On February 20, a press conference for the film 'Mickey 17' was held at the Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Actor Mark Ruffalo expressed his excitement about returning to Korea after a decade, stating, "I’m thrilled to be back in Korea. I received such a warm welcome 10 years ago that Robert Downey Jr. was jealous of me." 

'Mickey 17' is based on the novel 'Mickey 7' by American author Edward Ashton. The film follows Mickey, an expendable worker sent on dangerous missions, who faces his 17th death crisis. When he is presumed dead, a new version, Mickey 18, is printed, leading to unexpected events.

Ruffalo last visited Korea in 2015 for the release of 'Avengers: Age of Ultron.' He remarked, "It’s great to be back in the director's home country with such an amazing director and wonderful colleagues." 

The film 'Mickey 17' is set to premiere in Korea on February 28, making it the first country to screen the film, with a North American release scheduled for March 7.

Mark Ruffalo Returns to Korea After 10 Years for 'Mickey 17' Press Conference

Actress 김민희 has made the decision to travel to Germany while heavily pregnant, although she did not show her face in front of the cameras. Her presence coincided with the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where director 홍상수's film '그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니' was invited to compete. A press conference took place on February 20, 2025, featuring 홍상수, along with actors 하성국, 권해효, 조윤희, and 강소이. Although 김민희 was reported to be in Germany as a production manager for the film, she did not engage with the press.

'그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니' tells the story of a 30-something poet named 동화 who unexpectedly visits his lover 준희's home, leading to a series of events. The film features actors who have previously collaborated with 홍상수, including 하성국, 권해효, and 조윤희.

Last month, it was revealed that 김민희 is expecting a child with 홍상수, with a due date set for this spring, which has drawn significant public interest regarding their attendance at the festival together. On February 19, the couple was spotted at Incheon International Airport boarding a flight to Munich. Despite her advanced pregnancy, 김민희 chose to accompany 홍상수 to the festival but opted to remain out of sight from the media.

김민희 and 홍상수 began their relationship in 2015 while working on the film '지금은 맞고 그때는 틀리다', and they have maintained a controversial affair for nearly a decade. 홍상수 had filed for divorce from his wife of 30 years, but she has shown no intention of accepting the divorce papers, leading to a prolonged legal battle. The court ultimately dismissed 홍상수's divorce petition, adhering to the principle that a spouse cannot file for divorce if they are deemed responsible for the marital breakdown. Despite these challenges, 김민희 and 홍상수 continue their relationship, and the news of their impending child has further shocked the public.

홀로 카메라 앞에 선 홍상수… ‘만삭 동행’ 김민희는 어디에

Kim Min-hee Attends Berlin Film Festival Amid Pregnancy Rumors

The highly anticipated drama 'Undercover High School' featuring actor Sung Kang-joon has finally been unveiled. The production conference for the new MBC Friday-Saturday drama took place on February 20 at MBC's new headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Attendees included Sung Kang-joon, Jin Ki-joo, Kim Shin-rok, Jeon Bae-soo, Kim Min-joo, Park Se-hyun, and director Choi Jung-in, who shared insights about the show.

'Undercover High School' follows a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent who goes undercover as a high school student to track down the missing gold bars of Emperor Gojong. After enlisting in the army in November 2021 and completing his service in May 2023, Sung Kang-joon is making his return to the small screen for the first time in nearly three years since his role in Disney+'s 'Grid' in 2022. He expressed his feelings about returning, stating, "It feels like it's been about three or four years since I last presented a project to everyone, and the world has changed a lot. The poses have changed, and there are so many new things. I realized that a lot has changed during my time away, and I thought I should quickly adapt and present an enjoyable work."

In the drama, Sung Kang-joon plays Jeong Hae-sung, an ace field agent of the NIS who is deployed for the 'Undercover High School' operation. At 31 years old, he finds himself back in a school uniform. He shared, "While filming, I encountered many new slang terms. I learned a lot of new things, but I couldn't understand any of it. There were actual high school students and adult friends around, and I felt they looked so young. I thought, 'Why do I feel so different from them?' It was a bit embarrassing to wear the uniform, but I reminded myself that I am 31 in the drama, so I decided to enjoy it."

Sung Kang-joon chose 'Undercover High School' as his comeback project because of its diverse genres. He noted, "The drama encompasses many genres, including comedy, action, romance, and crime, all blended together beautifully. While it is light-hearted, it also contains deeper messages that provoke thought and provide entertainment."

