In the new tvN weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), actress Park Ye-young captivates audiences with her vibrant portrayal of the character Ma Eun-soo, a research assistant aiding Gong Hyo-jin in mouse reproduction experiments. In a recent episode, Park depicted a tense moment when a lab mouse suffers a heart attack, showcasing her ability to remain calm under pressure, only to break into tears when the mouse revives, revealing her quirky yet endearing charm. 

Her character is not only passionate about her research, often foregoing her commute home, but also sports a lively hairstyle and oversized glasses that enhance her appeal. 

Unlike her more subdued role alongside Jo Jung-seok in 'The Great Show' (세작, 매혹된 자들), Park is now embracing a lively and free-spirited version of Ma Eun-soo. As the youngest character in a diverse cast, her energy and chemistry with co-stars Gong Hyo-jin and Heo Nam-jun are highly anticipated. 

'Ask the Stars' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM, promising to showcase Park Ye-young's unrestrained charm.

Park Ye-young Shines in 'Ask the Stars' with Unique Performance

SHINee member ONEW has made a remarkable comeback, soaring to the top of both domestic and international music charts with his new mini-album 'CONNECTION', released on January 6, 2025. The album quickly claimed the number one spot on the iTunes 'Top Albums' chart in 17 countries and regions, including Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Singapore, Slovakia, the UAE, Sri Lanka, Peru, Poland, and Ukraine.

Thanks to this success, 'CONNECTION' also reached number two on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart and number six on the European iTunes Album Chart, showcasing ONEW's significant global influence.

The title track 'Winner' has gained immense popularity, topping the real-time chart on the major South Korean music site Bugs and making a strong entry on the Melon HOT100, among other charts.

'CONNECTION' emphasizes the organic connection between ONEW's inner and outer self. ONEW took an active role in producing and writing all the songs, demonstrating his growth as a musician. The album evokes deep emotions, recalling feelings that may have been forgotten amidst various themes.

Fans have praised the album, stating, "It truly reflects ONEW as an artist," "He never disappoints," "Every track feels like a title song," "'Winner' is like a warm blanket offering comfort," "It's the perfect album for a time when love is needed," and "It inspires hope."

Following this successful comeback, ONEW is set to hold solo concerts titled '2025 ONEW CONCERT [ONEW THE LIVE: CONNECTION]' in four Asian cities: Yokohama Arena in Japan on February 15-16, Olympic Hall in Seoul from February 21-23, Taipei Music Center on April 5, and Broadway Theatre in Macau on April 20.

온유, 전 세계 17개 지역 아이튠즈 '톱 앨범' 차트 1위..'차트의 위너'

ONEW Dominates Charts with New Album 'CONNECTION'

JYP Entertainment's new boy group, KickFlip (킥플립), has garnered attention even before their official debut by being named one of the '8 Rookie K-Pop Acts To Watch In 2025' by Grammy.com on January 4. The site highlighted that KickFlip, formed after a lengthy process following the 2021 audition program LOUD (라우드), announced their debut plans during the 2024 MAMA Awards last November.

On January 6, KickFlip revealed through their official social media channels that their first mini-album, titled Flip it, Kick it! (플립 잇, 킥 잇!), will be released on January 20. They also shared member profiles, an album schedule, and the music video for their pre-release track, '응 그래'. The music video showcases a vibrant and energetic performance, and as of the morning of January 7, it ranked 9th on YouTube's Worldwide Trending and 3rd on the domestic YouTube Trending chart, indicating a strong response from both local and international fans.

Fans expressed their excitement in the comments, stating things like, 'I’ve been waiting for their debut,' 'Their skills seem to have improved,' and 'I love the vibe of JYP boy groups.' 

KickFlip, consisting of members 계훈, 아마루, 동화, 주왕, 민제, 케이주, and 동현, is gearing up for their debut by releasing various content such as dance practice videos, introduction films, concept photos, tracklist posters, track videos, and music video teasers.

The name 'KickFlip' refers to a challenging skateboarding trick that involves spinning the board 360 degrees with the toes, symbolizing the group's intent to break free from conventions and make a fresh impact in the industry.

KickFlip will officially release their debut album, Flip it, Kick it!, on January 20 at 6 PM KST.

