On March 15, 2025, actor Park Hyung-sik shared several behind-the-scenes videos on his Instagram, promoting the SBS drama Treasure Island (보물섬) with the message, "Tonight is also Treasure Island." In the series, he portrays Seo Dong-joo, a character driven by a deadly ambition to rise to greater heights. In one of the clips, Park Hyung-sik humorously mimicked a scene from the film Beat (비트), where he rides a motorcycle and lets go of the handlebars to enjoy the wind, reminiscent of Jung Woo-sung's iconic performance. His playful homage brought smiles to the filming crew, showcasing his ability to create a lively atmosphere on set.

Treasure Island follows Seo Dong-joo (played by Park Hyung-sik) as he engages in a high-stakes revenge plot against the ultimate evil that killed him, all while hacking into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won.

Park Hyung-sik Pays Homage to Jung Woo-sung in New Drama

In the latest episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama Undercover High School (언더커버 하이스쿨), aired on March 14, the true identity of Jeong Hae-seong, played by Seo Kang-joon, was uncovered. 

During the episode, Jeong Hae-seong and Oh Soo-ah (Jin Ki-joo) were deployed on a mission that ultimately failed. Upon hearing Oh Soo-ah's real name, Jeong Hae-seong realized she was his first love and stared at her in disbelief. He asked, "Is your name Bong-ja? Oh Bong-ja?" to which Oh Soo-ah replied, "Yes, that was my original name... But why are you laughing at someone else's name? It's rude to laugh in front of someone. I was going to take you home, but never mind. Go by yourself," before turning back into the store.

Reflecting on his childhood memories with Oh Soo-ah, Jeong Hae-seong's attitude towards her changed the next day. He arrived early at the teacher's office, gazing at her with affection as she danced, and complimented her, saying, "You’re amazing. You will definitely become a great teacher."

Meanwhile, Jeong Hae-seong and the members of the domestic team 4 gathered to find clues about a ghost story related to the school anthem. When they struggled with the piano performance, Oh Soo-ah stepped in, saying, "I’ll do it."

She insisted, "The school anthem itself isn’t that difficult," but Jeong Hae-seong warned, "You could get expelled for entering the chairman's office by mistake." However, Team Leader Ahn encouraged her, stating, "You can do it. You are the unparalleled partner of our National Intelligence Service's top ace, Jeong Hae-seong, and an honorary field agent of our domestic team 4."

Flattered by the title of 'honorary field agent,' Oh Soo-ah agreed to participate, despite Jeong Hae-seong's protests. She even requested a written agreement promising that the government would support her in becoming a teacher at Byeongmun High School.

Eventually, Jeong Hae-seong pulled her aside, firmly stating, "I won’t say this twice. Don’t do it. It’s dangerous." Oh Soo-ah responded, "All the teachers at Byeongmun High are attending the event anyway. Since we’ve decided to go together, let’s focus on the mission."

Jeong Hae-seong questioned her obsession with becoming a teacher, asking, "Why are you so fixated on it? You shouldn’t take risks just because it seems obvious. Be honest with me." Oh Soo-ah replied, "There’s someone I want to show this to. I promised my first student that I would definitely become a teacher. I’m determined to do whatever it takes to achieve that. Life isn’t worth living without risks."

As the operation approached, Jeong Hae-seong was conscious of Oh Soo-ah while teaching self-defense techniques. When she unexpectedly hugged him from behind during the lesson, he awkwardly excused himself, muttering, "Get a grip, you’re acting strange today."

At the highly anticipated Byeongmun Night, Jeong Hae-seong was captivated by Oh Soo-ah, who appeared in a dress. He reassured her, placing a camera necklace around her neck, saying, "I’ll make sure nothing happens today, so don’t worry. And by the way, you look beautiful today."

After successfully infiltrating the chairman's office, Jeong Hae-seong and Oh Soo-ah sat together at the piano to play the school anthem. When nothing happened, Oh Soo-ah expressed her confusion, saying, "Nothing is happening."

After the mission failed, Team Leader Ahn instructed Jeong Hae-seong to exit, warning, "Come out, Hae-seong. It’s dangerous to stay there. Erase the entry records from the chairman's office and get out quickly." Following the order, Jeong Hae-seong announced, "I will withdraw," as he deleted the entry records from Seo Myung-joo's (Kim Shin-rok) computer. In that moment, he discovered his personnel record card and the operation plan file for Byeongmun Night, leaving him in shock. The upcoming preview hinted at Jeong Hae-seong taking independent action with Oh Soo-ah, raising questions about the plot's development.