Reflecting on his time in the military, he remarked, "The time felt like an eternity. I thought a lot about my past, what kind of actor I want to be, and why I wanted to be an actor. Looking back, while not everything I did was satisfying, I realized I have no regrets. I always did my best when making choices. I decided to approach 'Undercover High School' with the same mindset, regardless of the outcome."

Jin Ki-joo plays Oh Soo-ah, Jeong Hae-sung's homeroom teacher. She emphasized the importance of her character's mission, stating, "Soo-ah has a reason for wanting to become a full-time teacher. She faces a dilemma where her sense of duty is hindered by her environment. I wanted to express the dilemmas faced by young adults entering society, and I hope I portrayed that well."

Kim Shin-rok portrays Seo Myung-joo, the school principal and mother of student council president Lee Ye-na, played by Kim Min-joo. When asked about their chemistry, Kim Shin-rok said, "We mainly meet after school at home, where we release the stress we've built up. We film several episodes at once, and from the first day, I tried various ways to portray a mother who loves but also wants to control her daughter. Kim Min-joo is beautiful in real life, but she looks even more stunning through the lens. I found that the more I express love, the more I want to control her, which made for great acting."

Jeon Bae-soo plays Team Leader Ahn, a father figure to Jeong Hae-sung, and he shares scenes with Park Se-hyun, who plays Ahn Yoo-jung, a member of the student council. Jeon expressed disappointment at not having filmed much together, while Park noted, "Although we haven't met often, we focused on fun and lively scenes. There was a bit of awkwardness at first, but once the camera was rolling, everything went smoothly. I wanted to be more affectionate, but I felt shy since we hadn't met much."

Director Choi Jung-in shared his thoughts on the casting, praising Sung Kang-joon for his genuine charm and suitability for the role. He also highlighted Jin Ki-joo's unique loveliness and how it complements her character's grounded nature. He expressed admiration for Kim Shin-rok's intelligence and how she provided guidance on set. 

As for the show's unique blend of genres, Choi stated, "It's a complex genre that includes elements of horror, action, comedy, and romance. I believe it offers a variety of attractions beyond the typical undercover investigation or thriller. I am confident that this is a well-made production."

Sung Kang-joon humorously mentioned a promise he made regarding viewership ratings, saying, "I mentioned a trip if we hit 12%. I might have said it while drunk, so I hope we can achieve that!" He added that he would feel embarrassed to cancel it if they don't reach the goal.

As the conference concluded, Sung Kang-joon highlighted the show's mix of genres, stating, "It's a blend of action, comedy, crime, and human elements. Viewers will likely notice a different vibe from my previous characters. Jin Ki-joo added that the drama contains hidden messages that viewers will discover as they watch. Kim Shin-rok remarked that the story reflects a world of coexistence, while Jeon Bae-soo noted its appeal to families. Kim Min-joo emphasized the beauty of the set and the actors, and Park Se-hyun pointed out the growth of the high school characters throughout the series.

'Undercover High School' is set to premiere on February 21 at 9:50 PM.

군복벗고 교복입은 서강준♥교사 진기주..'언더커버', 12% 넘고 해외여행 갈까[Oh!쎈 현장](종합)

Sung Kang-joon Returns to the Screen in 'Undercover High School'

Rosé, a member of the popular group BLACKPINK, has officially withdrawn from the Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA). According to KOMCA, Rosé submitted her request for termination of trust on October 31 of last year, and after a three-month grace period, her trust agreement was finalized on January 31. This marks the first time since April 4, 2003, when Seo Taiji ended his trust relationship with KOMCA, a span of 22 years.

The reason behind Rosé's departure is reportedly related to commission fees. In September of last year, she signed an exclusive contract with Atlantic Records, a label under Warner Music Group. Given her extensive activities in the United States, managing copyright separately in both the U.S. and Korea was deemed unnecessary, and moving forward, all of Rosé's copyrights will be managed by a U.S. publisher.

In other news, Rosé made waves globally last year with her collaboration with Bruno Mars on the track 'APT.' The music video for 'APT.' recently surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, and the song is featured on her debut album 'rosie,' which debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, setting a new record for K-pop female artists.

BLACKPINK, of which Rosé is a member, is set to kick off their world tour on July 5 and 6 at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea. The tour will cover ten locations, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, and Tokyo.

