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

Choi Min-hwan (33) of FTISLAND and former LABOUM member Yulhee (real name Kim Yul-hee, 28) have not succeeded in their attempts to modify custody arrangements and settle alimony and property division. On March 12, the Seoul Family Court's Judge Kang Yoon-hye declared a failure to reach an agreement during the mediation session initiated by Yulhee against Choi Min-hwan regarding custody changes and financial claims. As the two parties could not come to a consensus, it is anticipated that they will proceed with formal litigation.

Yulhee filed for mediation in November of last year, seeking changes in parental rights and custody, as well as alimony and property division. In a previous appearance on TV Chosun's 'Now I'm Alone,' she expressed her determination to rectify the situation, stating, "It's late, but I need to make it right."

She explained her circumstances, saying, "I transferred custody of our three children to my ex-husband. During the divorce mediation, we verbally agreed that I would not pay child support, and property division would be set at zero, while visitation rights for the children would be flexible."

In a YouTube appearance last year, Yulhee also accused Choi Min-hwan of engaging in prostitution in areas like Gangnam. However, the Gangnam Police Station announced in November that they would not pursue charges against Choi Min-hwan due to insufficient evidence regarding the allegations of prostitution and sexual assault. A police official stated, "We investigated the establishments where Choi Min-hwan was alleged to have engaged in prostitution, including reviewing security footage, but found no clear evidence."

Yulhee married Choi Min-hwan in 2018 and they have three children together, but they divorced in 2023. Following the divorce, Choi Min-hwan has been seen caring for their children alone on KBS 2TV's 'The Return of Superman.'

최민환·율희, 양육권·재산분할 조정 실패…정식소송 진행하나

FTISLAND's Choi Min-hwan and Former LABOUM Member Yulhee Fail to Reach Custody Agreement

The appeal hearing for former Marine Corps investigation chief Colonel Park Jeong-hoon, who was acquitted of charges related to insubordination and defamation of a superior, is scheduled to begin on April 18. Colonel Park was previously involved in the investigation of a Marine's death during a search operation following heavy rainfall in July 2023. After reporting his findings and suggesting the case be handed over to the police, he received a directive from former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop to withhold the transfer. Park chose to proceed with the police referral, leading to his prosecution by the Ministry of National Defense's prosecution office in October 2023. However, the Central Military Court ruled in January that Park's actions did not constitute insubordination, as the orders he received were deemed unjustifiable. The court also found insufficient evidence to support the defamation claim against him.

‘해병대원 순직 사건’ 박정훈 대령 항소심, 다음 달 18일 시작

Appeal Hearing for Former Marine Corps Investigator Set for April 18

On March 14, 2025, the media showcase for LE SSERAFIM's (르세라핌) fifth mini album, 'HOT,' took place at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The album encapsulates a heartfelt dedication to love and passion. The group, consisting of Kim Chae-won (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yoon-jin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eun-chae (홍은채), performed their new tracks during the event, showcasing their vibrant energy and musical growth.

[사진]신곡으로 돌아온 르세라핌

LE SSERAFIM Unveils New Mini Album 'HOT' at Media Showcase

The K-pop group aespa (에스파), under SM Entertainment, is set to continue the excitement of their second world tour with an encore concert in Seoul. On March 12, 2025, aespa held their final concert of the tour, titled ‘SYNK : PARALLEL LINE’ (싱크 : 패러렐 라인), at the Movistar Arena in Madrid, Spain, successfully wrapping up a 10-month journey. 

The tour kicked off in June 2024 at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul and spanned across various cities in Asia, including Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Saitama, Osaka, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Jakarta, Macau, and Bangkok. It also reached North and South America and Europe, with performances in Sydney, Melbourne, Seattle, Auckland, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Orlando, Charlotte, Newark, Toronto, Chicago, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Madrid. The group achieved sold-out shows in 28 cities, totaling 41 performances, with additional shows added due to overwhelming demand. 

The Madrid concert featured a dynamic setlist that included their mega-hits from 2024 such as ‘Supernova’ (슈퍼노바), ‘Armageddon’ (아마겟돈), and ‘Whiplash’ (위플래시), along with new tracks like ‘Pink Hoodie’ (핑크 후디), ‘Better Things’ (베터 띵스), ‘Die Trying’ (다이 트라잉), ‘Hold On Tight’ (홀드 온 타이트), and ‘Life’s Too Short’ (라이프스 투 쇼트), showcasing a variety of English songs that energized the audience. 

aespa will meet fans once again on March 15-16, 2025, at the KSPO DOME in Olympic Park, Seoul, for their encore concert titled ‘2024-25 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK : PARALLEL LINE – ENCORE’ (2024-25 에스파 라이브 투어 – 싱크 : 패러렐 라인 – 앙코르). Both days of the concert have sold out amid fierce ticket competition, raising anticipation for the performances. The final show on March 16 will also be streamed live on the global platform Beyond LIVE and Weverse.

에스파, 두 번째 월드투어 '28개 지역41회' 대장정 마침표

aespa Concludes Successful World Tour with Encore Concert in Seoul

The ongoing Genie TV original drama 'Riding Life' (라이딩 인생), written by Seong Yoon-ah and Jo Won-dong and directed by Kim Cheol-kyu, is gaining attention as it portrays the fierce competition among mothers in Daechi-dong while also delivering heartwarming moments. Each episode continues to break its own viewership records, resonating with audiences through the struggles of Jung-eun (전혜진) in her daily life.

'Riding Life' captures the intensity of competition but also emphasizes warmth and emotional support. The chemistry between Jung-eun and Jia (조민수) has become a source of healing for viewers, showcasing how they draw strength from their families and loved ones, reflecting the everyday lives of many.

# Chemistry of a Mirror-Like Three-Generation Family
The story of Jung-eun, Jia, and Seo-yoon (김사랑), who resemble each other closely, conveys both relatability and warmth. When Jia falls into a depression after losing her job, Seo-yoon comforts her using the 'pat-pat' method that Jung-eun taught her. This touching moment, where the comforting technique passes from mother to daughter to granddaughter, evokes strong emotions. Additionally, Jia sees her own mother in Seo-yoon, who has matured quickly due to her busy upbringing, leading to a smile as she reflects, "She’s just like my mom at this age." This dynamic between Jung-eun and Jia as they raise Seo-yoon together builds anticipation for their evolving relationship.

# Hilarious Couple Chemistry
Jung-eun often finds herself frustrated with her husband, Jae-man (전석호), who lacks ambition and financial skills, yet his endearing qualities make her laugh. Jae-man supports Jung-eun's educational aspirations for Seo-yoon by joining her on a hiking trip to celebrate Seo-yoon's acceptance into a prestigious elementary school and helps her search for a new apartment near the school. Despite some humorous mishaps along the way, Jae-man’s genuine care for Jung-eun shines through, as he lightens her worries with the playful remark, "Can my girls live in Gangnam for once?" Their comedic chemistry brings joy to the audience.

# Blossoming Friendship and Romance in the Twilight of Life
Jia navigates a blend of romance and friendship with Young-wook (정진영) and Mi-chun (김광격희). Mi-chun, who takes care of Jia, a novice rider feeling isolated among the other mothers, creates a bond over shared experiences of parenting in their later years. Young-wook, who comes to watch his grandchild ride, finds himself smitten with Jia, adding a romantic twist to the narrative. His determination to meet Jia by volunteering for his grandchild's riding sessions hints at budding romance, as Jia seems to reciprocate his interest. The chemistry among Jia, Young-wook, and Mi-chun adds a unique flavor to 'Riding Life'.

With its blend of fierce competition and healing chemistry, 'Riding Life' continues to bring smiles to viewers. The show airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA, with streaming available on Tving.

전혜진 복귀 '라이딩 인생', 대치맘 경쟁 틈바구니에 '힐링' 담았다

Healing Chemistry Amidst Competition in 'Riding Life'

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

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

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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