On January 6, singer Lee Seung Hwan shared a heartfelt message on his social media, revealing that he and his fans, known as 드팩민 (Dream Factory), donated a total of 99,730,872 KRW to the Korean Childhood Leukemia Foundation in 2024. To celebrate Lee's birthday, his fans contributed funds that will be used for the treatment of children battling pediatric cancer, with 1,210,000 KRW specifically allocated for this cause. Over the course of 2024, Lee Seung Hwan and his fans collectively donated approximately 100 million KRW, showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact. Lee expressed pride in his fans' charitable efforts by sharing the donation certificate, further highlighting their good influence.

Lee Seung Hwan and Fans Make Significant Donation to Children's Leukemia Foundation

In the latest episode of SBS Plus's 'I Am SOLO' aired on January 8, 2025, contestant Youngsook from the 24th season revealed her ideal type to be actor Lee Yi-kyung. During her self-introduction, Youngsook, who is 30 years old and lives in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul with her family, shared that she graduated from university and works as a level 7 public servant in educational administration. 

Youngsook described herself as someone with diverse hobbies, including tennis and Pilates. She expressed her desire to marry within the next two years, stating, 'I may not be special, but I am not lacking either. If our hearts align, I am ready for marriage.' 

When asked about her ideal type, she pointed to Lee Yi-kyung, noting his refreshing appearance. This prompted host Defconn to jokingly exclaim, 'Let’s get married!' which made Lee Yi-kyung blush and brought laughter to the set. 

Youngsook also shared her life goal of becoming a grandmother with good character, mentioning her past experience with psychological counseling. She aspires to be a person who can give back both emotionally and financially, showcasing her desire for stability and generosity.

24기 영숙, "직업 7급 공무원, MC 이이경=이상형"…데프콘 "결혼해유" 설렘 ('나는 솔로')

24th Season's Youngsook Names Lee Yi-kyung as Ideal Type

"제가 많이 좋아해요" 이승환, 그 가수에 그 팬..작년 기부금 9900만 원

Lim Kim (림킴), also known as Kim Ye-rim, has teamed up with veteran artist Kim Chang-wan for a touching musical collaboration that has captivated fans. Released on January 7, 2025, Lim Kim's latest single 'Choya' is a reinterpretation of a track from Kim Chang-wan's debut solo album 'Essays with Guitar'. The unique blend of Lim Kim's distinctive vocal tone and Kim Chang-wan's signature straightforward voice brings a fresh charm to the original song, garnering significant attention.

What makes this release even more special is that Kim Chang-wan himself joins Lim Kim for a duet, adding a deeper significance to the project. The accompanying music video showcases the two artists traveling in separate cars, each enjoying the scenery in their own way, yet creating a cozy atmosphere that suggests they are in the same space. As the video progresses, they eventually meet and exchange warm greetings, creating a heartwarming moment that symbolizes the musical connection that transcends time and generations.

Reimagined through the arrangement of Jeong Jin-hee, Lim Kim's 'Choya' deepens the youthful essence of the original, presenting it in a more sophisticated and refined manner. The enchanting quality of Lim Kim's voice harmonizes beautifully with Kim Chang-wan's warm tones, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Additionally, Kim Chang-wan's guitar playing enhances the emotional depth of the track, amplifying its impact.

림킴(김예림)x김창완. 신곡 '초아' 듀엣→MV도 함께 출연…빛나는 선후배 케미

Lim Kim and Kim Chang-wan Collaborate on Heartfelt New Single 'Choya'

On January 7, it was announced that actress Park Se-young (박세영) is pregnant and is expecting her first child in June. This news comes three years after her marriage to actor Kwak Jung-wook (곽정욱). When their wedding was first revealed, there were rumors of a premarital pregnancy, but those claims were unfounded.

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook first met while starring in the drama School 2013 (학교 2013), where they played top student Song Ha-kyung and troublemaker Oh Jung-ho, respectively. Their performances alongside notable actors like Lee Jong-suk (이종석), Kim Woo-bin (김우빈), and Jang Na-ra (장나라) helped revive the beloved School series after a decade.

From their initial connection, the two developed a friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. Park Se-young, born in 1988, is two years older than her husband, who was born in 1990. They quietly nurtured their relationship and tied the knot in February 2022.

At the time of their marriage, representatives clarified that while they met on the set of School 2013, they had not been dating for a decade, nor was there a premarital pregnancy. Now, three years later, the couple is excited to welcome their first child.

Kwak Jung-wook debuted as a child actor in 1996 and has appeared in numerous dramas, including When a Woman Loves (여자가 사랑할 때), Three Men and Three Women (남자 셋 여자 셋), and The King’s Path (대왕의 길). Park Se-young also began her career as a child actress and gained recognition in dramas such as The Divine (신의) and My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol (내딸, 금사월), where she showcased her talent as a villain. She has also starred in various other series and films, including Whisper (귓속말) and The Cat Funeral (고양이 장례식).

"혼전임신 NO" 해명했던 박세영, 엄마 된다..♥곽정욱과 결혼 3년만 '겹경사' [종합]

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook Expecting Their First Child

In a recent episode of Health Club (헬스클럽) aired on January 7, 2025, YoonA (윤아) addressed her upcoming departure from the Gayo Daejeon (가요대전), where she has served as an MC for a decade. During the episode titled '2025's First Guest: Yungprodithe' (융프로디테), fellow guest Hyeri (혜리) shared her surprise at encountering YoonA at the airport, initially not recognizing her. She humorously recounted how YoonA agreed to appear on the show without hesitation. YoonA expressed her thoughts on leaving Gayo Daejeon, stating, "I’ve been counting down every year at the end of December, and I’m curious about how it will feel not doing it. It might feel empty, but I wanted to complete the 10 years." She added, "I’m happy to have achieved this goal; it feels like I’ve been recognized as a professional in this field after consistently doing it for a decade." 

YoonA also mentioned her new venture into YouTube, sharing her preference for natural content filmed in the woods. She expressed her desire to showcase her authentic self rather than just being in front of the camera. When asked about ASMR content, she joked, "But I really want to talk!" 

When reflecting on her goals for the new year, YoonA stated, "I set goals based on what’s in front of me. If I get involved in a project, they are usually small goals; I don’t set big ones." She concluded by promising her fans that she plans to be very active this year, hinting at exciting activities ahead.

윤아, '가요대전' 10년 개근에 "스스로 멋져..안 하면 연말 허전할 것"

YoonA Discusses Departure from Gayo Daejeon After 10 Years as MC

In the latest episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), aired on January 8, 2025, renowned actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, highlighting her exceptional character. Upon seeing Song Hye-kyo, host Jo Se-ho expressed his astonishment, while she too was intrigued to meet him in person for the first time. Jo Se-ho remarked, 'I have only seen you on TV,' to which Song Hye-kyo responded, 'I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity. Congratulations on your marriage, even if it's a bit late.' 

During their pre-shoot meeting, Song Hye-kyo surprised Jo Se-ho with a wedding gift, demonstrating her thoughtfulness. Jo Se-ho promised to reciprocate her kindness, stating, 'I’m not someone who forgets gifts.' 

Additionally, Song Hye-kyo prepared gifts for the production staff, showcasing her generous spirit. She expressed, 'I feel like I must repay the love I have received,' leaving everyone in admiration.

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career with the release of their new digital single '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' (Today Only I LOVE YOU) on January 6 at 6 PM. The track debuted at number 38 on the Melon daily chart on January 7, marking the group's highest achievement to date. After entering the daily chart at number 45, the song has climbed in rankings, reaching number 4 on Melon's 'Top 100', number 10 on Bugs, and number 22 on Genie, showcasing their impressive growth.

Additionally, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' entered the Korean Spotify 'Daily Top Songs' chart at number 27 on January 6 and secured the 10th position on the Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' chart in Korea on January 8, making it the highest-ranking K-pop boy group song on that day.

The single is also gaining traction in the global market, having reached number 1 on Japan's LINE MUSIC 'Top 100' chart on January 7, maintaining its position until 7 AM, and reclaiming the top spot again on January 8. Furthermore, it debuted at number 3 on QQ Music's rising chart in China, making BOYNEXTDOOR the only K-pop group in the 'Top 3' of that chart.

Musically, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' is a dance track that presents a unique perspective on post-breakup experiences, blending self-deprecating lyrics with an upbeat band sound to create a relatable breakup anthem. BOYNEXTDOOR is set to showcase their new song on music shows over the coming week.

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

In the latest episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, captivating viewers with her unique storytelling. Celebrating her 28th year in the entertainment industry, she revealed that it has been 23 years since her last variety show appearance.

Song Hye-kyo shared her journey, starting from her teenage years when she debuted after winning a school uniform contest. At just 20, she gained widespread recognition for her role in Autumn in My Heart (가을동화), marking a significant transformation in her public image. Following this, she starred in hit dramas like All In (올인), Hotelier (호텔리어), and Full House (풀하우스), becoming a ratings queen in her twenties. Reflecting on that time, she noted, "I never felt anxious about whether my projects would succeed. I had a lot of fun and sometimes found it annoying to have to work instead of hanging out with friends. I often thought about what I would do for fun after work."

She also expressed some regrets about her career choices, saying, "I missed out on roles because I thought I should switch to serious characters after playing a comedic one. I wish I had taken on more diverse roles. I sometimes wonder why I was so selective when I was still developing as an actress."

Known for her strong connections and charm, Song Hye-kyo commented on how others perceive her humor, stating, "People think I’m funny, but I just respond to situations as they come. I don’t see myself as particularly humorous."

In a light-hearted moment, fellow guest Jo Se-ho mentioned that Shin Hyun-ji had reached out to him, saying that Song Hye-kyo was incredibly entertaining and addictive to watch. Song Hye-kyo humorously admitted, "I’m not entirely devoid of a desire to be funny."

