The song 'CRAZY' by the girl group LE SSERAFIM has demonstrated its impressive streaming power nearly five months after its release. The title track from their fourth mini album, which debuted in August 2024, achieved over 1.27 million streams on Spotify within just one day, re-entering the 'Daily Top Songs Global' chart at 171st place as of January 7, 2025.

Additionally, 'CRAZY' saw an increase in rankings across 14 countries and regions, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, on the 'Daily Top Songs' chart. It also made its mark on the 'Daily Viral Songs' chart in 36 countries and regions, showcasing its global popularity through this key indicator of music trends.

Recently, 'CRAZY' surpassed 1.2 million daily streams on Spotify for six consecutive days, 126 days post-release. This marks a 30% increase compared to the average daily streams of around 900,000 in December 2024. Furthermore, the song re-entered the Billboard charts, ranking 142nd on the 'Global (Excl. U.S.)' and 179th on the 'Global 200' as of January 7.

Musically, 'CRAZY' is an EDM-based house track that captures the exhilarating emotions of encountering someone who drives you wild. With such electrifying results at the start of the year, all eyes are on LE SSERAFIM's future endeavors.

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Proves Its Streaming Power Five Months After Release

On January 8, 2025, the action film '하얼빈' (Harbin), directed by Woo Min-ho and produced by Hive Media Corp, held a press screening and media conference at CGV in Yongsan, Seoul. The film has maintained its position as the top-grossing movie in South Korea for 15 consecutive days, nearing 4 million admissions. 

As of January 8, 'Harbin' has achieved the highest ticket reservation rate among all films, surpassing competitors such as '동화지만 청불입니다' (It's a Fairytale but Rated R) directed by Lee Jong-seok, '페라리' (Ferrari) by Michael Mann, and '보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅' (Bogotá: The Last Land of Opportunity) by Kim Sung-jae. Since claiming the top spot in ticket reservations on December 15, 2024, it has held this position for 25 days straight. Furthermore, since its release on December 24, it has not relinquished the number one spot at the box office, showcasing its impressive performance. 

The film's success is not limited to South Korea; it has also made waves internationally, achieving global sales in 117 countries, including the United States, Japan, France, Taiwan, Australia, and Spain. 'Harbin' began its international rollout on December 25, 2024, with releases in the U.S. and Singapore, followed by an expanded release in the U.S. on January 3, and confirmed openings in Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan in the coming weeks. Other countries are expected to announce their release dates soon. 

The significance of this achievement lies in the historical subject matter, which resonates with audiences across diverse cultures. A representative from CJ ENM's international distribution team noted that the anticipation surrounding Woo Min-ho's new project, along with the star power of actors like Hyun Bin, has attracted international buyers. The film has also been recognized at prestigious film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival, enhancing its appeal. 

'Harbin' has been described as a must-see film, delivering an unparalleled audiovisual experience that meets the expectations of viewers. The film intricately weaves the story of General Ahn Jung-geun and the Korean Independence Army, stirring emotions and garnering positive reviews. The narrative connects the historical figure of Ahn Jung-geun from 1909 to contemporary issues faced by the Korean public in 2025, raising curiosity about whether 'Harbin' will surpass 4 million admissions in its third week and reach 5 million. 

Set in 1909, 'Harbin' depicts the intense pursuit and suspicion between those heading to Harbin for a common goal and those chasing them. The film features a star-studded cast, including Hyun Bin, Park Jung-min, Jo Woo-jin, Jeon Yeo-been, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae-myung, and Lee Dong-wook, with direction by Woo Min-ho, known for 'The Insider' and 'The Man Standing Next.'

[종합] "전 세계 퍼진 '까레아 우라!'"…'하얼빈' 韓서 15일 연속 1위→해외 117개국 판매까지

Action Film 'Harbin' Dominates Korean Box Office and Gains Global Attention

K-pop group GFRIEND is set to make a splash on music shows as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with the release of a new song. The members—Sowon (소원), Yerin (예린), Eunha (은하), Yuju (유주), SinB (신비), and Umji (엄지)—will debut their title track '우리의 다정한 계절 속에 (Season of Memories)' on Mnet's '엠카운트다운' at 6 PM KST on January 9. Following this performance, fans can catch them on various music shows throughout the week.

