The K-pop group ONF has demonstrated significant growth during the first week of their comeback, solidifying their status as a 'stairway idol.' According to the album sales tracking site Hanteo Chart, ONF's second full-length album, Part.1 'ONF: MY IDENTITY,' reached a career-high in initial sales just five days after its release. This achievement surpasses the record they set with their mini-album 'LOVE EFFECT' approximately 16 months ago.

Notably, this milestone was reached in less than a week, indicating a rapid upward trajectory for the group. Following their comeback, ONF has continued to achieve remarkable results. All tracks from the album quickly climbed the charts, with the title track 'The Stranger' hitting number one on the Bugs real-time chart. Additionally, the music video garnered over 10 million views within just two days of its release, showcasing the group's strong appeal.

The response to their performances on music shows has also been enthusiastic. ONF has appeared on various platforms, including Mnet's M Countdown, KBS2's Music Bank, MBC's Show! Music Core, and SBS's Inkigayo, delivering powerful live performances that combine their wide vocal range with dynamic choreography, providing a refreshing energy to fans.

Having successfully completed their first week of activities, ONF plans to engage with fans through various music shows and content in the future.

ONF Achieves Career Highs with Latest Album Release

On February 24, actress Seo Ye-ji showcased her stunning transformation into a short-haired goddess by sharing several photos from her recent photoshoot with Dazed on her Instagram account. The shoot took place against the exotic backdrop of Bali, Indonesia, perfectly aligning with the vibrant spring/summer season. 

In the photos, Seo Ye-ji effortlessly embodies the outfits with her unique style, radiating an elegant yet powerful charisma. Beyond mere fashion, she infused the shoot with her own distinctive sensibility and narrative, earning her accolades for her artistic expression. 

Seo Ye-ji made her acting debut in 2013 with the tvN sitcom Potato Star 2013QR3 and has since captivated audiences with her roles in various dramas, including Hwarang, Save Me, and It's Okay to Not Be Okay. However, her career faced significant challenges in 2021 when allegations of gaslighting surfaced, claiming she manipulated her then-boyfriend, actor Kim Jung-hyun, causing disruptions on set. 

This controversy was compounded by unverified accusations of academic fraud and school bullying, leading to a dramatic decline in her public image. Past comments made during variety shows were also resurfaced, further diminishing her popularity. 

After taking time for self-reflection, Seo Ye-ji made her comeback in 2022 with the tvN drama Eve, where she garnered attention for her strong character portrayal and visuals, but it wasn't enough to fully regain the support of her fans. 

Recently, she parted ways with her agency Gold Medalist and signed with Sublime Artist Agency in June, joining a roster that includes prominent figures like Song Kang-ho, Go So-young, Tiffany Young, Yoon Jeong-hee, Hyeri, Hani, and Kim Yoon-ji. 

In January, her new agency announced that they had formed a dedicated team to monitor malicious posts about Seo Ye-ji across online communities and social media. They have also filed a lawsuit against over 130 individuals for defamation, signaling a firm stance against online harassment.

서예지, 딱딱함 지우고 단발 여신 등극..한줌 개미허리는 여전 (종합)

Seo Ye-ji Transforms into a Short-Haired Goddess

On February 24, 2025, actress Moon So-ri candidly responded to allegations regarding her mentoring methods on the YouTube channel '짠한형' (Jjanhanhyeong). In the episode titled 'EP. 81: Did Shin Dong-yeob Get Caught Up in the Old School Narrative?', she appeared alongside host Shin Dong-yeob. During the discussion, Shin jokingly asked if she had ever pretended to hit her juniors or enforced strict discipline in the past. Moon So-ri quickly denied such claims, stating, 'Who says that? I've never done that to my juniors.' 

She did, however, admit to having been somewhat confrontational with her seniors in the past, a behavior she now regrets. She referenced her experience working on the film '사과' (The Apology), where she collaborated with actors Kim Tae-woo and the late Lee Sun-kyun. Moon explained that she had voiced her concerns to those in decision-making positions about the direction of the project, which led to some negative rumors about her. 

Shin Dong-yeob offered advice on the importance of communication style, noting that understanding a person's temperament is crucial when expressing oneself. As they shared drinks, Shin playfully asked Moon for a glass, switching to informal language, and joked about wanting to be closer. Moon responded positively, saying it was fine to speak casually, but humorously pointed out that close friends often have a tendency to be blunt, even if it might seem foolish at times.

"후배 군기 잡았다?" 문소리, '인성 논란' 직접 해명 ('짠한형')

Moon So-ri Addresses Controversy Over Mentoring Practices

Kim Sung-kyu of INFINITE is set to return to his activities following the recent passing of his father. On February 25, INFINITE's management announced via their official social media that Kim is currently spending time in mourning with family, friends, and fellow members, having completed the funeral rites for his late father today.

The agency further stated that after careful discussions with the artist, Kim Sung-kyu is expected to participate in the upcoming 2024 - 2025 INFINITE 15th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT 'LIMITED EDITION' in Hong Kong on March 1. Additionally, all previously paused content and social media updates will gradually resume.

The statement expressed gratitude for the support and condolences from fans, urging them to warmly welcome Kim Sung-kyu back upon his return.

Earlier, Kim's older sister passed away on February 22 after battling illness. On February 21, he had completed the departure procedures for a scheduled tour in Malaysia but had to withdraw from the performance due to unforeseen circumstances. The other members of INFINITE continued with the tour as planned.

The news of his absence was followed by the announcement of his sister's passing, prompting an outpouring of support and condolences from fans. In response, INFINITE's management halted all promotional activities for their mini-album 'LIKE INFINITE' and paused content uploads to join in mourning.

Here is the full statement from the agency:

"Hello, this is INFINITE Company.

Kim Sung-kyu is currently spending time in mourning with family, friends, and INFINITE members, having completed the funeral rites today. We sincerely thank everyone who has expressed their condolences and would like to provide an update on Kim Sung-kyu's future activities and upload schedule.

After careful discussions with the artist, he is expected to attend the 2024 - 2025 INFINITE 15th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT 'LIMITED EDITION' in Hong Kong on March 1, and all previously paused content and social media uploads will gradually resume.

We once again thank our many fans for their support and consideration, and we hope you will warmly welcome Kim Sung-kyu back upon his return.

Thank you."

인피니트 김성규, 형제상 슬픔 딛고 활동 재개.."1일 홍콩 콘서트 참석" [공식]

INFINITE's Kim Sung-kyu to Resume Activities After Family Bereavement

In the Channel A weekend drama 'The Witch' (마녀), Park Jin-young portrays Dong-jin, a character determined to break the curse surrounding Mi-jeong, played by No Jung-yi, who is labeled as a witch. Dong-jin's journey is marked by his deep emotional connection to Mi-jeong, stemming from his high school crush on her. Despite his desire to help her, he lacked the courage to act at the time. Years later, unable to forget her, he seeks her out only to discover she has left their hometown.

Dong-jin becomes obsessed with proving that Mi-jeong is not a witch by uncovering statistical errors in the laws of death. After a chance encounter with her reignites his determination, he decides to leave his job to pursue her. Throughout the series, Dong-jin also showcases his strong familial bonds, particularly in his tender care for his ailing mother, Oh Mi-sook (played by Jang Hye-jin), which adds a poignant layer to his character. His heartfelt expressions of love and restrained emotions resonate deeply with viewers.

Additionally, Dong-jin's compassionate side is highlighted when he helps Lee Jung-ho, a character who suffers due to Dong-jin's actions. He sincerely apologizes and actively assists Jung-ho in finding new employment, showcasing his warm-hearted nature.

As a data miner receiving top industry treatment, Park Jin-young effectively embodies Dong-jin's elite persona while also revealing his inner warmth, enhancing the drama's emotional depth. His ability to connect with the audience raises anticipation for how he will resolve his 'life's homework' in the unfolding story.

'The Witch' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM on Channel A.

박진영, '업계 최고 대우' 회사 그만뒀다..♥노정의 구할 결심 (마녀)

Park Jin-young Takes a Stand in 'The Witch' to Protect No Jung-yi

HYBE has achieved remarkable success, surpassing 2 trillion won in annual revenue for the second consecutive year, driven by strong album sales and significant growth in concert and merchandise sectors. Following its historic milestone in 2023 as the first domestic entertainment company to exceed 2 trillion won in annual revenue, HYBE continued to show an upward trend in 2024, setting a new record. Despite the members of BTS (방탄소년단) fulfilling their military service obligations last year, various artists from the HYBE music group maintained their momentum and contributed to the company's growth. However, due to changes in revenue distribution among artists and costs associated with initial infrastructure investments, operating profit saw a decline compared to the previous year.

For 2024, HYBE reported a consolidated revenue of approximately 2.2545 trillion won, marking a 4% increase from the previous year and the highest figure since its establishment. Direct participation revenue decreased by 1.8% to 1.4453 trillion won, while indirect participation revenue rose by 14.5% to 809.3 billion won. Although the album sales segment, which holds a significant share, fell by 11.3%, the concert sector experienced a substantial increase of 25.6%, offsetting the decline in album sales. This shift in consumer spending patterns appears to have diversified following the end of the pandemic.

In the album sector, HYBE's domestic artists achieved a 40% share of the annual Circle Chart, up from 38% the previous year. SEVENTEEN recorded over 10 million album sales for the second consecutive year, while TOMORROW X TOGETHER had two albums in the Circle Chart's top 10 and all three of their albums released last year made it to the Japan Oricon year-end chart. ENHYPEN achieved cumulative sales of 5.45 million albums, ranking 8th and 9th on the annual album charts in the U.S. and Japan, respectively, showcasing their global popularity. NewJeans sold over 3 million albums, becoming the top-selling female K-pop artist. BOYNEXTDOOR, gaining popularity with their recent release '오늘만 I LOVE YOU', became a million-seller just a year and a half after their debut.

In the digital music sector, HYBE artists shone brightly as 15 songs from their roster entered the top 20 of the Circle Chart's Global K-Pop Chart, demonstrating their strong content competitiveness. Solo tracks from BTS members Jin, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, along with RM's feature on Megan Thee Stallion's 'Never Play', made it onto the Billboard Hot 100. LE SSERAFIM charted with 'EASY' and 'CRAZY' in both halves of the year. TWS (투어스), who debuted last year, topped the Melon annual chart with their debut song '첫 만남은 계획대로 되지 않아', while AILET made history as the first K-pop debut song to enter both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Top 100 with 'Magnetic'.

Last year, HYBE music group artists held 147 concerts and 25 fan meetings, achieving the highest concert revenue in the company's history. According to Billboard's '2024 K-Pop Concert Revenue Chart', SEVENTEEN, ENHYPEN, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER dominated the top three spots. Notably, concert revenue in the fourth quarter reached 188.9 billion won, more than double the performance from the same period the previous year.

Looking at indirect participation revenue, the MD and licensing sectors saw a 29.1% increase to 420 billion won, marking the highest performance to date. The large-scale world tours by HYBE music group artists significantly boosted sales of concert-related merchandise and light sticks, with character products inspired by members of BTS, SEVENTEEN, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER receiving widespread popularity.

