Actor Lee Chae-min has officially started filming for the new tvN drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' today, February 11, 2025, after the previous lead, Park Sung-hoon, stepped down from the role due to controversy last month. Following Park's exit, Lee was approached for the role and confirmed his participation after positive consideration. His co-star is the well-known actress YoonA, creating excitement for their on-screen pairing.

The sudden change in the male lead caused delays in the script reading and overall production schedule. However, it has been reported that Lee Chae-min will begin his first shoot for 'The Tyrant's Chef' today, approximately a month after Park's departure and about three weeks later than YoonA, who commenced filming before the Seollal holiday. Lee is expected to join the filming team and start collaborating with YoonA in mid-February.

Fans have expressed their support online, with comments like, "It must be nerve-wracking to act alongside YoonA, but good luck!" and "I hope you can showcase your unique style in this new role. Finally, filming has begun, so stay strong!".

The drama, set to air in the second half of 2025, tells the story of a time-traveling French chef, Jeong Ji-young (played by YoonA), who encounters the tyrannical yet gourmet king Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min), leading to a fantasy survival romance that transcends 500 years.

Lee Chae-min Begins Filming for 'The Tyrant's Chef' Following Park Sung-hoon's Departure

On February 10, a tragic incident occurred at an elementary school in Daejeon, where a 40-year-old female teacher fatally stabbed an 8-year-old student, identified as A. The father of the deceased student, Mr. B, expressed his belief that the incident was a premeditated crime and called for the school to be held accountable.

After completing a police interview, Mr. B stated, "The teacher, unable to control her anger due to depression, killed an innocent child. We must ensure that no other victims arise from this situation." He revealed that A's phone had a parental monitoring application, allowing him to hear sounds around her phone in real-time. He began searching for his daughter around 4:50 PM and reported hearing various noises, including heavy breathing and the sounds of drawers and zippers, but no voice from A.

Mr. B noted that A was the only child remaining at the school until 4:40 PM, suggesting that the teacher was aware of her solitude. He emphasized that the teacher must have brought the weapon herself, indicating a planned attack.

According to the Daejeon Police Agency, A was found stabbed in the audiovisual room on the second floor of the school around 6 PM. The police also discovered the teacher, identified as C, injured in a storage room. C, who had taken a leave of absence due to depression before returning to work at the end of last year, reportedly confessed to the police, stating, "I wielded the weapon." Authorities are investigating the specific motives behind the murder, suspecting that C harmed herself after the attack on A.

피살 초등생 父 “휴대폰 앱으로 현장소리 들어, 100% 계획범죄”

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Teacher Kills Student

On February 10, Netflix confirmed the production of a new series tentatively titled <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely) and revealed its star-studded cast, including Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, Kim Seol-hyun, Cha Seung-won, and Lee Ha-nee. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous Korean entertainment industry during the 1960s to 1980s, the series will explore the growth stories of individuals who, despite having little, dared to dream of shining success.

The series is penned by renowned writer Noh Hee-kyung, known for her emotionally resonant works such as <우리들의 블루스> (Our Blues), <디어 마이 프렌즈> (Dear My Friends), and <그 겨울, 바람이 분다> (That Winter, the Wind Blows). Her involvement has already generated significant anticipation for <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely). The direction will be handled by Lee Yoon-jung, celebrated for her high-quality productions in dramas like <커피프린스 1호점> (Coffee Prince) and <치즈인더트랩> (Cheese in the Trap).

The casting is equally impressive. Song Hye-kyo, who has captivated audiences with her performances in <태양의 후예> (Descendants of the Sun) and <그 겨울, 바람이 분다>, will portray the character Min-ja, a resilient woman shaped by her challenging childhood. As she navigates life, she seizes opportunities in the Korean music industry, showcasing her evolution in this role.

