On January 8, actress Song Hye-kyo took a significant step in breaking her previously mysterious persona by engaging with her fans. Kang Min-kyung shared a post on her Instagram story, tagging both her own account and Song Hye-kyo's, with the caption "VLOG?". 

The accompanying photos showed Kang Min-kyung filming someone with a camera, and the subsequent image appeared to capture Song Hye-kyo, who looked stunning even without makeup, showcasing her natural beauty. 

As the release date for her upcoming film, 'The Black Nun' (검은 수녀들), approaches, Song Hye-kyo is set to make appearances on various entertainment shows, including 'You Quiz on the Block' (유퀴즈온더블럭) and 'V-Beauty TV' (비보티비), marking her return to variety shows after a long hiatus. There are also speculations that she may appear on Kang Min-kyung's YouTube channel, further heightening anticipation among fans. 

'The Black Nun' is scheduled to hit theaters on January 24.

Song Hye-kyo Breaks Her Mystic Image to Connect with Fans

On January 8, 2025, a press conference for the Disney+ original series 'Trigger' took place at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul. Actor Jung Sung-il shared his deep respect for his co-star Kim Hye-soo, stating, "From the beginning of filming to the end, Kim Hye-soo was the best partner." 'Trigger', set to premiere on January 15, follows a group of relentless investigative reporters who aim to expose the wrongdoings of bad individuals in a beautiful world. Directed by Yoo Seon-dong, known for 'The Uncanny Counter', the series features Jung Sung-il as Han Do, a socially awkward rookie who joins the Trigger team unexpectedly. He described his character as someone who initially lacks social skills and transitions from the drama department to the Trigger team, discovering his own potential and growth through interactions with team leader Oh So-ryong. Reflecting on his first acting experience with Kim Hye-soo, he expressed, "It was amazing from the start. Just acting alongside such a remarkable senior was overwhelming. She approached me as Oh So-ryong and made me feel comfortable on set, allowing me to follow her lead. She was the best partner from beginning to end." 'Trigger' will release a total of 12 episodes, with two episodes airing each week.

'트리거' 정성일 "존경하는 김혜수=최고의 파트너, 현장에서 벅차올랐다"

Jung Sung-il Expresses Admiration for Kim Hye-soo at 'Trigger' Press Conference

On January 6, singer Lee Seung Hwan shared a heartfelt message on his social media, revealing that he and his fans, known as 드팩민 (Dream Factory), donated a total of 99,730,872 KRW to the Korean Childhood Leukemia Foundation in 2024. To celebrate Lee's birthday, his fans contributed funds that will be used for the treatment of children battling pediatric cancer, with 1,210,000 KRW specifically allocated for this cause. Over the course of 2024, Lee Seung Hwan and his fans collectively donated approximately 100 million KRW, showcasing their commitment to making a positive impact. Lee expressed pride in his fans' charitable efforts by sharing the donation certificate, further highlighting their good influence.

"제가 많이 좋아해요" 이승환, 그 가수에 그 팬..작년 기부금 9900만 원

Lee Seung Hwan and Fans Make Significant Donation to Children's Leukemia Foundation

Actor Yoo Seung-ho is set to leave YG Entertainment, as confirmed by the agency on January 7, 2025. His exclusive contract will conclude in March, marking the end of a nearly three-year partnership that began in March 2022. Reports suggest that both parties have amicably decided to part ways after thorough discussions, wishing each other well for the future.

Born in 1993, Yoo Seung-ho is currently 32 years old and began his acting career in 2000 with the drama 'Gashigogi,' where he portrayed a son suffering from leukemia. He gained immense popularity in 2002 with the film 'Homecoming,' earning the title of 'Nation's Grandson.'

Yoo has showcased his impressive acting skills in numerous hit dramas, including 'Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin,' 'Parents' Letter,' 'Sad Love Story,' 'Magic Warrior Mir Gaon,' 'The King and I,' 'The Great King Sejong,' 'Queen Seondeok,' 'God of Study,' and 'Flames of Desire.' 

