Actor Kim Min-seok has officially signed an exclusive contract with Spring Company. On April 3, the agency announced the news, expressing their excitement about collaborating with Kim, who has showcased his unique characters and strong presence in various projects. They stated, 'We are thrilled to work with Kim Min-seok, who has demonstrated his talent and charm in every role. We will provide unwavering support for him to fully utilize his abilities.' 

Kim Min-seok made his debut in the drama 'Shut Up Flower Boy Band' and gained recognition through roles in 'Aftermath' and 'Who Are You - School 2015'. He captured the hearts of audiences with his performances in popular dramas such as 'The Beauty Inside' and 'Descendants of the Sun'. His versatility has been evident in various works, including 'Age of Youth 2', 'Because This Is My First Life', and 'Lovestruck in the City'. 

Recently, he took on a new role in the Netflix original series 'Mr. Plankton', where he portrays the character 'Kari', a seemingly aloof individual who is attentive to those around him. He has also been cast in the sequel to the hit film 'Shark: The Beginning', titled 'Shark: The Storm', which is set to be released in 2025. 

Additionally, Kim Min-seok is confirmed to appear in the tvN drama 'Typhoon Company' as well as in the films 'Noise', 'Tropical Night', and 'Horror Stories 4', signaling a busy schedule ahead.

Kim Min-seok Signs Exclusive Contract with Spring Company

On April 1, global beauty brand Y.O.U BEAUTY GLOBAL announced the termination of its partnership with actor Kim Soo-hyun amid ongoing controversies surrounding his personal life, including grooming allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron. 

Y.O.U BEAUTY had appointed Kim Soo-hyun as a beauty ambassador in 2022, praising him as one of the most successful actors in Korea and expressing confidence that he would inspire others to pursue their dreams with positivity and confidence. However, following recent scandals, the brand released a statement on its official account regarding the partnership. 

The statement emphasized Y.O.U's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and interests of all women, stating, "We encourage women to step forward with newfound confidence and a radiant life, and we do not tolerate any actions that undermine our brand values." 

After careful consideration, Y.O.U BEAUTY decided to end its partnership with Kim Soo-hyun and is taking immediate action to remove all materials related to him from their platforms, stating they will pursue all necessary legal actions if required. The brand has already deleted all photos and posts featuring Kim Soo-hyun from its accounts. 

Meanwhile, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron has made claims through the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae-ron from 2015, when she was a minor, for six years. They have demanded compensation of 700 million KRW for damages related to a drunk driving incident and have sent two legal notices, claiming Kim Soo-hyun was negligent in addressing the situation. They also released alleged intimate photos, videos, letters, and messages exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, demanding an apology and acknowledgment from Kim Soo-hyun's side. 

In response, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference on March 31, tearfully denying the allegations, stating, "We dated for about a year, five years ago, before 'Queen of Tears' aired four years ago. I did not have a relationship with her when she was a minor." He also refuted claims regarding messages exchanged during Kim Sae-ron's minor years, asserting that the individuals in the conversations from 2016 and 2018 were different people. 

Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, attorney Kim Jong-bok from LK Partners, announced that they have filed a defamation lawsuit against the family and the operators of Garosero Research Institute, claiming violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and seeking 12 billion KRW in damages.

'그루밍 의혹' 김수현 눈물 호소에도..해외브랜드 '손절' "가치 침해, 법적조치"

Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

On April 20, at Golfzon, a screen golf company located in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, employees and their children waved goodbye with smiles as they prepared for the weekend. Established in 2017, Golfzon's on-site daycare allows all employees to enroll their children if they wish. As the clock struck 5 PM, the elevators buzzed with employees heading home, and noticeable empty desks filled the office. Every month, the company designates the Friday following payday (the 20th) as a paid day off for all staff, encouraging them to spend quality time with their families. Additionally, Golfzon supports employees with up to 1.5 million KRW annually for golf expenses, leading many to enjoy family golf outings once a month, contributing to the lively atmosphere on Thursday evenings.

Founded in 2000, Golfzon not only develops screen golf programs but also operates numerous screen golf facilities nationwide, employing around 550 staff members. From its inception, the company has believed that work-life balance enhances corporate competitiveness, implementing various family-friendly policies.

One notable benefit is the 'G-Marriage Care' program, which provides financial support for wedding expenses, offering up to 6 million KRW based on age to employees preparing for marriage. Park Young-rae, a 41-year-old employee who married four years ago, expressed, "It gives me peace of mind knowing the company supports us during significant expenses."

Post-marriage, the company continues to focus on work-life balance, offering up to 3 million KRW for infertility treatments. Employees who adopt children receive a 5 million KRW incentive, along with an annual scholarship of 2 million KRW for each adopted child from age one until they graduate high school.

