On April 2, 2025, singer Lee Hyori made a surprise appearance on KBS Cool FM's 'Volume Up' during a special 30th-anniversary episode. The show featured former DJ Maybee, who hosted from 2006 to 2010, and welcomed Lee Hyori as a guest, much to the delight of fans.

During their candid conversation, Lee Hyori introduced the collaboration track 'Luther' by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Maybee expressed hope that songs emphasizing melody would make a comeback, suggesting that Lee Hyori could lead this trend.

Lee Hyori responded, stating, "It's not just about wanting to do it. I'm waiting for the right time and working on my mental process. I'm hoping for a mentor like you, Maybee, to inspire me." 

Maybee then mentioned Lee Hyori's husband, Lee Sang-soon, as a potential musical advisor. However, Lee Hyori clarified, "He has his own style and path. I will follow my own journey." 

Reflecting on her past, she noted, "I've done intense songs before, but I always chose powerful title tracks. I couldn't just walk onto the stage; I had to drop in or bounce up from below. I wonder why I made things so difficult for myself."

Lee Hyori Hints at Comeback During Special Radio Appearance

On April 1, 2025, actress Park Eun-hye appeared on SBS Plus's 'Solo' and shared her candid feelings about returning to the entertainment industry following her divorce. Known for her glamorous past, often referred to as the 'Korean Wang Jo-hyun', Park revealed that she has been single for nine years. 

Park Eun-hye married a businessman four years her senior in April 2008, but the couple divorced in September 2018 due to differing values after ten years of marriage. She became a mother to twin boys in 2011 and has since taken on the responsibility of raising them alone, maintaining a cordial relationship with her ex-husband for the sake of their children. 

Reflecting on her divorce, Park stated, "If you count the time we were separated, it’s been nine years. I thought that getting divorced would mean the end of my acting career and that no one would want to work with me again. I felt like I wouldn’t be able to do anything anymore, yet I still wanted to separate and live independently." She expressed her concerns about how the public would perceive her, fearing that her good image would be tarnished by the divorce. 

During the show, Park also shared a glimpse into her daily life in her townhouse. She woke up and made a video call to her twin sons, who are currently studying in Canada. She explained, "In November two years ago, they went to Canada with their father. I wanted them to grow up freely rather than just focusing on studies. When they were about to enter middle school, their father suggested taking them to Canada for a few years, so I agreed." Park added that while she struggles with English, her ex-husband is fluent due to his own study abroad experience. 

Comedian Shin Dong-yeop praised her ex-husband for being a responsible father, stating, "Even if the couple didn’t match, he is doing his best as a father to the kids." Park responded, "Even right after the divorce, we occasionally had meals together as a family. The kids were confused about why their dad wasn’t coming home."

박은혜 "이혼 후, 배우 인생 끝나는 줄 알았다" 심경 최초고백 ('솔로라서')

Park Eun-hye Opens Up About Life After Divorce on 'Solo' Show

NCT DREAM (엔시티 드림) is set to hold a fan meeting on May 24-25, 2025, at the Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. This event, titled '2025 NCT DREAM FANMEETING: Dream Quest,' marks the group's first domestic fan meeting in nearly two years, allowing them to connect closely with their fans, known as 'Sizeni.' 

The fan meeting will feature an exploration theme, where NCT DREAM and their fans embark on a grand quest filled with various stages, games, and engaging talks, promising a fun-filled experience. 

A poster released today (April 2) on NCT DREAM's fan club community and official social media channels showcases the group's official character embarking on an adventure in a hot air balloon, which has received positive feedback from fans. 

Ticket sales for the fan meeting will be conducted through the online ticketing platform Melon Ticket. Pre-sales for fan club members will begin on April 8 at 8 PM, followed by general sales opening on April 10 at 8 PM, indicating a competitive ticketing environment. 

Additionally, NCT DREAM will participate in 'SMTOWN LIVE 2025' in Mexico City on May 10 and in Los Angeles on May 12, 2025.

NCT DREAM, 5월 팬미팅 ‘DREAM QUEST’ 개최..유쾌한 모험 예고

NCT DREAM to Host Fan Meeting in May 2025

Kwak Nam-shin (곽남신), a 72-year-old Western painter, has been awarded the 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize. Known for his exploration of the relationship between language and imagery, Kwak has been a leading figure in the expansion of Korean conceptual art. 

