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

On February 10, a tragic incident occurred at an elementary school in Daejeon, where a 40-year-old female teacher fatally stabbed an 8-year-old student, identified as A. The father of the deceased student, Mr. B, expressed his belief that the incident was a premeditated crime and called for the school to be held accountable.

After completing a police interview, Mr. B stated, "The teacher, unable to control her anger due to depression, killed an innocent child. We must ensure that no other victims arise from this situation." He revealed that A's phone had a parental monitoring application, allowing him to hear sounds around her phone in real-time. He began searching for his daughter around 4:50 PM and reported hearing various noises, including heavy breathing and the sounds of drawers and zippers, but no voice from A.

Mr. B noted that A was the only child remaining at the school until 4:40 PM, suggesting that the teacher was aware of her solitude. He emphasized that the teacher must have brought the weapon herself, indicating a planned attack.

According to the Daejeon Police Agency, A was found stabbed in the audiovisual room on the second floor of the school around 6 PM. The police also discovered the teacher, identified as C, injured in a storage room. C, who had taken a leave of absence due to depression before returning to work at the end of last year, reportedly confessed to the police, stating, "I wielded the weapon." Authorities are investigating the specific motives behind the murder, suspecting that C harmed herself after the attack on A.

피살 초등생 父 “휴대폰 앱으로 현장소리 들어, 100% 계획범죄”

Tragic Incident at Daejeon Elementary School: Teacher Kills Student

Suzy (수지), the talented singer and actress, is set to make her return to the music scene with a new digital single after a two-year break. On February 10, she announced her comeback, stating, "Digital single come back 2025.02.17 (Mon.) 18:00 (KST)." Along with this exciting news, she shared a captivating new photo. In the image, Suzy is seen in a cozy indoor setting, wearing hot pants and striking various poses with a guitar, showcasing her relaxed vibe. The black-and-white photo highlights her stunning features, leaving fans in awe. Additionally, Suzy will also be returning to the small screen through the upcoming Netflix series '다 이루어질지니' (Everything Will Be Okay), written by renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, where she will star alongside actor Kim Woo-bin.

'2년 만에 가수 컴백' 수지, 핫팬츠에 흑백 뚫고 나오는 미모

Suzy to Release Digital Single After Two-Year Hiatus

In a remarkable achievement, 16-year-old ballerino Park Yoon-jae (박윤재) from Seoul Arts High School won first place at the Prix de Lausanne ballet competition held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 8. This victory marks him as the first Korean male dancer to win this prestigious title. Park expressed his disbelief and gratitude, stating, "It is an honor to perform on the 'Prix de Lausanne' stage that I have dreamed of since childhood, and I can't believe I made it to the finals and received such a significant award." 

Previously, Korean ballerinas Kang Soo-jin (강수진) and Park Se-eun (박세은) won the competition in 1985 and 2007, respectively. The Prix de Lausanne is recognized as one of the top five ballet competitions in the world, alongside the Varna, Jackson, Moscow, and Paris competitions, and is open to dancers aged 15 to 18. This year, the 53rd edition of the competition featured 85 participants, with 20 advancing to the finals. Among the Korean dancers, Kim Bo-kyung (김보경), 17, from Busan Arts High School, secured 8th place.

Park's victory opens doors for him to grow as an internationally recognized ballerino, as winners are often offered opportunities to join affiliated ballet companies or schools abroad.

16세 박윤재, 한국인 발레리노 첫 로잔콩쿠르 우승

16-Year-Old Ballerino Park Yoon-jae Makes History at Prix de Lausanne

Recent changes to TOP's (최승현) social media and official YouTube profiles have led to speculation about his potential return to BIGBANG. However, a representative for TOP clarified on February 11 that the name 'TOP' on his social media has not been altered and has always been listed that way. The representative also stated that TOP's stance regarding BIGBANG remains unchanged from what he expressed in a recent interview.

The speculation arose after fans noticed that the official BIGBANG YouTube account listed the members in the order of G-Dragon, Taeyang, TOP, and Daesung, and that TOP's profile referred to him as 'TOP 최승현' instead of 'Actor 최승현'. Despite these observations, the information is not new; the YouTube profile has been consistent since the release of their song '봄, 여름, 가을, 겨울' (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter).

TOP, who was sentenced to 20 months in prison with a two-year probation in 2016 for marijuana use, officially left YG Entertainment in 2022 and subsequently announced his departure from BIGBANG the following year. In a recent interview regarding his role as Thanos in the Netflix original series 'Squid Game Season 2', he reflected on the possibility of reuniting with BIGBANG, stating, 'I considered '봄 여름 가을 겨울' to be my last project.' He expressed that while fans still hope for a reunion, he feels a sense of guilt towards the other members and believes he will carry that regret for life.

탑 최승현, 빅뱅 복귀 아니다 "죄책감 그대로...SNS 프로필도 변경 NO" [공식입장]

TOP's Profile Update Sparks Speculation About BIGBANG Return

The Libertines, the iconic Britpop band known as the 'rebels of British rock,' will hold their first solo concert in South Korea on April 9, 2025, at 8 PM at the YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. This announcement was made by the event organizers, WeAlive and MPMG, on February 10. 

The band, often credited as pioneers of the post-punk revival, debuted in 2002 with the single 'What a Waster / I Get Along.' Their first studio album, 'Up The Bracket,' released the same year, earned them the NME Award for Best New Band. 

In 2004, they released their second album, 'The Libertines,' which topped the UK Albums Chart and received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. However, shortly after its release, the band announced their sudden breakup. 

After years of anticipation from devoted fans, The Libertines reunited and released their third album, 'Anthems for Doomed Youth,' in 2015, which reached number three on the UK Albums Chart, reaffirming their enduring popularity. Last year, they released their fourth album, 'All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade,' which marked their return to the top of the UK Albums Chart for the first time in 20 years. 

Carl Barât, the band's frontman, previously performed in South Korea in 2019 with his solo band, Carl Barât & The Jackals. This concert was organized by former editor of 'The Musical,' Baek Kyung-hee, who has been a long-time fan of The Libertines. She has also showcased a work inspired by the band's dynamic between Barât and co-frontman Pete Doherty. 

Tickets for The Libertines' concert will be available for pre-sale from noon on February 17 to noon on February 18 through the pop music platform ualive. General sales will begin at 6 PM on February 18 via YES24 Ticket and Interpark Ticket.

‘英 록의 반항아’ 리버틴스, 데뷔 23년 만에 첫 내한공연  

The Libertines to Perform in South Korea for the First Time in 23 Years

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, 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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Oscars Controversy: Transgender Nominee and Industry Practices Under Fire

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