His transition to adult roles began with the 2011 drama 'Warrior Baek Dong-soo,' and he has continued to be active in the industry with notable works such as 'I Miss You,' 'Remember: War of the Son,' 'The Emperor: Owner of the Mask,' 'Revenge is Back,' 'Memorist,' 'When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon,' and 'Transaction.'

[공식] 유승호, YG 떠난다…3월 전속계약 종료, 3년간 동행 마침표

Actor Yoo Seung-ho to Depart from YG Entertainment

Actress Nana has once again sparked a trend with her stunning new hairstyle. In a recent photoshoot for Vogue Korea released on January 7, 2025, she showcased an elegant yet daring charm, highlighted by a vintage bob perm. This fresh look marks a departure from her long hair, enhancing her unique beauty and charisma. Her expressions perfectly matched the concept, adding an extra layer of appeal.

Nana, who rose to fame as a member of the girl group After School, is actively pursuing her acting career. Recently, she has been in the spotlight due to dating rumors with model Chae Jong-seok. The two appeared together in a music video for Baek Ji-young's new song, where their chemistry as a couple was evident.

Baek Ji-young commented on the music video, saying, "We created three teaser versions, including a playful '100 Kisses' version that compiles all the kissing scenes, which is quite entertaining to watch." However, Nana's agency has stated that they cannot confirm the dating rumors, citing it as a matter of personal privacy.

'채종석 열애설♥' 나나, 빈티지펌 단발병 유발자

Nana Turns Heads with Bold New Look in Vogue Korea Photoshoot

The highly anticipated first round of the finals for TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot 3' will air on January 9 at 10 PM. This show is the original trot audition program that sparked a trot craze across South Korea. 'Mr. Trot 3' has already proven its popularity, ranking first in viewership among all Thursday programs, with the second episode reaching an impressive peak rating of 16%. 

This week's episode will feature the Hallyu Team, composed of participants who are former idols and are actively promoting overseas. The Hallyu Team aims to become the center of the K-Trot wave, showcasing not only their charming visuals but also their vibrant personalities and solid skills, which have reportedly captivated the judges. 

Among the standout participants is a Hallyu superstar who has dominated the Oricon Daily Chart in Japan, expressing ambitions to win over both Japanese and Korean audiences. With idol-like visuals and a performance that is sure to create a heart-throbbing atmosphere, this participant has sparked a friendly competition among the judges. 

Additionally, a participant known as the 'boyfriend of the nation' in Japan, who has collaborated with the legendary rock band Anzen Chitai, is set to deliver a shocking performance that is expected to leave the judges in awe. The Hallyu Team's stage promises to be a highlight of the broadcast. 

Moreover, the episode will showcase the results of the intense preliminary judging by the masters, leading to the eagerly awaited first round of finals. Teams that have successfully passed the master auditions will compete in a fierce team death match. 

Master Jang Yoon-jung praised one team, stating, "It’s flawless and perfect. The stage itself is a work of art," raising curiosity about which team she was referring to. Other judges are expected to shower the performances with unprecedented praise, calling it a 'world-class stage' and an 'emotional finale.' Which team will create legendary moments that send chills down viewers' spines? 

Don't miss the overwhelming grandeur of 'Mr. Trot 3' on TV CHOSUN, airing January 9 at 10 PM.

‘미스터트롯3′ 日오리콘 차트 휩쓴 ‘한류스타’ 출연..국민 마스터 ‘발칵’

K-POP Stars Shine in 'Mr. Trot 3' as Hallyu Team Takes the Stage

In the latest episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), aired on January 8, 2025, renowned actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, highlighting her exceptional character. Upon seeing Song Hye-kyo, host Jo Se-ho expressed his astonishment, while she too was intrigued to meet him in person for the first time. Jo Se-ho remarked, 'I have only seen you on TV,' to which Song Hye-kyo responded, 'I feel like I'm meeting a celebrity. Congratulations on your marriage, even if it's a bit late.' 

During their pre-shoot meeting, Song Hye-kyo surprised Jo Se-ho with a wedding gift, demonstrating her thoughtfulness. Jo Se-ho promised to reciprocate her kindness, stating, 'I’m not someone who forgets gifts.' 

Additionally, Song Hye-kyo prepared gifts for the production staff, showcasing her generous spirit. She expressed, 'I feel like I must repay the love I have received,' leaving everyone in admiration.

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

In the latest episode of tvN's You Quiz on the Block (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭), actress Song Hye-kyo made a memorable appearance, captivating viewers with her unique storytelling. Celebrating her 28th year in the entertainment industry, she revealed that it has been 23 years since her last variety show appearance.

Song Hye-kyo shared her journey, starting from her teenage years when she debuted after winning a school uniform contest. At just 20, she gained widespread recognition for her role in Autumn in My Heart (가을동화), marking a significant transformation in her public image. Following this, she starred in hit dramas like All In (올인), Hotelier (호텔리어), and Full House (풀하우스), becoming a ratings queen in her twenties. Reflecting on that time, she noted, "I never felt anxious about whether my projects would succeed. I had a lot of fun and sometimes found it annoying to have to work instead of hanging out with friends. I often thought about what I would do for fun after work."

She also expressed some regrets about her career choices, saying, "I missed out on roles because I thought I should switch to serious characters after playing a comedic one. I wish I had taken on more diverse roles. I sometimes wonder why I was so selective when I was still developing as an actress."

Known for her strong connections and charm, Song Hye-kyo commented on how others perceive her humor, stating, "People think I’m funny, but I just respond to situations as they come. I don’t see myself as particularly humorous."

In a light-hearted moment, fellow guest Jo Se-ho mentioned that Shin Hyun-ji had reached out to him, saying that Song Hye-kyo was incredibly entertaining and addictive to watch. Song Hye-kyo humorously admitted, "I’m not entirely devoid of a desire to be funny."

Despite her long career, Song Hye-kyo has faced her share of challenges, including numerous rumors. She explained, "Starting so young in this industry, I’ve dealt with many rumors. I’ve learned to let them go, but sometimes it’s overwhelming. During interviews, I often say, 'I don’t know where these stories come from; ask the person who made them up.'"

As she enters her forties, she feels a shift in her approach to acting, stating, "I’ve started preparing myself more. The differences between me and younger actors are becoming more apparent. I realize I need to focus on my acting skills now; I can’t rely on my looks anymore."

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

The boy group BOYNEXTDOOR is experiencing a remarkable surge in their career with the release of their new digital single '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' (Today Only I LOVE YOU) on January 6 at 6 PM. The track debuted at number 38 on the Melon daily chart on January 7, marking the group's highest achievement to date. After entering the daily chart at number 45, the song has climbed in rankings, reaching number 4 on Melon's 'Top 100', number 10 on Bugs, and number 22 on Genie, showcasing their impressive growth.

Additionally, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' entered the Korean Spotify 'Daily Top Songs' chart at number 27 on January 6 and secured the 10th position on the Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' chart in Korea on January 8, making it the highest-ranking K-pop boy group song on that day.

The single is also gaining traction in the global market, having reached number 1 on Japan's LINE MUSIC 'Top 100' chart on January 7, maintaining its position until 7 AM, and reclaiming the top spot again on January 8. Furthermore, it debuted at number 3 on QQ Music's rising chart in China, making BOYNEXTDOOR the only K-pop group in the 'Top 3' of that chart.

Musically, '오늘만 I LOVE YOU' is a dance track that presents a unique perspective on post-breakup experiences, blending self-deprecating lyrics with an upbeat band sound to create a relatable breakup anthem. BOYNEXTDOOR is set to showcase their new song on music shows over the coming week.

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

In the highly anticipated second season of Netflix's Squid Game (오징어 게임), Won Ji-an has captured the hearts of global audiences with her portrayal of the character Se-mi. The series continues the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), as Gi-hun returns to the deadly games seeking revenge. Within just four days of its release, the show amassed an impressive 68 million views, securing the top spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 and ranking as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history based on its opening week viewership.

Won Ji-an's striking transformation into Se-mi, characterized by her short haircut, bold piercings, and choker accessories, has drawn significant attention from viewers. This dramatic shift from her previous roles has surprised many, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Her visual transformation complements Se-mi's strong and charismatic personality, as she navigates the challenges of the game while being kind to the vulnerable Min-su (played by Lee David). Their dynamic, particularly Se-mi's protective nature towards the timid Min-su, has resonated with fans, leading to a mix of admiration and humor, with some viewers jokingly expressing their dislike for Min-su due to the unfolding tragic narrative.