The judging panel for the Lee Jung-seop Art Prize, which includes Kim In-hye (김인혜), Ryu Cheol-ha (류철하), Seo Seong-rok (서성록), Shim Sang-yong (심상용), and Jeong Il-joo (정일주), praised Kwak for his critical reflection on human nature and societal contradictions through over 40 years of experimental artistic language and humor.

As part of the award, Kwak will receive a cash prize of 20 million KRW and a trophy. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 6 at 5 PM at the Art Chosun Space in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. A commemorative exhibition will be held from November 6 to November 18.

[알립니다] 이중섭 미술상 화가 곽남신 수상

Korean Artist Kwak Nam-shin Wins 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize

On April 2, 2025, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is currently acting as President, visited the fire-affected areas in Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province. During his visit, he expressed his commitment to swiftly address the housing issues faced by residents currently staying in temporary shelters following the devastating wildfires that claimed 31 lives and destroyed 6,944 structures, including homes and factories. This marks Han's third visit to the region since the fires began.

In the afternoon, Han toured the village of Nomulri, where he received updates on the damage and recovery plans from Kim Kwang-yeol, the mayor of Yeongdeok, and Ko Gi-dong, the acting Minister of the Interior and Safety. Han remarked on the profound impact of the disaster, stating, "Seeing the destruction of homes and livelihoods, it is difficult to fathom the shock and sense of loss the residents must feel." He urged the Ministry of the Interior and local governments to prioritize recovery efforts and ensure that necessary support is provided promptly.

Han also instructed officials to minimize the inconveniences faced by evacuees in temporary shelters and to expedite the development of long-term housing solutions. He emphasized the need for rapid restoration of electricity and communication services in affected villages and called for thorough assessments of damages to farms and aquaculture facilities to ensure residents can sustain their livelihoods.

During his meeting with Nomulri residents, Han extended his condolences to those who lost their lives in the fires and offered words of comfort to those enduring hardships in temporary accommodations. He acknowledged the seriousness of climate change and its role in the increasing severity of wildfires, promising to work closely with local governments to devise recovery strategies for the devastated areas. Han expressed gratitude to the local government, military, police, and firefighters for their tireless efforts in battling the fires and thanked volunteers for their dedication in supporting the affected communities.

Later, Han visited the National Sports Center in Yeongdeok, where evacuees are currently residing. He assured them that their struggles are deeply understood and that the government is committed to swift recovery and support. "We will strive to provide you with a comfortable living environment," he stated, encouraging residents to remain hopeful despite their challenges.

Han also praised the community spirit displayed during the crisis, noting that foreign workers had rescued numerous villagers and that local officials had worked tirelessly to provide aid, even at the risk of their health. He urged the mayor to continue efforts to help the community recover and thrive in the aftermath of the disaster.

韓대행, 영덕 산불 피해 현장 방문… “우선 주거 문제 해결하겠다”

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Visits Fire-Damaged Areas in Yeongdeok

Oh Young-soo (오영수), the veteran actor charged with sexual assault, appeared in court on April 3, 2025, for the conclusion of his appeal hearing at the Suwon District Court. The prosecution has requested a one-year prison sentence for Oh, who was previously sentenced to eight months in prison with a two-year probation in the first trial for an incident that occurred eight years ago.

During the hearing, the prosecution emphasized Oh's long-standing career in theater, stating, "The defendant, a veteran with 50 years in the industry, committed a serious offense against a young aspiring actress." They argued that Oh exploited the victim's lack of connections in the theater world, knowing she would be reluctant to speak out about the assault. The prosecution also criticized Oh for denying the allegations and showing no remorse, urging the court to impose a severe sentence.

In response, Oh's defense attorney maintained that he did not commit the alleged acts and argued that the prosecution's case relied solely on the victim's inconsistent testimony, which they claimed lacked credibility. The defense highlighted Oh's clean record over his 80 years of life and his dedication to theater, pleading for the restoration of his reputation so he could end his career on stage.

Throughout the proceedings, Oh appeared somber, occasionally raising his eyebrows as he listened to the arguments. The victim's attorney countered that Oh had acknowledged the victim's request for an apology, expressing sentiments of sincerity and care.

In his final statement, Oh expressed his embarrassment at being in court at his age, stating, "If I have made a mistake, I will accept the consequences, but I believe there was nothing that could be considered assault. I regret if my actions caused any hurt during our brief acquaintance." He lamented the impact of the case on his life, saying, "Eighty years of my life have crumbled without value. It is empty and hard to bear. Please allow me to return to my place."