팀에 배신자 있나..서강준, 김신록에 정체 발각→작전 유출 ‘충격’ (‘언더커버’)

Identity of Seo Kang-joon Revealed in Undercover High School

Numerous colleagues have gathered to pay their respects to the late singer Wheesung (고 휘성), who passed away recently. Fellow artists including Kim Tae-woo (김태우), Lee Hyori (이효리), Baby V.O.X, KCM, and IU (아이유) have all come to honor his memory.

Wheesung's funeral was held on March 14 at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, where a steady stream of visitors came to express their condolences. A banner reading, "Artist Wheesung, he will forever be a star in our hearts," was displayed alongside a portrait of him smiling brightly.

KCM and Kim Tae-woo arrived at the funeral home with solemn expressions. KCM had been scheduled to perform alongside Wheesung on March 15, but the sudden news of his passing led to the cancellation of the event. The group ICHILLIN' from the same agency also visited to say their final goodbyes to their senior.

Other notable attendees included Lee Ji-young and Lee Young-hyun from Big Mama, former One Time member Song Baek-kyung, Lee Hyori, Baby V.O.X members Shim Eun-jin and Lee Hee-jin, comedians Yoo Se-yoon and Jo Se-ho, as well as singers Ha Dong-kyun and Lee Ru, and IU.

Outside the funeral home, floral tributes were sent by Brown Eyed Soul's Naul, Deuce's Lee Hyun, singer Jung Joon-il, and groups TWICE and BTS (방탄소년단).

Wheesung was found deceased in an apartment in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on March 10. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death remains undetermined, as the National Forensic Service reported an initial finding of "unknown cause" to the Gwangjin Police Station.

Initially, the family planned a private funeral for close relatives and friends, but after careful consideration, they decided to open the memorial to those who cherished and remembered Wheesung. His brother expressed, "If anyone has fond memories of my brother's songs and music, please feel free to visit the funeral home and help us ensure he doesn't leave this world alone."

Wheesung's burial is scheduled for March 16, with a farewell ceremony taking place at 6 AM that day. He will be laid to rest at the Gwangneung Memorial Park.

KCM→이효리·아이유, 故 휘성 마지막 길 배웅.."마음 속 별로 영원히 함께"

Tributes Pour in for Late Singer Wheesung as Colleagues Bid Farewell

On March 15, 2025, fans were eagerly anticipating a long-awaited performance by Wheesung (휘성). However, the beloved artist was not present among them. Instead, fans were met with his bright smile in a portrait, unable to hold back their tears in grief.

Wheesung debuted in 2002 with his first album 'Like A Movie' and quickly gained popularity with numerous hits such as '안되나요', '전할 수 없는 이야기', 'With Me', '다시 만난 날', '일년이면', 'I’m Missing You', '결혼까지 생각했어', '가슴 시린 이야기', '너라는 명작', '불치병', '주르륵', and '사랑은 맛있다'. His music resonated with fans of all ages.

In addition to his solo work, Wheesung showcased his songwriting and composing talents on albums for various artists, including Gummy (거미), Ailee (에일리), Ali (알리), Wax (왁스), and TWICE. He was recognized as a leading R&B artist in South Korea and a trusted singer-songwriter, creating many beloved songs. He also demonstrated his versatility by performing in musicals.

However, in 2020, Wheesung was found unconscious after taking a sleep-inducing drug, leading to a police investigation. He was charged with purchasing and habitually using propofol 12 times over three months, resulting in a one-year prison sentence, two years of probation, a fine of 60.5 million won, 40 hours of community service, and 40 hours of drug treatment lectures.

This news shocked his fans deeply. In response, Wheesung held a Christmas concert in December 2021, just two months after his sentencing, and participated in drama OSTs to give back through music. He also organized a fan meeting and concert to celebrate his 20th debut anniversary, showcasing his fight against depression through his art.

In February, he held a birthday fan meeting titled 'HAPPY 휘's DAY', which sold out immediately, proving his enduring popularity. He was scheduled to perform at a joint concert 'The Story' with KCM on March 15 at the Daegu EXCO Auditorium.

