On January 10, singer Lady Jane shared exciting news on her Instagram, announcing, "We have finally welcomed a precious new life into our family!" She revealed that after undergoing in vitro fertilization a few months ago, many have been curious about her well-being. "I had to wait until I reached a stable point to share this news," she explained. "And it's twins! At first, I was quite worried, but now I am embracing my fate and feeling grateful."

Lady Jane also mentioned that despite being just 12 weeks along, she is struggling with morning sickness and swelling. She expressed her gratitude to friends who have been understanding about her need to cancel plans. "If any of my senior friends who have gone through this have tips to share, I would greatly appreciate it!" 

In 2023, Lady Jane married actor Lim Hyun-tae.

Lady Jane Announces She's Expecting Twins

Former Big Bang member TOP is set to break his silence as he prepares for an interview on January 15 regarding his role in Netflix's Squid Game 2 (오징어게임2). The series continues the intense rivalry between Seong Gi-hun (이정재) and the Front Man (이병헌), with TOP portraying Thanos, a retired drug-addicted rapper. 

While other cast members, including director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, Park Gyu-young, Yang Dong-geun, Lee Seo-hwan, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Jo Yu-ri, and Park Sung-hoon, have actively promoted the show through interviews, TOP has remained largely silent. 

His silence is understandable given his controversial past, which began in 2016 when he was sentenced to two years of probation for marijuana use with trainee Han Seo-hee. Following this, he lost his position as a police officer and served as a social service worker, facing allegations of receiving preferential treatment. He was discharged in July 2019 but faced backlash for parking in a disabled spot on his last day. 

Afterward, he publicly stated he had no intention of returning to the entertainment scene, even declaring he would not make a comeback in Korea. This led to his departure from Big Bang, leaving many fans disappointed by his lack of remorse. 

Recently, without any explanation or apology, TOP announced his return through Squid Game 2, erasing all references to Big Bang from his profile and adopting his real name, Choi Seung-hyun. While fellow Big Bang members celebrated their 18th anniversary with fans, TOP blocked those who mentioned the group, further fueling public discontent. 

As speculation arises about whether his casting in Squid Game 2 is due to connections with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, concerns about his acting skills have also emerged, with critics pointing to his unclear pronunciation and exaggerated expressions. 

TOP's upcoming interview is highly anticipated, as many wonder whether his attempt to re-enter the spotlight will be beneficial or detrimental to his career.

탑, "대마초 은퇴·빅뱅손절→'오겜2' 발연기" 지뢰밭인데…15일 인터뷰 등판, 독일까 득일까[SC이슈]

TOP from Big Bang to Speak Out Ahead of Squid Game 2 Release

The sudden passing of popular influencer and YouTuber Lee Hee-cheol has left many in shock, as his family has confirmed the cause of death. On January 8, Lee's brother revealed in an interview that the cause was a heart attack (심근경색). He expressed his sorrow, stating, "Although my brother had been feeling unwell recently, he was still healthy. It happened overnight..." The funeral is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The news of Lee's death was first shared by fellow YouTuber Pungja on January 7 through social media, where he wrote, "I can hardly believe this as I write, but for those who loved my brother and haven't heard the news yet, I must share that my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today."

Pungja continued, "Please pray that he goes to a good place. This is so sudden that many friends have yet to be informed. If you need my contact information, please DM me for details about the funeral."

In addition, Lee's final post on social media has garnered attention. On December 31, he reflected on the challenges of the past year, stating, "2024 has been incredibly tough for me, both physically and mentally. I believe that pain leads to learning and growth, and I am determined to face it with humility and strength. I want to express my gratitude for everything, even the hardships!" He concluded with a hopeful message for the new year, wishing for a healthier 2025 and a life filled with gratitude.

The family has released a statement to dispel any rumors surrounding his death, emphasizing the importance of his relationships with friends and family. Lee's brother shared, "Our brother, who was always full of energy and love, unexpectedly left for a long journey to the heavens on January 7 due to a heart attack. He cherished those around him as much as family, and although he appeared strong, he was gentle at heart. Please join us in making his final journey a little less lonely and more beautiful. We will not forget the precious hearts of each one of you."

Lee Hee-cheol was a close friend of Pungja and gained popularity in 2023 as a regular cast member on KBS2TV's 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' (살림하는 남자들 시즌2). He was a multi-talented individual, working as an influencer, restaurant CEO, photographer, and recently serving as the visual director for the girl group CLASS:y (클라씨).

[단독] '풍자가 알린' 이희철 사망, '심근경색' 사인 밝혀지며 억측 불식 (종합)

Influencer Lee Hee-cheol Passes Away Suddenly at 39

The rising girl group aespa has reaffirmed its status as a powerhouse in the music industry, according to the 2024 year-end results from the Circle Chart (formerly known as Gaon Chart), operated by the Korea Music Content Association. On January 10, Circle Chart announced that aespa's pre-release track 'Supernova' from their first full album 'Armageddon' topped both the annual digital and streaming charts, earning them two prestigious titles.

