K-pop group NewJeans (민지, 하니, 다니엘, 해린, 혜인) has announced their separation from their agency Ador and introduced a new social media account. On December 14, a new SNS account believed to belong to NewJeans was revealed, featuring the username 'jeanzforfree'. This new handle signifies their intention to operate under the name 'Newjeans' instead of 'New Jeans'. 

Notably, the account was shared by directors Lee Young-eum, who worked on the 'Bubble Gum' music video, and Shin Dong-geul, known for directing 'Hype Boy', 'Cookie', and 'Supernatural', alongside images of rabbits and pink flowers. 

As speculation grew among fans regarding the authenticity of the account, the members took to their new story to confirm, saying, "It's really us. It's been a while, and it feels a bit awkward. We missed you all!" They also promised to engage more frequently through this new platform. 

In a related development, NewJeans held an emergency press conference on November 28 to address their contract termination with Ador. However, Ador has stated that they cannot unilaterally terminate the contract and subsequently filed a lawsuit on December 3 to confirm the validity of the contract.

NewJeans Launches New SNS Account Following Split with Ador

Jung Hyun-moo, a well-known broadcaster famous for his workaholic tendencies, recently shared insights into his busy life and admitted that he struggles with taking breaks. In the latest episode of MBN and Channel S's 'Jung Hyun-moo's Plan 2', aired on December 13, he revisited Busan, the hometown of his guest, Kwak Tube, after eight months. During their visit to a sushi omakase restaurant, Kwak Tube noted that he recognized Jung's voice from a new program, highlighting the broadcaster's hectic schedule.

Jung revealed, "After today, I will take three days off until the end of November. I plan to travel during those days," to which Kwak Tube responded, "If you travel during your time off, you’re not really resting."

Jung expressed his feelings about rest, saying, "I feel it's a waste to stay home on my days off. Even though I’m tired, I don’t want to just come home and watch TV like many fathers do. I want to spend my time actively, even if it means pushing myself."

He further explained, "Resting isn’t enjoyable for me. I don’t even know what to do during my downtime. In a way, I might not know how to relax."

Kwak Tube empathized, sharing that he also feels uneasy when he takes breaks, often thinking about how he could have performed better in his shows. Jung emphasized that he doesn’t work solely for money; rather, he finds happiness in feeling alive through his work, despite the physical toll it takes on him.

Jung Hyun-moo's dedication to his career is evident, as he managed to juggle 22 regular programs last year alone. However, he has also faced personal challenges. In July, during an episode of MBC's 'I Live Alone' (나 혼자 산다), he opened up about visiting a psychiatrist for the first time, stating, "I don’t have any particular issues, but people around me say that just existing isn’t truly living. I feel like I’ve been swept away by my busy life."

He described his life as feeling empty and sought counseling to address his concerns. During a session, he confronted his distrust of people and his unexpected bond with his dog, which brought him to tears.

Jung also expressed worries about his memory, saying, "When I meet someone for work, I try to remember them, but I often forget who they are." His fellow cast members suggested that he might need to clear out unnecessary information to make room for rest.

As he continues to navigate his busy lifestyle and admits to not knowing how to take breaks, fans have expressed both concern and support for Jung Hyun-moo's well-being.

‘워커홀릭’ 전현무 향한 걱정 “알맹이 없는 삶”→“쉬면 안 즐거워..쉬는 법 몰라”[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Jung Hyun-moo Opens Up About His Workaholic Lifestyle

In the upcoming episode of tvN's 'Run, Flame Girl!' (기획 최재형), airing today, December 14, the show will feature special commentary from former national soccer players Jung Jo-guk (정조국) and Lee Ho (이호). As the Flame Girl Soccer Team aims for their first victory, the fathers of players Jung Yoon-ha (정윤하) and Lee Ji-eum (이지음) will provide entertaining commentary filled with personal pride.

The Flame Girl Soccer Team is set to showcase their improved skills in a match against Captain FC. Viewers can expect a thrilling game as the girls demonstrate quick plays and fierce ball contests, promising an exciting showdown from the start.

