Hollywood actor Robert Pattinson made a special visit to South Korea on January 19, 2025, arriving at Incheon International Airport to promote director Bong Joon-ho's latest film, 'Mickey17'. Despite his busy schedule filming his next project, Pattinson expressed a strong desire to visit Korea, the home country of the acclaimed director. Upon his arrival, he took the time to meet with fans, showcasing his enthusiasm for the film and the local culture.

Robert Pattinson Arrives in South Korea to Promote 'Mickey17'

In the latest episodes of SBS's global boy group audition program, Universe League, aired on January 17 and 18, a total of 15 contestants were eliminated, confirming that 21 participants will move on to the finals. 

The eighth episode showcased the performances of the second unit following the first unit's stage in the third round of the league. Team Groove performed 'Butterfly', Team Beat presented 'ON&ON', and Team Rhythm prepared 'Don't Hit The Brakes'. 

Team Groove revamped their lineup for 'Butterfly', replacing Kim Juhyung, who struggled with high notes, with Seo Jeongwoo, who had previously been eliminated in 'I Am You'. Despite the challenges, Team Groove's performance received positive feedback. 

Team Beat maintained their seven main members from the first unit, receiving special lessons from Punch Nello at their agency's practice room and vocal advice from the vocal director of Venders Production, founded by El Capitan. Thanks to the directors' efforts, Team Beat delivered an almost flawless performance of 'ON&ON'. 

Similar to Team Groove, Team Beat also restructured their elite lineup. Notably, Kim Dongyoon, who was excluded from the first unit, faced elimination again in the second unit, losing another chance to perform. Instead, the directors selected strong performers for the elite lineup, a strategy that proved successful. Team Rhythm's stage also garnered enthusiastic applause. 

As the third round progressed, the scores and rankings from the live voting were revealed. Team Groove, who had topped the first two rounds, scored 3,362 points, securing first place in the live voting once again. Team Beat recorded 3,204 points, avoiding last place for the first time, while Team Rhythm ranked third with 3,036 points, shocking the contestants. 

However, a twist occurred when the final scores, including online votes, were tallied. Team Rhythm dominated the online voting with 59,898 points, claiming the top spot in the third round. Consequently, Team Groove took second place, and Team Beat faced the embarrassment of finishing last for the third consecutive time. 

With the announcement of individual rankings, eliminations followed. Team Beat received six yellow cards, leading to the elimination of Jin Ziming, Li Ziwei, and Kim Hyotaek, who already had yellow cards. Additionally, in the final trade of the league, Kim Dongyoon and Hiroto from Team Rhythm were released, while Seo Jeongwoo and Park Juwon from Team Groove joined Team Rhythm. Kim Daeyun moved from Team Groove to Team Beat, and An Yul from Team Beat to Team Groove, resulting in emotional farewells among the contestants. 

The eliminations did not stop there. In the ninth episode, as the finalists were determined, an additional 13 contestants left Universe League. The criteria for receiving a direct ticket to the finals included 'fan selection' and 'director selection'. A total of 21 contestants, including the top fan-voted players and those chosen by the directors, will take the stage in the finals. 

From the top-ranked Team Rhythm, five players advanced to the finals based on fan votes: JL, Steven, Zhang Shuai Bo, Zeun, and Park Juwon. Notably, JL garnered over one million votes, ranking first overall and surprising everyone. From the second-ranked Team Groove, Park Han, Kim Juhyung, and Kenta were selected, while Team Beat's sole representative chosen by fans was Cha Woong Ki. 

The remaining spots were filled by two from Team Rhythm, four from Team Groove, and six from Team Beat, with the directors making their selections regardless of team affiliation. Team Rhythm's directors, NCT and WayV's Ten and Yangyang, chose Daisuke and Seo Jeongwoo for the finals. Team Groove's director Lee Changseob selected Jang Kyungho, Koo Hanseo, Kwon Heejun, and Kim Gijung. 

With 19 contestants remaining, Team Beat's directors, Yugyeom and El Capitan, faced the challenge of filling the last six spots. Their choices included Kairi, Geum Jin Ho, Yuito, Shirin, Zenzen, and Kim Dongyoon. Geum Jin Ho and Yuito, who ranked 22nd and 30th respectively, were outside the top 21 based on team votes but earned a chance to advance due to the directors' selections. Additionally, Shirin, Zenzen, and Kim Dongyoon, who were not originally from Team Beat, will compete as members of Team Beat in the finals. 

Thus, the final lineups for each team have been established. Team Rhythm will feature JL, Steven, Zhang Shuai Bo, Zeun, Park Juwon, Daisuke, and Seo Jeongwoo; Team Groove will include Park Han, Kim Juhyung, Kenta, Jang Kyungho, Koo Hanseo, Kwon Heejun, and Kim Gijung; and Team Beat will consist of Cha Woong Ki, Kairi, Geum Jin Ho, Yuito, Shirin, Zenzen, and Kim Dongyoon. The remaining 13 contestants in the locker room faced their final eliminations with tears. 

Meanwhile, Universe League is a global boy group audition program co-produced by SBS and F&F Entertainment. The finale of Universe League will be broadcast live on January 24 at 11:20 PM.

'유니버스 리그' 제이엘, 100만 표로 전체 1위..파이널 진출 21人 확정

21 Contestants Advance to the Finals of Universe League

On the January 17 episode of KBS 2TV's variety show 'Newly Released Restaurant' (신상출시 편스토랑), newlywed Um Ki-joon opened up about his proposal story. The episode featured the charming anecdotes of Yoon Jong-hoon, who showcased his impressive cooking skills since his debut last week. 

During the show, Yoon Jong-hoon invited his fellow 'Penthouse' co-stars Um Ki-joon, Ha Do-kwon, and Bong Tae-kyu to his home. As Yoon Jong-hoon was busy cooking, Um Ki-joon entered using a password, surprising the panelists. Yoon Jong-hoon revealed that only the three of them knew the password, indicating their close friendship. 

Once Ha Do-kwon and Bong Tae-kyu arrived, Yoon Jong-hoon prepared a lavish meal for them. Ha Do-kwon commented, "You should treat your girlfriend like this," while Bong Tae-kyu asked Yoon Jong-hoon what kind of partner he would like. Ha Do-kwon suggested a "quiet yet bright" woman, to which Um Ki-joon agreed, saying he also prefers someone cheerful. 

Bong Tae-kyu noted that Yoon Jong-hoon thinks deeply about relationships, suggesting that marrying someone simple and bright would be ideal. Ha Do-kwon added that it's important for a partner to be perceptive, joking that Yoon Jong-hoon should be aware when he's upset. The group shared laughs as they teased Yoon Jong-hoon about his reactions. 

Ha Do-kwon also mentioned that Yoon Jong-hoon is cute when drunk, prompting Um Ki-joon to agree that a man with charm is necessary. When Bong Tae-kyu asked if Um Ki-joon has charm, he surprised everyone by saying he does with his girlfriend (now wife). 

Bong Tae-kyu expressed his surprise at Um Ki-joon's recent marriage, recalling that he thought Um Ki-joon would never settle down. Um Ki-joon explained that his relationship happened unexpectedly, with Ha Do-kwon agreeing that it felt like a series of fortunate coincidences. 

Yoon Jong-hoon promised to share any major announcements with his friends first. Um Ki-joon revealed that he showed his proposal to his girlfriend the day after he popped the question, even before his family. 

Um Ki-joon then shared the details of his proposal, explaining that he had never tried glamping before, so he booked a glamping site. He secretly placed a gift in his brother's car and later asked him to drive to get meat, all while preparing for the proposal alone. In contrast, Bong Tae-kyu shared that he wanted to skip dating and go straight to marriage, leading Yoon Jong-hoon to call him a pro-marriage advocate.

‘새신랑’ 엄기준, 로맨틱 가이였네..“펜션 잡고 ♥아내에 프러포즈” (‘편스토랑’)[종합]

Um Ki-joon Shares Proposal Story on 'Newly Released Restaurant'

On January 17, during an episode of Comedy TV, comedian Hwang Je-seong openly shared his longing for a third child. While enjoying a traditional dish called 옻오리백숙 (herbal duck soup), he praised it as a health food and remarked, "I wonder if this means a third child is on the way. Lately, I've really been wanting a third baby." He added, "Shh, it's a secret. I almost got into trouble after mentioning it to my wife a while ago." In a light-hearted moment, fellow cast member Kim Hae-jun suggested ordering another herbal duck to support Hwang's wish for a third child, to which Hwang humorously responded, "I really miss having a third child." In another segment, Hwang was selected as a member for a tasting challenge at a second restaurant featuring 생골뱅이 (live sea snail), but unfortunately, he did not succeed in the challenge.

"셋째 너무 갖고 싶어"..황제성, 아내 들으면 큰일 날 고백 (맛있는 녀석들)

Hwang Je-seong Expresses Desire for Third Child on Comedy Show

In the latest episode of TV Chosun's Mister Trot 3, aired on January 16, the current contestants of Group 2, known as the 'Trot Avengers,' showcased an impressive tap dance performance while singing Hyun In's classic 'Dream in a Dream.' The team, consisting of Son Bin-a (손빈아), Kim Yong-bin (김용빈), Chu Hyuk-jin (추혁진), and Chun-gil (춘길), triumphed over Group 3 with a score of 14 to 3.

Chun-gil, the eldest member at 45, comforted his teammates backstage as they dealt with the pressure of high expectations. "We felt a lot of pressure and burden because of the expectations placed on us. We practiced until dawn, and many of us fell ill just days before the competition," he shared.

The Trot Avengers, formed by Son Bin-a, who had the first pick during the preliminary round, included seasoned artists like Kim Yong-bin, a 22-year veteran of the trot genre, and Chu Hyuk-jin, who ranked ninth in Mister Trot 2. Their rendition of 'Dream in a Dream,' originally from a 1942 Chinese film, was arranged in a jazz style, allowing each member to shine.

The performance featured a seamless blend of vocals, with Son Bin-a's rhythmic solo leading into Chun-gil's high notes, followed by Kim Yong-bin's solid delivery and Chu Hyuk-jin's powerful voice. The tap dance segment was executed with precision, adding a dynamic layer to their performance.

Despite their success, the journey was not without challenges. Harsh critiques during rehearsals kept the team awake at night, and their practice sessions left their white socks stained with blood from the rigorous tap dancing. Ultimately, their hard work paid off, earning them a standing ovation from all 14 judges and enthusiastic cheers from the audience of 200.

The episode also featured other groups, including the university division and various genre teams, with a total of 34 teams advancing to the next round of the competition. The ratings for the episode reached 11.9%, maintaining its position as the top-rated program in its time slot, with a peak rating of 13.9%.

춘길·손빈아·김용빈·추혁진 ‘트롯 어벤저스’의 완승

Tap Dance Debut Leaves Judges in Awe on Mister Trot 3

Broadcast personality Jang Do-yeon is stepping into the world of acting for the first time. Her agency, Tn Entertainment, announced on January 18, 2025, that she has recently completed filming for the movie 'Your Country' (working title). The film is co-directed by her close friend and notable filmmaker Lee Ok-seop, alongside Koo Kyo-hwan, who also stars in the lead role. In the film, Jang Do-yeon develops a unique chemistry with Koo Kyo-hwan. Jang's friendship with director Lee Ok-seop is well-known in the industry. The release date for 'Your Country' has yet to be announced.

[공식] 장도연, 구교환과 아슬아슬 로맨스 연기 펼친다…'너의 나라' 촬영 마쳐

Jang Do-yeon Makes Her Acting Debut in 'Your Country'

In the latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Ask the Stars' (별들에게 물어봐), Lee Min-ho's character, Gong-ryong, openly reveals his feelings for Eve Kim, played by Gong Hyo-jin. During the episode aired on January 18, Gong-ryong receives a call from Choi Go-eun (Han Ji-eun), where he informs her of his decision to break off their engagement. After confessing his love to Eve, Gong-ryong expresses regret to Choi Go-eun, who apologizes for announcing their engagement. He responds, 'I'm sorry. I'm a foolish man,' to which she reassures him, 'Why do you think you're foolish? You're doing well, even succeeding in surgery. I feel unworthy to face you.' Gong-ryong then states, 'I don't deserve you. It's not because of Kang Kang-soo (Oh Jung-se), but because of me. I won't marry you. I'm sorry,' before ending the call. Choi Go-eun is left in shock, seemingly unable to process the news.

Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon recently expressed their deep affection for each other on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' as they prepare for their wedding in April. During the January 18 broadcast, Ailee shared her thoughts on proposals, stating, "I was already preparing for the wedding, so receiving a proposal felt strange and I didn't like it. But my boyfriend had everything planned after a trip, and we ended up keeping it simple."

She continued, "I was monitoring some YouTube content, and it turned into a video letter. My family and friends from the U.S. appeared, and my boyfriend thanked me for agreeing to marry him. It was so my style that I cried. My single life is officially over," proudly showing off her diamond ring.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon, who gained fame from the Netflix reality show 'Single's Inferno' (솔로지옥), will tie the knot on April 20 after a year of dating. While Choi Si-hoon has previously acted, he is currently focused on his F&B and MCN businesses.

As a wedding gift, Yoo Jae-suk and the 'How Do You Play?' team presented the couple with matching mugs, slippers, and pajamas. Ailee expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying she was deeply moved by the gifts, especially as she joined the Winter Song project.

However, the biggest surprise came from her fiancé, Choi Si-hoon, who shared a heartfelt video message: "I’m happy to have the chance to do a small event. As we start our second chapter in life, I promise to protect you forever and be by your side. No matter who bothers you, I’ll take care of it. You know I’m a real man, right? Thank you for starting this new life with me, I love you."

In an impromptu call, he added, "I’m sending our dog to puppy kindergarten. I’m nervous but happy. My wife is an amazing person. I want to protect her and start a life together. I hope we can be happy for a long time while taking care of our health."

Hearing Choi Si-hoon’s sincere words brought Ailee to tears.

Ailee and Choi Si-hoon Showcase Their Love on MBC's 'How Do You Play?' Ahead of Their Wedding

Actor Robert Pattinson has made his first trip to South Korea, arriving at Incheon International Airport on January 19, 2025. The visit is part of the promotional activities for Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film, 'Mickey 17'. Sporting sunglasses and a casual outfit, Pattinson drew attention as he greeted numerous fans at the airport. He warmly interacted with them, offering autographs and handshakes, showcasing his appreciation for their support.

Despite a busy filming schedule for his next project, Pattinson expressed a strong desire to visit South Korea, the home country of director Bong Joon-ho. His arrival marks the beginning of global promotional efforts for 'Mickey 17'. On January 20, he will participate in a footage screening of the film, followed by a press conference with Korean media, where he will discuss various aspects of 'Mickey 17' and engage with fans during a stage greeting.

'Mickey 17' is Bong Joon-ho's first directorial project since the acclaimed 'Parasite'. The film follows a disposable character named Mickey, who is sent on dangerous missions and is printed anew each time he dies. The story unfolds as Mickey faces his 17th death, leading to the unexpected emergence of Mickey 18. Pattinson plays two contrasting versions of Mickey, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Originally, 'Mickey 17' began production in the summer of 2022, with a release date set for March 29, 2023. However, Warner Bros. shifted the release of 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' to that date, resulting in 'Mickey 17' being rescheduled for a Korean release on January 28, 2025, and a global release on January 31, 2025. Following further adjustments, the North American release has been moved up to March 7, 2025, with a worldwide premiere in South Korea on February 28, 2025.

Robert Pattinson Makes His First Visit to South Korea to Meet Fans

In the latest episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서), which aired on January 18, 2025, the relationship between 강지윤 (Han Ji-min) and 유은호 (Lee Jun-hyuk) deepens significantly. 

During the episode, 강지윤 finds herself falling asleep at 유은호's home, where she dreams of her late father and wakes up in tears. In a moment of comfort, 유은호 holds her hand tightly. After spending the night, 강지윤 hurriedly packs her things and leaves. 

The two characters are also seen trying to resolve a conflict at work regarding a controversy over counterfeit luxury bags presented by a luxury appraiser from Careerway. Amidst this chaos, 유은호's daughter 별 (기소유) has an accident after meeting 강지윤, leading to her hospitalization. 

As the story unfolds, 강지윤 begins to develop feelings for 유은호, displaying unusual curiosity about him by asking 서미애 (이상희) about his character. She also shows a willingness to trust people rather than just relying on cold logic when addressing workplace issues. 

Her change in demeanor does not go unnoticed by 우정훈 (김도훈), who teasingly remarks on their apparent closeness and encourages 강지윤 to ask him anything about 유은호, whom he claims to know well. Although 강지윤 dismisses the notion by saying, "What do you mean, what kind of person? He’s my secretary," her gaze betrays her true feelings. 

Ultimately, during a date where they attend a performance together, 강지윤 realizes her feelings when she spots 유은호 among a crowd. In a preview for the next episode, she is seen trying to avoid him but ultimately confesses, "I have a problem. I like you, 유은호."

Han Ji-min Realizes Her Feelings for Lee Jun-hyuk in 'My Perfect Secretary'

Former announcer and current broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo speculated on Kim Dae-ho's potential transition to freelancing during the latest episode of MBC's variety show, 'Knowing Bros' (전지적 참견 시점), which aired on January 18, 2025. The episode featured the daily life of Kim Su-ji, an anchor for MBC's 'News Desk'. 

During the show, Yoo Byung-jae asked Jeon Hyun-moo if he sensed that Kim Su-ji might be considering freelancing, given her roles as an MBC announcer, lyricist, and writer. Jeon responded, looking directly at Kim Su-ji, "She certainly has the looks for it. MBC supports external activities well, so I don't think there would be any issues with her songwriting."

However, Jeon added a twist, suggesting that Kim Su-ji's appearances on shows like 'Knowing Bros' and 'You Quiz on the Block' indicate a desire for more freelance opportunities. He remarked, "There’s a spark there. If someone fans the flames, it could ignite."

In contrast, fellow guests Song Eun-i and Hong Hyun-hee expressed their belief that Kim Su-ji is managing her career carefully, ensuring that her news duties remain unaffected. They noted, "She’s maintaining a good balance and is likely to keep her promises."

When Yoo Byung-jae inquired about who he thought was a typical freelancer, Jeon Hyun-moo quickly replied, "Kim Dae-ho," eliciting laughter. He quickly clarified that this was just his personal opinion and not a confirmed fact.

Robert Pattinson Arrives in South Korea to Promote 'Mickey17'

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Lee Min-ho Confesses His Feelings for Gong Hyo-jin in 'Ask the Stars'

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