JYP 신인 보이그룹 킥플립, 美 그래미 선정 '2025년 주목할 K팝 루키 8'

JYP's New Boy Group KickFlip Recognized as K-Pop Rookie to Watch in 2025

(G)I-DLE's Woogie has once again proven her presence as a solo artist. On January 5, she received the Best Solo Artist award at the 39th Golden Disc Awards held at the Fukuoka PayPay Dome in Japan for her debut mini-album 'YUQ1' (우기). After receiving the award, Woogie expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am so thankful to our Neverb (the fan club name). It is because of the support and love from my fans that I was able to receive this award. I will take that strength to grow further and become a wonderful artist, returning the favor with great songs and performances." 

Woogie took the stage in a leather jacket, delivering a standout performance of her track 'FREAK' (프리크), which features a prominent band sound. She followed this with a hip rendition of 'Radio (Dum-Dum)' (라디오), eliciting cheers from the audience. 

The mini-album 'YUQ1', which includes the title track 'FREAK', encapsulates Woogie’s essence, showcasing her free-spirited yet delicate artistic side. Within just six days of its release, the album achieved first-week sales of 550,170 copies, making it a half-million seller and setting a record for the highest sales of a mini-album by a female solo artist in K-pop history. 

Previously, Woogie was recognized for her achievements when she won the Best Solo Artist award at the 2024 KGMA held in November.

(여자)아이들 우기, '골든디스크' 베스트 솔로 아티스트 "좋은 노래·무대로 보답"

(G)I-DLE's Woogie Shines as a Solo Artist at the 39th Golden Disc Awards

A unique blend of zombie horror and romantic comedy is coming to screens with the new series 'Newtopia'. The production press conference took place on January 7 at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul, featuring cast members Park Jung-min (박정민), Jisoo (지수), and director Yoon Sung-hyun (윤성현).

'Newtopia' tells the story of a late-blooming soldier, Jae-yoon, and his determined girlfriend, Young-joo, as they navigate a zombie-infested Seoul to reunite. Directed by Yoon Sung-hyun, known for films like 'The King’s Case Note' (파수꾼) and 'Time to Hunt' (사냥의 시간), the series promises a fresh take on the K-zom-com genre, combining visually appealing zombies with romantic elements.

Park Jung-min plays Jae-yoon, a soldier who is solely focused on his girlfriend despite the world falling apart around him. Jisoo portrays Young-joo, a strong-willed girlfriend who bravely faces hordes of zombies to find Jae-yoon. Their chemistry is expected to shine through, even amidst the chaos of a zombie apocalypse.

During the event, Park Jung-min introduced himself, stating, "Hello, I am Park Jung-min, playing Jae-yoon in this series." Jisoo and director Yoon also shared their introductions. Park explained his character's situation: "I am a late-blooming soldier, and as Young-joo waits for me, our relationship becomes strained. Just as we are on the brink of breaking up, zombies invade Seoul. Jae-yoon is stationed on the 77th floor and runs down to the first floor, while Young-joo fights her way through the zombies to reach him."

Jisoo added, "Young-joo is a fresh graduate waiting for Jae-yoon, who joined the military late. As she faces challenges in her new life, their relationship becomes distant. When disaster strikes, she realizes her love for Jae-yoon and bravely rushes to him."

Director Yoon shared insights on the creation of 'Newtopia', expressing his long-standing love for zombie stories and how he was drawn to the script after reading it twice. He noted, "I wanted to create something unique, especially since many zombie stories have been released recently. My goal was to introduce a fresh perspective and feeling through this project."

Park Jung-min, who has collaborated with Yoon before, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I debuted under the director's guidance and have always appreciated him. There was no reason to decline his offer, especially since I was curious about his take on comedy. It was meaningful for me to be offered the lead role in his project."

Jisoo also shared her excitement about the script, noting that it presented a colorful and unique take on the zombie genre, which influenced her decision to join the cast without hesitation.

The director had Park Jung-min in mind for the role of Jae-yoon from the start, emphasizing the importance of character uniqueness in the series. He praised Jisoo's humor and talent, stating, "It’s not easy to make people laugh, but she has a natural charm that shines through."

As the two actors shared their experiences, Park Jung-min revealed that he plans to keep signed CDs and couple photos with Jisoo as cherished mementos. He humorously recalled how he once struggled to approach her during their previous project, 'The King’s Case Note'.

The two actors expressed their excitement about reuniting for 'Newtopia', with Jisoo recalling how she felt honored to work alongside Park Jung-min again. They both praised each other's performances and support during filming, especially in scenes that required them to communicate over the phone.

