On January 10, 2025, actors Song Joong-ki (송중기) and Lee Hee-joon (이희준) are set to embark on an extensive promotional campaign for their film 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' (보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅), which is captivating audiences with its diverse and engaging elements. The film tells the story of Guk-hee (송중기), who travels to Bogotá, Colombia, filled with hope after the IMF crisis, and becomes entangled with influential figures in the Korean community, including Su-young (이희준) and Sergeant Park (권해효). 

Starting their day at 11 AM, the duo will appear on SBS Power FM's 'Park Ha-sun's Cine Town' to share their delightful banter. Their on-screen chemistry as Guk-hee and Su-young has garnered attention, and they are expected to discuss behind-the-scenes stories and key viewing points, promising an entertaining experience for listeners. Additionally, Song Joong-ki will make a special appearance on KBS2's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' at 10 PM, marking his first performance on a music program. Known for his impressive singing skills, he will showcase his favorite songs, adding a unique charm to the promotional efforts for 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances'. 

The film continues to receive rave reviews from audiences, thanks to the stellar performances of its cast and the gripping narrative of a crime drama. 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances' is currently showing in theaters nationwide.

Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon Kick Off Major Promotions for 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances'

Despite facing numerous controversies, the K-pop group NewJeans has solidified their popularity. For two consecutive years, they have achieved the highest album sales among female K-pop artists, and they have successfully completed their official debut in Japan, further confirming their global appeal.

In 2023, NewJeans sold a total of 3,098,275 albums, marking them as the top-selling female K-pop artist with a market share of 11.4% according to the Circle Chart 2024 album sales review. Their double single 'How Sweet,' released in May, sold over 1.24 million copies, while their Japanese debut single 'Supernatural,' released in June, surpassed 1.3 million copies. Additionally, their earlier releases 'NewJeans,' 'OMG,' and 'Get Up' continued to sell well, contributing to their record-breaking sales.

Their digital music power is equally impressive, with 13 songs including 'How Sweet,' 'Super Shy,' 'Ditto,' 'OMG,' 'ETA,' and 'Hype Boy' making it onto the Circle Chart 2024 global K-pop section. They placed 11 songs in the digital category and 10 in the streaming category. Notably, eight of their tracks ranked on the 2024 Melon annual chart, with 'Supernatural' catching attention by ranking second on the Melon overseas annual chart. While K-pop artists often appear on international charts, NewJeans stands out as the only artist in the top tier, according to Melon.

Their debut in Japan was also remarkable. NewJeans officially debuted in Japan with 'Supernatural' in June 2023, which topped the Oricon chart on its release day and received a Gold Disc certification from the Japan Record Association for exceeding 100,000 copies shipped. They also set a record for being the fastest overseas artist to perform at the Tokyo Dome within just 1 year and 11 months. This success led to them winning the Excellent Work Award at the prestigious 66th Japan Record Awards for 'Supernatural.' Furthermore, they secured the second position in the 'New Artist Ranking' of the Oricon annual ranking 2024 sales category, the highest rank for any overseas artist. The ranking is based on the total sales of singles, albums, streaming, and music DVDs. Oricon reported that NewJeans generated sales of 2.09 billion yen (approximately 193.12 million won) during the counting period from December 11, 2023, to December 8, 2024.

As of November 29, 2023, NewJeans has claimed that their exclusive contract with Ador has been terminated. Their last official schedule with Ador was at the Golden Disc Awards held in Fukuoka, Japan. Although the members have announced their intention to pursue independent activities, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the contract.

뉴진스, 2024년 日서만 193억 벌었다…국내외 1위 올킬[종합]

NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

T.O.P (최승현), a former member of the iconic K-pop group BIGBANG, is set to participate in an interview regarding his role in the highly anticipated Netflix series Squid Game 2 (오징어 게임2) on January 15 in Seoul. This marks T.O.P's first interaction with the press since his involvement in a drug scandal, drawing significant public interest.

In February 2017, T.O.P enlisted in the military as a conscripted police officer. However, he faced legal issues when it was revealed that he had smoked marijuana at his home in 2016, resulting in a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Following this incident, he announced his departure from BIGBANG and retirement from the entertainment industry. The recent news of his casting in Squid Game 2 has reignited controversy, particularly surrounding allegations of favoritism in casting, involving fellow actors Lee Jung-jae (이정재) and Lee Byung-hun (이병헌), who are known to have a close relationship with T.O.P.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, along with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, has addressed these casting rumors during interviews and press conferences, but public sentiment remains skeptical. Additionally, T.O.P has faced criticism regarding his acting skills, further complicating his return to the spotlight. Given that he was previously excluded from major promotional events, anticipation is high for what he will say during this upcoming interview.

Squid Game 2, which premiered on December 26, continues the story of Gi-hun (이정재) as he seeks revenge and re-enters the deadly games, facing off against the Front Man (이병헌). T.O.P plays the character Thanos, a 'drug-addicted rapper' in the series.

[공식] 탑, '마약 파문'·'낙하산 캐스팅' 논란 입 연다…'오겜2' 인터뷰 확정

Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P to Speak in First Interview Since Drug Scandal

Shin Dong-yup (신동엽), a 54-year-old television personality and former comedian, has recently opened up about a troubling incident from his early career. During an appearance on the YouTube channel ‘Donghaemul-gwa Baekdu-eunhyeok’ on January 6, he shared that he was physically assaulted by a senior comedian when he was a rookie. 

Shin explained that the comedy industry had very strict hierarchies at the time, with a strong emphasis on seniority. He recalled, 'In the past, the rules in the comedy scene were very rigid. There were people who were particularly obsessed with the senior-junior relationships.' He described how comedians typically start with minor roles and gradually earn their own segments based on their talent. However, during his rookie days, he was unexpectedly given a short segment, which he likened to a low-level employee suddenly receiving a significant promotion. 

This change seemed to upset some of his older colleagues, leading one of them to confront him while intoxicated. 'He said to me, 'You little punk, you have no popularity. Who do you think you are to act so cocky?' Shin recounted. He attempted to defend himself, but the senior comedian struck him multiple times. 'I remember going to the bathroom to wash up and crying alone,' he revealed. 

When asked if the senior comedian is still active in the industry, Shin confirmed, 'He is not active anymore.' 

Shin Dong-yup made his debut as a comedian in 1991 through SBS and continues to be a prominent figure in various entertainment programs, including SBS’s ‘Animal Farm’ (동물농장), ‘My Little Old Boy’ (미운 우리 새끼), and MBN’s ‘King of Mask Singer 2’ (현역가왕2).

신동엽 “신인 때 선배한테 뺨 수십대 맞아…화장실서 울었다”

Shin Dong-yup Reveals Past Assault by Senior Comedian

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."

'유퀴즈' 송혜교, 입담 美쳤다 "이제 얼굴 안 먹혀→크고 작은 루머 너무 많아"[종합]

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

On January 9, 2025, comedian Hwang Hyun-hee made a rare media appearance on MBC's entertainment show Radio Star (라디오스타), where he addressed claims that he is a billionaire with assets worth over 10 billion won. During the New Year special, which also featured actress Jin Seo-yeon, monk Seong-jin, and Father Ha Sung-yong, Hwang humorously remarked, 'I mentioned a three-digit figure on another show, and suddenly I became a 10 billion won asset holder. I'm just a comedian whose time has passed.' 

When fellow cast member Yoo Se-yoon teased him about how he introduces himself, Hwang replied, 'I just want to convey that the economy isn't as tough as people think. I hope you can let go of your biases about me.' 

Kim Gu-ra directly asked Hwang if he believes he is the best among the 19th generation of comedians from the show Gag Concert (개그 콘서트). Hwang confidently stated, 'I think I'm the best, even compared to those before and after me. I've seen products that are better than what Jang Dong-min developed, and I've heard that someone else replaced Yoo Sang-min on home shopping.' 