Jung Jo-guk and Lee Ho, as special commentators, will reveal their doting father sides, adding humor to the broadcast. For instance, Jung Jo-guk expresses pride when Yoon-ha clears the ball, asking, "Whose daughter is that?" Meanwhile, when Yoon-ha falls, he humorously remarks, "I almost jumped in there!" Their enthusiastic commentary is sure to enhance the viewing experience.

The hard work of the Flame Girl Soccer Team has reportedly impressed coach Lee Dong-gook (이동국), who hinted at the possibility of victory, saying, "I think we can win." Fans are eager to see if the team can secure their first win in just their third match.

Additionally, today's episode will reveal the first captain of the Flame Girl Soccer Team, chosen based on their attitude and performance in previous matches. This announcement has sparked curiosity about who will don the captain's armband.

Tune in to tvN's 'Run, Flame Girl!' at 5:50 PM KST to catch the match results between the Flame Girl Soccer Team and Captain FC.

'윤하父' 정조국x'지음父' 이호, 특별 해설위원 "뛰쳐들어갈 뻔"(불꽃소녀)

Former National Soccer Players Join as Special Commentators on 'Run, Flame Girl!'

The highly anticipated second season of the Netflix series Squid Game (오징어 게임) made a grand entrance with a unique fan event and premiere held in Los Angeles. The event, themed around the character Gi-hun's number '456', attracted around 2,000 fans who donned Squid Game tracksuits for a 4.56 km running race on December 13, 2024.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk and cast members Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Seo-hwan, and Jo Yu-ri engaged energetically with fans at the event. Hwang expressed his emotional gratitude, stating, "I will never forget this moment," while Lee Jung-jae shared his excitement about fans watching Season 2 that night.

New cast member Im Si-wan urged fans to watch on Netflix, and Yang Dong-geun energized the crowd with a shout of "I LOVE LA VIBE!" Kang Ae-sim offered a warm message, wishing happiness to fans, referencing the colors of their tracksuits as symbols of good fortune.

In addition to the running event, various interactive zones were set up for fans, including a photo zone featuring the character Young-hee, nail art experiences, and a night market offering Korean cuisine, creating memorable experiences for attendees.

The U.S. premiere at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood drew a massive crowd, showcasing the global popularity of Squid Game. Director Hwang and the cast expressed their gratitude during a stage greeting, while the audience was captivated by the expanded storyline and intense suspense throughout the screening. The event concluded with enthusiastic applause and cheers, reflecting high expectations for Season 2.

Squid Game Season 2 is set to be released worldwide on Netflix on December 26, 2024.

[공식] '오징어 게임' 시즌2, 美 프리미어 열기 폭발…이정재·이병헌 “기대해주세요”

Squid Game Season 2 Premieres with Exciting Fan Event in LA

A coalition of 6,388 filmmakers, including acclaimed directors Bong Joon-ho (봉준호) of Parasite and Kim Sung-soo (김성수) of Seoul's Spring, has issued a statement demanding the immediate impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol (윤석열) and an end to the ruling party's complicity in insurrection. On the morning of December 13, the filmmakers released an urgent statement titled, "An Orderly Early Resignation is a Second Insurrection. The People’s Power Party Must Stop Supporting Insurrection and Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol Immediately!" This marks the second urgent statement from the film community, following an initial declaration on December 7, where 77 film organizations and 2,518 individuals called for Yoon's impeachment.

In their latest statement, the filmmakers criticized Yoon's declaration of a state of emergency and the ruling party's absence during the impeachment vote, stating, "Ultimately, the members of the People’s Power Party mocked Article 46, Section 2 of the Constitution, which states that 'Members of the National Assembly shall perform their duties in accordance with their conscience, prioritizing the national interest,' by collectively leaving the assembly and shirking their responsibilities, thereby choosing the path of insurrectionists by shielding Yoon Seok-yeol."

The filmmakers expressed their dismay, saying, "Along with countless citizens, we have watched the failure to vote with heavy hearts from the streets, workplaces, and our own lives. We had hoped that the members of the People’s Power Party would belatedly heed the will of the people and participate in the vote, but such cinematic events never occurred. In this chaos initiated by Yoon's delusional declaration of a state of emergency, we can only envision impeachment or immediate resignation as outcomes."

