NCT WISH is set to refresh the spring music scene with their new song 'poppop' (팝팝). The group's second mini-album, also titled 'poppop', will be released on April 14 at 6 PM KST across various music platforms. This album features a total of six tracks, showcasing their evolved musical style.

The title track 'poppop' is a vibrant dance-pop song that combines a bouncy melody with NCT WISH's refreshing vibe. It features a blend of bells, lead synths, a heavy bass line, and dynamic percussion sounds, creating an enjoyable listening experience.

The lyrics, penned by hitmaker KENZIE, tell a youthful story of two protagonists who successfully confess their feelings and become a couple. The moment they fall in love is depicted as bursting with life, akin to a scene from an animated film, where even familiar streets and landscapes feel new and exciting, reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Starting from March 30, NCT WISH has been unveiling concept teasers for 'Melt Inside My Pocket' (멜트 인사이드 마이 포켓) on their official social media channels. These teasers showcase the members' charming and refreshing looks in a pocket-themed setting, generating a positive response from fans.

NCT WISH's second mini-album 'poppop' will also be available in physical format on April 14, with pre-orders currently open at various online and offline music stores.

NCT WISH to Brighten Spring with New Track 'poppop'

On the April 1 episode of TV Chosun's 'Dad and Me' (아빠하고 나하고), actress Park Han-byul opened up about her struggles over the past six years, a story she had not even shared with her family. She revealed that her father suffered from depression and social anxiety, describing her daily life as hellish. Park Han-byul's father expressed his feelings of hopelessness, stating, 'When I got home, I didn't even watch TV. There was no fun in anything. You know that feeling of being numb?' He also shared that he often had thoughts of ending his life, wandering around their neighborhood late at night, contemplating jumping from a high place.

In a surprising revelation, Park Han-byul mentioned that her mother-in-law had called her, suggesting that she should consider divorce for her own well-being, stating that it seemed like she was causing harm. 'Did she talk to my mom about it? At that time, many people were telling me to break up,' she recalled. Park Han-byul reflected on the pressure she felt, saying, 'Isn't that crazy? How could I not get a divorce? There were many people saying that. But I have a young child. As a mother, I made the best choice I could for my child.' She emphasized that she could not choose divorce for the sake of her child.

박한별, 남편 버닝썬 논란 터지고…"시母도 전화와서 이혼 권해" ('아빠하고') [순간포착]

Park Han-byul Reveals Mother-in-Law Suggested Divorce on 'Dad and Me'

In the latest episode of Mnet's Couple Palace 2, aired on April 2, 2025, Kim Hyun-joong made a surprising suggestion to Im Si-yeon, proposing that she consider leaving the show due to her emotional distress. The episode featured the couple's date following a consultation with a wedding planner. Upon arriving at a café, Kim expressed his excitement about their first café date and asked Im if she enjoyed the previous night's couple zone party. However, Im revealed that she found the experience overwhelming and stressful, particularly recalling the tense family meeting where Kim's father discussed his late sister. Im admitted that the deep conversation left her shocked and contributed to her discomfort during the party. She expressed a desire to be alone or quietly together, feeling mentally drained from the previous day's events. Observing her distress, Kim reflected on his feelings for her and suggested that perhaps it would be best for her to leave the show, which shocked everyone present. The MC, Ga-hee, likened his comment to a boyfriend suggesting a breakup when his girlfriend expresses difficulty. Im, taken aback, acknowledged her struggles but had not considered leaving until that moment. The atmosphere turned cold as they returned to their accommodation, and Im later shared in an interview that hearing the word 'departure' felt like a shock, flooding her with memories of happier times. Kim also expressed his desire to propose but found it hard to see Im in pain, questioning how their situation had come to this.

김현중♥임시연, 상견례까지 마쳤는데..“퇴소하는 게 좋겠다” 충격 발언 (‘커플팰리스2’)

Kim Hyun-joong Suggests Departure to Im Si-yeon on Couple Palace 2

On April 1, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun held an emotional press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, addressing the controversy surrounding the late Kim Sae-ron's death. Despite his heartfelt tears captivating both domestic and international audiences, the response has been largely negative, raising questions about his path forward.

During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun appeared visibly distressed as he read a prepared statement. His agency has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking 12 billion won against the family of Kim Sae-ron, an unidentified individual claiming to be her aunt, and the operators of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute) for violating laws related to information and communication.

Kim Soo-hyun expressed his anguish over the disparity between his personal identity and his public persona, stating, "When 'Queen of Tears' was airing, there were so many expectations on me as the lead actor. If I were to acknowledge a past relationship, what would happen? I feel like I have always chosen the path of the star Kim Soo-hyun over the human Kim Soo-hyun, and I see that as cowardice."

He strongly denied allegations regarding his relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her minor years, emphasizing that the individuals in the 2016 and 2018 KakaoTalk messages released by her family are different people. He mentioned that these messages have been submitted to a scientific statement analysis center for verification, urging the family to present all evidence to law enforcement for proper investigation if they believe it to be true.

Kim Soo-hyun claimed that he dated Kim Sae-ron for about a year, four years before the airing of 'Queen of Tears,' and stated, "I will accept any criticism for my choices. However, that does not mean that everything untrue becomes true. What I did not do, I did not do. I will not ask you to believe me; I will prove it."

Despite his bold stance, public sentiment remains cold. Notably, profiler Bae Sang-hoon criticized the analysis of the KakaoTalk messages presented by Kim Soo-hyun's team, stating it lacks credibility and pointing out the numerous variables involved.

Kim Soo-hyun, who debuted in 2007 with the MBC sitcom 'Kimchi Cheese Smile,' has steadily risen to fame through various dramas and films, including 'Dream High,' 'The Moon Embracing the Sun,' and the recent hit 'Queen of Tears.' However, he now faces one of the most challenging crises of his career following the allegations from Kim Sae-ron's family, who claim that he engaged in a 'grooming crime' during her minor years.

In February, Kim Sae-ron passed away, and her family has continued to assert that Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with her was inappropriate. Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has countered these claims, stating that their relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was an adult, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They also clarified that the legal documents sent regarding Kim Sae-ron's DUI incident were merely procedural and not an attempt to pressure her.

Despite Kim Soo-hyun's tearful rebuttal, public criticism persists, with many questioning the sincerity of his emotions. Meanwhile, Disney+ has indefinitely postponed the release of his upcoming project 'Knock Off,' maintaining a stance of 'release on hold.' The outcome of this situation remains to be seen.

김수현 눈물도 안 통했다..역풍 맞은 기자회견, 돌파구는 없는가 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Kim Soo-hyun Breaks Down at Press Conference Amid Controversy Surrounding Late Kim Sae-ron

Singer and actress IU (real name Lee Ji-eun) shared her thoughts on the rumors and misunderstandings surrounding her during a wrap-up interview for the Netflix series 'My Name is Na Ae-soon' held at a hotel in Seoul on April 2. 

Reflecting on the criticism she faced for pre-purchasing drinks for fans attending a rally calling for President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment last year, which led to the label 'Left IU' (좌이유), she stated, "It's not entirely wrong to say I feel upset, but I haven't actually seen the videos or criticisms directly. I've never thought, 'Why is it only me?'

IU expressed that she believes it's part of the territory that comes with being in the public eye. "In a way, it shows that there is a lot of interest in me," she noted. However, she emphasized that when expressions cross the line or when there are movements that create significant misunderstandings, action is necessary from her agency's perspective.

When asked if she feels wronged by the rumors, IU admitted, "It would be a lie to say I've never felt wronged in my life, but there are also times when people view me more positively than I actually am. I never expected to receive such great love for this long while doing this work."

Regarding the global success of 'My Name is Na Ae-soon,' she expressed her happiness, saying, "I'm really happy. I've received many supportive messages from those around me. It's heartwarming to see people from various generations and professions resonate with the show."

IU also shared that her family's reaction was overwhelmingly positive, stating, "This was the most enthusiastic response I've received for any of my works. My dad has very specific tastes, and if he doesn't find something convincing, he won't watch it. But it was surprising to see him engrossed in the show."

'My Name is Na Ae-soon' is a Netflix series that narrates the adventurous life of a rebellious girl named Na Ae-soon and her father, Kwan-sik, through the four seasons. IU plays dual roles as young Ae-soon and her daughter, Geum-myeong.

아이유 “‘좌이유’ 논란 속상하지만 감당해야 하는 부분”

IU Opens Up About Rumors and Misunderstandings in Netflix Series Wrap-Up Interview

On April 1, 2025, actress Park Han-byul made her long-awaited return to television on TV Chosun's show 'Dad and Me' (아빠하고 나하고) after a six-year break from the entertainment industry. During the episode, she shared personal stories from the past six years, which she had not even disclosed to her family. Park expressed her nervousness about being back on screen, stating, "I'm feeling anxious and shaky. I haven't done much variety show work, so it feels awkward. It's been a while, and I'm sweating a lot." When asked how she became one of the top five visuals, she humorously replied, "My student ID photo got circulated." 

Park had previously paused her career due to a scandal involving her husband, and she described the overwhelming pressure she felt during that time. "Every time I turned on the TV, it was all anyone talked about. No matter who I met, it was the same. I had to stay home and avoid my phone just to escape it," she explained. 

Reflecting on her struggles, she admitted, "I felt like there was nothing I could do, no way to resolve the situation. I often thought, 'Do I have to die for this to end?' I hardly slept, but I still had to film." 

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or difficult thoughts, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a suicide prevention hotline for support.

"극단적 선택해야 끝이 나겠구나"...박한별, '남편 버닝썬' 이후 6년 만에 복귀 (‘아빠하고’)

Park Han-byul Returns to TV After Six-Year Hiatus

On April 1, global beauty brand Y.O.U BEAUTY GLOBAL announced the termination of its partnership with actor Kim Soo-hyun amid ongoing controversies surrounding his personal life, including grooming allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron. 

Y.O.U BEAUTY had appointed Kim Soo-hyun as a beauty ambassador in 2022, praising him as one of the most successful actors in Korea and expressing confidence that he would inspire others to pursue their dreams with positivity and confidence. However, following recent scandals, the brand released a statement on its official account regarding the partnership. 

The statement emphasized Y.O.U's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and interests of all women, stating, "We encourage women to step forward with newfound confidence and a radiant life, and we do not tolerate any actions that undermine our brand values." 

After careful consideration, Y.O.U BEAUTY decided to end its partnership with Kim Soo-hyun and is taking immediate action to remove all materials related to him from their platforms, stating they will pursue all necessary legal actions if required. The brand has already deleted all photos and posts featuring Kim Soo-hyun from its accounts. 

Meanwhile, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron has made claims through the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae-ron from 2015, when she was a minor, for six years. They have demanded compensation of 700 million KRW for damages related to a drunk driving incident and have sent two legal notices, claiming Kim Soo-hyun was negligent in addressing the situation. They also released alleged intimate photos, videos, letters, and messages exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, demanding an apology and acknowledgment from Kim Soo-hyun's side. 

In response, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference on March 31, tearfully denying the allegations, stating, "We dated for about a year, five years ago, before 'Queen of Tears' aired four years ago. I did not have a relationship with her when she was a minor." He also refuted claims regarding messages exchanged during Kim Sae-ron's minor years, asserting that the individuals in the conversations from 2016 and 2018 were different people. 

Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, attorney Kim Jong-bok from LK Partners, announced that they have filed a defamation lawsuit against the family and the operators of Garosero Research Institute, claiming violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and seeking 12 billion KRW in damages.

Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

On April 2, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially filed a complaint against Kim Se-yeol, the operator of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute), for violating stalking laws. Kim Soo-hyun's legal representatives from LK Partners announced that both he and a gold medalist have taken this action due to ongoing harassment.

The complaint follows a series of broadcasts by Garo Sero, which began on March 10, 2025, with a sensational title claiming that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in the death of actress Kim Sae-ron, alleging a six-year relationship that started when she was just 15. The channel has reportedly aired content about Kim Soo-hyun daily, except for one day, spreading false information.

Kim Soo-hyun's team stated that Garo Sero has indiscriminately shared images and videos of the actor, including private letters and messages, on their YouTube channel. They emphasized that the only way to stop such 'cyber harassment' is through strict investigation and punishment.

Furthermore, the gold medalist has refuted all claims made by Garo Sero regarding the alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron, asserting that the accusations are entirely false and based on manipulated evidence. They plan to continue to respond firmly to any further dissemination of false information by Garo Sero.

In related news, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025. Following her funeral, her family claimed through Garo Sero that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old.

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

The Netflix film 'Revelation' (계시록), starring Ryu Jun-yeol, has claimed the number one spot in the global top 10 non-English films for two consecutive weeks. The film tells the story of a pastor who believes that punishing the perpetrator of a missing person case is a divine revelation, and a detective haunted by the spirit of his deceased brother, as they each pursue their own beliefs.

In the film, Ryu Jun-yeol portrays Seong Min-chan, a pastor leading a small church who receives a divine message to punish the culprit behind a sudden disappearance, leading to a dramatic transformation in his life. Ryu skillfully builds emotional depth as his character undergoes significant changes, showcasing a powerful performance that captivates audiences with its intensity.

Ryu Jun-yeol's portrayal of Seong Min-chan has been described as exceptional, with many viewers expressing that no one else could have delivered such a performance. This acclaim has helped 'Revelation' maintain its position at the top of the global non-English films chart even in its second week of release.

Additionally, from March 24 to March 30, 'Revelation' recorded a total of 6,900,000 views (calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the film's runtime) and has appeared in the top 10 lists of 65 countries, including Japan, France, and Mexico, drawing worldwide attention.

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Netflix Global Non-English Films for Two Weeks

On April 2, a production briefing for the occult action film 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' (거룩한 밤: 데몬 헌터스) was held at Lotte Cinema in Kondae, Seoul. The event featured Ma Dong-seok, who plays the role of Bau, a dark problem-solver who uses his fists to exorcise evil, alongside Seo Hyun as Sharon, a special ability exorcist, Lee Da-wit as Kim-gun, a multi-player who tracks demons, Kyung Soo-jin as Jung-won, who seeks exorcism, and Jung Ji-so as Eun-seo, Jung-won's sister possessed by a demon. Director Lim Dae-hee also attended the event.

'Holy Night' tells the story of a city thrown into chaos by a cult that worships evil, with a team of dark problem-solvers taking on the task of eliminating the forces of evil. Following the success of last year's occult film 'The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey' (파묘) and this year's hit animated film 'The Exorcist' (퇴마록), 'Holy Night' is set to further explore the occult genre in theaters this April.

Notably, Ma Dong-seok, known for his signature fist-fighting action in the 'Crime City' series, adds an occult twist to his character in 'Holy Night.' After achieving a record of over 10 million admissions with 'Crime City 4' (범죄도시4), he faced criticism for the declining quality of the series. In response, he announced a hiatus for the 'Crime City' series to reinvent his image with 'Holy Night,' which incorporates elements of the occult.

Ma Dong-seok, who not only stars in but also produced and planned the film, expressed his excitement about working with director Lim Dae-hee, who specializes in horror films. He stated, "I thought it would be great to mix action and fantasy into an occult film. I watched thousands of horror films from various countries while planning this project, and I wanted to incorporate different elements that resonate with different eras."

Director Lim Dae-hee, who has even written a thesis on the occult genre, shared his gratitude for Ma Dong-seok's support during the filming process, especially since it was his directorial debut. He noted, "I still have a lot to learn, but I analyzed several occult films to write my thesis. I lacked experience in action scenes, but Ma Dong-seok helped me a lot. It was an honor to work with him."

Ma Dong-seok acknowledged the challenge of avoiding self-repetition in his character portrayal, stating, "While my character has familiar traits, there are also fantasy elements. I will be playing a dark problem-solver with hidden secrets. The film includes boxing action, wire work, and special effects, and we faced some injuries during filming. We aimed to find new aspects of the fist-fighting action that fans expect from me."

Seo Hyun, who received the casting offer and responded within two hours, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "I couldn't hesitate. The script was so interesting, and I wanted to work with Ma Dong-seok. I feel like I'm dreaming. I'm grateful to be part of my first commercial film with him. I plan to watch it in theaters multiple times when it releases."

Jung Ji-so expressed her love for the occult genre and the challenges of portraying a character that instills fear, stating, "This is my first time playing a character that scares others, and it was tough. However, Ma Dong-seok was very considerate behind the scenes."

Ma Dong-seok praised the chemistry among the cast, saying, "The chemistry is fantastic. While the film has a horror element, our interactions are great. We're even working on a webtoon to build the world of the film, and I would love to work with this team again."

'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' features a talented cast including Ma Dong-seok, Seo Hyun, Lee Da-wit, Kyung Soo-jin, and Jung Ji-so, marking director Lim Dae-hee's feature film debut. The film is set to be released on April 30.

Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

On April 2, 2025, the K-pop group BABYMONSTER departed from Incheon International Airport to Osaka, Japan, for their overseas schedule. The group is currently on their debut world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR,' which has already seen successful concerts in cities like Seoul, Newark, Los Angeles, Kanagawa, and Aichi. They are set to continue their performances in Japan, starting with Osaka on April 3. Overall, the tour will cover 20 cities across Asia and newly added North American dates, totaling 32 shows to connect with fans worldwide.

NCT WISH to Brighten Spring with New Track 'poppop'

What do you think?

Trending

Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Netflix Global Non-English Films for Two Weeks

Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

BABYMONSTER Depart for Osaka as Part of Their First World Tour

More

Park Han-byul Reveals Mother-in-Law Suggested Divorce on 'Dad and Me'

Kim Hyun-joong Suggests Departure to Im Si-yeon on Couple Palace 2

Kim Soo-hyun Breaks Down at Press Conference Amid Controversy Surrounding Late Kim Sae-ron

IU Opens Up About Rumors and Misunderstandings in Netflix Series Wrap-Up Interview

Park Han-byul Returns to TV After Six-Year Hiatus

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea