In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), Lee Min-ho's character, Gong-ryong, openly reveals his feelings for Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin. During the episode aired on January 18, Gong-ryong receives a call from Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), where he informs her of his decision to break off their engagement. After confessing his love to Eve, Gong-ryong expresses regret to Choi Go-eun, who apologizes for announcing their engagement. He responds, 'I'm sorry. I'm a foolish man,' to which she reassures him, 'Why do you think you're foolish? You're doing well, even succeeding in surgery. I feel unworthy to face you.' Gong-ryong then states, 'I don't deserve you. It's not because of Kang Kang-soo (Oh Jung-se), but because of me. I won't marry you. I'm sorry,' before ending the call. Choi Go-eun is left in shock, seemingly unable to process the news.

Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

On January 18, KBS2's music travel reality show, The Country's Singer in Germany (나라는 가수 인 독일), showcased a captivating busking performance set against the backdrop of a palace in Regensburg, following a lively session in Munich. The episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 1.2%, a decline from the previous month's 2.8%. 

In a rain-soaked Munich, the cast continued their busking journey with TVXQ's 'Hug (포옹)'. Suzy performed Lee So-ra's 'To You Who Doesn’t Love Me', captivating the audience with her clear and poignant voice. As the crowd called for an encore, Hongjoong and Jongho from ATEEZ led a performance of 'BOUNCY (바운시)', with Hongjoong's rain-soaked performance receiving enthusiastic applause.

After wrapping up their busking, Hongjoong returned to the accommodation and passionately sang 'Eyes, Nose, Lips' alongside Inau's piano. The members celebrated with a samgyeopsal (pork belly) party, enjoying homemade doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) and fresh kimchi prepared by Sohyang. Suzy, particularly enthusiastic about the food, delighted everyone with her happy eating moments, wrapping lettuce around grilled meat.

As Suzy prepared to return to Korea the next day, the members shared joyful stories on their last night together. They suggested an airport busking session, even compiling a song list that made Suzy smile. Reflecting on her experience, Suzy expressed gratitude for the support despite the rain and cold, stating, "It was a short but happy journey filled with great inspiration."

On the third day in Germany, the team entered the majestic St. Emmeram Palace in Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arriving by horse-drawn carriage, they met Princess Gloria for lunch in the grand dining hall. Gloria remarked on Korea's cultural influence, noting that her son only watches Korean films, and engaged in music discussions with the members.

The team explored the palace's impressive frescoes and metalwork, immersing themselves in noble culture. In the corridor leading to the cathedral, Sohyang sang impromptu, resonating with the 1300-year-old architecture. In the cathedral, Sohyang, Henry, and Jairo performed 'You Raise Me Up (유 레이즈 미 업)' with reverence and beautiful harmonies.

In the ballroom, the members joined couples waltzing, creating a cinematic busking experience. Accompanied by Henry's violin, Princess Gloria shared a dance, while Sunwoo Jung-A left a lasting impression with her songs 'Imagination' and Kim Soo-hee's 'Aemo'. Sohyang and Hongjoong harmonized beautifully with 'How Can I Love You Until We Part'.

Later, at the Old Stone Bridge by the Danube River, the members gifted a romantic performance to couples and onlookers. Sunwoo Jung-A and Jongho delivered a sweet duet of 'Man and Woman', while Jairo showcased his original song 'Sweet Chaos' with guitar accompaniment, drawing natural responses from the audience. Sohyang's powerful rendition of 'Listen (리슨)' moved local spectators to tears, and Hongjoong and Jongho reinterpreted 'Girl' with their unique emotional touch.

Towards the end of the broadcast, Inau unexpectedly stopped playing the piano, surprising everyone. Henry commented, "The thing I was most worried about happened," leaving viewers curious about what transpired during the busking. The upcoming episode will reveal the events that unfolded for the artists.

The Country's Singer in Germany (나라는 가수 인 독일) has successfully blended K-pop hits with the charm of German culture through its historical busking performances. Fans are eager to see what exciting song choices and stories will emerge in the remaining journey. The show airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM on KBS2.

수지마저 떠났다…'나라는 가수' 시청률 반토막→버스킹 중단 '최대 위기' [종합]

KBS2's 'The Country's Singer in Germany' Delivers Enchanting Palace Busking Experience

David Lynch, the renowned American filmmaker who brought underground cult cinema to the forefront of popular culture, passed away on January 16 at the age of 79. His family announced the news on Facebook, stating, "We are saddened to inform you that David Lynch, a human and an artist, has left this world. While his absence leaves a significant void, we ask you to focus on the donut, not the hole, as David would have wanted." Lynch's health had been declining due to emphysema, a condition he was diagnosed with in 2020. Known for his love of smoking, Lynch revealed in past interviews that he had been smoking since the age of eight. As his lung disease worsened, he advocated for quitting smoking, stating, "Smokers should understand that they reap what they sow."

Born in 1946 in Montana, Lynch made his directorial debut with the bizarre and provocative film *Eraserhead* (1977). The film had a rocky start, attracting only 25 viewers on its opening day in New York, and received harsh criticism from critics. However, the negative reviews ironically helped it gain a reputation as a "masterpiece of the bizarre," earning Lynch the title of the "Godfather of Cult Cinema."

After gaining a small but passionate following, Lynch's second feature, *The Elephant Man* (1980), garnered him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, propelling him into mainstream recognition. He solidified his status with the success of the mystery TV series *Twin Peaks* (1990), which also gained popularity in South Korea during the early 1990s.

Lynch's works, such as *Blue Velvet* (1986), are known for evoking chaos, tension, and anxiety, often reflecting the collective unconscious and suppressed nightmares of the American middle class. Critics have noted that his films provide an escape from the comforting narratives often presented by filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, with some arguing that Lynch's storytelling can be overly abstract and lacking a clear plot.

Despite receiving accolades at the Cannes Film Festival, including the Palme d'Or for *Wild at Heart* (1990) and Best Director for *Mulholland Drive* (2001), Lynch was overlooked by the Academy for many years. He was nominated four times before finally receiving an honorary Oscar in 2020. His last feature film was *Inland Empire* (2006).

Lynch was married four times and had four children. He divorced his fourth wife, Emily, two years ago while battling illness. Isabella Rossellini, who was in a relationship with Lynch for over five years after meeting on the set of *Blue Velvet*, expressed her love for him on social media following the news of his passing. Lynch had ended their relationship the year after *Wild at Heart* won at Cannes, citing a dislike for the cooking smells in their shared home as one reason. Rossellini later reflected, "I thought he loved me as I loved him, but it was a misunderstanding on my part."

악몽을 헤집어 인간을 보여주다... ‘컬트 영화의 대부' 데이비드 린치 별세

David Lynch, Iconic Filmmaker, Passes Away at 79

In the latest episodes of SBS's global boy group audition program, Universe League, aired on January 17 and 18, a total of 15 contestants were eliminated, confirming that 21 participants will move on to the finals. 

The eighth episode showcased the performances of the second unit following the first unit's stage in the third round of the league. Team Groove performed 'Butterfly', Team Beat presented 'ON&ON', and Team Rhythm prepared 'Don't Hit The Brakes'. 

Team Groove revamped their lineup for 'Butterfly', replacing Kim Juhyung, who struggled with high notes, with Seo Jeongwoo, who had previously been eliminated in 'I Am You'. Despite the challenges, Team Groove's performance received positive feedback. 

Team Beat maintained their seven main members from the first unit, receiving special lessons from Punch Nello at their agency's practice room and vocal advice from the vocal director of Venders Production, founded by El Capitan. Thanks to the directors' efforts, Team Beat delivered an almost flawless performance of 'ON&ON'. 

Similar to Team Groove, Team Beat also restructured their elite lineup. Notably, Kim Dongyoon, who was excluded from the first unit, faced elimination again in the second unit, losing another chance to perform. Instead, the directors selected strong performers for the elite lineup, a strategy that proved successful. Team Rhythm's stage also garnered enthusiastic applause. 

As the third round progressed, the scores and rankings from the live voting were revealed. Team Groove, who had topped the first two rounds, scored 3,362 points, securing first place in the live voting once again. Team Beat recorded 3,204 points, avoiding last place for the first time, while Team Rhythm ranked third with 3,036 points, shocking the contestants. 

However, a twist occurred when the final scores, including online votes, were tallied. Team Rhythm dominated the online voting with 59,898 points, claiming the top spot in the third round. Consequently, Team Groove took second place, and Team Beat faced the embarrassment of finishing last for the third consecutive time. 

With the announcement of individual rankings, eliminations followed. Team Beat received six yellow cards, leading to the elimination of Jin Ziming, Li Ziwei, and Kim Hyotaek, who already had yellow cards. Additionally, in the final trade of the league, Kim Dongyoon and Hiroto from Team Rhythm were released, while Seo Jeongwoo and Park Juwon from Team Groove joined Team Rhythm. Kim Daeyun moved from Team Groove to Team Beat, and An Yul from Team Beat to Team Groove, resulting in emotional farewells among the contestants. 