They further stated, "The unilateral statement requesting cooperation from the public, the National Assembly, and the opposition for national stability without even specifying a timeline for early resignation resonates with our understanding of a second insurrection. A president who violates the Constitution must be held accountable through the methods prescribed by the Constitution. We will not tolerate any attempts to seek unconstitutional methods while claiming the state of emergency is unconstitutional."

The filmmakers emphasized that the true agents of national stability, chaos resolution, and order restoration are the citizens of South Korea, and they, as filmmakers, are also part of the populace. They noted, "Despite our diverse backgrounds in gender, age, experience, and fields of activity, we share a clear common goal: the resignation of Yoon Seok-yeol. Like the majority of citizens, we are not confused at all. It is Yoon and the People’s Power Party, who exclude the nation and its people from their priorities to maintain power, that are the true source of chaos."

The filmmakers concluded their statement by urging the members of the People’s Power Party to fulfill their roles as representatives of the people, clearly define their stance against Yoon, who is a current offender of insurrection, and participate in the vote without hesitation if they deem the state of emergency unconstitutional. 

The second urgent statement was collected from December 9 to 12, with signatures from eight film organizations and 6,388 individual filmmakers. Notably, many prominent directors, including Bong Joon-ho and Kim Sung-soo, joined the call, drawing significant attention.

"尹 즉각 탄핵!" 봉준호→'서울의 봄' 김성수 감독, 6388명 영화인 2차 긴급성명 [공식](종합)

Film Industry Calls for Immediate Impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol

A collective of 762 prominent South Korean musicians, including singer 윤종신 (Yoon Jong-shin), composer 윤일상 (Yoon Il-sang), and lyricist 김이나 (Kim Eana), have issued a declaration calling for the impeachment and arrest of President 윤석열 (Yoon Suk-yeol). On December 14, the group, known as '대한민국 음악인 연대' (Korean Musicians' Solidarity), criticized the president for allegedly violating constitutional principles and undermining democratic values. They stated, 'President Yoon has trampled on the constitution with unlawful orders and disrupted the daily lives of citizens by deploying military forces to the National Assembly and the Election Commission.' The musicians expressed their outrage over citizens rallying outside the National Assembly, waving light sticks and singing idol songs while demanding accountability for what they termed a coup d'état. They lamented that artists who have helped spread K-Pop and K-Culture globally are disheartened by the perception of South Korea as a politically regressive nation. This declaration has garnered significant attention, with notable figures from the music industry, including 신대철 (Shin Dae-chul) of 시나위 (Sinawi), 루시드폴 (Lucid Fall), and lyricist 서지음 (Seo Ji-eum), joining the cause.

[SC이슈] 윤종신·김이나·윤일상 등 762명, “K-컬처 가치 추락” 시국선언[종합]

762 South Korean Musicians Demand Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol

On December 13, Baek Ji-young appeared on KBS2TV's The Seasons: Lee Young-ji's Rainbow, where she talked about her latest title track, "Yeah, That's Right," and the buzz surrounding its music video. Recently, reports surfaced about actress Nana and model Chae Jong-seok being in a romantic relationship. On December 5, Nana's agency, Sublime, stated, "It's difficult to confirm due to the actor's private life," while Chae Jong-seok's agency, Esteem, echoed similar sentiments, asking for understanding regarding the model's personal matters. This ambiguous stance has led to increased public interest in their relationship.

During the show, Baek Ji-young humorously noted that the kiss scene in the music video lasts for 41 seconds out of a total of five minutes, prompting Lee Young-ji to blush and remark, "It sounds like a 19+ story." Baek Ji-young clarified, "When you kiss someone you love, it’s all pecks here," emphasizing that the scenes are more about affectionate pecks than actual kisses.

Nana, who also appeared on Baek Ji-young's channel, reflected on a scene where she was lying on a sofa with her mouth open, saying, "I didn’t even realize I was doing that. I thought, 'Why am I lying there with my mouth open?' It was almost a one-take shot, so I think I expressed my feelings naturally at that moment." 

She added about the kiss scenes, "We ended up doing so many pecks that my sister jokingly named the teaser 'A Million Pecks.'" Baek Ji-young reiterated, "Think about it; there isn’t a single shot of a kiss. They’re all pecks," to which comedian Byun Ki-soo quipped, "That explains why Nana’s lips looked swollen and moist in the middle of it all!"

Nana debuted in 2009 as a member of the girl group After School before transitioning to acting. She has appeared in dramas such as The Good Wife, The Last Empress, Glitch, and Mask Girl, as well as films like The Swindlers and Confession. Chae Jong-seok made his modeling debut at the 2022 S/S Beyond Closet fashion show.

Baek Ji-young Discusses Music Video Kiss Scene on The Seasons: Lee Young-ji's Rainbow

The popular K-pop group NewJeans is set to appear on all three major year-end music shows in South Korea. They will take the stage at the '2024 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan' on December 14, followed by SBS's 'Gayo Daejeon' on December 25, and MBC's 'Gayo Daejejeon' on December 31.

A key point of interest is whether the members will refer to themselves as 'NewJeans' during these performances. The group claims that their exclusive contract with Ador was terminated as of November 29, citing breaches of contract by the agency. They assert that they are not obligated to pay any penalties or engage in separate legal actions, and they intend to continue using the name 'NewJeans'.

However, the trademark rights and intellectual property related to their hit songs remain with Ador. If NewJeans's claims about the contract termination are valid, they may not be able to use the name without mutual agreement. This situation was evident when they performed at the Yoasobi concert in Incheon on December 7, where they were unable to use the name 'NewJeans'.

Despite this ongoing dispute, the lineup for the year-end music shows still lists them as 'NewJeans', raising questions about whether they will be able to use their name during the performances.

NewJeans to Perform at Major Year-End Music Shows Amid Contract Dispute

In the upcoming episode of Jeon Hyun-moo's Plan 2 (전현무계획2), airing tonight at 9:10 PM, Jeon Hyun-moo and popular YouTuber Kwak Tube (곽튜브) engage in candid conversations at Imo Kase, a beloved spot for the MZ generation in Busan. Kwak Tube, a local, describes Imo Kase as the ultimate dining destination, famous for sourcing fresh ingredients daily from Jagalchi Market. Jeon Hyun-moo humorously notes the romantic ambiance of the place, joking that having two men there diminishes the vibe. 

As they enjoy a drink together, Jeon pours soju for Kwak and playfully advises him to avoid mistakes in the future, eliciting laughter. The duo is treated to a lavish sashimi platter, which leaves Jeon in awe, while the owner reveals his impressive background of running an omakase restaurant in Japan for 15 years. 

With delicious food and drinks flowing, Jeon jokes about not going home that night, prompting Kwak to inquire about his schedule for the next day. Jeon checks his phone and shares that he plans to take a day off for a trip, expressing a desire to spend his time meaningfully despite feeling sleepy. 

As their conversation deepens, Kwak poses direct questions about Jeon’s anxieties regarding long breaks and the potential failure of new programs. Jeon candidly admits that such thoughts do stress him out but then reveals his unique method for relieving stress. 

To discover the insights shared by the well-known workaholic Jeon Hyun-moo and the culinary delights of Busan's Imo Kase, tune in to Jeon Hyun-moo's Plan 2 (전현무계획2) tonight at 9:10 PM on MBN and Channel S.

Jeon Hyun-moo and Kwak Tube Share Heartfelt Stories at Busan's Imo Kase

On December 13, 2024, a coalition of 80 film organizations representing 6,388 industry professionals issued a statement demanding the immediate impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol and an end to the ruling party's support for insurrection. The statement, titled 'An Orderly Early Resignation is a Second Insurrection. The People’s Power Party Must Stop Supporting Insurrection and Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol Immediately!' was released in the morning.

The signatories criticized Yoon's two-minute address on December 7, where he stated, 'I will not evade legal and political responsibility, and I will leave the decision regarding my position and national stability to our party.' They noted that the only constitutional method to halt Yoon's presidential duties, a motion for impeachment by the National Assembly, was ultimately discarded due to the absence of votes from the People’s Power Party members.

The filmmakers had previously warned the party members in a statement on December 5, urging them to choose between being remembered as supporters of insurrection or as politicians prioritizing the safety and lives of the people. They expressed disappointment that the party members collectively left the assembly, disregarding their constitutional duty to act in the national interest, thus opting to protect Yoon.

The filmmakers, alongside many citizens, observed the failed vote with heavy hearts, hoping that the People’s Power Party would eventually heed the people's will and participate in the vote. However, they lamented that such a cinematic resolution did not materialize. They stated that in the chaos initiated by Yoon's declaration of a state of emergency, they could only envision impeachment or immediate resignation as outcomes.

On December 8, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and People’s Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon issued a joint statement promoting 'orderly early resignation' as a means to prioritize national interests over impeachment. The filmmakers expressed their agreement with the view that this unilateral statement, lacking a clear timeline for resignation, constitutes a second insurrection. They emphasized that a president who violates the constitution must be held accountable through constitutional means and that they will not tolerate any attempts to seek unconstitutional solutions.

The filmmakers asserted that the true agents of national stability and order are the citizens of South Korea, and they stand united in their call for Yoon's resignation. They highlighted that despite their diverse backgrounds, they share a common goal of 'Yoon Seok-yeol's resignation.' They criticized Yoon and the People’s Power Party for prioritizing power retention over the nation and its people, calling them the source of confusion.

They reiterated that the citizens have not delegated presidential power to Han Duck-soo, Han Dong-hoon, or the People’s Power Party. They condemned the rationale for abstaining from the impeachment vote as an attempt to privatize power, labeling it a second insurrection. They urged the party members to fulfill their constitutional roles and clearly state their positions regarding Yoon, who is currently committing insurrection, and to participate in the vote without hesitation if they deem the state of emergency unconstitutional.

This second statement was compiled from December 9 to 12 and included contributions from 80 film organizations and 6,388 individual filmmakers. Notable signatories include directors such as Kang Yu-jung, Kim Bo-ra, and Bong Man-dae, among many others.

Film Industry Demands Immediate Impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol

Ahyun of BABYMONSTER is set to showcase her powerful presence to music fans worldwide by performing her much-talked-about cover of 'Dangerously' live at the group's debut concert. BABYMONSTER will hold their first solo concert, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR ‘HELLO MONSTERS’ IN SEOUL,' on January 25 and 26, 2024, at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul. Despite being newcomers, they have already gained recognition for their impressive live performance skills, drawing significant attention to this event.

To meet audience expectations, BABYMONSTER is preparing a special setlist that will only be available at the concert. According to YG Entertainment, "Ahyun's live performance of 'Dangerously' and special solo stages from all members are currently in rehearsal."

This performance will mark the first time Ahyun presents her cover to a global audience, and anticipation is high for a positive reception. Her pre-debut cover of 'Dangerously' received widespread acclaim for its explosive high notes and exceptional vocal technique, seamlessly transitioning between chest voice and falsetto.

The cover has not only garnered praise from the original artist, Charlie Puth, but the video on the official YouTube channel has also surpassed 50 million views, continuing to gain popularity. Fans are eager to see how Ahyun's new live rendition of 'Dangerously' will electrify the audience with its rich sound and vibrant atmosphere.

Details regarding the performances of the remaining six members have yet to be revealed. However, YG has hinted that as an 'all-rounder' group with versatility in hip-hop, R&B, and dance, they will deliver an exceptional stage that reflects their diverse talents.

Additionally, BABYMONSTER will release the music video for their follow-up track 'Love In My Heart' from their debut album 'DRIP' on December 16 at midnight. This song is expected to showcase a bright and lively vibe through a unique storytelling approach, offering a glimpse into their new musical world. Following this, they will kick off their first world tour in January, starting in Seoul before heading to locations like New Jersey and Los Angeles to expand their global reach.

NewJeans Launches New SNS Account Following Split with Ador

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