On January 6, 2025, the production press conference for the film 'Broken' took place at Lotte Cinema in the Gwangjin District of Seoul. Director Kim Jin-hwang was present for interviews, discussing the film's themes and production details. The event highlighted the film's anticipated release and the creative vision behind it.

Production Press Conference for 'Broken' Held in Seoul

Singer and actress Jo Yu-ri is currently garnering significant attention due to her role in 'Squid Game Season 2' and is in discussions for her next project. On January 7, a representative from Jo Yu-ri's team confirmed to OSEN that she has received an offer from the production team of the new drama 'Variety'. However, no decisions have been made yet, and discussions are ongoing.

'Variety' is the latest work from director Kim Yong-hoon, known for his work on the Netflix series 'Mask Girl'. The drama is said to be a thriller set within the idol industry.

Jo Yu-ri debuted as a member of the project girl group IZ*ONE through the Mnet audition program 'Produce 48'. After completing her group activities, she transitioned to a solo career and has been balancing her music with acting, recently appearing in the web drama 'Mimicus'.

In 'Squid Game Season 2', she plays the role of Jun-hee, a young pregnant woman who participates in the deadly games alongside her ex-boyfriend Myung-ki, portrayed by Im Si-wan.

조유리, '오겜2' 이어 '마스크걸' 감독 만나나 "'버라이어티' 논의 중" [공식입장]

Jo Yu-ri in Talks for New Drama 'Variety' Amidst 'Squid Game Season 2' Success

In a recent episode of Salon Drip 2, Song Joong-ki showcased his generosity by purchasing prizes for the staff, creating a warm atmosphere. The episode, titled 'Our Dad Roars Roars Roars,' was released on January 7. 

Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon, who co-starred in the film 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' that premiered on December 31, shared amusing anecdotes during the show. Lee Hee-joon praised Song Joong-ki for his thoughtfulness, recalling how he checked on him during a press conference when he appeared tired due to lack of sleep from caring for his baby. He humorously noted that an article later referred to it as 'Song Joong-ki's Sweet Whisper.' 

Lee Hee-joon also revealed that what was described as a 'warm touch' when Song Joong-ki patted his thigh was actually a mental check to keep him alert. He acknowledged that despite being the lead actor with many responsibilities, Song Joong-ki made an effort to look after everyone, from the youngest staff member to the team during gatherings. 

When asked about his involvement in staff dinners, Song Joong-ki confirmed that he often organizes them, stating, 'If the atmosphere is tough, I feel we need to lift each other up, even when abroad.' He shared that during peak stressful times, he gathered the crew and, along with the other actors, pooled their money to buy prizes like phones and tablets for a raffle. 

He also mentioned that he enjoys being the MC at these gatherings, admitting that he can't sleep if he doesn't do a good job. Lee Hee-joon chimed in, sharing that he danced salsa at one of the events. Song Joong-ki expressed his desire to visit Colombia for the best dining experiences, noting that his mother-in-law is Colombian and has previously praised the food. 

In a light-hearted exchange, Lee Hee-joon mentioned his love for Sitges in southern Spain, which he found beautiful and similar in cuisine to Korean food. Song Joong-ki playfully reminded him that they were there to promote 'Bogotá,' to which Lee Hee-joon quickly responded that 'Bogotá' is also a wonderful city. 

Additionally, it was reported in the past that Song Joong-ki earns around 1 billion KRW annually from domestic advertisements, and approximately 3.5 billion KRW over two years in China. His endorsement of a domestic beauty brand reportedly quadrupled its sales. 

Song Joong-ki's real estate assets are also impressive, exceeding 50 billion KRW. He has purchased a luxury condo in Hawaii for 2.7 billion KRW, which he uses as a personal retreat, located near the famous Waikiki Beach, showcasing his global investment savvy.

'500억원↑ 재산' 송중기, 사비로 스태프들 경품 FLEX ('살롱2')

Song Joong-ki's Heartwarming Gesture on Salon Drip 2

On January 6, 2025, MBC aired a special family counseling episode of 'Oh Eun-young Report: Marriage Hell' (오은영 리포트–결혼 지옥) to welcome the new year. During the episode, a son revealed the emotional turmoil he faced due to his mother's harsh comments. He described his home as a place filled with frequent arguments, mentioning that his father had left the family after having an affair. Despite being a good student, he struggled with his college entrance exam and confessed to his mother that he had performed poorly. The son shocked everyone by recounting how his mother told him, 'I can't face our relatives because of you. Just go outside and get hit by a car.' 

Psychologist Oh Eun-young noted that the son exhibited one of the highest levels of depression seen among past participants. She pointed out that the mother seemed unaware of the son's deep pain, stating, 'From the son's perspective, it's absurd that his mother doesn't remember the suffering he endured.' 

The mother had also planned a family trip with her new husband, which the son refused to join due to ongoing conflicts with her. He expressed his frustration, saying, 'When I asked if she valued the 1 million won cancellation fee more than me, she said yes.' In a moment of despair, he tearfully shared, 'I even thought that if I died, I could sell my organs for money.' 

Upon hearing this, the mother remarked, 'It felt like you were threatening me with your life,' which left the son feeling frustrated. He questioned whether she had ever considered how scared he might be as well.