Tragically, just five days before the concert, on March 10, Wheesung was discovered in cardiac arrest at his home in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, at the age of 43. An autopsy was conducted on March 12 at the National Forensic Service, with preliminary results indicating 'unknown cause of death'. Further detailed results are expected to take about two weeks.

Initially, Wheesung's family planned a quiet funeral without a public viewing, but they later decided to hold a memorial service due to the encouragement of fellow artists. The memorial was set up on March 14 at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, with the funeral scheduled for March 16 at the Gwangneung Memorial Park.

The family expressed, "We believe it is respectful to provide a time and place for many who loved and remembered our brother, the singer Wheesung, and the person Choi Wheesung, to pay their respects. We invite everyone who knew him and those who found happiness in his music to visit the memorial and accompany him on his final journey."

As planned, Wheesung was supposed to take the stage with KCM today, but he is no longer with his fans. Heartbroken fans rushed to the memorial, shedding tears in front of his portrait, where only his radiant smile could offer them solace.

故휘성, 오늘 공연인데..콘서트 대신 영정으로 마주하다니 '오열 추모' [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Fans Mourn the Loss of Wheesung Ahead of Scheduled Concert

Singer Park Ji-hyun made a notable appearance as a special master during the finale of 'Mr. Trot 3' on March 13, 2025, at 9:30 PM on TV CHOSUN. She joined the audience in witnessing the birth of a new champion, adding significance to the event as one of the 15 masters in the final round. Previously a judge in 'Mr. Trot 2', Park Ji-hyun opened the season as a special master, providing insightful feedback during the show's initial broadcasts, master auditions, and 1:1 death matches.

Known for her stable vocals and dance skills, Park Ji-hyun has continued the legacy of 'dance trot', offering detailed critiques on the solid performances of the contestants. During the traditional trot competition to select the TOP 7, she praised contestant Choi Jae-myung, who performed 'I Only Loved You', saying, "I really support you, and your singing seems to improve with each performance. Balancing choreography while maintaining vocal quality is quite impressive, almost unfair!" This comment resonated with viewers, highlighting her well-rounded expertise.

Park Ji-hyun first captured attention during 'Mr. Trot 2' with her charming visuals and powerful singing in her debut performance of 'Mottan-nom', earning full hearts from the audience. From being a rising star in the trot genre to achieving chart success with her debut album 'OCEAN' and selling out her first solo concert, anticipation is high for her next chapter.

Currently, as a special master on 'Mr. Trot 3', Park Ji-hyun is on a nationwide tour for her first solo concert 'SHOWMANSHIP', with upcoming performances scheduled in Mokpo on March 15 and 16.

박지현, 인생역전 대박났지만 초심 안 버렸다

Park Ji-hyun Returns as Special Master for 'Mr. Trot 3' Finale

Actress Kim Ah-young (28) has decided to leave the Coupang Play comedy series SNL Korea. On March 14, she shared her decision on Instagram, stating, "It was not an easy choice, but I believe it is a necessary one for me. After much contemplation, I have decided not to participate in this season of SNL." The rebooted Season 7 of SNL Korea is set to premiere in April.

Expressing her gratitude, she said, "Thank you for allowing me to play freely for three years. I felt an overwhelming amount of love and happiness that I had never experienced before, and I am truly grateful to have been part of the SNL crew. The time I spent on SNL has become a precious asset in my life."

Kim reflected on the opportunities she had during her time on the show, saying, "I had the chance to explore various roles and voices in a short period, and I learned a lot from the boldness and energy of the environment, where opinions were shared freely regardless of seniority. Watching the senior cast members react and sync with the hosts was a significant learning experience for me."

She also shared her mixed feelings about leaving, admitting, "I feel a sense of loss and, honestly, some fear about leaving a place that has been meaningful to me. However, I also see this as an opportunity for further growth. I will continue to carve out my own path, just as I have done so far."

In response, fellow cast member Joo Hyun-young commented, "It was an honor to meet the gem that is Kim Ah-young through SNL. I believe you will shine with a different beauty in your new environment. You have always shone brightly, whether on SNL or in other works. I look forward to the day we meet again as an SNL host."

Kim Ah-young has been a regular cast member since Season 3 of the SNL Korea reboot in November 2022. She gained popularity for her role as a convenience-seeking MZ generation office worker in the 'MZ Office' segment, earning the nickname 'Malknun-gwang.' 

