The highly anticipated drama 'Twelve', featuring Ma Dong-seok, is set to air on KBS this year. During the '2024 KBS Acting Awards' broadcast on January 11, the network unveiled its new drama lineup for 2025. Among the highlights was 'Twelve', a fantasy action blockbuster starring Ma Dong-seok and Park Hyung-sik, who introduced themselves as 'Ma Dong-seok playing the role of Taesan' and 'Park Hyung-sik as Ogui'. 

Ma Dong-seok described 'Twelve' as a Korean version of the Avengers, inspired by the twelve zodiac animals from Eastern mythology, creating a vast universe. Park Hyung-sik added, 'We are working hard on the filming, so please look forward to it.' 

Both actors expressed their hopes for the drama's success, with Ma Dong-seok requesting viewers' love for KBS dramas in 2025, while Park Hyung-sik wished everyone a happy new year. 

'Twelve' tells the story of twelve angels living in the human world in human form, who protect humanity from evil spirits. The drama will depict their epic battles against dark forces trying to awaken sealed powers. The cast also includes Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Gyu-pil, Kang Mina, Sung Yu-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, and Regina Ray, generating significant interest ahead of its KBS2 premiere.

Ma Dong-seok and Park Hyung-sik to Star in KBS's Upcoming Drama 'Twelve'

On January 10, singer Lady Jane shared exciting news on her Instagram, announcing, "We have finally welcomed a precious new life into our family!" She revealed that after undergoing in vitro fertilization a few months ago, many have been curious about her well-being. "I had to wait until I reached a stable point to share this news," she explained. "And it's twins! At first, I was quite worried, but now I am embracing my fate and feeling grateful."

Lady Jane also mentioned that despite being just 12 weeks along, she is struggling with morning sickness and swelling. She expressed her gratitude to friends who have been understanding about her need to cancel plans. "If any of my senior friends who have gone through this have tips to share, I would greatly appreciate it!" 

In 2023, Lady Jane married actor Lim Hyun-tae.

레이디 제인, 시험관 수술 성공 "쌍둥이 임신"..결혼 2년 만 [전문]

Lady Jane Announces She's Expecting Twins

Former Big Bang member TOP is set to break his silence as he prepares for an interview on January 15 regarding his role in Netflix's Squid Game 2 (오징어게임2). The series continues the intense rivalry between Seong Gi-hun (이정재) and the Front Man (이병헌), with TOP portraying Thanos, a retired drug-addicted rapper. 

While other cast members, including director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, Park Gyu-young, Yang Dong-geun, Lee Seo-hwan, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Jo Yu-ri, and Park Sung-hoon, have actively promoted the show through interviews, TOP has remained largely silent. 

His silence is understandable given his controversial past, which began in 2016 when he was sentenced to two years of probation for marijuana use with trainee Han Seo-hee. Following this, he lost his position as a police officer and served as a social service worker, facing allegations of receiving preferential treatment. He was discharged in July 2019 but faced backlash for parking in a disabled spot on his last day. 

Afterward, he publicly stated he had no intention of returning to the entertainment scene, even declaring he would not make a comeback in Korea. This led to his departure from Big Bang, leaving many fans disappointed by his lack of remorse. 

Recently, without any explanation or apology, TOP announced his return through Squid Game 2, erasing all references to Big Bang from his profile and adopting his real name, Choi Seung-hyun. While fellow Big Bang members celebrated their 18th anniversary with fans, TOP blocked those who mentioned the group, further fueling public discontent. 

As speculation arises about whether his casting in Squid Game 2 is due to connections with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, concerns about his acting skills have also emerged, with critics pointing to his unclear pronunciation and exaggerated expressions. 

TOP's upcoming interview is highly anticipated, as many wonder whether his attempt to re-enter the spotlight will be beneficial or detrimental to his career.

탑, "대마초 은퇴·빅뱅손절→'오겜2' 발연기" 지뢰밭인데…15일 인터뷰 등판, 독일까 득일까[SC이슈]

TOP from Big Bang to Speak Out Ahead of Squid Game 2 Release

Hani of NewJeans has recently been reported for illegal residency, sparking speculation about her potential departure to Australia. On January 10, the Seoul Immigration Office confirmed that a report had been filed through the National Petition System regarding Hani's status. They stated that appropriate actions would be taken once the employment relationship is resolved.

As a dual citizen of Australia and Vietnam, Hani requires an extension of her E-6 visa to continue her activities in South Korea. The report stems from NewJeans' announcement at the end of November that they were no longer affiliated with their agency, Ador. Following this declaration, they were expected to return their foreign registration cards by December 13, leading to the suspicion that Hani may not have complied.

Hani's visa, issued through Ador, is set to expire in January 2025. Although there are concerns about her residency status, it appears that she has been fulfilling her commitments with Ador until recently, suggesting that she may not be in violation of immigration laws yet.

However, rumors have circulated among fans that Hani has already left for Australia, intensifying the controversy. YouTuber Lee Jin-ho reached out to Ador for clarification on Hani's whereabouts but was informed that they could not confirm the members' locations as they had completed their scheduled activities.

Despite the uncertainty, Ador has reportedly prepared all necessary documentation for Hani's visa renewal, although they have not been able to contact her. Additionally, there are rumors that NewJeans' advertising deals are drying up, but Ador has remained tight-lipped, citing the need to protect their artists.

For Hani, the urgency of renewing her visa complicates her situation, especially after declaring her split from Ador. If she has indeed left the country, obtaining a new visa through a different agency could take 2-3 months, leaving her future activities in limbo.

Meanwhile, NewJeans announced their independent activities following the termination of their contract with Ador on November 29, while Ador maintains that the contract is still valid and is preparing the necessary paperwork for visa extension.

뉴진스 하니, 불법체류 신고에 호주 출국설 확산→어도어 "비자 준비 완료" [종합]

NewJeans' Hani Faces Immigration Controversy Amid Departure Rumors

In the latest episode of SBS's drama 'My Perfect Secretary' aired on January 10, 2025, the character Kang Ji-yoon (played by Han Ji-min) showed concern for Yoo Eun-ho (played by Lee Jun-hyuk). During their conversation, Kang Ji-yoon asked Yoo Eun-ho about his experiences in the HR department, to which he humorously replied that he had encountered various genres of drama, including love triangles, schemes, and betrayals. When Kang Ji-yoon inquired about his own genre, Yoo Eun-ho quipped that he was facing a predictable outcome of being dismissed due to betrayal and conspiracy. Kang Ji-yoon playfully responded, claiming that betrayal was her specialty. 

As Yoo Eun-ho nodded in agreement, Kang Ji-yoon questioned whether he thought she would betray him. Yoo Eun-ho's noncommittal response led her to tease him about being the villain in his story from the start. 

Yoo Eun-ho then expressed his intention to get to know her better, stating that while he was still learning about her, he was certain of one thing: she takes care of others but neglects her own well-being. He urged her to take care of herself as well, while he gently applied a bandage to his finger that he had cut on paper, offering her comfort.

한지민, 반하겠어..이준혁 “본인도 잘 챙겨주세요” 꿀 뚝뚝 (‘나완비’)[순간포착]

Lee Jun-hyuk Comforts Han Ji-min in 'My Perfect Secretary'

Global artist Jennie has made headlines by appearing on the cover of Billboard magazine. On January 9, Billboard released an article titled 'A Battle with Myself: Jennie’s In-Depth Reflection on Creating Her Solo Album' on their official website, showcasing her photoshoot and interview for the January issue.

Billboard highlighted Jennie, stating, 'While the world knows BLACKPINK's Jennie, her upcoming solo debut album will reveal her true self.' In the interview, Jennie shared her journey, saying, 'I started listing what I wanted in life and figuring out what the next steps were. It hit me that I hadn’t yet fulfilled my dream of releasing a solo album. I wanted to achieve that goal for my own satisfaction.' She candidly discussed her experiences in establishing ODDATELIER and partnering with Columbia Records.

Jennie expressed her desire to complete herself as Jennie Ruby Jane, stating, 'Once the album is out, you will understand what I mean. I’ve incorporated various genres and elements, from rapping to singing and harmonizing, ensuring that I love every track on the album.' She confirmed that she has completed preparations for her new album.

More of Jennie's photos and interview can be found on the Billboard website.

블랙핑크 지수 이어 제니까지, 솔로 컴백 예고 "나 자신과의 싸움"

Jennie Graces the Cover of Billboard Magazine

The start of 2025 has brought heartbreaking news as beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry have passed away unexpectedly. On January 7, Lee Hee-cheol (이희철), known for his vibrant personality and contributions to the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon, died at the age of 39. His close friend, comedian Pungja (풍자), shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sorrow over his sudden departure. She wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this, but my dear brother has become a star in the sky. Please pray he finds a good place."

The family revealed that Lee's cause of death was a heart attack, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that." In a heartfelt message posted on his account, they described him as someone who cherished his family and friends, urging everyone to remember him fondly.

The news shocked fans and colleagues alike, especially since Lee had shared a hopeful New Year’s message just a week prior, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned.

In the wake of his passing, fellow entertainers expressed their grief. Yoo Min-sang (유민상), who worked with Lee on SBS Love FM's "Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio," shared his sorrow on air, reminiscing about Lee's bright smile and kind demeanor.

Additionally, actress Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her roles in various dramas, also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64. Her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), announced her death, expressing deep condolences to her family and fans. Lee had recently signed with a new agency and was set to continue her active career, making her loss even more tragic.

Moreover, voice actor Yoo Ho-han (유호한), aged 52, died from a heart attack on January 7. He was well-known for his work in popular series like "Crayon Shin-chan" and the "Avengers" films. Yoo was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors, having served as the president of the KBS Voice Actors Association.

The entertainment community mourns these significant losses, remembering the joy and talent each of these individuals brought to their craft.

Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

On January 11, KBS2 aired the '2024 KBS Acting Awards,' hosted by Jang Sung-kyu, Girls' Generation's Seohyun, and Moon Sang-min. During the ceremony, actor Kim Jung-hyun received the Best Actor award for his role in 'The Iron Family.' 

Upon accepting the award, Kim expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am well aware of my shortcomings. Despite that, I am thankful to be standing here today. Just a few years ago, I thought I would never act again due to various reasons, including my own doubts. I am truly grateful to be in this position now." 

He continued, "While it is customary to express gratitude when receiving an award, I believe that true appreciation cannot exist without reflecting on the past. When I started acting, I engaged in behavior that hurt many people and caused discomfort. I sincerely apologize for that and bow my head in remorse, receiving applause from the audience."

Kim emphasized that his apology is not the end of the matter, stating, "I do not seek forgiveness, but I see this as a necessary step in moving forward with my life."

He added, "I have shared some heavy thoughts from my heart, but I will keep my remarks brief. I want to thank the 'Iron Family,' KBS, writer Seo Suk-hyang, KeyEast, Monster Union, and all the staff who have supported us. I am grateful to my seniors Kim Young-ok and Park In-hwan, as well as my parents and fellow actors Park Ji-young and Shin Hyun-joon, who are all working hard. I know it’s a tiring time, but I hope to be a source of strength for everyone."

Kim concluded by expressing his heartfelt thanks to his fans, saying, "I want to sincerely thank the fans who have allowed me to stand here today. Lastly, to my family, who have shared my burdens and pain, I have always wanted to be a proud son, brother, and sibling, but I feel I have not lived up to that. I hope this moment can be remembered as a small but meaningful step towards that. Thank you, I love you all."

Kim Jung-hyun Apologizes for Past Controversies at KBS Acting Awards

On January 11, 2025, during the MBC show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), singer Ailee shared her love story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno (솔로지옥). The episode featured a winter song special, with Ailee and singer John Park as the first guests. Host Yoo Jae-suk mentioned Ailee's exciting news, stating, "Ailee has good news. She is getting married in April next year." Surprised, fellow cast member Haha congratulated her, while Yoo clarified that she would be marrying the contestant from Single's Inferno. Ailee responded with a smile, saying, "That's right. I escaped from Single's Inferno!" 