Anticipation for GFRIEND's new stage is at an all-time high. Their recent appearances at the '39th Golden Disc Awards' and 'Studio Dance' on YouTube have quickly climbed the trending charts since their release on January 7. Known for their synchronized choreography and fast-paced dance moves, the group is once again generating buzz with their performance.

The new song '우리의 다정한 계절 속에 (Season of Memories)' has been praised for its nostalgic choreography that resonates with K-pop fans. The performance emphasizes the bond between the group and their fans, focusing on expressing their journey rather than following current trends. The cinematic structure connecting the past and present of the group is particularly moving, featuring nods to previous hits like '시간을 달려서 (Rough)'.

Park So-yeon (박소연), the performance director from Source Music, shared, "I wanted the stage to evoke memories of the time GFRIEND and their fans have shared, like a panorama. I hope it allows everyone to reflect on the journey they've taken together, fostering a deep sense of empathy."

The members actively contributed to the choreography, expressing desires to maintain their signature large arm movements and harmoniously blend their past and present. They even dedicated time to practice in a separate studio while attending an awards ceremony in Japan, showcasing their commitment to the performance.

GFRIEND's special album 'Season of Memories' is set for official release on January 13 at 6 PM KST. The group promises to deliver a collection that encapsulates their unique emotions, collaborating closely with Source Music, with whom they have a long-standing partnership.

여자친구, 오늘(9일) ‘엠카’ 출연..팀의 과거 현재 잇는 무대 예고

GFRIEND to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Special Album and Performances

In the latest episode of SBS Plus and ENA's dating show '나는 솔로' (I Am Solo), contestant Ok-soon (옥순) introduced herself as an employee in the brand strategy department of a major company, referred to as 'K'. However, suspicions have arisen that she is actually a temporary secretary. During her introduction, Ok-soon expressed her desire to meet someone who offers stability, akin to her bed, and mentioned her frugal upbringing. She also made headlines with bold statements about her appearance, including having undergone plastic surgery and having frozen her eggs, which left the show's hosts astonished. Following the broadcast, discussions erupted regarding the authenticity of her job claim. An online community post suggested that Ok-soon misrepresented herself as a full-time employee when she is, in fact, a temporary worker. While it is confirmed that she works in the brand strategy department of 'K', it was noted that all secretarial positions there are temporary. The production team of '나는 솔로' acknowledged her employment but refrained from commenting further due to privacy concerns. Viewers are divided on the issue, with some arguing that contestants should be transparent about their jobs, especially when seeking marriage, while others believe that Ok-soon did not intend to deceive. '나는 솔로' is a reality dating program that airs every Wednesday at 10:30 PM, featuring singles eager to find love.

24기 옥순, 소개 하자마자 ‘직업 뻥튀기’ 논란..‘나솔’ 측 “대기업 근무 맞지만” [종합]

Controversy Surrounds '나는 솔로' Contestant's Job Claim

Hwang Jae-kyun, the baseball player who recently divorced Ji-yeon from the girl group T-ara, has reactivated his previously dormant social media account, sharing a series of thought-provoking posts. On January 8, he uploaded several images capturing lyrics from the song "The Phoenix" by the band Fall Out Boy. The lyrics include lines such as 'Prepare for war,' 'Don’t you feel it, youth?' 'Time is running out,' 'I will change you,' and 'Then I will resurrect you like a phoenix.' This marks the first time Hwang has posted since his divorce, drawing significant attention. He had deactivated his Instagram account during the divorce proceedings last year, and this post comes nearly ten months after the divorce was finalized. Some speculate that Hwang's post reflects his determination as he prepares for the upcoming baseball season. He is currently with the KT Wiz and is gearing up for spring training to enhance his fitness ahead of the new season. Hwang and Ji-yeon were married in December 2022, but rumors of their separation surfaced in June 2023 during a live radio broadcast. Although Ji-yeon's side initially denied the rumors, signs such as her not wearing her wedding ring led to further speculation. Ultimately, their divorce was officially settled on November 20, 2023. Hwang's representatives stated at the time that both parties could not overcome their differences, leading to their agreement to separate and file for divorce at the Seoul Family Court.