Oh was charged with two counts of sexual assault, including hugging the victim and kissing her on the cheek, during a summer theater performance in Daegu in 2017. He has consistently denied the allegations throughout the investigation and trial. The first trial found him guilty, leading to his appeal.

Oh gained international fame for his role as the 'Grandpa' in the Netflix series Squid Game (오징어 게임) and was the first Korean actor to win a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in January 2022. Following his conviction, KBS suspended his appearances on their network.

The verdict for Oh's appeal is scheduled for June 3, 2025, at 2 PM.

검찰, ‘오징어게임’ 오영수 강제 추행 혐의 항소심서도 징역 1년 구형

Veteran Actor Oh Young-soo Faces One-Year Sentence in Appeal for Sexual Assault Case

On April 3, 2025, G-Dragon's agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced that they are taking a strong stance against the spread of false information and malicious posts targeting the artist on online communities and social media. The agency expressed serious concern over these harmful actions, stating that they will pursue legal action against those responsible. They emphasized that spreading false information, defamation, insults, and invasion of privacy are clear illegal acts that could lead to legal consequences under the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal law.

Galaxy Corporation is currently monitoring online platforms closely and collecting relevant evidence, with plans to utilize fan reports as crucial support for their legal actions. They urged fans to report any malicious posts they encounter.

The agency confirmed that they will thoroughly review any harmful content directed at G-Dragon and will proceed with necessary legal measures without any settlements or leniency regarding the dissemination of false information and defamation. They assured fans of their commitment to protecting the artist's rights through diligent monitoring and ongoing responses.

In related news, G-Dragon recently kicked off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA, presented by Coupang Play' with concerts held on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun), a central figure in the Burning Sun scandal, has reached out to the media to refute rumors about pursuing business opportunities in China. On April 3, he contacted Ilgan Sports, stating, "I want to correct the misinformation. I am not leaving Korea; I currently reside here. My overseas trips are mostly for friends' weddings or personal vacations, and I have no business meetings planned."

Seungri emphasized, "Despite claims that I am still interested in the entertainment or cultural sectors, I have no such plans. My recent meetings with industry contacts were simply casual dinners with former colleagues."

He further clarified, "I am not conceptualizing any other business ventures, and I do not know anyone from a major corporation as has been suggested."

After serving a 1.5-year prison sentence for charges related to prostitution and facilitating prostitution, Seungri was released in February 2023. He shared that since his release, he has not engaged in any economic activities and is primarily spending time with family, living a quiet life.

Reflecting on his continued presence in the news despite his retirement from the entertainment industry, he remarked, "It seems people find it entertaining to criticize me. They even refer to me as 'Defeat' instead of Seungri, as if it's a meme."

Seungri expressed his desire to clarify the false narratives surrounding him, acknowledging that the ongoing discussions may be causing fatigue for many. He sincerely apologized for any distress caused by the noise surrounding his personal life and pledged to act more responsibly to avoid further controversies.

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

Stray Kids has successfully wrapped up their concert in Rio de Janeiro as part of their world tour 'Stray Kids World Tour 'dominATE''. On April 1st (local time), the group held their first-ever solo concert at Estádio Nilton Santos, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 55,000 fans, showcasing their immense popularity in the region.

The concert kicked off with the powerful track 'MOUNTAINS' from their mini-album 'ATE'. The audience was treated to a parade of hit songs infused with the group's unique energy, including '소리꾼', 'Back Door', 'Chk Chk Boom', '神메뉴', '특', and 'MANIAC', all of which received an overwhelming response from fans.

Highlights of the performance included the intense rapping of Han and Felix in 'Truman', the powerful energy of Changbin and I.N in 'Burnin' Tires', the captivating mood of Bang Chan and Hyunjin in 'ESCAPE', and the sweet vocals of Lee Know and Seungmin in 'CINEMA'. The stage also featured a grand and unique rendition of 'GIANT (Korean Ver.)', elevating the atmosphere to new heights.

The setlist, filled with self-composed songs, was complemented by rich band sounds, explosive stage energy, and mesmerizing performances, creating an electrifying experience. A stunning 360-degree fireworks display lit up the night sky, providing unforgettable moments for both Stray Kids and their fandom, STAY. After the concert, the eight members expressed their gratitude, reflecting on their seven-year journey and the joy of connecting with fans. They hope to receive the same warm welcome upon their next meeting.