The eliminations did not stop there. In the ninth episode, as the finalists were determined, an additional 13 contestants left Universe League. The criteria for receiving a direct ticket to the finals included 'fan selection' and 'director selection'. A total of 21 contestants, including the top fan-voted players and those chosen by the directors, will take the stage in the finals. 

From the top-ranked Team Rhythm, five players advanced to the finals based on fan votes: JL, Steven, Zhang Shuai Bo, Zeun, and Park Juwon. Notably, JL garnered over one million votes, ranking first overall and surprising everyone. From the second-ranked Team Groove, Park Han, Kim Juhyung, and Kenta were selected, while Team Beat's sole representative chosen by fans was Cha Woong Ki. 

The remaining spots were filled by two from Team Rhythm, four from Team Groove, and six from Team Beat, with the directors making their selections regardless of team affiliation. Team Rhythm's directors, NCT and WayV's Ten and Yangyang, chose Daisuke and Seo Jeongwoo for the finals. Team Groove's director Lee Changseob selected Jang Kyungho, Koo Hanseo, Kwon Heejun, and Kim Gijung. 

With 19 contestants remaining, Team Beat's directors, Yugyeom and El Capitan, faced the challenge of filling the last six spots. Their choices included Kairi, Geum Jin Ho, Yuito, Shirin, Zenzen, and Kim Dongyoon. Geum Jin Ho and Yuito, who ranked 22nd and 30th respectively, were outside the top 21 based on team votes but earned a chance to advance due to the directors' selections. Additionally, Shirin, Zenzen, and Kim Dongyoon, who were not originally from Team Beat, will compete as members of Team Beat in the finals. 

Thus, the final lineups for each team have been established. Team Rhythm will feature JL, Steven, Zhang Shuai Bo, Zeun, Park Juwon, Daisuke, and Seo Jeongwoo; Team Groove will include Park Han, Kim Juhyung, Kenta, Jang Kyungho, Koo Hanseo, Kwon Heejun, and Kim Gijung; and Team Beat will consist of Cha Woong Ki, Kairi, Geum Jin Ho, Yuito, Shirin, Zenzen, and Kim Dongyoon. The remaining 13 contestants in the locker room faced their final eliminations with tears. 

Meanwhile, Universe League is a global boy group audition program co-produced by SBS and F&F Entertainment. The finale of Universe League will be broadcast live on January 24 at 11:20 PM.

'유니버스 리그' 제이엘, 100만 표로 전체 1위..파이널 진출 21人 확정

21 Contestants Advance to the Finals of Universe League

On January 17, Kwon Eun-bi visited the online channel 'Kino' for a candid discussion with Pentagon member Kino. During the episode titled 'Why Do You Only Talk to Me About Work?', Kino humorously introduced Kwon Eun-bi as 'a beautiful woman whom I've never seen in a romantic light, my leader, the great rabbit.' Kwon Eun-bi responded, admitting she had never felt excited about meeting Kino, stating, 'I felt we were really similar at our first meeting. When people are too similar, there's no attraction; it needs to be a bit opposite.' 

Kino reminisced about a past conversation with Kwon Eun-bi, recalling how he expressed his happiness for her success with 'Waterbomb,' to which she replied that she felt disappointed that people only remembered her for that event. He shared, 'About three months before 'Waterbomb,' I candidly told her, 'I’m just hanging in there,' and she encouraged me, saying, 'Let’s not give up. In the end, those who endure will win.' She proved that three months later.' 

Kwon Eun-bi reflected on her journey, acknowledging that while 'Waterbomb' helped her gain recognition, she felt some people were unaware of her other efforts. 'I wanted to engage in various activities to show that I can do more than just that. I believe that’s why I’ve been able to maintain consistent activity rather than just a fleeting moment of fame,' she shared, hinting at her personal growth throughout her career.

'워터밤 여신' 권은비, 무명 아이돌 멤버에 '참'조언 "버티면 이긴다" ('키노')

Kwon Eun-bi and Kino Share Heartfelt Conversation on YouTube

On January 17, an episode titled 'Welcome to the Mukbang [Jang Wooyoung & Young K] | Fried 2 ep.06' was released on the online channel '9700 STUDIO'. During the episode, Jang Wooyoung and Young K enjoyed a trip to Gangwon-do, spending their day participating in various events with the money they had prepared. 