"전쟁 준비" 황재균, 이혼 후 첫 심경..지연은 3개월째 침묵 [종합]

Hwang Jae-kyun Resurfaces on Social Media with Cryptic Post After Divorce from Ji-yeon

On the January 8 episode of TV Chosun's Perfect Life (퍼펙트 라이프), legendary Miss Korea Jang Yoon-jung made an appearance, revealing her current activities as a traditional Korean painting artist. Reflecting on her journey into 민화 (minhwa), she shared, "About six years ago, I was going through a tough time. A friend suggested I try painting, which is a very calming activity. I became captivated by the beauty of the colors in 민화, and the subtle hues of Korean coloring brought me a sense of peace. It has been a therapeutic process for me."

Jang, who majored in dance at university, completed two hours of 민화 work before heading to a dance academy to pursue her hobby. After a 30-year hiatus, she showcased her stunning dance skills in traditional Korean dance, leaving everyone in awe.

Later, Jang visited a cooking studio to prepare a meal for her agency's CEO, Kim Hyun-jung. She expressed her gratitude, stating, "When I decided to restart my career 7-8 years ago, he was one of the few who offered me support when I had nothing. I am truly thankful to him."

Displaying her impressive culinary skills, Jang surprised everyone by suggesting they drink soju, saying, "Shall we have a drink?" This caught everyone off guard, especially since her CEO humorously recalled, "Didn’t you used to avoid soju? The first time you tried it, we ended up at our sixth round of drinks, and then you disappeared the next day!"

A flustered Jang admitted, "I had never tried soju before, so I didn’t know my limit. I ended up drinking quite a bit and got really drunk!" When asked if she had any drinking habits, she replied, "When I drink, my tone gets really high, and I become very cheerful."

Additionally, Lee Sung-mi praised Jang's beauty when a photo from her Miss Korea days at age 17 was shown, saying, "No one can match that beauty. In fact, actress Kim Sung-ryung was so intimidated by Jang that she postponed her own Miss Korea participation by a year to avoid competing against her."


소속사 대표의 폭로..“장윤정, 6차까지 술 마시고 연락두절” (‘퍼펙트라이프’)

Jang Yoon-jung Surprised by Agency's CEO Revelations on Perfect Life

On January 9, 2025, the production press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아), took place at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The event featured cast members Lee Se-young (이세영), Na In-woo (나인우), Choi Min-soo (최민수), Kim Tae-hyung (김태형), Choi Hee-jin (최희진), and director Kim Hyung-min (김형민), with broadcaster Park Kyung-rim (박경림) serving as the MC.

Motel California is a romantic drama set in a rural motel, following the life of the female protagonist who was born and raised in the motel. The story revolves around her reunion with her first love from her hometown, from which she fled 12 years ago. The series is based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by author Shim Yoon-seo (심윤서).

Director Kim Hyung-min described the drama as a tale of reconciling the conflicting elements of a first love reencountered after 12 years and a longing to return to one’s hometown. He expressed his nervousness ahead of the premiere, hoping that the warm atmosphere would be captured on camera.

Lee Se-young, known for her successful roles in dramas like The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) and Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐), plays the role of Ji Kang-hee (지강희), an interior designer born in the motel. She shared her excitement about being part of MBC's 2025 lineup, stating, "I feel a bit more nervous and excited since I’m opening the first drama of the year for MBC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with MBC again, especially as many dramas are being canceled these days."

Kang-hee's character has faced a challenging life due to her unusual upbringing and striking appearance. Lee Se-young noted that she found many similarities between herself and Kang-hee, expressing curiosity about how a child with trauma and deficiencies would grow up.

Na In-woo, who has captured hearts in dramas like The Moon Rising River (달이 뜨는 강) and Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘), portrays Cheon Yeon-soo (천연수), a top candidate for the son-in-law of local farmers and a large animal veterinarian. He shared that he was drawn to the character's life story and worked hard to embody it.

The chemistry between Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, who play a couple with a 23-year history of first love, is expected to create a romantic wave in viewers' homes this New Year. Lee praised Na In-woo for his sensitivity and beautiful gaze, while Na In-woo expressed his admiration for Lee Se-young's ability to interpret their characters delicately.

Other cast members include Choi Min-soo as the motel owner Ji Chun-pil (지춘필), Kim Tae-hyung as the sole heir of an elite hotel, Geum Seok-gyeong (금석경), and Choi Hee-jin as veterinarian Yoon Nan-woo (윤난우), who follows her senior Cheon Yeon-soo.