아들, 34년째 이어진 母폭언에 극단적 생각..."죽으면 장기라도 갖다 팔아라" (‘결혼지옥’) [순간포착]

Son Shares Disturbing Thoughts After Mother's Hurtful Words on 'Oh Eun-young Report: Marriage Hell'

On January 7, model Lee Jae-si, daughter of former soccer player Lee Dong-guk, shared two captivating photos on her social media. In the images, she poses in a white shirt, exuding a fresh and innocent charm that has drawn significant attention. Fans were quick to comment on her striking beauty, with remarks like, 'Is it possible to be this pretty at 17?' and 'Makeup suits you so well.' Lee Jae-si, born in 2007, is not only making waves as a model but has also recently enrolled in the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Her family, including her father Lee Dong-guk and mother Lee Soo-jin, a former Miss Korea, gained popularity through their appearances on KBS 2TV's 'The Return of Superman.'

‘이동국 딸’ 이재시, 17살이라고 믿을 수 없는 완성형 비주얼

Model Lee Jae-si Showcases Stunning Beauty in New Photos

Shaoting of the girl group Kep1er is currently in discussions regarding her future activities following the expiration of her contract with her Chinese agency. After returning to South Korea, she is negotiating with Wake One and Clap Entertainment about her upcoming involvement with Kep1er. The group's future plans will be finalized after these discussions.

Shaoting debuted in 2021 after finishing ninth in the Mnet audition program Girls Planet 999: Girls Battle. Initially, Kep1er was formed as a project group with a planned activity period of 2 years and 6 months. However, in November of last year, seven members, excluding Kang Yeseo and Mashiro, successfully re-signed, marking the first re-contracting for a project group.

Kep1er made a comeback with their sixth mini-album TIPI-TAP, achieving notable success, including reaching 147th on the Billboard 200 chart. However, Shaoting was unable to participate in the group's December schedule as she was engaged in individual activities in China.

With her contract with Top Class Entertainment expiring on January 1, Shaoting expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the agency and everyone who supported her throughout her journey. She also reflected on her personal growth and looked forward to the new year, stating, "I am excited about the journey of discovering myself and looking at the world."

As fans are curious about her next steps following the end of her contract, it has been confirmed that Shaoting is currently discussing her future activities with Kep1er after returning to Korea.

Meanwhile, Kep1er is set to perform at the 2024 Super Sound Festival in Macau on January 18 and will hold the 2025 Kep1er FAN CON TOUR BEYOND THE STAR in SEOUL on February 15 and 16 at the Sungshin Women's University Unjeong Green Campus Auditorium.

[단독] 케플러 샤오팅, 中 소속사 계약 만료..국내 복귀 "향후 활동 논의 중"

Kep1er's Shaoting Discusses Future Activities After Contract Expiration with Chinese Agency

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

In the latest episode of Salon Drip 2, actor Song Joong-ki opened up about his children, showcasing his affectionate side. The episode, titled 'Our Dad Roars,' premiered on January 7, 2025, on the Salon Drip 2 channel.

During the show, Lee Hee-joon, who met Song Joong-ki for the first time, shared how his close friend Jin Sun-kyu praised Song, leading to their collaboration on a film project. They described their acting discussions as a form of study, where they interpret the same script in different ways and engage in improvisation. Song Joong-ki expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, noting that he had never formally studied acting and found the experience enlightening. He even mentioned reinterpreting a script from the historical drama 'Deep Rooted Tree' in a modern context, which surprised viewers.

As the show progressed, the conversation shifted to family. Lee Hee-joon was caught on camera saying, 'Dad is working,' during a call with the production team, explaining that his child loves to play and keeps him busy. He humorously noted that his son thinks he is a bookworm because he often reads scripts, while his mother is known for her role in the soccer variety show 'Goal Digger.'

Lee Hee-joon also shared insights about his six-year-old son, revealing that he is a talented artist with a sensitive nature, having previously been a national basketball player.

When asked about Song Joong-ki's children, the conversation turned to their resemblance to their parents. Song Joong-ki, who married former actress Katie Louise Saunders in 2023 and welcomed a son in Rome, Italy, shared that his first child has his lips but resembles his wife in the eyes, while the second child has his wife's nose.

He expressed a desire for his children to inherit their mother's linguistic abilities, as she is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and French. Song Joong-ki mentioned that he admires her dedication to learning Korean and hopes their children will also develop strong language skills, enhancing their quality of life.

Song Joong-ki Shares Heartwarming Insights About His Children on Salon Drip 2

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.

Production Press Conference for 'Broken' Held in Seoul

What do you think?

Trending

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

Song Joong-ki Shares Heartwarming Insights About His Children on Salon Drip 2

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'

More

Jo Yu-ri in Talks for New Drama 'Variety' Amidst 'Squid Game Season 2' Success

Song Joong-ki's Heartwarming Gesture on Salon Drip 2

Son Shares Disturbing Thoughts After Mother's Hurtful Words on 'Oh Eun-young Report: Marriage Hell'

Model Lee Jae-si Showcases Stunning Beauty in New Photos

Kep1er's Shaoting Discusses Future Activities After Contract Expiration with Chinese Agency

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea