On the January 19 episode of KBS2's 1 Night 2 Days (1박 2일) Season 4, broadcaster Kim Jong-min was seen preparing for his wedding in a humorous segment. The six cast members were engaged in a photoshoot for the 2025 calendar, with the losing team donning hiking gear for a mountain trek. They filmed at the renowned Gamak Mountain in Gyeonggi Province. The losing team, dubbed the 'Yeraengnara' team, embraced a hiking club theme for their shoot.

As the members made their way to a suspension bridge, Kim Jong-min lagged behind, as usual. His fellow cast members, Moon Se-yoon and Yoo Seon-ho, playfully shook the bridge, prompting Kim Jong-min to exclaim, "I’m going to fall! Seriously, stop it. I’m going home!" showing his nervousness.

In a light-hearted moment, Moon Se-yoon encouraged him, saying, "Think of it as the virgin road. Here comes the groom!" This playful banter led Kim Jong-min to bravely step forward, despite his screams, as he remarked, "I wonder if a day like this will come for me too someday," eliciting laughter from the group.

In related news, Kim Jong-min is set to marry his 11-year-younger partner on April 20, with comedian Yoo Jae-suk officiating the ceremony, marking a new chapter in his life.

Kim Jong-min Practices for His Upcoming Wedding

'Universe League' is gearing up for an exciting finale as the global boy group audition program prepares to announce its finalists. Scheduled to air today (January 18) at 6 PM on SBS, the final contestants will be determined through a combination of fan votes and the directors' selections. Out of the 34 contestants who survived the league rounds, only 21 will advance to the final stage. Nine of these finalists will be chosen based on their rankings in global fan voting, while the remaining 12 will be selected by the directors. The selection process is expected to bring surprises, as contestants ranked outside the top 21, such as those in 22nd, 25th, and 30th places, may still have a chance to perform in the finale. Additionally, directors have the freedom to select contestants from any team, leading to unexpected choices that could leave fans and participants astonished. For instance, Team Beat's Kim Jin-ho expressed his shock when a name from another team was called, exclaiming, 'Wow, I didn't see this coming.' Some contestants who did not make the fan-voted list were moved to tears upon hearing their names called by the directors. One participant, who has previous survival show experience, reportedly said, 'This is my last chance,' after securing a spot in the final. Ultimately, 21 finalists will be confirmed, with each team contributing seven members, as they prepare for fierce competition in hopes of debuting.

"저의 마지막 도전"'유니버스 리그', 파이널 진출 확정에 눈물

Exciting Twists Ahead of 'Universe League' Final

Doh Dae-yoon, a member of the duo Two Months, made his return to the spotlight by participating in the 1:1 booth auditions of ENA's 'Undercover', which aired on January 19, 2025. During the pre-meeting, he expressed his nervousness, stating, "I still find it a bit difficult to speak in front of the camera. I was only 19 when I appeared on (Superstar K)." 

He reminisced about his past success, saying, "When I go to the market, I still hear 'Fox' by Two Months playing, and we even reached number one on the charts. It’s hard to believe I had those experiences." 

However, Doh faced challenges, including a club incident and Twitter controversies, which led to mental health struggles and a stay in a psychiatric hospital. He reflected, "I was visiting the hospital frequently and was on medication. Going to the U.S. was probably the best choice I made." 

After 15 years away from the stage, he was asked by Jung Jae-hyung if he was participating to start anew. Doh replied, "It’s been 15 years since I joined a competition program. I’m ready to face the possibility of being disliked again and to create great music." 

He delivered a heartfelt performance of Jang Cheol-woong's 'Seoul, This Place' and expressed his gratitude for being able to perform again, saying, "I was very moved. It felt like time was passing. I’m thankful to be here and to have made it through." 

After successfully passing the audition, he shared, "I’ve been evaluated as part of Two Months, but it feels strange to pass on my own. I was more focused on doing well on this stage than on wanting to pass, but now I feel a bit greedy for the second round."

