Irene, a member of the popular girl group Red Velvet, has made a generous donation of 100 million won to support recovery efforts for the recent wildfires in the Yeongnam region. The donation was announced on March 31 by the Community Chest of Korea, led by Chairman Kim Byung-jun. The funds will be allocated to assist firefighters working tirelessly on the front lines and to help restore housing and livelihoods for those affected by the disaster. In her statement, Irene expressed her hope that her contribution would provide some comfort to those suffering from the wildfire's impact and extended her heartfelt gratitude to the firefighters bravely battling the flames. This is not the first time Irene has shown her philanthropic spirit; she previously donated 100 million won in 2020 to support medical staff and vulnerable communities in her hometown of Daegu during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Red Velvet's Irene Donates 100 Million Won for Wildfire Relief

레드벨벳 아이린, 산불 피해 복구 위해 1억 원 기부 [공식]

EXO's Kai is set to celebrate his comeback with a showcase event. On April 21 at 6 PM KST, he will release his fourth mini album, ‘Wait On Me’ (웨이트 온 미), across various music platforms. Following the album launch, a showcase will take place at 8 PM KST at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, where Kai will meet fans in person.

This showcase marks Kai's first solo performance since his debut in 2020, and he will unveil the title track ‘Wait On Me’ live for the first time. Fans can also look forward to hearing various stories related to the album, making it a highly anticipated event.

Additionally, the showcase will be streamed live on YouTube and the Weverse EXO channel, allowing fans worldwide to join in on the excitement of Kai's long-awaited return as a 'world-class performer.'

On April 3 at 6 PM KST, Kai will pre-release the track ‘Adult Swim’ (어덜트 스윔), which features a relaxed yet cheerful vibe. Earlier today, a teaser for the ‘Adult Swim’ music video was released on the SMTOWN YouTube channel, showcasing the song's refreshing visuals and atmosphere.

The new track ‘Adult Swim’ is an upbeat pop song characterized by a simple yet energetic drum loop, with lyrics that metaphorically depict two people swimming together fearlessly in the depths of love.

엑소 카이, 21일 컴백 쇼케이스 개최..‘월클’ 퍼포머의 귀환

EXO's Kai to Hold Comeback Showcase for New Mini Album

The pop-up store 'BTOB X B'BE FRIENDS POP-UP 'Freshory: Laundry Lab'' featuring BTOB members Seo Eunkwang, Lee Minhyuk, Im Hyunsik, and Peniel has successfully wrapped up after two weeks of operation. Launched on March 20 at the Iconic Zone on the basement level of Hyundai Department Store in Seoul, the event attracted significant attention from global fans and concluded on April 2.

This pop-up was a collaborative project based on the development of BTOB's official characters, in partnership with the women-led social enterprise Kkotmari Cooperative and clean tech leader Cheongse's Youth Life. It showcased limited-edition products such as laundry detergents, soaps, and hand soaps. Additionally, various items featuring character designs unique to each member were available, along with fan events that generated enthusiastic responses.

For two weeks, the pop-up store saw a continuous stream of visitors, with even department store customers showing great interest, leading to bustling crowds on both weekends and weekdays.

On March 26, members Lee Minhyuk, Im Hyunsik, and Peniel made a surprise visit to the pop-up store. They engaged with fans by stamping event cards, leaving comments, printing on T-shirts, and purchasing merchandise, which heightened the excitement of the event.

The members' handwritten notes scattered throughout the store added an extra layer of enjoyment for visitors, making the experience even more memorable.

In response to the enthusiastic support from global fans, BTOB Company plans to launch online sales of the merchandise featured at the pop-up store.

Meanwhile, BTOB successfully concluded their fan concert '3,2,1 GO! MELympic' held from March 21 to 23 at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul. They will continue their tour with upcoming performances in Taipei on April 12, Kuala Lumpur on April 19, and Hong Kong on April 25 and 26, followed by a show in Macau on May 10.