Having debuted in the 2019 web drama Short Script (짧은대본), Kim has also appeared in supporting roles in dramas such as Welcome to Samdali (웰컴투 삼달리), The Woman Who Sees the Light (낮과 밤이 다른 그녀), and Judge from Hell (지옥에서 온 판사).

‘맑눈광’ 김아영, SNL 떠난다... “차근차근 저만의 길 만들 것”

Kim Ah-young Announces Departure from SNL Korea

Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has publicly criticized the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) for spreading personal information about the actor. The channel recently alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, claiming they dated for six years since her third year of middle school and raising suspicions of 'grooming' behavior. They also accused Gold Medalist of pressuring Kim Sae-ron regarding a 700 million KRW penalty related to her drunk driving incident, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun was complicit in this situation.

In response, Kim Sae-ron's family, including her mother and aunt, expressed their desire to restore her reputation, stating that Kim Soo-hyun portrayed her as a liar. Gold Medalist confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun did date Kim Sae-ron, their relationship only occurred after she turned 18, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They clarified that the legal documents sent to Kim Sae-ron were part of a process to address losses incurred by her previous agency due to her drunk driving incident, and they did not pressure her for payment.

On March 15, Gold Medalist condemned the release of a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, taken on December 14, 2019, stating there is no justification for such an invasion of privacy. They also acknowledged the immense pain Kim Sae-ron's mother is experiencing after her loss, expressing their condolences while also empathizing with her concerns regarding media coverage of her daughter.

Gold Medalist emphasized that some of the claims made by Kim Sae-ron's mother differ from their perspective and suggested that there may be information she is not yet aware of. They expressed a desire to meet with her in person to provide a thorough explanation, inviting her to contact their office at any time.

As Kim Soo-hyun faces ongoing scrutiny from the allegations made by Garo Sero Research Institute, his agency's request for a meeting with Kim Sae-ron's mother has drawn significant attention. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun continues to participate in his scheduled activities, including filming for the MBC variety show 'Good Day' (굿데이).

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron

On March 15, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Goldmedalist, issued a statement refuting the recent claims made by the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (commonly known as 가세연) during a live broadcast on March 14. The agency emphasized that the photos shared by 가세연 were taken on December 14, 2019, and argued that there is no justification for the indiscriminate release of images related to Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron's private lives. They urged for an end to the dissemination of personal information.

Goldmedalist also acknowledged the statement made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, expressing deep sympathy for her unimaginable pain following the loss of her daughter. They conveyed their sorrow over the hardships Kim Sae-ron faced during her life and expressed their understanding of the concerns raised by her mother regarding media coverage.

While the agency agreed with some of the points made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, they noted that there are aspects of her claims that differ from their perspective. They suggested that there may be information that she is not yet aware of and stated that publicly debating these issues would not be appropriate for honoring Kim Sae-ron's memory. Goldmedalist expressed a desire to meet with her mother to provide a thorough explanation and invited her to contact the agency at any time.

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from 가세연 regarding a supposed 'grooming' crime, claiming he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor. The agency clarified that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron did have a past relationship, they only dated from the summer of 2019, when she was an adult, until the fall of 2020. They also refuted claims that they pressured Kim Sae-ron regarding a compensation demand related to her DUI incident, stating that the legal documents were part of a process to address losses incurred by her former agency. Goldmedalist has announced plans for strong legal action against the false allegations made by 가세연.

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations and Seeks Communication with Kim Sae-ron's Family

Beauty brand Dinto has decided to terminate its advertising model contract with actor Kim Soo-hyun, who has recently been embroiled in allegations regarding his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time. On March 15, Dinto announced, "We have decided to end our advertising model contract with Kim Soo-hyun. Given the recent controversies, we believe it is important to uphold the principles of good faith and integrity in our partnership. Therefore, we could not proceed with an official statement or contract termination until we received a position statement from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency." 

According to Dinto, the contract with Kim Soo-hyun was set for one year and was valid until August 2025. The company further stated, "After confirming the agency's position, we have determined that there are significant reasons that make it difficult to fulfill the advertising model contract. We are currently in the process of officially terminating the contract through our legal counsel." 

Dinto emphasized that this decision was made to protect the values of the brand and consumer trust. They added, "We will continue to make careful and responsible decisions that align with consumer trust and pursue more meaningful projects to realize our values." 

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) and Kim Sae-ron's family, claiming that he was in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was in middle school, starting from when she was 15 years old and continuing for six years. 

