On January 7, model Lee Jae-si, daughter of former soccer player Lee Dong-guk, shared two captivating photos on her social media. In the images, she poses in a white shirt, exuding a fresh and innocent charm that has drawn significant attention. Fans were quick to comment on her striking beauty, with remarks like, 'Is it possible to be this pretty at 17?' and 'Makeup suits you so well.' Lee Jae-si, born in 2007, is not only making waves as a model but has also recently enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Her family, including her father Lee Dong-guk and mother Lee Soo-jin, a former Miss Korea, gained popularity through their appearances on KBS 2TV's 'The Return of Superman.'

Model Lee Jae-si Showcases Stunning Beauty in New Photos

The K-pop group ZEROBASEONE (제로베이스원) has successfully wrapped up their first large-scale overseas tour and is set to make waves in the 2025 music scene with a surprise pre-release track on January 20. This comes ahead of their upcoming Japanese EP, 'PREZENT,' scheduled for release on January 29. 

On January 8, their agency, Wake One, announced that ZEROBASEONE members Seong Han-bin (성한빈), Kim Ji-woong (김지웅), Zhang Hao (장하오), Seok Matthew (석매튜), Kim Tae-rae (김태래), Ricky (리키), Kim Kyu-bin (김규빈), Park Geon-wook (박건욱), and Han Yoo-jin (한유진) will unveil the track 'Doctor! Doctor!' in Korea before their Japanese activities commence. This song is part of their fifth mini-album, set to be released in February. 

Along with the comeback announcement, the group shared a poster for 'Doctor! Doctor!' on their official social media, featuring an intriguing image of someone attempting to swallow a heart-shaped capsule. 

'Doctor! Doctor!' is described as an R&B ballad with an addictive melody and the members' sweet vocal harmonies, promising a fresh sound. The quirky logo combining an exclamation mark and a heart hints at the new charm ZEROBASEONE will showcase in their upcoming mini-album, heightening anticipation among fans. 

Since their debut, ZEROBASEONE has made history as the first K-pop group to achieve 'million-seller' status with four consecutive albums released within a day. They continue to break career highs with each comeback, expanding their reach beyond Korea to the global stage. Their recent tour, 'TIMELESS WORLD,' captivated 140,000 fans worldwide, solidifying their status as a top-tier fifth-generation group. 

Having secured their debut through fierce competition, ZEROBASEONE is carving out their unique path with authentic narratives that resonate with themes of destiny, eternity, and love. Fans are eager to see what stories they will tell through their fifth mini-album and what new milestones they will achieve in K-pop history. 

As they prepare for their domestic comeback next month, ZEROBASEONE is poised to continue their dynamic journey, aiming for dual popularity both at home and abroad.

제로베이스원, 20일 선공개 곡 'Doctor! Doctor!'로 깜짝 컴백[공식]

ZEROBASEONE to Surprise Release 'Doctor! Doctor!' Ahead of Japanese EP Launch

On January 8, 2025, actress Yoo Hana shared heartfelt tributes on her Instagram story in memory of her close friend, the late Lee Hee-cheol, who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. She posted a touching message alongside a warm photo of the two, reminiscing about their 23 years of friendship filled with playful banter and laughter, always concluding with wishes to live well and long.

Yoo Hana expressed her sorrow, saying, "When Do-hyun grows up, let’s hang out together. To drink and have fun with Do-hyun, you need to be healthy. You were always so proud of Do-hyun’s achievements. Where have you gone?" Do-hyun is her son.

In a poignant moment, she shared another photo of herself with Lee Hee-cheol, pleading, "Please tell me this is a lie. I won’t be angry." This heartfelt message resonated deeply with her followers.

Yoo Hana and Lee Hee-cheol were known to be close friends in the entertainment industry. In November 2023, she made a guest appearance on KBS 2TV's 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' to support him. Their friendship dates back to their first year of high school, with Lee Hee-cheol describing Yoo Hana as a friend he could always count on.

Pungja, another close friend of Lee Hee-cheol, also took to Instagram on January 7 to share the heartbreaking news, stating, "I can’t believe this as I write. For those who loved him and haven’t heard yet, my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today."

On January 8, Lee Hee-cheol's family revealed to OSEN that the cause of death was a heart attack, expressing their shock as he had been in relatively good health recently. His memorial is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

Lee Hee-cheol was a well-known influencer, CEO of a restaurant business, photographer, and visual director. He gained popularity in 2023 as a regular cast member on 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' and was also recognized as Pungja's close brother on YouTube.

However, it seems he had been facing personal struggles in silence. In a New Year’s post on his social media, he reflected on the challenges of 2024, describing it as a difficult year for both his health and mental well-being. Despite this, he maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude and hope for a healthier 2025.

Tragically, despite his optimistic messages, Lee Hee-cheol has now passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and friendship.