Regarding the rumors of his wealth, Hwang commented, 'To be labeled as a 10 billion won asset holder is surprising. My salary as a comedian generates income without me doing anything.' 

Curious about his investment success, Hwang shared that after being eliminated from Gag Concert in 2014, he realized he couldn't own his work and decided to focus on owning tangible assets. He began studying investments and, after two years of graduate school without investing, he made his first investment in real estate, purchasing apartments in Yongsan, Seongdong, and Yeongdeungpo districts. 

He noted that in 2016, there were bestselling books claiming 'Real Estate is Over,' but he found opportunities in the market. By early 2017, while there was low demand for buying, rental demand was high. After the real estate market declined from 2009 to 2014, he shifted his own home to a rental, built up his investment funds, and engaged in gap investments and redevelopment projects. 'I invested for three months and then stopped,' he said, adding that the market began to rise again in early 2021, surprising everyone with his insights.

'라스' 황현희, 100억 대 자산 해명 "개그맨 월급이 불로소득"[종합]

Comedian Hwang Hyun-hee Addresses Rumors of His 10 Billion Won Wealth on Radio Star

On January 9, 2025, the production press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아), took place at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The event featured cast members Lee Se-young (이세영), Na In-woo (나인우), Choi Min-soo (최민수), Kim Tae-hyung (김태형), Choi Hee-jin (최희진), and director Kim Hyung-min (김형민), with broadcaster Park Kyung-rim (박경림) serving as the MC.

Motel California is a romantic drama set in a rural motel, following the life of the female protagonist who was born and raised in the motel. The story revolves around her reunion with her first love from her hometown, from which she fled 12 years ago. The series is based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by author Shim Yoon-seo (심윤서).

Director Kim Hyung-min described the drama as a tale of reconciling the conflicting elements of a first love reencountered after 12 years and a longing to return to one’s hometown. He expressed his nervousness ahead of the premiere, hoping that the warm atmosphere would be captured on camera.

Lee Se-young, known for her successful roles in dramas like The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) and Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐), plays the role of Ji Kang-hee (지강희), an interior designer born in the motel. She shared her excitement about being part of MBC's 2025 lineup, stating, "I feel a bit more nervous and excited since I’m opening the first drama of the year for MBC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with MBC again, especially as many dramas are being canceled these days."

Kang-hee's character has faced a challenging life due to her unusual upbringing and striking appearance. Lee Se-young noted that she found many similarities between herself and Kang-hee, expressing curiosity about how a child with trauma and deficiencies would grow up.

Na In-woo, who has captured hearts in dramas like The Moon Rising River (달이 뜨는 강) and Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘), portrays Cheon Yeon-soo (천연수), a top candidate for the son-in-law of local farmers and a large animal veterinarian. He shared that he was drawn to the character's life story and worked hard to embody it.

The chemistry between Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, who play a couple with a 23-year history of first love, is expected to create a romantic wave in viewers' homes this New Year. Lee praised Na In-woo for his sensitivity and beautiful gaze, while Na In-woo expressed his admiration for Lee Se-young's ability to interpret their characters delicately.

Other cast members include Choi Min-soo as the motel owner Ji Chun-pil (지춘필), Kim Tae-hyung as the sole heir of an elite hotel, Geum Seok-gyeong (금석경), and Choi Hee-jin as veterinarian Yoon Nan-woo (윤난우), who follows her senior Cheon Yeon-soo.

Despite being dubbed the 'MBC Princess,' Lee Se-young acknowledged the pressure of continuing MBC's successful drama streak. She emphasized that she focuses solely on her character and the project, without worrying about past successes or failures. However, she does have a target viewership rating, stating, "As the lead, I feel a sense of responsibility. I hope for success, and if we achieve a 10% rating, I promised to appear as a special DJ on the radio show 'Hope Song at Noon' (정오의 희망곡)."

