On January 6, 2025, Olympic swimmer Park Tae-hwan made his debut as the first guest on TV CHOSUN's reality documentary show, 'Joseon's Love Expert' (조선의 사랑꾼). During the episode, he expressed his desire to find love and shared that it has been about two years since his last relationship. When the panel speculated that he must have had many romantic encounters, Park surprised them by stating that he has actually not dated much. Fellow guest Choi Seong-guk advised that being single in one's mid-30s is perfectly fine. Park agreed, noting that after nearly 30 years of focusing solely on sports, he finds great happiness in exploring new experiences beyond athletics. Kim Ji-min then asked if he would be okay dating someone who is afraid of water, to which Park shyly replied that he could help alleviate that fear, admitting he is not very skilled in romance.

Park Tae-hwan Reveals His Last Relationship on 'Joseon's Love Expert'

The special unit of SEVENTEEN, known as BSS (부석순), consisting of members Seungkwan (승관), Dokyeom (도겸), and Hoshi (호시), has launched a vibrant celebration for the youth. On January 8 at 6 PM KST, they released their second single album 'TELEPARTY' along with the music video for the title track '청바지' (Jeans). The album, themed around a 'party connected through telepathy with the world', aims to uplift and encourage modern individuals who have become weary and forgotten their youth amidst the hustle of daily life.

The music video for '청바지' showcases BSS as 'happiness makers', guiding people of all ages back to their youthful spirits. They appear in various settings where youth feels constrained, such as busy offices, tired classrooms, and nagging living rooms, distributing jeans to transform the atmosphere. Their infectious energy, combined with catchy music and clever parodies, makes it a repeat-worthy watch.

The video also features a star-studded lineup of cameos. Notably, singer and actress Uhm Jung-hwa (엄정화), who presented SEVENTEEN with their first grand prize at the 2023 MAMA Awards, makes an appearance. Additionally, actors Jung Young-joo (정영주) and Gal So-won (갈소원) portray a mother-daughter duo engaged in a humorous argument over jeans, while actor Moon Sang-hoon (문상훈) brings to life the popular 'Moon Teacher' concept from the YouTube channel 'Badunus', adding to the fun.

Musically, '청바지' is a unique blend of swing jazz and country sounds, interpreted through BSS's distinct style. The title is an abbreviation of 'Youth is Now', conveying the message that anyone can be youthful if they find happiness in the present, regardless of age. The new album features three tracks, including '청바지', 'Happy Alone' in the New Jack Swing genre, and '사랑 노래' (Love Song), reminiscent of 2000s R&B. SEVENTEEN's hit-making duo Woozi (우지) and Bumzu (범주) contributed to the songwriting and composition of all tracks, with BSS members also co-writing the lyrics.

Following the album release, BSS is set to perform '청바지' on the cable channel Mnet's 'M Countdown' on January 9. SEVENTEEN will continue their group activities, with upcoming performances scheduled for January 18-19 at Bulacan Stadium in the Philippines, January 25-26 at the National Stadium in Singapore, February 8-9 at Jakarta International Stadium in Indonesia, and February 15-16 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, as part of their 'SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR IN ASIA.'

세븐틴 부석순, 청춘 소환 행복 메이커..'청바지' 공개

SEVENTEEN's Special Unit BSS Kicks Off a Party for Youth with New Single 'TELEPARTY'

On January 4, 2025, renowned American designer Ralph Lauren, aged 86, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden at the White House. This honor marks him as the first fashion designer to receive the medal since its establishment by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to American prosperity, values, national security, and world peace. Notable past recipients include civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., former President Ronald Reagan, acclaimed author Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa, and legendary tennis star Billie Jean King, among others.

Since founding the Ralph Lauren brand in 1967, Lauren has been hailed as the father of American fashion, embodying the essence of American style. Rising from humble beginnings as the son of immigrants, he became a self-made entrepreneur, fashion designer, and philanthropist. Although he never formally studied design, his innate sense of style led him to redefine 'American' fashion, starting with necktie designs and expanding into menswear, womenswear, children's clothing, home collections, and even restaurants. He is the only designer to have won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards for 'Menswear Designer of the Year,' 'Womenswear Designer of the Year,' 'Designer of the Year,' and the 'Lifetime Achievement Award.' Actress Audrey Hepburn praised him during the 1992 CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, stating that he created a comprehensive concept of fashion and style, maintaining it with consistency and integrity while reminding us of the best in life.

In 2006, The New York Times coined the term 'very Ralph Lauren' to describe self-made individuals, further solidifying his influence. Lauren is also actively involved in cancer awareness and treatment initiatives. The Wall Street Journal noted that through the Ralph Lauren Corporation Foundation, he has established cancer centers in the U.S. and Europe, working to address disparities in cancer treatment.

Throughout his career, Lauren has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2014, he was honored with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal from the Smithsonian Institution for his contributions to the restoration and preservation of the early American flag featured in the War of 1812. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in art, science, history, education, and technology. Additionally, he has received the French government's Legion of Honor and is the first American designer to be awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

랄프 로렌, 패션 디자이너 최초로 미 ‘대통령 자유의 메달’ 받아

Ralph Lauren Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden

In a recent episode of MBC's 'Live Today Morning', it was reported that certain scenes featuring TOP (real name Choi Seung-hyun) from Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 2 were censored with mosaics. The show discussed the impressive global rankings achieved by 'Squid Game' Season 2 on Netflix, but also highlighted the controversies surrounding it in South Korea.

The program noted that the casting of TOP, who has a prior drug conviction, has sparked debates regarding his acting abilities. Clips from 'Squid Game' Season 2 showcased various actors, including Lee Jung-jae, Im Si-wan, and Park Sung-hoon. However, TOP, who plays the role of Thanos, a rapper and runner-up from a hip-hop survival show, was blurred out.

The censorship appears to stem from TOP's classification as a drug offender in South Korea. In 2017, he was charged with marijuana use and received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Following this incident, he left BIGBANG and ceased his entertainment activities.

Currently, broadcasting companies make case-by-case decisions regarding the participation of celebrities who have been convicted of drug-related offenses. Although TOP is not officially listed as banned from KBS, MBC, or SBS, his past controversies have led to his scenes being censored. He is, however, currently banned from appearing on EBS.

In response to the ongoing discussions about this issue, director Hwang Dong-hyuk of 'Squid Game' Season 2 expressed in a recent interview that he was unaware of the extent of the backlash, noting that in some countries, marijuana is legal, which he believed would mitigate such problems.

‘오겜2′ 탑, 공중파 방송서 모자이크 처리...무슨 일?

TOP's Scenes in 'Squid Game' Season 2 Censored on Broadcast TV

Lee Chan-won (이찬원) is set to showcase his hosting skills as the MC for the upcoming KBS special event, 'KBS 설특집 트롯대잔치 THE COLOR'. Known for his strong presence and hosting abilities, he has been dubbed the 'second Yoo Jae-suk' by fans, generating high expectations for the show.

The 'Trot Festival' is a grand celebration coinciding with the Lunar New Year, featuring top-tier trot artists from South Korea, highlighting the current and future landscape of 'K-Trot'. 

Lee Chan-won, who recently won the Grand Prize at the '2024 KBS Entertainment Awards', will take the reins as the sole MC, ensuring a smooth and engaging program. His recognition at the awards ceremony, where he also received the Best Entertainer award, has further heightened anticipation for his performance.

Reflecting on his journey, Lee expressed gratitude during his acceptance speech, recalling how he began his career with the KBS program 'National Singing Contest' in 2008 and made his official debut in 2020. He shared, "I have always loved broadcasting and entertainment since I was young, and I will never give up my path as a broadcaster and entertainer."

This year, Lee has been a prominent figure at KBS, participating in five different programs, including 'Immortal Songs', 'High-End Salt Bae', 'Chuseok Special Show: Lee Chan-won's Gift', 'New Menu Launch: Pyeonstorang', and 'Celeb's Secret'. His role as a host at the KBS Entertainment Awards further solidified his status.

As he prepares for 'KBS 설특집 트롯대잔치 THE COLOR', viewers can expect a vibrant stage that bridges various generations and cultures, enriching the home viewing experience on New Year's Day. Fans have already taken to social media, praising him as the 'second Yoo Jae-suk' and expressing excitement for the show, with comments like, "What can't he do? I'm so looking forward to it!".

The recording for 'KBS 설특집 트롯대잔치 THE COLOR' will take place on January 23 at 7 PM at KBS Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, with the broadcast scheduled for January 29 at 7 PM on KBS 2TV.

Lee Chan-won rose to fame after finishing third in the 2020 competition 'Mr. Trot' (미스터트롯) and has since released hit songs such as 'Shijel Inyeon' (시절인연), 'Cham Joheun Nal' (참 좋은 날), and 'Haneul Yeohaeng' (하늘 여행).

이쯤되면 제2의 유재석..'KBS아들' 이찬원, 설특집 MC도  '확정' (Oh!쎈 이슈)

Lee Chan-won to Host KBS Special Trot Festival 'THE COLOR'

On January 8, 2025, actress Yoo Hana shared heartfelt tributes on her Instagram story in memory of her close friend, the late Lee Hee-cheol, who passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. She posted a touching message alongside a warm photo of the two, reminiscing about their 23 years of friendship filled with playful banter and laughter, always concluding with wishes to live well and long.

Yoo Hana expressed her sorrow, saying, "When Do-hyun grows up, let’s hang out together. To drink and have fun with Do-hyun, you need to be healthy. You were always so proud of Do-hyun’s achievements. Where have you gone?" Do-hyun is her son.

In a poignant moment, she shared another photo of herself with Lee Hee-cheol, pleading, "Please tell me this is a lie. I won’t be angry." This heartfelt message resonated deeply with her followers.

Yoo Hana and Lee Hee-cheol were known to be close friends in the entertainment industry. In November 2023, she made a guest appearance on KBS 2TV's 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' to support him. Their friendship dates back to their first year of high school, with Lee Hee-cheol describing Yoo Hana as a friend he could always count on.

Pungja, another close friend of Lee Hee-cheol, also took to Instagram on January 7 to share the heartbreaking news, stating, "I can’t believe this as I write. For those who loved him and haven’t heard yet, my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today."

On January 8, Lee Hee-cheol's family revealed to OSEN that the cause of death was a heart attack, expressing their shock as he had been in relatively good health recently. His memorial is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

Lee Hee-cheol was a well-known influencer, CEO of a restaurant business, photographer, and visual director. He gained popularity in 2023 as a regular cast member on 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' and was also recognized as Pungja's close brother on YouTube.

However, it seems he had been facing personal struggles in silence. In a New Year’s post on his social media, he reflected on the challenges of 2024, describing it as a difficult year for both his health and mental well-being. Despite this, he maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude and hope for a healthier 2025.

Tragically, despite his optimistic messages, Lee Hee-cheol has now passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love and friendship.

'풍자 오빠' '유하나 절친'..故 이희철, 심근경색 믿기지 않는 이별 '눈물' [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Yoo Hana and Pungja Mourn the Sudden Passing of Lee Hee-cheol

On January 7, it was announced that actress Park Se-young (박세영) is pregnant and is expecting her first child in June. This news comes three years after her marriage to actor Kwak Jung-wook (곽정욱). When their wedding was first revealed, there were rumors of a premarital pregnancy, but those claims were unfounded.

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook first met while starring in the drama School 2013 (학교 2013), where they played top student Song Ha-kyung and troublemaker Oh Jung-ho, respectively. Their performances alongside notable actors like Lee Jong-suk (이종석), Kim Woo-bin (김우빈), and Jang Na-ra (장나라) helped revive the beloved School series after a decade.

From their initial connection, the two developed a friendship that eventually blossomed into romance. Park Se-young, born in 1988, is two years older than her husband, who was born in 1990. They quietly nurtured their relationship and tied the knot in February 2022.

At the time of their marriage, representatives clarified that while they met on the set of School 2013, they had not been dating for a decade, nor was there a premarital pregnancy. Now, three years later, the couple is excited to welcome their first child.

Kwak Jung-wook debuted as a child actor in 1996 and has appeared in numerous dramas, including When a Woman Loves (여자가 사랑할 때), Three Men and Three Women (남자 셋 여자 셋), and The King’s Path (대왕의 길). Park Se-young also began her career as a child actress and gained recognition in dramas such as The Divine (신의) and My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol (내딸, 금사월), where she showcased her talent as a villain. She has also starred in various other series and films, including Whisper (귓속말) and The Cat Funeral (고양이 장례식).

Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook Expecting Their First Child

Actor Choi Min-young is set to expand his global presence once again with the upcoming release of 'XO, Kitty' Season 2. This series is a spin-off of the popular Netflix show 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before,' which gained significant attention worldwide when it premiered in 2023. Choi Min-young reprises his role as Dae, Kitty's boyfriend, and is expected to captivate audiences with his performance in the new season.

In December, Choi participated in the overseas promotion for 'XO, Kitty Season 2' in Hollywood, Los Angeles, where he engaged in extensive promotional activities. He conducted interviews with major media outlets such as Deadline and BuzzFeed, as well as global magazines like Teen Vogue, showcasing his commitment to the series. Notably, he also attended the screening event for Netflix's 'Squid Game Season 2' in LA, further solidifying his status as a key figure in K-content.

In Season 1 of 'XO, Kitty,' Choi Min-young's portrayal of Dae, the reason behind Kitty's transfer to KISS (Korean International School of Seoul), was well-received, highlighting his fluent English and the authentic emotions of a teenager. As anticipation builds for Season 2, fans are eager to see what new charms he will bring to the character.

Additionally, Choi Min-young is currently performing in the musical 'Clover' on the Daehakro stage, and 'XO, Kitty Season 2' is set to premiere globally on January 16. He previously gained recognition for his role as Nam Joo-hyuk's younger brother in tvN's 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One.'

Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career with the release of their new digital single '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' (Today Only I LOVE YOU) on January 6 at 6 PM. The track debuted at number 38 on the Melon daily chart on January 7, marking the group's highest achievement to date. After entering the daily chart at number 45, the song has climbed in rankings, reaching number 4 on Melon's 'Top 100', number 10 on Bugs, and number 22 on Genie, showcasing their impressive growth.

Additionally, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' entered the Korean Spotify 'Daily Top Songs' chart at number 27 on January 6 and secured the 10th position on the Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' chart in Korea on January 8, making it the highest-ranking K-pop boy group song on that day.

The single is also gaining traction in the global market, having reached number 1 on Japan's LINE MUSIC 'Top 100' chart on January 7, maintaining its position until 7 AM, and reclaiming the top spot again on January 8. Furthermore, it debuted at number 3 on QQ Music's rising chart in China, making BOYNEXTDOOR the only K-pop group in the 'Top 3' of that chart.

Musically, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' is a dance track that presents a unique perspective on post-breakup experiences, blending self-deprecating lyrics with an upbeat band sound to create a relatable breakup anthem. BOYNEXTDOOR is set to showcase their new song on music shows over the coming week.

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

On the January 7 episode of SBS's entertainment show 'Dolsing Po Man' (돌싱포맨), actress Kim Ji-hoo shared the captivating love story of her relationship with husband Kim Ho-jin. During the show, she reflected on a pivotal moment in her life that transformed her career, recalling how her iconic short haircut in the 1990s sparked a 'bob cut syndrome' at a time when long hair was the norm. 

When asked about her first encounter with Kim Ho-jin, she revealed that they initially disliked each other, to the point where she would suggest leaving when he arrived on set. However, the atmosphere among the drama team was lively, and during a night out, she confronted him about his feelings towards her. This boldness was perceived as cute by Kim Ho-jin, leading to a change in their dynamic. 

Kim Ji-hoo clarified that Kim Ho-jin never truly disliked her, and after they opened up to each other, they quickly became friends. Their relationship took a romantic turn when they met again at a rock café, where she initiated their first kiss. This marked the beginning of their love story, which eventually led to their marriage, leaving viewers in awe of their 'drama-like' romance.

Kim Ji-hoo Reveals Love Story with Husband Kim Ho-jin on 'Dolsing Po Man'

In the latest episode of MBN's 'Current King of Masked Singers 2' (현역가왕2), the youngest contestants, Huang Min-ho (황민호) and Choi Soo-ho (최수호), brought the audience to tears with their heartfelt performances. The show, which has been dominating Tuesday night ratings for four consecutive weeks, features fierce competitions among active singers, showcasing their vocal talents without any hierarchy.

In the fifth episode, 25 contestants who advanced from the first round formed teams of five to compete in the second round, titled 'Relay Fan Heart Hunting.' The intense competition rules mean that only one team can survive to the next round, while the others face elimination.

Tonight's sixth episode, airing at 9:40 PM, will see Huang Min-ho, the team leader and youngest member, and Choi Soo-ho, the youngest of Team Na Tae-joo, competing in the crucial fourth round, known as the Ace Round. This round is particularly significant as the scores from the celebrity judging panel are doubled, allowing for dramatic comebacks. With a total of 420 points at stake, this round is the final chance for teams to secure their place in the third round.

Huang Min-ho, the youngest participant, plans to perform a winning song he has saved for the finals to ensure his teammates' survival. Meanwhile, Choi Soo-ho is set to surprise everyone with an unexpected song choice, showcasing his charisma. After their performances, both contestants were overwhelmed with emotion, leading to an outpouring of tears that captivated the audience and the judging panel, which includes notable figures like Lin (린) and Jeon Yu-jin (전유진).

Following the Ace Round, the scores of each team fluctuated significantly, heightening the suspense as only the top team will advance directly to the third round. The production team promises that viewers will experience excitement and admiration during tonight's episode, highlighting the impressive stage presence of Huang Min-ho and Choi Soo-ho.

'Current King of Masked Singers 2' is a survival show aimed at selecting the top seven male singers from South Korea to represent the country in the upcoming 'Korea-Japan King of Singers' competition, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. Don't miss the sixth episode airing tonight at 9:40 PM.

Park Tae-hwan Reveals His Last Relationship on 'Joseon's Love Expert'

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Park Se-young and Kwak Jung-wook Expecting Their First Child

Choi Min-young Continues Global Journey with 'XO, Kitty' Season 2

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

Kim Ji-hoo Reveals Love Story with Husband Kim Ho-jin on 'Dolsing Po Man'

Tears Flow as Young Contestants Huang Min-ho and Choi Soo-ho Shine on 'Current King of Masked Singers 2'

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SEVENTEEN's Special Unit BSS Kicks Off a Party for Youth with New Single 'TELEPARTY'

Ralph Lauren Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden

TOP's Scenes in 'Squid Game' Season 2 Censored on Broadcast TV

Lee Chan-won to Host KBS Special Trot Festival 'THE COLOR'

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