On January 9, 2025, Seo Ye-ji's agency, Sublime, announced that they are pursuing legal action against individuals posting malicious comments and articles about the actress. The agency stated, "There have been numerous unfounded and harmful posts directed at Seo Ye-ji, and we can no longer overlook the psychological distress caused to our artist. After discussions, we have decided to file a lawsuit." 

They further revealed that a dedicated team has been monitoring online communities, social media, and portal sites, leading to the filing of an initial lawsuit against over 130 online trolls through a law firm. The investigation is currently underway. 

The agency emphasized their commitment to protecting Seo Ye-ji, stating, "We will continue to monitor and respond vigorously to any malicious rumors, posts, or comments without leniency." Seo Ye-ji has recently expressed her distress over the negative rumors and comments, and the outcome of this legal action against the trolls is highly anticipated.

Seo Ye-ji Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

Actress Park Gyu-young recently caused a stir by posting a potential spoiler for the upcoming season of Netflix's original series, Squid Game 3 (오징어 게임3), on her personal social media account. On January 8, she shared a photo that could reveal significant plot details, featuring herself in a pink guard outfit. However, she quickly deleted the post, a move referred to as '빛삭' (rapid deletion). Her agency, Saram Entertainment (사람엔터테인먼트), responded to inquiries by stating, 'Please confirm with Season 3,' which did not address the spoiler directly. The image inadvertently showcased another actor sitting next to her, diminishing the anticipation for viewers eagerly awaiting the new season. The production of Squid Game has been marked by strict measures to prevent leaks, including requiring journalists to sign confidentiality agreements during set visits and press events. Despite these precautions, Park Gyu-young's slip has left many fans surprised and concerned about potential plot revelations.

[공식] '오징어 게임3' 대형 스포한 박규영 측, 사과 대신 "시즌3서 확인" 입장

Park Gyu-young Accidentally Spoils 'Squid Game 3' on Social Media

Minnie from the group (여자)아이들 is gearing up for her solo debut with a variety of teaser content. On January 9, her agency, CUBE Entertainment, released a schedule teaser for her first mini album titled 'HER' on their official social media channels. This teaser presents a charming aesthetic in red and pink hues, contrasting with the intense vibe of the previous coming soon video.

According to the schedule, Minnie will unveil the tracklist on January 10, followed by a commentary film, concept images, audio snippets, and a music video teaser. Notably, the teaser features silhouettes of two women gazing at each other, alongside an intriguing image of a fork stuck in an antique mirror, which is set to be revealed on the album's release date, January 21.

With 'HER', Minnie is taking her first steps as a solo artist. She has already shared the music video for 'Blind Eyes Red', a track from the album that she co-wrote, hinting at her unique musical style that she will showcase in her debut solo project.

Minnie’s first mini album 'HER' will be available on various music platforms at 6 PM on January 21, with physical copies set to be released on January 22.

(여자)아이들 민니, 솔로 데뷔 카운트다운..'HER' 스케줄 티저 공개

(G)I-DLE's Minnie Unveils Teasing Content Ahead of Solo Debut

The original drama 'Namib' on Genie TV continues to gain momentum, reaching a pivotal point as Go Hyun-jung's nuanced performance captivates audiences week after week. Portraying the talented producer Kang Soo-hyun, Go Hyun-jung has become the focal point of the narrative, earning praise with comments like 'That's Go Hyun-jung for you' and 'She truly embodies the character.' 

In the sixth episode aired on January 7, Go Hyun-jung's expressive gaze drew viewers deeper into the story. Her eyes conveyed a rich tapestry of emotions, perfectly reflecting the character's journey. 

As Kang Soo-hyun, she holds hands with Yoo Jin-woo (played by Ryeo-bun) while preparing for the audition show 'Star Rise.' During this process, she notices the scars of self-harm on Yoo Jin-woo's arm, hinting at her shock through her subtly trembling eyes. 

However, her expression shifts dramatically as she looks at Yoo Jin-woo, who is trying to explain himself. Her gaze reveals a deep concern, and her warm reassurance adds a layer of emotional depth that resonates with viewers. 

Later, Kang Soo-hyun's playful side emerges, as her sparkling eyes evoke sympathy and humor while navigating a crisis. Watching Yoo Jin-woo walk towards the dormitory, a new sense of hope flickers in her eyes, leaving viewers eager to see if she can soar as a producer once again. 

Go Hyun-jung has seamlessly immersed herself in the role of Kang Soo-hyun, skillfully portraying a range of emotions from confusion and worry to relief and hope. Her seasoned performance captures the essence of these feelings, making her a powerful presence on screen and allowing viewers to deeply empathize with her character's emotional journey. 

As the series progresses, Go Hyun-jung's talent shines brighter, and her continued performance is expected to make the second act of 'Namib' even more thrilling, generating excitement among fans. 

'Namib,' starring Go Hyun-jung, airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA, with streaming available for free immediately after the broadcast on KT Genie TV and Genie TV Mobile.