'정신병원行' 투개월 도대윤, 15년만 무대 섰다 "다시 미움 받을 용기" (언더커버)

Doh Dae-yoon from Two Months Returns to Audition on ENA's 'Undercover'

On January 19, 2025, actress Ku Hye-sun addressed the recent controversy surrounding her attitude towards wearing hats and shared insights into her artistic endeavors and IQ test results. She explained, "The reason I took the IQ test for fun is that it primarily consists of patterns, and I have a keen interest in pattern research." She added, "All of my artwork is pattern-based. Art and science are interconnected. I will also share my recent work with 'Mr. Y' and my pattern paintings." 

Ku Hye-sun, who graduated from Sungkyunkwan University and later enrolled at KAIST, sparked curiosity about her academic choices, which she believes link art and science. Notably, her IQ test results revealed an impressive score of 167, qualifying her for Mensa, placing her in the top 0.26% percentile. She noted, "The test is paid." 

Recently, after appearing on MBC's 'Radio Star,' Ku Hye-sun found herself at the center of a debate regarding her attitude. She stated, "The choice to accept various opinions about me, whether they are positive or negative, is mine alone. In that sense, I consider myself 'free.' I sincerely appreciate the encouragement, advice, and guidance from those who offer it. I understand that my way of life may not be sufficient for others, and I know I must live as myself. Therefore, I welcome any absurd debates that may arise in the future and look forward to them."

'태도 논란' 구혜선, 모자 기싸움 일단락…아이큐 167 '상위 0.2%' 자랑

K-Drama Star Ku Hye-sun Addresses Controversy and Shares Insights on Her Artistic Journey

Actress Kim Min-hee is reportedly six months pregnant with director Hong Sang-soo's child, as confirmed by recent sightings shared with OSEN. On January 18, it was noted that the couple affectionately calls each other '여보' (yeobo), a term of endearment, even in public settings. Witnesses have spotted them shopping together at a supermarket in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim Min-hee was seen asking Hong Sang-soo, '여보, 이건 어때요?' (Yeobo, how about this?). Their interaction was described as casual, mixing informal and formal speech comfortably.

The couple appeared relaxed while selecting items and checking out, resembling any typical couple grocery shopping. However, they seemed to be mindful of their surroundings, walking slightly apart and avoiding typical displays of affection like holding hands or linking arms. Despite this, they completed their shopping quietly, with Hong Sang-soo reportedly not speaking much during their outing.

Another sighting at a café revealed that Kim Min-hee was dressed in a loose-fitting coat, indicating a change in her style since her pregnancy began. Although she is six months along, her baby bump was not very pronounced, leading some to overlook her pregnancy.

On January 17, Dispatch reported that Kim Min-hee is indeed pregnant, having conceived naturally and is due to give birth this spring. The couple has been seen together at a gynecologist's office, with Hong Sang-soo accompanying her for all appointments. Photos released show Kim Min-hee covering her belly with her coat.

This news marks a significant development in Hong Sang-soo's personal life, as he now has a child with Kim Min-hee in addition to his daughter from his marriage. Interestingly, Hong Sang-soo's wife claimed she was unaware of Kim Min-hee's pregnancy.

Kim Min-hee and Hong Sang-soo's relationship began in 2015 during the filming of 'Right Now, Wrong Then.' While Hong Sang-soo has initiated divorce proceedings from his wife after 30 years of marriage, she has shown resistance to the divorce, refusing to accept any court documents. The couple's divorce case has been ongoing for over two years, with the court dismissing Hong Sang-soo's divorce request in June 2019, citing his primary responsibility for the marriage's breakdown.

Despite the ongoing legal issues, Kim Min-hee and Hong Sang-soo have maintained their relationship, which has now taken a new turn with the announcement of their impending child, shocking both the film industry and the public.

