The global hexagonal idol group WHIB (휘브) has officially announced their comeback, set for April 9, with the release of their fourth single album titled 'Bang Out' (뱅아웃). On March 16, the group shared a concept spoiler image through their official social media channels, generating excitement among fans. 

The striking magenta color featured in the teaser has heightened anticipation for WHIB's new concept. Previously, the group showcased a unique color marketing strategy with their earlier albums, presenting themes of charisma in black and white, refreshing blue, and chic and funky purple. Fans are now eager to see how WHIB will incorporate the new magenta theme into their upcoming release.

Additionally, the retro game pack imagery in the teaser adds another layer of intrigue. WHIB plans to embody characters from video games, promising a more intense visual experience. This return to a retro and conceptual aesthetic has fans buzzing with excitement.

After a seven-month hiatus from the music scene, WHIB is poised to make a significant impact. The group has already established a strong global presence through fan meet-ups in five Asian cities and promotional activities in Japan, solidifying their status as a 'global hexagonal idol.' With all eyes on them, fans are eager to see how WHIB will showcase their musical confidence and pride through their new music and performances.

WHIB Announces Comeback with New Single 'Bang Out' on April 9

In the upcoming episode of U+ original variety show 'Let's Be Friends 4' airing on March 18 at midnight, golf legend Park Se-ri, affectionately known as 'Rich Unnie', will make a special guest appearance. The four main hosts—Han Hye-jin, Park Na-rae, Pungja, and Um Ji-yoon—were captivated by Park's down-to-earth charm, exclaiming, "True wealth is indeed different!" as she showcased her 'rich look' themed outfit.

The origin story of her nickname 'Rich Unnie', coined by Park Na-rae, was also revealed. Park Se-ri shared, "At first, I felt burdened by it, but then I thought of it as a reflection of my talents and generous spirit, which made me like it."

Pungja expressed that the nickname carries a sense of admiration, saying it reflects a desire to succeed like Park Se-ri. Meanwhile, Um Ji-yoon announced her intention to create a new nickname for Park Se-ri to continue the 'Rich Unnie' trend, leaving everyone curious about what it might be.

The episode also highlights the global admiration for Park Se-ri, with Park Na-rae mentioning that former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire to play golf with her. Pungja humorously claimed to resemble Trump and offered to step in as a substitute.

When asked by the MCs if she enjoys drinking makgeolli at the golf course, Park Se-ri responded, "I do enjoy having makgeolli with friends when I go to the golf course," showcasing her relatable and approachable personality. This revelation has significantly increased anticipation for the episode.

Don't miss the lively banter and chemistry between Park Se-ri and the four MCs in episode 10 of 'Let's Be Friends 4', available on U+tv and U+ Mobile TV on March 18 at midnight.

"진짜 부자는 다르네"..'찐 리치언니' 박세리, 트럼프가 "함께" 러브콜 ('내편하자')

Golf Legend Park Se-ri Brings Her Down-to-Earth Charm to 'Let's Be Friends 4'

Incheon City has announced that the application process for its '천원주택' (Thousand Won Housing) program, aimed at newlywed couples without homes, has attracted significant interest, achieving a competition rate of 7.36 to 1. From March 6 to March 14, a total of 3,681 applications were submitted for 500 available units. 

The '천원주택' program allows eligible newlywed couples, prospective newlyweds, and single-parent families to rent housing for a monthly fee of just 30,000 KRW (approximately $25), which breaks down to about 1,000 KRW per day. This rental agreement can last for a maximum of six years. 

Priority is given to families with newborns, followed by newlywed couples with children, and then those without children. 

Incheon City plans to announce the results of the selection process on June 5, following income and asset evaluations of the applicants. Those selected will be able to move in starting in July after completing the necessary housing viewing and contract procedures. 

Additionally, Incheon City is set to launch another round of applications for the '전세임대형' (Jeonse Rental Type) Thousand Won Housing in April. This option allows applicants to choose a market home under 85 square meters, with Incheon Urban Corporation facilitating the lease agreement with the landlord. 

The total number of units available in this upcoming round will also be 500, with further details to be provided on the Incheon City and Incheon Urban Corporation websites. 

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok expressed that this initiative has highlighted the needs of newlywed couples and emphasized the city's commitment to implementing effective housing policies to alleviate the burden on residents.

