On March 14, 2025, actress Song Ji-hyo shared a heartfelt post on her personal account, expressing gratitude for a delightful date with Ji Ye-eun, stating, "Thanks to Park Eun-tae, I had a healing date with Ye-eun..♥" Along with her message, she posted several photos capturing their outing. 

The images feature Song Ji-hyo and the youngest member of their cast, Ji Ye-eun, enjoying a day out to see the musical 'The Man Who Laughs,' starring Park Eun-tae, who recently appeared on the show Running Man (런닝맨). The duo can be seen flashing peace signs and smiling brightly at the camera. 

They also visited Park Eun-tae's waiting room to express their appreciation. Their continued friendship after filming has garnered a warm response from fans, with comments like, "This combination is so cute, I love it!", "You both look so beautiful!", and "I fully support this friendship!" 

Currently, Song Ji-hyo and Ji Ye-eun are both cast members of the SBS variety show Running Man (런닝맨).

Song Ji-hyo and Ji Ye-eun Showcase Their Strong Chemistry

On March 14, 2025, actress Nam Bora appeared on KBS2TV's 편스토랑 (Newly Released Menu) and shared a distressing story about being scammed. During the episode, she was seen contemplating the main wedding photo for her mobile invitation, which sparked a lively chat among her family members. They humorously commented, 'This photo is a hit, not something you just see at home.' 

Later, Nam Bora sent a message in the family group chat asking, 'Who wants to come over for a tteokbokki party today?' As her siblings arrived one by one, they included her younger siblings, Se-bin, So-ra, and the youngest, Young-il. The siblings enjoyed a feast of Korean street food while engaging in cheerful conversation.

Amidst the light-hearted banter, Nam Bora revealed that she had recently fallen victim to a significant scam, losing a staggering 1.45 million won. She explained that the incident was related to her preparation for a volunteer event where she intended to make 800 rolls of kimbap. To make the process easier, she purchased a kimbap cutter but found it too expensive at retail prices, prompting her to search for a second-hand option.

Nam Bora recounted, 'I found a decent item and transferred the money, but the seller ghosted me. I realized too late that I had been scammed. I was upset not only about the money lost but also about the thought of having to cut 800 rolls by hand.'

결혼앞두고 무슨 일..남보라, 거액 '사기피해' 당했다 ('편스토랑')

Nam Bora Reveals Shocking Scam Experience on 편스토랑

In the finale of TV Chosun's Mister Trot 3, which aired on March 13, 2025, Kim Yong-bin (33), a seasoned trot singer with 22 years of experience, was crowned the champion after receiving 27% of the live text votes. Reflecting on his victory, he expressed disbelief, saying, "I still feel like I'm dreaming. I've been singing for 20 years, but this is the first time I've ever come in first place."

The final competition, themed 'Life Songs,' was evaluated on a total of 3,000 points, comprising 1,500 points from master scores, 300 points from online support votes, and 1,200 points from real-time text votes. Kim Yong-bin chose to perform Na Hoon-a's 'Gamsa' and scored 1,490 points (2nd place) from the masters, while he topped the online support votes with a perfect 300 points (1st place). He tied for first place in the interim rankings with Son Bin-ah, who received 1,500 points from the masters and 290 points online. However, in the live broadcast, Kim Yong-bin garnered an impressive 440,256 votes from a total of 1,641,378 valid text votes, securing his victory with a 27.01% share.

Son Bin-ah, who performed Park Woo-cheol's 'Yeonmo,' made history by receiving perfect scores of 100 from all 15 masters but ultimately finished second with 34,646 votes (21.11%). The third place went to Cheon Rok-dam, who jumped from 6th to 3rd in the national voting with Na Hoon-a's 'Gong.'

Before the finale, Kim Yong-bin admitted to being extremely nervous, surviving on just porridge for days. During the broadcast, he was moved to tears by a video featuring memories of his late grandmother, who had raised him after his parents' divorce. His emotional reaction was palpable as he recalled the lyrics, "Even the wind that brushed by hurt me, the past years I cried in hiding."

"I sincerely thank the public for voting for me so much. I am grateful to my family watching from home. I believe my grandmother would have been so happy to see this moment," he said, his face radiating joy despite the shadows that often lingered.

In an interview just before the live show, Kim Yong-bin shared, "I know hundreds of trot songs, but the moment I heard this song by Na Hoon-a, I cried for the first time. The lyrics resonated deeply with my life experiences, especially the pain I had to overcome during my seven-year hiatus."

