Seo Dong-wook, a member of the renowned group 전람회 (Exhibition), has passed away. His funeral service will be held on December 20 at 10 AM, with the burial taking place at Yongin's 평온의 숲 (Forest of Tranquility). Seo Dong-wook died on December 18 at the age of 50 due to a chronic illness. 

In 1993, while studying at Yonsei University, he participated in MBC's 대학가요제 (College Song Festival) alongside his high school friend Kim Dong-ryul, winning both the grand prize and a special award with their song '꿈속에서' (In the Dream). The following year, he debuted with the formation of 전람회, whose first album sold over 1.5 million copies. 

The title track '기억의 습작' (Memory's Sketch) gained immense popularity and saw a resurgence in 2012 when it was featured in the soundtrack of the film '건축학개론' (Architecture 101). After the group disbanded following their third album '졸업' (Graduation) in 1993, Seo Dong-wook collaborated with Kim Dong-ryul and Lee Jeok in the project group 카니발 (Carnival) and contributed to Kim Dong-ryul's solo debut. 

After stepping away from the music scene, he earned a master's degree in business administration from Stanford University and worked for prestigious firms such as McKinsey & Company, Doosan Group, and Morgan Stanley, eventually serving as the representative for Alvarez & Marsal's Korean branch.

Remembering Seo Dong-wook: A Tribute to the Late Musician

On April 1, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun held an emotional press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, addressing the controversy surrounding the late Kim Sae-ron's death. Despite his heartfelt tears captivating both domestic and international audiences, the response has been largely negative, raising questions about his path forward.

During the press conference, Kim Soo-hyun appeared visibly distressed as he read a prepared statement. His agency has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking 12 billion won against the family of Kim Sae-ron, an unidentified individual claiming to be her aunt, and the operators of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute) for violating laws related to information and communication.

Kim Soo-hyun expressed his anguish over the disparity between his personal identity and his public persona, stating, "When 'Queen of Tears' was airing, there were so many expectations on me as the lead actor. If I were to acknowledge a past relationship, what would happen? I feel like I have always chosen the path of the star Kim Soo-hyun over the human Kim Soo-hyun, and I see that as cowardice."

He strongly denied allegations regarding his relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her minor years, emphasizing that the individuals in the 2016 and 2018 KakaoTalk messages released by her family are different people. He mentioned that these messages have been submitted to a scientific statement analysis center for verification, urging the family to present all evidence to law enforcement for proper investigation if they believe it to be true.

Kim Soo-hyun claimed that he dated Kim Sae-ron for about a year, four years before the airing of 'Queen of Tears,' and stated, "I will accept any criticism for my choices. However, that does not mean that everything untrue becomes true. What I did not do, I did not do. I will not ask you to believe me; I will prove it."

Despite his bold stance, public sentiment remains cold. Notably, profiler Bae Sang-hoon criticized the analysis of the KakaoTalk messages presented by Kim Soo-hyun's team, stating it lacks credibility and pointing out the numerous variables involved.

Kim Soo-hyun, who debuted in 2007 with the MBC sitcom 'Kimchi Cheese Smile,' has steadily risen to fame through various dramas and films, including 'Dream High,' 'The Moon Embracing the Sun,' and the recent hit 'Queen of Tears.' However, he now faces one of the most challenging crises of his career following the allegations from Kim Sae-ron's family, who claim that he engaged in a 'grooming crime' during her minor years.

In February, Kim Sae-ron passed away, and her family has continued to assert that Kim Soo-hyun's relationship with her was inappropriate. Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has countered these claims, stating that their relationship began when Kim Sae-ron was an adult, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They also clarified that the legal documents sent regarding Kim Sae-ron's DUI incident were merely procedural and not an attempt to pressure her.

Despite Kim Soo-hyun's tearful rebuttal, public criticism persists, with many questioning the sincerity of his emotions. Meanwhile, Disney+ has indefinitely postponed the release of his upcoming project 'Knock Off,' maintaining a stance of 'release on hold.' The outcome of this situation remains to be seen.

김수현 눈물도 안 통했다..역풍 맞은 기자회견, 돌파구는 없는가 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Kim Soo-hyun Breaks Down at Press Conference Amid Controversy Surrounding Late Kim Sae-ron

The brother of the late Sulli, a former member of the girl group f(x), has stirred controversy by naming several celebrities in a series of claims. He revealed that Sulli had a relationship with P.O, a member of Block B, for about a year, and alleged that IU had given Sulli the script for the film 'Real'. 