'풍자 오빠' '유하나 절친'..故 이희철, 심근경색 믿기지 않는 이별 '눈물' [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Yoo Hana and Pungja Mourn the Sudden Passing of Lee Hee-cheol

(G)I-DLE's Woogie has once again proven her presence as a solo artist. On January 5, she received the Best Solo Artist award at the 39th Golden Disc Awards held at the Fukuoka PayPay Dome in Japan for her debut mini-album 'YUQ1' (우기). After receiving the award, Woogie expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am so thankful to our Neverb (the fan club name). It is because of the support and love from my fans that I was able to receive this award. I will take that strength to grow further and become a wonderful artist, returning the favor with great songs and performances." 

Woogie took the stage in a leather jacket, delivering a standout performance of her track 'FREAK' (프리크), which features a prominent band sound. She followed this with a hip rendition of 'Radio (Dum-Dum)' (라디오), eliciting cheers from the audience. 

The mini-album 'YUQ1', which includes the title track 'FREAK', encapsulates Woogie’s essence, showcasing her free-spirited yet delicate artistic side. Within just six days of its release, the album achieved first-week sales of 550,170 copies, making it a half-million seller and setting a record for the highest sales of a mini-album by a female solo artist in K-pop history. 

Previously, Woogie was recognized for her achievements when she won the Best Solo Artist award at the 2024 KGMA held in November.

(여자)아이들 우기, '골든디스크' 베스트 솔로 아티스트 "좋은 노래·무대로 보답"

(G)I-DLE's Woogie Shines as a Solo Artist at the 39th Golden Disc Awards

In the latest episode of MBN's 'Current King of Masked Singers 2' (현역가왕2), the youngest contestants, Huang Min-ho (황민호) and Choi Soo-ho (최수호), brought the audience to tears with their heartfelt performances. The show, which has been dominating Tuesday night ratings for four consecutive weeks, features fierce competitions among active singers, showcasing their vocal talents without any hierarchy.

In the fifth episode, 25 contestants who advanced from the first round formed teams of five to compete in the second round, titled 'Relay Fan Heart Hunting.' The intense competition rules mean that only one team can survive to the next round, while the others face elimination.

Tonight's sixth episode, airing at 9:40 PM, will see Huang Min-ho, the team leader and youngest member, and Choi Soo-ho, the youngest of Team Na Tae-joo, competing in the crucial fourth round, known as the Ace Round. This round is particularly significant as the scores from the celebrity judging panel are doubled, allowing for dramatic comebacks. With a total of 420 points at stake, this round is the final chance for teams to secure their place in the third round.

Huang Min-ho, the youngest participant, plans to perform a winning song he has saved for the finals to ensure his teammates' survival. Meanwhile, Choi Soo-ho is set to surprise everyone with an unexpected song choice, showcasing his charisma. After their performances, both contestants were overwhelmed with emotion, leading to an outpouring of tears that captivated the audience and the judging panel, which includes notable figures like Lin (린) and Jeon Yu-jin (전유진).

Following the Ace Round, the scores of each team fluctuated significantly, heightening the suspense as only the top team will advance directly to the third round. The production team promises that viewers will experience excitement and admiration during tonight's episode, highlighting the impressive stage presence of Huang Min-ho and Choi Soo-ho.

'Current King of Masked Singers 2' is a survival show aimed at selecting the top seven male singers from South Korea to represent the country in the upcoming 'Korea-Japan King of Singers' competition, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. Don't miss the sixth episode airing tonight at 9:40 PM.

'이수♥' 린, 또 울었다..북받쳐오는 감정에 하염없이 오열('현역가왕2')

Tears Flow as Young Contestants Huang Min-ho and Choi Soo-ho Shine on 'Current King of Masked Singers 2'

Gwangju City is taking steps to alleviate the pain of victims and families affected by the Jeju Air tragedy by drafting a special law and creating a self-help space. Mayor Kang Ki-jeong announced on January 9 that specific provisions for the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster support law are being prepared, which will serve as a foundation for memorializing the tragedy and providing assistance to victims. 

The proposed special law is expected to include support for the recovery of daily life for victims' families and measures for truth-seeking and preventive actions. 

In collaboration with the bereaved families, Gwangju City is planning to establish a self-help space named '12·29 Heart Center' (가칭) at Jeonnam Building 245 on Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, which will honor the day of the tragedy and provide psychological support for victims. 

Additionally, the city will set up a damage reporting center for the local tourism industry, which has been adversely affected by the incident, and will offer a special guarantee of 5 billion KRW for small businesses. Preliminary reports indicate that local tourism companies have been experiencing a surge in cancellations of travel packages departing from Muan International Airport. 

Mayor Kang emphasized that true mourning involves efforts to prevent future tragedies and support the recovery of citizens who have suffered psychological and economic impacts. He also mentioned plans to organize a cultural event for remembrance and healing in consultation with the bereaved families.

강기정 광주시장 “제주항공 참사 특별법·피해자 치유공간 추진”

Gwangju City to Establish Special Law and Healing Center for Jeju Air Tragedy Victims

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.

Model Lee Jae-si Showcases Stunning Beauty in New Photos

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

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

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

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