LE SSERAFIM's (르세라핌) title track 'CRAZY' from their fourth mini album, released in August 2024, is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity. The song has entered the latest 'Weekly Top Songs' chart on Spotify, covering 14 countries/regions for the period of January 3 to 9, 2025.

Among these, 'CRAZY' has re-entered the charts in Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, while also climbing in rankings in nine other regions, including South Korea, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Nearly five months after its release, the track remains a global favorite.

On January 7, 'CRAZY' reappeared on the 'Daily Top Songs Global' chart and achieved over 1.28 million daily streams on January 9, maintaining its position in the rankings for three consecutive days. This brings the total appearances of 'CRAZY' on the chart to 53, with cumulative streams nearing 200 million.

Musically, 'CRAZY' is an EDM house track that captures the exhilarating feelings one experiences when encountering thrilling moments. Its trendy sound and relatable message have captivated music fans worldwide, leading to a growing number of content creators using the song as background music on platforms like TikTok.

This rising interest has also positively impacted other tracks from the mini album, with '1-800-hot-n-fun' recording approximately 250,000 daily streams and 'Pierrot' achieving around 130,000 daily streams, showcasing a collective boost in popularity.

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Continues to Climb the Charts

The 2024 KBS Drama Awards are set to take place on January 11 at 9:20 PM, showcasing a fierce competition for the coveted Grand Prize. Originally scheduled for December 31 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, the event was postponed due to a national mourning period following a tragic airplane accident. KBS has confirmed that the awards will be broadcasted as a recorded show, revealing the winners, including the highly anticipated Grand Prize, after the mourning period ends.

This year, the spotlight is on the Grand Prize, with KBS reviving its Wednesday-Thursday dramas, featuring titles like Perfect Family (완벽한 가족), Barking (개소리), and Face Me (페이스미). Weekend dramas include Beauty and the Beast (미녀와 순정남) and Iron Family (다리미 패밀리), while daily dramas such as Blood and Tears (피도 눈물도 없이), Scandal (스캔들), and Let’s Get Married, Maenggong! (결혼하자 맹꽁아!) have also aired.

A total of six nominees are in the running for the Grand Prize: Lee Soon-jae from Barking, Ji Hyun-woo and Lim Soo-hyang from Beauty and the Beast, Kim Jung-hyun and Park Ji-young from Iron Family, and Kim Ha-neul from Let’s Get Caught by the Collar (멱살 한번 잡힙시다). If Lee Soon-jae wins, he will break the record for the oldest recipient of the award. Ji Hyun-woo could potentially secure his second Grand Prize, aiming for a record-breaking third in the future. Additionally, there is keen interest in whether Park Ji-young, Kim Ha-neul, and Lim Soo-hyang can become the first female winners since Gong Hyo-jin in 2019.

Another point of interest is actor Kim Jung-hyun's recent apology. Six years ago, he faced backlash for his behavior during the press conference for the drama Time (시간), where he refused to link arms with his co-star Seohyun from Girls' Generation, leading to accusations of a rigid demeanor. It later emerged that his actions were influenced by his then-girlfriend, actress Seo Ye-ji, who was reportedly gaslighting him. This led to Kim being derogatorily referred to as 'Kim Stiff' (김딱딱) in conversations about the incident.

On stage, Kim Jung-hyun expressed, "I have many things to reflect on. My heart has been heavy for a long time, and I wanted to apologize." However, following the announcement of his remarks, negative public sentiment began to rise, with critics arguing that his unilateral apology, six years later, failed to consider Seohyun's feelings once again.

KBS is now faced with the decision of whether to air Kim's acceptance speech in full or edit it for the broadcast, adding another layer of intrigue to the event.

The ceremony will also feature celebratory performances, with Kinky directing the opening show, and artists like Kim Da-hyun and the Yuk Joong-wan Family performing songs from their respective dramas. Additionally, musical stars Ok Joo-hyun and Kim Sung-sik will present a duet.