The 'dominATE' world tour, which is the group's largest to date with 55 performances across 34 regions, will continue in São Paulo on April 5th and 6th, before heading to major stadiums across Latin America, North America, Japan, and Europe until the end of July. Stray Kids is expected to attract a total of 2.2 million fans, setting a new record for the highest attendance in a single K-pop tour.

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

On April 3, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing regarding Ador's lawsuit against the five members of NewJeans, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract. While NewJeans previously attended a hearing related to Ador's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from signing contracts with other agencies, they did not appear for this session.

Ador maintains that the exclusive contract signed with NewJeans in April 2022 is still valid and expressed a willingness to negotiate or reach a settlement. However, NewJeans asserts that they terminated the contract in November 2023 and stated, "We cannot consider any form of negotiation."

A significant point of contention during the hearing was the differing views on former CEO Min. Ador acknowledged Min's contributions to the group's success but argued that NewJeans could exist without him. They emphasized that as a subsidiary of the leading company HYBE, they could support NewJeans through other producers. They also pointed out that NewJeans successfully completed a recent concert in Hong Kong without Min's assistance, suggesting inconsistencies in NewJeans' claims.

In response, NewJeans expressed distrust towards Ador, citing the complete change in management and a lack of communication regarding alternatives following Min's departure. They stated, "The fundamental trust has been broken, making collaboration impossible."

Ador countered that Min left voluntarily, not as a result of being ousted. They claimed that even after the court deemed the management change legal, they offered Min a chance to continue as a director and producer, which he declined, leading to a breakdown in communication and NewJeans' unilateral declaration of contract termination.

NewJeans announced their contract termination with Ador in November 2023, prompting Ador to file for both a temporary injunction and a formal lawsuit against the members. On March 21, the court granted Ador's request for a temporary injunction, leading NewJeans to announce a halt in their activities.

The next court date is set for June 5, 2025, at 11:10 AM. The judge noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, "There have been instances where contracts were terminated without any settlements, but this is a unique situation. I will consider how to assess the trust relationship."


NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

A new controversy has emerged in South Korea involving foreign BJ Black Dave, a rapper and skateboarder from New York, who was caught on video attacking a pedestrian while live streaming on the Australian platform Kick. The incident occurred on March 31, when Dave approached a man trying to enter a vehicle and suddenly threw a punch while hurling insults. 

While it is speculated that the attack was a reaction to the man parking on the sidewalk, the exact context remains unclear. The victim, standing by the passenger door, was caught off guard and left the scene without retaliating. When the man attempted to defend himself, Dave shouted, "Don’t touch my body!" while continuing to curse. 

The incident was broadcast live, leading to widespread outrage online as viewers questioned why a foreigner would behave this way in Korea. Many expressed that such actions should not be overlooked. 

This incident has drawn comparisons to Johnny Somali, a Somali-American YouTuber who is currently facing trial for disruptive behavior in Korea, including playing loud music in a convenience store and causing disturbances on public transport. Somali's trial began on March 7, where he displayed a lack of remorse, arriving late and mocking the court. His next hearing is scheduled for April 9. 

The repeated inappropriate actions of foreign internet personalities in Korea have sparked calls for stricter penalties. Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women's University stated on Facebook that the increasing number of foreign YouTubers causing chaos in Korea is a significant issue. He emphasized the need to prevent such individuals from mocking the country and threatening its citizens, suggesting that strong punishments for Somali could set a positive precedent. He also advocated for the deportation of disruptive YouTubers. 

As incidents involving foreign BJs continue to raise concerns, the public is calling for action to ensure the safety and respect of local citizens.

Lee Hyori Hints at Comeback During Special Radio Appearance

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G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

Stray Kids Concludes Successful Concert in Rio de Janeiro as Part of World Tour

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

Controversy Erupts as Foreign BJ Black Dave Assaults Pedestrian in Korea

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Park Eun-hye Opens Up About Life After Divorce on 'Solo' Show

NCT DREAM to Host Fan Meeting in May 2025

Korean Artist Kwak Nam-shin Wins 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Visits Fire-Damaged Areas in Yeongdeok

Veteran Actor Oh Young-soo Faces One-Year Sentence in Appeal for Sexual Assault Case

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