SEVENTEEN's new special unit, HoshiXWoozi, is set to release their debut single titled 'BEAM' on March 10. Pledis Entertainment announced this exciting news on February 19 through the global fan platform Weverse and SEVENTEEN's official social media channels. 

The teaser video showcases the HoshiXWoozi logo along with the album title, featuring a fresh and stylish monochrome visual that intertwines light and darkness. Towards the end of the video, the release date for 'BEAM' is revealed. 

The title 'BEAM' symbolizes the light emitted by Hoshi and Woozi. Their journey from trainees to becoming one of K-pop's top groups has been marked by continuous challenges, showcasing their originality and self-love in various forms of light. 

Hoshi and Woozi previously collaborated on the track 'Don't Wanna Cry' from SEVENTEEN's second studio album 'TEEN, AGE,' released in November 2017. After nearly eight years, they are reuniting as a special unit. As leaders of the performance and vocal teams, and being friends born in 1996, fans can expect exceptional quality and genuine chemistry from this duo. 

SEVENTEEN has been known for their diverse special units, showcasing an expansive musical spectrum. The unit BSS (Seungkwan, DK, Hoshi) has captivated audiences with hits like 'Fighting' and 'Jeans,' while the unit JeonghanXWonwoo achieved record-breaking first-week sales with their single 'THIS MAN' last June.

SEVENTEEN's New Unit HoshiXWoozi to Release First Single 'BEAM' on March 10

In the final episode of KBS2TV's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' aired on February 21, Lee Young-ji shared a heartfelt message for Park Bo-gum. She introduced the legendary band YB, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and praised their significant contributions to the Korean music scene. Lee Young-ji expressed her admiration, stating, 'I’m 24 years old, and they have been active longer than I have lived, which is incredible.' Yoon Do-hyun also commended the band, calling them the best MCs of Korea's top music program.

The episode highlighted YB's milestone as they released their first metal album and engaged fans in a new challenge. Lee Young-ji enthusiastically participated, showcasing her headbanging skills. Reflecting on her journey from September 24 to February 18, she energized the audience with her performance of 'I Am Lee Young-ji.' 

She also revealed her desire to perform Alicia Keys' 'If I Ain't Got You,' demonstrating a different vocal style compared to her usual rap. Lee Young-ji humorously requested recognition for her contributions to the show's success, while Na Young-seok acknowledged her unique charm as an MC. When asked about her experiences with 85 guest artists, she noted how inspired she felt by the newcomers' enthusiasm.

In a light-hearted moment, she playfully urged the next season's MC to practice the dance for 'Supernova,' specifically mentioning Park Bo-gum. The episode concluded with an emotional surprise appearance by Na Young-seok, which brought Lee Young-ji to tears.

눈물로 '레인보우' 종영..이영지, 후임MC 박보검에 "이것 꼭 배워야" [종합]

Lee Young-ji Bids Farewell on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

The highly anticipated drama 'Undercover High School' featuring actor Sung Kang-joon has finally been unveiled. The production conference for the new MBC Friday-Saturday drama took place on February 20 at MBC's new headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. Attendees included Sung Kang-joon, Jin Ki-joo, Kim Shin-rok, Jeon Bae-soo, Kim Min-joo, Park Se-hyun, and director Choi Jung-in, who shared insights about the show.

'Undercover High School' follows a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent who goes undercover as a high school student to track down the missing gold bars of Emperor Gojong. After enlisting in the army in November 2021 and completing his service in May 2023, Sung Kang-joon is making his return to the small screen for the first time in nearly three years since his role in Disney+'s 'Grid' in 2022. He expressed his feelings about returning, stating, "It feels like it's been about three or four years since I last presented a project to everyone, and the world has changed a lot. The poses have changed, and there are so many new things. I realized that a lot has changed during my time away, and I thought I should quickly adapt and present an enjoyable work."

In the drama, Sung Kang-joon plays Jeong Hae-sung, an ace field agent of the NIS who is deployed for the 'Undercover High School' operation. At 31 years old, he finds himself back in a school uniform. He shared, "While filming, I encountered many new slang terms. I learned a lot of new things, but I couldn't understand any of it. There were actual high school students and adult friends around, and I felt they looked so young. I thought, 'Why do I feel so different from them?' It was a bit embarrassing to wear the uniform, but I reminded myself that I am 31 in the drama, so I decided to enjoy it."

Sung Kang-joon chose 'Undercover High School' as his comeback project because of its diverse genres. He noted, "The drama encompasses many genres, including comedy, action, romance, and crime, all blended together beautifully. While it is light-hearted, it also contains deeper messages that provoke thought and provide entertainment."

Reflecting on his time in the military, he remarked, "The time felt like an eternity. I thought a lot about my past, what kind of actor I want to be, and why I wanted to be an actor. Looking back, while not everything I did was satisfying, I realized I have no regrets. I always did my best when making choices. I decided to approach 'Undercover High School' with the same mindset, regardless of the outcome."

Jin Ki-joo plays Oh Soo-ah, Jeong Hae-sung's homeroom teacher. She emphasized the importance of her character's mission, stating, "Soo-ah has a reason for wanting to become a full-time teacher. She faces a dilemma where her sense of duty is hindered by her environment. I wanted to express the dilemmas faced by young adults entering society, and I hope I portrayed that well."

Kim Shin-rok portrays Seo Myung-joo, the school principal and mother of student council president Lee Ye-na, played by Kim Min-joo. When asked about their chemistry, Kim Shin-rok said, "We mainly meet after school at home, where we release the stress we've built up. We film several episodes at once, and from the first day, I tried various ways to portray a mother who loves but also wants to control her daughter. Kim Min-joo is beautiful in real life, but she looks even more stunning through the lens. I found that the more I express love, the more I want to control her, which made for great acting."

Jeon Bae-soo plays Team Leader Ahn, a father figure to Jeong Hae-sung, and he shares scenes with Park Se-hyun, who plays Ahn Yoo-jung, a member of the student council. Jeon expressed disappointment at not having filmed much together, while Park noted, "Although we haven't met often, we focused on fun and lively scenes. There was a bit of awkwardness at first, but once the camera was rolling, everything went smoothly. I wanted to be more affectionate, but I felt shy since we hadn't met much."

Director Choi Jung-in shared his thoughts on the casting, praising Sung Kang-joon for his genuine charm and suitability for the role. He also highlighted Jin Ki-joo's unique loveliness and how it complements her character's grounded nature. He expressed admiration for Kim Shin-rok's intelligence and how she provided guidance on set. 

As for the show's unique blend of genres, Choi stated, "It's a complex genre that includes elements of horror, action, comedy, and romance. I believe it offers a variety of attractions beyond the typical undercover investigation or thriller. I am confident that this is a well-made production."

Sung Kang-joon humorously mentioned a promise he made regarding viewership ratings, saying, "I mentioned a trip if we hit 12%. I might have said it while drunk, so I hope we can achieve that!" He added that he would feel embarrassed to cancel it if they don't reach the goal.

As the conference concluded, Sung Kang-joon highlighted the show's mix of genres, stating, "It's a blend of action, comedy, crime, and human elements. Viewers will likely notice a different vibe from my previous characters. Jin Ki-joo added that the drama contains hidden messages that viewers will discover as they watch. Kim Shin-rok remarked that the story reflects a world of coexistence, while Jeon Bae-soo noted its appeal to families. Kim Min-joo emphasized the beauty of the set and the actors, and Park Se-hyun pointed out the growth of the high school characters throughout the series.

'Undercover High School' is set to premiere on February 21 at 9:50 PM.

군복벗고 교복입은 서강준♥교사 진기주..'언더커버', 12% 넘고 해외여행 갈까[Oh!쎈 현장](종합)

Sung Kang-joon Returns to the Screen in 'Undercover High School'

The highly anticipated SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), set to premiere on February 21 at 10 PM, features Park Hyung-sik in a gripping role. He portrays Seo Dong-joo, a character who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won, embarking on a high-stakes quest for revenge against the ultimate evil that killed him. 

This drama marks a significant transformation for Park Hyung-sik, who is stepping away from his usual gentle and delicate roles to embody a more ambitious and charismatic character. Teasers, posters, and stills released prior to the premiere showcase his intense gaze and impeccable suit fit, captivating potential viewers. 

On February 20, the production team unveiled intriguing images of Seo Dong-joo, highlighting his sharpness and depth as he faces a crisis early in the series. In the revealed photos, he is seen in a sleek black suit, exuding a palpable tension while maintaining a steady gaze. A confrontation with a large, unidentified man further emphasizes his confidence and ambition, raising questions about the circumstances leading to this moment. 

One particularly striking image shows Seo Dong-joo, dressed impeccably, cradling a cat, which adds an unexpected layer to his character. The production team commented, "From the very first episode airing tomorrow, Seo Dong-joo will find himself in unpredictable situations. He will navigate these challenges in his unique way, showcasing the charm and true essence of his character."

They also noted that Park Hyung-sik has made significant visual and acting changes to portray this captivating character, ensuring that every detail is meticulously crafted. They expressed confidence that his dedication will make the premiere of 'Treasure Island' a powerful experience for viewers. 

