On the afternoon of March 31, 2025, a VIP premiere event for the film 'Lobby' took place at the Lotte Cinema World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul. The movie tells the story of Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), a startup CEO who, unfamiliar with the world of lobbying, embarks on his first lobbying golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won national project. 'Lobby' is set to hit theaters on April 2, 2025. Actor Jo Jun-young was seen participating in the photo session during the event.

VIP Premiere of 'Lobby' Held in Seoul

In 2024, South Korea welcomed over 1 million foreign patients for the first time, setting a new record. More than half of these patients sought dermatological treatments, with Japanese nationals making up the largest group. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, a total of 1,170,467 foreign patients visited South Korea last year, nearly doubling from 605,768 in the previous year. These patients were not residents of South Korea and were not enrolled in the national health insurance system. 

The influx of foreign patients has been permitted since 2009, when 60,201 foreign patients received treatment. This number steadily increased, reaching 497,464 by 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a drop to 117,069 in 2020, but since 2022, the number of foreign patients has been growing at an annual rate of approximately 100%. From 2009 to 2024, a total of 5,047,809 foreign patients have visited South Korea. 

Last year, patients from 202 different countries came to South Korea, with 441,112 (37.7%) being Japanese. Following Japan were Chinese patients at 260,641 (22.3%), Americans at 101,733 (8.7%), Taiwanese at 83,456 (7.1%), and Thai patients at 38,152 (3.3%). Taiwan saw the highest growth rate, with the number of patients increasing more than sixfold from 12,828 in 2023. 

Dermatology was the most sought-after specialty, with 705,044 patients (56.6%), surpassing the total number of foreign patients in 2023. Plastic surgery followed with 141,845 patients (11.4%). A representative from the Ministry noted that the high regard for Korean cosmetics among foreigners likely contributed to the increase in visits to dermatology and plastic surgery clinics. 

Geographically, nearly 100% of foreign patients visited Seoul, totaling 999,642 (85.4%), as many hospitals specializing in dermatology and plastic surgery are located there. Jeju Island experienced the highest growth rate, with patient numbers rising from 6,823 in 2023 to 21,901 last year, more than tripling.

‘K의료’ 찾은 외국인 환자 작년 117만명

Record Number of Foreign Patients Visit South Korea in 2024

TVXQ is set to continue their journey with SM Entertainment, solidifying their long-standing relationship through a new contract. Since their debut in 2003, the duo has built a strong foundation of trust with SM, and they are poised to take on new challenges with the company's full support.

Yunho expressed his excitement, stating, "It feels nostalgic to continue our relationship with SM, which has been with us since our debut. We will always strive to show our fans our best selves in various fields, thanks to their unwavering love and support." Changmin echoed these sentiments, saying, "It is very meaningful to have been able to walk alongside SM for over 20 years. We will work together to create an even more wonderful future for TVXQ, supported by SM's constant encouragement."

SM Entertainment also shared their enthusiasm, saying, "We are delighted to be working with TVXQ once again. As K-POP legends who have helped shape SM's history, we will actively support Yunho and Changmin in their diverse activities."

Celebrating their 22nd anniversary this year, TVXQ has produced numerous hit songs, including their debut track 'Hug (포옹)', 'Rising Sun (순수)', 'Mirotic (주문-MIROTIC)', 'Keep Your Head Down (왜)', and 'Rebel (레벨)'. They have played a pivotal role in the global K-POP phenomenon, establishing a unique presence not only as a group but also through solo endeavors in music, acting, musicals, and variety shows.

Additionally, TVXQ is set to break records with their upcoming performances at the Tokyo Dome from April 25 to 27, marking a total of 33 shows at the venue and 92 dome performances nationwide, setting a new record for the most performances by an overseas artist at the Tokyo Dome and across Japan. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the new history that TVXQ and SM will continue to create together.

동방신기, SM과 재계약 완료..데뷔 후 21년 동행ing [공식]

TVXQ Renews Contract with SM Entertainment, Embarking on New Chapter

The human drama film 'Victory' (승부), directed by Kim Hyung-joo and produced by Film Company Wolgwang, has maintained its position at the top of the box office for eight consecutive days. Meanwhile, the black comedy 'Lobby' (로비), directed by Ha Jung-woo and produced by Workhouse Company and Film Momentum, has made its entrance, promising a dual box office success.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticket sales network, 'Victory' attracted 50,766 viewers on April 2, securing its spot as the number one film with a cumulative audience of 877,735. 'Lobby', which premiered on the same day, ranked second with 37,158 viewers (including previews, totaling 41,775).

'Victory' tells the story of South Korea's legendary Go player, Cho Hun-hyun, who, after losing a match against his disciple, taps into his innate competitive spirit to challenge the odds once more. The film features a star-studded cast including Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in, Ko Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, Moon Jung-hee, and Kim Kang-hoon, with Kim Hyung-joo at the helm.

Having opened on March 26, 'Victory' has surpassed 870,000 viewers and is on the verge of reaching the 1 million mark this week, solidifying its status as a leading film during the typically slow second week of its release.

On the other hand, 'Lobby' follows a startup CEO who, unfamiliar with the world of lobbying, embarks on his first golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won national project. The film stars Ha Jung-woo, Kim Ui-sung, Kang Hae-rim, Lee Dong-hwi, Park Byeong-eun, Kang Mal-geum, Choi Si-won, Cha Joo-young, Park Hae-soo, and Kwak Sun-young, marking Ha Jung-woo's third directorial effort following 'Roller Coaster' and 'Heo Sam-kwang'.

'Lobby' has received explosive audience acclaim in the off-peak theater season, expanding the reach of Ha Jung-woo's comedic genre. With a wave of recommendations from viewers flooding online platforms, it is generating significant interest as a potential box office hit alongside 'Victory'.

[종합] 이병헌 '승부' 8일 연속 흥행 1위 굳히기..하정우 '로비' 2위로 출발

Box Office Battle: 'Victory' Holds Strong While 'Lobby' Makes Its Debut

The brother of the late Sulli, a former member of the girl group f(x), has stirred controversy by naming several celebrities in a series of claims. He revealed that Sulli had a relationship with P.O, a member of Block B, for about a year, and alleged that IU had given Sulli the script for the film 'Real'. 

On April 2, Sulli's brother made headlines by discussing her past romance with P.O during a live broadcast, which coincided with a press conference held by Kim Soo-hyun regarding his own personal controversies. This revelation has led to renewed speculation about P.O and Sulli's relationship, especially given the sensitive context of Sulli's passing. P.O's agency, Artist Company, responded to the claims, stating, "We cannot confirm matters related to the actor's private life. We cannot verify the past relationship with the deceased as it is a private matter."

The mention of P.O's name has intensified the discussion surrounding the alleged romance, marking the first time such claims have surfaced since Sulli's death. Fans have expressed concern that discussing Sulli in this manner is disrespectful. 

Sulli's brother did not stop there; he also named other celebrities, including IU, Goo Hara, Kim Sae-ron, Han Ji-eun, Suzy, and Ahn So-hee, in his social media posts. He claimed that IU had a close relationship with Sulli and had introduced her to a psychiatrist. Additionally, he raised questions about the filming of 'Real', suggesting that Sulli faced significant physical and mental challenges during production, and hinted at possible coercion regarding her exposure scenes. 

These statements have drawn criticism for being reckless and invasive, as they involve the private lives of Sulli's colleagues without substantial evidence. Observers are concerned that such revelations may lead to sensationalism rather than constructive dialogue about the issues at hand.

피오 열애설에 아이유 소환..故설리 친오빠, 선 넘은 실명 폭로 [Oh!쎈 이슈]

Sulli's Brother Sparks Controversy with Celebrity Revelations

K-pop group TREASURE is set to make a significant impact in the North American music scene as they embark on their first-ever tour in the region. The group will launch their 'TREASURE 2025 FIRST US TOUR [SPECIAL MOMENT]' with a concert on April 6 at the Paramount in Brooklyn, New York. Following this, they will perform in Washington D.C., Oakland, and Los Angeles, engaging with fans across the continent.

This tour marks TREASURE's debut in the United States, a key market in the global music industry. Having established a strong international presence through extensive Asian tours and fan meetings, the group is well-prepared to showcase their unique stage presence, which was recently highlighted during their concert in Seoul.

In addition to their live performances, TREASURE has planned a series of promotional activities both online and offline. They will appear on the popular American music program MTV Fresh Out Live on April 18, where they will perform their title track 'YELLOW' from their special mini-album [PLEASURE].

The group will also participate in events like the Grammy Museum's Global Spin Live and the LA Dodgers' Korean Heritage Night, which will allow them to connect with audiences through their dynamic live performances. Furthermore, TREASURE will engage with fans through various radio shows and YouTube content, including Sirius-XM.

With a packed schedule that spans multiple major platforms, TREASURE is set to strengthen their connection with local fans and music enthusiasts. Their first visit to the U.S. is filled with activities that will showcase their diverse talents, promising to elevate their global popularity even further.

TREASURE recently kicked off their [SPECIAL MOMENT] tour with a spectacular three-day concert at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul from March 28 to 30. After their North American tour, they will head to Japan, visiting cities such as Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka, and Saitama, as part of a global fan concert tour that includes 17 shows across nine cities.

트레저, 美 활동 본격 신호탄..뉴욕서 첫 투어 포문

TREASURE Kicks Off First North American Tour with Exciting Promotions

On April 1, global beauty brand Y.O.U BEAUTY GLOBAL announced the termination of its partnership with actor Kim Soo-hyun amid ongoing controversies surrounding his personal life, including grooming allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron. 

Y.O.U BEAUTY had appointed Kim Soo-hyun as a beauty ambassador in 2022, praising him as one of the most successful actors in Korea and expressing confidence that he would inspire others to pursue their dreams with positivity and confidence. However, following recent scandals, the brand released a statement on its official account regarding the partnership. 

The statement emphasized Y.O.U's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and interests of all women, stating, "We encourage women to step forward with newfound confidence and a radiant life, and we do not tolerate any actions that undermine our brand values." 

After careful consideration, Y.O.U BEAUTY decided to end its partnership with Kim Soo-hyun and is taking immediate action to remove all materials related to him from their platforms, stating they will pursue all necessary legal actions if required. The brand has already deleted all photos and posts featuring Kim Soo-hyun from its accounts. 

Meanwhile, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron has made claims through the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae-ron from 2015, when she was a minor, for six years. They have demanded compensation of 700 million KRW for damages related to a drunk driving incident and have sent two legal notices, claiming Kim Soo-hyun was negligent in addressing the situation. They also released alleged intimate photos, videos, letters, and messages exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, demanding an apology and acknowledgment from Kim Soo-hyun's side. 

In response, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference on March 31, tearfully denying the allegations, stating, "We dated for about a year, five years ago, before 'Queen of Tears' aired four years ago. I did not have a relationship with her when she was a minor." He also refuted claims regarding messages exchanged during Kim Sae-ron's minor years, asserting that the individuals in the conversations from 2016 and 2018 were different people. 

Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, attorney Kim Jong-bok from LK Partners, announced that they have filed a defamation lawsuit against the family and the operators of Garosero Research Institute, claiming violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and seeking 12 billion KRW in damages.

Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

The Netflix film 'Revelation' (계시록), starring Ryu Jun-yeol, has claimed the number one spot in the global top 10 non-English films for two consecutive weeks. The film tells the story of a pastor who believes that punishing the perpetrator of a missing person case is a divine revelation, and a detective haunted by the spirit of his deceased brother, as they each pursue their own beliefs.

In the film, Ryu Jun-yeol portrays Seong Min-chan, a pastor leading a small church who receives a divine message to punish the culprit behind a sudden disappearance, leading to a dramatic transformation in his life. Ryu skillfully builds emotional depth as his character undergoes significant changes, showcasing a powerful performance that captivates audiences with its intensity.

Ryu Jun-yeol's portrayal of Seong Min-chan has been described as exceptional, with many viewers expressing that no one else could have delivered such a performance. This acclaim has helped 'Revelation' maintain its position at the top of the global non-English films chart even in its second week of release.

Additionally, from March 24 to March 30, 'Revelation' recorded a total of 6,900,000 views (calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the film's runtime) and has appeared in the top 10 lists of 65 countries, including Japan, France, and Mexico, drawing worldwide attention.

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Netflix Global Non-English Films for Two Weeks

On April 2, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially filed a complaint against Kim Se-yeol, the operator of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute), for violating stalking laws. Kim Soo-hyun's legal representatives from LK Partners announced that both he and a gold medalist have taken this action due to ongoing harassment.

The complaint follows a series of broadcasts by Garo Sero, which began on March 10, 2025, with a sensational title claiming that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in the death of actress Kim Sae-ron, alleging a six-year relationship that started when she was just 15. The channel has reportedly aired content about Kim Soo-hyun daily, except for one day, spreading false information.

