ONEW, a member of the popular group SHINee, is set to host solo concerts in four Asian cities. The '2025 ONEW CONCERT [ONEW THE LIVE: CONNECTION]' will take place from February 21 to 23 at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul. In addition to Seoul, ONEW will perform at the Yokohama Arena in Japan on February 15-16, the Taipei Music Center on April 5, and the Broadway Theatre in Macau on April 20, connecting with global fans through his music.

The 'CONNECTION' concert series showcases ONEW's unique vocal tone and singing ability, presenting a new brand of performance. The live shows will illustrate the organic connection between ONEW's inner and outer self, reflecting on forgotten times and the excitement of the future, aiming to offer hope and comfort to the audience.

On January 6, ONEW released his fourth mini-album, 'CONNECTION,' in which he participated in the production and lyrics of all tracks. The album quickly climbed to the top of the iTunes 'Top Albums' chart in 18 countries and regions worldwide. The title track, 'Winner,' delivers a powerful message with its strong band sound, resonating deeply with listeners.

Tickets for the Seoul concert will be available for fan club pre-sale starting January 16 at 8 PM, followed by general sales on January 20 at 8 PM through Melon Ticket.

ONEW to Hold Solo Concerts in Four Asian Cities

On the January 8 episode of TV Chosun's Perfect Life (퍼펙트 라이프), legendary Miss Korea Jang Yoon-jung made an appearance, revealing her current activities as a traditional Korean painting artist. Reflecting on her journey into 민화 (minhwa), she shared, "About six years ago, I was going through a tough time. A friend suggested I try painting, which is a very calming activity. I became captivated by the beauty of the colors in 민화, and the subtle hues of Korean coloring brought me a sense of peace. It has been a therapeutic process for me."

Jang, who majored in dance at university, completed two hours of 민화 work before heading to a dance academy to pursue her hobby. After a 30-year hiatus, she showcased her stunning dance skills in traditional Korean dance, leaving everyone in awe.

Later, Jang visited a cooking studio to prepare a meal for her agency's CEO, Kim Hyun-jung. She expressed her gratitude, stating, "When I decided to restart my career 7-8 years ago, he was one of the few who offered me support when I had nothing. I am truly thankful to him."

Displaying her impressive culinary skills, Jang surprised everyone by suggesting they drink soju, saying, "Shall we have a drink?" This caught everyone off guard, especially since her CEO humorously recalled, "Didn’t you used to avoid soju? The first time you tried it, we ended up at our sixth round of drinks, and then you disappeared the next day!"

A flustered Jang admitted, "I had never tried soju before, so I didn’t know my limit. I ended up drinking quite a bit and got really drunk!" When asked if she had any drinking habits, she replied, "When I drink, my tone gets really high, and I become very cheerful."

Additionally, Lee Sung-mi praised Jang's beauty when a photo from her Miss Korea days at age 17 was shown, saying, "No one can match that beauty. In fact, actress Kim Sung-ryung was so intimidated by Jang that she postponed her own Miss Korea participation by a year to avoid competing against her."


소속사 대표의 폭로..“장윤정, 6차까지 술 마시고 연락두절” (‘퍼펙트라이프’)

Jang Yoon-jung Surprised by Agency's CEO Revelations on Perfect Life

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.

보이넥스트도어, 오늘만 1등 아니다…신곡 '오늘만 아이 러브 유', 커리어 하이 행진

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

The beloved characters Wallace and Gromit are back after a 16-year hiatus with the new Netflix film, "Wallace & Gromit: The Flight Before Christmas." Directed by Nick Park and produced by the renowned Aardman Animations, the series has been a staple of British clay animation since its inception in 1989. The film, which premiered on January 3, 2025, has received a rare 100% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, evoking nostalgia for fans of all ages.

The film is filled with clever ideas and witty humor, featuring the eccentric inventor Wallace as he creates a state-of-the-art robot. However, when the intelligent robot begins to act on its own, Wallace finds himself in trouble, prompting his loyal dog Gromit to come to the rescue. The timely theme of artificial intelligence serves as a satire on the rapid advancements in technology that often spiral out of human control.

Despite its cute and charming characters, the series maintains a thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of horror and suspense films. The villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw, who once terrified children, makes a chilling return, prompting viewers to recall their childhood fears. In the film's climax, Wallace and Gromit engage in blockbuster-level action sequences against Feathers McGraw.

This collaboration between Netflix and the BBC exemplifies a successful partnership between OTT platforms and traditional television. The film was first aired on BBC on Christmas Day, attracting 9.4 million viewers on its opening day, and has since climbed to the second spot on the Netflix charts in South Korea, right after "Hwaran." Viewers expressed their joy, stating it felt like a trip back to elementary school and thanking the characters for their return.

It has been 36 years since the first Wallace and Gromit short film was released. As fans have grown up, the original voice of Wallace, Peter Sallis, passed away in 2017, and Ben Whitehead has since taken over the role. Last year, a company that supplied animation clay closed its doors, raising concerns about the studio's future, but Aardman has successfully revived its operations.

While Aardman has incorporated some modern technology, it continues to uphold traditional production methods. The tactile feel of the clay is still evident, with traces of human fingerprints visible on the figures. In a touching moment, Wallace, who attempted to invent a machine to pet Gromit, apologizes, saying, "But there are things in this world that machines can't do." This sentiment reflects Aardman's commitment to handcrafted animation.

1㎜씩 움직여 만드는 ‘동심’… 16년 만에 돌아온 괴짜 듀오

Wallace and Gromit Return in New Netflix Film for 36th Anniversary

Shin Dong-yup (신동엽), a 54-year-old television personality and former comedian, has recently opened up about a troubling incident from his early career. During an appearance on the YouTube channel ‘Donghaemul-gwa Baekdu-eunhyeok’ on January 6, he shared that he was physically assaulted by a senior comedian when he was a rookie. 

Shin explained that the comedy industry had very strict hierarchies at the time, with a strong emphasis on seniority. He recalled, 'In the past, the rules in the comedy scene were very rigid. There were people who were particularly obsessed with the senior-junior relationships.' He described how comedians typically start with minor roles and gradually earn their own segments based on their talent. However, during his rookie days, he was unexpectedly given a short segment, which he likened to a low-level employee suddenly receiving a significant promotion. 

This change seemed to upset some of his older colleagues, leading one of them to confront him while intoxicated. 'He said to me, 'You little punk, you have no popularity. Who do you think you are to act so cocky?' Shin recounted. He attempted to defend himself, but the senior comedian struck him multiple times. 'I remember going to the bathroom to wash up and crying alone,' he revealed. 

When asked if the senior comedian is still active in the industry, Shin confirmed, 'He is not active anymore.' 

Shin Dong-yup made his debut as a comedian in 1991 through SBS and continues to be a prominent figure in various entertainment programs, including SBS’s ‘Animal Farm’ (동물농장), ‘My Little Old Boy’ (미운 우리 새끼), and MBN’s ‘King of Mask Singer 2’ (현역가왕2).

신동엽 “신인 때 선배한테 뺨 수십대 맞아…화장실서 울었다”

Shin Dong-yup Reveals Past Assault by Senior Comedian

Lim Kim (림킴), also known as Kim Ye-rim, has teamed up with veteran artist Kim Chang-wan for a touching musical collaboration that has captivated fans. Released on January 7, 2025, Lim Kim's latest single 'Choya' is a reinterpretation of a track from Kim Chang-wan's debut solo album 'Essays with Guitar'. The unique blend of Lim Kim's distinctive vocal tone and Kim Chang-wan's signature straightforward voice brings a fresh charm to the original song, garnering significant attention.

What makes this release even more special is that Kim Chang-wan himself joins Lim Kim for a duet, adding a deeper significance to the project. The accompanying music video showcases the two artists traveling in separate cars, each enjoying the scenery in their own way, yet creating a cozy atmosphere that suggests they are in the same space. As the video progresses, they eventually meet and exchange warm greetings, creating a heartwarming moment that symbolizes the musical connection that transcends time and generations.

Reimagined through the arrangement of Jeong Jin-hee, Lim Kim's 'Choya' deepens the youthful essence of the original, presenting it in a more sophisticated and refined manner. The enchanting quality of Lim Kim's voice harmonizes beautifully with Kim Chang-wan's warm tones, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Additionally, Kim Chang-wan's guitar playing enhances the emotional depth of the track, amplifying its impact.

림킴(김예림)x김창완. 신곡 '초아' 듀엣→MV도 함께 출연…빛나는 선후배 케미

Lim Kim and Kim Chang-wan Collaborate on Heartfelt New Single 'Choya'

On January 9, 2025, the production press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아), took place at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The event featured cast members Lee Se-young (이세영), Na In-woo (나인우), Choi Min-soo (최민수), Kim Tae-hyung (김태형), Choi Hee-jin (최희진), and director Kim Hyung-min (김형민), with broadcaster Park Kyung-rim (박경림) serving as the MC.

Motel California is a romantic drama set in a rural motel, following the life of the female protagonist who was born and raised in the motel. The story revolves around her reunion with her first love from her hometown, from which she fled 12 years ago. The series is based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by author Shim Yoon-seo (심윤서).

Director Kim Hyung-min described the drama as a tale of reconciling the conflicting elements of a first love reencountered after 12 years and a longing to return to one’s hometown. He expressed his nervousness ahead of the premiere, hoping that the warm atmosphere would be captured on camera.

Lee Se-young, known for her successful roles in dramas like The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) and Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐), plays the role of Ji Kang-hee (지강희), an interior designer born in the motel. She shared her excitement about being part of MBC's 2025 lineup, stating, "I feel a bit more nervous and excited since I’m opening the first drama of the year for MBC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with MBC again, especially as many dramas are being canceled these days."

Kang-hee's character has faced a challenging life due to her unusual upbringing and striking appearance. Lee Se-young noted that she found many similarities between herself and Kang-hee, expressing curiosity about how a child with trauma and deficiencies would grow up.

Na In-woo, who has captured hearts in dramas like The Moon Rising River (달이 뜨는 강) and Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘), portrays Cheon Yeon-soo (천연수), a top candidate for the son-in-law of local farmers and a large animal veterinarian. He shared that he was drawn to the character's life story and worked hard to embody it.

The chemistry between Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, who play a couple with a 23-year history of first love, is expected to create a romantic wave in viewers' homes this New Year. Lee praised Na In-woo for his sensitivity and beautiful gaze, while Na In-woo expressed his admiration for Lee Se-young's ability to interpret their characters delicately.

Other cast members include Choi Min-soo as the motel owner Ji Chun-pil (지춘필), Kim Tae-hyung as the sole heir of an elite hotel, Geum Seok-gyeong (금석경), and Choi Hee-jin as veterinarian Yoon Nan-woo (윤난우), who follows her senior Cheon Yeon-soo.

Despite being dubbed the 'MBC Princess,' Lee Se-young acknowledged the pressure of continuing MBC's successful drama streak. She emphasized that she focuses solely on her character and the project, without worrying about past successes or failures. However, she does have a target viewership rating, stating, "As the lead, I feel a sense of responsibility. I hope for success, and if we achieve a 10% rating, I promised to appear as a special DJ on the radio show 'Hope Song at Noon' (정오의 희망곡)."

Motel California is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST.

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

On January 9, Han Ji-min appeared as a guest on KBS Cool FM's 'It's a Good Day to Love' and discussed her recent drama, 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서). During the show, a listener praised the chemistry between Han Ji-min and her co-star, expressing curiosity about the upcoming storyline. 

Han Ji-min responded by noting the similarities between her character, Kang Ji-yoon, and herself, particularly their clumsiness, such as getting into the wrong car. She humorously mentioned how her manager's friends often remind her, 'That's not your car,' leading to amusing situations. She added that the appearance of a charming character in the drama adds an exciting element to her role.

Host Lee Geum-hee commented on a scene where co-star Lee Jun-hyuk protects Han Ji-min from bumping her head, likening it to a romantic gesture of shielding a loved one from sunlight while they sleep. Han Ji-min revealed that while female viewers loved that scene, some male viewers, including Son Seok-koo, questioned whether such actions were necessary, which brought laughter to the discussion. She concluded by stating that it was a moment that resonated with many women, making them feel excited.

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

On January 9, during the broadcast of MBN's Special Report (특종세상), An Sang-tae shared his experiences of suffering from online harassment due to false accusations of noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor. He revealed that he felt trapped by the claims, stating, 'It turned out that the person from the apartment below was right. The previous tenants and the ones below them never had such issues.' He recounted meeting the accuser in court, where they explained their actions were driven by stress from raising children. 

An expressed the emotional toll this situation took on him, saying, 'Even though I am not a criminal, I couldn't even go out to eat because of the media coverage. There were cruel comments about my daughter, suggesting horrific things. It was very painful, and thankfully, my child was very young at the time.' 

Currently, An is involved in film production and directing. When asked about his earnings, he humorously noted, 'I make about 320,000 won a year.' He added, 'Even if not many people watch my films, I feel happy when they resonate with the stories I imagined.'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Legendary actor Harrison Ford is set to join the cast of the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. Celebrating nearly 60 years in the industry, Ford will take on a significant role in this new installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Known for his iconic performances in blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford has garnered immense popularity both in the U.S. and internationally, even ranking as the highest-grossing actor in American cinema in 2016.

In the Star Wars series, Ford's portrayal of Han Solo has made him one of the most beloved characters in film history. He has also captivated audiences for over four decades as Indiana Jones, showcasing his versatile acting skills across various genres. With his addition to Captain America: Brave New World, fans are eager to see what new character he will bring to life in the MCU.

At over 80 years old, Ford's participation in a Marvel action blockbuster is anticipated to present a fresh challenge and a new side of the actor. He will portray President Thaddeus Ross, a character previously played by the late William Hurt, bringing depth to a figure of power and ambition.

Kevin Feige, head of the MCU, expressed his excitement, stating, "Harrison Ford's joining the MCU has been a dream for years. It's truly amazing that he is finally on board; it feels like we've checked off a wish list item." Anthony Mackie, who takes on the new Captain America role, shared his awe during their first filming together, highlighting Ford's commanding presence.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson, who reunites with President Ross and finds himself at the center of an international crisis, uncovering a sinister plot that threatens global stability. Mackie, who has portrayed Falcon since Captain America: The Winter Soldier, will deliver a unique performance as the new Captain America.

The film will also feature familiar faces from the Disney+ Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, including Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, and Liv Tyler, adding to the excitement. Directed by Julius Onah, known for Cloverfield Paradox and Luce, Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit theaters in February.

ONEW to Hold Solo Concerts in Four Asian Cities

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Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Harrison Ford Joins Marvel's Captain America: Brave New World

More

Jang Yoon-jung Surprised by Agency's CEO Revelations on Perfect Life

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

Wallace and Gromit Return in New Netflix Film for 36th Anniversary

Shin Dong-yup Reveals Past Assault by Senior Comedian

Lim Kim and Kim Chang-wan Collaborate on Heartfelt New Single 'Choya'

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