On April 2, Sulli's brother made headlines by discussing her past romance with P.O during a live broadcast, which coincided with a press conference held by Kim Soo-hyun regarding his own personal controversies. This revelation has led to renewed speculation about P.O and Sulli's relationship, especially given the sensitive context of Sulli's passing. P.O's agency, Artist Company, responded to the claims, stating, "We cannot confirm matters related to the actor's private life. We cannot verify the past relationship with the deceased as it is a private matter."

The mention of P.O's name has intensified the discussion surrounding the alleged romance, marking the first time such claims have surfaced since Sulli's death. Fans have expressed concern that discussing Sulli in this manner is disrespectful. 

Sulli's brother did not stop there; he also named other celebrities, including IU, Goo Hara, Kim Sae-ron, Han Ji-eun, Suzy, and Ahn So-hee, in his social media posts. He claimed that IU had a close relationship with Sulli and had introduced her to a psychiatrist. Additionally, he raised questions about the filming of 'Real', suggesting that Sulli faced significant physical and mental challenges during production, and hinted at possible coercion regarding her exposure scenes. 

These statements have drawn criticism for being reckless and invasive, as they involve the private lives of Sulli's colleagues without substantial evidence. Observers are concerned that such revelations may lead to sensationalism rather than constructive dialogue about the issues at hand.

피오 열애설에 아이유 소환..故설리 친오빠, 선 넘은 실명 폭로 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Sulli's Brother Sparks Controversy with Celebrity Revelations

Ryu Jun-yeol's performance in the Netflix film 'Revelation' has captivated audiences, leading the non-English global film category for two consecutive weeks. The film tells the story of a pastor who believes it is a divine revelation to punish the perpetrator of a missing person case, and a detective haunted by the ghost of the missing person's younger brother, as they each pursue their own beliefs.

In the film, Ryu Jun-yeol portrays the character Seong Min-chan, a pastor who leads a small church and lives a devout life. His world is turned upside down when he receives a divine message to punish the culprit behind a sudden disappearance. Ryu skillfully builds the emotional depth of his character, amplifying the intensity and showcasing a descent into madness that leaves viewers in shock.

Ryu's extraordinary and almost unhinged performance as Seong Min-chan has garnered reactions suggesting that no one else could have played the role as effectively. This acclaim has solidified 'Revelation's' position at the top of the global non-English film charts even in its second week of release, proving its widespread appeal.

Additionally, 'Revelation' recorded a total of 6.9 million views from March 24 to 30, ranking in the top 10 lists across 65 countries, including Japan, France, and Mexico, and drawing significant global interest.

류준열 열연 통했다..'계시록', 2주 연속 글로벌 1위ing [공식]

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Global Netflix Charts for Two Weeks

The Korea Music Copyright Association (한국음악저작권협회, KOMCA) has introduced a new policy to prevent the registration of copyrights for music created using artificial intelligence (AI). As of April 1, the association announced that it has begun requiring new copyright applicants to sign a consent form confirming that their works were created without the use of AI and solely through human creative contribution. While applicants can still submit their works without signing the form, their copyright registration will be put on hold. The consent form also states that if it is later discovered that AI was used, the applicant may face legal consequences, including withholding of royalties and removal of the work.

This decision stems from the current copyright law, which defines a 'work' as a creation that expresses human thoughts or emotions. KOMCA stated that this measure is a proactive step to prevent potential issues arising from ambiguous legal standards, and they plan to request amendments to related laws in the future. However, they noted that collaborative works where human contributions significantly outweigh those of AI may still be recognized as copyrightable, and they are reviewing the criteria for such cases.

AI로 제작한 음악, 저작권 등록 못한다

Korean Music Copyright Association Implements New Rules for AI-Generated Music

The human drama film 'Victory' (승부), directed by Kim Hyung-joo and produced by Film Company Wolgwang, has maintained its position at the top of the box office for eight consecutive days. Meanwhile, the black comedy 'Lobby' (로비), directed by Ha Jung-woo and produced by Workhouse Company and Film Momentum, has made its entrance, promising a dual box office success.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticket sales network, 'Victory' attracted 50,766 viewers on April 2, securing its spot as the number one film with a cumulative audience of 877,735. 'Lobby', which premiered on the same day, ranked second with 37,158 viewers (including previews, totaling 41,775).

'Victory' tells the story of South Korea's legendary Go player, Cho Hun-hyun, who, after losing a match against his disciple, taps into his innate competitive spirit to challenge the odds once more. The film features a star-studded cast including Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in, Ko Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, Moon Jung-hee, and Kim Kang-hoon, with Kim Hyung-joo at the helm.