'대상 격돌' 이순재→김하늘+'딱딱 사과' 김정현까지..'KBS 연기대상' 오늘(11일) 개최

2024 KBS Drama Awards: Anticipation Builds for the Grand Prize and Kim Jung-hyun's Apology

Stray Kids has achieved remarkable success with their latest album '合 (HOP)' (SKZHOP HIPTAPE), released on December 13. The album has topped both the Hanteo Chart and Circle Chart's monthly physical album rankings for December 2024. This accomplishment highlights their strong presence in the music industry, as they also led the monthly retail album chart, showcasing impressive sales figures across offline retail outlets.

Recently, Stray Kids made headlines by becoming the only artist in the 69-year history of the Billboard 200 to have six consecutive albums debut at number one. They have also set new records on the Billboard 'Top Album Sales' and 'Top Current Album Sales' charts, maintaining the number one position for three consecutive weeks after their entry.

On January 6, Stray Kids teased their fans with a video titled 'Stray Kids "STEP OUT 2025"', announcing a variety of projects for the year, including the release of two albums, a Korean encore concert, and fan meetings. Their world tour, which spans 48 shows across 32 regions, will resume in Hong Kong on January 18-19, before heading to major stadiums in Latin America, North America, and Europe starting in March.

Additionally, they will hold their fifth official fan meeting, 'Stray Kids 5TH FANMEETING 'SKZ 5'CLOCK'', from February 14-16 at the Incheon Inspire Arena. The event on February 16 will also be streamed live online via the Beyond LIVE platform, allowing more fans to join in the experience.

스트레이 키즈, 한터-써클차트 12월 월간 앨범 차트 1위 석권

Stray Kids Dominates Monthly Album Charts with '合 (HOP)'

On January 10, a new vlog titled 'Not Me, But Song Hye-kyo...' was released on the channel 강밍경. In the video, actress Song Hye-kyo humorously remarked, "I feel like Min-kyung is constantly watching me here," showing her awareness of the camera. The editor, 강민경, expressed surprise at having Song Hye-kyo appear on her channel, recalling a conversation they had a few months prior about promoting the upcoming film 'The Black Nun.' 

During a birthday party with long-time friends, Song Hye-kyo joked about the monotony of celebrating birthdays together for 20 years, saying, "It's boring after two decades." One friend reminisced about a lavish birthday celebration that cost several million won, while Song Hye-kyo humorously responded to a question about how long it had been since they last met, saying, "At least we’re seeing each other because it’s a birthday."

The birthday celebration featured four different cakes, and during a segment dubbed 'Heartwarming Time,' a friend shared a touching memory from when they were 19. They recalled how Song Hye-kyo supported them during a challenging time in their career, showing her kindness and maturity. 

A stylist also shared a heartfelt story about a time when they were struggling financially. After receiving news that their mother was ill, they rushed home without telling Song Hye-kyo. To their surprise, a significant amount of money appeared in their account, which was sent by Song Hye-kyo through her manager, along with a heartfelt message expressing her regret for not being able to be there in person. 

Back in Seoul's Sangam-dong, Song Hye-kyo mentioned she was there for the final recording of 'The Black Nun' and expressed excitement about reuniting with her film team. She quickly shifted into work mode, showcasing her dedication while also displaying her charming personality during breaks. 

She greeted co-stars 이진욱 and 전여빈, who expressed admiration for her long-lasting relationships. When asked about the secret to her enduring friendships, Song Hye-kyo humorously replied, "Humanity?" and added that she tends to connect with people who share similar values. 

In a light-hearted moment, 강민경 teased Song Hye-kyo about singing in her vlog, to which she responded with a laugh, admitting she might have been persuaded to do so. 

Reflecting on her career, Song Hye-kyo shared that her happiest moments in acting came while filming 'That Winter, the Wind Blows,' where she portrayed a visually impaired character. She described the emotional challenges and the unique experience of acting without eye contact until the final episode. She also mentioned 'The Glory' as a significant project that brought her new joy in acting, highlighting her appreciation for her past roles and the connections she has made throughout her career.