“서태지 이후 22년만”..블랙핑크 로제, 韓 음저협 탈퇴 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

BLACKPINK's Rosé Withdraws from Korean Music Copyright Association

On February 20, 2025, it was announced that CT Investment, a subsidiary of Content Technologies, has acquired a significant stake in Art M&C. The acquisition aims to secure a variety of high-quality senior content intellectual properties (IPs) and leverage Content Technologies' infrastructure for global expansion and collaboration in active senior content. This move is expected to lead to aggressive investments aimed at expanding the global reach of trot and popular music.

Additionally, CT Investment is set to become the largest shareholder of Studio M&C, which operates Star Planet, the largest active senior content platform in South Korea with 7.2 million members. This strategic alliance, which includes SBS Medianet, signals a robust entry into the active senior content market.

Star Planet's primary members are active seniors who prioritize their own lives and happiness alongside their families, making the synergy between Art M&C's strong IPs and Content Technologies' global infrastructure highly anticipated.

Content Technologies is a global music technology company that has raised a total of 68.7 billion KRW from leading venture capital and growth equity firms. Through a 'buy-and-build' strategy based on investments and acquisitions, it operates the largest global music distribution infrastructure in South Korea, along with technology-based artist and label solutions, IP creation, and investment businesses. In December 2022, it was recognized as a 'Global Innovator' at the World Economic Forum (Davos Forum).

[공식] CT인베스트먼트, 김호중 소속사 최대주주 됐다

CT Investment Acquires Major Stake in Art M&C

The highly anticipated SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), set to premiere on February 21 at 10 PM, features Park Hyung-sik in a gripping role. He portrays Seo Dong-joo, a character who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won, embarking on a high-stakes quest for revenge against the ultimate evil that killed him. 

This drama marks a significant transformation for Park Hyung-sik, who is stepping away from his usual gentle and delicate roles to embody a more ambitious and charismatic character. Teasers, posters, and stills released prior to the premiere showcase his intense gaze and impeccable suit fit, captivating potential viewers. 

On February 20, the production team unveiled intriguing images of Seo Dong-joo, highlighting his sharpness and depth as he faces a crisis early in the series. In the revealed photos, he is seen in a sleek black suit, exuding a palpable tension while maintaining a steady gaze. A confrontation with a large, unidentified man further emphasizes his confidence and ambition, raising questions about the circumstances leading to this moment. 

One particularly striking image shows Seo Dong-joo, dressed impeccably, cradling a cat, which adds an unexpected layer to his character. The production team commented, "From the very first episode airing tomorrow, Seo Dong-joo will find himself in unpredictable situations. He will navigate these challenges in his unique way, showcasing the charm and true essence of his character."

They also noted that Park Hyung-sik has made significant visual and acting changes to portray this captivating character, ensuring that every detail is meticulously crafted. They expressed confidence that his dedication will make the premiere of 'Treasure Island' a powerful experience for viewers. 

As Seo Dong-joo faces challenges right from the start, audiences can look forward to witnessing Park Hyung-sik's passionate performance. 'Treasure Island' will air every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM, starting February 21.

'보물섬' 내일 첫방인데..주인공 박형식, 위기

Park Hyung-sik Faces Crisis in New Drama 'Treasure Island'

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Actor Heo Jun-ho is set to deliver a remarkable performance as a villain in the new SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), which premieres on February 21. The series follows Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won and faces off against an ultimate evil that seeks to eliminate him. The intense rivalry between Park Hyung-sik and Heo Jun-ho is anticipated to be a highlight of the show.

Heo Jun-ho plays the role of Yeom Jang-seon, a ruthless figure wielding absolute power who will stop at nothing to protect his domain. Although Heo Jun-ho has previously portrayed strong antagonists, he describes this character as the "worst person" he has ever played, stating, "I wonder if someone could be this evil." He hints that Yeom Jang-seon will redefine the archetype of villains in dramas.

The demanding nature of the character has taken a toll on Heo Jun-ho during filming. He admitted, "During the script reading, I said I would speak less in this project, but as filming progressed, I ended up talking more." He revealed that the stress from embodying Yeom Jang-seon led to nightmares and even an increase in gray hair. To cope with the intensity of the role, he found himself joking and laughing on set, saying, "It was so tough that I felt like I was becoming an 'ajumma' (aunt)."

In the drama, Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, is driven by ambition to take over the Daesan Group but finds himself cornered after hacking the political slush fund. His confrontation with Heo Jun-ho's Yeom Jang-seon promises to deliver high-stakes tension.

