LE SSERAFIM is set to celebrate the release of their fifth mini album, 'HOT', with a special comeback showcase. The event will take place on March 13 at 8 PM KST at the YES24 Live Hall, where the members—Kim Chaewon (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yunjin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eunchae (홍은채)—will spend meaningful time with their fans, known as FEARNOT.

The new album 'HOT' will be released on March 14 at 1 PM KST. On the day before the release, the members will engage with fans and share insights about the album. They are expected to perform various stages, including the title track, creating unforgettable memories together.

The announcement of the comeback showcase was a surprise addition to the promotional schedule released on February 18, and it was revealed on February 21 at 10 AM KST through the global fan platform Weverse, much to the delight of fans. More details regarding the showcase will be provided on LE SSERAFIM's Weverse page in the future.

In addition, LE SSERAFIM's mini album 'HOT' encapsulates a 'passionate attitude towards love' and will feature a series of content releases leading up to the launch, including an album trailer on February 21, concept photos from February 24 to 28, a track sampler on March 3, a tracklist on March 4, a highlight medley on March 7, and music video teasers on March 12 and 13, all designed to build excitement for their comeback.

LE SSERAFIM to Hold Comeback Showcase for Mini Album 'HOT'

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

몬스타엑스 기현 "민간인 됐다!" 환호..'군 전역' 인증

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Actress 김민희 has made the decision to travel to Germany while heavily pregnant, although she did not show her face in front of the cameras. Her presence coincided with the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where director 홍상수's film '그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니' was invited to compete. A press conference took place on February 20, 2025, featuring 홍상수, along with actors 하성국, 권해효, 조윤희, and 강소이. Although 김민희 was reported to be in Germany as a production manager for the film, she did not engage with the press.

'그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니' tells the story of a 30-something poet named 동화 who unexpectedly visits his lover 준희's home, leading to a series of events. The film features actors who have previously collaborated with 홍상수, including 하성국, 권해효, and 조윤희.

Last month, it was revealed that 김민희 is expecting a child with 홍상수, with a due date set for this spring, which has drawn significant public interest regarding their attendance at the festival together. On February 19, the couple was spotted at Incheon International Airport boarding a flight to Munich. Despite her advanced pregnancy, 김민희 chose to accompany 홍상수 to the festival but opted to remain out of sight from the media.

김민희 and 홍상수 began their relationship in 2015 while working on the film '지금은 맞고 그때는 틀리다', and they have maintained a controversial affair for nearly a decade. 홍상수 had filed for divorce from his wife of 30 years, but she has shown no intention of accepting the divorce papers, leading to a prolonged legal battle. The court ultimately dismissed 홍상수's divorce petition, adhering to the principle that a spouse cannot file for divorce if they are deemed responsible for the marital breakdown. Despite these challenges, 김민희 and 홍상수 continue their relationship, and the news of their impending child has further shocked the public.

홀로 카메라 앞에 선 홍상수… ‘만삭 동행’ 김민희는 어디에

Kim Min-hee Attends Berlin Film Festival Amid Pregnancy Rumors

Kihyun of MONSTA X is set to embark on a special journey with his fans, known as 'Monbebe', following his military service. Starship Entertainment announced on February 21 that Kihyun will hold a fan event titled '2025 KIHYUN Fan Event: TRIP TO KIKITOWN!' on March 8 at Myunghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. The event will take place at 1 PM and 5 PM, celebrating Kihyun's return from military duty. 

This marks Kihyun's first official event after his discharge, and it is exclusively for members of the 8th generation of the official fan club, Monbebe. Admission is free, and ticket reservations will open on February 27 at 7 PM through Interpark Ticket. 

Fans are eagerly anticipating this long-awaited meeting, with the event's promotional tagline emphasizing a 'special journey for Monbebe who have patiently waited for time with Kihyun.' Kihyun completed his military service on February 21, having enlisted on August 22, 2023, where he underwent basic military training and served as an active-duty soldier. 

Since debuting as the main vocalist of MONSTA X in 2015, Kihyun has garnered immense love from global fans for his exceptional vocal talent, sharp dance moves, and charming personality. His dedication and hard work have allowed him to deliver flawless live performances, earning him titles such as 'K-Pop's God' and 'Vocal God.' 