송혜교 "줄 수 있는게 돈이라 미안해" 스탭에 전달한 '거금'...눈물 쏟아진 미담 ('걍민경')[종합]

Song Hye-kyo's Heartwarming Moments Shared in New Vlog

On January 11, the production companies behind the tvN drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐) announced an impressive lineup for its original soundtrack (OST). The series, which features the story of Eve (공효진), a boss working in a zero-gravity space station, and a mysterious guest named Dinosaur (이민호) with a secret mission, has quickly gained popularity, ranking first in Netflix's Top 10 series in South Korea.

The OST lineup includes global superstars such as Jin from BTS (방탄소년단), emotional vocalist Seungkwan from SEVENTEEN (세븐틴), and the captivating voice of Lee Su-hyun from AKMU (악뮤), raising anticipation among fans. Additionally, the lineup features the versatile sounds of Lee Seung-yoon, hip-hop and R&B icon BIG Naughty (서동현), the unique voice of Sion, and talented musician Gemini, all set to enhance the drama's emotional depth.

Notably, the project is overseen by music director Nam Hye-seung, known for his sophisticated musical contributions to hits like 'Queen of Tears', 'Our Beloved Summer', and 'Goblin', promising a well-crafted OST that will drive the narrative of the series.

Since its premiere on January 4, 'Ask the Stars' has received acclaim for its fresh concept and stellar cast. The show has consistently topped viewership ratings across cable and general programming channels, and it has also secured the top spot on Netflix's charts and fifth place in TV-OTT drama buzz.

The OST will begin with the release of 'Feel Like a Million' by BIG Naughty (서동현), which was launched on January 5, and subsequent tracks will be released in line with the drama's progression.

BTS 진·세븐틴 승관·악뮤 이수현, ‘별들에게 물어봐’ OST 황금 라인업 [공식]

Star-Studded OST Lineup Revealed for 'Ask the Stars'

Comedian Kim Sook revealed that she has been trying to purchase an apartment in the prestigious Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments in Gangnam, Seoul, for over 20 years, but has faced repeated failures. She explained that sellers often raise prices at the last minute during contract signings, a situation that continues to occur in the real estate market today.

During her appearance on MBC's 'Home for Rent! (구해줘! 홈즈)' on January 9, Kim expressed her emotional connection to the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments, stating, "Thinking about this place brings me to tears." The apartments gained fame as the residence of popular entertainers like Yoo Jae-suk and Noh Hong-chul during their time on the show 'Infinite Challenge (무한도전)'. Kim noted that other celebrities, including Hong Hyun-hee, Lee Ji-hye, Oh Sang-jin, and Kim Hee-ae, have also moved into the area.

Reflecting on her past attempts, Kim shared, "I came here in my 20s to buy an apartment, but it was too expensive, so I couldn't purchase one. I returned after making some money, but I still couldn't buy it." She recounted how prices would suddenly increase by 50 million to 100 million KRW right before signing the contract, saying, "I went to the real estate office thinking it was 500 million KRW, but it turned out to be 600 million KRW. The seller would say, 'I raised the price suddenly.' This happened about three times at the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments."

Kim met with a real estate agent who had previously shown her properties and expressed her frustration, asking, "If it's 1 billion KRW, why does it change when we come to sign the contract?" The agent replied that just last week, a price had been raised by 250 million KRW during a contract signing.

She then visited an actual listing for the apartment, which featured large windows overlooking the Han River. Kim explained, "In the past, people were very particular about the direction of the apartments. A north-facing apartment was undesirable, while south or east-facing was preferred. Here in Gangnam, they even designed the utility room to face north towards the Han River. Nowadays, renovations allow for views of the Han River even from south-facing apartments."

The apartment in question has a reported area of 196 square meters (approximately 65 pyeong) and is listed for 9 billion KRW. The jeonse (long-term lease) price is 2.5 billion KRW, while the monthly rent is around 800,000 KRW with a deposit of 500 million KRW.

The first phases of the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments were completed in 1976. Despite being over 40 years old, they remain a prominent residential complex in Gangnam. With ongoing redevelopment projects, a unit of the same size sold for a record 8.3 billion KRW last August, surpassing the previous high of 5.39 billion KRW in January 2021.