HYBE America also achieved notable success, with artists under the Big Machine Label Group securing 10 number one spots on Billboard charts, including Carly Pearce, who was nominated for the Grammy Awards for two consecutive years. Another label under HYBE America, QC Music, continued to see major artists like Quavo, Lil Baby, and Lil Yachty actively engaged. Lil Baby's 'WHAM', released in early January, topped the Billboard 200 chart, marking a record of having all four of his recent albums reach number one on that chart. The management division of HYBE America, SB Projects, recently strengthened its artist management capabilities by hiring Cade Hudson, who has represented major American artists like Britney Spears, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, and Selena Gomez at the Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

For 2024, HYBE's consolidated operating profit was 184.8 billion won, a 38% decrease from the previous year. This decline was influenced by the hiatus in team activities due to BTS's military service and changes in revenue distribution among artists following the debut of several new groups. Costs associated with investments in the debut of Cat's Eye in the U.S. and the establishment of HYBE Latin America also contributed to the decrease in profit margins. Additionally, as new growth businesses, including Weverse and gaming, began to operate in earnest, upfront investment costs for securing long-term growth drivers were incurred.

However, HYBE's profitability is expected to improve this year. With BTS's anticipated comeback and the balanced growth of HYBE music group artists, economies of scale are expected to emerge. The hiring of Cade Hudson is also expected to enhance artist management capabilities, and revenue generation from HYBE Latin America is anticipated to contribute positively to profitability.

The performance of new growth business sectors is also seen as a factor for improving profitability. Revenue from the Weverse digital membership service, which started in December last year, will begin to reflect in the results from January this year, following the end of the free usage period. HYBE IM is strengthening its publishing lineup with new titles like 'Architect: Land of Exile' and new releases from Bonfire Studio, which garnered significant interest at the '2024 G-Star'. They also plan to sequentially introduce several self-developed titles, including the mobile puzzle game 'Puzzle SEVENTEEN'. AI audio company Superton has officially launched 'Superton Shift' and 'Superton Play'. Superton Shift allows users to convert their voices into character voices, currently attracting around 350,000 subscribers. Superton Play applies TTS technology to convert text into speech, supporting 150 voices in three languages, with B2B deliveries ongoing in formats like AI chatbots.

Additionally, new team projects will be launched this year in regions such as the U.S., Japan, and Latin America. HYBE aims to lead market innovation with a 'multi-home, multi-genre' strategy that integrates the K-pop system and know-how with local cultures and characteristics. In the U.S., a new boy group project will be initiated in collaboration with producer Ryan Tedder, known for working with global musicians like Beyoncé, Adele, and Ed Sheeran. In Japan, YX LABELS (formerly HYBE LABELS Japan) will introduce a new generation of J-pop groups following &TEAM.

"방탄소년단 컴백" 하이브, 최고 매출 재차 경신..2년 연속 연매출 2조↑

HYBE Surpasses 2 Trillion Won in Annual Revenue for Second Consecutive Year

The highly anticipated 'Weak Hero Class 1' will be available on Netflix starting March 25, 2025, reaching over 190 countries worldwide. This action-packed coming-of-age drama follows the story of top student Yeon Si-eun (박지훈) as he navigates the challenges of violence alongside his newfound friends, Su-ho (최현욱) and Beom-seok (홍경). Based on the popular Naver webtoon, the series gained immense popularity upon its 2022 release, achieving a remarkable 45.5% share on OTT platforms. The narrative explores the trio's growth and friendship as they confront various forms of violence both in and out of school.

'Weak Hero' transcends typical school drama tropes, delivering a unique world and a fast-paced action narrative that resonates with real-life messages. The stellar performances by the cast, including 박지훈, 최현욱, and 홍경, have heightened expectations for the upcoming 'Weak Hero Class 2'.

Following 'Weak Hero Class 1', the second season is set to premiere in the second quarter of 2025. It will depict Yeon Si-eun's traumatic journey after transferring to Eunjang High School, where he faces even greater violence to protect his friends. New faces, including 류운, 최민영, and 이민재, will join the cast, portraying Si-eun's new friends. Additionally, 유수빈 will reprise his role as Choi Hyo-man, adding to the tension. The formidable alliance that Si-eun and his friends will confront includes 배나라, with 이준영 making a special appearance, further raising anticipation for the sequel.