Gong Yoo, known for his impactful roles in <도깨비> (Goblin) and <오징어 게임> (Squid Game) Season 2, will play Dong-goo, Min-ja's childhood friend who shares her journey into the music industry. His character is unpredictable yet devoted to Min-ja.

Kim Seol-hyun, who has built a diverse filmography with roles in <살인자의 쇼핑목록> (Shopping List of a Killer) and <조명가게> (Lighting Store), will take on the role of Min-hee, a character intertwined with Min-ja through a complex relationship.

Cha Seung-won, recognized for his charismatic performances in <최고의 사랑> (The Greatest Love) and <부산행> (Train to Busan), will portray the legendary composer Gil-yeo, a pivotal figure in the music industry who has helped many artists achieve success.

Lastly, Lee Ha-nee, known for her roles in <극한직업> (Extreme Job) and <유령> (Ghost), will play Yang-ja, Min-hee's mother, who dreams of becoming a singer despite facing harsh realities.

With the collaboration of the trusted writer Noh Hee-kyung and director Lee Yoon-jung, along with a powerful cast, <천천히 강렬하게> (Slowly but Intensely) is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix.

드디어 만났다 송혜교♥공유..노희경 작가 '천천히 강렬하게' 라인업 공개 [공식]

Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, and Writer Noh Hee-kyung Team Up for New Netflix Series

On February 9, singer Chungha (청하) marked her birthday by making a generous donation through her fan club, HARRT, aimed at supporting medical expenses for low-income children and providing hygiene products for women and youth. The Green Umbrella Children's Foundation announced that Chungha's donation of 50 million KRW will be allocated to cover surgical and rehabilitation costs for children from low-income families across the nation, as well as hygiene product purchases for vulnerable women and youth. 

Chungha is a member of the Green Noble Club, a group of high-value donors associated with the Green Umbrella Foundation. Her philanthropic efforts began in 2019 with a donation of 50 million KRW for children's medical expenses. In 2020, she continued her support by aiding low-income children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and participating in year-end charity initiatives. 

Last January, she also supported children from low-income families requiring corrective surgeries for congenital conditions and limb lengthening due to knee cancer. This year, she chose to celebrate her birthday by giving back through her fan club. 

Chungha expressed her hopes for the children to recover both physically and mentally, wishing for them to grow up healthy, and encouraged women and youth to live confidently each day. 

Hwang Young-ki, the chairman of the Green Umbrella Foundation, stated that this support will significantly help children lead healthier lives and assured that the foundation will continue to provide various forms of assistance to ensure a happy world for children.

청하, 컴백 앞두고 좋은 소식..여성 아동 청소년 위해 5천만원 기부

Chungha Celebrates Birthday with Charitable Donation for Underprivileged Children

As MBC's drama Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아) approaches its final two episodes, the show has unveiled crucial points that are sure to captivate its dedicated fans, known as '모캘폐인'. This romantic drama, which airs on Fridays and Saturdays, tells the story of a woman who was born and raised in a motel and reunites with her first love after fleeing her hometown 12 years ago. Based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by author Shim Yoon-seo, Motel California has garnered praise for its intense performances and a soundtrack featuring renowned artists like Jeong Seung-hwan and Jeokjae, solidifying its status as a compelling 'drama for enthusiasts'. In the recent 10th episode, the emotional farewell between the characters Kang-hee (이세영) and Yeon-su (나인우) stirred significant reactions, prompting the production team to highlight three key points to watch for in the upcoming episodes.

# Can Kang-hee and Yeon-su Overcome Their Heartbreaking Split?
The first focal point is the resolution of Kang-hee and Yeon-su's 'first love remodeling'. After becoming friends at the age of nine, they navigated the tumultuous teenage years and longed for each other in their twenties, finally reuniting as lovers in their thirties. Their relationship has faced numerous challenges, including Kang-hee's upbringing in a motel, Yeon-su's mother's fierce opposition, and various rumors in their town. Their long-suppressed feelings culminated in a heartwarming moment, but the shocking revelation in the 10th episode, where Kang-hee recalls a tragic accident involving her mother and Yeon-su's father, leads her to declare their breakup. Fans are left wondering if the truth behind that fateful day will end their 23-year journey of love.

# Will Kang-hee Resolve Her Past with Hanah-eup and Her Father?
Another point of interest is whether Kang-hee can address her long-standing grievances with Hanah-eup while working on the motel remodeling project. She recently remembered that she had placed a doll in the exhaust pipe of a car on the day of the accident that claimed her mother and Yeon-su's father. This memory prompts her to seek forgiveness from her father, Chun-pil (최민수) and Yeon-su's mother, Su-ji (지수원). As Su-ji reflects on her past harshness towards Kang-hee, viewers are eager to see if Kang-hee can heal her wounds from Hanah-eup and redefine her life. The dynamics between Kang-hee, Chun-pil, Yeon-su, and Su-ji, who have all been unintentionally hurt by family ties, also raise questions about whether they can restore their relationships. The emotional scene of Chun-pil taking a memorial photo in the 10th episode has left fans curious about the secrets he may be hiding from Kang-hee.

# The Complicated Love Stories of Hanah-eup's Youth
The relationships among the youth of Hanah-eup also present an intriguing aspect of the narrative. Beyond the main couple, Kang-hee and Yeon-su, the show features a variety of unique characters. Supportive friends Seok-gyeong (김태형) and Esther (서예화) share a bond that goes beyond childhood friendship, while Han-woo (정용주) embarks on a new life in Hanah-eup after leaving a corporate job, and Nan-woo (최희진) experiences her first feelings of excitement for him. Additionally, Ah-reum (이소이), who has endured domestic violence and lived according to her parents' wishes, and Seung-eon (구자성), who has silently watched over her, add depth to the youth's love stories. The diverse backgrounds and struggles of these characters promise to deliver captivating conclusions to their arcs.

With its engaging narrative of '23 years of first love' and unique characters, Motel California continues to resonate with viewers, creating a dedicated fanbase. The 11th episode is set to air on February 14 at 9:50 PM.

이세영♥나인우, 과몰입 연인 등극..23년간 참은 감정 폭발 (모텔캘리포니아)

MBC's Motel California Reveals Key Points Ahead of Finale

The performance video for 'BILLIONAIRE,' a track from Baby Monster's debut album [DRIP], is set to be released on February 14 at midnight KST. YG Entertainment announced this via a poster on their official blog on February 11. This new choreography video follows the 'BILLIONAIRE' EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO that was unveiled on February 7, just a week prior.

The silhouettes of the seven members exude confidence against a white-toned backdrop, showcasing their unique aura. Their sleek dance moves will be accentuated by all-black outfits, and the intricate flamenco-inspired choreography is expected to captivate viewers even more.

This upcoming video promises a different kind of enjoyment compared to the previous EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO, which focused on the members' visuals, gestures, and expressions. YG stated that this new release will highlight the full choreography, maximizing the appeal of their performance.

Fans have already shown enthusiastic responses to the choreography points inspired by flamenco and the hand movements that directly express the lyrics. The previous EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO has garnered over 18 million views on YouTube in just four days, indicating a growing global interest in the group.

Baby Monster is set to expand their global presence with their first world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR 'HELLO MONSTERS'.' After a successful debut performance at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, they will be heading to 14 cities across the globe, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei, for a total of 23 shows.

베이비몬스터, 당찬 자신감 깃든 '강렬' 실루엣..'BILLIONAIRE'

Baby Monster to Release 'BILLIONAIRE' Performance Video on February 14

On the morning of February 11, 2025, mourners gathered at the funeral home of Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon to pay their respects to 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul, who was tragically killed by her teacher, identified as A (48). The police anticipate that A's arrest could occur as early as February 12. 

According to police reports, A sustained injuries to her hands and neck and underwent emergency surgery around 9 PM the previous day. Currently recovering in the intensive care unit while on a ventilator, A's condition will be monitored for at least 48 hours. 