The finale of Mister Trot 3 achieved a remarkable viewership rating of 19.1%, a 3% increase from the previous episode, marking its highest rating ever. The peak moment, with a rating of 19.6%, occurred when Kim Yong-bin shared memories of his grandmother in his hometown of Daegu.

This competition was a fulfillment of his grandmother's wish for him to perform on the Mister Trot stage, although she passed away before witnessing his success. Kim Yong-bin recalled her words before her passing, promising to support him even after her death.

"Before going on stage, I always repeated, 'Grandma, please be with me,' which helped me stay calm this time. I sang with the mindset of performing my own song, just as I always did in front of her," he said, emphasizing his dedication to his craft.

His relentless pursuit of perfection and commitment to traditional trot music ultimately won the hearts of the audience. He meticulously practiced every aspect of his performance, from vocal tone to facial expressions, ensuring he delivered his best.

When asked about his true dream, Kim Yong-bin replied, "As long as I am healthy, I want to sing for as long as I can whenever people want to hear me. I was a child who almost died from a high fever just ten days after birth, and now I have been reborn through singing."

As the champion, Kim Yong-bin received a cash prize of 300 million won along with various other awards. The top spots were rounded out by Chun Gil in 4th, Choi Jae-myung in 5th, Nam Seung-min in 6th, and Chu Hyuk-jin in 7th. Choi Jae-myung also received a special award from Takahashi Yoko, a master from Mister Trot Japan.

22년차 가수 김용빈, ‘미스터트롯’ 첫 도전서 대역전극 우승

Kim Yong-bin Crowned Champion of Mister Trot 3

The highly anticipated mini album 'HOT' by the K-pop group LE SSERAFIM is set to be released today, March 14, at 1 PM KST. This new album, featuring members Kim Chaewon (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yunjin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eunchae (홍은채), encapsulates a heartfelt approach to love. The title track 'HOT' blends rock and disco elements within a pop genre, alongside tracks like 'Born Fire,' which features impressive narration in Korean, English, and Japanese, 'Come Over,' which encourages living in the moment, 'Ash,' which explores finding beauty in pain, and 'So Cynical (Badum),' co-written by Kim Chaewon, Heo Yunjin, and Hong Eunchae, urging listeners to boldly embrace love.

The album has generated significant buzz with its trailer, five concept photos, a highlight medley, and a music video teaser. Here are three reasons why fans are eagerly awaiting this release:

# Completion of the 'EASY-CRAZY-HOT' Trilogy
'HOT' marks the final installment of a trilogy that began with the mini album 'EASY' released in February 2025, followed by 'CRAZY' in August 2025. This project, planned since 2023, has seen the group drop hints about their next album throughout various award shows and previous content. 'EASY' dealt with the anxieties behind the scenes, while 'CRAZY' encouraged letting go of those fears. 'HOT' takes it a step further, showcasing a willingness to dive into love without hesitation, reflecting LE SSERAFIM's growth. The success of 'EASY' and 'CRAZY' on Billboard's Hot 100 has raised expectations for 'HOT' as well.

# First Love Song Title Track
The title track 'HOT,' which includes contributions from Heo Yunjin, is the group's first song to focus on love. With lyrics like "You make me dream again like a miracle" and "Don't be afraid, I have no doubts / Let's hold hands," the song conveys a message of taking risks for love, regardless of the outcome. The members dedicated themselves to capturing the essence of these lyrics during recording, and the song features one of the most lyrical melodies among their title tracks. Fans can also look forward to a unique performance style that emphasizes the song's emotional depth rather than adhering to a specific dance genre, unlike their previous styles showcased in 'EASY' and 'CRAZY.'

# Global Collaborations Showcasing World-Class Talent
LE SSERAFIM continues to collaborate with renowned musicians and companies. The credits for the title track include Feli Ferraro, who worked on 'UNFORGIVEN (feat. Nile Rodgers),' and hitmaker Ali Tamposi. The British band Jungle's Josh Lloyd and Lydia Kitto contributed to the track 'Come Over,' blending their vintage sound with the group's vocals. Additionally, a preview of 'So Cynical (Badum)' was featured in a trailer for Blizzard Entertainment's team-based action game 'Overwatch 2,' marking their second collaboration since the 'Perfect Night' music video in 2023.

On March 13, LE SSERAFIM held the 'LE SSERAFIM COMEBACK SHOWCASE 'HOT'' to give fans a sneak peek of their performance. Starting March 14, a pop-up event titled 'LE SSERAFIM 2025 S/S POP UP - THE HOT HOUSE' will be held at PLAZ2 in Seongsu-dong, utilizing messages from the new album.