Having opened on March 26, 'Victory' has surpassed 870,000 viewers and is on the verge of reaching the 1 million mark this week, solidifying its status as a leading film during the typically slow second week of its release.

On the other hand, 'Lobby' follows a startup CEO who, unfamiliar with the world of lobbying, embarks on his first golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won national project. The film stars Ha Jung-woo, Kim Ui-sung, Kang Hae-rim, Lee Dong-hwi, Park Byeong-eun, Kang Mal-geum, Choi Si-won, Cha Joo-young, Park Hae-soo, and Kwak Sun-young, marking Ha Jung-woo's third directorial effort following 'Roller Coaster' and 'Heo Sam-kwang'.

'Lobby' has received explosive audience acclaim in the off-peak theater season, expanding the reach of Ha Jung-woo's comedic genre. With a wave of recommendations from viewers flooding online platforms, it is generating significant interest as a potential box office hit alongside 'Victory'.

[종합] 이병헌 '승부' 8일 연속 흥행 1위 굳히기..하정우 '로비' 2위로 출발

Box Office Battle: 'Victory' Holds Strong While 'Lobby' Makes Its Debut

Former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seung-hyun), a central figure in the Burning Sun scandal, has reached out to the media to refute rumors about pursuing business opportunities in China. On April 3, he contacted Ilgan Sports, stating, "I want to correct the misinformation. I am not leaving Korea; I currently reside here. My overseas trips are mostly for friends' weddings or personal vacations, and I have no business meetings planned."

Seungri emphasized, "Despite claims that I am still interested in the entertainment or cultural sectors, I have no such plans. My recent meetings with industry contacts were simply casual dinners with former colleagues."

He further clarified, "I am not conceptualizing any other business ventures, and I do not know anyone from a major corporation as has been suggested."

After serving a 1.5-year prison sentence for charges related to prostitution and facilitating prostitution, Seungri was released in February 2023. He shared that since his release, he has not engaged in any economic activities and is primarily spending time with family, living a quiet life.

Reflecting on his continued presence in the news despite his retirement from the entertainment industry, he remarked, "It seems people find it entertaining to criticize me. They even refer to me as 'Defeat' instead of Seungri, as if it's a meme."

Seungri expressed his desire to clarify the false narratives surrounding him, acknowledging that the ongoing discussions may be causing fatigue for many. He sincerely apologized for any distress caused by the noise surrounding his personal life and pledged to act more responsibly to avoid further controversies.

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

On April 3, 2025, G-Dragon's agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced that they are taking a strong stance against the spread of false information and malicious posts targeting the artist on online communities and social media. The agency expressed serious concern over these harmful actions, stating that they will pursue legal action against those responsible. They emphasized that spreading false information, defamation, insults, and invasion of privacy are clear illegal acts that could lead to legal consequences under the Information and Communications Network Act and criminal law.

Galaxy Corporation is currently monitoring online platforms closely and collecting relevant evidence, with plans to utilize fan reports as crucial support for their legal actions. They urged fans to report any malicious posts they encounter.

The agency confirmed that they will thoroughly review any harmful content directed at G-Dragon and will proceed with necessary legal measures without any settlements or leniency regarding the dissemination of false information and defamation. They assured fans of their commitment to protecting the artist's rights through diligent monitoring and ongoing responses.

In related news, G-Dragon recently kicked off his 'G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN KOREA, presented by Coupang Play' with concerts held on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

On April 3, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court held its first hearing regarding Ador's lawsuit against the five members of NewJeans, seeking confirmation of the validity of their exclusive contract. While NewJeans previously attended a hearing related to Ador's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the group from signing contracts with other agencies, they did not appear for this session.

Ador maintains that the exclusive contract signed with NewJeans in April 2022 is still valid and expressed a willingness to negotiate or reach a settlement. However, NewJeans asserts that they terminated the contract in November 2023 and stated, "We cannot consider any form of negotiation."

A significant point of contention during the hearing was the differing views on former CEO Min. Ador acknowledged Min's contributions to the group's success but argued that NewJeans could exist without him. They emphasized that as a subsidiary of the leading company HYBE, they could support NewJeans through other producers. They also pointed out that NewJeans successfully completed a recent concert in Hong Kong without Min's assistance, suggesting inconsistencies in NewJeans' claims.

In response, NewJeans expressed distrust towards Ador, citing the complete change in management and a lack of communication regarding alternatives following Min's departure. They stated, "The fundamental trust has been broken, making collaboration impossible."

Ador countered that Min left voluntarily, not as a result of being ousted. They claimed that even after the court deemed the management change legal, they offered Min a chance to continue as a director and producer, which he declined, leading to a breakdown in communication and NewJeans' unilateral declaration of contract termination.

