Taiwanese actress Chen Yanxi (陳妍希), often referred to as the nation's first love, has officially announced her divorce from husband Chen Xiao (陳曉) after eight years of marriage. On February 18, Chen Yanxi released a statement confirming the end of their marriage, which has left fans in shock. 

Both actors took to their social media accounts to express gratitude for their time together, stating, "We are thankful for our time together. From today onward, we will walk our separate paths. We will continue to co-parent our child and support their growth together." 

Additionally, Chen Yanxi's team addressed the situation, stating, "There have been numerous false reports and rumors that have negatively impacted us and severely damaged our reputation. We ask that excessive speculation be avoided," hinting at potential legal action. 

Rumors of discord between the couple began circulating in June of last year, but both parties had remained silent on the matter until recent sightings of them living separately sparked further divorce speculation, ultimately leading to their official announcement. 

Chen Yanxi rose to fame as the lead actress in the film 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' (那些年，我們一起追的女孩), earning her the title of Taiwan's first love and gaining popularity in other regions as well. The couple first met while working on a project in 2013 and tied the knot in 2016, welcoming a son into their family.

Taiwanese Star Chen Yanxi Announces Divorce After Eight Years of Marriage

Kim Dae-ho, the former MBC announcer, is set to make his return to the airwaves just 21 days after resigning from the network. He will appear on MBC FM4U's 'Two O'Clock Date with Ahn Young-mi' on February 25. This episode will be a visual radio broadcast, marking Kim's first appearance since his departure from MBC on February 4. His exit was met with mixed reactions, including comments from Hong Seok-cheon on the same show, who expressed disdain for those he deemed 'traitors' in the industry. Fans are eager to see how Kim will respond to such remarks.

Kim Dae-ho joined MBC in 2011 during the network's 50th anniversary special 'New Employee' and gained popularity through the YouTube channel 'News Anhani' before becoming a household name on the reality show 'I Live Alone' (나 혼자 산다). He has also participated in various programs such as 'TV Inside TV', 'Unification Outlook', 'Zero Complaints UP', 'Dancing with the Stars Season 3', 'Today N', 'Home: Find It!', 'Ramen Grandpa Season 4', 'The Great Guide', 'Less Genius 2', 'Solo Alumni Association', 'Car to the Future', 'Run Away', 'Zero Won Happiness', 'Thank Goodness for Rest', 'Massage Road', and 'The Leader's Side Dish'. He also served as a caster for the upcoming Paris Olympics, showcasing his versatility.

In a recent episode of 'I Live Alone', Kim shared his thoughts on leaving MBC, stating, "Rather than quitting the company, I was thinking about how to live a different life. I felt like I had repaid what I had received, and after going through the Paris Olympics, I realized I had done everything I could do at the company." He officially completed his resignation process on February 4, citing reasons such as 'Going out to earn money' and 'A turning point in my life' in his resignation letter.

Now a free agent, Kim has signed an exclusive contract with One Hundred, a company that also represents the boy group THE BOYZ, as well as artists like Taemin, Lee Mujin, VIVIZ (Eunha, SinB, Umji), B.O, Ha Sung-woon, Ren, performance director Kasper, Kany, actor and singer Lee Seung-gi, entertainer Lee Soo-geun, and Bad Villain, among others. One Hundred is the parent company of INB100, which includes EXO members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen.

[단독] 김대호, 퇴사 21일 만 친정 MBC 귀환…'두데' 전격 출연

Former MBC Announcer Kim Dae-ho Returns to Broadcast After Leaving the Network

On February 20, a press conference for the film 'Mickey 17' was held at the Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul, where director Bong Joon-ho addressed the recent martial law situation. He recalled that when the news of the martial law first broke, actor Mark Ruffalo reached out via email to check on his safety, to which Bong reassured him, saying, 'Don't worry, I'm fine.' 

'Mickey 17,' based on the novel 'Mickey 7' by American author Edward Ashton, tells the story of Mickey, an expendable sent on dangerous missions who faces his 17th death crisis. As he is presumed dead, a new version, Mickey 18, is printed, leading to unexpected events. 

Bong further reflected on the resilience of the citizens, stating, 'While I was watching the chart news for BLACKPINK's Rosé, the martial law was declared, yet here we are, meeting again. Movies, music, and our daily lives continue. It’s a proud moment for our citizens who have overcome the martial law. What remains is merely the legal formalities.' 

The film 'Mickey 17' is set to premiere in South Korea on February 28, with its North American release scheduled for March 7.

'미키 17' 봉준호 감독 "마크 러팔로, 계엄령 사태 때 '괜찮냐'고 안부 연락"

Bong Joon-ho Reflects on Recent Martial Law During 'Mickey 17' Press Conference

BTS (방탄소년단) is still making waves on the Billboard charts, showcasing their enduring popularity. According to the latest Billboard chart released on February 19, 2025, Jimin's second solo album, MUSE, has secured the 132nd position on the Billboard 200, while the title track, Who, has reached 40th on the Hot 100. With MUSE, Jimin is setting new records for K-pop solo artists on the Billboard album charts, as the album continues to chart for 30 consecutive weeks on both the Billboard 200 and World Albums (where it ranks 2nd), breaking the record for the longest charting album weekly.

Jungkook's first solo single, Seven (feat. Latto), has claimed the 81st spot on the Global (excluding the U.S.) chart and 122nd on the Global 200. This track has maintained its position in the charts for an impressive 1 year and 7 months since its release in July 2023. Meanwhile, Jin's solo album, Happy, released in November last year, is enjoying a long run on the World Albums chart, currently sitting at 18th for 13 weeks.

BTS's anthology album, Proof, has made its mark by appearing on the World Albums chart for 140 weeks, solidifying its status as a chart mainstay. Released in June 2022, the album has recently landed at 6th place on the latest chart, demonstrating its lasting popularity.

Additionally, the music video for Jungkook's contribution to the official soundtrack of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, Dreamers, has surpassed 400 million views recently.

방탄소년단, 완전체 공백기에도 뜨거운 인기..美 빌보드 차트 붙박이

BTS Continues to Dominate Billboard Charts with Recent Releases

Hello! This is a preview of the highly anticipated film 'Mickey 17', directed by Bong Joon-ho, who previously won acclaim for 'Parasite' at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards. This sci-fi blockbuster, set in the 2050s, boasts a production budget exceeding $100 million.

Recently, I've been asked, "Is 'Mickey 17' not that great?" My response is that it’s not exactly disappointing; if I had to rank it, I’d place it somewhere between 'Snowpiercer' and 'Okja'. (For clarity, I do enjoy 'Snowpiercer' as well.) If you go in expecting another masterpiece like 'Parasite', you might be let down, but the film offers stunning visuals and an engaging universe, making it worth seeing in theaters.

'Mickey 17' is an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel 'Mickey7'. If you’re wondering whether to read the book first, I recommend watching the film instead. Reading the novel beforehand might make the initial world-building feel tedious.

The story revolves around a human printing technology that allows for the repeated creation of individuals by uploading biological data and memories. In this era, replacing humans is cheaper and more efficient than machines. The protagonist, Mickey Barnes (played by Robert Pattinson), is an 'expendable' sent to dangerous locations for space colonization, repeatedly dying and being resurrected. Just knowing this much will suffice.

One of my favorite scenes is when Mickey is printed. Instead of a sleek modern laser printer, it resembles an old inkjet printer, clunkily producing Mickey in a way that is both humorous and tragic, perfectly capturing the film's tone.

As an explorer on an icy planet, Mickey faces radiation exposure, toxic gas, and becomes a test subject for new drugs, constantly dying and being reborn. He is thrown into a furnace only to be printed again, evoking the concept of reincarnation. Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the 17th Mickey, 'Mickey 17', with his slumped shoulders, delicate voice, and weary smile, effectively embodies the plight of a laborer.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Mark Ruffalo shines as a rockstar-like dictator, but I found Steven Yeun’s role as Mickey’s friend particularly memorable. His innocent question, "What does it feel like to die?" is so infuriatingly naive that it makes you want to give him a kick. He plays a character that is charming yet unsettling, though I wished he had more screen time.

In the original novel, I was curious about the native creature of the icy planet, the 'Creeper'. The film’s depiction, crafted by a monster expert, is bizarrely captivating. It combines the grotesqueness of 'The Host' with the cuteness of 'Okja'. While the book describes it as a giant spider, the film presents it as a creature reminiscent of an armadillo or a furry maggot. The scenes where Creepers swarm are thrilling, akin to witnessing a monster movie in space.

Bong Joon-ho proudly claims this is his first film to include a love story. The peculiar love triangle between 'Mickey 17' and 'Mickey 18' over their girlfriend, Nasha, adds an interesting twist. While viewers may not perceive it as a traditional love story, it offers a taste of what a Bong Joon-ho love film feels like—strange yet endearing, much like the Creepers.

While 'Mickey 17' is an engaging film, it may struggle to meet the heightened expectations set by 'Parasite'. The tension characteristic of Bong Joon-ho's work is somewhat lacking, and the pacing feels loose in the middle. While the original novel delves into philosophical questions about whether 'Mickey 17' and 'Mickey 18' are the same person and the nature of human cloning, the film leans more towards satirizing inhumane capitalism and arrogant colonialism. This overt satire may detract from the depth and enjoyment found in the source material. The villain, portrayed in a comic and slightly deranged manner, feels overly typical compared to the film's themes.

Given its substantial budget, the film appears to be crafted in a lighter, more mainstream style. Personally, I found the movie enjoyable, but I preferred the original novel. As with any film that divides opinions, it’s best to see it for yourself. 'Mickey 17' is set to premiere in South Korea on February 28, marking its global debut. Until next time, thank you for reading!

[그 영화 어때] 봉준호표 사랑 영화? 이상한데 귀여운 ‘미키17’

Anticipation Builds for Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17'

The teaser poster and trailer for the upcoming Disney+ original series 'Hyperknife' have been released, showcasing the fierce rivalry between 'Jung Se-ok' (박은빈) and 'Choi Deok-hee' (설경구). The poster captures the gripping tension as Se-ok, a once-promising genius doctor turned shadow doctor due to her mentor's betrayal, confronts Deok-hee, the world's top neurosurgeon who led her downfall. 박은빈 delivers a powerful performance, conveying a mix of anger and determination through her intense gaze. Meanwhile, 설경구 amplifies the suspense with his commanding presence as Deok-hee. The tagline, "I hope my teacher dies soon," hints at the deep emotional rift between the two characters and piques interest in the unfolding narrative.

The teaser trailer begins with a flashback to the past, filled with Se-ok's deep respect and trust for Deok-hee. However, it quickly shifts to a moment where Deok-hee coldly tells Se-ok, "You will never set foot in that operating room again," raising questions about the events that led to their current animosity. The trailer concludes with their reunion after six years, presenting a transformed dynamic that promises an intriguing mentor-student relationship.

Director Kim Jung-hyun has promised a portrayal of Se-ok's complex emotions that viewers have yet to see from 박은빈, while 설경구's ability to convey overwhelming presence through mere expressions heightens the drama's tension. The explosive performances of both actors are anticipated to be a highlight of 'Hyperknife,' which is set to premiere on March 19.

'Hyperknife' tells the story of Se-ok, a once-promising genius surgeon, who confronts her mentor Deok-hee, leading to a fierce medical thriller. 박은빈, known for her role as the autistic genius lawyer in 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' takes on the challenging role of Se-ok, while 설경구, who won the Best Actor award at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards for 'Kingmaker,' plays the ruthless Deok-hee. Additionally, actor 윤찬영 will portray Se-ok's loyal bodyguard, 'Seo Young-joo,' and 박병은 will play 'Han Hyun-ho,' an anesthesiologist who supports Se-ok's surgical ambitions. With Kim Jung-hyun at the helm, 'Hyperknife' promises to deliver a unique and gripping medical thriller experience.

"선생님이 빨리 죽었으면 좋겠어요"..박은빈vs설경구, '하이퍼나이프'로 연기대결

Intense Rivalry Unveiled in 'Hyperknife' Teaser Poster and Trailer

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Actor Heo Jun-ho is set to deliver a remarkable performance as a villain in the new SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), which premieres on February 21. The series follows Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won and faces off against an ultimate evil that seeks to eliminate him. The intense rivalry between Park Hyung-sik and Heo Jun-ho is anticipated to be a highlight of the show.

Heo Jun-ho plays the role of Yeom Jang-seon, a ruthless figure wielding absolute power who will stop at nothing to protect his domain. Although Heo Jun-ho has previously portrayed strong antagonists, he describes this character as the "worst person" he has ever played, stating, "I wonder if someone could be this evil." He hints that Yeom Jang-seon will redefine the archetype of villains in dramas.

The demanding nature of the character has taken a toll on Heo Jun-ho during filming. He admitted, "During the script reading, I said I would speak less in this project, but as filming progressed, I ended up talking more." He revealed that the stress from embodying Yeom Jang-seon led to nightmares and even an increase in gray hair. To cope with the intensity of the role, he found himself joking and laughing on set, saying, "It was so tough that I felt like I was becoming an 'ajumma' (aunt)."

In the drama, Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, is driven by ambition to take over the Daesan Group but finds himself cornered after hacking the political slush fund. His confrontation with Heo Jun-ho's Yeom Jang-seon promises to deliver high-stakes tension.

'Treasure Island' will also feature a cast of unique characters, including Lee Hae-young and Hong Hwa-yeon, enhancing the drama's immersive experience. The show is set to air at 10 PM on February 21.

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Popular Taiwanese actor Wang Dalu (왕대륙) has been arrested on charges of draft evasion. Local media, including the China Times, reported on February 20 that Wang was detained and later released on bail of 150,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 6,590 USD) after undergoing a prosecutor's investigation.

Wang, along with nine others, is accused of obtaining forged medical certificates through three brokers, claiming to suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease to evade military service. The brokers charged between 100,000 to 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 4,400 to 44,000 USD) for these fake diagnoses, with Wang being asked for the higher amount of 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars.

Taiwan has a mandatory conscription system requiring one year of military service. Those who conceal facts to evade service can face up to five years in prison. Wang, who turned 33 at the end of last year, received a notice to enlist on March 13. He is suspected of using the forged medical documents to avoid re-examination, but since he has not yet applied for a re-examination, he may face charges of document forgery instead of violating military service laws.

Born in 1991, Wang Dalu gained fame through films like "Our Times" (나의 소녀시대) and the drama "It Started with a Kiss" (장난스런 키스). He has previously been in the spotlight for his friendship with former BIGBANG member Seungri (승리), who was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal. Wang has publicly stated that he and Seungri are just ordinary friends and denied any involvement in immoral activities.

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

On February 21, actress Lee Ji Ah (이지아) released a statement through her agency, BH Entertainment, regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather's pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period. She expressed that after much contemplation, she felt it was necessary to clarify the facts and take responsibility, despite the difficulty of the situation. Lee Ji Ah apologized for the delay in her response.

She clarified her family situation, stating, "Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years."

Regarding her grandfather's pro-Japanese actions, she noted, "My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him and grew up unaware of his pro-Japanese activities. I first learned about this issue through an article in 2011, which prompted me to visit the National Institute of Korean History multiple times to verify the facts and study the related materials."

Lee Ji Ah acknowledged discovering her grandfather's donation records during her research, stating, "Considering the historical context, such actions cannot be justified for any reason. If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be returned to the state."

She emphasized, "I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I used my family background for promotional articles. However, false claims have circulated online suggesting that I respect my grandfather, which is not true, and I wish to correct that."

In conclusion, she expressed her deep awareness of her grandfather's historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologized as a descendant. She committed to approaching the truth of history with humility and a sense of responsibility moving forward.

Recently, Lee Ji Ah has been embroiled in a legal dispute among her father's siblings over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion won, left by her grandfather, who has been classified as a pro-Japanese figure.

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Global artist Jennie (제니) is set to unveil her pre-release track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' on February 21 at 2 PM KST. This song is part of her highly anticipated first solo studio album, 'Ruby' (루비), which will be released on March 7. To build excitement, Jennie has also shared a teaser video for the music video, showcasing a catchy, trendy beat that perfectly complements the unique rapping styles of both Jennie and Doechii (도이치). The teaser captures the duo enjoying the music, creating an infectious energy for viewers.

'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' features the rising American rapper Doechii, who recently won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 67th Grammy Awards, making her one of the most talked-about artists in the hip-hop scene. The song embodies the beauty of living life confidently and fully, celebrating personal journeys and the determination to overcome challenges. It conveys a powerful message of self-assurance and the desire to make every moment count.

Jennie's album 'Ruby' is packed with 15 tracks, including 'Intro: JANE with FKJ', 'like JENNIE', 'start a war', 'Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)', 'with the IE (way up)', 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)', 'Mantra', 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)', 'ZEN', 'Damn Right (feat. Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis)', 'F.T.S.', 'Filter', 'Seoul City', 'Starlight', and 'twin'.

As the release date approaches, Jennie has been making headlines with bold promotional strategies, including the music video for 'ZEN' and the audio releases for 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' and 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)'. Notably, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a new personal best for Jennie, and she recently secured the top spot on Mnet's 'M Countdown'.

Taiwanese Star Chen Yanxi Announces Divorce After Eight Years of Marriage

What do you think?

Trending

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Jennie to Release Pre-Release Track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' Ahead of Solo Album

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Former MBC Announcer Kim Dae-ho Returns to Broadcast After Leaving the Network

Bong Joon-ho Reflects on Recent Martial Law During 'Mickey 17' Press Conference

BTS Continues to Dominate Billboard Charts with Recent Releases

Anticipation Builds for Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17'

Intense Rivalry Unveiled in 'Hyperknife' Teaser Poster and Trailer

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