As of last year, the Apgujeong Hyundai Apartments dominated the top rankings for price per 3.3 square meters, with the highest being Apgujeong Hyundai 14th phase at 1.512 billion KRW. The third and fourth spots were also held by Apgujeong Hyundai 4th and 5th phases, priced at 1.414 billion KRW and 1.3489 billion KRW, respectively.

“계약서 쓰다 갑자기 가격 올려”…김숙, 압구정 현대 세 번 놓친 이유

Comedian Kim Sook Shares Her Struggles to Buy a Luxury Apartment in Apgujeong

The start of 2025 has brought heartbreaking news as beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry have passed away unexpectedly. On January 7, Lee Hee-cheol (이희철), known for his vibrant personality and contributions to the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon, died at the age of 39. His close friend, comedian Pungja (풍자), shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sorrow over his sudden departure. She wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this, but my dear brother has become a star in the sky. Please pray he finds a good place."

The family revealed that Lee's cause of death was a heart attack, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that." In a heartfelt message posted on his account, they described him as someone who cherished his family and friends, urging everyone to remember him fondly.

The news shocked fans and colleagues alike, especially since Lee had shared a hopeful New Year’s message just a week prior, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned.

In the wake of his passing, fellow entertainers expressed their grief. Yoo Min-sang (유민상), who worked with Lee on SBS Love FM's "Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio," shared his sorrow on air, reminiscing about Lee's bright smile and kind demeanor.

Additionally, actress Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her roles in various dramas, also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64. Her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), announced her death, expressing deep condolences to her family and fans. Lee had recently signed with a new agency and was set to continue her active career, making her loss even more tragic.

Moreover, voice actor Yoo Ho-han (유호한), aged 52, died from a heart attack on January 7. He was well-known for his work in popular series like "Crayon Shin-chan" and the "Avengers" films. Yoo was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors, having served as the president of the KBS Voice Actors Association.

The entertainment community mourns these significant losses, remembering the joy and talent each of these individuals brought to their craft.

Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

The beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee has sadly passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Her funeral is being held at the VIP room 1 of Ulsan Hospital. Survived by her spouse and two sons, the family is mourning deeply as they receive visitors at the funeral home.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that she had no known chronic illnesses, leading to a sudden passing.

Her agency, 범엔터테인먼트 (Bum Entertainment), expressed their sorrow through an official statement, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her."

They further honored her legacy, saying, "Lee Yoon-hee was a precious individual who contributed to popular culture for many years and was loved by many. Her absence is a significant loss for us all. She has touched audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm emotions through numerous works. We will cherish her memories and achievements and strive to honor her life and values."

Born in 1960, Lee Yoon-hee began her acting career in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). From 2007 onwards, she appeared in various films such as '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대' (The Drug King), '러브픽션' (Love Fiction), '7번방의 선물' (Miracle in Cell No. 7), '감기' (Flu), '더 킹' (The King), '특별시민' (Citizen Kane), and '보안관' (The Sheriff), as well as dramas like '자이언트' (Giant), '참 좋은 시절' (What’s So Wrong with Secretary Kim), '구해줘2' (Save Me 2), '블랙독' (Black Dog), '킹덤 시즌2' (Kingdom Season 2), '편의점 샛별이' (Convenience Store Saet-byul), and '모범택시' (Taxi Driver).

Last year, she was seen in Netflix's '선산' (The Silent Sea) and tvN's '세작, 매혹된 자들' (The Tale of Nokdu) in the roles of Kim Mu-sun and Choam Kim Je-nam, respectively.

Her funeral will take place on January 13 at 8 AM, with her final resting place at Ulsan Sky Park.

Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

On January 11, 2025, during the MBC show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), singer Ailee shared her love story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno (솔로지옥). The episode featured a winter song special, with Ailee and singer John Park as the first guests. Host Yoo Jae-suk mentioned Ailee's exciting news, stating, "Ailee has good news. She is getting married in April next year." Surprised, fellow cast member Haha congratulated her, while Yoo clarified that she would be marrying the contestant from Single's Inferno. Ailee responded with a smile, saying, "That's right. I escaped from Single's Inferno!" 

