SM Entertainment (SM) is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a series of vibrant promotions in Thailand and Indonesia, receiving enthusiastic responses from local fans. On January 26, the event 'SM True Celebrates SM ENTERTAINMENT 30TH Anniversary' took place at Park Paragon in Thailand, drawing a large crowd of 'Pink Blood' fans who showcased SM's remarkable global influence.

The event kicked off with a special performance stage from one of Thailand's top dance academies, followed by a random dance challenge featuring SM's hit songs and a fashion contest that highlighted the unique styles of SM artists, further energizing the atmosphere. Fans can also look forward to upcoming social media promotions that will allow them to participate actively.

In Indonesia, a mini exhibition celebrating the 30th anniversary is being held at Korea 360 (February 1-6) and Gwangya @ Jakarta (February 7-14). This exhibition features various interactive spaces, including photo zones and event areas where fans can leave messages for SM artists and participate in voting, providing a unique experience.

For fans unable to attend in person, SMTOWN Indonesia's official Instagram account is hosting online events such as SM music video quizzes and singing and dance competitions, allowing everyone to join in the celebration of SM's 30th anniversary.

Additionally, SM is set to release a commemorative album titled '2025 SMTOWN: THE CULTURE, THE FUTURE' on February 14, further marking this significant milestone.

SM Entertainment Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Exciting Events in Thailand and Indonesia

Dr. Na Jong-ho, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University, spoke out regarding the tragic murder of 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul by a teacher in Daejeon. He emphasized that 'the crime lies with the perpetrator, not with depression.' In a Facebook post titled 'Depression is Not a Crime,' Dr. Na, who graduated from Seoul National University and has appeared on the tvN show 'You Quiz on the Block,' expressed concern over the media's focus on the teacher's history of depression during this sensitive time. He stated that such coverage could reinforce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, potentially deterring those in need from seeking help, which could worsen South Korea's mental health crisis. Dr. Na highlighted that the treatment rate for depression in South Korea remains alarmingly low at just 10%, meaning that 9 out of 10 individuals do not receive adequate care.

As a father of a daughter the same age as the victim, Dr. Na described the incident as heart-wrenching and expressed his condolences to the victim's family, hoping they receive the support they need. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of depression patients in South Korea rose from 691,164 in 2017 to 933,481 in 2021, a 35.1% increase. However, the treatment rate remains the lowest among OECD countries, with only 11% of individuals receiving care compared to 66% in the United States. Experts attribute this low rate to the negative perception of mental health treatment and the belief that individuals should overcome depression on their own.

On February 10, Kim Ha-neul was found fatally injured in a school audiovisual room, having been stabbed. The police responded to a report of a missing child and discovered her unconscious in a storage area. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she did not survive. The teacher, identified as A (48), was also found injured and later confessed to the attack, indicating that she had intended to harm students indiscriminately. A knife was recovered from the scene, and it was revealed that the teacher had purchased it with the intent to commit the crime and take her own life.

‘유퀴즈’ 정신과 교수 “우울증은 죄 없어…가해자 죗값 치러야”

Yale Professor Addresses Mental Health Stigma After Tragic School Incident

TV Chosun is set to broadcast a special episode of 'Miss Three' tonight at 10 PM, featuring the first winner of 'Miss Trot', Song Ga-in, in a segment titled 'Ga-in's Special'. Joining her are the beloved super mom Jeong Mi-ae, the goddess of smiles Jeong Da-kyung, and the original golden youngest Kim Hee-jin, collectively known as the 'Song Ga-in Squad', who will face off against the TOP 7 contestants in a thrilling competition. Special guests include past winners Yang Ji-eun and Ahn Seong-hoon from 'Miss & Mister Trot'. 

Song Ga-in expressed her excitement, stating, "This is my first time having a special episode dedicated to me," reflecting on the significance of this moment. The audience erupted in cheers, chanting, "The queen! The queen!" as she made her entrance. During the show, Song Ga-in will premiere three new songs from her fourth studio album, starting with the title track 'Asadal', followed by 'Lifetime' and 'As Time Goes By'. Following her performance of 'Asadal', the crowd gave a standing ovation, exclaiming, "A masterpiece only Song Ga-in can sing!" 