르세라핌, 오늘(14일) 'HOT'하게 돌아온다..미니 5집 기대포인트 셋

LE SSERAFIM Unveils Mini Album 'HOT' Today

“데이트♥”송지효·지예은, ‘런닝맨’ 촬영 밖에서도 만나요..찐자매 케미

In the latest episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama Undercover High School (언더커버 하이스쿨), aired on March 14, the true identity of Jeong Hae-seong, played by Seo Kang-joon, was uncovered. 

During the episode, Jeong Hae-seong and Oh Soo-ah (Jin Ki-joo) were deployed on a mission that ultimately failed. Upon hearing Oh Soo-ah's real name, Jeong Hae-seong realized she was his first love and stared at her in disbelief. He asked, "Is your name Bong-ja? Oh Bong-ja?" to which Oh Soo-ah replied, "Yes, that was my original name... But why are you laughing at someone else's name? It's rude to laugh in front of someone. I was going to take you home, but never mind. Go by yourself," before turning back into the store.

Reflecting on his childhood memories with Oh Soo-ah, Jeong Hae-seong's attitude towards her changed the next day. He arrived early at the teacher's office, gazing at her with affection as she danced, and complimented her, saying, "You’re amazing. You will definitely become a great teacher."

Meanwhile, Jeong Hae-seong and the members of the domestic team 4 gathered to find clues about a ghost story related to the school anthem. When they struggled with the piano performance, Oh Soo-ah stepped in, saying, "I’ll do it."

She insisted, "The school anthem itself isn’t that difficult," but Jeong Hae-seong warned, "You could get expelled for entering the chairman's office by mistake." However, Team Leader Ahn encouraged her, stating, "You can do it. You are the unparalleled partner of our National Intelligence Service's top ace, Jeong Hae-seong, and an honorary field agent of our domestic team 4."

Flattered by the title of 'honorary field agent,' Oh Soo-ah agreed to participate, despite Jeong Hae-seong's protests. She even requested a written agreement promising that the government would support her in becoming a teacher at Byeongmun High School.

Eventually, Jeong Hae-seong pulled her aside, firmly stating, "I won’t say this twice. Don’t do it. It’s dangerous." Oh Soo-ah responded, "All the teachers at Byeongmun High are attending the event anyway. Since we’ve decided to go together, let’s focus on the mission."

Jeong Hae-seong questioned her obsession with becoming a teacher, asking, "Why are you so fixated on it? You shouldn’t take risks just because it seems obvious. Be honest with me." Oh Soo-ah replied, "There’s someone I want to show this to. I promised my first student that I would definitely become a teacher. I’m determined to do whatever it takes to achieve that. Life isn’t worth living without risks."

As the operation approached, Jeong Hae-seong was conscious of Oh Soo-ah while teaching self-defense techniques. When she unexpectedly hugged him from behind during the lesson, he awkwardly excused himself, muttering, "Get a grip, you’re acting strange today."

At the highly anticipated Byeongmun Night, Jeong Hae-seong was captivated by Oh Soo-ah, who appeared in a dress. He reassured her, placing a camera necklace around her neck, saying, "I’ll make sure nothing happens today, so don’t worry. And by the way, you look beautiful today."

After successfully infiltrating the chairman's office, Jeong Hae-seong and Oh Soo-ah sat together at the piano to play the school anthem. When nothing happened, Oh Soo-ah expressed her confusion, saying, "Nothing is happening."

After the mission failed, Team Leader Ahn instructed Jeong Hae-seong to exit, warning, "Come out, Hae-seong. It’s dangerous to stay there. Erase the entry records from the chairman's office and get out quickly." Following the order, Jeong Hae-seong announced, "I will withdraw," as he deleted the entry records from Seo Myung-joo's (Kim Shin-rok) computer. In that moment, he discovered his personnel record card and the operation plan file for Byeongmun Night, leaving him in shock. The upcoming preview hinted at Jeong Hae-seong taking independent action with Oh Soo-ah, raising questions about the plot's development.

팀에 배신자 있나..서강준, 김신록에 정체 발각→작전 유출 ‘충격’ (‘언더커버’)

Identity of Seo Kang-joon Revealed in Undercover High School

On March 15, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Goldmedalist, issued a statement refuting the recent claims made by the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (commonly known as 가세연) during a live broadcast on March 14. The agency emphasized that the photos shared by 가세연 were taken on December 14, 2019, and argued that there is no justification for the indiscriminate release of images related to Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron's private lives. They urged for an end to the dissemination of personal information.

Goldmedalist also acknowledged the statement made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, expressing deep sympathy for her unimaginable pain following the loss of her daughter. They conveyed their sorrow over the hardships Kim Sae-ron faced during her life and expressed their understanding of the concerns raised by her mother regarding media coverage.

While the agency agreed with some of the points made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, they noted that there are aspects of her claims that differ from their perspective. They suggested that there may be information that she is not yet aware of and stated that publicly debating these issues would not be appropriate for honoring Kim Sae-ron's memory. Goldmedalist expressed a desire to meet with her mother to provide a thorough explanation and invited her to contact the agency at any time.

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from 가세연 regarding a supposed 'grooming' crime, claiming he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor. The agency clarified that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron did have a past relationship, they only dated from the summer of 2019, when she was an adult, until the fall of 2020. They also refuted claims that they pressured Kim Sae-ron regarding a compensation demand related to her DUI incident, stating that the legal documents were part of a process to address losses incurred by her former agency. Goldmedalist has announced plans for strong legal action against the false allegations made by 가세연.

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations and Seeks Communication with Kim Sae-ron's Family

Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, has publicly criticized the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) for spreading personal information about the actor. The channel recently alleged that Kim Soo-hyun had a romantic relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor, claiming they dated for six years since her third year of middle school and raising suspicions of 'grooming' behavior. They also accused Gold Medalist of pressuring Kim Sae-ron regarding a 700 million KRW penalty related to her drunk driving incident, suggesting that Kim Soo-hyun was complicit in this situation.

In response, Kim Sae-ron's family, including her mother and aunt, expressed their desire to restore her reputation, stating that Kim Soo-hyun portrayed her as a liar. Gold Medalist confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun did date Kim Sae-ron, their relationship only occurred after she turned 18, from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. They clarified that the legal documents sent to Kim Sae-ron were part of a process to address losses incurred by her previous agency due to her drunk driving incident, and they did not pressure her for payment.

On March 15, Gold Medalist condemned the release of a private photo of Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, taken on December 14, 2019, stating there is no justification for such an invasion of privacy. They also acknowledged the immense pain Kim Sae-ron's mother is experiencing after her loss, expressing their condolences while also empathizing with her concerns regarding media coverage of her daughter.

Gold Medalist emphasized that some of the claims made by Kim Sae-ron's mother differ from their perspective and suggested that there may be information she is not yet aware of. They expressed a desire to meet with her in person to provide a thorough explanation, inviting her to contact their office at any time.

As Kim Soo-hyun faces ongoing scrutiny from the allegations made by Garo Sero Research Institute, his agency's request for a meeting with Kim Sae-ron's mother has drawn significant attention. Meanwhile, Kim Soo-hyun continues to participate in his scheduled activities, including filming for the MBC variety show 'Good Day' (굿데이).

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron

Beauty brand Dinto has decided to terminate its advertising model contract with actor Kim Soo-hyun, who has recently been embroiled in allegations regarding his past relationship with the late Kim Sae-ron, who was a minor at the time. On March 15, Dinto announced, "We have decided to end our advertising model contract with Kim Soo-hyun. Given the recent controversies, we believe it is important to uphold the principles of good faith and integrity in our partnership. Therefore, we could not proceed with an official statement or contract termination until we received a position statement from Kim Soo-hyun and his agency." 

According to Dinto, the contract with Kim Soo-hyun was set for one year and was valid until August 2025. The company further stated, "After confirming the agency's position, we have determined that there are significant reasons that make it difficult to fulfill the advertising model contract. We are currently in the process of officially terminating the contract through our legal counsel." 

Dinto emphasized that this decision was made to protect the values of the brand and consumer trust. They added, "We will continue to make careful and responsible decisions that align with consumer trust and pursue more meaningful projects to realize our values." 

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) and Kim Sae-ron's family, claiming that he was in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was in middle school, starting from when she was 15 years old and continuing for six years. 

On March 14, Gold Medalist, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, released a second statement addressing the allegations. They confirmed that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were indeed former lovers, their relationship began after Kim Sae-ron turned 18, specifically from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020. 

In a statement through 'Garo Sero,' Kim Sae-ron's mother asserted, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She has never pretended to be someone else for attention, nor was she a child who only enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create dating rumors through manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and Cyber Leakers have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of an ordinary and promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist has portrayed Sae-ron as a crazy girl who lies about her intentions regarding the photos she posted."

Dinto Terminates Contract with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Controversy

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has publicly addressed the media regarding the false narratives surrounding her daughter. In a statement released on March 14 through a YouTube channel, she expressed that their goal is to restore the tarnished reputation of her daughter, who was unfairly affected by numerous misleading articles. She emphasized the need to hold accountable malicious YouTubers and cyber bullies who have contributed to this situation.