Authorities plan to arrest A as soon as her health improves, with a police official stating, "We are currently applying for an arrest warrant, and if her condition stabilizes before the warrant is issued, we will proceed with an emergency arrest." A briefing is scheduled for 2 PM today at the Daejeon Western Police Station to provide updates on the investigation. 

Earlier, at approximately 5:50 PM on February 10, Kim Ha-neul was found fatally stabbed at a local elementary school in the Gwanjeo-dong area of Daejeon. A was discovered at the scene with self-inflicted wounds and reportedly confessed to the crime during police questioning prior to her surgery. The police have formally charged A with murder and are continuing their investigation.

Teacher Arrest Expected After Fatal Stabbing of 8-Year-Old in Daejeon

Jeon Hyun-moo (전현무) and Hong Joo-yeon (홍주연) have found themselves at the center of marriage rumors, following a recent episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀) aired on February 9, 2025. The speculation about their potential wedding was reignited after a previous episode on February 2, where chef Jung Ji-sun (정지선) mentioned Jeon Hyun-moo's rumored marriage in March.

During the show, Jung Ji-sun was recording a segment for the popular program 'Gag Concert' (개그콘서트) with comedians Jo Soo-yeon (조수연) and Shin Yoon-seung (신윤승). In a playful moment, Jo Soo-yeon jokingly claimed that Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon would be getting married in May, which left the young fan, Woo-hyung, surprised.

This playful banter led to further jokes in the studio, with Kim Byung-hyun (김병현) and other cast members teasing Jeon Hyun-moo about his supposed upcoming nuptials. Jeon Hyun-moo even humorously admitted to dating Hong Joo-yeon for a month, prompting laughter from the audience.

In a segment of the show, Um Ji-in (엄지인) shared photos of Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon dining together, showcasing their apparent happiness. Jeon Hyun-moo defended Hong Joo-yeon when Um Ji-in playfully scolded her, and he expressed a sense of nostalgia when he saw her wearing headphones, drawing parallels to his past.

As the rumors continued, the initial March wedding speculation was pushed to May. With the addition of chef Shin Jong-cheol (신종철) to the panel, who praised the buffet's offerings, Park Myung-soo (박명수) chimed in, suggesting that Jeon Hyun-moo might have good news next month. Jeon Hyun-moo responded with disbelief, stating that his mother had even inquired about the marriage rumors.

In a light-hearted exchange, Park Myung-soo suggested moving the wedding date to May, to which Jeon Hyun-moo agreed but quickly noted that this would only lead to more articles about the change. The conversation took a humorous turn when Shin Jong-cheol offered to help plan the wedding, mentioning various events he could assist with, which left Jeon Hyun-moo visibly flustered.

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

On the morning of February 11, a heartbreaking scene unfolded outside an elementary school in Daejeon, where a first-grade girl was tragically killed by a female teacher in her 40s using a knife. In response to this shocking event, Lee Joo-ho, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, expressed his condolences, stating, "I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family who must be experiencing immense shock and pain." He further emphasized the Ministry of Education's commitment to ensuring that students can learn and live in a safe environment, promising to announce measures promptly. 

Lee Joo-ho canceled his scheduled engagements, including a significant speech at the National Assembly, to convene emergency meetings and formulate a response. The Ministry of Education reported that he met with the Daejeon Superintendent of Education to discuss the situation and plans to hold an urgent council with education superintendents from 17 provinces on February 12 to address the incident and develop strategies moving forward.

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Teacher Arrested for Murdering Student

On February 11, KBS2's show Celebrity Soldier's Secret (셀럽 병사의 비밀) aired its eighth episode, delving into the identity of the 'Purple Killer,' a figure that instilled fear in many celebrities, including Kim Gu (김구), Walt Disney, and Edvard Munch (에드바르 뭉크). The episode explored the mysterious deaths surrounding the famous painter Gustav Klimt, known for his iconic kiss scene, who passed away suddenly in 1918 shortly before his hospital discharge due to a stroke. Following his death, his protégé and rival, Egon Schiele (에곤 실레), also died, leading to a series of unexplained deaths where victims exhibited a purple discoloration of the face and pneumonia symptoms before dying within days. This led to rumors in Europe that the German army had released poison gas during World War I.

The fear of death spread rapidly beyond Europe, reaching Korea during the Japanese occupation in 1918, where notable figures like Kim Gu, Walt Disney, Mahatma Gandhi, and Edvard Munch also contracted the Spanish flu.

Interestingly, the first recorded outbreak of the Spanish flu was reported in the United States, not Spain. This led to a heated discussion on the show, with guest Jang Do-yeon expressing outrage over the naming of the virus, comparing it to being unjustly labeled as the 'Jang Do-yeon virus.'

ENT specialist Lee Nak-jun (이낙준), known for his work on the Trauma Center, provided medical insights into the various rumors and treatments surrounding the flu at that time. Lee Chan-won (이찬원) humorously questioned whether mixing soju with chili powder could actually cure a cold, leading to a light-hearted moment where he publicly apologized to friends who had tried this remedy instead of taking proper medication.

The episode also featured Professor Song Dae-seop (송대섭) from Seoul National University, who developed the world's first MERS diagnostic kit in 2015. He emphasized the importance of the broadcast, revealing shocking facts about the Spanish flu and its current implications, including research suggesting that up to 300 new viruses could emerge each year over the next 50 years, equating to a new infectious disease potentially appearing almost every day.

The secrets of the 'Purple Killer' that swept the globe in 1918 will be revealed in the Spanish flu episode of Celebrity Soldier's Secret, airing on Tuesday, February 11, at 8:30 PM. Meanwhile, Lee Chan-won has disclosed that he has over 30 events scheduled in a month, with his fee reportedly around 28 million won.

The Rise of Lee Chan-won's Popularity Amidst Historical Revelations

The cast of the action film 'Paradox' (파과), directed by Min Kyu-dong and produced by Supfilm, is set to attend the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where they will participate in official events. Invited to the Berlinale Special section, 'Paradox' will kick off its schedule with a red carpet appearance at the opening ceremony on February 13 at 6 PM local time, featuring director Min Kyu-dong and actress Lee Hye-young.

Following this, on February 16 at 9 PM local time, Min Kyu-dong, Lee Hye-young, and Kim Sung-cheol will greet global film fans before the world premiere screening of 'Paradox.' This premiere marks the first opportunity for audiences to see the film before its official release, generating significant interest from international media and industry professionals attending the festival.

This marks Min Kyu-dong's second invitation to the Berlin International Film Festival, following his previous work 'Antique.' The event promises to showcase his seasoned directorial skills alongside the explosive synergy of top domestic actors. The film's unique premise features a female killer in her 60s, raising curiosity about the characters' intricate emotional arcs and captivating action sequences.

Based on the novel by Gu Byeong-mo, 'Paradox' tells the gripping story of a legendary killer who has spent 40 years eliminating 'cockroach-like' humans and the mysterious killer pursuing him. The film stars Lee Hye-young, Kim Sung-cheol, Yoon Woo-jin, Kim Mu-yeol, and Cynthia, with Min Kyu-dong at the helm, known for directing the 'Scary Stories' series, 'The Con Artists,' and 'Herstory.' The film is slated for release in the first half of this year.

Lee Chae-min Begins Filming for 'The Tyrant's Chef' Following Park Sung-hoon's Departure

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Teacher Arrest Expected After Fatal Stabbing of 8-Year-Old in Daejeon

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Teacher Arrested for Murdering Student

The Rise of Lee Chan-won's Popularity Amidst Historical Revelations

Action Film 'Paradox' to Premiere at 75th Berlin International Film Festival

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