NewJeans announced their contract termination with Ador in November 2023, prompting Ador to file for both a temporary injunction and a formal lawsuit against the members. On March 21, the court granted Ador's request for a temporary injunction, leading NewJeans to announce a halt in their activities.

The next court date is set for June 5, 2025, at 11:10 AM. The judge noted the unusual nature of the case, stating, "There have been instances where contracts were terminated without any settlements, but this is a unique situation. I will consider how to assess the trust relationship."


NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

A group of four foreign tourists was recently filmed smoking in Bukhansan National Park, igniting a wave of criticism among local netizens. A citizen, identified as A, reported the incident on JTBC's '사건반장' on April 1, stating that he and his girlfriend encountered the group at Baegundae, the highest peak of Bukhansan, the day before. The footage shows the tourists sitting on a rock, casually smoking and flicking ashes onto the ground. A noted that other hikers warned them about the fire risk, but the tourists continued to smoke, laughing and responding with 'Okay, okay' while discarding their cigarette butts on the mountain.

According to Article 34 of the Forest Protection Act, smoking and other fire-related activities are prohibited in forested areas and their adjacent regions. This law aims to prevent forest fires and protect the environment, with stricter regulations in national parks like Bukhansan. Violators can face fines and legal repercussions.

The video of the tourists smoking has drawn significant backlash, especially as it surfaced just three days after a devastating forest fire in North Gyeongsang Province. Online reactions included comments like, 'How disrespectful do they think Korea is?' and 'They should be punished severely.' Many expressed concern that such actions could be seen as provocative given the recent wildfire crisis.

In response to the incident, the government announced a crackdown on illegal activities in forests, including smoking and carrying flammable materials, until May 31. Under the Forest Protection Act, those who start a fire in the mountains can face up to 15 years in prison, while negligent actions leading to forest fires can result in up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won.

Foreign Tourists Spark Controversy for Smoking in Bukhansan National Park

On April 3, 2025, approximately 20,000 attendees, including surviving victims and their families, gathered at the Jeju 4·3 Peace Park for the '77th Anniversary of the 4·3 Victims Commemoration Ceremony.' This year's event was themed 'The Breath of 4·3 is History, the Wave of Peace is Global,' emphasizing the resilience of the Jeju people and extending messages of comfort and hope to those who have faced similar tragedies worldwide.

The ceremony commenced at 10 AM with a moment of silence to honor the 4·3 victims, followed by flower offerings, speeches, poetry readings, family stories, and memorial performances. A 3D representation of the 'Peace Bell' was unveiled, symbolizing the number 7 to mark the 77th anniversary, and the bell was rung seven times. A siren signaled a minute of silence across Jeju Island.

Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivered a poignant speech, stating, 'The spirit of Jeju 4·3 teaches us the importance of unity and coexistence. If we cannot overcome conflicts of ideology, generations, regions, and classes, it will be difficult to navigate the current crisis and achieve sustainable growth for South Korea.' He expressed hope that the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation from 4·3 would unite the nation and propel it toward a brighter future, assuring that the government would strive to foster true harmony and integration.

During the ceremony, cultural historian Hong Chun-ho shared the history of the Jeju 4·3 incident through storytelling. A video presentation highlighted efforts to register Jeju 4·3 records as UNESCO World Documentary Heritage.

A touching family story was shared about the late Kim Hee-sook, who was 29 during the 4·3 incident. Genetic testing of her remains led to a reunion of three generations, including her son Kim Kwang-ik and grandson Kim Kyung-hyun, after over 70 years.

The ceremony concluded with a memorial performance by singer Yang Hee-eun and the Bella Children's Choir, who sang 'The Song of the Camellia Flower' and 'Evergreen.'

Remembering Seo Dong-wook: A Tribute to the Late Musician

What do you think?

Trending

Seungri Denies Business Rumors Amid Ongoing Controversy

G-Dragon Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

NewJeans Declares Legal Battle Against Ador

Foreign Tourists Spark Controversy for Smoking in Bukhansan National Park

77th Anniversary of Jeju 4·3 Victims Commemoration Ceremony Held

More

Kim Soo-hyun Breaks Down at Press Conference Amid Controversy Surrounding Late Kim Sae-ron

Sulli's Brother Sparks Controversy with Celebrity Revelations

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Global Netflix Charts for Two Weeks

Korean Music Copyright Association Implements New Rules for AI-Generated Music

Box Office Battle: 'Victory' Holds Strong While 'Lobby' Makes Its Debut

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