Yoo Ho-han, a beloved voice actor and actor, has passed away at the age of 52. According to the Korea Voice Acting Association, he died from a heart attack on the night of January 7. Yoo was known for his work in popular series such as 짱구는 못 말려 (Crayon Shin-chan) and the Avengers franchise. He joined KBS as a voice actor in 2002 and lent his voice to numerous animated shows including 명탐정 코난 (Detective Conan), 원피스 (One Piece), 유희왕 GX (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX), and 이누야샤 (Inuyasha), as well as dubbing roles in films like 마이너리티 리포트 (Minority Report) and the 닥터 후 (Doctor Who) series. In addition to his voice work, he appeared in the film 청년경찰 (Midnight Runners) and the Netflix series 사냥개들 (The Hunt). Yoo was also a familiar voice on home shopping broadcasts. Beyond his performances, he was dedicated to advocating for the rights of fellow voice actors, serving as the 31st president of the KBS Voice Acting Association for three years and participating in negotiations to protect their rights. Lee Yeon-hee, the director of the Korea Voice Acting Association, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating that Yoo was an irreplaceable figure who showed strong camaraderie among his peers. His absence will be profoundly felt. The funeral is scheduled for January 11, with the burial site at the Hambeoksan Memorial Park in Hwaseong.

Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

ONEW, a member of the popular group SHINee, is set to host solo concerts in four Asian cities. The '2025 ONEW CONCERT [ONEW THE LIVE: CONNECTION]' will take place from February 21 to 23 at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul. In addition to Seoul, ONEW will perform at the Yokohama Arena in Japan on February 15-16, the Taipei Music Center on April 5, and the Broadway Theatre in Macau on April 20, connecting with global fans through his music.

The 'CONNECTION' concert series showcases ONEW's unique vocal tone and singing ability, presenting a new brand of performance. The live shows will illustrate the organic connection between ONEW's inner and outer self, reflecting on forgotten times and the excitement of the future, aiming to offer hope and comfort to the audience.

On January 6, ONEW released his fourth mini-album, 'CONNECTION,' in which he participated in the production and lyrics of all tracks. The album quickly climbed to the top of the iTunes 'Top Albums' chart in 18 countries and regions worldwide. The title track, 'Winner,' delivers a powerful message with its strong band sound, resonating deeply with listeners.

Tickets for the Seoul concert will be available for fan club pre-sale starting January 16 at 8 PM, followed by general sales on January 20 at 8 PM through Melon Ticket.

온유, 2월 서울 단독 콘서트 'CONNECTION' 개최…새로운 브랜드 공연

ONEW to Hold Solo Concerts in Four Asian Cities

The 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards took place on November 29 at KBS Hall in Yeouido, where Im Ji-yeon dazzled on the red carpet. Her dynamic performance in the JTBC weekend drama 'Okssi Buin Jeon' (written by Park Ji-sook, directed by Jin Hyuk and Choi Bo-yoon) has resonated with viewers, solidifying the show as a major hit. 

In the series, Im Ji-yeon portrays Ok Tae-young, a woman who defies the oppressive circumstances of her lowly status as a slave in Joseon. After escaping her harsh life, she embarks on a journey to forge her own destiny as a noblewoman. Ok Tae-young not only protects her loved ones but also champions the cause of the oppressed, helping those wronged due to their lack of power. 

In her quest for justice, Ok Tae-young sheds her traditional hanbok and begins to assert herself publicly, representing the grievances of her friends, Mak-sim (Kim Jae-hwa) and her daughter Baek-i (Yoon Seo-ah). This stands in stark contrast to her former mistress, Kim So-hye (Ha Yul-ri), who treated her servants as less than human. 

As the story unfolds, Ok Tae-young becomes involved with Seong Yun-gyeom (Choo Young-woo), the son of the local magistrate, further enhancing her character's agency. Despite facing threats from those envious of her newfound status and dealing with a runaway husband, she actively works to restore her family's honor and protect her household. 

Her efforts lead to the rescue of slaves exploited by her former master, children forced into illegal labor, and innocent widows wronged by societal norms. Ok Tae-young embodies the principle of 'living responsibly because one has,' influencing not just her own happiness but also the lives of others around her. 

Im Ji-yeon previously described her character's goal as striving for an independent life, while writer Park Ji-sook emphasized that Ok Tae-young is a figure who resists her fate and forges her own path despite numerous adversities. 

The proactive and compassionate actions of Ok Tae-young add depth to the intense narrative of 'Okssi Buin Jeon,' which airs every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 PM on JTBC. Im Ji-yeon's remarkable journey as a symbol of miraculous social ascent continues to captivate audiences.

임지연, 양반 사기극까지 '대박' 터트린 '미다스의 손'..'옥씨부인전' 이끈 걸크러시

Im Ji-yeon's Empowering Role in 'Okssi Buin Jeon' Captivates Audiences

In a recent episode of MBN's 특종세상 (Exclusive World), An Sang-tae addressed the unjust accusations surrounding noise complaints that had previously caused him to retreat from the public eye. After returning home, the father of an 11-year-old daughter shared how the noise controversy had turned his living situation into a nightmare. He revealed, 'Four years ago, I had to move out early due to the noise issue. It was chaotic. I felt like a criminal, unable to leave my home.' 

An further explained that he felt cornered by the accusations from the residents below him, who claimed he was the source of the noise. He mentioned that the previous tenants had testified that there were no issues with noise in their apartments. When he confronted the accuser in court, they admitted that their complaints stemmed from the stress of raising children. 

Despite being innocent, An expressed the emotional toll the media attention took on him, stating, 'I couldn't even go out to eat because of the scrutiny. There were cruel comments directed at my daughter, suggesting terrible things. It was heartbreaking, but thankfully, she was too young to fully understand at the time.'

'층간소음 논란' 안상태, 아랫집의 허위 폭로였다 .."스트레스 때문에 거짓말 했다고" ('특종세상')

An Sang-tae Opens Up About Unjust Noise Complaints

Gwangju City is taking steps to alleviate the pain of victims and families affected by the Jeju Air tragedy by drafting a special law and creating a self-help space. Mayor Kang Ki-jeong announced on January 9 that specific provisions for the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster support law are being prepared, which will serve as a foundation for memorializing the tragedy and providing assistance to victims. 

The proposed special law is expected to include support for the recovery of daily life for victims' families and measures for truth-seeking and preventive actions. 

In collaboration with the bereaved families, Gwangju City is planning to establish a self-help space named '12·29 Heart Center' (가칭) at Jeonnam Building 245 on Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, which will honor the day of the tragedy and provide psychological support for victims. 

Additionally, the city will set up a damage reporting center for the local tourism industry, which has been adversely affected by the incident, and will offer a special guarantee of 5 billion KRW for small businesses. Preliminary reports indicate that local tourism companies have been experiencing a surge in cancellations of travel packages departing from Muan International Airport. 

Mayor Kang emphasized that true mourning involves efforts to prevent future tragedies and support the recovery of citizens who have suffered psychological and economic impacts. He also mentioned plans to organize a cultural event for remembrance and healing in consultation with the bereaved families.

강기정 광주시장 “제주항공 참사 특별법·피해자 치유공간 추진”

Gwangju City to Establish Special Law and Healing Center for Jeju Air Tragedy Victims

Lim Kim (림킴), also known as Kim Ye-rim, has teamed up with veteran artist Kim Chang-wan for a touching musical collaboration that has captivated fans. Released on January 7, 2025, Lim Kim's latest single 'Choya' is a reinterpretation of a track from Kim Chang-wan's debut solo album 'Essays with Guitar'. The unique blend of Lim Kim's distinctive vocal tone and Kim Chang-wan's signature straightforward voice brings a fresh charm to the original song, garnering significant attention.