Despite being dubbed the 'MBC Princess,' Lee Se-young acknowledged the pressure of continuing MBC's successful drama streak. She emphasized that she focuses solely on her character and the project, without worrying about past successes or failures. However, she does have a target viewership rating, stating, "As the lead, I feel a sense of responsibility. I hope for success, and if we achieve a 10% rating, I promised to appear as a special DJ on the radio show 'Hope Song at Noon' (정오의 희망곡)."

Motel California is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST.

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

On January 9, Han Ji-min appeared as a guest on KBS Cool FM's 'It's a Good Day to Love' and discussed her recent drama, 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서). During the show, a listener praised the chemistry between Han Ji-min and her co-star, expressing curiosity about the upcoming storyline. 

Han Ji-min responded by noting the similarities between her character, Kang Ji-yoon, and herself, particularly their clumsiness, such as getting into the wrong car. She humorously mentioned how her manager's friends often remind her, 'That's not your car,' leading to amusing situations. She added that the appearance of a charming character in the drama adds an exciting element to her role.

Host Lee Geum-hee commented on a scene where co-star Lee Jun-hyuk protects Han Ji-min from bumping her head, likening it to a romantic gesture of shielding a loved one from sunlight while they sleep. Han Ji-min revealed that while female viewers loved that scene, some male viewers, including Son Seok-koo, questioned whether such actions were necessary, which brought laughter to the discussion. She concluded by stating that it was a moment that resonated with many women, making them feel excited.

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

On January 9, during the broadcast of MBN's Special Report (특종세상), An Sang-tae shared his experiences of suffering from online harassment due to false accusations of noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor. He revealed that he felt trapped by the claims, stating, 'It turned out that the person from the apartment below was right. The previous tenants and the ones below them never had such issues.' He recounted meeting the accuser in court, where they explained their actions were driven by stress from raising children. 

An expressed the emotional toll this situation took on him, saying, 'Even though I am not a criminal, I couldn't even go out to eat because of the media coverage. There were cruel comments about my daughter, suggesting horrific things. It was very painful, and thankfully, my child was very young at the time.' 

Currently, An is involved in film production and directing. When asked about his earnings, he humorously noted, 'I make about 320,000 won a year.' He added, 'Even if not many people watch my films, I feel happy when they resonate with the stories I imagined.'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

On January 9, actress Jo Yu-ri discussed her experience in the highly anticipated Netflix original series, Squid Game Season 2, during an interview at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul. 

The first season of Squid Game, which premiered in September 2021, became a global phenomenon, achieving numerous records including being Netflix's number one show for 47 days, with over 111 million households tuning in and generating approximately 1 trillion won in revenue. The second season, released three years later, continues the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman (played by Lee Byung-hun), as they engage in a fierce battle amidst the return of the deadly games.

According to Netflix's TOP10 Tudum website, Squid Game Season 2 garnered 58.2 million viewing hours from December 30 to January 5, making it the top series globally across both English and non-English categories, and it appeared in the TOP10 lists of 93 countries. In its first week, it ranked as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history, and within 11 days, it reached 126.2 million viewing hours, securing the second spot. Meanwhile, Season 1 has also re-entered the global TOP10 series list as the second most popular non-English show.

During the interview, Jo Yu-ri expressed her gratitude for the love the series has received, stating, "I’m really happy that this hard work is being appreciated. My mom was incredibly excited when I got the role, and my younger sibling was just as thrilled. It made me feel proud. She mentioned she might cry when the show comes out. While she might be biased as my mom, she has been very supportive. When I passed the audition, I was at my family home in Busan, and she watched Squid Game day and night, even asking me to turn it off at night when she wanted to sleep. I think she’s still watching it now," she laughed.

Jo Yu-ri joined the cast of Squid Game Season 2 through a rigorous audition process that included four rounds. "The first round was a video audition, open to many applicants, like a nationwide audition. I remember going through the second round with the assistant director and the third and fourth rounds with the director. The first round used a script created by the Squid Game team, while the later rounds included excerpts from other films and scenes from Squid Game 2. I felt like I would fail during the third audition, but I was grateful to be called back for the fourth round. I didn’t think I would succeed, but I left feeling relieved after that audition," she recalled.

She noted that while she initially received a script for the character Jun-hee, she was told it could be for a different role. "I auditioned thinking, 'This is an interesting character,' and only learned I was cast as Jun-hee after the audition. When I got the call saying I was accepted, I couldn’t believe it at first. It felt like a dream. I was so happy, thinking, 'I’m part of such a big project!' I immediately told my mom. During my time on Produce 48, everything was broadcasted from the moment I passed the audition, which felt less real. This time, I was alone, so I could grasp the reality of it more quickly," she shared.

Jo Yu-ri, who plays Jun-hee, a character who participates in the deadly games after losing a fortune due to a bad investment from her ex-boyfriend Myung-ki (played by Im Si-wan), expressed her concerns about portraying a pregnant character without personal experience. "I worried that those who have been pregnant might find my performance awkward. I closely examined Jun-hee’s character and asked people who have experienced pregnancy about their feelings and physical changes. My mom was my main source of information. I asked her about the typical symptoms, emotional changes, and habits of pregnant women, like how they often touch their bellies. I also inquired about basic postures and movements, ensuring I didn’t come off as overly familiar with pregnancy," she explained.

She added, "While I didn’t find it difficult to immerse myself in the character, Jun-hee’s emotional state was quite heavy, making it hard to shake off those feelings even after filming. I discussed with the director why Jun-hee, who has no money or husband, would decide to have a child. This led to the idea that she might not have a family, which helped me understand her character better. I also tried to reflect physical changes, like messy hair and skin changes typical in pregnancy. I even avoided using lip balm to make my lips chapped. I thought about gaining weight, but I realized that a happy pregnant woman wouldn’t be overly indulgent, so I started losing weight gradually after filming began," she elaborated.

Reflecting on her time on set with many senior actors, Jo Yu-ri said, "No one directly told me how to do things, but watching their performances and being around them was a continuous learning experience. I found every little detail fascinating. The senior actors were very welcoming, so I didn’t feel pressured to perform alongside them. However, given that Season 1 was such a massive hit, I did feel some pressure about whether I could carry Season 2 well." 

She also mentioned, "Every time I filmed, I reminded myself that this opportunity is rare and could never come again, so I should cherish these moments and feelings. I tried to remember that this isn’t something to take for granted. I was more nervous before filming, but once the cameras were rolling, I was able to immerse myself and relax. Preparing thoroughly helped me manage my nerves, and practicing my lines and expressions beforehand made a significant difference. My experience as an idol, where I often stood in front of the camera, also helped me during filming with the large cast of Squid Game 2."

Jo Yu-ri has established herself as a versatile talent, balancing her career as both a singer and actress. She debuted as the main vocalist of the group IZ*ONE in 2018, gaining explosive global popularity, and after the group disbanded, she launched a successful solo career. Her debut single, GLASSY (글래시), ranked ninth in sales among female solo albums in 2021, showcasing her strength as a solo artist.

Discussing the differences and similarities between acting and singing, Jo Yu-ri said, "The main difference lies in the stage we perform on. Acting is in front of a camera on set, while singing is performed live on stage. The pressure and pride of expressing and being recognized by the public are similar in both fields. Acting allows me to experience things I wouldn’t in real life, like being a character in a life-or-death game, which is a significant aspect of its appeal. It’s exciting to live as different characters."

Looking ahead, Jo Yu-ri plans to continue her dual career as an actress and singer, with a new album set to release this year. "I want to work hard in both areas without focusing solely on one. Many people have come to recognize me through this project, and I hope that those who remember me as 'the girl from Squid Game' will also check out my album," she expressed.

At the end of the interview, she addressed rumors about her salary, stating, "I can’t discuss specific production costs, but I want to clarify that 4.2 billion won is an amount I’ve never encountered or even thought about in my life. So, I want to firmly say that it’s not true. I don’t know when I’ll ever see that amount, but until then, I’ll continue to work hard as Jo Yu-ri. I believe that many surviving participants will experience various changes, including Jun-hee. The story will become more intense and engaging, so I hope viewers will look forward to it. If Season 3 receives as much attention as Season 2, I don’t think fans will be disappointed," she concluded.

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Proves Its Streaming Power Five Months After Release

What do you think?

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Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

Jo Yu-ri Shares Insights on Squid Game Season 2

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Action Film 'Harbin' Dominates Korean Box Office and Gains Global Attention

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Hwang Jae-kyun Resurfaces on Social Media with Cryptic Post After Divorce from Ji-yeon

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