Despite the zombie theme limiting their romantic scenes, Park Jung-min expressed hope for a sequel, saying, "It’s a bit disappointing, but if 'Newtopia 2' happens, we can explore that more. I’m looking forward to it!"

As Jisoo embarks on her acting career while balancing her role in BLACKPINK, she shared her hopes for the series' success, feeling a familial bond with her group members who support each other’s endeavors.

'Newtopia' is set to premiere on Coupang Play on February 7 at 8 PM.

‘뉴토피아’ 박정민♥블랙핑크 지수, 좀비떼 뚫고 다시 사랑할 수 있을까 [종합]

New Zombie Romantic Comedy Series 'Newtopia' Set to Premiere

A 34-year-old man, identified as 이모, has confessed to all charges against him during his first court hearing on January 7, 2025, at the Seoul Western District Court. He is accused of murdering his father with a blunt object after enduring over 30 years of verbal and physical abuse. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at their home in Yeokchon-dong, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, where he struck his father, who was in his 70s, multiple times while demanding money for alcohol. Although the defense acknowledged the charges, they noted that the victim did not die immediately from the assault. Following the incident, 이모 reportedly attempted suicide with his mother but failed and subsequently turned himself in to the police. The court has scheduled a second hearing for March 11, 2025.

30여년간 가정폭력 시달리다 아버지 살해한 男, “혐의 모두 인정”

Man Admits to Killing Father in Domestic Violence Case

In the latest episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), aired on January 8, 2025, renowned actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, highlighting her exceptional character. Upon seeing Song Hye-kyo, host Jo Se-ho expressed his astonishment, while she too was intrigued to meet him in person for the first time. Jo Se-ho remarked, 'I have only seen you on TV,' to which Song Hye-kyo responded, 'I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity. Congratulations on your marriage, even if it's a bit late.' 

During their pre-shoot meeting, Song Hye-kyo surprised Jo Se-ho with a wedding gift, demonstrating her thoughtfulness. Jo Se-ho promised to reciprocate her kindness, stating, 'I’m not someone who forgets gifts.' 

Additionally, Song Hye-kyo prepared gifts for the production staff, showcasing her generous spirit. She expressed, 'I feel like I must repay the love I have received,' leaving everyone in admiration.

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

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'

In the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's Squid Game (오징어 게임), Won Ji-an has captured the hearts of global audiences with her portrayal of the character Se-mi. The series continues the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), as Gi-hun returns to the deadly games seeking revenge. Within just four days of its release, the show amassed an impressive 68 million views, securing the top spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 and ranking as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history based on its opening week viewership.

Won Ji-an's striking transformation into Se-mi, characterized by her short haircut, bold piercings, and choker accessories, has drawn significant attention from viewers. This dramatic shift from her previous roles has surprised many, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Her visual transformation complements Se-mi's strong and charismatic personality, as she navigates the challenges of the game while being kind to the vulnerable Min-su (played by Lee David). Their dynamic, particularly Se-mi's protective nature towards the timid Min-su, has resonated with fans, leading to a mix of admiration and humor, with some viewers jokingly expressing their dislike for Min-su due to the unfolding tragic narrative.

Won Ji-an has previously demonstrated her acting prowess in acclaimed series such as D.P. and Youth of May (소년비행), establishing herself as a talented actress. With her captivating performance in Squid Game Season 2, she has garnered attention not only in South Korea but also internationally.

Looking ahead, Won Ji-an is set to continue her busy schedule with upcoming roles in Disney+'s original series Polaris and Made in Korea, further solidifying her rising star status in the entertainment industry.

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

In the latest episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, captivating viewers with her unique storytelling. Celebrating her 28th year in the entertainment industry, she revealed that it has been 23 years since her last variety show appearance.

Song Hye-kyo shared her journey, starting from her teenage years when she debuted after winning a school uniform contest. At just 20, she gained widespread recognition for her role in Autumn in My Heart (가을동화), marking a significant transformation in her public image. Following this, she starred in hit dramas like All In (올인), Hotelier (호텔리어), and Full House (풀하우스), becoming a ratings queen in her twenties. Reflecting on that time, she noted, "I never felt anxious about whether my projects would succeed. I had a lot of fun and sometimes found it annoying to have to work instead of hanging out with friends. I often thought about what I would do for fun after work."

She also expressed some regrets about her career choices, saying, "I missed out on roles because I thought I should switch to serious characters after playing a comedic one. I wish I had taken on more diverse roles. I sometimes wonder why I was so selective when I was still developing as an actress."

Known for her strong connections and charm, Song Hye-kyo commented on how others perceive her humor, stating, "People think I’m funny, but I just respond to situations as they come. I don’t see myself as particularly humorous."

In a light-hearted moment, fellow guest Jo Se-ho mentioned that Shin Hyun-ji had reached out to him, saying that Song Hye-kyo was incredibly entertaining and addictive to watch. Song Hye-kyo humorously admitted, "I’m not entirely devoid of a desire to be funny."

Despite her long career, Song Hye-kyo has faced her share of challenges, including numerous rumors. She explained, "Starting so young in this industry, I’ve dealt with many rumors. I’ve learned to let them go, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. During interviews, I often say, 'I don’t know where these stories come from; ask the person who made them up.'"

As she enters her forties, she feels a shift in her approach to acting, stating, "I’ve started preparing myself more. The differences between me and younger actors are becoming more apparent. I realize I need to focus on my acting skills now; I can’t rely on my looks anymore."

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

On January 8, 2025, the YouTube channel 'Naraesik' released a new video titled 'Lee Jun-hyuk X Nucksal | My Perfect Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal Secretary | Scary Stories from the New Year, Lee Jun-hyuk's Songs, Never-ending Board Games'. In this episode, Park Na-rae, who turned 40 this year, greeted the new year by gifting ten types of pizza, including 'waist pizza', 'chest pizza', 'shoulder pizza', 'leg pizza', 'wrinkle pizza', 'poor pizza', and 'laugh pizza'. She also prepared a menu of pizza and side dishes, showcasing kimchi cheese fries inspired by a famous taco restaurant in Itaewon.

Guests Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal joined the show, with Lee introducing himself humorously as someone responding to a rude late-night call from Kim Jae-wook. Park Na-rae explained the show's 'multi-level marketing' system, mentioning that Lee Si-eon had been promoted to diamond status while Kim Jae-wook was a ruby member. Lee Jun-hyuk revealed that he missed a call from Kim Jae-wook, who was intoxicated at the time, expressing sympathy for him.

While making pizza, Lee Jun-hyuk shared his love for fast food but noted the challenges of needing to lose weight for roles. He recalled needing to gain weight for 'The Outlaws 3'. Nucksal humorously admitted to never having been this heavy, stating he was 50 kg in his twenties but gained weight after quitting smoking post-marriage, adding, 'I’m so happy to be married' in a deadpan manner, which elicited laughter.

Lee Jun-hyuk commented on a photo of Park Na-rae's bulked-up physique on the wall, saying it was his preferred style. Park Na-rae shared her trainer's advice on achieving a slim waist by building up her back, aiming for a Brock Lesnar-like physique. Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his admiration for Brock Lesnar and flirtatiously remarked that Park Na-rae looked like a fairy in real life, suggesting that her on-screen persona was exaggerated.

Discussing his upcoming drama 'My Perfect Secretary', Lee Jun-hyuk mentioned that this is his first true romance project, stating, 'I’m like a character from a comic strip. In 'You Forgot Poetry', it was a sitcom, but this is my first time with a proper romance. I even get to kiss Han Ji-min.'

He also expressed his aspirations in variety shows, saying he respects entertainers for their energy and humor. He wants to engage in witty banter and feels the need to develop a character for variety shows, likening it to performing without a script in theater. Park Na-rae initiated a two-line poem challenge to help him practice, and Lee successfully created a poem about 'beer', earning applause.

When the topic of scary stories arose, Lee Jun-hyuk recounted his childhood experiences with ghosts, including a chilling encounter at his grandmother's house and another incident during elementary school that left him feeling uneasy. 

In conclusion, Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his desire to work hard on 'My Perfect Secretary' and earn some well-deserved rest, emphasizing the importance of diligence in the current entertainment industry, where one project does not guarantee success. He looks forward to meeting fans in the new year with exciting new roles to explore.

Park Ye-young Shines in 'Ask the Stars' with Unique Performance

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Trending

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

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

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Lee Jun-hyuk Teases Romantic Chemistry with Han Ji-min in 'My Perfect Secretary'

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ONEW Dominates Charts with New Album 'CONNECTION'

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(G)I-DLE's Woogie Shines as a Solo Artist at the 39th Golden Disc Awards

New Zombie Romantic Comedy Series 'Newtopia' Set to Premiere

Man Admits to Killing Father in Domestic Violence Case

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