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.

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

On January 8, 2025, a press conference for the Disney+ original series 'Trigger' took place at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. Actor Jung Sung-il shared his deep respect for his co-star Kim Hye-soo, stating, "From the beginning of filming to the end, Kim Hye-soo was the best partner." 'Trigger', set to premiere on January 15, follows a group of relentless investigative reporters who aim to expose the wrongdoings of bad individuals in a beautiful world. Directed by Yoo Seon-dong, known for 'The Uncanny Counter', the series features Jung Sung-il as Han Do, a socially awkward rookie who joins the Trigger team unexpectedly. He described his character as someone who initially lacks social skills and transitions from the drama department to the Trigger team, discovering his own potential and growth through interactions with team leader Oh So-ryong. Reflecting on his first acting experience with Kim Hye-soo, he expressed, "It was amazing from the start. Just acting alongside such a remarkable senior was overwhelming. She approached me as Oh So-ryong and made me feel comfortable on set, allowing me to follow her lead. She was the best partner from beginning to end." 'Trigger' will release a total of 12 episodes, with two episodes airing each week.

'트리거' 정성일 "존경하는 김혜수=최고의 파트너, 현장에서 벅차올랐다"

Jung Sung-il Expresses Admiration for Kim Hye-soo at 'Trigger' Press Conference

JYP Entertainment's new boy group, KickFlip (킥플립), has garnered attention even before their official debut by being named one of the '8 Rookie K-Pop Acts To Watch In 2025' by Grammy.com on January 4. The site highlighted that KickFlip, formed after a lengthy process following the 2021 audition program LOUD (라우드), announced their debut plans during the 2024 MAMA Awards last November.

On January 6, KickFlip revealed through their official social media channels that their first mini-album, titled Flip it, Kick it! (플립 잇, 킥 잇!), will be released on January 20. They also shared member profiles, an album schedule, and the music video for their pre-release track, '응 그래'. The music video showcases a vibrant and energetic performance, and as of the morning of January 7, it ranked 9th on YouTube's Worldwide Trending and 3rd on the domestic YouTube Trending chart, indicating a strong response from both local and international fans.

Fans expressed their excitement in the comments, stating things like, 'I’ve been waiting for their debut,' 'Their skills seem to have improved,' and 'I love the vibe of JYP boy groups.' 

KickFlip, consisting of members 계훈, 아마루, 동화, 주왕, 민제, 케이주, and 동현, is gearing up for their debut by releasing various content such as dance practice videos, introduction films, concept photos, tracklist posters, track videos, and music video teasers.

The name 'KickFlip' refers to a challenging skateboarding trick that involves spinning the board 360 degrees with the toes, symbolizing the group's intent to break free from conventions and make a fresh impact in the industry.

KickFlip will officially release their debut album, Flip it, Kick it!, on January 20 at 6 PM KST.

JYP 신인 보이그룹 킥플립, 美 그래미 선정 '2025년 주목할 K팝 루키 8'

JYP's New Boy Group KickFlip Recognized as K-Pop Rookie to Watch in 2025

The Japanese film 'Grand Maison Paris,' featuring 2PM member and actor Ok Taecyeon, is achieving remarkable success at the local box office, a rare feat for live-action films in Japan. Since its release on December 30, the movie debuted at third place and quickly climbed to second, signaling a strong box office performance. In its opening week alone, it attracted over 960,000 viewers and has grossed approximately 1.39 billion yen (around 128 million KRW). This makes it the highest-grossing live-action film released in Japan during this period.

Historically, animated films have dominated the Japanese box office, with only three live-action films making it into the top 20 of all-time box office rankings. Therefore, the success of 'Grand Maison Paris' stands out in a market typically ruled by animation.

Industry insiders predict that if this trend continues, the film could surpass 3 billion yen (approximately 276 million KRW) in total revenue.

'Grand Maison Paris' is based on the popular 2019 TBS drama 'Grand Maison Tokyo' and features key cast members from the series, including Takuya Kimura, Kyoka Suzuki, Ikki Sawamura, and Mitsuhiro Oikawa.

The film tells the story of genius chef Natsuki Obana (played by Takuya Kimura) and Rinko Hayami (Kyoka Suzuki), who, after earning a Michelin three-star rating in Japan, open 'Grand Maison Paris' in France, aiming to achieve the same prestigious recognition as the first Asian restaurant. Ok Taecyeon plays the role of Rick Yuan, a Canadian pastry chef of Korean descent, who serves as a rival to Kimura's character.

Following its premiere in Paris on January 8, 'Grand Maison Paris' is set to release in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea later this year.

옥택연X기무라 타쿠야, 日박스오피스 대박..'그랑메종 파리' 개봉 첫주 128억 흥행 [Oh!재팬]

2PM's Ok Taecyeon Shines in Japanese Film 'Grand Maison Paris' with Impressive Box Office Performance

In a recent episode of Salon Drip 2, Song Joong-ki showcased his generosity by purchasing prizes for the staff, creating a warm atmosphere. The episode, titled 'Our Dad Roars Roars Roars,' was released on January 7. 

Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon, who co-starred in the film 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' that premiered on December 31, shared amusing anecdotes during the show. Lee Hee-joon praised Song Joong-ki for his thoughtfulness, recalling how he checked on him during a press conference when he appeared tired due to lack of sleep from caring for his baby. He humorously noted that an article later referred to it as 'Song Joong-ki's Sweet Whisper.' 

Lee Hee-joon also revealed that what was described as a 'warm touch' when Song Joong-ki patted his thigh was actually a mental check to keep him alert. He acknowledged that despite being the lead actor with many responsibilities, Song Joong-ki made an effort to look after everyone, from the youngest staff member to the team during gatherings. 

When asked about his involvement in staff dinners, Song Joong-ki confirmed that he often organizes them, stating, 'If the atmosphere is tough, I feel we need to lift each other up, even when abroad.' He shared that during peak stressful times, he gathered the crew and, along with the other actors, pooled their money to buy prizes like phones and tablets for a raffle. 

He also mentioned that he enjoys being the MC at these gatherings, admitting that he can't sleep if he doesn't do a good job. Lee Hee-joon chimed in, sharing that he danced salsa at one of the events. Song Joong-ki expressed his desire to visit Colombia for the best dining experiences, noting that his mother-in-law is Colombian and has previously praised the food. 

In a light-hearted exchange, Lee Hee-joon mentioned his love for Sitges in southern Spain, which he found beautiful and similar in cuisine to Korean food. Song Joong-ki playfully reminded him that they were there to promote 'Bogotá,' to which Lee Hee-joon quickly responded that 'Bogotá' is also a wonderful city. 

Additionally, it was reported in the past that Song Joong-ki earns around 1 billion KRW annually from domestic advertisements, and approximately 3.5 billion KRW over two years in China. His endorsement of a domestic beauty brand reportedly quadrupled its sales. 

Song Joong-ki's real estate assets are also impressive, exceeding 50 billion KRW. He has purchased a luxury condo in Hawaii for 2.7 billion KRW, which he uses as a personal retreat, located near the famous Waikiki Beach, showcasing his global investment savvy.

'500억원↑ 재산' 송중기, 사비로 스태프들 경품 FLEX ('살롱2')

Song Joong-ki's Heartwarming Gesture on Salon Drip 2

'Yu Quiz on the Block' has achieved a new high in target ratings for 2024, featuring actress Song Hye-kyo and the members of the first-ever Antarctic winter research team from the Sejong Station. The special New Year episode aired on January 8, 2025, and included heartfelt discussions with Min Jun-hong, a member of the research team. The broadcast garnered an average rating of 6.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 8.1%, while achieving an average of 5.6% nationwide, with a peak of 7.5%. In the key demographic of viewers aged 20-49, the show recorded an average rating of 3.5% in the metropolitan area and 3.0% nationwide, marking it as the top-rated program across all channels during its time slot. This episode's ratings reflect the audience's strong interest, setting a record for the 2049 target demographic for the year 2024 (Nielsen Korea, paid platform basis).

The 37th Antarctic winter research team shared captivating stories about their experiences in the remote and mysterious land of Antarctica. Comprising 18 specialists, the team has conducted various groundbreaking studies at the Sejong Station, which spans approximately 1,700 square meters. They discussed the 'secret ecosystem' beneath the Antarctic ice, estimating that over 50% of the species found there are unique to the region. The episode also included somber moments, such as a tribute to the late Jeon Jae-kyu, a team member who lost his life while attempting to rescue a colleague 20 years ago, and the shocking revelations about zombie viruses discovered in Antarctica due to climate change.

Making her first talk show appearance in 23 years, Song Hye-kyo captivated viewers with her genuine and flowing conversation, sharing humorous anecdotes about her time working with Song Seung-heon on 'Autumn in My Heart.' Reflecting on her 28-year career as a top star, she discussed the highs and lows of her life, including the pressures of fame and her journey of self-acceptance. She also opened up about the emotional toll of facing false rumors and her feelings of monotony regarding her acting before her role in 'The Glory.'

Song Hye-kyo revealed that, at the suggestion of writer Noh Hee-kyung, she has been practicing daily gratitude exercises for the past five years, where she writes down her intentions for the day in the morning and lists ten things she is grateful for each evening. She shared that on the first day of this practice, she struggled to think of anything to be grateful for, but as she began to appreciate the small things, she realized there was so much to be thankful for.

She also discussed how 'The Glory' marked a turning point in her acting career, stating that she approached her 40s with the mindset that she could no longer rely solely on her looks. Despite the challenges of the role, she found herself excited to return for the next shoot. Hosts Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho expressed their admiration for her candidness, remarking on the depth of her insights. Song Hye-kyo expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received during her return to variety shows, sharing photos from the set on her social media and thanking everyone for their kindness.

Looking ahead, next week's episode will feature the legendary Middle Eastern high school exam cheer squad, Beopryun Sunim, and IVE's Jang Won-young and An Yu-jin, who have made waves in both the music and entertainment industries since their debut. 'Yu Quiz on the Block' airs every Wednesday at 8:45 PM on tvN.

송혜교, 23년만 루머 정면 돌파 효과..'유퀴즈' 시청률 자체 최고 [종합]

Yu Quiz on the Block Sets New Ratings Record with Song Hye-kyo and Antarctic Researchers

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'

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'

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 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.

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

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