고현정, 건강 악화 이해될 만도..영혼까지 갈아 넣은 '나미브'

Go Hyun-jung's Captivating Performance in 'Namib' Draws Viewers In

The song 'CRAZY' by the girl group LE SSERAFIM has demonstrated its impressive streaming power nearly five months after its release. The title track from their fourth mini album, which debuted in August 2024, achieved over 1.27 million streams on Spotify within just one day, re-entering the 'Daily Top Songs Global' chart at 171st place as of January 7, 2025.

Additionally, 'CRAZY' saw an increase in rankings across 14 countries and regions, including South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, on the 'Daily Top Songs' chart. It also made its mark on the 'Daily Viral Songs' chart in 36 countries and regions, showcasing its global popularity through this key indicator of music trends.

Recently, 'CRAZY' surpassed 1.2 million daily streams on Spotify for six consecutive days, 126 days post-release. This marks a 30% increase compared to the average daily streams of around 900,000 in December 2024. Furthermore, the song re-entered the Billboard charts, ranking 142nd on the 'Global (Excl. U.S.)' and 179th on the 'Global 200' as of January 7.

Musically, 'CRAZY' is an EDM-based house track that captures the exhilarating emotions of encountering someone who drives you wild. With such electrifying results at the start of the year, all eyes are on LE SSERAFIM's future endeavors.

르세라핌 'CRAZY', 美 빌보드 이어 스포티파이 '데일리 톱 송 글로벌' 재진입

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Proves Its Streaming Power Five Months After Release

GOT7 has officially begun the countdown to their highly anticipated comeback. Kakao Entertainment has revamped the group's official social media accounts to celebrate the release of their mini album 'WINTER HEPTAGON' (윈터 헵타곤) and has unveiled a detailed schedule for the upcoming promotions.

According to the schedule released on January 7, the group will share a variety of content leading up to their comeback on January 20, including concept photos in two themes: 'WINTER' and 'HEPTAGON', a tracklist, a highlight medley, and music video teasers. The black-and-white visuals and the new heptagon logo are particularly eye-catching, evoking a strong winter atmosphere.

'WINTER HEPTAGON' marks GOT7's first comeback in nearly three years, with all seven members—JAY B, Mark, Jackson, Park Jin-young, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom—coming together to create a project that showcases their evolved charm, thanks to Kakao Entertainment's systematic planning and production. The album's title, which means 'heptagon', hints at the unique synergy that only the complete GOT7 can deliver. Additionally, the group's official social media accounts have been refreshed, generating excitement among their fans, known as Ahgase (아가새), for this long-awaited group activity.

Since their debut in 2014, GOT7 is celebrating their 11th anniversary with this special winter release. As they kick off their promotional schedule, fans are eagerly anticipating high-quality music, stunning visuals, and captivating chemistry among the members.

GOT7's mini album 'WINTER HEPTAGON' will be available on various online music platforms on January 20 at 6 PM KST, with physical album pre-orders already underway on multiple sales sites.

갓세븐, 'WINTER HEPTAGON' 본격 컴백 카운트다운 시작

GOT7 Kicks Off Comeback Countdown with 'WINTER HEPTAGON'

On January 9, 2025, the production press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아), took place at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The event featured cast members Lee Se-young (이세영), Na In-woo (나인우), Choi Min-soo (최민수), Kim Tae-hyung (김태형), Choi Hee-jin (최희진), and director Kim Hyung-min (김형민), with broadcaster Park Kyung-rim (박경림) serving as the MC.

Motel California is a romantic drama set in a rural motel, following the life of the female protagonist who was born and raised in the motel. The story revolves around her reunion with her first love from her hometown, from which she fled 12 years ago. The series is based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by author Shim Yoon-seo (심윤서).

Director Kim Hyung-min described the drama as a tale of reconciling the conflicting elements of a first love reencountered after 12 years and a longing to return to one’s hometown. He expressed his nervousness ahead of the premiere, hoping that the warm atmosphere would be captured on camera.

Lee Se-young, known for her successful roles in dramas like The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) and Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐), plays the role of Ji Kang-hee (지강희), an interior designer born in the motel. She shared her excitement about being part of MBC's 2025 lineup, stating, "I feel a bit more nervous and excited since I’m opening the first drama of the year for MBC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with MBC again, especially as many dramas are being canceled these days."

Kang-hee's character has faced a challenging life due to her unusual upbringing and striking appearance. Lee Se-young noted that she found many similarities between herself and Kang-hee, expressing curiosity about how a child with trauma and deficiencies would grow up.

Na In-woo, who has captured hearts in dramas like The Moon Rising River (달이 뜨는 강) and Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘), portrays Cheon Yeon-soo (천연수), a top candidate for the son-in-law of local farmers and a large animal veterinarian. He shared that he was drawn to the character's life story and worked hard to embody it.

The chemistry between Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, who play a couple with a 23-year history of first love, is expected to create a romantic wave in viewers' homes this New Year. Lee praised Na In-woo for his sensitivity and beautiful gaze, while Na In-woo expressed his admiration for Lee Se-young's ability to interpret their characters delicately.

Other cast members include Choi Min-soo as the motel owner Ji Chun-pil (지춘필), Kim Tae-hyung as the sole heir of an elite hotel, Geum Seok-gyeong (금석경), and Choi Hee-jin as veterinarian Yoon Nan-woo (윤난우), who follows her senior Cheon Yeon-soo.

Despite being dubbed the 'MBC Princess,' Lee Se-young acknowledged the pressure of continuing MBC's successful drama streak. She emphasized that she focuses solely on her character and the project, without worrying about past successes or failures. However, she does have a target viewership rating, stating, "As the lead, I feel a sense of responsibility. I hope for success, and if we achieve a 10% rating, I promised to appear as a special DJ on the radio show 'Hope Song at Noon' (정오의 희망곡)."

Motel California is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST.

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

On January 9, Han Ji-min appeared as a guest on KBS Cool FM's 'It's a Good Day to Love' and discussed her recent drama, 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서). During the show, a listener praised the chemistry between Han Ji-min and her co-star, expressing curiosity about the upcoming storyline. 

Han Ji-min responded by noting the similarities between her character, Kang Ji-yoon, and herself, particularly their clumsiness, such as getting into the wrong car. She humorously mentioned how her manager's friends often remind her, 'That's not your car,' leading to amusing situations. She added that the appearance of a charming character in the drama adds an exciting element to her role.

Host Lee Geum-hee commented on a scene where co-star Lee Jun-hyuk protects Han Ji-min from bumping her head, likening it to a romantic gesture of shielding a loved one from sunlight while they sleep. Han Ji-min revealed that while female viewers loved that scene, some male viewers, including Son Seok-koo, questioned whether such actions were necessary, which brought laughter to the discussion. She concluded by stating that it was a moment that resonated with many women, making them feel excited.

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

On January 9, during the broadcast of MBN's Special Report (특종세상), An Sang-tae shared his experiences of suffering from online harassment due to false accusations of noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor. He revealed that he felt trapped by the claims, stating, 'It turned out that the person from the apartment below was right. The previous tenants and the ones below them never had such issues.' He recounted meeting the accuser in court, where they explained their actions were driven by stress from raising children. 

An expressed the emotional toll this situation took on him, saying, 'Even though I am not a criminal, I couldn't even go out to eat because of the media coverage. There were cruel comments about my daughter, suggesting horrific things. It was very painful, and thankfully, my child was very young at the time.' 

Currently, An is involved in film production and directing. When asked about his earnings, he humorously noted, 'I make about 320,000 won a year.' He added, 'Even if not many people watch my films, I feel happy when they resonate with the stories I imagined.'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

On January 9, 2025, Son Bin-a, a seven-year veteran singer, achieved the coveted '진' (Jin) title during the master auditions of TV Chosun's Mister Trot 3, competing in the newly established '현역부 X' (Active Division X). Previously, she had reached the top 101 in Mister Trot 1 but failed to advance further. In Mister Trot 2, she participated in the Active Division and received an all-heart from the masters, yet was eliminated in the first round of the finals.

This time, Son Bin-a took a bold step by solely relying on her voice in the '현역부 X' category. Performing '가버린 사랑' (Gone Love) by Tae Jin-ah behind a black curtain, she showcased a more mature and profound vocal tone that captivated both the masters and the audience. The format of '현역부 X' allowed viewers to guess the identity of the singer, adding an element of surprise to the competition. Son Bin-a expressed her determination, stating, "I believe that if I keep climbing without giving up, I will eventually reach the top. I felt that I couldn't fully showcase my voice in Mister Trot 1 and 2, and I want to be recognized for my singing."

In the same episode, Park Ji-hoo, competing in the Workplace Division, touched hearts by sharing his challenging family story while performing '인생아 고마웠다' (Thank You, Life) by Jo Hang-jo. Meanwhile, Choi Jae-myung, a student at Seoul Arts College, made his debut in the University Division. He impressed the masters with his clear and pure appearance, delivering a heartfelt rendition of '상사화' (Higanbana) by Ahn Ye-eun, showcasing solid traditional vocal techniques. Master Kim Yeon-ja praised him, saying, "You could come to sing for the masters instead of on stage. You're perfect, with great vocalization, pronunciation, and confidence," while Lee Kyung-kyu expressed interest in signing him to his agency.

Seo Ye-ji Takes Legal Action Against Online Trolls

What do you think?

Trending

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

Son Bin-a Triumphs in Mister Trot 3 Auditions

More

Park Gyu-young Accidentally Spoils 'Squid Game 3' on Social Media

(G)I-DLE's Minnie Unveils Teasing Content Ahead of Solo Debut

Go Hyun-jung's Captivating Performance in 'Namib' Draws Viewers In

LE SSERAFIM's 'CRAZY' Proves Its Streaming Power Five Months After Release

GOT7 Kicks Off Comeback Countdown with 'WINTER HEPTAGON'

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