비투비, 글로벌 팬 호응 속 팝업스토어 성료..현장 깜짝방문→곳곳에 숨긴 코멘트 '재미 UP'

BTOB's Pop-Up Store 'Freshory: Laundry Lab' Concludes Successfully

In the latest episode of Mnet's Couple Palace 2, aired on April 2, 2025, Kim Hyun-joong made a surprising suggestion to Im Si-yeon, proposing that she consider leaving the show due to her emotional distress. The episode featured the couple's date following a consultation with a wedding planner. Upon arriving at a café, Kim expressed his excitement about their first café date and asked Im if she enjoyed the previous night's couple zone party. However, Im revealed that she found the experience overwhelming and stressful, particularly recalling the tense family meeting where Kim's father discussed his late sister. Im admitted that the deep conversation left her shocked and contributed to her discomfort during the party. She expressed a desire to be alone or quietly together, feeling mentally drained from the previous day's events. Observing her distress, Kim reflected on his feelings for her and suggested that perhaps it would be best for her to leave the show, which shocked everyone present. The MC, Ga-hee, likened his comment to a boyfriend suggesting a breakup when his girlfriend expresses difficulty. Im, taken aback, acknowledged her struggles but had not considered leaving until that moment. The atmosphere turned cold as they returned to their accommodation, and Im later shared in an interview that hearing the word 'departure' felt like a shock, flooding her with memories of happier times. Kim also expressed his desire to propose but found it hard to see Im in pain, questioning how their situation had come to this.

김현중♥임시연, 상견례까지 마쳤는데..“퇴소하는 게 좋겠다” 충격 발언 (‘커플팰리스2’)

Kim Hyun-joong Suggests Departure to Im Si-yeon on Couple Palace 2

K-pop group TREASURE is set to make a significant impact in the North American music scene as they embark on their first-ever tour in the region. The group will launch their 'TREASURE 2025 FIRST US TOUR [SPECIAL MOMENT]' with a concert on April 6 at the Paramount in Brooklyn, New York. Following this, they will perform in Washington D.C., Oakland, and Los Angeles, engaging with fans across the continent.

This tour marks TREASURE's debut in the United States, a key market in the global music industry. Having established a strong international presence through extensive Asian tours and fan meetings, the group is well-prepared to showcase their unique stage presence, which was recently highlighted during their concert in Seoul.

In addition to their live performances, TREASURE has planned a series of promotional activities both online and offline. They will appear on the popular American music program MTV Fresh Out Live on April 18, where they will perform their title track 'YELLOW' from their special mini-album [PLEASURE].

The group will also participate in events like the Grammy Museum's Global Spin Live and the LA Dodgers' Korean Heritage Night, which will allow them to connect with audiences through their dynamic live performances. Furthermore, TREASURE will engage with fans through various radio shows and YouTube content, including Sirius-XM.

With a packed schedule that spans multiple major platforms, TREASURE is set to strengthen their connection with local fans and music enthusiasts. Their first visit to the U.S. is filled with activities that will showcase their diverse talents, promising to elevate their global popularity even further.

TREASURE recently kicked off their [SPECIAL MOMENT] tour with a spectacular three-day concert at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul from March 28 to 30. After their North American tour, they will head to Japan, visiting cities such as Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka, and Saitama, as part of a global fan concert tour that includes 17 shows across nine cities.

트레저, 美 활동 본격 신호탄..뉴욕서 첫 투어 포문

TREASURE Kicks Off First North American Tour with Exciting Promotions

On April 1, global beauty brand Y.O.U BEAUTY GLOBAL announced the termination of its partnership with actor Kim Soo-hyun amid ongoing controversies surrounding his personal life, including grooming allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron. 