When asked if she received a proposal, Ailee explained, "I didn't get a proposal, but I find it a bit strange. In the U.S., proposals happen before wedding preparations, but here, we start dating with marriage in mind, so receiving a proposal feels different." Fellow guest Joo Woo-jae agreed, noting that proposals in Korea often feel like a performance. Ailee added, "For me, it felt a bit foreign, so when we went ring shopping, I just said, 'I want this one.'" 

Joo then inquired about their pet names, to which Ailee revealed, "I saw an official statement where he said he would take good care of 'Princess Ye-jin,' which was quite surprising!" 

Ailee recounted how they met through a friend, initially without any romantic interest. They later attended a concert together, where she noticed his tall stature and broad shoulders. Their relationship began to blossom when they attended a g.o.d concert, where Ailee felt cold and he offered her his jacket. As they shared the jacket, their hands touched, leading to a moment where she didn't want to pull away, marking the start of their relationship. Joo humorously remarked that they probably didn't hear any of the concert due to their distraction, to which Ailee joked about feeling hot and sweaty. 

Ailee Reveals Love Story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno

The beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee has sadly passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Her funeral is being held at the VIP room 1 of Ulsan Hospital. Survived by her spouse and two sons, the family is mourning deeply as they receive visitors at the funeral home.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that she had no known chronic illnesses, leading to a sudden passing.

Her agency, 범엔터테인먼트 (Bum Entertainment), expressed their sorrow through an official statement, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her."

They further honored her legacy, saying, "Lee Yoon-hee was a precious individual who contributed to popular culture for many years and was loved by many. Her absence is a significant loss for us all. She has touched audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm emotions through numerous works. We will cherish her memories and achievements and strive to honor her life and values."

Born in 1960, Lee Yoon-hee began her acting career in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). From 2007 onwards, she appeared in various films such as '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대' (The Drug King), '러브픽션' (Love Fiction), '7번방의 선물' (Miracle in Cell No. 7), '감기' (Flu), '더 킹' (The King), '특별시민' (Citizen Kane), and '보안관' (The Sheriff), as well as dramas like '자이언트' (Giant), '참 좋은 시절' (What’s So Wrong with Secretary Kim), '구해줘2' (Save Me 2), '블랙독' (Black Dog), '킹덤 시즌2' (Kingdom Season 2), '편의점 샛별이' (Convenience Store Saet-byul), and '모범택시' (Taxi Driver).

Last year, she was seen in Netflix's '선산' (The Silent Sea) and tvN's '세작, 매혹된 자들' (The Tale of Nokdu) in the roles of Kim Mu-sun and Choam Kim Je-nam, respectively.

Her funeral will take place on January 13 at 8 AM, with her final resting place at Ulsan Sky Park.

Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

Renowned actor Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her exceptional supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), she died unexpectedly on the morning of January 11, 2025, with no known chronic illnesses reported.

Bome Entertainment expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Lee Yoon-hee's untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences as she embarks on her final journey."

Born on January 28, 1960, Lee made her acting debut in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). She gained recognition in 2007 for her role as Elder Kang in the film '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), marking the beginning of her film career. Over the years, she appeared in notable films such as 'The King of Affection' (아부의 왕, 2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (극비수사, 2015), 'Citizen K' (특별시민, 2017), and 'Harodongseon' (하로동선, 2022).

In addition to her film work, Lee was a familiar face on television, featuring in dramas like 'Save Me 2' (구해줘2, 2019), 'Black Dog' (블랙독, 2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (편의점 샛별이, 2020), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시, 2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (십시일반, 2020), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (살인자의 쇼핑목록, 2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (도적, 칼의 소리, 2023), 'Seonsan' (선산, 2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (세작, 매혹된 자들, 2024).

Just last month, she signed an exclusive contract with Bome Entertainment and was set to continue her active career.

Her funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital (울산병원) with the burial scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park (울산하늘공원).

Ma Dong-seok and Park Hyung-sik to Star in KBS's Upcoming Drama 'Twelve'

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Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

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