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.

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

On April 2, during the MBC program Radio Star (라디오스타), attorney Yang Na-rae shared insights on the increasing occurrences of newlywed divorces. Responding to host Kim Gu-ra's mention of a recent report from the National Statistical Office indicating a decline in divorce rates, Yang expressed her personal observation that the rates seem to be rising. She noted that the statistics only account for couples who have officially registered their marriage, while many couples today choose to live together without formal registration and often separate after a short period.

Yang explained that divorces occurring within a short timeframe often stem from negative emotions between partners, leading one party to seek alimony by attributing blame to the other. She highlighted a common sentiment among lawyers that pursuing a 30 million won alimony case can be more challenging than dividing assets worth 3 billion won.

The attorney pointed out that while there has been a historical prevalence of late-life divorces, a notable increase in newlywed divorces—defined as those occurring within four years of marriage—has emerged. She remarked that divorce is no longer viewed as a stigma, with some individuals advocating for quicker separations.

Yang also mentioned a shift in parental attitudes, with some parents suggesting that they would support their children after three years of marriage, and even being open to delaying marriage registration. Additionally, she noted that assets acquired before marriage can still be divided based on each partner's contributions.

In discussing divorce litigation, Yang explained that attorneys typically receive both a retainer fee and a success fee upon winning a case.

이혼 변호사 양나래, "신혼 이혼 악감정, 재산 30억 분할보다 위자료 3천이 더 어려워" ('라스')

Attorney Yang Na-rae Discusses Rising Trend of Newlywed Divorces

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, the channel 'Free-spirited Han Ga-in' released a video titled 'What Happens When Han Ga-in Returns to Acting After 7 Years (Idol-Level Makeup).' In the video, Han Ga-in shared that her children are big fans of the song featured in the music video for 'The Princess's Rules.' She expressed her excitement about the project, stating, 'I found the message in the song to be really nice.' However, she also admitted to feeling a bit shy about returning to acting after such a long break, saying, 'I suddenly have to act again. It feels so unfamiliar.' 

As she dove into her role, the production team mentioned a scene where she would eat food on a toilet. Han Ga-in responded nonchalantly, recalling a time during her first pregnancy when she had to eat in a restroom at an English academy due to morning sickness. 'I didn't feel any discomfort about it,' she said. 

Later, Han Ga-in transformed into her princess character, impressing the crew with her stunning visuals. The production team humorously expressed their concern, saying, 'We were just trying to be funny.'

한가인, 7년 만에 연기 복귀..공주 역 맡았다 “너무 낯설어”(자유부인 한가인)[순간포착]

Han Ga-in Makes a Charming Return to Acting as a Princess

Kwak Nam-shin (곽남신), a 72-year-old Western painter, has been awarded the 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize. Known for his exploration of the relationship between language and imagery, Kwak has been a leading figure in the expansion of Korean conceptual art. 

The judging panel for the Lee Jung-seop Art Prize, which includes Kim In-hye (김인혜), Ryu Cheol-ha (류철하), Seo Seong-rok (서성록), Shim Sang-yong (심상용), and Jeong Il-joo (정일주), praised Kwak for his critical reflection on human nature and societal contradictions through over 40 years of experimental artistic language and humor.

As part of the award, Kwak will receive a cash prize of 20 million KRW and a trophy. The award ceremony is scheduled for November 6 at 5 PM at the Art Chosun Space in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. A commemorative exhibition will be held from November 6 to November 18.

[알립니다] 이중섭 미술상 화가 곽남신 수상

Korean Artist Kwak Nam-shin Wins 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize

The fan club of singer Lim Young-woong, known as 'Hero Era' (영웅시대), has made a significant contribution of over 600 million won to support victims of the recent wildfires across South Korea. This donation marks the highest amount reported from any celebrity fandom related to wildfire relief efforts to date.

On April 1, the Community Chest of Korea announced that 'Hero Era' donated a total of 601,912,880 won. The fundraising campaign took place on the online donation portal 'Happy Bean' from March 26 to March 30, during which fans rallied together to collect this impressive sum.

Fans who participated in the donation expressed their hopes and support through messages such as, "May our small contributions bring great hope to someone," "I pray for a swift recovery for the affected areas," and "Thank you to all the firefighters."

Previously, on March 28, Lim Young-woong and his agency had already donated 400 million won to the Community Chest of Korea under the fan club's name. This initial act of generosity inspired fans to join in the fundraising efforts.

In total, Lim Young-woong and 'Hero Era' have contributed over 1 billion won towards the recovery efforts for the wildfire damage in the Yeongnam region.

Since its inception in 2020, 'Hero Era' has actively participated in donations during various disaster situations, starting with emergency relief for flood-affected areas. The fan club is also a member of the Community Chest of Korea's 'Sharing Leaders Club,' committing to regular donations and engaging in various community service activities, including coal briquette sharing and support for vulnerable groups.

임영웅 팬클럽, 산불 피해에 6억원 기부…연예인 팬덤 중 최고액

Lim Young-woong's Fan Club Donates Over 600 Million Won for Wildfire Relief

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

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, 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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

BABYMONSTER Depart for Osaka as Part of Their First World Tour

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Attorney Yang Na-rae Discusses Rising Trend of Newlywed Divorces

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

Han Ga-in Makes a Charming Return to Acting as a Princess

Korean Artist Kwak Nam-shin Wins 37th Lee Jung-seop Art Prize

Lim Young-woong's Fan Club Donates Over 600 Million Won for Wildfire Relief

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