Actor Seo Kang-joon has shared his reasons for choosing 'Undercover High School' as his comeback project after a three-year hiatus. During the '2024 MBC Acting Awards' held on January 5, Seo Kang-joon and Jin Ki-joo appeared as presenters for the Drama of the Year award. 'Undercover High School' is a comedic action drama that follows a National Intelligence Service agent who goes undercover as a high school student to track down the missing gold bars of Emperor Gojong. The show is set to premiere in February.

This marks Seo Kang-joon's first return to the screen since his role in the Disney+ series 'Grid' in 2022, and it is also his first project after being discharged from military service in May 2023.

Seo Kang-joon explained his decision to join 'Undercover High School' by stating, "When I read the script, I found it appealing due to its mix of comedy, action, human elements, and crime. Each MBC drama showcases unique charms and powerful storytelling, making it impossible for me to turn down this opportunity." 

Jin Ki-joo added, "I was also drawn to the mentor-student collaboration aspect of the genre. I hope to show a different side of myself, so please look forward to it!" 

Seo Kang-joon enlisted in the army in November 2021 and was discharged on May 22, 2023.

Seo Kang-joon Returns to the Screen with 'Undercover High School' After Three Years

On January 5, 2025, Nicolas Cage made a striking appearance on the red carpet of the 82nd Golden Globe Awards alongside his wife, Riko Shibata, who is 31 years his junior. The event took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles at 10 AM KST. Cage, looking dapper in a black suit, was accompanied by Riko, who exuded elegance in a stunning dress complemented by a black fur shawl.

Cage, 58, married Riko Shibata, then 27, on February 16, 2021, in a hotel in Las Vegas. Riko is recognized as a prominent actress and dancer in Japan, and notably, she is four years younger than Cage's eldest son, Weston Coppola Cage.

Previously, Cage was married to actress Patricia Arquette from 1995 until their divorce in 2001. He then had a brief marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, which lasted only four months. In 2004, he quickly became engaged to Alice Kim, a Korean-American waitress, marking his third marriage. They welcomed a son, Kal-El Coppola Cage, but their relationship ended in divorce in June 2016, surprising fans.

In March 2019, Cage made headlines when he married makeup artist Erika Koike after a year of dating, only to request an annulment just four days later, claiming he was too intoxicated to make such a commitment.

Riko Shibata is Cage's fifth wife, and their joint appearance at the Golden Globe Awards has certainly drawn attention.

'5번 결혼' 니콜라스 케이지, 31살 연하 日 아내랑 '골든글로브' 커플 참석 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Nicolas Cage and His 31-Year-Younger Japanese Wife Attend the 82nd Golden Globe 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

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 officially announced that actress 박세영 (Park Se-young) is expecting her first child, with a due date set for June. A representative for the actress confirmed the news, stating, "박세영 씨가 임신했다. 오는 6월 출산을 앞두고 있다." 

박세영 made her acting debut in 2011 with the play 'Oedipus' and has since appeared in various popular dramas including 'Love Rain' (사랑비), 'God's Gift - 14 Days' (신의), 'School 2013' (학교 2013), 'My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol' (내 딸, 금사월), 'Money Flower' (돈꽃), and 'Special Labor Inspector Jo Jang-poong' (특별근로감독관 조장풍). Her most recent project was the 2022 drama 'Mental Coach Jegal' (멘탈코치 제갈길).

In February 2022, she married fellow actor 곽정욱 (Kwak Jung-wook), who is known for his roles in 'Fairy Comeback' (요정컴미) and 'The Age of Warriors' (야인시대). The couple has been enjoying their newlywed life while preparing for their upcoming addition to the family. Reports indicate that 박세영 is currently in a stable phase of her pregnancy, having navigated the early stages smoothly and is now focusing on prenatal care. She plans to balance motherhood with her acting career after the birth of her child.

