Stray Kids has achieved remarkable success with their latest album '合 (HOP)' (SKZHOP HIPTAPE), released on December 13. The album has topped both the Hanteo Chart and Circle Chart's monthly physical album rankings for December 2024. This accomplishment highlights their strong presence in the music industry, as they also led the monthly retail album chart, showcasing impressive sales figures across offline retail outlets.

Recently, Stray Kids made headlines by becoming the only artist in the 69-year history of the Billboard 200 to have six consecutive albums debut at number one. They have also set new records on the Billboard 'Top Album Sales' and 'Top Current Album Sales' charts, maintaining the number one position for three consecutive weeks after their entry.

On January 6, Stray Kids teased their fans with a video titled 'Stray Kids "STEP OUT 2025"', announcing a variety of projects for the year, including the release of two albums, a Korean encore concert, and fan meetings. Their world tour, which spans 48 shows across 32 regions, will resume in Hong Kong on January 18-19, before heading to major stadiums in Latin America, North America, and Europe starting in March.

Additionally, they will hold their fifth official fan meeting, 'Stray Kids 5TH FANMEETING 'SKZ 5'CLOCK'', from February 14-16 at the Incheon Inspire Arena. The event on February 16 will also be streamed live online via the Beyond LIVE platform, allowing more fans to join in the experience.

Stray Kids Dominates Monthly Album Charts with '合 (HOP)'

On January 11, 2025, popular kids creator 헤이지니 (Kang Hye-jin) shared exciting news on her Instagram, revealing that she is expecting her second child. She announced, "Today, I have joyful news to share! We found out about our second baby on our wedding anniversary, 24.11.11." 

헤이지니 expressed her thoughts on expanding her family, saying, "I had a vague desire to have a second child, but as time passed, I became very comfortable with my first child. I hoped to have a baby with a closer age gap rather than a late birthday, and I wished for the baby to come quickly. And just like that, we were surprised with this news!" 

She also noted that her first child was born in July, and the due date for the second child is also in July, making it a special coincidence. Additionally, she humorously mentioned that their household now includes two rabbits and two snakes, with her first child and one rabbit being born in the Year of the Rabbit, while she and the upcoming baby are born in the Year of the Snake. 

In 2018, 헤이지니 married 박충혁, the director of Kids Works, and welcomed her first child in July 2023. She continues to thrive as a kids creator.

'400만 구독자' 헤이지니, 뱀띠 맘 된다 "결혼기념일에 둘째..7월 예정" [전문]

Kids Creator 헤이지니 Announces Second Pregnancy

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

On January 10, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (문화체육관광부) unveiled its key operational plans for the year. The government aims to establish a new fund worth 600 billion KRW to attract both domestic and international investments in the content industry. Additionally, plans are underway to create a graduate school for translation to promote the international dissemination of Korean literature.

The ministry's strategy focuses on fostering the content, tourism, and sports sectors to drive economic growth and exports. A 500 billion KRW K-Content and Media Fund will be actively managed to secure significant domestic investments, while a new 100 billion KRW Global League Fund will be introduced to attract foreign investments. To bolster content exports, the number of overseas business centers will increase from 25 to 30, with enhanced strategic support for key regions such as China, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

In the tourism sector, efforts will concentrate on recovering the inbound tourism market. The ministry plans to provide safety information through the 'Tourist Interpretation Guide 1330' and alleviate concerns for foreign tourists through overseas marketing initiatives. To facilitate the entry of foreign tourists, exemptions for the electronic travel authorization system (K-ETA) for certain countries and waivers for group tourist visa issuance fees will be extended until December of this year.

To nurture the artificial intelligence (AI) content industry, the ministry will establish a 'Future Strategy for the Content Industry in the AI Era' covering 2025 to 2035. Revisions to copyright laws and the establishment of publicity rights legislation will be pursued to protect creators and promote synergy within the AI industry. Furthermore, projects utilizing AI, such as the development of Korean-style AI (12.4 billion KRW) and the establishment of a domestic and international news analysis system using AI (4.74 billion KRW), will be actively promoted.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, and the ministry plans to sign a memorandum of cooperation in culture, sports, and creative industries, enhancing cultural exchanges through exhibitions and performances between the two countries.

The ministry also aims to globalize Korean culture by supporting overseas ventures in various fields such as performing arts, visual arts, and literature, while expanding international exchanges. The establishment of a graduate school for translation is part of the initiative to promote the international spread of Korean literature.

