Kwak Nam-shin (곽남신), a 72-year-old Western painter, has been awarded the 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize. Known for his exploration of the relationship between language and imagery, Kwak has been a leading figure in the expansion of Korean conceptual art. 

The judging panel for the Lee Jung-seop Art Prize, which includes Kim In-hye (김인혜), Ryu Cheol-ha (류철하), Seo Seong-rok (서성록), Shim Sang-yong (심상용), and Jeong Il-joo (정일주), praised Kwak for his critical reflection on human nature and societal contradictions through over 40 years of experimental artistic language and humor.

As part of the award, Kwak will receive a cash prize of 20 million KRW and a trophy. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 6 at 5 PM at the Art Chosun Space in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. A commemorative exhibition will be held from November 6 to November 18.

Korean Artist Kwak Nam-shin Wins 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize

In a recent episode of SBS Plus's 'Single's Inferno' aired on April 1, actor Yoon Si-yoon shared an unexpected update about his return to Korea after spending time abroad. During a surprise video call with his former co-star Hwang Jung-eum, fellow actor Choi Daniel mentioned that Yoon was in the Philippines learning English. Hwang immediately reached out to Yoon, expressing her admiration by saying, 'You still look great and haven't aged a bit.' Yoon responded warmly, stating, 'It doesn't feel like it's been long since we last met.' When Hwang complimented his looks, he playfully replied, 'You still look beautiful, no matter what.' This led to a light-hearted moment where Hwang teased him about choosing between her and Shin Se-kyung, to which Yoon promptly declared, 'Of course, it's Jung-eum noona.' The group praised Yoon for his social skills, with Hwang expressing her appreciation for his thoughtfulness.

When asked if he was still abroad, Yoon revealed, 'I just arrived in Korea yesterday. I've been feeling a late-blooming desire to learn English.' He reminisced about his first tutor being Hwang Jung-eum, recalling how he missed the opportunity to study back during their 'High Kick' filming days. Yoon also mentioned seeing their co-star Ji-hee, who has grown up beautifully, at a recent movie premiere, reminiscing about their past together. 

Yoon Si-yoon debuted in 2009 with the MBC sitcom 'High Kick Through the Roof' and rose to fame with the KBS 2TV drama 'Baker King Kim Tak-goo' in 2010. He has since established himself as a versatile actor and recently signed an exclusive contract with the new agency R&C Entertainment, currently considering his next project.

"늦바람 났다" 배우 윤시윤, 알고보니 韓 떠났다?..최근 귀국 ('솔로라서')

Yoon Si-yoon Surprises Fans with Return to Korea on 'Single's Inferno'

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, Sublime Entertainment announced the formation of a dedicated team to combat malicious slander, the spread of false information, and defamation against their actress Seo Ye Ji. The agency revealed that they filed an initial complaint with the Gangnam Police Station in January regarding online trolls targeting Seo. Recently, a former staff member who disseminated false information about Seo has been referred to the prosecution for defamation. Some identified individuals are expected to be sent to the prosecution soon, and the agency stated they will pursue strict penalties against all offenders.

Seo Ye Ji has been dealing with rumors related to actor Kim Soo Hyun, causing her significant distress. The revelation that a former staff member was involved in spreading falsehoods has added to the shock.

Seo is not alone in facing such challenges; many celebrities have suffered from malicious slander and false information, sometimes from acquaintances or staff members. For instance, broadcaster Park Soo Hong experienced distress due to a friend of his sister-in-law. His wife, Kim Da Ye, shared that a troll who had previously spread harmful lies was ultimately identified as a close friend of his sister-in-law, leading to a fine of 4 million won for defamation.

In another case, former pro-gamer Hong Jin Ho recounted on a radio show how he faced a barrage of negative comments during his career. He discovered that one of his harshest critics was actually a teammate, highlighting the competitive nature of their field.

Comedian Jang Dong Min revealed that a troll who targeted him was a junior from his military service. He expressed frustration over the misconceptions about his service, which he felt compelled to clarify after seeing a comment from someone claiming to have served with him.

Monica shocked viewers by stating that one of her trolls was a dancer, indicating that she had tracked the IP address of the individual and intended to confront them.

Lastly, IU's agency disclosed that some of the individuals who spread baseless plagiarism allegations against her were identified, including one suspected to be a former middle school classmate.

These incidents underscore the ongoing issue of online harassment in the entertainment industry, prompting calls for greater accountability and legal action against defamation.

악플러 잡고 보니 스태프, 지인, 친구…서예지→아이유, 배신감에 더 '충격' [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Sublime Entertainment Takes Legal Action Against Defamation of Seo Ye Ji

Park Sung-il, the music director of Netflix's 폭싹 속았수다 (Crash Course in Romance), is raising his voice for the protection of creators' rights. On April 7 at 10 AM, the '2nd Cultural Power National Assembly Forum' will take place in the Second Seminar Room of the National Assembly, focusing on the philosophy and sustainability of South Korea's cultural policy. This event is co-hosted by members of the Democratic Party's Special Committee on Culture and Arts, including Kang Yu-jeong, Kim Yoon-deok, Min Hyung-bae, Park Soo-hyun, Yang Moon-seok, Lee Gi-heon, Lim Oh-kyung, Jeon Jae-soo, and Jo Gye-won, and organized by the Cultural Power Network (Chairman Lee Woo-jong).

The forum will explore the theme 'Dialogue for a Cultural Powerhouse - The Direction and Sustainability of South Korea's Cultural Policy.' The aim is to seek a philosophical and practical direction for cultural and artistic policies that transcend mere administration or industrial development, fostering coexistence among creators, citizens, and both local and central governments.

The forum will be chaired by Professor Choi Jun-ho, an honorary professor at the Korea National University of Arts, who has linked theory and policy in the cultural arts sector. The keynote speech will be delivered by Kang Yu-jeong, who will emphasize that cultural policy should be approached as a matter of citizens' lives and rights rather than a political tool, advocating for a reconfiguration of policies to focus on relationships, senses, and the language of art and life.

Presentations will feature Professor Kim Hyun-hwan from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies discussing 'Principles of Cultural Policy,' outlining the philosophical foundations and basic structures of cultural policy design. Professor Lee Won-jae from Kyung Hee Cyber University will address 'Sustainability of Cultural Policy,' arguing for a shift from short-term results to a 'way of life' perspective, proposing practical tasks accordingly.

The discussion will include three experts reflecting on policy realities. Park Sung-il will share insights as a leading OST director known for his work on dramas like 폭싹 속았수다 (Crash Course in Romance) and 나의 아저씨 (My Mister), highlighting the need for improved creator rights and fair contract structures. The second discussant, Ko Dong-hyun, a researcher at Yonsei University's Institute for Social Development, will diagnose structural issues in centralized cultural policies and propose data-driven, region-specific policy designs and cultural decentralization strategies. Lastly, So Hong-sam, former head of the Uijeongbu Cultural Foundation, will stress the importance of cultural institutions evolving beyond mere project execution to become autonomous cultural entities, advocating for necessary institutional reforms and budget restructuring.

Lee Woo-jong, chairman of the Cultural Power Network, stated, 'As cultural policy enters a transformative phase, whether South Korea remains a cultural laggard or advances as a cultural powerhouse depends on our preparedness. I hope this forum will serve as a catalyst for clarifying the philosophy and execution strategies of cultural policy.' He added, 'We all share the responsibility to respond to the 'light sticks' created by citizens with cultural and artistic endeavors.'

'폭싹' 박성일, 문화강국 위해 목소리 낸다 '창작자 권익보호 필요'

Music Director Park Sung-il Advocates for Creator Rights at Cultural Policy Forum

The pop-up store 'BTOB X B'BE FRIENDS POP-UP 'Freshory: Laundry Lab'' featuring BTOB members Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Im Hyunsik, and Peniel has successfully wrapped up after two weeks of operation. Launched on March 20 at the Iconic Zone on the basement level of Hyundai Department Store in Seoul, the event attracted significant attention from global fans and concluded on April 2.

This pop-up was a collaborative project based on the development of BTOB's official characters, in partnership with the women-led social enterprise Kkotmari Cooperative and clean tech leader Cheongse's Youth Life. It showcased limited-edition products such as laundry detergents, soaps, and hand soaps. Additionally, various items featuring character designs unique to each member were available, along with fan events that generated enthusiastic responses.

For two weeks, the pop-up store saw a continuous stream of visitors, with even department store customers showing great interest, leading to bustling crowds on both weekends and weekdays.

On March 26, members Lee Minhyuk, Im Hyunsik, and Peniel made a surprise visit to the pop-up store. They engaged with fans by stamping event cards, leaving comments, printing on T-shirts, and purchasing merchandise, which heightened the excitement of the event.

The members' handwritten notes scattered throughout the store added an extra layer of enjoyment for visitors, making the experience even more memorable.

In response to the enthusiastic support from global fans, BTOB Company plans to launch online sales of the merchandise featured at the pop-up store.

Meanwhile, BTOB successfully concluded their fan concert '3,2,1 GO! MELympic' held from March 21 to 23 at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul. They will continue their tour with upcoming performances in Taipei on April 12, Kuala Lumpur on April 19, and Hong Kong on April 25 and 26, followed by a show in Macau on May 10.

비투비, 글로벌 팬 호응 속 팝업스토어 성료..현장 깜짝방문→곳곳에 숨긴 코멘트 '재미 UP'

BTOB's Pop-Up Store 'Freshory: Laundry Lab' Concludes Successfully

Bill Murray, the 75-year-old American actor, is under fire after forcibly kissing British actress Naomi Watts, 57, during a live talk show. The incident occurred on April 1, 2025, while promoting their film 'The Friend' on Bravo's 'Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen'. 

When the host asked Watts to share her 'best kiss' moment, Murray unexpectedly grabbed her face and kissed her, shocking the audience. He then looked at the camera with a nonchalant expression and gave a thumbs-up. 

Watts, visibly uncomfortable, pointed out the pink lipstick smudged on Murray's lips and asked, "Is my face red?" to which he dismissively replied, "That's too easy of an answer." 

After regaining her composure, Watts stated, "My best kiss is obviously my husband, Billy Crudup." 

Following the incident, social media erupted with criticism directed at Murray, with many women labeling his actions as "rude," "disgusting," and "unacceptable." 

This marks the first time in nearly a decade that Murray and Watts have co-starred together since their 2014 film 'St. Vincent'. Murray, known for his work on 'Saturday Night Live' and the 'Ghostbusters' series, has a storied career, while Watts has received acclaim for her performances in films like 'Mulholland Drive' and 'Birdman'.

Bill Murray Faces Backlash for Unwanted Kiss on Naomi Watts During Live Show

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

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

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."


NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

On April 3, 2025, approximately 20,000 attendees, including surviving victims and their families, gathered at the Jeju 4·3 Peace Park for the '77th Anniversary of the 4·3 Victims Commemoration Ceremony.' This year's event was themed 'The Breath of 4·3 is History, the Wave of Peace is Global,' emphasizing the resilience of the Jeju people and extending messages of comfort and hope to those who have faced similar tragedies worldwide.

The ceremony commenced at 10 AM with a moment of silence to honor the 4·3 victims, followed by flower offerings, speeches, poetry readings, family stories, and memorial performances. A 3D representation of the 'Peace Bell' was unveiled, symbolizing the number 7 to mark the 77th anniversary, and the bell was rung seven times. A siren signaled a minute of silence across Jeju Island.

Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivered a poignant speech, stating, 'The spirit of Jeju 4·3 teaches us the importance of unity and coexistence. If we cannot overcome conflicts of ideology, generations, regions, and classes, it will be difficult to navigate the current crisis and achieve sustainable growth for South Korea.' He expressed hope that the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation from 4·3 would unite the nation and propel it toward a brighter future, assuring that the government would strive to foster true harmony and integration.

During the ceremony, cultural historian Hong Chun-ho shared the history of the Jeju 4·3 incident through storytelling. A video presentation highlighted efforts to register Jeju 4·3 records as UNESCO World Documentary Heritage.

A touching family story was shared about the late Kim Hee-sook, who was 29 during the 4·3 incident. Genetic testing of her remains led to a reunion of three generations, including her son Kim Kwang-ik and grandson Kim Kyung-hyun, after over 70 years.

The ceremony concluded with a memorial performance by singer Yang Hee-eun and the Bella Children's Choir, who sang 'The Song of the Camellia Flower' and 'Evergreen.'

Korean Artist Kwak Nam-shin Wins 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize

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Bill Murray Faces Backlash for Unwanted Kiss on Naomi Watts During Live Show

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

77th Anniversary of Jeju 4·3 Victims Commemoration Ceremony Held

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Yoon Si-yoon Surprises Fans with Return to Korea on 'Single's Inferno'

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

Sublime Entertainment Takes Legal Action Against Defamation of Seo Ye Ji

Music Director Park Sung-il Advocates for Creator Rights at Cultural Policy Forum

BTOB's Pop-Up Store 'Freshory: Laundry Lab' Concludes Successfully

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