무주택 신혼부부 대상 ‘1000원 주택’…첫 입주자 모집 경쟁률 ‘7.36대 1’

Incheon Sees High Demand for Affordable Housing with 7.36:1 Competition Rate

On the morning of March 16, 2025, the funeral and burial service for the late Wheesung (휘성) took place at the Seoul Samsung Hospital in Gangnam, Seoul. Amidst the gentle patter of rain, around 100 family members, friends from the entertainment industry, and fans gathered to bid their final farewells. 

Wheesung's brother, Choi Hyuk-seong (최혁성), expressed heartfelt sentiments, stating, "Though Wheesung's life as a human has ended, the music of singer Wheesung will live on forever. As long as his songs are heard in the world, he will remain alive." The group Mighty Mouth's Chuplex also paid tribute, recalling him as an artist who knew nothing but music, which was his everything. 

His agency, Tajo Entertainment, remarked, "Artist Wheesung will forever be a star in our hearts." The ceremony concluded with a video montage of Wheesung's performances and one of his hit songs, 'Dasi Mannan Nal' (다시 만난 날). 

Following the service, singers Ha Dong-kyun and Chuplex assisted in carrying the casket alongside the bereaved family. Attendees were visibly emotional as they mourned the loss of the beloved artist. Wheesung will find his final resting place at the Gwangneung Memorial Park. 

Wheesung was discovered deceased at his home in the Gwangjin District of Seoul on March 10. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, reports indicate that a syringe was found near the body. Authorities have requested an autopsy from the National Forensic Service to determine the cause of death. 

Initially, the family intended to hold a private funeral, but later decided to open a mourning space on March 14 to ensure that Wheesung would not depart alone. Many celebrities, including Kim Bum-soo, IU, Lee Hyori, K.Will, and Gummy, visited to pay their respects, while groups like BTS (방탄소년단), TWICE, and Zico sent floral tributes. 

Wheesung debuted in 2002 with the song 'Andoenayo' (안되나요) and became a leading figure in the development of R&B in South Korea with hits like 'With Me' (위드 미), 'I Thought About Marriage' (결혼까지 생각했어), and 'Incurable Disease' (불치병). He also showcased his talents as a songwriter and producer, contributing to tracks for artists like Younha (윤하) and Lee Hyori (이효리).

"음악은 영원히"…故 휘성 오늘(16일) 발인, 하늘도 울었다[종합]

Beloved Singer Wheesung Laid to Rest in Emotional Farewell

On March 15, 2025, Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Goldmedalist, issued a statement refuting the recent claims made by the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (commonly known as 가세연) during a live broadcast on March 14. The agency emphasized that the photos shared by 가세연 were taken on December 14, 2019, and argued that there is no justification for the indiscriminate release of images related to Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron's private lives. They urged for an end to the dissemination of personal information.

Goldmedalist also acknowledged the statement made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, expressing deep sympathy for her unimaginable pain following the loss of her daughter. They conveyed their sorrow over the hardships Kim Sae-ron faced during her life and expressed their understanding of the concerns raised by her mother regarding media coverage.

While the agency agreed with some of the points made by Kim Sae-ron's mother, they noted that there are aspects of her claims that differ from their perspective. They suggested that there may be information that she is not yet aware of and stated that publicly debating these issues would not be appropriate for honoring Kim Sae-ron's memory. Goldmedalist expressed a desire to meet with her mother to provide a thorough explanation and invited her to contact the agency at any time.

Recently, Kim Soo-hyun has faced allegations from 가세연 regarding a supposed 'grooming' crime, claiming he had been in a relationship with Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor. The agency clarified that while Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron did have a past relationship, they only dated from the summer of 2019, when she was an adult, until the fall of 2020. They also refuted claims that they pressured Kim Sae-ron regarding a compensation demand related to her DUI incident, stating that the legal documents were part of a process to address losses incurred by her former agency. Goldmedalist has announced plans for strong legal action against the false allegations made by 가세연.

김수현 측 "故김새론 母 주장 다른 부분 있어...사무실로 연락 달라" [공식입장](전문)

Kim Soo-hyun's Agency Responds to Allegations and Seeks Communication with Kim Sae-ron's Family

On March 15, 2025, KBS2's variety show Salim Namja-deul 2 (살림하는 남자들2) kicked off a new project titled 'Chueok Salim Nam' featuring former One Time member Song Baek-kyung as its first guest. The episode highlighted Song as a devoted father to his two sons, 9-year-old Song Ru-bin and 8-year-old Song Ru-an. Since marrying in 2016 and welcoming his first child in 2017, Song has been on a fast-paced journey through fatherhood.