'Weak Hero Class 1' Set to Premiere on Netflix March 25

The drama Weak Hero Class 1 (약한영웅 Class 1), featuring Park Ji-hoon (박지훈), Choi Hyun-wook (최현욱), and Hong Kyung (홍경), is set to be released on Netflix. This action-packed coming-of-age story follows the top 1% student Yeon Si-eun (박지훈), who, after forming friendships with Su-ho (최현욱) and Beom-seok (홍경), confronts various forms of violence. The series will be available in over 190 countries starting March 25, 2025.

Based on the popular Naver webtoon, Weak Hero Class 1 gained significant acclaim upon its 2022 release, achieving a remarkable 45.5% share on OTT platforms. The narrative centers on Yeon Si-eun, who unexpectedly gets caught in a whirlwind of violence, leading to a compelling exploration of friendship and personal growth among the three main characters.

Following this, Weak Hero Class 2 (약한영웅 Class 2) is anticipated to premiere in the second quarter of 2025. This sequel will delve into Yeon Si-eun's traumatic experiences as he transfers to Eunjang High School, determined to protect his friends from greater threats. New cast members, including Ryu Eun (려운), Choi Min-young (최민영), and Lee Min-jae (이민재), will join the story, adding fresh dynamics to the series. Additionally, Yoo Soo-bin (유수빈), who played a pivotal role in the first season, will return, heightening the tension.

The series will also introduce a formidable alliance led by Bae Na-ra (배나라), with Lee Joon-young (이준영) making a special appearance, further raising audience expectations. 

Weak Hero Class 1 will be available on Netflix starting March 25, 2025, with Weak Hero Class 2 expected to follow later in the year.

Weak Hero Class 1 to Premiere on Netflix Worldwide

On February 25, 2025, WJSN (우주소녀) marked their 9th anniversary by expressing gratitude to their fans through their official social media channels. The group shared a collection of group photos that showcased their bright smiles and natural charm, captivating fans with their joyful interactions, including moments where members held hands, evoking a sense of warmth and connection.

Since their debut in 2016 with the mini-album 'WOULD YOU LIKE?', WJSN has made a significant impact with their diverse musical styles and concepts. They quickly garnered public attention, winning the Rising Star Award at the 2016 AAA and the Discovery of the Year Award at the Seoul Music Awards.

Over the years, WJSN has released numerous hit songs such as 'La La Love', 'BUTTERFLY', and 'UNNATURAL', consistently ranking high on music charts. Their track ' 부탁해' solidified their unique style, while '이루리' has topped major domestic music charts every January 1st, continuing to receive love from fans.

The group has also successfully showcased their versatility through subunits like Chocome, consisting of Subin, Luda, YeoReum, and DaYoung, and WJSN The Black, featuring Seola, Exy, Bona, and Eunseo, both of which displayed a refreshing contrast to their original image.

In addition to music, WJSN members have ventured into acting and variety shows, providing fans with a multifaceted view of their talents. Seola, Exy, Eunseo, and DaYoung have honed their acting skills by taking on various roles across genres. YeoReum is set to make her film debut in '교생실습', while Bona will appear in the SBS drama '귀궁'.

Yoonjeong has established herself as a musical actress with roles in productions like 'LIZZIE', and Subin has become a prominent figure in variety shows, showcasing her charm and talent.

As WJSN reflects on their journey over the past nine years, the members shared their heartfelt thoughts with fans:

Exy: "It’s hard to believe it’s already been 9 years. I feel grateful for our fans, WJSN, who have supported us since the beginning. I hope we can create many more wonderful memories together."

Seola: "Thinking about the 9 years we’ve walked together with our fans brings me to tears. I’m thankful for all the memories we’ve made and for the motivation to keep moving forward. I will strive to be a better version of myself."

Bona: "Thanks to our fans, we’ve been able to run hard for 9 years. I appreciate your endless support and love, and I promise to keep working hard to repay that love!"

Subin: "The laughter and tears over these 9 years have helped me grow, and the precious memories with our fans are my driving force. I want to thank my fellow members and our fans for always being there for us. I’ll work hard to create more opportunities to meet you all."