Y.O.U BEAUTY had appointed Kim Soo-hyun as a beauty ambassador in 2022, praising him as one of the most successful actors in Korea and expressing confidence that he would inspire others to pursue their dreams with positivity and confidence. However, following recent scandals, the brand released a statement on its official account regarding the partnership. 

The statement emphasized Y.O.U's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and interests of all women, stating, "We encourage women to step forward with newfound confidence and a radiant life, and we do not tolerate any actions that undermine our brand values." 

After careful consideration, Y.O.U BEAUTY decided to end its partnership with Kim Soo-hyun and is taking immediate action to remove all materials related to him from their platforms, stating they will pursue all necessary legal actions if required. The brand has already deleted all photos and posts featuring Kim Soo-hyun from its accounts. 

Meanwhile, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron has made claims through the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae-ron from 2015, when she was a minor, for six years. They have demanded compensation of 700 million KRW for damages related to a drunk driving incident and have sent two legal notices, claiming Kim Soo-hyun was negligent in addressing the situation. They also released alleged intimate photos, videos, letters, and messages exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, demanding an apology and acknowledgment from Kim Soo-hyun's side. 

In response, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference on March 31, tearfully denying the allegations, stating, "We dated for about a year, five years ago, before 'Queen of Tears' aired four years ago. I did not have a relationship with her when she was a minor." He also refuted claims regarding messages exchanged during Kim Sae-ron's minor years, asserting that the individuals in the conversations from 2016 and 2018 were different people. 

Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, attorney Kim Jong-bok from LK Partners, announced that they have filed a defamation lawsuit against the family and the operators of Garosero Research Institute, claiming violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and seeking 12 billion KRW in damages.

Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

The Netflix film 'Revelation' (계시록), starring Ryu Jun-yeol, has claimed the number one spot in the global top 10 non-English films for two consecutive weeks. The film tells the story of a pastor who believes that punishing the perpetrator of a missing person case is a divine revelation, and a detective haunted by the spirit of his deceased brother, as they each pursue their own beliefs.

In the film, Ryu Jun-yeol portrays Seong Min-chan, a pastor leading a small church who receives a divine message to punish the culprit behind a sudden disappearance, leading to a dramatic transformation in his life. Ryu skillfully builds emotional depth as his character undergoes significant changes, showcasing a powerful performance that captivates audiences with its intensity.

Ryu Jun-yeol's portrayal of Seong Min-chan has been described as exceptional, with many viewers expressing that no one else could have delivered such a performance. This acclaim has helped 'Revelation' maintain its position at the top of the global non-English films chart even in its second week of release.

Additionally, from March 24 to March 30, 'Revelation' recorded a total of 6,900,000 views (calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the film's runtime) and has appeared in the top 10 lists of 65 countries, including Japan, France, and Mexico, drawing worldwide attention.

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Netflix Global Non-English Films for Two Weeks

On April 2, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially filed a complaint against Kim Se-yeol, the operator of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute), for violating stalking laws. Kim Soo-hyun's legal representatives from LK Partners announced that both he and a gold medalist have taken this action due to ongoing harassment.

The complaint follows a series of broadcasts by Garo Sero, which began on March 10, 2025, with a sensational title claiming that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in the death of actress Kim Sae-ron, alleging a six-year relationship that started when she was just 15. The channel has reportedly aired content about Kim Soo-hyun daily, except for one day, spreading false information.

Kim Soo-hyun's team stated that Garo Sero has indiscriminately shared images and videos of the actor, including private letters and messages, on their YouTube channel. They emphasized that the only way to stop such 'cyber harassment' is through strict investigation and punishment.

Furthermore, the gold medalist has refuted all claims made by Garo Sero regarding the alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron, asserting that the accusations are entirely false and based on manipulated evidence. They plan to continue to respond firmly to any further dissemination of false information by Garo Sero.

In related news, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025. Following her funeral, her family claimed through Garo Sero that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old.