As Seo Dong-joo faces challenges right from the start, audiences can look forward to witnessing Park Hyung-sik's passionate performance. 'Treasure Island' will air every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM, starting February 21.

'보물섬' 내일 첫방인데..주인공 박형식, 위기

Park Hyung-sik Faces Crisis in New Drama 'Treasure Island'

In the latest episode of TV Chosun's 'Mr. Trot 3', aired on February 20, contestant Choi Jae-myung (26) delivered a standout performance during the semifinals' first round of the Legend Mission. He chose to sing 'Do Well While You Can' by Oh Seung-geun, transforming the traditional pansori style into a more contemporary rendition that resonated with the audience. Standing over 1.80 meters tall, he sported a stylish harness, a popular choice among K-pop idols, enhancing his stage presence.

Master Joo Young-hoon praised Choi, stating, "He broke away from the habits of traditional singers and embraced the rhythm. The unique sound he produced made the song even more enjoyable."

Choi Jae-myung, a rising star in the trot genre with a background in traditional Korean music, achieved a remarkable victory against Park Ji-hoo (40) with a score of 140 to 10, marking the largest point difference among the 14 contestants in this round. This performance brought him closer to securing a spot in the 'Top 10'.

During the competition, Choi showcased a refined version of the traditional elements in his singing, earning acclaim for his ability to adapt. The episode featured legendary artists including Oh Seung-geun, Jo Hang-jo, and Jin Sung, with composer Park Hyun-jin representing the late Hyun-cheol, performing his iconic song 'Bongsunhwa Yeonjeong'.

Choi Jae-myung's journey began in Jeonbuk, where he started learning pansori in elementary school. His sister, Choi Bo-gil, gained recognition as a 'Korean music prodigy' after winning a prestigious competition at a young age. Both siblings trained under Yu Young-ae, a notable pansori master. Choi Jae-myung is currently studying Korean music at Seoul Arts University while also performing as a drummer, having learned from renowned master Im Hyun-bin.

In addition to his recent performances, he has participated in large-scale productions, including the male changgeuk 'Salome', starring popular singer Kim Joon-soo.

Meanwhile, another contestant, Cheon Nok-dam (44), made headlines by entering the top five for the first time during the online voting segment. He also triumphed in his semifinal match against ballad singer Lee Ji-hoon, winning with a score of 100 to 50. The competition continues to heat up as 'Mr. Trot Japan' launched its first episode on February 19, further strengthening cultural ties between Korea and Japan.

국악 신동서 트로트 신예로 다시 태어난 ‘대학생 소리꾼’

Choi Jae-myung Shines in 'Mr. Trot 3' Semifinals with Unique Performance

On February 20, a press conference for the film 'Mickey 17' was held at the Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. Set to make its world premiere in South Korea on February 28, 'Mickey 17' follows the story of Mickey, played by Robert Pattinson, who lives a disposable life as an 'Expendable' sent on dangerous missions, only to be printed back to life upon death. This marks the third Hollywood film directed by Bong Joon-ho, following his acclaimed works 'Snowpiercer' (설국열차) in 2013 and 'Okja' (옥자) in 2017. The event featured appearances from cast members Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, and Steven Yeun, who participated in a photo session.

[사진]나오미 애키-마크 러팔로-스티븐 연,영화 '미키 17'로 뭉쳐

Mickey 17 Premieres in South Korea with Star-Studded Event

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Actor Heo Jun-ho is set to deliver a remarkable performance as a villain in the new SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), which premieres on February 21. The series follows Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won and faces off against an ultimate evil that seeks to eliminate him. The intense rivalry between Park Hyung-sik and Heo Jun-ho is anticipated to be a highlight of the show.

Heo Jun-ho plays the role of Yeom Jang-seon, a ruthless figure wielding absolute power who will stop at nothing to protect his domain. Although Heo Jun-ho has previously portrayed strong antagonists, he describes this character as the "worst person" he has ever played, stating, "I wonder if someone could be this evil." He hints that Yeom Jang-seon will redefine the archetype of villains in dramas.

The demanding nature of the character has taken a toll on Heo Jun-ho during filming. He admitted, "During the script reading, I said I would speak less in this project, but as filming progressed, I ended up talking more." He revealed that the stress from embodying Yeom Jang-seon led to nightmares and even an increase in gray hair. To cope with the intensity of the role, he found himself joking and laughing on set, saying, "It was so tough that I felt like I was becoming an 'ajumma' (aunt)."

In the drama, Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, is driven by ambition to take over the Daesan Group but finds himself cornered after hacking the political slush fund. His confrontation with Heo Jun-ho's Yeom Jang-seon promises to deliver high-stakes tension.

'Treasure Island' will also feature a cast of unique characters, including Lee Hae-young and Hong Hwa-yeon, enhancing the drama's immersive experience. The show is set to air at 10 PM on February 21.

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Popular Taiwanese actor Wang Dalu (왕대륙) has been arrested on charges of draft evasion. Local media, including the China Times, reported on February 20 that Wang was detained and later released on bail of 150,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 6,590 USD) after undergoing a prosecutor's investigation.

Wang, along with nine others, is accused of obtaining forged medical certificates through three brokers, claiming to suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease to evade military service. The brokers charged between 100,000 to 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 4,400 to 44,000 USD) for these fake diagnoses, with Wang being asked for the higher amount of 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars.

Taiwan has a mandatory conscription system requiring one year of military service. Those who conceal facts to evade service can face up to five years in prison. Wang, who turned 33 at the end of last year, received a notice to enlist on March 13. He is suspected of using the forged medical documents to avoid re-examination, but since he has not yet applied for a re-examination, he may face charges of document forgery instead of violating military service laws.

Born in 1991, Wang Dalu gained fame through films like "Our Times" (나의 소녀시대) and the drama "It Started with a Kiss" (장난스런 키스). He has previously been in the spotlight for his friendship with former BIGBANG member Seungri (승리), who was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal. Wang has publicly stated that he and Seungri are just ordinary friends and denied any involvement in immoral activities.

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

On February 21, actress Lee Ji Ah (이지아) released a statement through her agency, BH Entertainment, regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather's pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period. She expressed that after much contemplation, she felt it was necessary to clarify the facts and take responsibility, despite the difficulty of the situation. Lee Ji Ah apologized for the delay in her response.

She clarified her family situation, stating, "Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years."

Regarding her grandfather's pro-Japanese actions, she noted, "My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him and grew up unaware of his pro-Japanese activities. I first learned about this issue through an article in 2011, which prompted me to visit the National Institute of Korean History multiple times to verify the facts and study the related materials."

Lee Ji Ah acknowledged discovering her grandfather's donation records during her research, stating, "Considering the historical context, such actions cannot be justified for any reason. If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be returned to the state."

She emphasized, "I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I used my family background for promotional articles. However, false claims have circulated online suggesting that I respect my grandfather, which is not true, and I wish to correct that."

In conclusion, she expressed her deep awareness of her grandfather's historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologized as a descendant. She committed to approaching the truth of history with humility and a sense of responsibility moving forward.

Recently, Lee Ji Ah has been embroiled in a legal dispute among her father's siblings over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion won, left by her grandfather, who has been classified as a pro-Japanese figure.

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Global artist Jennie (제니) is set to unveil her pre-release track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' on February 21 at 2 PM KST. This song is part of her highly anticipated first solo studio album, 'Ruby' (루비), which will be released on March 7. To build excitement, Jennie has also shared a teaser video for the music video, showcasing a catchy, trendy beat that perfectly complements the unique rapping styles of both Jennie and Doechii (도이치). The teaser captures the duo enjoying the music, creating an infectious energy for viewers.

'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' features the rising American rapper Doechii, who recently won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 67th Grammy Awards, making her one of the most talked-about artists in the hip-hop scene. The song embodies the beauty of living life confidently and fully, celebrating personal journeys and the determination to overcome challenges. It conveys a powerful message of self-assurance and the desire to make every moment count.

Jennie's album 'Ruby' is packed with 15 tracks, including 'Intro: JANE with FKJ', 'like JENNIE', 'start a war', 'Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)', 'with the IE (way up)', 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)', 'Mantra', 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)', 'ZEN', 'Damn Right (feat. Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis)', 'F.T.S.', 'Filter', 'Seoul City', 'Starlight', and 'twin'.

As the release date approaches, Jennie has been making headlines with bold promotional strategies, including the music video for 'ZEN' and the audio releases for 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' and 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)'. Notably, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a new personal best for Jennie, and she recently secured the top spot on Mnet's 'M Countdown'.

SEVENTEEN's New Unit HoshiXWoozi to Release First Single 'BEAM' on March 10

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MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Jennie to Release Pre-Release Track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' Ahead of Solo Album

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Lee Young-ji Bids Farewell on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

Sung Kang-joon Returns to the Screen in 'Undercover High School'

Park Hyung-sik Faces Crisis in New Drama 'Treasure Island'

Choi Jae-myung Shines in 'Mr. Trot 3' Semifinals with Unique Performance

Mickey 17 Premieres in South Korea with Star-Studded Event

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