In addition, efforts will be made to globalize the Korean language, Taekwondo, and traditional culture. In response to the growing demand for Korean language education abroad, new Sejong Institutes will be designated, including a new center in Chile to serve as a hub for South America. Minister Yoo In-chon stated, "Despite challenging circumstances, we will vigorously implement policies in culture, sports, and tourism this year to ensure that all citizens can enjoy culture in their daily lives and that the economy can recover swiftly."

정부, 6000억원 규모 콘텐츠 분야 펀드 조성한다 

Ministry of Culture Announces Major Plans for 2025

Former Big Bang member TOP is set to break his silence as he prepares for an interview on January 15 regarding his role in Netflix's Squid Game 2 (오징어게임2). The series continues the intense rivalry between Seong Gi-hun (이정재) and the Front Man (이병헌), with TOP portraying Thanos, a retired drug-addicted rapper. 

While other cast members, including director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Lee Jung-jae, Park Gyu-young, Yang Dong-geun, Lee Seo-hwan, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Jo Yu-ri, and Park Sung-hoon, have actively promoted the show through interviews, TOP has remained largely silent. 

His silence is understandable given his controversial past, which began in 2016 when he was sentenced to two years of probation for marijuana use with trainee Han Seo-hee. Following this, he lost his position as a police officer and served as a social service worker, facing allegations of receiving preferential treatment. He was discharged in July 2019 but faced backlash for parking in a disabled spot on his last day. 

Afterward, he publicly stated he had no intention of returning to the entertainment scene, even declaring he would not make a comeback in Korea. This led to his departure from Big Bang, leaving many fans disappointed by his lack of remorse. 

Recently, without any explanation or apology, TOP announced his return through Squid Game 2, erasing all references to Big Bang from his profile and adopting his real name, Choi Seung-hyun. While fellow Big Bang members celebrated their 18th anniversary with fans, TOP blocked those who mentioned the group, further fueling public discontent. 

As speculation arises about whether his casting in Squid Game 2 is due to connections with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, concerns about his acting skills have also emerged, with critics pointing to his unclear pronunciation and exaggerated expressions. 

TOP's upcoming interview is highly anticipated, as many wonder whether his attempt to re-enter the spotlight will be beneficial or detrimental to his career.

탑, "대마초 은퇴·빅뱅손절→'오겜2' 발연기" 지뢰밭인데…15일 인터뷰 등판, 독일까 득일까[SC이슈]

TOP from Big Bang to Speak Out Ahead of Squid Game 2 Release

Singer Lee Jung has embarked on an impressive journey in the world of trot music through his participation in Mister Trot 3 (미스터트롯3). He appeared on the TV Chosun trot variety show on the night of January 9, captivating both the judges and viewers alike.

Previously, under the name Cheon Nok-dam (천록담), Lee Jung participated in the master auditions, garnering significant attention. The anticipation for his first trot performance reached a peak as fans eagerly awaited his debut.

For his performance, Cheon Nok-dam chose the song 'Eomma' (어매) by Na Hoon-a, showcasing his solid vocal ability, unique emotional expression, and smooth vocal techniques that left the audience spellbound.

Notably, Lee Kyung-kyu was moved to tears by Cheon Nok-dam's heartfelt performance, which earned him an impressive 17 hearts, perfectly meeting the expectations of viewers for his debut stage.

Master judge Joo Young-hoon praised, "While 'Eomma' has many familiar versions sung by various artists, Cheon Nok-dam's rendition was refreshing and unlike any I've heard before." Lee Kyung-kyu added, "If he has changed his name to Cheon Nok-dam, it shows he is ready to live up to that name. Lee Jung becoming Cheon Nok-dam is no small feat," further heightening anticipation for his future performances.

With 22 years of experience in the music industry and shedding his title as the 'K-R&B Emperor,' Lee Jung dazzled as he made his debut as a trot singer, declaring, "I will live as Cheon Nok-dam from now on." This bold statement has sparked curiosity about the diverse charms he will showcase in Mister Trot 3.

Mister Trot 3 airs every Thursday night at 10 PM on TV Chosun.

