On February 20, a press conference for the film 'Mickey 17' was held at the Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Set to make its world premiere in South Korea on February 28, 'Mickey 17' follows the story of Mickey, played by Robert Pattinson, who lives a disposable life as an 'Expendable' sent on dangerous missions, only to be printed back to life upon death. This marks the third Hollywood film directed by Bong Joon-ho, following his acclaimed works 'Snowpiercer' (설국열차) in 2013 and 'Okja' (옥자) in 2017. The event featured appearances from cast members Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, and Steven Yeun, who participated in a photo session.

Mickey 17 Premieres in South Korea with Star-Studded Event

In the latest episode of TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot 3', aired on February 20, contestant Choi Jae-myung (26) delivered a standout performance during the semifinals' first round of the Legend Mission. He chose to sing 'Do Well While You Can' by Oh Seung-geun, transforming the traditional pansori style into a more contemporary rendition that resonated with the audience. Standing over 1.80 meters tall, he sported a stylish harness, a popular choice among K-pop idols, enhancing his stage presence.

Master Joo Young-hoon praised Choi, stating, "He broke away from the habits of traditional singers and embraced the rhythm. The unique sound he produced made the song even more enjoyable."

Choi Jae-myung, a rising star in the trot genre with a background in traditional Korean music, achieved a remarkable victory against Park Ji-hoo (40) with a score of 140 to 10, marking the largest point difference among the 14 contestants in this round. This performance brought him closer to securing a spot in the 'Top 10'.

During the competition, Choi showcased a refined version of the traditional elements in his singing, earning acclaim for his ability to adapt. The episode featured legendary artists including Oh Seung-geun, Jo Hang-jo, and Jin Sung, with composer Park Hyun-jin representing the late Hyun-cheol, performing his iconic song 'Bongsunhwa Yeonjeong'.

Choi Jae-myung's journey began in Jeonbuk, where he started learning pansori in elementary school. His sister, Choi Bo-gil, gained recognition as a 'Korean music prodigy' after winning a prestigious competition at a young age. Both siblings trained under Yu Young-ae, a notable pansori master. Choi Jae-myung is currently studying Korean music at Seoul Arts University while also performing as a drummer, having learned from renowned master Im Hyun-bin.

In addition to his recent performances, he has participated in large-scale productions, including the male changgeuk 'Salome', starring popular singer Kim Joon-soo.

Meanwhile, another contestant, Cheon Nok-dam (44), made headlines by entering the top five for the first time during the online voting segment. He also triumphed in his semifinal match against ballad singer Lee Ji-hoon, winning with a score of 100 to 50. The competition continues to heat up as 'Mr. Trot Japan' launched its first episode on February 19, further strengthening cultural ties between Korea and Japan.

국악 신동서 트로트 신예로 다시 태어난 ‘대학생 소리꾼’

Choi Jae-myung Shines in 'Mr. Trot 3' Semifinals with Unique Performance

The Gwanak Police Station in Seoul has announced that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 30-year-old employee, referred to as A, who reportedly jumped from the Gwanak District Health Center on February 19 at approximately 4:40 PM. A was transported to a hospital immediately after the incident but unfortunately succumbed to injuries. Authorities are currently reviewing nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine the details of the incident. So far, there have been no indications of excessive workload or workplace harassment that could suggest criminal activity. The Gwanak District Office is providing support for the funeral arrangements.

관악구보건소 건물서 직원 투신 사망

Investigation Underway Following Employee's Death in Gwanak District

On February 21, 2025, the KBS2TV show 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' featured the iconic YB band, fulfilling a promise made to Lee Young-ji. Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, Lee Young-ji introduced YB with excitement, stating, 'It's an honor to meet legendary seniors from the start.' 

Yoon Do-hyun, a member of YB, mentioned, 'We haven't released a new song yet, but since it's the last episode for Young-ji, we prepared something special.' This was in reference to a promise made during their previous appearance to return with new metal music. Lee Young-ji expressed her gratitude, saying, 'You are the only one who kept your promise to come.' 

The episode featured a performance of YB's classic hit 'I Think I Loved You,' showcasing their powerful metal sound. Notably, YB is recognized for releasing their first metal album, which includes impressive growling techniques. 

During the show, Lee Young-ji initiated a fan challenge related to their new song, stating, 'I have a great idea,' and engaged the audience in creating the challenge together. She even headbanged so energetically that her in-ear monitor flew out. Yoon Do-hyun humorously remarked, 'You’re working hard, are you okay?' and added, 'I’m sorry for the sweat and messy hair.' Lee Young-ji responded, 'Since it’s the last episode, I gave it my all and headbanged to my heart's content.'