Won Ji-an has previously demonstrated her acting prowess in acclaimed series such as D.P. and Youth of May (소년비행), establishing herself as a talented actress. With her captivating performance in Squid Game Season 2, she has garnered attention not only in South Korea but also internationally.

Looking ahead, Won Ji-an is set to continue her busy schedule with upcoming roles in Disney+'s original series Polaris and Made in Korea, further solidifying her rising star status in the entertainment industry.

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

On January 8, 2025, the YouTube channel 'Naraesik' released a new video titled 'Lee Jun-hyuk X Nucksal | My Perfect Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal Secretary | Scary Stories from the New Year, Lee Jun-hyuk's Songs, Never-ending Board Games'. In this episode, Park Na-rae, who turned 40 this year, greeted the new year by gifting ten types of pizza, including 'waist pizza', 'chest pizza', 'shoulder pizza', 'leg pizza', 'wrinkle pizza', 'poor pizza', and 'laugh pizza'. She also prepared a menu of pizza and side dishes, showcasing kimchi cheese fries inspired by a famous taco restaurant in Itaewon.

Guests Lee Jun-hyuk and Nucksal joined the show, with Lee introducing himself humorously as someone responding to a rude late-night call from Kim Jae-wook. Park Na-rae explained the show's 'multi-level marketing' system, mentioning that Lee Si-eon had been promoted to diamond status while Kim Jae-wook was a ruby member. Lee Jun-hyuk revealed that he missed a call from Kim Jae-wook, who was intoxicated at the time, expressing sympathy for him.

While making pizza, Lee Jun-hyuk shared his love for fast food but noted the challenges of needing to lose weight for roles. He recalled needing to gain weight for 'The Outlaws 3'. Nucksal humorously admitted to never having been this heavy, stating he was 50 kg in his twenties but gained weight after quitting smoking post-marriage, adding, 'I’m so happy to be married' in a deadpan manner, which elicited laughter.

Lee Jun-hyuk commented on a photo of Park Na-rae's bulked-up physique on the wall, saying it was his preferred style. Park Na-rae shared her trainer's advice on achieving a slim waist by building up her back, aiming for a Brock Lesnar-like physique. Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his admiration for Brock Lesnar and flirtatiously remarked that Park Na-rae looked like a fairy in real life, suggesting that her on-screen persona was exaggerated.

Discussing his upcoming drama 'My Perfect Secretary', Lee Jun-hyuk mentioned that this is his first true romance project, stating, 'I’m like a character from a comic strip. In 'You Forgot Poetry', it was a sitcom, but this is my first time with a proper romance. I even get to kiss Han Ji-min.'

He also expressed his aspirations in variety shows, saying he respects entertainers for their energy and humor. He wants to engage in witty banter and feels the need to develop a character for variety shows, likening it to performing without a script in theater. Park Na-rae initiated a two-line poem challenge to help him practice, and Lee successfully created a poem about 'beer', earning applause.

When the topic of scary stories arose, Lee Jun-hyuk recounted his childhood experiences with ghosts, including a chilling encounter at his grandmother's house and another incident during elementary school that left him feeling uneasy. 

In conclusion, Lee Jun-hyuk expressed his desire to work hard on 'My Perfect Secretary' and earn some well-deserved rest, emphasizing the importance of diligence in the current entertainment industry, where one project does not guarantee success. He looks forward to meeting fans in the new year with exciting new roles to explore.

Song Hye-kyo Breaks Her Mystic Image to Connect with Fans

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Song Hye-kyo Showcases Generosity on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Song Hye-kyo Showcases Her Wit on 'You Quiz on the Block'

BOYNEXTDOOR Achieves Career High with New Single 'Today Only I LOVE YOU'

Won Ji-an Captivates Global Fans in Squid Game Season 2

Lee Jun-hyuk Teases Romantic Chemistry with Han Ji-min in 'My Perfect Secretary'

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