Eunseo: "I’m so happy to share this special moment with our fans. Your support has brought us this far. I’ll continue to work hard in all our activities, so please keep watching over us."

YeoReum: "The love and support from our fans have been a great strength for me. I’ll do my best as a member of WJSN and create many more moments together."

DaYoung: "Thanks to our fans, I’ve been able to be active for 9 years. I’ve tried to show my face in various places, including YouTube and variety shows, and I’m grateful that many fans have recognized my efforts. I’ll continue to show more of myself as a member of WJSN."

Yoonjeong: "The time spent with the members and fans over these 9 years is always in my heart. Thanks to our fans’ support, I’ve been able to challenge myself in various fields, and every moment with them is precious. I’ll continue to show good sides of WJSN in the future."

Looking ahead, WJSN plans to strengthen their connection with fans through various individual activities while continuing to grow as a group.

WJSN Celebrates 9th Anniversary with Heartfelt Messages to Fans

Today, February 25, 2025, G-DRAGON (지드래곤) makes a highly anticipated return with the release of his third studio album, 'Übermensch (위버맨쉬)', marking his first solo album in 11 years and 5 months. At midnight, he shared a D-DAY poster to announce the album's release, delighting fans who have been eagerly waiting. 

In the D-DAY poster, G-DRAGON appears as the host of a vibrant party, showcasing a striking red jacket adorned with star-patterned scarves and ribbons, complemented by his mint-colored hair, signaling the start of an extravagant celebration. 

The day before, a D-1 poster featured G-DRAGON in a pink sequined jacket paired with a black bow tie, inviting fans to a curtain-draped stage party with an intense gaze, building excitement and anticipation for the album's release. 

The teaser for the title track 'TOO BAD' has further heightened expectations for the album. The song promises an infectious and rhythmic beat that will make listeners want to dance, and it features a collaboration with American-Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and drummer Anderson .Paak (앤더슨 팩), amplifying the buzz around the track. 

Additionally, the music video for 'TOO BAD' is set to include a special appearance by aespa's Karina (카리나), generating significant interest. The video is expected to showcase G-DRAGON's unique stylish flair, with vibrant colors and dynamic visuals that will captivate audiences. 

As fans eagerly await the release of 'Übermensch', which will be available at 2 PM today, all eyes are on G-DRAGON to see what sensational impact he will create with this comeback.

G-DRAGON Releases Long-Awaited Third Studio Album 'Übermensch'

Lisa of BLACKPINK is set to take the stage at the 97th Academy Awards, which will be held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. She will perform alongside rapper Doja Cat and British singer-songwriter Raye. Lisa's performance will feature her song 'Born Again' from her upcoming debut solo album 'Alter Ego', which is scheduled for release on February 28. 'Born Again', featuring Doja Cat and Raye, recently debuted at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 13 on the UK Official Top 100. This marks a significant moment as it is the first time a K-pop artist will perform at the Academy Awards. Although Lisa hails from Thailand, she has made her mark as a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK. Additionally, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who starred in the musical film 'Wicked', will also perform at the ceremony.

ONF Achieves Career Highs with Latest Album Release

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'Weak Hero Class 1' Set to Premiere on Netflix March 25

Weak Hero Class 1 to Premiere on Netflix Worldwide

WJSN Celebrates 9th Anniversary with Heartfelt Messages to Fans

G-DRAGON Releases Long-Awaited Third Studio Album 'Übermensch'

BLACKPINK's Lisa to Perform at the 97th Academy Awards

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Seo Ye-ji Transforms into a Short-Haired Goddess

Moon So-ri Addresses Controversy Over Mentoring Practices

INFINITE's Kim Sung-kyu to Resume Activities After Family Bereavement

Park Jin-young Takes a Stand in 'The Witch' to Protect No Jung-yi

HYBE Surpasses 2 Trillion Won in Annual Revenue for Second Consecutive Year

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