On March 14, Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, released a second statement addressing the allegations. They confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were indeed former lovers, their relationship began after Kim Sae-ron turned 18, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. 

In a statement through 'Garo Sero,' Kim Sae-ron's mother asserted, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She has never pretended to be someone else for attention, nor was she a child who only enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create dating rumors through manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and Cyber Leakers have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of an ordinary and promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist has portrayed Sae-ron as a crazy girl who lies about her intentions regarding the photos she posted."

Dinto Terminates Contract with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Controversy

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has publicly addressed the media regarding the false narratives surrounding her daughter. In a statement released on March 14 through a YouTube channel, she expressed that their goal is to restore the tarnished reputation of her daughter, who was unfairly affected by numerous misleading articles. She emphasized the need to hold accountable malicious YouTubers and cyber bullies who have contributed to this situation.

A stated, "Sae-ron never lied to the media. She did not engage in gambling or pretend to work part-time. She was not a girl who only enjoyed nightlife with friends, nor did she create false dating rumors through manipulated photos." She lamented that since Sae-ron's passing, there have been outrageous claims about her being a 'girl head of the household' and that her family squandered her earnings, leading to a plethora of baseless articles that are not worth reading.

A further elaborated on the impact of these false articles, stating that they targeted her young daughter, who had just turned twenty, and that Sae-ron bore the brunt of vicious personal attacks alone. She described the three years of suffering that Sae-ron endured, likening it to being bullied by the public due to the false reports initiated by a figure named Lee Jin-ho.

The family hopes to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime and wishes for legal and institutional measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.

The family has also claimed that Kim Sae-ron was in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old, a statement that Kim Soo-hyun's side has denied as false. However, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' has released letters and photos allegedly sent by Kim Soo-hyun during his military service, further complicating the narrative. They also claimed that a gold medalist demanded compensation from Kim Sae-ron following her DUI incident.

Mother of Late Actress Kim Sae-ron Speaks Out Against False Reports

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has finally broken her silence, asserting that her daughter never lied about working at a coffee shop and was subjected to bullying by the public. She expressed a desire for her daughter's honor to be restored.

On March 14, the 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소), claiming to represent Kim Sae-ron's family, released a statement purportedly from her mother. The institute noted that Kim's mother preferred not to reveal her voice, so they used AI technology to present her statement.

In her statement, Kim Sae-ron's mother said, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She never pretended to work part-time or was just a girl who enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create false dating rumors with manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of a promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist labeled her as a 'crazy girl' who lied about her intentions in the photos she posted. Now that Sae-ron is gone, there are outrageous false articles claiming she was a breadwinner for her family and that they squandered hundreds of billions earned from her. These articles are not worth seeing or reading."

She continued, "The ones who trampled on my fallen child and kicked her while she was down are Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters. There were also irresponsible media outlets that spread the false narratives written by Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, along with various malicious commenters who supported them. Sae-ron endured this for three years, sleepless and lonely. This is akin to the collective bullying she faced from the public due to the false articles triggered by Lee Jin-ho."

She added, "If Professor Kwon Young-chan from the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association had not reached out to us, and if Kim Se-yi from Garo Sero had not offered help, our family would have been scapegoats to Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, carrying the burden of Sae-ron's tarnished reputation for life."

In conclusion, she stated, "The actions of Lee Jin-ho and his associates are criminal. It is difficult to hold them accountable for murder within the outdated legal framework. We, the bereaved family, wish to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime, correct the false articles that are entirely untrue, and hope that legal and institutional measures are established to prevent such incidents from happening again, ensuring that the media fulfills its responsibilities."

Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, at the age of 25. A friend who was supposed to meet her discovered her unresponsive and reported it. Police stated that there were no signs of foul play.

In connection with this, the Garo Sero Institute alleged that actor Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since her minor years, raising suspicions of 'grooming.' They also claimed that Gold Medalist pressured Kim Sae-ron with a 700 million won compensation notice and that Kim Soo-hyun turned a blind eye to it.

In response, Gold Medalist issued an urgent statement on March 14, denying the allegations and clarifying that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult. They also refuted claims regarding the compensation notice, stating it was merely a legal procedure related to a penalty from Kim Sae-ron's DUI incident and not a demand for payment.

Park Hyung-sik Pays Homage to Jung Woo-sung in New Drama

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