On March 15, Taeyeon (태연) from Girls' Generation (소녀시대) shared a stunning selfie on her personal account, accompanied by a waving emoji. Earlier that day, she departed for Taiwan as part of her overseas tour schedule. The photo captures her taking a selfie inside the airplane, where she exudes a magazine-cover-worthy charm with her striking features and doll-like beauty, captivating her fans. 

In addition to her travels, Taeyeon is currently appearing on the tvN variety show 'Amazing Saturday' (놀라운 토요일). Recently, she successfully wrapped up her solo 10th-anniversary concert titled 'The TENSE' (더 텐스) from March 7 to 9. Following her concert in Seoul, she is set to continue her Asia tour with performances in Taiwan on March 16, the Philippines on March 29, Indonesia on April 12, and Japan on April 19-20.

Taeyeon of Girls' Generation Showcases Doll-like Beauty in Latest Selfie

K-pop group LE SSERAFIM has made a sizzling comeback with their latest mini-album, 'HOT,' which features their first title track centered around the theme of love. The group, consisting of Kim Chaewon (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yunjin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eunchae (홍은채), held a showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on March 14, 2025, to celebrate the release of their fifth mini-album.

Set to drop at 1 PM KST, 'HOT' encapsulates a passionate approach to love, blending rock and disco elements into its pop sound. The album includes five tracks: the title song 'HOT,' the narratively rich 'Born Fire' in Korean, English, and Japanese, the candid 'Come Over,' the introspective 'Ash,' and 'So Cynical (Badum),' which encourages listeners to boldly embrace love, with contributions from members Kim Chaewon, Heo Yunjin, and Hong Eunchae.

During the showcase, Heo Yunjin expressed excitement about reaching the final installment of their trilogy, which began with 'EASY' and continued with 'CRAZY.' She emphasized the growth and learning experiences that shaped this album. Kim Chaewon shared her gratitude for the past year and her eagerness to engage with fans through this new release. Sakura noted the overwhelming support for 'CRAZY' and promised to deliver a hot and stylish comeback.

Hong Eunchae, celebrating her 20th birthday, mentioned her fresh start and the effort put into exploring new genres for this album. Kazuha highlighted the diverse musical styles that showcase their unique identity.

'HOT' serves as the conclusion to a trilogy that began in February 2023 with 'EASY,' which addressed the anxieties behind the scenes, followed by 'CRAZY,' which encouraged letting go of those fears. This latest release takes a step further, focusing on the willingness to dive into love wholeheartedly, regardless of the outcome, reflecting the group's evolving inner strength.

Kim Chaewon explained that the album captures a shift from the cynicism often celebrated in modern culture to a celebration of passionate love. Heo Yunjin added that each track embodies a fearless commitment to love, while Hong Eunchae noted their shared dedication to giving their all on stage.

The title track 'HOT,' co-written by Heo Yunjin, marks the first time LE SSERAFIM has sung about love in a title song. The lyrics convey a message of taking risks for love, with lines that evoke a sense of wonder and commitment.

The members focused on delivering the emotional depth of the lyrics during recording, and the song features one of their most lyrical melodies to date. Their choreography will emphasize the song's emotional resonance rather than adhering to a specific dance genre, promising a captivating performance.

Kim Chaewon described 'HOT' as a pop song infused with rock and disco, offering a different vibe from their previous title tracks. Heo Yunjin praised Kazuha's vocal delivery, which adds a unique flavor to the song.

As LE SSERAFIM embarks on this new chapter, Kazuha expressed her desire to create memorable performances that resonate with audiences, while Sakura reflected on the growth they've experienced over the past three years since their debut. The group aims to make a significant impact in the music industry with their bold approach to love and performance.

With their commitment to diving into love and embracing every moment, LE SSERAFIM's 'HOT' is set to ignite the K-pop scene once again.

"르세라핌, 다 불태웠다"..첫 사랑 노래로 'HOT'한 컴백(종합)[Oh!쎈 현장]

LE SSERAFIM Returns with Their First Love-Themed Title Track 'HOT'

On March 14, 2025, the YouTube channel '가로세로연구소' (Garo Sero Research Institute) shared a statement purportedly from the mother of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. This announcement came during a live broadcast where the channel continued to criticize actor Kim Soo-hyun. The statement was read using AI voice technology, as Kim Sae-ron's mother preferred to remain anonymous.

Kim Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025, at the age of 25. Reports indicate that a friend discovered her unresponsive and called for help. Authorities have stated that there were no signs of foul play.

In recent discussions, '가로세로연구소' has accused Kim Soo-hyun of engaging in a 'grooming' relationship with Kim Sae-ron during her teenage years. They also claimed that Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, pressured Kim Sae-ron with a 700 million won compensation demand related to a drunk driving incident, alleging that Kim Soo-hyun ignored the situation.

However, Gold Medalist issued a statement denying these allegations, clarifying that Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship from the summer of 2019 until the fall of 2020, when Kim Sae-ron was an adult. They also explained that the legal documents sent were standard procedure related to the financial implications of Kim Sae-ron's incident, not a demand for payment.

The following is the full statement from Kim Sae-ron's mother:

"Hello, we are the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron. After much contemplation, we decided to release this statement as we have seen our family's intentions distorted and misrepresented. Our goal is to restore the honor of our child, which has been tarnished by numerous false articles. We also wish to establish a legal foundation to hold accountable the malicious YouTubers and cyber bullies who continue to perpetrate these crimes.

Sae-ron never lied to the media, nor did she engage in any deceptive behavior. She was not a girl who only enjoyed nightlife with friends, nor did she create false dating rumors through manipulated photos. However, individuals like Lee Jin-ho and cyber bullies have fabricated stories that dragged a promising young actress and her family into hell. Gold Medalist has also misrepresented her intentions, labeling her as a deceitful girl.

Now that Sae-ron is gone, there are outrageous claims that she was a breadwinner for her family and that they squandered her earnings. The public is witnessing how a few photos provided to '가세연' have been manipulated to escalate this situation.

While powerful companies and skilled lawyers can respond to such allegations, Sae-ron had no one but her family during her struggles. The sharp arrows of false articles targeted our young daughter, who had just turned twenty, and she bore the brunt of the vicious insults alone.

The actions of Lee Jin-ho and cyber bullies have trampled on our fallen child. Media outlets irresponsibly spread the false narratives created by these individuals without verifying the facts. Despite our pleas for help, no media outlet offered assistance during our time of grief. Instead, we faced intrusive YouTubers at our daughter's funeral and received calls from Lee Jin-ho during our mourning period. Can these people be considered human? Can you forgive such individuals?

If it weren't for Professor Kwon Young-chan from the Korean Celebrity Suicide Prevention Association and Kim Se-yi from '가세연' reaching out to us, our family would have been left as scapegoats, carrying the burden of Sae-ron's tarnished reputation for life.

The behavior of Lee Jin-ho and his associates constitutes a crime. While it is difficult to hold them legally accountable for murder under current laws, we, the family, hope to restore the honor that Sae-ron had as an actress and correct the false narratives that have emerged. We wish to establish legal and institutional measures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again and that the media fulfills its responsibilities."


故 김새론 엄마 "딸 거짓말 한 적 없어...전국민에게 집단 따돌림 당해" [전문]

Mother of Late Actress Kim Sae-ron Releases Statement Amid Controversy

Actress Kim Ah-young (28) has decided to leave the Coupang Play comedy series SNL Korea. On March 14, she shared her decision on Instagram, stating, "It was not an easy choice, but I believe it is a necessary one for me. After much contemplation, I have decided not to participate in this season of SNL." The rebooted Season 7 of SNL Korea is set to premiere in April.

Expressing her gratitude, she said, "Thank you for allowing me to play freely for three years. I felt an overwhelming amount of love and happiness that I had never experienced before, and I am truly grateful to have been part of the SNL crew. The time I spent on SNL has become a precious asset in my life."

Kim reflected on the opportunities she had during her time on the show, saying, "I had the chance to explore various roles and voices in a short period, and I learned a lot from the boldness and energy of the environment, where opinions were shared freely regardless of seniority. Watching the senior cast members react and sync with the hosts was a significant learning experience for me."

She also shared her mixed feelings about leaving, admitting, "I feel a sense of loss and, honestly, some fear about leaving a place that has been meaningful to me. However, I also see this as an opportunity for further growth. I will continue to carve out my own path, just as I have done so far."

In response, fellow cast member Joo Hyun-young commented, "It was an honor to meet the gem that is Kim Ah-young through SNL. I believe you will shine with a different beauty in your new environment. You have always shone brightly, whether on SNL or in other works. I look forward to the day we meet again as an SNL host."

Kim Ah-young has been a regular cast member since Season 3 of the SNL Korea reboot in November 2022. She gained popularity for her role as a convenience-seeking MZ generation office worker in the 'MZ Office' segment, earning the nickname 'Malknun-gwang.' 

Having debuted in the 2019 web drama Short Script (짧은대본), Kim has also appeared in supporting roles in dramas such as Welcome to Samdali (웰컴투 삼달리), The Woman Who Sees the Light (낮과 밤이 다른 그녀), and Judge from Hell (지옥에서 온 판사).

‘맑눈광’ 김아영, SNL 떠난다... “차근차근 저만의 길 만들 것”

Kim Ah-young Announces Departure from SNL Korea

On the March 14 episode of MBC's I Live Alone (나 혼자 산다), actor Lee Jang-woo showcased his newfound passion for pottery. He revealed that he has recently become enamored with creating dishes, stating, "These days, I'm learning pottery. After food, I'm really into bowls. The type of dish you use is very important for the food served. For instance, if you serve kimchi stew in a bowl with a deep curve, the aroma concentrates beautifully." 

Lee Jang-woo expressed his desire to craft the perfect bowl, emphasizing the significance of tableware alongside food. He shared, "It takes about a month for a bowl to be completed. The moment I see the bowl I made, I feel so happy." 

While examining his creations, he noticed one of his favorite bowls had cracked, which elicited a chuckle as he remarked, "This would be perfect for cooking ramen in." He also crafted a uniquely shaped wine glass that caught attention. 

Fellow cast member Giann84 was impressed by Lee's pottery skills, exclaiming, "Are you from Goryeo? How can you make pottery so well?" Having tried pottery himself in the past, Giann84 recognized the talent Lee displayed. 

Lee Jang-woo explained that pottery has become a form of meditation for him, saying, "I usually float around happily, but I realized I needed something to help me focus and settle down." Giann84 acknowledged Lee's talent, stating, "You’re really good at this!"

이장우, "그릇, 음식만큼 중요해" 기안84도 인정한 도예 실력 ('나혼산') [종합]

Lee Jang-woo Explores Pottery on MBC's 'I Live Alone'

Moon Ga-young's stunning portrayal of a goddess-like character is adding a touch of realism to the tvN drama 'The Guy is Black Dragon' (그놈은 흑염룡). This romantic office drama, written by Kim Soo-yeon and directed by Lee Soo-hyun, follows the story of Baek Soo-jung, a team leader known as the 'Department Killer' who is haunted by her first love, and Ban Joo-yeon, a third-generation chaebol hiding his inner nerd persona. The two, who once met in an online game and left a disastrous impression on each other, find themselves reconnecting in the workplace, leading to a sweet and tender reunion of first love.

Since its premiere, 'The Guy is Black Dragon' has dominated the weekly rankings on the global OTT platform Rakuten Viki, achieving the number one spot across regions including North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and India. It has maintained this top position for three consecutive weeks, impressively holding the number one rank in 118 countries, including major markets like the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, France, and India.

Moon Ga-young's performance as Baek Soo-jung has captivated both domestic and international audiences. Her character is depicted as a dedicated professional, serving as the youngest planning team leader at Yongseong Department Store while also being the primary breadwinner for her family, making her a well-rounded and admirable figure.

As the story unfolds, Soo-jung and Ban Joo-yeon (played by Choi Hyun-wook) embark on a secret and thrilling office romance, marked by mutual confessions. Soo-jung takes the lead in their relationship, confidently initiating moments of intimacy and skillfully navigating the emotional landscape with the younger Joo-yeon, which has resonated with viewers.

The allure of the 'perfect goddess' Soo-jung is amplified by Moon Ga-young's strong acting skills. She effortlessly embodies a trendy office worker while also delivering comedic moments that enhance the drama's appeal. Her ability to balance emotional depth and humor enriches the chemistry between the older woman and younger man, elevating their relationship dynamics.

As the eighth episode concluded with the revelation of their shared painful past, viewers are left eager to see how the 'perfect goddess' Soo-jung will overcome the challenges ahead in 'The Guy is Black Dragon.' The show airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM KST.

'갓벽 여신' 문가영에 '그놈은 흑염룡' 화제성↑..118개국 3주 연속 1위

Moon Ga-young Shines as the Perfect Goddess in 'The Guy is Black Dragon'

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

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

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.

Taeyeon of Girls' Generation Showcases Doll-like Beauty in Latest Selfie

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