A stated, "Sae-ron never lied to the media. She did not engage in gambling or pretend to work part-time. She was not a girl who only enjoyed nightlife with friends, nor did she create false dating rumors through manipulated photos." She lamented that since Sae-ron's passing, there have been outrageous claims about her being a 'girl head of the household' and that her family squandered her earnings, leading to a plethora of baseless articles that are not worth reading.

A further elaborated on the impact of these false articles, stating that they targeted her young daughter, who had just turned twenty, and that Sae-ron bore the brunt of vicious personal attacks alone. She described the three years of suffering that Sae-ron endured, likening it to being bullied by the public due to the false reports initiated by a figure named Lee Jin-ho.

The family hopes to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime and wishes for legal and institutional measures to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.

The family has also claimed that Kim Sae-ron was in a relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old, a statement that Kim Soo-hyun's side has denied as false. However, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' has released letters and photos allegedly sent by Kim Soo-hyun during his military service, further complicating the narrative. They also claimed that a gold medalist demanded compensation from Kim Sae-ron following her DUI incident.

Mother of Late Actress Kim Sae-ron Speaks Out Against False Reports

The mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron has finally broken her silence, asserting that her daughter never lied about working at a coffee shop and was subjected to bullying by the public. She expressed a desire for her daughter's honor to be restored.

On March 14, the 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소), claiming to represent Kim Sae-ron's family, released a statement purportedly from her mother. The institute noted that Kim's mother preferred not to reveal her voice, so they used AI technology to present her statement.

In her statement, Kim Sae-ron's mother said, "Sae-ron has never lied to the media. She never pretended to work part-time or was just a girl who enjoyed nightlife with friends. She did not create false dating rumors with manipulated photos. However, Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters have fabricated false articles that dragged the life of a promising actress and her family into hell. Furthermore, Gold Medalist labeled her as a 'crazy girl' who lied about her intentions in the photos she posted. Now that Sae-ron is gone, there are outrageous false articles claiming she was a breadwinner for her family and that they squandered hundreds of billions earned from her. These articles are not worth seeing or reading."

She continued, "The ones who trampled on my fallen child and kicked her while she was down are Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters. There were also irresponsible media outlets that spread the false narratives written by Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, along with various malicious commenters who supported them. Sae-ron endured this for three years, sleepless and lonely. This is akin to the collective bullying she faced from the public due to the false articles triggered by Lee Jin-ho."

She added, "If Professor Kwon Young-chan from the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association had not reached out to us, and if Kim Se-yi from Garo Sero had not offered help, our family would have been scapegoats to Lee Jin-ho and the cyber reporters, carrying the burden of Sae-ron's tarnished reputation for life."

In conclusion, she stated, "The actions of Lee Jin-ho and his associates are criminal. It is difficult to hold them accountable for murder within the outdated legal framework. We, the bereaved family, wish to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress during her lifetime, correct the false articles that are entirely untrue, and hope that legal and institutional measures are established to prevent such incidents from happening again, ensuring that the media fulfills its responsibilities."

Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, at the age of 25. A friend who was supposed to meet her discovered her unresponsive and reported it. Police stated that there were no signs of foul play.

In connection with this, the Garo Sero Institute alleged that actor Kim Soo-hyun had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since her minor years, raising suspicions of 'grooming.' They also claimed that Gold Medalist pressured Kim Sae-ron with a 700 million won compensation notice and that Kim Soo-hyun turned a blind eye to it.

In response, Gold Medalist issued an urgent statement on March 14, denying the allegations and clarifying that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult. They also refuted claims regarding the compensation notice, stating it was merely a legal procedure related to a penalty from Kim Sae-ron's DUI incident and not a demand for payment.

Song Ji-hyo and Ji Ye-eun Showcase Their Strong Chemistry

What do you think?

Trending

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations and Seeks Communication with Kim Sae-ron's Family

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Controversy Surrounding Kim Sae-ron

Dinto Terminates Contract with Kim Soo-hyun Amid Controversy

Mother of Late Actress Kim Sae-ron Speaks Out Against False Reports

Kim Sae-ron's Mother Speaks Out for Justice

More

Nam Bora Reveals Shocking Scam Experience on 편스토랑

Kim Yong-bin Crowned Champion of Mister Trot 3

LE SSERAFIM Unveils Mini Album 'HOT' Today

Song Ji-hyo and Ji Ye-eun Showcase Their Strong Chemistry

Identity of Seo Kang-joon Revealed in Undercover High School

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