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

On April 2, a production briefing for the occult action film 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' (거룩한 밤: 데몬 헌터스) was held at Lotte Cinema in Kondae, Seoul. The event featured Ma Dong-seok, who plays the role of Bau, a dark problem-solver who uses his fists to exorcise evil, alongside Seo Hyun as Sharon, a special ability exorcist, Lee Da-wit as Kim-gun, a multi-player who tracks demons, Kyung Soo-jin as Jung-won, who seeks exorcism, and Jung Ji-so as Eun-seo, Jung-won's sister possessed by a demon. Director Lim Dae-hee also attended the event.

'Holy Night' tells the story of a city thrown into chaos by a cult that worships evil, with a team of dark problem-solvers taking on the task of eliminating the forces of evil. Following the success of last year's occult film 'The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey' (파묘) and this year's hit animated film 'The Exorcist' (퇴마록), 'Holy Night' is set to further explore the occult genre in theaters this April.

Notably, Ma Dong-seok, known for his signature fist-fighting action in the 'Crime City' series, adds an occult twist to his character in 'Holy Night.' After achieving a record of over 10 million admissions with 'Crime City 4' (범죄도시4), he faced criticism for the declining quality of the series. In response, he announced a hiatus for the 'Crime City' series to reinvent his image with 'Holy Night,' which incorporates elements of the occult.

Ma Dong-seok, who not only stars in but also produced and planned the film, expressed his excitement about working with director Lim Dae-hee, who specializes in horror films. He stated, "I thought it would be great to mix action and fantasy into an occult film. I watched thousands of horror films from various countries while planning this project, and I wanted to incorporate different elements that resonate with different eras."

Director Lim Dae-hee, who has even written a thesis on the occult genre, shared his gratitude for Ma Dong-seok's support during the filming process, especially since it was his directorial debut. He noted, "I still have a lot to learn, but I analyzed several occult films to write my thesis. I lacked experience in action scenes, but Ma Dong-seok helped me a lot. It was an honor to work with him."

Ma Dong-seok acknowledged the challenge of avoiding self-repetition in his character portrayal, stating, "While my character has familiar traits, there are also fantasy elements. I will be playing a dark problem-solver with hidden secrets. The film includes boxing action, wire work, and special effects, and we faced some injuries during filming. We aimed to find new aspects of the fist-fighting action that fans expect from me."

Seo Hyun, who received the casting offer and responded within two hours, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "I couldn't hesitate. The script was so interesting, and I wanted to work with Ma Dong-seok. I feel like I'm dreaming. I'm grateful to be part of my first commercial film with him. I plan to watch it in theaters multiple times when it releases."

Jung Ji-so expressed her love for the occult genre and the challenges of portraying a character that instills fear, stating, "This is my first time playing a character that scares others, and it was tough. However, Ma Dong-seok was very considerate behind the scenes."

Ma Dong-seok praised the chemistry among the cast, saying, "The chemistry is fantastic. While the film has a horror element, our interactions are great. We're even working on a webtoon to build the world of the film, and I would love to work with this team again."

'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' features a talented cast including Ma Dong-seok, Seo Hyun, Lee Da-wit, Kyung Soo-jin, and Jung Ji-so, marking director Lim Dae-hee's feature film debut. The film is set to be released on April 30.

Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

On April 2, 2025, the K-pop group BABYMONSTER departed from Incheon International Airport to Osaka, Japan, for their overseas schedule. The group is currently on their debut world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR,' which has already seen successful concerts in cities like Seoul, Newark, Los Angeles, Kanagawa, and Aichi. They are set to continue their performances in Japan, starting with Osaka on April 3. Overall, the tour will cover 20 cities across Asia and newly added North American dates, totaling 32 shows to connect with fans worldwide.

Red Velvet's Irene Donates 100 Million Won for Wildfire Relief

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Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Netflix Global Non-English Films for Two Weeks

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

BABYMONSTER Depart for Osaka as Part of Their First World Tour

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