead, Won Ji-an is set to continue her busy schedule with upcoming roles in Disney+'s original series Polaris and Made in Korea, further solidifying her rising star status in the entertainment industry.

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

In the latest episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, captivating viewers with her unique storytelling. Celebrating her 28th year in the entertainment industry, she revealed that it has been 23 years since her last variety show appearance.

Song Hye-kyo shared her journey, starting from her teenage years when she debuted after winning a school uniform contest. At just 20, she gained widespread recognition for her role in Autumn in My Heart (가을동화), marking a significant transformation in her public image. Following this, she starred in hit dramas like All In (올인), Hotelier (호텔리어), and Full House (풀하우스), becoming a ratings queen in her twenties. Reflecting on that time, she noted, "I never felt anxious about whether my projects would succeed. I had a lot of fun and sometimes found it annoying to have to work instead of hanging out with friends. I often thought about what I would do for fun after work."

She also expressed some regrets about her career choices, saying, "I missed out on roles because I thought I should switch to serious characters after playing a comedic one. I wish I had taken on more diverse roles. I sometimes wonder why I was so selective when I was still developing as an actress."

Known for her strong connections and charm, Song Hye-kyo commented on how others perceive her humor, stating, "People think I’m funny, but I just respond to situations as they come. I don’t see myself as particularly humorous."

In a light-hearted moment, fellow guest Jo Se-ho mentioned that Shin Hyun-ji had reached out to him, saying that Song Hye-kyo was incredibly entertaining and addictive to watch. Song Hye-kyo humorously admitted, "I’m not entirely devoid of a desire to be funny."

Despite her long career, Song Hye-kyo has faced her share of challenges, including numerous rumors. She explained, "Starting so young in this industry, I’ve dealt with many rumors. I’ve learned to let them go, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. During interviews, I often say, 'I don’t know where these stories come from; ask the person who made them up.'"

As she enters her forties, she feels a shift in her approach to acting, stating, "I’ve started preparing myself more. The differences between me and younger actors are becoming more apparent. I realize I need to focus on my acting skills now; I can’t rely on my looks anymore."

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

On January 8, 2025, the YouTube channel 'Naraesik' released a new video titled 'Lee Jun-hyuk X Nucksal | My Perfect Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal Secretary | Scary Stories from the New Year, Lee Jun-hyuk's Songs, Never-ending Board Games'. In this episode, Park Na-rae, who turned 40 this year, greeted the new year by gifting ten types of pizza, including 'waist pizza', 'chest pizza', 'shoulder pizza', 'leg pizza', 'wrinkle pizza', 'poor pizza', and 'laugh pizza'. She also prepared a menu of pizza and side dishes, showcasing kimchi cheese fries inspired by a famous taco restaurant in Itaewon.

Guests Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal joined the show, with Lee introducing himself humorously as someone responding to a rude late-night call from Kim Jae-wook. Park Na-rae explained the show's 'multi-level marketing' system, mentioning that Lee Si-eon had been promoted to diamond status while Kim Jae-wook was a ruby member. Lee Jun-hyuk revealed that he missed a call from Kim Jae-wook, who was intoxicated at the time, expressing sympathy for him.

While making pizza, Lee Jun-hyuk shared his love for fast food but noted the challenges of needing to lose weight for roles. He recalled needing to gain weight for 'The Outlaws 3'. Nucksal humorously admitted to never having been this heavy, stating he was 50 kg in his twenties but gained weight after quitting smoking post-marriage, adding, 'I’m so happy to be married' in a deadpan manner, which elicited laughter.

Lee Jun-hyuk commented on a photo of Park Na-rae's bulked-up physique on the wall, saying it was his preferred style. Park Na-rae shared her trainer's advice on achieving a slim waist by building up her back, aiming for a Brock Lesnar-like physique. Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his admiration for Brock Lesnar and flirtatiously remarked that Park Na-rae looked like a fairy in real life, suggesting that her on-screen persona was exaggerated.

Discussing his upcoming drama 'My Perfect Secretary', Lee Jun-hyuk mentioned that this is his first true romance project, stating, 'I’m like a character from a comic strip. In 'You Forgot Poetry', it was a sitcom, but this is my first time with a proper romance. I even get to kiss Han Ji-min.'

He also expressed his aspirations in variety shows, saying he respects entertainers for their energy and humor. He wants to engage in witty banter and feels the need to develop a character for variety shows, likening it to performing without a script in theater. Park Na-rae initiated a two-line poem challenge to help him practice, and Lee successfully created a poem about 'beer', earning applause.

When the topic of scary stories arose, Lee Jun-hyuk recounted his childhood experiences with ghosts, including a chilling encounter at his grandmother's house and another incident during elementary school that left him feeling uneasy. 

In conclusion, Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his desire to work hard on 'My Perfect Secretary' and earn some well-deserved rest, emphasizing the importance of diligence in the current entertainment industry, where one project does not guarantee success. He looks forward to meeting fans in the new year with exciting new roles to explore.

Kim Ji-hoo Reveals Love Story with Husband Kim Ho-jin on 'Dolsing Po Man'

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Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Lee Jun-hyuk Teases Romantic Chemistry with Han Ji-min in 'My Perfect Secretary'

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TOP's Scenes in 'Squid Game' Season 2 Censored on Broadcast TV

Tom Holland and Zendaya Spark Engagement Rumors with Diamond Ring

Baby Monster Captivates Global Fans with 'DRIP' Success

Kep1er's Shaoting Discusses Future Activities After Contract Expiration with Chinese Agency

Squid Game Season 2 Breaks Records on Netflix

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