'Treasure Island' will also feature a cast of unique characters, including Lee Hae-young and Hong Hwa-yeon, enhancing the drama's immersive experience. The show is set to air at 10 PM on February 21.

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Popular Taiwanese actor Wang Dalu (왕대륙) has been arrested on charges of draft evasion. Local media, including the China Times, reported on February 20 that Wang was detained and later released on bail of 150,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 6,590 USD) after undergoing a prosecutor's investigation.

Wang, along with nine others, is accused of obtaining forged medical certificates through three brokers, claiming to suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease to evade military service. The brokers charged between 100,000 to 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 4,400 to 44,000 USD) for these fake diagnoses, with Wang being asked for the higher amount of 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars.

Taiwan has a mandatory conscription system requiring one year of military service. Those who conceal facts to evade service can face up to five years in prison. Wang, who turned 33 at the end of last year, received a notice to enlist on March 13. He is suspected of using the forged medical documents to avoid re-examination, but since he has not yet applied for a re-examination, he may face charges of document forgery instead of violating military service laws.

Born in 1991, Wang Dalu gained fame through films like "Our Times" (나의 소녀시대) and the drama "It Started with a Kiss" (장난스런 키스). He has previously been in the spotlight for his friendship with former BIGBANG member Seungri (승리), who was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal. Wang has publicly stated that he and Seungri are just ordinary friends and denied any involvement in immoral activities.

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

On February 21, actress Lee Ji Ah (이지아) released a statement through her agency, BH Entertainment, regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather's pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period. She expressed that after much contemplation, she felt it was necessary to clarify the facts and take responsibility, despite the difficulty of the situation. Lee Ji Ah apologized for the delay in her response.

She clarified her family situation, stating, "Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years."

Regarding her grandfather's pro-Japanese actions, she noted, "My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him and grew up unaware of his pro-Japanese activities. I first learned about this issue through an article in 2011, which prompted me to visit the National Institute of Korean History multiple times to verify the facts and study the related materials."

Lee Ji Ah acknowledged discovering her grandfather's donation records during her research, stating, "Considering the historical context, such actions cannot be justified for any reason. If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be returned to the state."

She emphasized, "I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I used my family background for promotional articles. However, false claims have circulated online suggesting that I respect my grandfather, which is not true, and I wish to correct that."

In conclusion, she expressed her deep awareness of her grandfather's historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologized as a descendant. She committed to approaching the truth of history with humility and a sense of responsibility moving forward.

Recently, Lee Ji Ah has been embroiled in a legal dispute among her father's siblings over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion won, left by her grandfather, who has been classified as a pro-Japanese figure.

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Global artist Jennie (제니) is set to unveil her pre-release track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' on February 21 at 2 PM KST. This song is part of her highly anticipated first solo studio album, 'Ruby' (루비), which will be released on March 7. To build excitement, Jennie has also shared a teaser video for the music video, showcasing a catchy, trendy beat that perfectly complements the unique rapping styles of both Jennie and Doechii (도이치). The teaser captures the duo enjoying the music, creating an infectious energy for viewers.

'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' features the rising American rapper Doechii, who recently won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 67th Grammy Awards, making her one of the most talked-about artists in the hip-hop scene. The song embodies the beauty of living life confidently and fully, celebrating personal journeys and the determination to overcome challenges. It conveys a powerful message of self-assurance and the desire to make every moment count.

Jennie's album 'Ruby' is packed with 15 tracks, including 'Intro: JANE with FKJ', 'like JENNIE', 'start a war', 'Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)', 'with the IE (way up)', 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)', 'Mantra', 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)', 'ZEN', 'Damn Right (feat. Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis)', 'F.T.S.', 'Filter', 'Seoul City', 'Starlight', and 'twin'.

As the release date approaches, Jennie has been making headlines with bold promotional strategies, including the music video for 'ZEN' and the audio releases for 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' and 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)'. Notably, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a new personal best for Jennie, and she recently secured the top spot on Mnet's 'M Countdown'.

Mark Ruffalo Returns to Korea After 10 Years for 'Mickey 17' Press Conference

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MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Jennie to Release Pre-Release Track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' Ahead of Solo Album

More

Kim Min-hee Attends Berlin Film Festival Amid Pregnancy Rumors

Sung Kang-joon Returns to the Screen in 'Undercover High School'

BLACKPINK's Rosé Withdraws from Korean Music Copyright Association

CT Investment Acquires Major Stake in Art M&C

Park Hyung-sik Faces Crisis in New Drama 'Treasure Island'

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