Young K expressed his desire to name his bass guitar and visited a fortune teller to receive his New Year's fortune along with the naming request. The fortune teller informed Young K that he would experience a significant fortune at the age of 34, with luck opening up after the winter solstice next year, lasting for five years. Excited, Young K asked if this meant an even greater fortune was on the way. 

The fortune teller suggested names for the bass, including 국락 (Gukrak), 각렬 (Gakryeol), and 국룡 (Gukryong), to which Young K decided on 국룡, stating it sounded strong. The fortune teller then humorously suggested the name 강국룡 (Kang Gukryong), adding that it sounded presidential. 

Additionally, the fortune teller provided insights into Young K's marital prospects, advising him to marry later in life, humorously warning that marrying early could lead to three marriages. Meanwhile, Young K's band, DAY6, held their special concert '2024 DAY6 Special Concert 'The Present'' at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on December 20 and 21, 2024.

영케이, 어쩔 수 없이 음악과 결혼해야겠네! "일찍 결혼하면 세 번 다녀올 팔자" ('9700 STUDIO')

DAY6's Young K Gets His New Year's Fortune Told

In the latest episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서), which aired on January 18, 2025, the relationship between 강지윤 (Han Ji-min) and 유은호 (Lee Jun-hyuk) deepens significantly. 

During the episode, 강지윤 finds herself falling asleep at 유은호's home, where she dreams of her late father and wakes up in tears. In a moment of comfort, 유은호 holds her hand tightly. After spending the night, 강지윤 hurriedly packs her things and leaves. 

The two characters are also seen trying to resolve a conflict at work regarding a controversy over counterfeit luxury bags presented by a luxury appraiser from Careerway. Amidst this chaos, 유은호's daughter 별 (기소유) has an accident after meeting 강지윤, leading to her hospitalization. 

As the story unfolds, 강지윤 begins to develop feelings for 유은호, displaying unusual curiosity about him by asking 서미애 (이상희) about his character. She also shows a willingness to trust people rather than just relying on cold logic when addressing workplace issues. 

Her change in demeanor does not go unnoticed by 우정훈 (김도훈), who teasingly remarks on their apparent closeness and encourages 강지윤 to ask him anything about 유은호, whom he claims to know well. Although 강지윤 dismisses the notion by saying, "What do you mean, what kind of person? He’s my secretary," her gaze betrays her true feelings. 

Ultimately, during a date where they attend a performance together, 강지윤 realizes her feelings when she spots 유은호 among a crowd. In a preview for the next episode, she is seen trying to avoid him but ultimately confesses, "I have a problem. I like you, 유은호."

Han Ji-min Realizes Her Feelings for Lee Jun-hyuk in 'My Perfect Secretary'

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon recently expressed their deep affection for each other on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' as they prepare for their wedding in April. During the January 18 broadcast, Ailee shared her thoughts on proposals, stating, "I was already preparing for the wedding, so receiving a proposal felt strange and I didn't like it. But my boyfriend had everything planned after a trip, and we ended up keeping it simple."

She continued, "I was monitoring some YouTube content, and it turned into a video letter. My family and friends from the U.S. appeared, and my boyfriend thanked me for agreeing to marry him. It was so my style that I cried. My single life is officially over," proudly showing off her diamond ring.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon, who gained fame from the Netflix reality show 'Single's Inferno' (솔로지옥), will tie the knot on April 20 after a year of dating. While Choi Si-hoon has previously acted, he is currently focused on his F&B and MCN businesses.

As a wedding gift, Yoo Jae-suk and the 'How Do You Play?' team presented the couple with matching mugs, slippers, and pajamas. Ailee expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying she was deeply moved by the gifts, especially as she joined the Winter Song project.

However, the biggest surprise came from her fiancé, Choi Si-hoon, who shared a heartfelt video message: "I’m happy to have the chance to do a small event. As we start our second chapter in life, I promise to protect you forever and be by your side. No matter who bothers you, I’ll take care of it. You know I’m a real man, right? Thank you for starting this new life with me, I love you."

In an impromptu call, he added, "I’m sending our dog to puppy kindergarten. I’m nervous but happy. My wife is an amazing person. I want to protect her and start a life together. I hope we can be happy for a long time while taking care of our health."