"유일하게 약속지켜" 이영지, 마지막 방송에 의리 빛낸 '레전드 가수' 누구? ('레인보우')

YB Band Honors Promise on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

Kim Ga-young, a weathercaster for MBC, has announced her departure from the show 'Goal Diggers' (골 때리는 그녀들). According to SBS on February 21, she expressed her decision to step down, stating, "I can no longer cause harm." This comes just over 20 days after she was identified as one of the alleged perpetrators of workplace bullying against fellow MBC weathercaster Oh Yo-anna (1996–2024). Following public outcry for her to leave the show, SBS responded cautiously, saying, "Nothing has been decided yet. We are waiting for the results of the MBC investigation committee." 

On January 31, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' released a video titled "Oh Yo-anna's Family: 'The Real Killers are Kim Ga-young and This Person.'" The family claimed, "There are misunderstandings. The real demons are this person and Kim Ga-young," asserting that while others openly bullied Oh, Kim and another individual did so covertly. They also noted that while some bullies attended the funeral, Kim and the other accused did not. Reports indicate that Kim was part of a group chat that insulted the deceased. All four alleged perpetrators have closed their social media comment sections and have not made public statements. 

Despite the backlash, Kim continued to appear on MBC's 'News Desk' and the radio show 'Good Morning FM with Tae-hee,' facing criticism. Ultimately, she stepped down from 'Good Morning FM,' and her role as a promotional ambassador for Paju was also terminated. The YouTube content 'Gun Seol Da Bang' mentioned that they are monitoring the situation as the season comes to an end, while negative comments have also targeted her boyfriend, producer Pidok, on social media. 

Oh Yo-anna passed away in September of last year, with her obituary being revealed three months later. A 17-page suicide note was found on her phone, detailing her experiences of workplace bullying. The family has filed a civil lawsuit against one of the identified bullies in the Seoul Central District Court. Recently, MBC established an investigation committee four months after Oh's death, appointing attorney Chae Yang-hee from Hae Myung Law Firm as the chair and attorney Jin Jin from Barun Law LLC as an external member.

‘故오요안나 괴롭힘 의혹' 김가영, 결국 ‘골때녀’도 하차

MBC Weathercaster Kim Ga-young Exits 'Goal Diggers' Amid Controversy

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially returned to his fans after completing his military service. On February 20, 2025, he was discharged from the Army's 25th Infantry Division after serving for approximately one and a half years. Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the division's military band, fulfilling his national duty.

Just three weeks before his enlistment, Kihyun shared his thoughts with fans, expressing gratitude for their support and reassuring them that he felt relieved, likening his service to catching up on overdue homework. He promised to make the most of his time before leaving and emphasized that while he and his fellow members would be temporarily absent, they would not be going anywhere else. Kihyun assured fans that he would return soon.

In preparation for his enlistment, Kihyun released his first solo photobook titled 'Moments Captured in November' and held an exhibition and pop-up store, creating special memories for his fans.

On the day of his enlistment, he conveyed his love for MONBEBE (the official fan club name) through Starship Entertainment, stating, "Although there will be a gap between us, whether long or short, I hope you enjoy each day while looking forward to my return. I love you, MONBEBE." He also expressed confidence that the other members would continue to work hard during his absence, and he looked forward to the day when all six members would reunite.

With Kihyun's safe return, he becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon. Currently, Hyungwon is serving in the Army's Capital Mechanized Infantry Division and is expected to be discharged on May 13, 2025.

This year marks a significant milestone for MONSTA X as they celebrate their 10th anniversary since debuting on May 14, 2015. Although member I.M has yet to begin his military service, fans are eagerly anticipating a full group reunion after Hyungwon's discharge, especially with many plans in place for the anniversary. Minhyuk recently shared in an interview with Elle that he is excited about the upcoming celebrations and can't wait to experience the atmosphere of performing together again, further heightening fans' anticipation.

몬스타엑스 기현, 오늘(21일) 만기 전역..'데뷔 10주년' 앞두고 팬들곁으로[Oh!쎈 이슈]

MONSTA X's Kihyun Completes Military Service and Returns to Fans

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'.

Mickey 17 Premieres in South Korea with Star-Studded Event

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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

Choi Jae-myung Shines in 'Mr. Trot 3' Semifinals with Unique Performance

Investigation Underway Following Employee's Death in Gwanak District

YB Band Honors Promise on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

MBC Weathercaster Kim Ga-young Exits 'Goal Diggers' Amid Controversy

MONSTA X's Kihyun Completes Military Service and Returns to Fans

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