He explained his absence from the entertainment scene, stating, "I felt that I wasn't living as a celebrity, so I declined offers to appear on shows." He also mentioned that he had instructed his children not to discuss his past as a singer and entertainer, emphasizing that he wanted to keep that part of his life private.

After dropping his kids off at taekwondo class, Song visited KBS, where he had previously worked as a voice actor for two years. He shared that his first child was conceived during his honeymoon, and both of his sons are part of his journey with One Time. As he transitioned into fatherhood, he sought a stable income that would allow him to utilize his skills, leading him to enroll in night classes to become a voice actor.

When asked if he had completely stepped away from broadcasting, Song clarified, "I avoid shows that require me to be on camera, but I continue to work as a voice actor, recording for major brand advertisements, including fast-food and bank commercials."

He expressed his motivation for joining Salim Namja-deul, stating, "As my children start learning Hangul, they search for me online and find videos of me performing on stage. They ask why I’m not on TV anymore, and I wanted to show them that even though I’m not a singer now, I’m still working hard in a different way."

Regarding his former One Time bandmates, Song mentioned that they still keep in touch, although their paths have diverged. He noted that Danny is now a father of two in the U.S., and he last heard that Oh Jin-hwan is running a café in Jeju Island. He also spoke about Teddy, the leader of One Time, who has become a significant figure in K-pop, producing hits for groups like BIGBANG, 2NE1, and BLACKPINK. Song remarked, "Teddy and I are on completely different paths now, and I felt awkward reaching out. I last saw him at my wedding."

In addition to his voice acting career, Song has recently opened a chicken skewer business, which he has been running for four months. He stated, "My family is my source of strength. I live for them."

‘연예계 은퇴’ 송백경, KBS 성우+자영업자로 변신 “두 子 위해 출연” (‘살림남’)[종합]

Song Baek-kyung Transitions to Voice Acting and Entrepreneurship on 'Salim Nam'

The family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron is set to file a defamation lawsuit against a YouTuber known as A, who is a former journalist. According to reports from Hankyung.com, the family's legal representative, attorney Bu Ji-seok from the law firm Bu-yu, will submit the complaint to the Seoul Police Agency on March 17 at 2 PM, citing defamation through false statements.

Attorney Bu stated, "It is true that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship. The ongoing debate centers around whether they started dating in 2015 when Kim Sae-ron was a minor, which A has dismissed as a 'self-made drama.' This is a clear falsehood."

Before filing the lawsuit, attorney Bu will explain the reasons for the complaint on behalf of Kim Sae-ron's family. A has produced several videos about Kim Sae-ron over the past three years, all of which were made private following the news of her passing.

The family has also expressed their desire for a sincere public apology from A through the YouTube channel 'Garoseoro Research Institute,' stating, "We plan to file a complaint against A next week and hope for a heartfelt public apology. We also expect an apology regarding the incident where A called after the funeral, claiming they couldn't find the burial site. While A justifies this as fact-checking, the family feels mocked and deeply offended."

Additionally, the family claims that Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun were in a relationship from 2015 to 2021. Although Kim Soo-hyun's side has repeatedly denied the dating rumors, they recently clarified that they did not date when Kim Sae-ron was a minor, but rather from the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after she became an adult.

Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16. During her lifetime, she and Kim Soo-hyun were both signed under the same agency, Gold Medalist.

Kim Sae-ron's Family Files Defamation Lawsuit Against YouTuber

The tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron has sparked numerous allegations against fellow actor Kim Soo-hyun, who has attempted to clarify the situation multiple times, yet public sentiment remains cold. The bereaved family is demanding an official apology from Kim Soo-hyun's side, which has responded by suggesting there may be misunderstandings and has requested a meeting to discuss the matter. Meanwhile, the private lives of both individuals continue to be exposed, causing distress.

On March 16, following Kim Sae-ron's death, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) revealed details surrounding her demise. According to the channel and the family, Kim Soo-hyun allegedly dated Kim Sae-ron from 2015 to 2021 when she was a minor, and after her DUI incident in 2022, he pressured her to repay 700 million KRW borrowed to settle the accident, despite her financial struggles.

In response, Kim Soo-hyun's team categorically denied these claims, labeling them as blatant falsehoods. They stated, 'Garo Sero has made malicious allegations that we colluded with YouTubers to harass the late Kim Sae-ron, including claims that she dated Kim Soo-hyun from the age of 15 and that our management's response to her DUI was inappropriate. These are all unacceptable falsehoods, and we are considering the strongest legal actions against the dissemination of these lies.'

As 'Garo Sero' escalated its accusations against Kim Soo-hyun, his team promised to clarify their position based on clear evidence, quickly moving to refute the claims. They asserted, 'It is not true that Kim Soo-hyun dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor. We have not demanded repayment of any debts after writing off the full amount owed by Kim Sae-ron.' They acknowledged a relationship but clarified it began only after she reached adulthood, using clothing in disputed photos as evidence to counter the allegations of underage dating.

In a counter-response, Kim Sae-ron's mother spoke through 'Garo Sero,' stating, 'Sae-ron never lied to the media. She was not a child who only enjoyed nightlife with friends, nor did she fabricate dating rumors with manipulated photos. However, individuals like Lee Jin-ho and Cyber Leakers have created false articles that dragged a promising young actress and her family into hell. Now that Sae-ron is gone, there are outrageous false articles claiming she was a breadwinner whose family squandered hundreds of billions.' She emphasized the family's desire to restore Sae-ron's honor as an actress and correct the false narratives, hoping for legal and institutional measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

As the back-and-forth continues between 'Garo Sero,' Kim Soo-hyun's representatives, and the bereaved family, the private lives of both Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron are being unnecessarily exposed. Kim Soo-hyun's team expressed, 'We believe it is inappropriate to publicly debate these matters, especially considering the efforts of the deceased's mother to restore her honor. We would like to meet with her to provide a thorough explanation. Please feel free to contact the Gold Medalist office at any time.' However, this statement has reportedly incited further anger from the family, leading to the anticipation of additional revelations.

As the cycle of accusations and rebuttals continues, the private lives of the deceased and Kim Soo-hyun remain in the spotlight, causing unnecessary distress. The late Kim Sae-ron seems unable to find peace even in death, while Kim Soo-hyun appears increasingly unstable amid the swirling allegations. It is time for rational dialogue to resolve these issues rather than allowing emotions to escalate further.

Controversy Surrounds Kim Soo-hyun Following Kim Sae-ron's Death

MBC's Good Day (굿데이) is set to unveil a massive recording studio where the 'Good Day Assembly' will take place. In the upcoming fifth episode airing today, March 16, at 9:10 PM, viewers can look forward to the vibrant chemistry among the newly formed karaoke group from Hannam-dong, featuring stars like G-Dragon (지드래곤), Kim Go-eun (김고은), and Jung Hae-in (정해인). 

Ahead of the broadcast, a preview video showcased G-Dragon, Kim Go-eun, Jung Hae-in, Jo Se-ho (조세호), and Code Kunst (코드 쿤스트) at a karaoke venue in Hannam-dong. When Jo Se-ho explained the quarterly karaoke meet-up, Jung Hae-in eagerly expressed, "Count me in! I’ll come running if you call!" 

The episode's highlight will be Kim Go-eun's requested performance of 'Bbibbi' (삐딱하게). As G-Dragon sang the track, Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in were captivated, exclaiming, "Wow, this is amazing!" and began filming G-Dragon's performance on their phones, creating a memorable moment. This unique karaoke concert by G-Dragon has already heightened anticipation for the full episode. 

The episode will also feature the first look at the recording studio where the 'Good Day Assembly' will be held. G-Dragon, along with Jung Hyung-don (정형돈), Defconn (데프콘), and Code Kunst, went on a pre-visit to the studio, which can accommodate around 30 people, showcasing its impressive scale. 

While exploring the studio, Defconn remarked on the effective sound diffuser, showcasing his musician side, which led to playful banter with Jung Hyung-don, providing comedic moments. The group began brainstorming ideas for welcoming guests, with G-Dragon suggesting a floral path reminiscent of a poster shoot, further building excitement for the 'Good Day Flower Path' and the family gatherings that will take place there. 

MBC's Good Day is a music project where G-Dragon collaborates with various artists to create this year's song, with the third episode airing today at 9:10 PM.

MBC's Good Day Reveals Exciting New Recording Studio for Upcoming Episode

In the wake of the tragic passing of actress Kim Sae-ron on March 16, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun has found himself embroiled in various controversies, including grooming allegations. Despite the negative public sentiment, he participated in the recording of MBC's Good Day and appeared in full shots during the broadcast.

Following Kim Sae-ron's death, claims from the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' (가로세로연구소) suggested that Kim Soo-hyun was a significant factor leading to her demise. According to the channel and the deceased's family, Kim Soo-hyun allegedly dated Kim Sae-ron from 2015 to 2021 when she was a minor and pressured her to repay 700 million KRW after her DUI incident in 2022, which led to her career halt and financial struggles.

Kim Soo-hyun's team has firmly denied these allegations, labeling them as falsehoods and promising strong legal action. They stated that the claims of a romantic relationship during Kim Sae-ron's minor years are untrue and that they never demanded repayment after writing off the debt.

Kim Sae-ron's mother also spoke out against the allegations, asserting that her daughter never lied to the media or engaged in any deceptive behavior. She expressed a desire for the family to restore Kim Sae-ron's reputation and for the media to be held accountable for spreading false information.

Public opinion regarding Kim Soo-hyun has been largely negative, leading brands that had previously endorsed him to sever ties. The backlash has also affected the projects he is involved in, including his current filming for Disney+'s Knock Off and his role on Good Day. Despite the ongoing controversy, the recording for Good Day proceeded, and Kim Soo-hyun was featured prominently in the episode aired on March 16.

The production company TEO took public sentiment into account and approached the situation with caution. They ensured that Kim Soo-hyun's segments were recorded in a way that minimized overlap with other cast members, anticipating potential edits. Due to the tight schedule for international broadcasts, the fifth episode aired with approximately ten minutes less content and fewer details than usual.

The Good Day team stated, "As long as controversies surrounding the cast persist, the original intent of Good Day and the heartfelt support from viewers may continue to be undermined. The content filmed on February 18 will unfold over the next 6-7 episodes, and we have decided to edit out as much of Kim Soo-hyun's appearance as possible."

They further committed to ensuring that the remaining broadcasts would provide enjoyment to viewers while being mindful of the sentiments of the participating cast members.

In a related development, the legal representatives of Kim Sae-ron's family announced on March 17 that they would file a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Lee Jin-ho for spreading false information.

Kim Soo-hyun Appears on Good Day Amid Controversy Following Kim Sae-ron's Death

On the March 16 episode of MBC's variety show Good Day (굿데이), actress Kim Go-eun and K-pop icon G-Dragon (지드래곤) met and showcased a budding friendship, hinting at potential collaboration. G-Dragon, who has starred in projects like 'The King: Eternal Monarch' and 'Big Bang', expressed his admiration for Kim Go-eun, who has won numerous Best Actress awards for her roles in films such as 'The King’s Affection' and 'Yoo Yeol's Music Album'. He remarked, "She sings well and embodies the spirit of Good Day perfectly," while also noting their previous encounters as brand ambassadors for a luxury company.

Comedian Jo Se-ho (조세호) introduced them as friends from the same neighborhood, highlighting their shared connections, including G-Dragon's brother-in-law, actor Kim Min-jun, who recently worked with Kim Go-eun in the film 'The King’s Affection'. Jo Se-ho humorously suggested that they are practically family.

Kim Go-eun shared that she often sings Big Bang songs, particularly mentioning her favorite track, 'Bitter Sweet'. G-Dragon chimed in, recalling how he played Big Bang songs during his military service, even giving up his part in a performance. Jo Se-ho added that he memorized the rap from 'Red Song', to which Kim Go-eun responded that she often took on the rap parts in 'Bang Bang Bang'.

The group expressed excitement over the possibility of a karaoke performance, with Kim Go-eun revealing her karaoke philosophy, stating she dislikes interruptions during songs and prefers to reserve songs in advance. G-Dragon suggested they go to karaoke together to strengthen their friendship, emphasizing the importance of getting closer.

When Jo Se-ho inquired about the possibility of a future collaboration with G-Dragon, he responded positively, saying, "Anytime! But we should go to karaoke first to check our skills." He expressed confidence that they would enjoy a karaoke outing together.

WHIB Announces Comeback with New Single 'Bang Out' on April 9

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Kim Soo-hyun Appears on Good Day Amid Controversy Following Kim Sae-ron's Death

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Beloved Singer Wheesung Laid to Rest in Emotional Farewell

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