Kim Soo-hyun's team stated that Garo Sero has indiscriminately shared images and videos of the actor, including private letters and messages, on their YouTube channel. They emphasized that the only way to stop such 'cyber harassment' is through strict investigation and punishment.

Furthermore, the gold medalist has refuted all claims made by Garo Sero regarding the alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron, asserting that the accusations are entirely false and based on manipulated evidence. They plan to continue to respond firmly to any further dissemination of false information by Garo Sero.

In related news, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025. Following her funeral, her family claimed through Garo Sero that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old.

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

On April 2, a production briefing for the occult action film 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' (거룩한 밤: 데몬 헌터스) was held at Lotte Cinema in Kondae, Seoul. The event featured Ma Dong-seok, who plays the role of Bau, a dark problem-solver who uses his fists to exorcise evil, alongside Seo Hyun as Sharon, a special ability exorcist, Lee Da-wit as Kim-gun, a multi-player who tracks demons, Kyung Soo-jin as Jung-won, who seeks exorcism, and Jung Ji-so as Eun-seo, Jung-won's sister possessed by a demon. Director Lim Dae-hee also attended the event.

'Holy Night' tells the story of a city thrown into chaos by a cult that worships evil, with a team of dark problem-solvers taking on the task of eliminating the forces of evil. Following the success of last year's occult film 'The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey' (파묘) and this year's hit animated film 'The Exorcist' (퇴마록), 'Holy Night' is set to further explore the occult genre in theaters this April.

Notably, Ma Dong-seok, known for his signature fist-fighting action in the 'Crime City' series, adds an occult twist to his character in 'Holy Night.' After achieving a record of over 10 million admissions with 'Crime City 4' (범죄도시4), he faced criticism for the declining quality of the series. In response, he announced a hiatus for the 'Crime City' series to reinvent his image with 'Holy Night,' which incorporates elements of the occult.

Ma Dong-seok, who not only stars in but also produced and planned the film, expressed his excitement about working with director Lim Dae-hee, who specializes in horror films. He stated, "I thought it would be great to mix action and fantasy into an occult film. I watched thousands of horror films from various countries while planning this project, and I wanted to incorporate different elements that resonate with different eras."

Director Lim Dae-hee, who has even written a thesis on the occult genre, shared his gratitude for Ma Dong-seok's support during the filming process, especially since it was his directorial debut. He noted, "I still have a lot to learn, but I analyzed several occult films to write my thesis. I lacked experience in action scenes, but Ma Dong-seok helped me a lot. It was an honor to work with him."

Ma Dong-seok acknowledged the challenge of avoiding self-repetition in his character portrayal, stating, "While my character has familiar traits, there are also fantasy elements. I will be playing a dark problem-solver with hidden secrets. The film includes boxing action, wire work, and special effects, and we faced some injuries during filming. We aimed to find new aspects of the fist-fighting action that fans expect from me."

Seo Hyun, who received the casting offer and responded within two hours, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "I couldn't hesitate. The script was so interesting, and I wanted to work with Ma Dong-seok. I feel like I'm dreaming. I'm grateful to be part of my first commercial film with him. I plan to watch it in theaters multiple times when it releases."

Jung Ji-so expressed her love for the occult genre and the challenges of portraying a character that instills fear, stating, "This is my first time playing a character that scares others, and it was tough. However, Ma Dong-seok was very considerate behind the scenes."

Ma Dong-seok praised the chemistry among the cast, saying, "The chemistry is fantastic. While the film has a horror element, our interactions are great. We're even working on a webtoon to build the world of the film, and I would love to work with this team again."

'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' features a talented cast including Ma Dong-seok, Seo Hyun, Lee Da-wit, Kyung Soo-jin, and Jung Ji-so, marking director Lim Dae-hee's feature film debut. The film is set to be released on April 30.

Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

On April 2, 2025, the K-pop group BABYMONSTER departed from Incheon International Airport to Osaka, Japan, for their overseas schedule. The group is currently on their debut world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR,' which has already seen successful concerts in cities like Seoul, Newark, Los Angeles, Kanagawa, and Aichi. They are set to continue their performances in Japan, starting with Osaka on April 3. Overall, the tour will cover 20 cities across Asia and newly added North American dates, totaling 32 shows to connect with fans worldwide.

VIP Premiere of 'Lobby' Held in Seoul

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Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

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Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

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