What makes this release even more special is that Kim Chang-wan himself joins Lim Kim for a duet, adding a deeper significance to the project. The accompanying music video showcases the two artists traveling in separate cars, each enjoying the scenery in their own way, yet creating a cozy atmosphere that suggests they are in the same space. As the video progresses, they eventually meet and exchange warm greetings, creating a heartwarming moment that symbolizes the musical connection that transcends time and generations.

Reimagined through the arrangement of Jeong Jin-hee, Lim Kim's 'Choya' deepens the youthful essence of the original, presenting it in a more sophisticated and refined manner. The enchanting quality of Lim Kim's voice harmonizes beautifully with Kim Chang-wan's warm tones, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. Additionally, Kim Chang-wan's guitar playing enhances the emotional depth of the track, amplifying its impact.

림킴(김예림)x김창완. 신곡 '초아' 듀엣→MV도 함께 출연…빛나는 선후배 케미

Lim Kim and Kim Chang-wan Collaborate on Heartfelt New Single 'Choya'

On January 9, 2025, the production press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아), took place at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The event featured cast members Lee Se-young (이세영), Na In-woo (나인우), Choi Min-soo (최민수), Kim Tae-hyung (김태형), Choi Hee-jin (최희진), and director Kim Hyung-min (김형민), with broadcaster Park Kyung-rim (박경림) serving as the MC.

Motel California is a romantic drama set in a rural motel, following the life of the female protagonist who was born and raised in the motel. The story revolves around her reunion with her first love from her hometown, from which she fled 12 years ago. The series is based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by author Shim Yoon-seo (심윤서).

Director Kim Hyung-min described the drama as a tale of reconciling the conflicting elements of a first love reencountered after 12 years and a longing to return to one’s hometown. He expressed his nervousness ahead of the premiere, hoping that the warm atmosphere would be captured on camera.

Lee Se-young, known for her successful roles in dramas like The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) and Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐), plays the role of Ji Kang-hee (지강희), an interior designer born in the motel. She shared her excitement about being part of MBC's 2025 lineup, stating, "I feel a bit more nervous and excited since I’m opening the first drama of the year for MBC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with MBC again, especially as many dramas are being canceled these days."

Kang-hee's character has faced a challenging life due to her unusual upbringing and striking appearance. Lee Se-young noted that she found many similarities between herself and Kang-hee, expressing curiosity about how a child with trauma and deficiencies would grow up.

Na In-woo, who has captured hearts in dramas like The Moon Rising River (달이 뜨는 강) and Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘), portrays Cheon Yeon-soo (천연수), a top candidate for the son-in-law of local farmers and a large animal veterinarian. He shared that he was drawn to the character's life story and worked hard to embody it.

The chemistry between Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, who play a couple with a 23-year history of first love, is expected to create a romantic wave in viewers' homes this New Year. Lee praised Na In-woo for his sensitivity and beautiful gaze, while Na In-woo expressed his admiration for Lee Se-young's ability to interpret their characters delicately.

Other cast members include Choi Min-soo as the motel owner Ji Chun-pil (지춘필), Kim Tae-hyung as the sole heir of an elite hotel, Geum Seok-gyeong (금석경), and Choi Hee-jin as veterinarian Yoon Nan-woo (윤난우), who follows her senior Cheon Yeon-soo.

Despite being dubbed the 'MBC Princess,' Lee Se-young acknowledged the pressure of continuing MBC's successful drama streak. She emphasized that she focuses solely on her character and the project, without worrying about past successes or failures. However, she does have a target viewership rating, stating, "As the lead, I feel a sense of responsibility. I hope for success, and if we achieve a 10% rating, I promised to appear as a special DJ on the radio show 'Hope Song at Noon' (정오의 희망곡)."

Motel California is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST.

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

On January 9, Han Ji-min appeared as a guest on KBS Cool FM's 'It's a Good Day to Love' and discussed her recent drama, 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서). During the show, a listener praised the chemistry between Han Ji-min and her co-star, expressing curiosity about the upcoming storyline. 

Han Ji-min responded by noting the similarities between her character, Kang Ji-yoon, and herself, particularly their clumsiness, such as getting into the wrong car. She humorously mentioned how her manager's friends often remind her, 'That's not your car,' leading to amusing situations. She added that the appearance of a charming character in the drama adds an exciting element to her role.

Host Lee Geum-hee commented on a scene where co-star Lee Jun-hyuk protects Han Ji-min from bumping her head, likening it to a romantic gesture of shielding a loved one from sunlight while they sleep. Han Ji-min revealed that while female viewers loved that scene, some male viewers, including Son Seok-koo, questioned whether such actions were necessary, which brought laughter to the discussion. She concluded by stating that it was a moment that resonated with many women, making them feel excited.

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

On January 9, during the broadcast of MBN's Special Report (특종세상), An Sang-tae shared his experiences of suffering from online harassment due to false accusations of noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor. He revealed that he felt trapped by the claims, stating, 'It turned out that the person from the apartment below was right. The previous tenants and the ones below them never had such issues.' He recounted meeting the accuser in court, where they explained their actions were driven by stress from raising children. 

An expressed the emotional toll this situation took on him, saying, 'Even though I am not a criminal, I couldn't even go out to eat because of the media coverage. There were cruel comments about my daughter, suggesting horrific things. It was very painful, and thankfully, my child was very young at the time.' 

Currently, An is involved in film production and directing. When asked about his earnings, he humorously noted, 'I make about 320,000 won a year.' He added, 'Even if not many people watch my films, I feel happy when they resonate with the stories I imagined.'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

Legendary actor Harrison Ford is set to join the cast of the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. Celebrating nearly 60 years in the industry, Ford will take on a significant role in this new installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Known for his iconic performances in blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford has garnered immense popularity both in the U.S. and internationally, even ranking as the highest-grossing actor in American cinema in 2016.

In the Star Wars series, Ford's portrayal of Han Solo has made him one of the most beloved characters in film history. He has also captivated audiences for over four decades as Indiana Jones, showcasing his versatile acting skills across various genres. With his addition to Captain America: Brave New World, fans are eager to see what new character he will bring to life in the MCU.

At over 80 years old, Ford's participation in a Marvel action blockbuster is anticipated to present a fresh challenge and a new side of the actor. He will portray President Thaddeus Ross, a character previously played by the late William Hurt, bringing depth to a figure of power and ambition.

Kevin Feige, head of the MCU, expressed his excitement, stating, "Harrison Ford's joining the MCU has been a dream for years. It's truly amazing that he is finally on board; it feels like we've checked off a wish list item." Anthony Mackie, who takes on the new Captain America role, shared his awe during their first filming together, highlighting Ford's commanding presence.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson, who reunites with President Ross and finds himself at the center of an international crisis, uncovering a sinister plot that threatens global stability. Mackie, who has portrayed Falcon since Captain America: The Winter Soldier, will deliver a unique performance as the new Captain America.

The film will also feature familiar faces from the Disney+ Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, including Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, and Liv Tyler, adding to the excitement. Directed by Julius Onah, known for Cloverfield Paradox and Luce, Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit theaters in February.

Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

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Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

Harrison Ford Joins Marvel's Captain America: Brave New World

More

ONEW to Hold Solo Concerts in Four Asian Cities

Im Ji-yeon's Empowering Role in 'Okssi Buin Jeon' Captivates Audiences

An Sang-tae Opens Up About Unjust Noise Complaints

Gwangju City to Establish Special Law and Healing Center for Jeju Air Tragedy Victims

Lim Kim and Kim Chang-wan Collaborate on Heartfelt New Single 'Choya'

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