'곽정욱♥' 박세영, 결혼 3년 만에 임신 "6월 출산 예정" [공식입장]

Actress Park Se-young Announces Pregnancy

During the recent 'Pyeongtaek Veranda Intrusion Incident,' police officers were aware that the suspect, identified as A, was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet but chose not to arrest him. The Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency confirmed on January 7 that officers from the Pyeongtaek district police station had known about A's electronic bracelet from the moment they took him in for questioning regarding the alleged break-in. 

On December 29, around 10:50 PM, A was accused of peering into the home of a woman living on the first floor of an apartment in Pyeongtaek. Reports indicate that he climbed onto an air conditioning unit and attempted to open a double-glazed window by about 10 cm to gain entry. 

Upon noticing A, the woman shouted, "Who are you?" prompting him to flee. At the time, the woman was home alone with her young children. 

After receiving the report, police identified A as a suspect within approximately 90 minutes. When officers arrived at his residence, A confessed to the crime. They observed that he was wearing an electronic bracelet on one ankle while changing from shorts to long pants. They also discovered that he had a history of sexual offenses. 

Despite this, the police did not consider the situation serious enough to warrant an emergency arrest, opting instead to take A to the police station voluntarily. After a brief investigation, he was released back home. 

The victim, upon learning that A had been released, fled with her children to a relative's house and is reportedly feeling anxious and seeking to move. Initially, police stated they only became aware of A's electronic bracelet after taking him to the station, claiming it was too late to secure him for an emergency arrest. 

Five days after the incident, on January 3, police applied for a pre-arrest warrant for A. A police official stated that while they recognized A was wearing an electronic bracelet, they deemed the urgency insufficient for an emergency arrest. They are now working on measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

﻿전자발찌 남성, 여성 이웃집 베란다 침입했는데…체포 안한 경찰

Police Fail to Arrest Suspect Wearing Electronic Bracelet in Pyeongtaek Incident

At the 82nd Golden Globe Awards held on January 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, actress Demi Moore, 63, celebrated a significant milestone by winning her first-ever acting award after 47 years in the industry. Holding her trophy for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy, Moore expressed her gratitude with a trembling voice, stating, "It feels like the universe is telling me, 'You’re not done yet.'" 

Moore's award came for her role in the film 'Substance,' where she portrayed a washed-up actress who becomes addicted to an unknown drug in her quest to regain her youth. Her victory was unexpected, as many media outlets had predicted that 20-year-old Mikey Madison, recognized for her performance in the Cannes-winning film 'Anora,' would take home the award. 

Despite her illustrious career, which began with the TV drama 'Web' in 1978 and includes hits like 'Ghost' (1990) and 'A Few Good Men' (1992), Moore had never won an acting award before, having only received audience-voted accolades. She faced humiliation with a nomination for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress for her role in 'Striptease' and endured criticism for her performance in Ridley Scott's 'G.I. Jane' (1997), where she famously shaved her head. 

During her acceptance speech, which lasted about two minutes, Moore reflected on her journey, recalling how a producer once labeled her a "popcorn actress" and how she had come to believe that winning an acting award was beyond her reach. She noted that receiving the script for 'Substance' came at a low point in her life, leading her to this moment of triumph. 

Looking ahead, Moore is also a contender for the Best Actress award at the upcoming Academy Awards in March, with predictions suggesting she will be nominated alongside Angelina Jolie for 'Maria' and Mikey Madison. 'Substance' has been performing well at the box office, attracting 175,660 viewers as of January 5. 

In other notable wins at the Golden Globes, the film 'Brutalist,' which tells the story of a Jewish architect who emigrates to America after World War II, won Best Motion Picture in the Drama category. The Best Motion Picture in the Musical or Comedy category went to 'Emilia Perez,' which chronicles the second act of a mafia boss who transitions to a woman. 

The TV series 'Shogun,' which dominated the Primetime Emmy Awards last September with 18 wins, continued its success by winning four awards, including Best Television Series - Drama, Best Actor (Hiroyuki Sanada), and Best Actress (Anna Sawai). Based on James Clavell's novel, 'Shogun' depicts the power struggles during Japan's political turmoil in the 17th century, earning it the nickname 'the Japanese Game of Thrones.' 

Additionally, 'Baby Rain Deer,' inspired by director and lead actor Richard Gadd's stalking experience, won the award for Best Limited or Anthology Series and TV Movie, with Jessica Gunning taking home the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as the stalker. The Best Musical or Comedy Series award went to 'Hacks.' 

Despite being a frontrunner for Best Television Series - Drama, 'Squid Game 2' did not win, losing to 'Shogun' among others. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk expressed his astonishment at the global love for Korean works, stating, "It’s hard to believe how much love there is for Korean-language productions. I hope everyone continues to watch until the end."

Demi Moore Wins First Acting Award at 82nd Golden Globe Awards

The fitness community is mourning the loss of Park Seung-hyun (고 박승현), a popular health YouTuber and bodybuilder, who passed away on January 5, 2025, at the age of 34. His brother shared the heartbreaking news via Park's social media account, stating that he died due to health issues. In light of their profound grief, the family has requested no visitors at the funeral, asking instead for prayers for his soul.

Friends and followers are in shock, expressing disbelief and sorrow over the sudden news. Many have shared their memories, recalling recent workouts with him and expressing their wishes for him to find peace in the afterlife.

In the weeks leading up to his death, Park had openly discussed feelings of loneliness and self-deprecation. Just a week prior, he reflected on his struggles, stating, "I feel like I'm not a likable person. My pessimism has worn people out, and I sense they no longer want to see me." He lamented the loss of his dreams of marriage and a stable life, realizing that his only option left was to focus on work and his audience.

On January 4, he shared his frustrations about his fitness journey, mentioning a plateau in his weight and a loss of motivation, saying, "I feel very lonely."

In a previous post, he acknowledged his ongoing battle with loneliness and depression, admitting that he had neglected the love and support of his subscribers due to his personal issues. He expressed regret for disappointing his audience with his struggles and acknowledged that he felt unworthy of the 800,000 subscribers he had.

Park's candidness about his mental health challenges and feelings of isolation has resonated deeply with many, making his untimely passing even more tragic. He leaves behind a legacy as a fitness influencer with a significant following, having inspired many through his journey in health and bodybuilding.

Tragic Passing of Bodybuilder and YouTuber Park Seung-hyun at 34

Eric, a member of the legendary K-pop group Shinhwa, and actress Nahyemi are set to become parents for the second time, celebrating this joyous news after eight years of marriage. On January 6, 2025, Eric's agency, TOP Media, confirmed that the couple is expecting their second child, with a due date in the upcoming spring. 

Eric and Nahyemi tied the knot in 2017 after five years of dating, which drew attention due to their 12-year age difference. Eric was also the first among Shinhwa members to join the ranks of celebrity fathers. 

Since their marriage, Eric has remained active in the entertainment industry, appearing in various variety shows such as Three Meals a Day, Law of the Jungle, and local cooking shows, as well as dramas like Chef Moon and The Spy Who Loved Me. Nahyemi has also made her mark as an actress, starring in series like My Only One, Summer Request, and No Matter What. 

In August 2022, the couple announced they were expecting their first child, which was met with widespread congratulations. Following the announcement, they shared updates about their lives, including a trip to Los Angeles for prenatal care. 

On March 1, 2023, they welcomed their first son, marking the beginning of their parenting journey. Since then, they have focused on raising their child, sharing glimpses of their family life on social media, with Eric often showcasing his doting father side. 

Recently, Eric faced health rumors after a photo with a fan circulated online. He clarified that the picture was taken during the early days of parenting when he was sleep-deprived, stating, "I was just taking a photo because I felt awkward refusing. I think I look fine; I even weighed 98 kg at one point. Our family is doing well together." 

As they prepare to welcome their second child, Eric and Nahyemi are stepping into a new chapter as parents of two.

Shinhwa's Eric and Actress Nahyemi Expecting Second Child

On January 4, 2025, renowned American designer Ralph Lauren, aged 86, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden at the White House. This honor marks him as the first fashion designer to receive the medal since its establishment by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to American prosperity, values, national security, and world peace. Notable past recipients include civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., former President Ronald Reagan, acclaimed author Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa, and legendary tennis star Billie Jean King, among others.

Since founding the Ralph Lauren brand in 1967, Lauren has been hailed as the father of American fashion, embodying the essence of American style. Rising from humble beginnings as the son of immigrants, he became a self-made entrepreneur, fashion designer, and philanthropist. Although he never formally studied design, his innate sense of style led him to redefine 'American' fashion, starting with necktie designs and expanding into menswear, womenswear, children's clothing, home collections, and even restaurants. He is the only designer to have won the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards for 'Menswear Designer of the Year,' 'Womenswear Designer of the Year,' 'Designer of the Year,' and the 'Lifetime Achievement Award.' Actress Audrey Hepburn praised him during the 1992 CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, stating that he created a comprehensive concept of fashion and style, maintaining it with consistency and integrity while reminding us of the best in life.

In 2006, The New York Times coined the term 'very Ralph Lauren' to describe self-made individuals, further solidifying his influence. Lauren is also actively involved in cancer awareness and treatment initiatives. The Wall Street Journal noted that through the Ralph Lauren Corporation Foundation, he has established cancer centers in the U.S. and Europe, working to address disparities in cancer treatment.

Throughout his career, Lauren has received numerous prestigious awards. In 2014, he was honored with the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal from the Smithsonian Institution for his contributions to the restoration and preservation of the early American flag featured in the War of 1812. This award recognizes outstanding contributions in art, science, history, education, and technology. Additionally, he has received the French government's Legion of Honor and is the first American designer to be awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).

Ralph Lauren Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden

Actress Go Hyun-jung has provided an update on her recovery following surgery, reassuring fans with her bright smile. On January 6, she shared several photos on her social media, showcasing her post-surgery condition. Previously, she had collapsed unexpectedly before the press conference for her new drama, Namib (나미브), which raised concerns among her fans. After undergoing surgery, she is now preparing to return to her daily life.

In her update, Go revealed that she had undergone a significant operation and is currently in recovery. She expressed, "I was surprisingly in a lot of pain, but now that the major surgery is over, I feel more alert. I will take care of myself carefully."

Notably, she also shared images from her hospital stay, including moments right after the surgery where she was seen lying down with a tube connected to her nose, undergoing examinations with doctors, and having meals in her hospital bed.

After her discharge, Go Hyun-jung appeared healthier and shared a selfie with the caption "Looking pretty". In the photo, she smiled gently without makeup, conveying a reassuring message to her fans about her improved health.

Additionally, she posted a short video expressing her joy after being discharged, smiling brightly at the camera.

Go also took a moment to thank her younger brother, who played a crucial role as her caregiver during her hospitalization. She shared a photo of him, writing, "Brother, I’m sorry for making you make important decisions alone while I was sick. Thank you and I love you."

She did not forget to express her gratitude to everyone who supported her during her illness, stating, "There are so many people I’m thankful for, and I couldn’t thank everyone personally. I sincerely appreciate it."

Go Hyun-jung is currently starring in the Genie TV original series Namib (나미브) and will also appear in the new SBS drama, Mantis (사마귀).

Seo Kang-joon Returns to the Screen with 'Undercover High School' After Three Years

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Demi Moore Wins First Acting Award at 82nd Golden Globe Awards

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Nicolas Cage and His 31-Year-Younger Japanese Wife Attend the 82nd Golden Globe Awards

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Actress Park Se-young Announces Pregnancy

Police Fail to Arrest Suspect Wearing Electronic Bracelet in Pyeongtaek Incident

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