In addition to 'Supernova', aespa placed eight songs on the annual digital chart, including 'Drama' at 20th, 'Armageddon' at 29th, 'Spicy' at 52nd, 'Whiplash' at 60th, 'UP' (KARINA Solo) at 66th, 'Next Level' at 169th, and 'Live My Life' at 183rd, showcasing their dominance in the public's playlists this year.

On the album chart, SEVENTEEN's mini album 'SPILL THE FEELS' achieved remarkable success with 3,183,338 copies sold, securing the top spot. SEVENTEEN also claimed second place with their best album '17 IS RIGHT HERE', which sold 3,153,616 copies, marking them as the top artist on the annual album chart for two consecutive years. In the Circle Certified Album category, their mini album 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN', released in 2023, reached 5 million certifications.

Stray Kids also made waves with their mini album 'ATE', released in July last year, which recorded retail sales of 859,437 copies, earning them the top position on the annual retail album chart. They achieved four weekly number ones and a total of 2,880,052 album sales for 'ATE' on the annual album chart. Their mini album '樂-STAR', released in 2023, also reached 4 million certifications this year.

BLACKPINK member and solo artist Rosé's pre-release single 'APT.' featuring American pop star Bruno Mars topped both the global K-pop chart and the V Color Ring chart, making her a double winner.

Top artist Im Young-woong dominated the download chart with 'Warmth' at number one and 'Home' at number two, maintaining his position at the top of the annual download chart for four consecutive years since 2021.

Girl group FIFTY FIFTY continued their success by securing the number one spot on the Social Chart 2.0 for two years in a row, following their achievement last year.

에스파 '슈퍼노바', 작년 디지털·스트리밍 1위…세븐틴 앨범 1위

aespa Dominates Circle Chart's 2024 Year-End Rankings

The highly anticipated first round of the finals for TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot 3' will air on January 9 at 10 PM. This show is the original trot audition program that sparked a trot craze across South Korea. 'Mr. Trot 3' has already proven its popularity, ranking first in viewership among all Thursday programs, with the second episode reaching an impressive peak rating of 16%. 

This week's episode will feature the Hallyu Team, composed of participants who are former idols and are actively promoting overseas. The Hallyu Team aims to become the center of the K-Trot wave, showcasing not only their charming visuals but also their vibrant personalities and solid skills, which have reportedly captivated the judges. 

Among the standout participants is a Hallyu superstar who has dominated the Oricon Daily Chart in Japan, expressing ambitions to win over both Japanese and Korean audiences. With idol-like visuals and a performance that is sure to create a heart-throbbing atmosphere, this participant has sparked a friendly competition among the judges. 

Additionally, a participant known as the 'boyfriend of the nation' in Japan, who has collaborated with the legendary rock band Anzen Chitai, is set to deliver a shocking performance that is expected to leave the judges in awe. The Hallyu Team's stage promises to be a highlight of the broadcast. 

Moreover, the episode will showcase the results of the intense preliminary judging by the masters, leading to the eagerly awaited first round of finals. Teams that have successfully passed the master auditions will compete in a fierce team death match. 

Master Jang Yoon-jung praised one team, stating, "It’s flawless and perfect. The stage itself is a work of art," raising curiosity about which team she was referring to. Other judges are expected to shower the performances with unprecedented praise, calling it a 'world-class stage' and an 'emotional finale.' Which team will create legendary moments that send chills down viewers' spines? 

Don't miss the overwhelming grandeur of 'Mr. Trot 3' on TV CHOSUN, airing January 9 at 10 PM.

‘미스터트롯3′ 日오리콘 차트 휩쓴 ‘한류스타’ 출연..국민 마스터 ‘발칵’

K-POP Stars Shine in 'Mr. Trot 3' as Hallyu Team Takes the Stage

In the latest episode of Channel A's 'Yojeum Namja Life - Bride School' (요즘 남자 라이프-신랑수업), which aired on January 8, 2025, viewers witnessed the heartfelt journey of couples Park Hyun-ho (박현호) and Eun Ga-eun (은가은) as they prepare for their upcoming wedding in April, alongside Kim Jong-min (김종민) who is also planning for his future family. The episode showcased Park and Eun visiting their role model, Lee Seung-chul (이승철), to learn from his exemplary marriage. Meanwhile, Kim met with his friend and father of five, Lee Dong-gook (이동국), to discuss his own family planning.

During their car ride, Park and Eun reminisced about their wedding photoshoot, which took place just 100 days before their wedding. Eun shared, 'The temperature dropped to minus 3 degrees on the day of the shoot, but I didn’t need a heater. Just having him touch my back warmed me up.' Park responded, 'Seeing Ga-eun makes my heart warmer.' Their wedding photos revealed a picturesque and affectionate atmosphere.

Later, they arrived at Lee Seung-chul's cultural space, affectionately referred to as the 'principal's office.' Lee welcomed them warmly and expressed his affection by saying he would share the rice cake gift with his wife. When asked how he addresses Eun, Park replied, 'I call her my master,' to which Lee praised him, saying, 'That's excellent. You should entrust your life to your master.'

In a light-hearted conversation, Lee asked Eun if she felt the reality of getting married, to which she admitted to having fears and doubts. Park, however, claimed he felt no fear at all. Eun explained that she was concerned about how life would change after marriage, especially with thoughts of having children. Lee encouraged them, sharing his own experience of supporting his wife during her pregnancy.

After their meeting, the couple showcased a drawing they created together, featuring the name 'Eun-ho' (은호), a combination of their names, for their future child. They also enjoyed a performance by Lee Seung-chul at an ice rink, where Eun secretly hoped for a proposal, but instead, Lee surprised his wife with a birthday bouquet. Park noted, 'I might have raised the bar too high for myself,' but vowed to learn from Lee to propose beautifully in the future.

The episode also highlighted Kim Jong-min's new year resolutions, where he declared his intention to start planning for children. He visited Lee Dong-gook, known for his large family, to gain insights on parenting. Lee shared tips on health and fitness, emphasizing the importance of being a strong father.

The episode concluded with Kim treating Lee and his five children to a meal, where he playfully asked if Lee was a good husband. The children praised their father, creating a warm and humorous atmosphere. Kim left feeling fulfilled after the delightful gathering.

김종민, ♥11세 연하 예비신부와 2세 계획발표 “올해 임신 목표”(‘신랑수업’)

Couples in 'Bride School' Share Their 2025 Marriage and Family Plans

On January 9, SBS aired an episode of the variety show 'The Day That Tails the Day' (꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기), featuring a nostalgic look back at the baseball events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This Olympic event reignited the popularity of Korean professional baseball, and key figures from that time gathered for interviews. 

Lee Seung-yup, who struggled with a batting average of .100 during the tournament, made a significant impact in the semifinal against Japan with a crucial double and a two-run homer in the eighth inning. However, he believes his most important contribution was securing the final out ball from the championship game against Cuba. 

Lee shared, "After the 27th and final out, the KBO requested that we not throw the ball away but keep it. I thought it was important not to discard it." He added with a smile, "I think the biggest thing I did for Korean baseball was not the home run against Japan in the semifinals, but preserving that ball and handing it over to the KBO."

Lee Seung-yup Remembers the 2008 Beijing Olympics on 'The Day That Tails the Day'

(G)I-DLE has made a significant impact on the 2024 music charts, according to the annual rankings released by South Korean streaming platforms Genie Music and Melon. The track '나는 아픈 건 딱 질색이니까' (Fate) from their second studio album '2' (Two) secured the top two spots on the charts, reaffirming the group's powerful presence in the K-pop scene. 

In addition to 'Fate', other songs from the album, including '퀸카' (Queencard), '클락션' (Klaxon), 'Super Lady', and 'Wife', also made it into the top 100 of the annual charts, marking a successful end to 2024 for the group. 

'Fate' features a refreshing band sound reminiscent of an anime soundtrack. Despite being a B-side track, it gained popularity through word of mouth, showcasing (G)I-DLE's diverse musical range. 

Earlier, (G)I-DLE received the Digital Song Award at the 39th Golden Disc Awards for 'Fate'. They also won the Best Album Award for their million-selling album '2' and were honored with the Grand Record Award at the 2024 KGMA, along with the prestigious 'Record of the Year' at the 2024 MMA.

(G)I-DLE Dominates 2024 Music Charts with 'Fate'

Despite facing numerous controversies, the K-pop group NewJeans has solidified their popularity. For two consecutive years, they have achieved the highest album sales among female K-pop artists, and they have successfully completed their official debut in Japan, further confirming their global appeal.

In 2023, NewJeans sold a total of 3,098,275 albums, marking them as the top-selling female K-pop artist with a market share of 11.4% according to the Circle Chart 2024 album sales review. Their double single 'How Sweet,' released in May, sold over 1.24 million copies, while their Japanese debut single 'Supernatural,' released in June, surpassed 1.3 million copies. Additionally, their earlier releases 'NewJeans,' 'OMG,' and 'Get Up' continued to sell well, contributing to their record-breaking sales.