'암투병' 이정, 이름 버리고 트로트 첫 무대..이경규 눈물('미스터트롯3')

Lee Jung Takes on a Dazzling Challenge in Mister Trot 3

The start of 2025 has brought heartbreaking news as beloved figures in the Korean entertainment industry have passed away unexpectedly. On January 7, Lee Hee-cheol (이희철), known for his vibrant personality and contributions to the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon, died at the age of 39. His close friend, comedian Pungja (풍자), shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sorrow over his sudden departure. She wrote, "I can't believe I'm writing this, but my dear brother has become a star in the sky. Please pray he finds a good place."

The family revealed that Lee's cause of death was a heart attack, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone just like that." In a heartfelt message posted on his account, they described him as someone who cherished his family and friends, urging everyone to remember him fondly.

The news shocked fans and colleagues alike, especially since Lee had shared a hopeful New Year’s message just a week prior, reflecting on the challenges of 2024 and expressing gratitude for the lessons learned.

In the wake of his passing, fellow entertainers expressed their grief. Yoo Min-sang (유민상), who worked with Lee on SBS Love FM's "Yoo Min-sang's Hungry Radio," shared his sorrow on air, reminiscing about Lee's bright smile and kind demeanor.

Additionally, actress Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her roles in various dramas, also passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64. Her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), announced her death, expressing deep condolences to her family and fans. Lee had recently signed with a new agency and was set to continue her active career, making her loss even more tragic.

Moreover, voice actor Yoo Ho-han (유호한), aged 52, died from a heart attack on January 7. He was well-known for his work in popular series like "Crayon Shin-chan" and the "Avengers" films. Yoo was also a dedicated advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors, having served as the president of the KBS Voice Actors Association.

The entertainment community mourns these significant losses, remembering the joy and talent each of these individuals brought to their craft.

Tragic Losses in the Korean Entertainment Industry: Remembering Lee Hee-cheol, Lee Yoon-hee, and Yoo Ho-han

On January 11, 2025, during the MBC show 'How Do You Play?' (놀면 뭐하니?), singer Ailee shared her love story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno (솔로지옥). The episode featured a winter song special, with Ailee and singer John Park as the first guests. Host Yoo Jae-suk mentioned Ailee's exciting news, stating, "Ailee has good news. She is getting married in April next year." Surprised, fellow cast member Haha congratulated her, while Yoo clarified that she would be marrying the contestant from Single's Inferno. Ailee responded with a smile, saying, "That's right. I escaped from Single's Inferno!" 

When asked if she received a proposal, Ailee explained, "I didn't get a proposal, but I find it a bit strange. In the U.S., proposals happen before wedding preparations, but here, we start dating with marriage in mind, so receiving a proposal feels different." Fellow guest Joo Woo-jae agreed, noting that proposals in Korea often feel like a performance. Ailee added, "For me, it felt a bit foreign, so when we went ring shopping, I just said, 'I want this one.'" 

Joo then inquired about their pet names, to which Ailee revealed, "I saw an official statement where he said he would take good care of 'Princess Ye-jin,' which was quite surprising!" 

Ailee recounted how they met through a friend, initially without any romantic interest. They later attended a concert together, where she noticed his tall stature and broad shoulders. Their relationship began to blossom when they attended a g.o.d concert, where Ailee felt cold and he offered her his jacket. As they shared the jacket, their hands touched, leading to a moment where she didn't want to pull away, marking the start of their relationship. Joo humorously remarked that they probably didn't hear any of the concert due to their distraction, to which Ailee joked about feeling hot and sweaty. 

Ailee Reveals Love Story with Choi Si-hoon from Single's Inferno

The beloved actress Lee Yoon-hee has sadly passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Her funeral is being held at the VIP room 1 of Ulsan Hospital. Survived by her spouse and two sons, the family is mourning deeply as they receive visitors at the funeral home.

The cause of her death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that she had no known chronic illnesses, leading to a sudden passing.

Her agency, 범엔터테인먼트 (Bum Entertainment), expressed their sorrow through an official statement, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unfortunate passing of our actress Lee Yoon-hee. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who loved and cherished her."

They further honored her legacy, saying, "Lee Yoon-hee was a precious individual who contributed to popular culture for many years and was loved by many. Her absence is a significant loss for us all. She has touched audiences with her heartfelt performances and warm emotions through numerous works. We will cherish her memories and achievements and strive to honor her life and values."