Additionally, Jeong Mi-ae and Bae Ah-hyun, who secured the top spots in seasons 1 and 3 of 'Miss Trot', will engage in a direct showdown. Before the singing competition begins, Jeong Mi-ae, known for her impersonation of Lee Sun-hee, and Bae Ah-hyun, who mimics Joo Hyun-mi, will have a fun impersonation battle.

[TV조선] 송가인 특집 ‘가인이어라’

TV Chosun to Air Special Episode of 'Miss Three' Featuring Song Ga-in

Singer YENA has successfully concluded her concerts in Japan. On February 8 and 10, she held 'Starting from a Square: Journey in Japan' in Osaka and Tokyo, where she met with local fans.

During the opening, YENA performed 'Nemo Nemo', 'SMARTPHONE', and 'U', before greeting the audience. She expressed her gratitude, stating, "Thanks to the warm welcome from our fans, the concert was sold out. I promise to create a special and magical day for you, so let’s enjoy it together!"

Following the opening, YENA showcased her songs 'BAD HOBBY', her second single released in Japan 'DNA', and 'Lxxk 2 U'. She also delivered a variety of tracks like 'PRETTY BOYS' and 'Damn U', highlighting her presence as a solo artist.

YENA captivated the audience by reinterpreting the popular J-pop song 'Idol' by YOASOBI in her unique style and performed a solo version of IZ*ONE's 'I Can't Help It', receiving enthusiastic responses.

In the latter part of the concert, YENA sang 'That Was Love' with the audience, creating a more intimate atmosphere. She also prepared Japanese versions of her debut song 'SMILEY' and 'Déjà Vu', which was released in Japan, leaving a lasting impression.

After the concert, YENA shared her thoughts, saying, "Even if tough days come, I hope you can remember me and smile. Whenever you think of me, I will be there with you." She concluded the event by taking commemorative photos with the audience.

Having successfully completed her first domestic solo concert and now her concerts in Japan, YENA plans to continue engaging with her fans through various activities.

최예나, 첫 日 단독 콘서트 전석매진으로 끝냈다..“항상 팬들 곁에 있을 것” [공식]

YENA Successfully Wraps Up Concerts in Japan

Jeon Hyun-moo (전현무) and Hong Joo-yeon (홍주연) have found themselves at the center of marriage rumors, following a recent episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀) aired on February 9, 2025. The speculation about their potential wedding was reignited after a previous episode on February 2, where chef Jung Ji-sun (정지선) mentioned Jeon Hyun-moo's rumored marriage in March.

During the show, Jung Ji-sun was recording a segment for the popular program 'Gag Concert' (개그콘서트) with comedians Jo Soo-yeon (조수연) and Shin Yoon-seung (신윤승). In a playful moment, Jo Soo-yeon jokingly claimed that Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon would be getting married in May, which left the young fan, Woo-hyung, surprised.

This playful banter led to further jokes in the studio, with Kim Byung-hyun (김병현) and other cast members teasing Jeon Hyun-moo about his supposed upcoming nuptials. Jeon Hyun-moo even humorously admitted to dating Hong Joo-yeon for a month, prompting laughter from the audience.

In a segment of the show, Um Ji-in (엄지인) shared photos of Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon dining together, showcasing their apparent happiness. Jeon Hyun-moo defended Hong Joo-yeon when Um Ji-in playfully scolded her, and he expressed a sense of nostalgia when he saw her wearing headphones, drawing parallels to his past.

As the rumors continued, the initial March wedding speculation was pushed to May. With the addition of chef Shin Jong-cheol (신종철) to the panel, who praised the buffet's offerings, Park Myung-soo (박명수) chimed in, suggesting that Jeon Hyun-moo might have good news next month. Jeon Hyun-moo responded with disbelief, stating that his mother had even inquired about the marriage rumors.

In a light-hearted exchange, Park Myung-soo suggested moving the wedding date to May, to which Jeon Hyun-moo agreed but quickly noted that this would only lead to more articles about the change. The conversation took a humorous turn when Shin Jong-cheol offered to help plan the wedding, mentioning various events he could assist with, which left Jeon Hyun-moo visibly flustered.

"사귄 지 한달" 전현무, 母는 몰랐고 최측근만 알았다…5월로 결혼 연기 (사당귀)[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

Han Ji-min (한지민) and Lee Jun-hyuk (이준혁) have successfully crafted a legendary romantic chemistry that will be remembered in drama history. The SBS weekend drama 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서), directed by Ham Joon-ho (함준호) and Kim Jae-hong (김재홍), and written by Ji Eun (지은), continues to receive enthusiastic responses as it approaches its finale. According to the FUNdex chart released by Good Data Corporation on February 11, 'My Perfect Secretary' ranked first in the TV category, with Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk taking the top spots in viewer popularity at first and third place, respectively. The Korean Corporate Reputation Research Institute also ranked 'My Perfect Secretary' first in drama brand reputation. With only one episode left, the show's ongoing acclaim can be attributed to the exceptional romantic chemistry between Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk.

The much-anticipated pairing of Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk transcends mere excitement, showcasing a nuanced emotional depth. Han Ji-min's delicate facial expressions and gaze convey a profound emotional connection to the warm character Eun-ho (은호). The show flips traditional romance clichés, featuring a female lead who confidently guides her male secretary, earning cheers for her portrayal as a 'cool older sister.' Lee Jun-hyuk's understated yet impactful performance ignites a thrilling excitement, while his quiet care for Ji-yoon (지윤) positions him as the ideal romantic lead, capturing viewers' hearts. As his character gradually becomes more invested in her, the emotional authenticity of his portrayal solidifies the sentiment that 'Eun-ho is brought to life by Lee Jun-hyuk.'

Moreover, the palpable tension created by the two actors, simply by gazing into each other's eyes, elevates the narrative, drawing viewers deeper into Ji-yoon and Eun-ho's story. Their subtle hand gestures express the longing to get closer, amplifying the emotional stakes. When they finally decide to pursue their feelings and become a couple, their sweet displays of affection send viewers into a dopamine rush each episode. The detailed emotional expressions and lively dialogue naturally lead to viewer immersion, resulting in a surge of fans rooting for the 'Kang-Yu couple.'

With their perfect romantic chemistry and acting synergy, Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk have driven the drama forward. Recently released behind-the-scenes stills soothe the audience's disappointment at the impending finale. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether the two will deliver a Michelin 3-star-worthy conclusion in the final episode. The production team stated, 'Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk naturally evoke each other's emotions, conveying profound feelings that go beyond a simple romance. The completion of their legendary romantic chemistry will be realized in the final episode. We hope you will stay with us until the end.'

The final episode of 'My Perfect Secretary' will air on Friday, February 14, at 10 PM.

"드라마史 길이 남을 '어른 멜로'"…한지민♥이준혁, 화제성 지붕 뚫고 시청자 홀리고('나완비')

Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk Deliver Legendary Romance in 'My Perfect Secretary'

Kim Ri-eul, the renowned hanbok designer known for her work with BTS (방탄소년단), has tragically passed away at the age of 32. According to reports from Yonhap News on February 12, the Namwon police in Jeollabuk-do received a report of her death at an apartment on February 11 at around 9 PM, and they are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Kim first gained attention in 2016 when she introduced modern suits made from traditional hanbok fabric. She later established her own hanbok suit brand, Ri-eul. Her designs garnered significant acclaim, particularly when BTS wore her hanbok suits during their performance of the hit song 'IDOL' in 2020. The group also showcased her creations during their appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'.

If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or other difficult issues, please reach out for help. You can contact suicide prevention hotlines for 24/7 professional counseling.

BTS Hanbok Designer Kim Ri-eul Passes Away at 32

The K-pop girl group IVE has expressed their condolences by sending a wreath to the funeral of 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul, who tragically lost her life at the hands of a female teacher in Daejeon. It has been reported that Kim was a devoted fan of IVE. On February 12, IVE's agency confirmed that they sent the wreath to Kim's funeral at the Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon the previous day.

In a media interview, Kim's father shared that her dream was to meet Jang Won-young, a member of IVE. He recalled how Kim had asked for a photo card of Jang as a birthday gift and would stay up late to watch any program featuring her. He expressed a heartfelt request for IVE representatives to send a warm message to his daughter as she embarks on her final journey.

Upon learning of Kim's father's interview, IVE promptly sent a photo card along with the wreath to convey their sympathies.

Meanwhile, the teacher involved, referred to as A, had taken a leave of absence due to mental health issues in early December last year but returned to work less than a month later, presenting a doctor's note stating she was fit to resume her duties. However, on February 6, she exhibited violent behavior by injuring a colleague who was checking on her.

On the day of the incident, February 10, the Daejeon City Office of Education sent an inspector to the school to investigate and recommended that A be separated from the students. Unfortunately, this recommendation was not acted upon. Later that day, A lured Kim out of her classroom and fatally attacked her in an audiovisual room.

After the incident, A inflicted self-harm and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. Authorities plan to arrest her once she recovers to investigate the motives behind her actions, and they are also considering the public disclosure of her personal information.

K-pop Group IVE Sends Condolences to Family of Young Fan

K-pop superstar G-DRAGON is set to host his long-awaited world tour concerts in Korea this March. The presenting partner, Coupang Play, announced on February 11 that the 'G-DRAGON 2025 World Tour 'Webermanche' in Korea' will take place on March 29 and 30 at the Goyang Sports Complex.

This concert marks G-DRAGON's first solo performance in eight years since his last world tour in 2017. Fans can expect a vibrant setlist featuring new tracks such as 'HOME SWEET HOME' and 'PO￦ER', along with songs from his third studio album, including 'TOO BAD', 'DRAMA', 'IBELONGIIU', 'TAKE ME', 'BONAMANA', and 'GYRO-DROP'.

Ticket sales will begin with a pre-sale for G-DRAGON's fan club on February 26 at 8 PM, followed by general sales on February 27 at 8 PM. Tickets for the 'G-DRAGON 2025 World Tour 'Webermanche' in Korea' will be available exclusively through the Coupang Play mobile app. More details regarding ticket purchases and the concert will be revealed on February 14.

G-DRAGON previously set a record during his second world tour in 2017, performing 36 concerts and attracting around 650,000 fans, making it the largest tour by a K-pop solo artist to date. Last year, he also garnered attention for his upgraded performances at award shows and fellow BIGBANG member Taeyang's concert. Fans are eager to see if G-DRAGON will break new records with his unique performances and stage presence during this upcoming tour.

G-DRAGON to Hold World Tour Concerts in Korea This March

The popular program ‘더 트롯쇼’ (The Trot Show) is set to make its way to Japan. On March 10, 2025, the special event ‘더 트롯쇼 IN JAPAN’ will take place at the Grand Cube in Osaka, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. There will be two performances at 2 PM and 7 PM, featuring the same lineup but with different arrangements, generating high anticipation among local fans.

This special edition of ‘The Trot Show IN JAPAN’ is produced by the team behind Korea's first trot chart program, along with the ‘트롯뮤직어워즈 2024’ (Trot Music Awards 2024) and ‘SBS 트롯대전’ (SBS Trot Competition). The event aims to enhance cultural exchange between Korea and Japan, showcasing a festival that transcends K-POP to include both trot and J-POP, appealing to audiences of all ages.

The performances will feature prominent representatives from both Korean trot and Japanese J-POP, creating a stage for musical interaction and unity with fans. Attendees can expect a variety of performances from trot artists, collaborative stages between K-trot and J-POP, and a grand finale featuring beloved songs from both countries.

A stellar lineup of 12 Korean trot artists will perform, including the ‘powerful vocalist’ 금잔디 (Geum Jandi), ‘versatile entertainer’ 김희재 (Kim Hee-jae), ‘trot powerhouse’ 박구윤 (Park Gu-yoon), ‘vibrant voice’ 박지현 (Park Ji-hyun), ‘multi-talented’ 손태진 (Son Tae-jin), ‘trot queen’ 송가인 (Song Ga-in), ‘silky voice’ 송민준 (Song Min-jun), ‘gentle emotion’ 안성훈 (Ahn Seong-hoon), ‘trot legend’ 진성 (Jin Seong), ‘milk boy’ 최수호 (Choi Soo-ho), ‘trot Barbie’ 홍지윤 (Hong Ji-yoon), and ‘trot beast idol’ 황윤성 (Hwang Yoon-seong). Japanese artists include the ‘black singing king’ 마츠자키 시게루 (Matsuzaki Shigeru) and the ‘skilled singer connecting both nations’ 우타고코로 리에 (Utago Koro Rie), who will also engage with fans.

These artists are diligently preparing to deliver a high-quality performance, featuring stunning visuals and engaging interactions that express their love for global fans.

The Trot Show to Celebrate 60 Years of Korea-Japan Relations

'Current King of Masked Singer 2' aired its semifinals on February 11, showcasing the intense competition among 14 active singers. The results of the second round, dubbed 'The Dramatic Showdown,' saw Enok (에녹), Park Seo-jin (박서진), Hwanhee (환희), Kim Junsu (김준수), Kang Moon-kyung (강문경), Shin Seung-tae (신승태), Shin Yu (신유), and Kim Soo-chan (김수찬) emerge victorious.

During the episode, Jaehwa (재하) performed 'The End of Parting' by Hye-eun (혜은이), while Kim Kyung-min (김경민) chose 'Lost Love' by Kim Soo-hee (김수희), and Na Tae-joo (나태주) sang 'Sangpalja' by Jinseong (진성). Jaehwa received praise for engaging with the audience for the first time, creating a performance that some deemed even more meaningful than the finals.

However, Kim Kyung-min faced criticism for not fully capturing the essence of trot due to his young age, and Na Tae-joo struggled with his condition, receiving more encouragement than critique.

No Ji-hoon (노지훈) performed 'Irreversible Time' by Jo Hang-jo, while Choi Soo-ho (최수호) sang 'Hwangseong Old Site' by Lee Ae-ri (이애리수). No Ji-hoon shared a touching personal story about losing his parents within two weeks, which resonated with the audience. The celebrity judging panel remarked on the beauty of his emotional performance, while they suggested that Choi Soo-ho could have better conveyed the historical context of his nearly century-old song.

Kim Junsu and Kang Moon-kyung, who ranked high in the first round, solidified their positions with 'I Can't Find the Cuckoo' by Jo Yong-pil (조용필) and 'Because I'm a Woman' by Shim Soo-bong (심수봉), respectively. Enok captivated viewers with a musical rendition of 'Ok-kyung' by Tae Jin-ah (태진아).

Jin Hae-sung (진해성) performed 'A Piece of Cloud Lying Long' by Na Hoon-a (나훈아), while Kim Soo-chan sang 'Yun Jung-ro Love Song' by Joo Hyun-mi (주현미), and Park Seo-jin delivered a powerful rendition of 'Lost Love' by Tae Jin-ah, earning him high praise for his unexpected vocal prowess.

Hwanhee showcased his individuality with 'Your Name' by Hyun-cheol (현철), Shin Yu performed 'Ball' by Na Hoon-a, and Shin Seung-tae concluded the round with 'Four Beats' by Song Dae-kwan (송대관).

After tallying the scores from the first round, the celebrity judges, public support votes, and the national judging panel, the rankings were established as follows: Kang Moon-kyung, Shin Seung-tae, Hwanhee, Jin Hae-sung, Kim Junsu, Shin Yu, Kim Soo-chan, Park Seo-jin, and Choi Soo-ho.

Unfortunately, Enok, Jaehwa, Na Tae-joo, No Ji-hoon, and Kim Kyung-min found themselves in the elimination zone, but Enok secured the final ticket to the finals through votes from the national judging panel present at the semifinals.

SM Entertainment Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Exciting Events in Thailand and Indonesia

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Trending

BTS Hanbok Designer Kim Ri-eul Passes Away at 32

K-pop Group IVE Sends Condolences to Family of Young Fan

G-DRAGON to Hold World Tour Concerts in Korea This March

The Trot Show to Celebrate 60 Years of Korea-Japan Relations

Survivors of 'Current King of Masked Singer 2' Revealed

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Yale Professor Addresses Mental Health Stigma After Tragic School Incident

TV Chosun to Air Special Episode of 'Miss Three' Featuring Song Ga-in

YENA Successfully Wraps Up Concerts in Japan

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk Deliver Legendary Romance in 'My Perfect Secretary'

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