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'

송혜교, 초면인 조세호에 결혼 선물 "사랑 받은 만큼 돌려드려"('유퀴즈')[순간포착]

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

K-pop group GFRIEND is set to make a splash on music shows as they celebrate their 10th anniversary with the release of a new song. The members—Sowon (소원), Yerin (예린), Eunha (은하), Yuju (유주), SinB (신비), and Umji (엄지)—will debut their title track '우리의 다정한 계절 속에 (Season of Memories)' on Mnet's '엠카운트다운' at 6 PM KST on January 9. Following this performance, fans can catch them on various music shows throughout the week.

Anticipation for GFRIEND's new stage is at an all-time high. Their recent appearances at the '39th Golden Disc Awards' and 'Studio Dance' on YouTube have quickly climbed the trending charts since their release on January 7. Known for their synchronized choreography and fast-paced dance moves, the group is once again generating buzz with their performance.

The new song '우리의 다정한 계절 속에 (Season of Memories)' has been praised for its nostalgic choreography that resonates with K-pop fans. The performance emphasizes the bond between the group and their fans, focusing on expressing their journey rather than following current trends. The cinematic structure connecting the past and present of the group is particularly moving, featuring nods to previous hits like '시간을 달려서 (Rough)'.

Park So-yeon (박소연), the performance director from Source Music, shared, "I wanted the stage to evoke memories of the time GFRIEND and their fans have shared, like a panorama. I hope it allows everyone to reflect on the journey they've taken together, fostering a deep sense of empathy."

The members actively contributed to the choreography, expressing desires to maintain their signature large arm movements and harmoniously blend their past and present. They even dedicated time to practice in a separate studio while attending an awards ceremony in Japan, showcasing their commitment to the performance.

GFRIEND's special album 'Season of Memories' is set for official release on January 13 at 6 PM KST. The group promises to deliver a collection that encapsulates their unique emotions, collaborating closely with Source Music, with whom they have a long-standing partnership.

여자친구, 오늘(9일) ‘엠카’ 출연..팀의 과거 현재 잇는 무대 예고

GFRIEND to Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Special Album and Performances

The Japanese film 'Grand Maison Paris,' featuring 2PM member and actor Ok Taecyeon, is achieving remarkable success at the local box office, a rare feat for live-action films in Japan. Since its release on December 30, the movie debuted at third place and quickly climbed to second, signaling a strong box office performance. In its opening week alone, it attracted over 960,000 viewers and has grossed approximately 1.39 billion yen (around 128 million KRW). This makes it the highest-grossing live-action film released in Japan during this period.

Historically, animated films have dominated the Japanese box office, with only three live-action films making it into the top 20 of all-time box office rankings. Therefore, the success of 'Grand Maison Paris' stands out in a market typically ruled by animation.

Industry insiders predict that if this trend continues, the film could surpass 3 billion yen (approximately 276 million KRW) in total revenue.

'Grand Maison Paris' is based on the popular 2019 TBS drama 'Grand Maison Tokyo' and features key cast members from the series, including Takuya Kimura, Kyoka Suzuki, Ikki Sawamura, and Mitsuhiro Oikawa.

The film tells the story of genius chef Natsuki Obana (played by Takuya Kimura) and Rinko Hayami (Kyoka Suzuki), who, after earning a Michelin three-star rating in Japan, open 'Grand Maison Paris' in France, aiming to achieve the same prestigious recognition as the first Asian restaurant. Ok Taecyeon plays the role of Rick Yuan, a Canadian pastry chef of Korean descent, who serves as a rival to Kimura's character.

Following its premiere in Paris on January 8, 'Grand Maison Paris' is set to release in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea later this year.

옥택연X기무라 타쿠야, 日박스오피스 대박..'그랑메종 파리' 개봉 첫주 128억 흥행 [Oh!재팬]

2PM's Ok Taecyeon Shines in Japanese Film 'Grand Maison Paris' with Impressive Box Office Performance

In a recent episode of Health Club (헬스클럽) aired on January 7, 2025, YoonA (윤아) addressed her upcoming departure from the Gayo Daejeon (가요대전), where she has served as an MC for a decade. During the episode titled '2025's First Guest: Yungprodithe' (융프로디테), fellow guest Hyeri (혜리) shared her surprise at encountering YoonA at the airport, initially not recognizing her. She humorously recounted how YoonA agreed to appear on the show without hesitation. YoonA expressed her thoughts on leaving Gayo Daejeon, stating, "I’ve been counting down every year at the end of December, and I’m curious about how it will feel not doing it. It might feel empty, but I wanted to complete the 10 years." She added, "I’m happy to have achieved this goal; it feels like I’ve been recognized as a professional in this field after consistently doing it for a decade." 

YoonA also mentioned her new venture into YouTube, sharing her preference for natural content filmed in the woods. She expressed her desire to showcase her authentic self rather than just being in front of the camera. When asked about ASMR content, she joked, "But I really want to talk!" 

When reflecting on her goals for the new year, YoonA stated, "I set goals based on what’s in front of me. If I get involved in a project, they are usually small goals; I don’t set big ones." She concluded by promising her fans that she plans to be very active this year, hinting at exciting activities ahead.

윤아, '가요대전' 10년 개근에 "스스로 멋져..안 하면 연말 허전할 것"

YoonA Discusses Departure from Gayo Daejeon After 10 Years as MC

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'

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.

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

The sudden passing of popular influencer and YouTuber Lee Hee-cheol has left many in shock, as his family has confirmed the cause of death. On January 8, Lee's brother revealed in an interview that the cause was a heart attack (심근경색). He expressed his sorrow, stating, "Although my brother had been feeling unwell recently, he was still healthy. It happened overnight..." The funeral is being held at Soonchunhyang University Hospital in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The news of Lee's death was first shared by fellow YouTuber Pungja on January 7 through social media, where he wrote, "I can hardly believe this as I write, but for those who loved my brother and haven't heard the news yet, I must share that my beloved brother Lee Hee-cheol has become a star in the sky today."

Pungja continued, "Please pray that he goes to a good place. This is so sudden that many friends have yet to be informed. If you need my contact information, please DM me for details about the funeral."

In addition, Lee's final post on social media has garnered attention. On December 31, he reflected on the challenges of the past year, stating, "2024 has been incredibly tough for me, both physically and mentally. I believe that pain leads to learning and growth, and I am determined to face it with humility and strength. I want to express my gratitude for everything, even the hardships!" He concluded with a hopeful message for the new year, wishing for a healthier 2025 and a life filled with gratitude.

The family has released a statement to dispel any rumors surrounding his death, emphasizing the importance of his relationships with friends and family. Lee's brother shared, "Our brother, who was always full of energy and love, unexpectedly left for a long journey to the heavens on January 7 due to a heart attack. He cherished those around him as much as family, and although he appeared strong, he was gentle at heart. Please join us in making his final journey a little less lonely and more beautiful. We will not forget the precious hearts of each one of you."

Lee Hee-cheol was a close friend of Pungja and gained popularity in 2023 as a regular cast member on KBS2TV's 'Salim Namja-deul Season 2' (살림하는 남자들 시즌2). He was a multi-talented individual, working as an influencer, restaurant CEO, photographer, and recently serving as the visual director for the girl group CLASS:y (클라씨).

Influencer Lee Hee-cheol Passes Away Suddenly at 39

On January 8, 2025, the YouTube channel '위라클' (WIRACLE) released a new video titled 'Feeling Each Other's Absence.' In the video, Park Wi expressed his sadness over the impending separation, saying, 'Ji-eun, don’t go.' Song Ji-eun responded, 'I have to go. I’m a little excited too,' indicating her upcoming trip to the United States.

The couple shared a meal the day before her departure, reminiscing about their recent marriage. Park Wi showcased his affection, saying, 'We got married!' and complimenting his wife, 'You’re so beautiful. This place is lovely, but Ji-eun is even prettier.' 

As the moment of separation approached, Song Ji-eun was seen tearing up, explaining, 'It’s my first time being apart.' Park Wi reassured her, saying, 'If I miss you too much, I’ll fly to the U.S.' He also suggested they film vlogs in both Korea and the U.S., expressing excitement about the temperature differences they might encounter.

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

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