Their digital music power is equally impressive, with 13 songs including 'How Sweet,' 'Super Shy,' 'Ditto,' 'OMG,' 'ETA,' and 'Hype Boy' making it onto the Circle Chart 2024 global K-pop section. They placed 11 songs in the digital category and 10 in the streaming category. Notably, eight of their tracks ranked on the 2024 Melon annual chart, with 'Supernatural' catching attention by ranking second on the Melon overseas annual chart. While K-pop artists often appear on international charts, NewJeans stands out as the only artist in the top tier, according to Melon.

Their debut in Japan was also remarkable. NewJeans officially debuted in Japan with 'Supernatural' in June 2023, which topped the Oricon chart on its release day and received a Gold Disc certification from the Japan Record Association for exceeding 100,000 copies shipped. They also set a record for being the fastest overseas artist to perform at the Tokyo Dome within just 1 year and 11 months. This success led to them winning the Excellent Work Award at the prestigious 66th Japan Record Awards for 'Supernatural.' Furthermore, they secured the second position in the 'New Artist Ranking' of the Oricon annual ranking 2024 sales category, the highest rank for any overseas artist. The ranking is based on the total sales of singles, albums, streaming, and music DVDs. Oricon reported that NewJeans generated sales of 2.09 billion yen (approximately 193.12 million won) during the counting period from December 11, 2023, to December 8, 2024.

As of November 29, 2023, NewJeans has claimed that their exclusive contract with Ador has been terminated. Their last official schedule with Ador was at the Golden Disc Awards held in Fukuoka, Japan. Although the members have announced their intention to pursue independent activities, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract.

NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

On January 8, the popular TV Chosun show 'Miss Three Rang' featured a special duet performance by Miss Kim and Na Young, representing the show's TOP 7. Before their showdown against Nam Chang Hee, the duo explained their collaboration, stating, "With Nam Chang Hee being such a big name lately, we felt one person wouldn't be enough. So, we decided to team up."

To win over director Lee Kyung Kyu, Miss Kim and Na Young chose to perform 'Tess Hyung,' originally by Na Hoon Ah. From the very first note, their powerful vocals captivated the audience, and they cleverly altered the lyrics from "Ah, Tess Hyung!" to "Ah, Kyung Kyu Hyung!" adding a humorous twist that delighted viewers. This lively performance quickly elevated the atmosphere.

Miss Kim showcased her rich, honeyed voice, while Na Young brought an infectious energy to the stage. Their seamless coordination, honed from years of working together, made their dance and vocal performance truly engaging, reminiscent of a debuting trot girl group. Their stage presence was undoubtedly one of the standout moments of 'Miss Three Rang.'

Even Lee Kyung Kyu, known for his reserved demeanor, couldn't help but get up and respond to their playful lyrics, saying, "Ah, Kyung Kyu Hyung!" and "Ah, why are you calling me!" His right-hand man, Lee Yoon Seok, chimed in with a cheeky remark, "Kyung Kyu Hyung, stop being so grumpy!" which elicited laughter from the cast.

Miss Kim and Na Young's performance earned an impressive score of 99 points, kicking off the new year on a high note. Known for her vibrant energy, Miss Kim is expected to continue her active presence in broadcasts and events throughout 2025.

Miss Kim and Na Young Deliver a Memorable Duet on 'Miss Three Rang'

On January 10, 2025, KBS2TV's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' featured the long-awaited reunion of GFRIEND, marking their first full group performance in four years. The members opened the show with their hit song 'From Today On,' expressing their excitement about reuniting. Lee Young-ji remarked that hearing the group greeting was an emotional moment. 

This year also marks GFRIEND's 10th anniversary since their debut, making their reunion even more special. The members clarified that despite rumors of disbandment, they had simply completed their contract and emphasized, 'We have never disbanded.' 

GFRIEND has released a total of 93 songs, and when asked about their most meaningful tracks, they highlighted 'Glass Bead,' 'From Today On,' and 'Time for the Moon Night,' referring to them as their signature songs. 

Additionally, they announced a special project song titled 'In Our Gentle Season,' inspired by their fans, known as Buddies. The members expressed their eagerness to connect with fans during their upcoming Asia tour, stating, 'We want to see our fans' faces and communicate with them.'

Lady Jane Announces She's Expecting Twins

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Lee Seung-yup Remembers the 2008 Beijing Olympics on 'The Day That Tails the Day'

(G)I-DLE Dominates 2024 Music Charts with 'Fate'

NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

Miss Kim and Na Young Deliver a Memorable Duet on 'Miss Three Rang'

GFRIEND Reunites After Four Years on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

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Influencer Lee Hee-cheol Passes Away Suddenly at 39

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K-POP Stars Shine in 'Mr. Trot 3' as Hallyu Team Takes the Stage

Couples in 'Bride School' Share Their 2025 Marriage and Family Plans

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