Despite her long career, Song Hye-kyo has faced her share of challenges, including numerous rumors. She explained, "Starting so young in this industry, I’ve dealt with many rumors. I’ve learned to let them go, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. During interviews, I often say, 'I don’t know where these stories come from; ask the person who made them up.'"

As she enters her forties, she feels a shift in her approach to acting, stating, "I’ve started preparing myself more. The differences between me and younger actors are becoming more apparent. I realize I need to focus on my acting skills now; I can’t rely on my looks anymore."

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

In the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's Squid Game (오징어 게임), Won Ji-an has captured the hearts of global audiences with her portrayal of the character Se-mi. The series continues the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), as Gi-hun returns to the deadly games seeking revenge. Within just four days of its release, the show amassed an impressive 68 million views, securing the top spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 and ranking as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history based on its opening week viewership.

Won Ji-an's striking transformation into Se-mi, characterized by her short haircut, bold piercings, and choker accessories, has drawn significant attention from viewers. This dramatic shift from her previous roles has surprised many, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Her visual transformation complements Se-mi's strong and charismatic personality, as she navigates the challenges of the game while being kind to the vulnerable Min-su (played by Lee David). Their dynamic, particularly Se-mi's protective nature towards the timid Min-su, has resonated with fans, leading to a mix of admiration and humor, with some viewers jokingly expressing their dislike for Min-su due to the unfolding tragic narrative.

Won Ji-an has previously demonstrated her acting prowess in acclaimed series such as D.P. and Youth of May (소년비행), establishing herself as a talented actress. With her captivating performance in Squid Game Season 2, she has garnered attention not only in South Korea but also internationally.

Looking ahead, Won Ji-an is set to continue her busy schedule with upcoming roles in Disney+'s original series Polaris and Made in Korea, further solidifying her rising star status in the entertainment industry.

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

On January 8, 2025, the YouTube channel 'Naraesik' released a new video titled 'Lee Jun-hyuk X Nucksal | My Perfect Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal Secretary | Scary Stories from the New Year, Lee Jun-hyuk's Songs, Never-ending Board Games'. In this episode, Park Na-rae, who turned 40 this year, greeted the new year by gifting ten types of pizza, including 'waist pizza', 'chest pizza', 'shoulder pizza', 'leg pizza', 'wrinkle pizza', 'poor pizza', and 'laugh pizza'. She also prepared a menu of pizza and side dishes, showcasing kimchi cheese fries inspired by a famous taco restaurant in Itaewon.

Guests Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal joined the show, with Lee introducing himself humorously as someone responding to a rude late-night call from Kim Jae-wook. Park Na-rae explained the show's 'multi-level marketing' system, mentioning that Lee Si-eon had been promoted to diamond status while Kim Jae-wook was a ruby member. Lee Jun-hyuk revealed that he missed a call from Kim Jae-wook, who was intoxicated at the time, expressing sympathy for him.

While making pizza, Lee Jun-hyuk shared his love for fast food but noted the challenges of needing to lose weight for roles. He recalled needing to gain weight for 'The Outlaws 3'. Nucksal humorously admitted to never having been this heavy, stating he was 50 kg in his twenties but gained weight after quitting smoking post-marriage, adding, 'I’m so happy to be married' in a deadpan manner, which elicited laughter.

Lee Jun-hyuk commented on a photo of Park Na-rae's bulked-up physique on the wall, saying it was his preferred style. Park Na-rae shared her trainer's advice on achieving a slim waist by building up her back, aiming for a Brock Lesnar-like physique. Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his admiration for Brock Lesnar and flirtatiously remarked that Park Na-rae looked like a fairy in real life, suggesting that her on-screen persona was exaggerated.

Discussing his upcoming drama 'My Perfect Secretary', Lee Jun-hyuk mentioned that this is his first true romance project, stating, 'I’m like a character from a comic strip. In 'You Forgot Poetry', it was a sitcom, but this is my first time with a proper romance. I even get to kiss Han Ji-min.'

He also expressed his aspirations in variety shows, saying he respects entertainers for their energy and humor. He wants to engage in witty banter and feels the need to develop a character for variety shows, likening it to performing without a script in theater. Park Na-rae initiated a two-line poem challenge to help him practice, and Lee successfully created a poem about 'beer', earning applause.

When the topic of scary stories arose, Lee Jun-hyuk recounted his childhood experiences with ghosts, including a chilling encounter at his grandmother's house and another incident during elementary school that left him feeling uneasy. 

In conclusion, Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his desire to work hard on 'My Perfect Secretary' and earn some well-deserved rest, emphasizing the importance of diligence in the current entertainment industry, where one project does not guarantee success. He looks forward to meeting fans in the new year with exciting new roles to explore.

Lee Seung Hwan and Fans Make Significant Donation to Children's Leukemia Foundation

What do you think?

Trending

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

Lee Jun-hyuk Teases Romantic Chemistry with Han Ji-min in 'My Perfect Secretary'

More

24th Season's Youngsook Names Lee Yi-kyung as Ideal Type