Motel California is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST.

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

On January 9, Han Ji-min appeared as a guest on KBS Cool FM's 'It's a Good Day to Love' and discussed her recent drama, 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서). During the show, a listener praised the chemistry between Han Ji-min and her co-star, expressing curiosity about the upcoming storyline. 

Han Ji-min responded by noting the similarities between her character, Kang Ji-yoon, and herself, particularly their clumsiness, such as getting into the wrong car. She humorously mentioned how her manager's friends often remind her, 'That's not your car,' leading to amusing situations. She added that the appearance of a charming character in the drama adds an exciting element to her role.

Host Lee Geum-hee commented on a scene where co-star Lee Jun-hyuk protects Han Ji-min from bumping her head, likening it to a romantic gesture of shielding a loved one from sunlight while they sleep. Han Ji-min revealed that while female viewers loved that scene, some male viewers, including Son Seok-koo, questioned whether such actions were necessary, which brought laughter to the discussion. She concluded by stating that it was a moment that resonated with many women, making them feel excited.

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

On January 9, during the broadcast of MBN's Special Report (특종세상), An Sang-tae shared his experiences of suffering from online harassment due to false accusations of noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor. He revealed that he felt trapped by the claims, stating, 'It turned out that the person from the apartment below was right. The previous tenants and the ones below them never had such issues.' He recounted meeting the accuser in court, where they explained their actions were driven by stress from raising children. 

An expressed the emotional toll this situation took on him, saying, 'Even though I am not a criminal, I couldn't even go out to eat because of the media coverage. There were cruel comments about my daughter, suggesting horrific things. It was very painful, and thankfully, my child was very young at the time.' 

Currently, An is involved in film production and directing. When asked about his earnings, he humorously noted, 'I make about 320,000 won a year.' He added, 'Even if not many people watch my films, I feel happy when they resonate with the stories I imagined.'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Legendary actor Harrison Ford is set to join the cast of the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. Celebrating nearly 60 years in the industry, Ford will take on a significant role in this new installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Known for his iconic performances in blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford has garnered immense popularity both in the U.S. and internationally, even ranking as the highest-grossing actor in American cinema in 2016.

In the Star Wars series, Ford's portrayal of Han Solo has made him one of the most beloved characters in film history. He has also captivated audiences for over four decades as Indiana Jones, showcasing his versatile acting skills across various genres. With his addition to Captain America: Brave New World, fans are eager to see what new character he will bring to life in the MCU.

At over 80 years old, Ford's participation in a Marvel action blockbuster is anticipated to present a fresh challenge and a new side of the actor. He will portray President Thaddeus Ross, a character previously played by the late William Hurt, bringing depth to a figure of power and ambition.

Kevin Feige, head of the MCU, expressed his excitement, stating, "Harrison Ford's joining the MCU has been a dream for years. It's truly amazing that he is finally on board; it feels like we've checked off a wish list item." Anthony Mackie, who takes on the new Captain America role, shared his awe during their first filming together, highlighting Ford's commanding presence.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson, who reunites with President Ross and finds himself at the center of an international crisis, uncovering a sinister plot that threatens global stability. Mackie, who has portrayed Falcon since Captain America: The Winter Soldier, will deliver a unique performance as the new Captain America.

The film will also feature familiar faces from the Disney+ Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, including Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, and Liv Tyler, adding to the excitement. Directed by Julius Onah, known for Cloverfield Paradox and Luce, Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit theaters in February.

Song Joong-ki and Lee Hee-joon Kick Off Major Promotions for 'Bogotá: The Land of Last Chances'

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Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Harrison Ford Joins Marvel's Captain America: Brave New World

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NewJeans Confirms Global Popularity with Record Sales and Successful Japanese Debut

Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P to Speak in First Interview Since Drug Scandal

Shin Dong-yup Reveals Past Assault by Senior Comedian

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

Comedian Hwang Hyun-hee Addresses Rumors of His 10 Billion Won Wealth on Radio Star

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