In 2022, Kihyun made his mark as a solo artist with the release of his first single 'VOYAGER' and mini-album 'YOUTH,' showcasing his growth by participating in the songwriting of tracks like 'COMMA' and 'Cause of You.' He has since performed at various festivals, solidifying his reputation as a 'trustworthy vocalist.' 

On the day of his discharge, Kihyun will also host a live broadcast on MONSTA X's official YouTube channel at 6 PM to greet fans and celebrate his return. MONSTA X is approaching their 10th debut anniversary on May 14, 2025.

몬스타엑스 기현, 몬베베 만난다…내달 8일 무료 팬 이벤트

MONSTA X's Kihyun to Host Special Fan Event Post-Military Service

Kim Dae-ho, the former MBC announcer, is set to make his return to the airwaves just 21 days after resigning from the network. He will appear on MBC FM4U's 'Two O'Clock Date with Ahn Young-mi' on February 25. This episode will be a visual radio broadcast, marking Kim's first appearance since his departure from MBC on February 4. His exit was met with mixed reactions, including comments from Hong Seok-cheon on the same show, who expressed disdain for those he deemed 'traitors' in the industry. Fans are eager to see how Kim will respond to such remarks.

Kim Dae-ho joined MBC in 2011 during the network's 50th anniversary special 'New Employee' and gained popularity through the YouTube channel 'News Anhani' before becoming a household name on the reality show 'I Live Alone' (나 혼자 산다). He has also participated in various programs such as 'TV Inside TV', 'Unification Outlook', 'Zero Complaints UP', 'Dancing with the Stars Season 3', 'Today N', 'Home: Find It!', 'Ramen Grandpa Season 4', 'The Great Guide', 'Less Genius 2', 'Solo Alumni Association', 'Car to the Future', 'Run Away', 'Zero Won Happiness', 'Thank Goodness for Rest', 'Massage Road', and 'The Leader's Side Dish'. He also served as a caster for the upcoming Paris Olympics, showcasing his versatility.

In a recent episode of 'I Live Alone', Kim shared his thoughts on leaving MBC, stating, "Rather than quitting the company, I was thinking about how to live a different life. I felt like I had repaid what I had received, and after going through the Paris Olympics, I realized I had done everything I could do at the company." He officially completed his resignation process on February 4, citing reasons such as 'Going out to earn money' and 'A turning point in my life' in his resignation letter.

Now a free agent, Kim has signed an exclusive contract with One Hundred, a company that also represents the boy group THE BOYZ, as well as artists like Taemin, Lee Mujin, VIVIZ (Eunha, SinB, Umji), B.O, Ha Sung-woon, Ren, performance director Kasper, Kany, actor and singer Lee Seung-gi, entertainer Lee Soo-geun, and Bad Villain, among others. One Hundred is the parent company of INB100, which includes EXO members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen.

[단독] 김대호, 퇴사 21일 만 친정 MBC 귀환…'두데' 전격 출연

Former MBC Announcer Kim Dae-ho Returns to Broadcast After Leaving the Network

Actress Lee Ji Ah has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather, Kim Soon-hung, who has been accused of pro-Japanese activities. This issue resurfaced following reports on February 19 about a legal dispute among his heirs over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion KRW. Allegations suggest that Lee Ji Ah's father, the youngest among his siblings, forged documents using the seals of his older brother and sister during the land buyback process.

The controversy has inevitably impacted Lee Ji Ah's public image, with some netizens expressing shock and disapproval simply due to her familial ties. In response to the escalating situation, Lee Ji Ah's agency, BH Entertainment, released a statement on February 21, where she clarified her position regarding her grandfather.

Lee Ji Ah stated, "After much contemplation, I believe it is right to take responsibility and correct the facts, even though it is difficult. Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years. I have no memories of my grandfather, who passed away when I was two, and I grew up without any knowledge of his pro-Japanese actions."

She also addressed accusations that she had promoted herself using her family's background, asserting, "I have never released promotional articles leveraging my family background. However, false claims have circulated online, stating that I respect my grandfather, which is not true. I want to correct this and sincerely apologize as a descendant."

As the controversy unfolds, some netizens have voiced their opinions, suggesting that it is unreasonable to blame Lee Ji Ah for her grandfather's actions, with comments like, "No one chooses to be born into a pro-Japanese family," and "We need to move past this kind of collective blame. She has apologized, so the criticism should stop."

이지아=친일후손인 죄? 해명→사죄에 "연좌제 없어져야" (Oh!쎈 이슈)

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

Kihyun of MONSTA X held a special live stream on February 21 to celebrate his military discharge, connecting with fans known as MONBEBE through the group's official YouTube channel. Dressed in his military uniform, Kihyun made a charming appearance that delighted fans. He greeted MONBEBE in the live chat, expressing his excitement to reunite with them after his service.

During the stream, Kihyun showcased his signature humor, responding to fans who referred to him as 'Muscle Man' and 'Captain Korea' by saying, "I'm not quite Captain Korea, but I have gained some muscle since then." When fans asked for proof, he playfully replied, "What proof do you need? You can see it!" 

Kihyun also took a moment to blow out the candles on a cake celebrating his discharge and reminisced about the 'KIKITRIP' series, which he filmed during his military service. He shared that he had worked hard to create content during his time away and felt proud to see the positive reactions from fans. He encouraged those who became fans while he was in the military, reassuring them that there’s no need to worry about missing out, as they can look forward to more content in the future.

The live stream included a fun segment where Kihyun answered various questions related to topics like 'chicken,' 'songs,' and 'members.' When asked about his feelings the night before his discharge, he shared, "I was busy thinking about how to safely guide MONBEBE who came to see me, as there were so many cars outside the base. I was worried someone might get hurt, but everything went well, and I’m grateful for their support."

As the stream came to a close, Kihyun participated in a challenge time prepared for MONBEBE, showcasing his talents with various fun challenges, including the 'Today I LOVE YOU' challenge from the group Boynextdoor, leaving fans smiling until the very end.

After about an hour of interaction, Kihyun expressed his gratitude, saying, "It felt like time flew by while talking to MONBEBE. Thank you for waiting for me. I’ve worked hard during my service, and you can be proud of me. I’ll continue to show you my best side moving forward. This was the live stream celebrating my discharge as MONSTA X's Kihyun! Goodbye!"

Kihyun completed his military service after enlisting on August 22, 2023, and has now returned to the music scene. He is set to hold a free fan event titled 'TRIP TO KIKITOWN!' on March 8 at the Myunghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, where he will meet fans up close.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

On the morning of February 22, 2025, families of the victims of the tragic fire at the Banyan Tree Resort in Busan gathered to hold a press conference, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. The event was organized by the bereaved families in collaboration with the Busan Movement for a World Without Serious Accidents.

During the press conference, a representative of the families criticized a joint briefing held by the Busan city government on February 20, describing it as a mere attempt to deflect responsibility without addressing the concerns of the victims' families. He stated, "We can no longer tolerate the deceitful actions and indifference of the Busan city government and responsible agencies towards the bereaved families."

The representative further expressed outrage at the city’s comments during the briefing, where officials suggested that a memorial space would only be established if there were ten or more fatalities or thirty or more injuries, which he deemed disrespectful.

The families are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident, punishment for those responsible for the serious accident, preventive measures from the city and the construction companies involved, an official apology from the companies, the establishment of memorials, and adequate compensation and support for the bereaved families.

After the press conference, the families were allowed to enter the resort for the first time since the fire, which occurred nine days earlier. Previously, police had restricted their access to preserve the scene. Some family members were seen weeping as they embraced photographs of their loved ones at the site.

In a statement released nine days after the fire, the construction companies involved, Samjeong Corporation and Samjeong E&C, expressed their condolences, stating, "We sincerely apologize to the deceased, their families, and the injured. We also extend our heartfelt apologies to the public for the distress caused."

They added that their employees had visited the mourning sites to offer support and that the delay in their official apology was regrettable due to the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

Park Bom (박봄) of 2NE1 has once again stirred the pot regarding her relationship with Lee Min Ho (이민호). In a recent post, she expressed frustration, stating, "Someone keeps deleting my posts. I am single and we are not in a relationship. It wasn't self-promotion; Lee Min Ho asked me to write it. I will focus on my work." 

Since last year, Park Bom has been vocal about her feelings for Lee Min Ho. In September 2024, she referred to him as her 'husband' and shared photos of them together on social media, which led to speculation about a romantic relationship. Her agency clarified that it was merely a playful expression of her fan affection, and fans took it lightly. 

However, on February 12 and 13, she posted more photos of Lee Min Ho, calling him her 'real husband.' When a fan questioned the authenticity, she replied, "Yes," and when asked who was deleting her posts, she mentioned, "The company." 

On February 19, she reiterated her claims, stating, "Hello everyone. I have been working hard, and everything I wrote is true. I will continue to work hard with 2NE1." This led her to assert that her relationship with Lee Min Ho was not a joke but genuine. 

In response, Lee Min Ho's representatives stated on February 20 that there is no personal relationship between him and Park Bom, calling her claims baseless. Park Bom then addressed her fans, saying, "Hello, dear fans. I am Park Bom. I am actually single. I posted because Lee Min Ho asked me to, and I want to clarify that I am alone." 

On February 21, she continued to make contradictory statements about her relationship with Lee Min Ho, insisting it was not self-promotion. After causing a stir online for nine days, Park Bom departed for Hong Kong and Macau, where she will perform with her group during the '2024-25 2NE1 Asia Tour [Welcome Back] in Macau.'

Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

A 23-year-old woman, identified as A, has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison by the Cheongju District Court for making a false rape accusation against her boyfriend after undergoing an abortion. The presiding judge, Jeong Woo-hyuk, stated that A had consensual sexual relations with her boyfriend in April 2021 but later claimed she was raped when he did not visit her following the procedure. A had previously been pregnant with her boyfriend's child and had an abortion. After he failed to contact her, she falsely reported that he had raped her and vandalized her home. Additionally, A faced charges for refusing a breathalyzer test while driving in July of the previous year. The judge noted that if the false rape claim had been proven true, the accused would have faced severe penalties, emphasizing A's repeated false statements and denial of responsibility as factors in determining her sentence.

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

K-pop group ASTRO (아스트로), under Fantagio, is set to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary on February 23 by gifting fans a new single titled 'Twilight' (트와일라잇). The announcement was made on February 22 at midnight through Fantagio's official social media and YouTube channel, where they released a teaser video for the upcoming single.

The teaser showcases the members of ASTRO snapping their fingers, radiating refreshing energy that brings smiles to viewers. A snippet of 'Twilight's' warm and hopeful melody plays in the background, heightening anticipation for the full track. Additionally, the teaser features a group photo that has never been shared before, sparking excitement for new content.

Last year, on their debut anniversary, ASTRO also released a special single titled 'Circles' (서클스), expressing their heartfelt gratitude to fans. This year, in addition to the new music, the group will unveil original content featuring all the members, raising curiosity about the special messages they will convey through 'Twilight'.

Ahead of the single's release, ASTRO surprised fans by dropping a new content series titled 'Starry Table' (별둥이네 별빛식탁) on their official YouTube channel on February 21. In the video, the members celebrate their 9th anniversary with a cozy dinner featuring dishes they prepared themselves.

During the celebration, the members reminisced about their journey from trainee days to the present, sharing various stories that highlighted their enduring friendship and teamwork. They exchanged heartfelt messages to commemorate the occasion. The eldest member, MJ, expressed his hopes for a healthy and happy year ahead, while leader JinJin thanked the members for their support over the years. Cha Eun-woo shared his belief that they would still be together for their 20th anniversary, and youngest member Yoon San-ha reflected on the lessons he continues to learn from his older members.

After the video was released, Cha Eun-woo shared it on his Instagram, tagging the late Moonbin's account to honor the special day together.

ASTRO's new single 'Twilight' will be available on various online music platforms on February 23 at 6 PM KST.

LE SSERAFIM to Hold Comeback Showcase for Mini Album 'HOT'

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MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

ASTRO to Celebrate 9th Anniversary with New Single 'Twilight'

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MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Kim Min-hee Attends Berlin Film Festival Amid Pregnancy Rumors

MONSTA X's Kihyun to Host Special Fan Event Post-Military Service

Former MBC Announcer Kim Dae-ho Returns to Broadcast After Leaving the Network

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

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