For biological children, the company provides a 'birth congratulatory fund' of 400,000 KRW for the first child, 1.1 million KRW for the second, and 5.1 million KRW for the third. Scholarships of 2 million KRW are awarded annually starting from age five for the first child, age three for the second, and age one for the third. Regardless of adoption status, employees' children receive 7 million KRW annually for college until graduation.

Employees with young children particularly appreciate the on-site daycare, which operates until 8 PM. Golfzon established this daycare in 2017, even though it was not mandated. Kang Shin-wook, a 36-year-old father of a three-year-old, noted, "Private daycare centers usually have early pick-up times, creating pressure to finish work by quitting time. The workplace daycare offers more flexibility, which is a huge help for parenting."

If work obligations delay pick-up, the company cafeteria prepares children's meals and trays, allowing parents to dine with their kids before heading home. The daycare's educational programs, including English lessons taught by native speakers, have received high satisfaction ratings. Many employees have transitioned from private daycare to the workplace facility.

Golfzon also implements a flexible working hours system, allowing employees to arrive between 8 AM and 10 AM and complete their eight-hour workday without prior approval for their start time. Jeon Da-hae, a 37-year-old mother of a four-year-old, shared, "During the cold season when kids often get sick, I can take them to the doctor without worrying about strict reporting as long as I arrive before 10 AM."

The family-friendly culture and various benefits have attracted more experienced applicants, with many new hires reporting increased family time since joining Golfzon. The company also offers free golf lessons for employees and their families, with professional instructors available at the on-site facilities. Choi Min-gun, a 46-year-old father of a fifth-grade son and a second-grade daughter, enjoys golfing with his family. After his son took lessons three years ago, they now travel abroad for golf vacations during school breaks. Choi dreams of having his second child join them on the course, fostering family conversations throughout their rounds.

The company’s support has also led to new family hobbies. Kim Kyung-hwan, a 45-year-old father of two elementary school children, now goes camping five to six times a year, thanks to the company’s camping expense support (up to 80,000 KRW per night for two nights annually). His children have grown to love camping, often going more than the supported days. Kim remarked, "Seeing my kids enjoy grilled meat at the campsite makes all my fatigue disappear. The best part is the welfare system that allows us to spend time together as a family."

Golfzon hosts an annual family invitation event, where not only children but also employees' parents are welcomed for a meal together. Employees noted that when urgent matters arise, colleagues often say, "Go ahead, we’ve got this," and team members celebrate those going on parental leave with gifts. A Golfzon representative stated, "The key to corporate growth lies in organizational culture, and we plan to continue supporting our employees' work-life balance."


입양 장려금 500만원… 고교까지 매년 200만원 장학금도 줘요

Golfzon: A Family-Friendly Workplace Supporting Parenthood

On April 4, actress Jeon So-min shared a photo on her social media story without any accompanying text. The image appears to be a modified version of a picture taken with friends, transformed into a Studio Ghibli style, which has recently become a popular trend on various online communities and social media platforms. 

This trend has gained traction following the release of OpenAI's 'ChatGPT-4o image generation' feature. However, it has also sparked discussions about potential copyright infringement issues related to AI-generated images. While specific art styles are not protected by copyright, there are concerns that the use of certain content during the AI training process could lead to reproduction of copyrighted works. Forbes has criticized this trend, stating that "AI is continuing to devastate all creative fields."

Additionally, Megumi Ishitani, the director of the famous Japanese anime 'One Piece,' expressed her outrage on April 1, stating, "I will never forgive those who tarnish the name of Ghibli. I want to take legal action. I can no longer watch Ghibli animations being treated so cheaply."

Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, previously criticized AI-generated art in a 2016 NHK documentary, calling it "an insult to human life."

Meanwhile, Jeon So-min is currently starring as Oh Ji-song in KBS Joy's 'Today, I Apologize' (오늘도 지송합니다).

전소민, 지브리풍 AI 유행 탑승…저작권 침해 논란에 ‘와글와글’

Jeon So-min Joins the AI Image Trend with Studio Ghibli Style

Ryu Jun-yeol's performance in the Netflix film 'Revelation' has captivated audiences, leading the non-English global film category for two consecutive weeks. The film tells the story of a pastor who believes it is a divine revelation to punish the perpetrator of a missing person case, and a detective haunted by the ghost of the missing person's younger brother, as they each pursue their own beliefs.

In the film, Ryu Jun-yeol portrays the character Seong Min-chan, a pastor who leads a small church and lives a devout life. His world is turned upside down when he receives a divine message to punish the culprit behind a sudden disappearance. Ryu skillfully builds the emotional depth of his character, amplifying the intensity and showcasing a descent into madness that leaves viewers in shock.

Ryu's extraordinary and almost unhinged performance as Seong Min-chan has garnered reactions suggesting that no one else could have played the role as effectively. This acclaim has solidified 'Revelation's' position at the top of the global non-English film charts even in its second week of release, proving its widespread appeal.

Additionally, 'Revelation' recorded a total of 6.9 million views from March 24 to 30, ranking in the top 10 lists across 65 countries, including Japan, France, and Mexico, and drawing significant global interest.

류준열 열연 통했다..'계시록', 2주 연속 글로벌 1위ing [공식]

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Global Netflix Charts for Two Weeks

On April 3, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing regarding Ador's lawsuit against the five members of NewJeans, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract. While NewJeans previously attended a hearing related to Ador's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from signing contracts with other agencies, they did not appear for this session.

Ador maintains that the exclusive contract signed with NewJeans in April 2022 is still valid and expressed a willingness to negotiate or reach a settlement. However, NewJeans asserts that they terminated the contract in November 2023 and stated, "We cannot consider any form of negotiation."

A significant point of contention during the hearing was the differing views on former CEO Min. Ador acknowledged Min's contributions to the group's success but argued that NewJeans could exist without him. They emphasized that as a subsidiary of the leading company HYBE, they could support NewJeans through other producers. They also pointed out that NewJeans successfully completed a recent concert in Hong Kong without Min's assistance, suggesting inconsistencies in NewJeans' claims.

In response, NewJeans expressed distrust towards Ador, citing the complete change in management and a lack of communication regarding alternatives following Min's departure. They stated, "The fundamental trust has been broken, making collaboration impossible."

Ador countered that Min left voluntarily, not as a result of being ousted. They claimed that even after the court deemed the management change legal, they offered Min a chance to continue as a director and producer, which he declined, leading to a breakdown in communication and NewJeans' unilateral declaration of contract termination.

NewJeans announced their contract termination with Ador in November 2023, prompting Ador to file for both a temporary injunction and a formal lawsuit against the members. On March 21, the court granted Ador's request for a temporary injunction, leading NewJeans to announce a halt in their activities.

The next court date is set for June 5, 2025, at 11:10 AM. The judge noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, "There have been instances where contracts were terminated without any settlements, but this is a unique situation. I will consider how to assess the trust relationship."


뉴진스vs어도어, 전속계약 첫 공판 "합의할 상황 아냐"vs"민희진·모순"[SC이슈]

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

On April 3, 2025, G-Dragon's agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced that they are taking a strong stance against the spread of false information and malicious posts targeting the artist on online communities and social media. The agency expressed serious concern over these harmful actions, stating that they will pursue legal action against those responsible. They emphasized that spreading false information, defamation, insults, and invasion of privacy are clear illegal acts that could lead to legal consequences under the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal law.

Galaxy Corporation is currently monitoring online platforms closely and collecting relevant evidence, with plans to utilize fan reports as crucial support for their legal actions. They urged fans to report any malicious posts they encounter.

The agency confirmed that they will thoroughly review any harmful content directed at G-Dragon and will proceed with necessary legal measures without any settlements or leniency regarding the dissemination of false information and defamation. They assured fans of their commitment to protecting the artist's rights through diligent monitoring and ongoing responses.

In related news, G-Dragon recently kicked off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA, presented by Coupang Play' with concerts held on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun), a central figure in the Burning Sun scandal, has reached out to the media to refute rumors about pursuing business opportunities in China. On April 3, he contacted Ilgan Sports, stating, "I want to correct the misinformation. I am not leaving Korea; I currently reside here. My overseas trips are mostly for friends' weddings or personal vacations, and I have no business meetings planned."

Seungri emphasized, "Despite claims that I am still interested in the entertainment or cultural sectors, I have no such plans. My recent meetings with industry contacts were simply casual dinners with former colleagues."

He further clarified, "I am not conceptualizing any other business ventures, and I do not know anyone from a major corporation as has been suggested."

After serving a 1.5-year prison sentence for charges related to prostitution and facilitating prostitution, Seungri was released in February 2023. He shared that since his release, he has not engaged in any economic activities and is primarily spending time with family, living a quiet life.

Reflecting on his continued presence in the news despite his retirement from the entertainment industry, he remarked, "It seems people find it entertaining to criticize me. They even refer to me as 'Defeat' instead of Seungri, as if it's a meme."

Seungri expressed his desire to clarify the false narratives surrounding him, acknowledging that the ongoing discussions may be causing fatigue for many. He sincerely apologized for any distress caused by the noise surrounding his personal life and pledged to act more responsibly to avoid further controversies.

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

Kai of EXO has jumped ahead into summer with the release of his pre-release track 'Adult Swim' on April 3 at 6 PM KST across various music platforms, accompanied by a vibrant music video. This marks the lead-up to his highly anticipated fourth mini-album 'Wait On Me', set to drop on April 21, which will be his first solo comeback since his military discharge.

The new song 'Adult Swim' is an upbeat pop track characterized by a simple yet energetic drum loop. The lyrics metaphorically depict two people fearlessly swimming together, reflecting the deep emotions of falling in love. The overall vibe of the song is both relaxed and cheerful, enhanced by Kai's smooth vocals that evoke the warmth of a summer day.

The lyrics include lines like, "Sway with the waves, back and forth, side to side / Thrillingly / My heart is no different, just awake for a moment / I'm falling deeper / There’s no specific goal / Let’s pick up the pace / Keep pulling me / Together to the deepest place."

The accompanying music video captures the essence of summer, radiating excitement for the upcoming season. Kai's captivating performance, along with a cool and sexy vibe, draws attention.

The choreography features contributions from collaborators who have previously worked well with Kai, including Badari, Jayric, and the Widem Boys' Bata. The performance showcases movements reminiscent of swimming, diving, and waves, with impressive solo and pair dances, as well as large group formations that add to the visual appeal.

After a two-year hiatus since his third mini-album 'Rover' released in March 2023, Kai is set to captivate global fans with a more mature image while retaining his refreshing charm. Fans are eagerly anticipating what new allure he will bring with his upcoming release on April 21.

EXO's Kai Welcomes Summer Early with New Track 'Adult Swim'

Stray Kids has successfully wrapped up their concert in Rio de Janeiro as part of their world tour 'Stray Kids World Tour 'dominATE''. On April 1st (local time), the group held their first-ever solo concert at Estádio Nilton Santos, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 55,000 fans, showcasing their immense popularity in the region.

The concert kicked off with the powerful track 'MOUNTAINS' from their mini-album 'ATE'. The audience was treated to a parade of hit songs infused with the group's unique energy, including '소리꾼', 'Back Door', 'Chk Chk Boom', '神메뉴', '특', and 'MANIAC', all of which received an overwhelming response from fans.

Highlights of the performance included the intense rapping of Han and Felix in 'Truman', the powerful energy of Changbin and I.N in 'Burnin' Tires', the captivating mood of Bang Chan and Hyunjin in 'ESCAPE', and the sweet vocals of Lee Know and Seungmin in 'CINEMA'. The stage also featured a grand and unique rendition of 'GIANT (Korean Ver.)', elevating the atmosphere to new heights.

The setlist, filled with self-composed songs, was complemented by rich band sounds, explosive stage energy, and mesmerizing performances, creating an electrifying experience. A stunning 360-degree fireworks display lit up the night sky, providing unforgettable moments for both Stray Kids and their fandom, STAY. After the concert, the eight members expressed their gratitude, reflecting on their seven-year journey and the joy of connecting with fans. They hope to receive the same warm welcome upon their next meeting.

The 'dominATE' world tour, which is the group's largest to date with 55 performances across 34 regions, will continue in São Paulo on April 5th and 6th, before heading to major stadiums across Latin America, North America, Japan, and Europe until the end of July. Stray Kids is expected to attract a total of 2.2 million fans, setting a new record for the highest attendance in a single K-pop tour.

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

The popular SBS drama 'Good Partner' (굿파트너), which delves into the real-life courtroom experiences of divorce attorneys, is set to return for a second season. On April 3, an SBS representative announced that while the production of 'Good Partner' Season 2 has been confirmed, it is still in the early stages. Details regarding the broadcast schedule, filming timeline, and cast have yet to be finalized, with discussions ongoing to explore various possibilities.

Originally aired from July to September last year, 'Good Partner' follows the journey of star attorney Cha Eun-kyung (장나라) and rookie lawyer Han Yoo-ri (남지현) as they navigate the complexities of divorce cases, showcasing their conflicts and growth. The series tackled the realistic theme of divorce with a sharp yet empathetic narrative, resonating with viewers.

The show's success is reflected in its ratings, achieving a peak nationwide viewership of 17.7% according to Nielsen Korea, securing the top spot in its time slot. Additionally, 장나라 received the Grand Prize at the 2024 SBS Acting Awards, highlighting both the show's artistic merit and popularity.

With the anticipation surrounding the return of 'Good Partner' Season 2, fans are eager to see what new stories will unfold and whether 장나라 and 남지현 will reprise their roles.

Kim Min-seok Signs Exclusive Contract with Spring Company

What do you think?

Trending

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

EXO's Kai Welcomes Summer Early with New Track 'Adult Swim'

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

SBS Drama 'Good Partner' Confirms Season 2 Production

More

Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

Golfzon: A Family-Friendly Workplace Supporting Parenthood

Jeon So-min Joins the AI Image Trend with Studio Ghibli Style

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Global Netflix Charts for Two Weeks

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

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