Born in 1960, Lee Yoon-hee began her acting career in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). From 2007 onwards, she appeared in various films such as '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), '범죄와의 전쟁: 나쁜놈들 전성시대' (The Drug King), '러브픽션' (Love Fiction), '7번방의 선물' (Miracle in Cell No. 7), '감기' (Flu), '더 킹' (The King), '특별시민' (Citizen Kane), and '보안관' (The Sheriff), as well as dramas like '자이언트' (Giant), '참 좋은 시절' (What’s So Wrong with Secretary Kim), '구해줘2' (Save Me 2), '블랙독' (Black Dog), '킹덤 시즌2' (Kingdom Season 2), '편의점 샛별이' (Convenience Store Saet-byul), and '모범택시' (Taxi Driver).

Last year, she was seen in Netflix's '선산' (The Silent Sea) and tvN's '세작, 매혹된 자들' (The Tale of Nokdu) in the roles of Kim Mu-sun and Choam Kim Je-nam, respectively.

Her funeral will take place on January 13 at 8 AM, with her final resting place at Ulsan Sky Park.

Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

In the latest episode of KBS2TV's The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow, actor Song Joong-ki humorously mentioned that he came prepared for potential legal action during his appearance. The episode aired on January 10, 2025, marking Song's first appearance on a music talk show in his 17-year career. Lee Young-ji introduced him as a 'box office guarantee' known for hits like Vincenzo and The Youngest Son of a Conglomerate. 

Upon taking the stage, Song expressed his nervousness, wishing everyone a Happy New Year. When Lee mentioned that fans reportedly oppose his singing and dancing, Song joked, 'I came here ready to be sued. I believe my fans will understand, even if they might actually sue me.' 

Lee reassured him, saying, 'No one in the audience thinks they can sing well, so don’t worry. We just need you here.' Song complimented Lee's ability to put people at ease, calling her 'the Korean Oprah Winfrey.' Lee shared that she grew up reading his autobiography, which touched him. 

They also discussed Song's recent film, Bogotá, which is currently showing in theaters. When asked to create a three-line poem about the movie, Song playfully said, 'Don’t you want to see Bogotá? / Let’s go, go, go to the theater! / I’ll drive you there.' Lee praised his creativity, and Song humorously added, 'I was sweating; it was almost a disaster!' 

Lee expressed her long-time admiration for Song, calling him a 'box office guarantee' and reminisced about wanting to marry him after watching his film, A Werewolf Boy, only to realize he is married now, which made everyone laugh.

Song Joong-ki Jokes About Legal Action on 'Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

Renowned actor Lee Yoon-hee (이윤희), known for her exceptional supporting roles, has sadly passed away at the age of 64. According to her agency, Bome Entertainment (범엔터테인먼트), she died unexpectedly on the morning of January 11, 2025, with no known chronic illnesses reported.

Bome Entertainment expressed their sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Lee Yoon-hee's untimely passing. We extend our deepest condolences as she embarks on her final journey."

Born on January 28, 1960, Lee made her acting debut in 1985 with the play '국물 있사옵니다' (Do You Have Soup?). She gained recognition in 2007 for her role as Elder Kang in the film '밀양' (Secret Sunshine), marking the beginning of her film career. Over the years, she appeared in notable films such as 'The King of Affection' (아부의 왕, 2012), 'Confidential Assignment' (극비수사, 2015), 'Citizen K' (특별시민, 2017), and 'Harodongseon' (하로동선, 2022).

In addition to her film work, Lee was a familiar face on television, featuring in dramas like 'Save Me 2' (구해줘2, 2019), 'Black Dog' (블랙독, 2019), 'Convenience Store Saetbyeol' (편의점 샛별이, 2020), 'Taxi Driver' (모범택시, 2021), 'The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim' (십시일반, 2020), 'The Killer's Shopping List' (살인자의 쇼핑목록, 2022), 'Thief: Sound of the Sword' (도적, 칼의 소리, 2023), 'Seonsan' (선산, 2024), and 'Sejak: The Enchanted Ones' (세작, 매혹된 자들, 2024).

Just last month, she signed an exclusive contract with Bome Entertainment and was set to continue her active career.

Her funeral will be held at Ulsan Hospital (울산병원) with the burial scheduled for January 13, 2025, at 8 AM at Ulsan Sky Park (울산하늘공원).

Stray Kids Dominates Monthly Album Charts with '合 (HOP)'

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Actress Lee Yoon-hee Passes Away at 64

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