When asked if she received a proposal, Ailee explained, "I didn't get a proposal, but I find it a bit strange. In the U.S., proposals happen before wedding preparations, but here, we start dating with marriage in mind, so receiving a proposal feels different." Fellow guest Joo Woo-jae agreed, noting that proposals in Korea often feel like a performance. Ailee added, "For me, it felt a bit foreign, so when we went ring shopping, I just said, 'I want this one.'" 

Joo then inquired about their pet names, to which Ailee revealed, "I saw an official statement where he said he would take good care of 'Princess Ye-jin,' which was quite surprising!" 

Ailee recounted how they met through a friend, initially without any romantic interest. They later attended a concert together, where she noticed his tall stature and broad shoulders. Their relationship began to blossom when they attended a g.o.d concert, where Ailee felt cold and he offered her his jacket. As they shared the jacket, their hands touched, leading to a moment where she didn't want to pull away, marking the start of their relationship. Joo humorously remarked that they probably didn't hear any of the concert due to their distraction, to which Ailee joked about feeling hot and sweaty. 

Ailee Reveals Love Story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno

Renowned actor Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her exceptional supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), she died unexpectedly on the morning of January 11, 2025, with no known chronic illnesses reported.

Bome Entertainment expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Lee Yoon-hee's untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences as she embarks on her final journey."

Born on January 28, 1960, Lee made her acting debut in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). She gained recognition in 2007 for her role as Elder Kang in the film '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), marking the beginning of her film career. Over the years, she appeared in notable films such as 'The King of Affection' (아부의 왕, 2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (극비수사, 2015), 'Citizen K' (특별시민, 2017), and 'Harodongseon' (하로동선, 2022).

In addition to her film work, Lee was a familiar face on television, featuring in dramas like 'Save Me 2' (구해줘2, 2019), 'Black Dog' (블랙독, 2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (편의점 샛별이, 2020), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시, 2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (십시일반, 2020), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (살인자의 쇼핑목록, 2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (도적, 칼의 소리, 2023), 'Seonsan' (선산, 2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (세작, 매혹된 자들, 2024).

Just last month, she signed an exclusive contract with Bome Entertainment and was set to continue her active career.

Her funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital (울산병원) with the burial scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park (울산하늘공원).

Veteran Actor Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

On January 11, KBS2 aired the '2024 KBS Acting Awards,' hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min. During the ceremony, actor Kim Jung-hyun received the Best Actor award for his role in 'The Iron Family.' 

Upon accepting the award, Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am well aware of my shortcomings. Despite that, I am thankful to be standing here today. Just a few years ago, I thought I would never act again due to various reasons, including my own doubts. I am truly grateful to be in this position now." 

He continued, "While it is customary to express gratitude when receiving an award, I believe that true appreciation cannot exist without reflecting on the past. When I started acting, I engaged in behavior that hurt many people and caused discomfort. I sincerely apologize for that and bow my head in remorse, receiving applause from the audience."

Kim emphasized that his apology is not the end of the matter, stating, "I do not seek forgiveness, but I see this as a necessary step in moving forward with my life."

He added, "I have shared some heavy thoughts from my heart, but I will keep my remarks brief. I want to thank the 'Iron Family,' KBS, writer Seo Suk-hyang, KeyEast, Monster Union, and all the staff who have supported us. I am grateful to my seniors Kim Young-ok and Park In-hwan, as well as my parents and fellow actors Park Ji-young and Shin Hyun-joon, who are all working hard. I know it’s a tiring time, but I hope to be a source of strength for everyone."

Kim concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks to his fans, saying, "I want to sincerely thank the fans who have allowed me to stand here today. Lastly, to my family, who have shared my burdens and pain, I have always wanted to be a proud son, brother, and sibling, but I feel I have not lived up to that. I hope this moment can be remembered as a small but meaningful step towards that. Thank you, I love you all."

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Continues to Climb the Charts

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Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

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Veteran Actor Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

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