Hearing Choi Si-hoon’s sincere words brought Ailee to tears.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon Showcase Their Love on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' Ahead of Their Wedding

Big Bang's leader G-Dragon and renowned producer Kim Tae-ho are set to launch their new variety show, '굿데이 (Good Day)', which will be available not only on MBC but also on Disney+, reaching a global audience. The announcement was made on January 18, revealing that 'Good Day' will premiere on February 16 as a Sunday variety program. This marks a significant opportunity for international fans to engage with the show.

'Good Day' is a music project where G-Dragon collaborates with various artists to create the song of the year. After resuming his solo career last year for the first time in eight years, G-Dragon proposed this idea during his break, aiming to bring together his childhood inspirations and memories of performing with fellow artists.

Reflecting on the show's inception, G-Dragon shared, "I remember the joy of watching my favorite singers perform together and the fun moments I had singing with my brothers during the '무한도전 (Infinite Challenge)' music festival. I thought, why not create a platform for that day everyone longs for?" 

Adding to the excitement, Kim Tae-ho, who previously directed 'Infinite Challenge', will helm 'Good Day'. The long-standing friendship between Kim and G-Dragon, forged through numerous special episodes like '무한상사 (Infinite Company)' and the '무도 가요제 (Infinite Challenge Music Festival)', raises anticipation for the synergy they will create in this new venture.

The show will feature a star-studded lineup, including familiar faces from 'Infinite Challenge' and other prominent celebrities. The first guest announced is broadcaster Jung Hyung-don, followed by notable appearances from Jo Se-ho, Big Bang members Taeyang and Daesung, as well as former ZE:A member Hwang Kwang-hee and actor Im Si-wan. Additionally, actors Kim Go-eun, Kim Soo-hyun, Jung Hae-in, Hwang Jung-min, and popular idol groups like aespa and the Seventeen unit BSS are also set to join.

With such an impressive roster, 'Good Day' promises to deliver a unique blend of entertainment that is rarely seen even at award shows. The decision to air on Disney+ further amplifies the show's potential to resonate with both domestic and international fans alike.

G-Dragon and Kim Tae-ho's New Show 'Good Day' to Air on MBC and Disney+

Seulgi, a member of the popular girl group Red Velvet (레드벨벳), expressed her admiration for JYP Entertainment's cafeteria system during a recent episode of the online channel 'Rhythm's Wansun TV' (리듬 속의 완선TV) on January 17. The episode featured the title 'We checked out the choreography for the new song 'LUCKY', filmed a challenge, and had a meal at the JYP cafeteria!'. 

On this occasion, JYP founder Park Jin-young (박진영) invited Kim Wan-sun (김완선) and Seulgi to enjoy a meal at the company's cafeteria, humorously named 'Home-cooked Meal' (집밥), playing on the name of the company. He proudly shared that all the ingredients used in the cafeteria are organic, free from pesticides and antibiotics, and that all employees, artists, and trainees eat the same food he does.

Park Jin-young also mentioned that the new building they are moving to will have a kitchen three times larger than the current one, explaining that they plan to provide lunch boxes for artists who cannot eat properly in the waiting rooms. 

Seulgi, who noted that her own company does not have a cafeteria, expressed her surprise, saying, 'I only heard rumors that the food at JYP is delicious from friends who are artists there, and it really is all tasty.' She also inquired if any other SM artists had visited the cafeteria, to which Park Jin-young replied that Seulgi was the first SM artist he had invited to the company cafeteria. 

In a light-hearted moment, after tasting the organic meals, both Kim Wan-sun and Seulgi jokingly asked if they could start as trainees again, bringing laughter to the conversation.

Red Velvet's Seulgi Impressed by JYP Entertainment's Cafeteria System

The popular MBC variety show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?) was unexpectedly interrupted by a breaking news segment on January 18, 2025. The episode featured a project about the release of a winter song remake, where the 14 members voted to select Loveholics' 'Butterfly' as their group song. They expressed excitement about going on a retreat to discuss part distribution. However, during the broadcast, a news alert was triggered, informing viewers that the warrant review for President Yoon Suk-yeol had just concluded earlier than anticipated, lasting just under five hours. A reporter noted that the session ended at 6:50 PM, taking 4 hours and 43 minutes, compared to the 8 hours and 45 minutes it took during former President Park Geun-hye's case. The president's legal representative briefly stated they were hopeful for a positive outcome. This comes amid ongoing political turmoil following President Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3, which has led to over a month of impeachment discussions. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (공수처) arrested President Yoon on January 15 on charges related to insurrection and has requested a detention warrant.

Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

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