[단독] "김민희♥홍상수 애칭은 여보..펑퍼짐한 옷 입어"..임신 후 목격담 (종합)

Kim Min-hee and Hong Sang-soo Expecting a Child: Recent Sightings Reveal Their Affectionate Relationship

On the January 18 episode of MBC's variety show, Jeon Ji-gyeong's Perspective (전지적 참견 시점), anchor Kim Soo-ji shared insights into her demanding work schedule as the current host of MBC's News Desk. She revealed, "Recently, I've been in almost a state of emergency work. There were times I stayed at the office until late at night after the News Desk ended, just in case something unexpected happened."

In response, fellow host Jeon Hyun-moo humorously remarked, "It must have been a 24-hour emergency work system," recalling how he observed his seniors handling similar situations.

Yang Se-hyung inquired about Kim's journey to becoming MBC's leading anchor, to which she reflected, "I prepared to be an announcer for about 5 to 6 years and took countless exams." She noted, "If we count all the applications, it must have been over 100 times," which surprised the audience, although Jeon Hyun-moo calmly acknowledged, "That's about the norm."

Kim shared that she began to receive signs of success as she progressed through the interview stages, stating, "Once you reach the final interviews, you can't give up anymore." Jeon Hyun-moo empathized, saying, "Even if you apply to 100 places, the finalists are often the same. You think, 'I lost to that person,' and it motivates you to try again."

In addition to her anchoring role, Kim Soo-ji is also recognized for her work as a lyricist and writer. She is currently credited as a lyricist for popular idol groups like Red Velvet, NMIXX, and NCT DREAM, and she once sold 2,400 copies of a romance novel during her middle school years.

Jeon Hyun-moo commented on MBC's flexibility regarding external activities, noting Kim's dream of retiring from her position. He playfully suggested that she might have ambitions of becoming a freelancer, referencing fellow anchor Kim Dae-ho.

Towards the end of the broadcast, Kim shared a charming story about how she fell in love with her husband at first sight during a performance where she was an audience member. She recounted, "I found him on social media and liked his post, which prompted him to reach out to me with a 'Hello.' Later, he sent a message to my radio show saying he had someone on his mind, and I realized it was me," sparking excitement among viewers.

'MBC 앵커' 김수지, 보도국 일상 공개 "시국 따라 24시간 비상 근무 체제" ('전참시')

MBC Anchor Kim Soo-ji Discusses Her Busy Work Life and Personal Journey

Actor Robert Pattinson has made his first trip to South Korea, arriving at Incheon International Airport on January 19, 2025. The visit is part of the promotional activities for Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film, 'Mickey 17'. Sporting sunglasses and a casual outfit, Pattinson drew attention as he greeted numerous fans at the airport. He warmly interacted with them, offering autographs and handshakes, showcasing his appreciation for their support.

Despite a busy filming schedule for his next project, Pattinson expressed a strong desire to visit South Korea, the home country of director Bong Joon-ho. His arrival marks the beginning of global promotional efforts for 'Mickey 17'. On January 20, he will participate in a footage screening of the film, followed by a press conference with Korean media, where he will discuss various aspects of 'Mickey 17' and engage with fans during a stage greeting.

'Mickey 17' is Bong Joon-ho's first directorial project since the acclaimed 'Parasite'. The film follows a disposable character named Mickey, who is sent on dangerous missions and is printed anew each time he dies. The story unfolds as Mickey faces his 17th death, leading to the unexpected emergence of Mickey 18. Pattinson plays two contrasting versions of Mickey, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Originally, 'Mickey 17' began production in the summer of 2022, with a release date set for March 29, 2023. However, Warner Bros. shifted the release of 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' to that date, resulting in 'Mickey 17' being rescheduled for a Korean release on January 28, 2025, and a global release on January 31, 2025. Following further adjustments, the North American release has been moved up to March 7, 2025, with a worldwide premiere in South Korea on February 28, 2025.

Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), Lee Min-ho's character, Gong-ryong, successfully creates an embryo in secret from Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin. Earlier, Kang Kang-soo (played by Oh Jung-se) had informed Choi Jae-ryong (Kim Eung-soo) about the successful embryo fertilization, but Eve Kim caught wind of it. Kang Kang-soo lied, claiming he had obtained the eggs from a frozen egg center for experimental purposes, but Eve Kim declared, 'I will dispose of it immediately and report it to the MCC.' 

Gong-ryong argued, 'That is a life. From the moment the sperm and egg meet, it is life. Morula is a person. It is already a created life form.' However, Eve Kim countered, 'Even if it is a life, no one knows how its cell division will proceed. How can we predict if it will become a tumor? It is exposed to unpredictable risks. It must be discarded. There is no buffer like a mother's womb.' 

Gong-ryong insisted that facing such risks is part of the life’s destiny, stating, 'We should not decide this.' Yet, Eve Kim maintained, 'Obsession has violated the ethics of the universe. This morula will soon become a blastocyst, and an unverified blastocyst can never enter Earth,' before disposing of it in a shredder. 

Furious, Gong-ryong exclaimed, 'You murderer! I regret ever feeling excited and thrilled about you. I should have just let it die. I will never save you again. I didn’t know you were this heartless. My question about whether I could like you is canceled.' He further expressed his disillusionment, saying, 'I believed the universe was like a womb, but it turns out it’s a grave. Is it a place to return to after death, not where we are born?' 

Meanwhile, Gong-ryong decided to create an embryo without Eve Kim's knowledge, enlisting the help of Lee Seung-jun (Heo Nam-jun), Santi (Alex Haffner), and Mina Lee (Lee Cho-hee). After two failed attempts, they began their final challenge, but Eve Kim started searching for Gong-ryong, putting them at risk of being discovered. Fortunately, thanks to Mina Lee, they managed to avoid the crisis and worked together to create the last embryo. Gong-ryong successfully inserted the sperm into the center of the egg, declaring, 'I will definitely save you.' Mina Lee was impressed, saying, 'You are really amazing,' to which Gong-ryong replied, 'Now it’s up to you. Hang in there.' 

After the embryo's success, Gong-ryong sought out Eve Kim. When the combination of the lab mice he recommended worked, a thrilled Eve Kim asked, 'Shall we have sex now?' leaving Gong-ryong stunned. Once again captivated by her, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

Lee Min-ho's Character Faces Off Against Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

In a recent episode of SBS's variety show My Little Old Boy (미운우리새끼), Lee Sang-min shared his ongoing battle with panic disorder. During the broadcast on January 19, 2025, he expressed his concerns, stating, "I need to sleep well tonight," revealing that his condition often disrupts his sleep. He mentioned, "I find it more comfortable at home or in the car due to my panic disorder," and noted that while medication helps, he is currently trying to reduce his reliance on it after over a decade of use due to high dependency. His close friends, Shin Dong-yup and Seo Jang-hoon, acknowledged his struggles, saying, "He has suffered from panic disorder for more than ten years." 

The episode depicted Lee visiting a mental health clinic, where he shared his efforts to minimize his use of sleeping pills. He recounted that his panic disorder began after a breakup in late 2013, compounded by financial pressures from wage garnishments that led to increased anxiety. Initially starting with two pills, he now finds himself taking eight to ten pills before bed. Lee explained, "I drink two cups of coffee before going on air because the medication makes me drowsy," which in turn exacerbates his condition, leading him to take more medication. He expressed a desire to venture outside without relying on medication, to which the hosts remarked, "Panic is a warning alarm system for danger," as they discussed the various aspects of his mental health challenges.

Lee Sang-min Opens Up About His Struggles with Panic Disorder on 'My Little Old Boy'

In the latest episode of SBS's Running Man, which aired on January 19, 2025, Jeon So-min's jealousy took center stage, bringing plenty of laughs. After a 14-month hiatus, Jeon made her much-anticipated return, with the cast welcoming her back enthusiastically, exclaiming, "The lost So-min has returned!"

Upon seeing the new cast member, Ji Ye-eun, Jeon expressed her excitement, saying, "I wanted to meet Ji Ye-eun because I'm a fan of SNL," showcasing her admiration. However, she humorously noted, "But she seems to have low stamina," to which Ji Ye-eun agreed, eliciting laughter from the group. Fellow member Choi Daniel chimed in with a surprise compliment, stating, "But Ji Ye-eun is really tall!"

As the games commenced, Jeon So-min began to warm up, prompting the others to joke, "So-min is warming up, but there's still some leftover energy!" When she remarked, "I haven't used my brain in a while," the members playfully retorted, "When did you ever use it?" This banter continued as they faced a quiz challenge, with Haha expressing his hopes for Ji Ye-eun to showcase Jeon So-min's skills, only for Jeon to impress everyone by answering questions correctly.

In a surprising twist, Yang Se-chan declared, "I want to team up with Ji Ye-eun," which visibly upset Jeon So-min. Yang then teased her, saying, "You should be jealous!" and asked, "Why are you jealous?" Jeon playfully responded, "I saw on the show that you treat Ye-eun really well. Do you really like her that much?" This sparked a humorous skit that had everyone laughing.

Later, Jeon So-min and Ji Ye-eun teamed up. Ji Ye-eun, reflecting on her own stamina issues, apologized to Jeon, who humorously took on a mentor role, asking, "Why are you so weak?" Ji Ye-eun then declared, "I won't fill up on tasteless food; I'd rather starve!" She successfully charmed Yang Se-chan into giving her food with her acting skills. Jeon So-min, feeling left out, exclaimed, "Why is only Ye-eun getting food?" to which Haha quipped, "It's because I only love Ye-eun!" Jeon then shouted, "Do you love her? Do you really love this girl?" adding to the comedic atmosphere.

Jealousy Sparks Laughter on Running Man as Jeon So-min Returns

On January 19, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol, pro-Yoon supporters gathered in front of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, holding an unauthorized rally and chanting slogans. The police announced plans to significantly enhance security at the Constitutional Court, as well as at other judicial and correctional facilities, due to concerns that the recent disturbances at the Western District Court were not isolated incidents. A police official stated, "If there are attempts to disrupt the impeachment trial and related proceedings with violence, we will respond strictly according to the law." 

Around 1,300 protesters gathered near the Constitutional Court, displaying signs that read "Invalidate the Impeachment, Arrest Lee Jae-myung" and "Verify Election Fraud," while chanting for President Yoon's immediate release. The gathering was deemed illegal, and police warned that participants could face penalties. 

During the protests, one man was apprehended for trespassing after climbing the court's wall, and another was caught with a crowbar, suspected of carrying a concealed weapon. Earlier in the day, approximately 1,500 people clashed with police outside the Western District Court in Mapo-gu, with some holding photos of Chief Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who issued the arrest warrant for President Yoon. One man was arrested for obstructing police duties during the scuffle. 

A document titled "Declaration of the 1.19 Democratic Uprising" circulated rapidly on social media, authored by a group identifying themselves as "Citizens of Free Republic of Korea." They claimed that the judiciary and constitutional institutions could no longer represent the people after the arrest of the sitting president and declared the start of the "1.19 Democratic Uprising" to eradicate what they termed as treasonous forces. 

The police expressed concern that such declarations signify a direct challenge to state authority, raising the possibility of further disturbances similar to those at the Western District Court. In response, the National Police Agency convened an emergency meeting to reinforce security measures at key public institutions and prepare for a strict response to any future illegal gatherings. The Southern Gyeonggi Police Agency has deployed additional riot police units to the Seoul Detention Center, where President Yoon is held, and plans to double the personnel starting January 20.

Kim Jong-min Practices for His Upcoming Wedding

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Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

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Police Increase Security Amid Protests Related to President Yoon's Impeachment

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