On February 11, 2025, a representative for T.O.P clarified that the recent speculation regarding his return to BIGBANG was unfounded. The representative stated, "T.O.P's official account has always included the name 'TOP.' His stance on rejoining BIGBANG remains unchanged from previous interviews." 

The rumors began circulating after T.O.P's name was added to BIGBANG's official YouTube channel, and he updated his personal profile to include his stage name 'TOP.' This led fans to speculate about a possible reunion. 

However, the representative emphasized that T.O.P has not altered his decision to leave the group. In a Netflix interview related to 'Squid Game 2' last year, T.O.P expressed, "I caused significant harm to the members and my former agency (YG Entertainment), and I no longer want to be a burden. If I return to the team, my past mistakes would negatively impact the members as well." He also apologized for unfollowing the other members and blocking fans who mentioned BIGBANG, stating, "I didn't want to cause any harm to the members." 

T.O.P faced legal issues in 2016 when he was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for marijuana use. Following this, he declared his retirement from the entertainment industry, asserting he had no plans to return to Korea. Although he left BIGBANG, he made a comeback with 'Squid Game 2,' which drew considerable criticism.

T.O.P's Return to BIGBANG Rumors Debunked

The upcoming Academy Awards, set for February 2, 2025, are facing significant controversy, with critics labeling it as the "most chaotic Oscars in recent history" (Wall Street Journal) and a "historic nightmare" (LA Times). The spotlight is particularly on the Best Actress category, ignited by the first transgender nominee, Karla Sofia Gascon, who plays a transgender drug lord in 'Emilia Perez'. Just a week after her nomination, past tweets resurfaced, revealing her controversial statements that included derogatory remarks about Muslims and comments on George Floyd, which have severely impacted the film's chances, dropping it from a top contender to sixth place in predictions.

In another controversy, Mikey Madison, nominated for the Palme d'Or for 'Anora', faced backlash for not using an intimacy coordinator during sensitive scenes. Madison stated her desire to fully immerse herself in her performance as the reason for this decision, prompting industry professionals to criticize her for undermining years of efforts to establish the role of intimacy coordinators in film.

Fernanda Torres, also a strong contender for Best Actress for 'I'm Still Here', found herself in hot water after a 17-year-old video surfaced showing her in blackface during a Brazilian comedy show. She quickly apologized, explaining that awareness of Black rights was not well established in Brazil at the time. The Wall Street Journal noted that this year's Oscars raise questions about the separation of art from the artist and the role of AI in the industry.

여우주연상 후보 3인의 구설수로 “악몽이 된 오스카”

Oscars Controversy: Transgender Nominee and Industry Practices Under Fire

G-DRAGON (지드래곤) has officially launched the pre-order for his highly anticipated third studio album, 'Ubermensch' (위버맨쉬), starting today, February 10, at 3 PM. According to images released by his agency, Galaxy Corporation, the album will be available in five different versions, including two special sets: a jewel case set and a mini jewel case set, totaling 15 unique items. The jewel case version will consist of eight different designs, each containing a DISC, a 24-page booklet, and two photo cards.

The vibrant variations of the 'Ubermensch' logo are particularly eye-catching, sparking curiosity among fans about the album's contents. Additionally, the full digital release of all tracks from 'Ubermensch' is set for February 25 at 2 PM, heightening excitement among fans who have eagerly awaited G-DRAGON's return. The pre-released tracks, 'HOME SWEET HOME' and 'POWER,' have already reignited the passion of fans worldwide, creating a global sensation.

The album will feature a total of eight tracks, including 'TOO BAD,' 'DRAMA,' 'IBELONGIIU,' 'TAKE ME,' 'BONAMANA,' and 'GYRO-DROP,' showcasing G-DRAGON's unique artistic identity. In a commitment to environmental sustainability, the physical album will be produced using FSC-certified paper and soy ink.

Pre-orders began on February 10 through platforms such as Yes24, Apple Music, Aladin, Ktown4U, and various online music stores, with physical copies set to be released sequentially after February 25.

Before the album's release, G-DRAGON will make an appearance on the MBC variety show 'Good Day' (굿데이) on February 16, where he will collaborate with various artists to create this year's song, promising an exciting lineup that has already garnered significant attention.

[공식]지드래곤, 25일 신보 발매…선공개 '홈 스윗 홈'-'파워' 신드롬 잇는다

G-DRAGON's New Album 'Ubermensch' Available for Pre-Order

Recent developments have emerged regarding the late Oh Yoo-anna, a former MBC weathercaster, and allegations of workplace bullying. A recording has been released in which fellow weathercaster A is heard verbally abusing Oh Yoo-anna. On February 10, a report by Newsis revealed that Kim Jang-gyeom, a member of the National Assembly, disclosed a recording received from Oh Yoo-anna's family. The recording captures A calling Oh Yoo-anna back to the office after her shift on October 18, 2022, to criticize her performance. A stated, 'I used to defend you when you were a newcomer, but now there are too many complaints about your broadcasting skills. If your attitude is also poor, there’s no reason for you to be here.' When Oh Yoo-anna, in tears, asked for clarification on what her attitude problem was, A responded harshly, saying, 'You don’t even think about how your tears affect others. Is that how you talk to a senior? Do you think you’re the best here?' A continued to berate her, questioning her attitude and asserting that there was no hierarchy between them. A also accused her of being arrogant and treating others poorly. Additionally, messages from Oh Yoo-anna to a colleague were revealed, where she expressed confusion over her perceived shortcomings and shared her distress over being told she was 'really bad' at her job. Oh Yoo-anna, who joined MBC as a weathercaster in 2021, tragically took her own life in September 2022. It wasn't until three months later that her death was publicly acknowledged, and a 17-page letter surfaced, detailing her experiences of workplace bullying. The situation escalated further when screenshots from a group chat among four other MBC weathercasters were leaked, revealing derogatory comments directed at Oh Yoo-anna. The family has filed a lawsuit against A for damages, and MBC has initiated an investigation to uncover the truth behind her death.

[종합] 故 오요안나 눈물에도 "너 너무 건방져"…폭언 녹취록 공개됐다

Allegations of Workplace Bullying Surface in the Case of Late MBC Weathercaster Oh Yoo-anna

The performance video for 'BILLIONAIRE,' a track from Baby Monster's debut album [DRIP], is set to be released on February 14 at midnight KST. YG Entertainment announced this via a poster on their official blog on February 11. This new choreography video follows the 'BILLIONAIRE' EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO that was unveiled on February 7, just a week prior.

The silhouettes of the seven members exude confidence against a white-toned backdrop, showcasing their unique aura. Their sleek dance moves will be accentuated by all-black outfits, and the intricate flamenco-inspired choreography is expected to captivate viewers even more.

This upcoming video promises a different kind of enjoyment compared to the previous EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO, which focused on the members' visuals, gestures, and expressions. YG stated that this new release will highlight the full choreography, maximizing the appeal of their performance.

Fans have already shown enthusiastic responses to the choreography points inspired by flamenco and the hand movements that directly express the lyrics. The previous EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO has garnered over 18 million views on YouTube in just four days, indicating a growing global interest in the group.

Baby Monster is set to expand their global presence with their first world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR 'HELLO MONSTERS'.' After a successful debut performance at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, they will be heading to 14 cities across the globe, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei, for a total of 23 shows.

베이비몬스터, 당찬 자신감 깃든 '강렬' 실루엣..'BILLIONAIRE'

Baby Monster to Release 'BILLIONAIRE' Performance Video on February 14

Singer Kim Chaewon is set to make her comeback with a new album infused with her unique emotions. On February 11, she unveiled teaser images for her upcoming single album 'Dear My Wave' through her official channels. Against a backdrop of the blue sea, Kim Chaewon strikes a pose that suggests she is holding onto something precious, complemented by a wistful gaze that evokes both nostalgia and curiosity among viewers.

Kim Chaewon began her solo career in 2022 with the single 'TOMORROW' and has since released albums such as 'MY LITTLE CHRISTMAS' and 'Forever & Forever'. In addition to her music, she has showcased her diverse talents by transitioning into acting and participating in various programs, including 'Girls on Fire'.

With her new track 'Dear My Wave', Kim Chaewon is returning to her musical roots, promising a matured voice and emotional depth that hint at her growth as a vocalist and artist. Fans are eager to see if this album will capture the public's attention, as she continues to highlight her charm through various activities.

The new single album 'Dear My Wave' will be released on February 15 at 6 PM KST across various online music platforms.

‘걸스 온 파이어’ 김채원, 신곡 'Dear My Wave’ 발매..15일 컴백 [공식]

Kim Chaewon Returns with New Album 'Dear My Wave'

On the morning of February 11, 2025, mourners gathered at the funeral home of Konyang University Hospital in Daejeon to pay their respects to 8-year-old Kim Ha-neul, who was tragically killed by her teacher, identified as A (48). The police anticipate that A's arrest could occur as early as February 12. 

According to police reports, A sustained injuries to her hands and neck and underwent emergency surgery around 9 PM the previous day. Currently recovering in the intensive care unit while on a ventilator, A's condition will be monitored for at least 48 hours. 

Authorities plan to arrest A as soon as her health improves, with a police official stating, "We are currently applying for an arrest warrant, and if her condition stabilizes before the warrant is issued, we will proceed with an emergency arrest." A briefing is scheduled for 2 PM today at the Daejeon Western Police Station to provide updates on the investigation. 

Earlier, at approximately 5:50 PM on February 10, Kim Ha-neul was found fatally stabbed at a local elementary school in the Gwanjeo-dong area of Daejeon. A was discovered at the scene with self-inflicted wounds and reportedly confessed to the crime during police questioning prior to her surgery. The police have formally charged A with murder and are continuing their investigation.

Teacher Arrest Expected After Fatal Stabbing of 8-Year-Old in Daejeon

Jeon Hyun-moo (전현무) and Hong Joo-yeon (홍주연) have found themselves at the center of marriage rumors, following a recent episode of KBS2's 'Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀) aired on February 9, 2025. The speculation about their potential wedding was reignited after a previous episode on February 2, where chef Jung Ji-sun (정지선) mentioned Jeon Hyun-moo's rumored marriage in March.

During the show, Jung Ji-sun was recording a segment for the popular program 'Gag Concert' (개그콘서트) with comedians Jo Soo-yeon (조수연) and Shin Yoon-seung (신윤승). In a playful moment, Jo Soo-yeon jokingly claimed that Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon would be getting married in May, which left the young fan, Woo-hyung, surprised.

This playful banter led to further jokes in the studio, with Kim Byung-hyun (김병현) and other cast members teasing Jeon Hyun-moo about his supposed upcoming nuptials. Jeon Hyun-moo even humorously admitted to dating Hong Joo-yeon for a month, prompting laughter from the audience.

In a segment of the show, Um Ji-in (엄지인) shared photos of Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon dining together, showcasing their apparent happiness. Jeon Hyun-moo defended Hong Joo-yeon when Um Ji-in playfully scolded her, and he expressed a sense of nostalgia when he saw her wearing headphones, drawing parallels to his past.

As the rumors continued, the initial March wedding speculation was pushed to May. With the addition of chef Shin Jong-cheol (신종철) to the panel, who praised the buffet's offerings, Park Myung-soo (박명수) chimed in, suggesting that Jeon Hyun-moo might have good news next month. Jeon Hyun-moo responded with disbelief, stating that his mother had even inquired about the marriage rumors.

In a light-hearted exchange, Park Myung-soo suggested moving the wedding date to May, to which Jeon Hyun-moo agreed but quickly noted that this would only lead to more articles about the change. The conversation took a humorous turn when Shin Jong-cheol offered to help plan the wedding, mentioning various events he could assist with, which left Jeon Hyun-moo visibly flustered.

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

On February 11, KBS2's show Celebrity Soldier's Secret (셀럽 병사의 비밀) aired its eighth episode, delving into the identity of the 'Purple Killer,' a figure that instilled fear in many celebrities, including Kim Gu (김구), Walt Disney, and Edvard Munch (에드바르 뭉크). The episode explored the mysterious deaths surrounding the famous painter Gustav Klimt, known for his iconic kiss scene, who passed away suddenly in 1918 shortly before his hospital discharge due to a stroke. Following his death, his protégé and rival, Egon Schiele (에곤 실레), also died, leading to a series of unexplained deaths where victims exhibited a purple discoloration of the face and pneumonia symptoms before dying within days. This led to rumors in Europe that the German army had released poison gas during World War I.

The fear of death spread rapidly beyond Europe, reaching Korea during the Japanese occupation in 1918, where notable figures like Kim Gu, Walt Disney, Mahatma Gandhi, and Edvard Munch also contracted the Spanish flu.

Interestingly, the first recorded outbreak of the Spanish flu was reported in the United States, not Spain. This led to a heated discussion on the show, with guest Jang Do-yeon expressing outrage over the naming of the virus, comparing it to being unjustly labeled as the 'Jang Do-yeon virus.'

ENT specialist Lee Nak-jun (이낙준), known for his work on the Trauma Center, provided medical insights into the various rumors and treatments surrounding the flu at that time. Lee Chan-won (이찬원) humorously questioned whether mixing soju with chili powder could actually cure a cold, leading to a light-hearted moment where he publicly apologized to friends who had tried this remedy instead of taking proper medication.

The episode also featured Professor Song Dae-seop (송대섭) from Seoul National University, who developed the world's first MERS diagnostic kit in 2015. He emphasized the importance of the broadcast, revealing shocking facts about the Spanish flu and its current implications, including research suggesting that up to 300 new viruses could emerge each year over the next 50 years, equating to a new infectious disease potentially appearing almost every day.

The secrets of the 'Purple Killer' that swept the globe in 1918 will be revealed in the Spanish flu episode of Celebrity Soldier's Secret, airing on Tuesday, February 11, at 8:30 PM. Meanwhile, Lee Chan-won has disclosed that he has over 30 events scheduled in a month, with his fee reportedly around 28 million won.

The Rise of Lee Chan-won's Popularity Amidst Historical Revelations

On the morning of February 11, a heartbreaking scene unfolded outside an elementary school in Daejeon, where a first-grade girl was tragically killed by a female teacher in her 40s using a knife. In response to this shocking event, Lee Joo-ho, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, expressed his condolences, stating, "I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family who must be experiencing immense shock and pain." He further emphasized the Ministry of Education's commitment to ensuring that students can learn and live in a safe environment, promising to announce measures promptly. 

Lee Joo-ho canceled his scheduled engagements, including a significant speech at the National Assembly, to convene emergency meetings and formulate a response. The Ministry of Education reported that he met with the Daejeon Superintendent of Education to discuss the situation and plans to hold an urgent council with education superintendents from 17 provinces on February 12 to address the incident and develop strategies moving forward.

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Teacher Arrested for Murdering Student

In the upcoming episode of Current King of Trot 2 (현역가왕2), set to air on February 11, Shin Seung-tae will deliver a unique reinterpretation of the late Song Dae-kwan's song. Alongside Kang Moon-kyung, who previously captivated audiences with her emotional performance of 'Mangmo,' the duo is expected to showcase an extraordinary stage that lives up to their reputations as 'Pongsin' and 'Trot Maniac.' 

Kang Moon-kyung, who was the star of the last episode with the highest ratings, will take on the song 'Woman' with a bold commitment to embody the essence of a female singer. Her performance is anticipated to leave the celebrity judging panel in awe, especially after her previous emotional rendition that brought tears to Seol Woon-do. 

Meanwhile, Shin Seung-tae will reinterpret 'Ne Park Ja' in his own style, igniting excitement in the audience. After finishing fifth in the first round of the semifinals, he revealed, 'I was originally a gwenggwari (traditional Korean percussion instrument) player,' and will incorporate this instrument into his performance. His electrifying rendition of 'Ne Park Ja' is expected to showcase his true talent as a 'Trot Maniac,' leaving viewers eager to see the outcome of his performance. 

The production team has teased that viewers can expect a 'crazy stage' that will truly embody the phrase 'it’s time to shine.' They also expressed anticipation for the camaraderie among the 14 contestants, who continue to support each other amid fierce competition. 

Current King of Trot 2 (현역가왕2) is a survival entertainment program aimed at selecting the top seven male singers to represent South Korea in the upcoming Korea-Japan King of Trot competition, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations. The 11th episode will air on February 11, 2025. 

Tragically, Song Dae-kwan passed away suddenly from a heart attack on February 7.

T.O.P's Return to BIGBANG Rumors Debunked

What do you think?

Trending

Teacher Arrest Expected After Fatal Stabbing of 8-Year-Old in Daejeon

Jeon Hyun-moo and Hong Joo-yeon Spark Marriage Rumors

The Rise of Lee Chan-won's Popularity Amidst Historical Revelations

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Teacher Arrested for Murdering Student

Shin Seung-tae Reinterprets Song by Late Song Dae-kwan on 'Current King of Trot 2'

More

Oscars Controversy: Transgender Nominee and Industry Practices Under Fire

G-DRAGON's New Album 'Ubermensch' Available for Pre-Order

Allegations of Workplace Bullying Surface in the Case of Late MBC Weathercaster Oh Yoo-anna

Baby Monster to Release 'BILLIONAIRE' Performance Video on February 14

Kim Chaewon Returns with New Album 'Dear My Wave'

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea