On February 21, 2025, the KBS2TV show 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' featured the iconic YB band, fulfilling a promise made to Lee Young-ji. Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, Lee Young-ji introduced YB with excitement, stating, 'It's an honor to meet legendary seniors from the start.' 

Yoon Do-hyun, a member of YB, mentioned, 'We haven't released a new song yet, but since it's the last episode for Young-ji, we prepared something special.' This was in reference to a promise made during their previous appearance to return with new metal music. Lee Young-ji expressed her gratitude, saying, 'You are the only one who kept your promise to come.' 

The episode featured a performance of YB's classic hit 'I Think I Loved You,' showcasing their powerful metal sound. Notably, YB is recognized for releasing their first metal album, which includes impressive growling techniques. 

During the show, Lee Young-ji initiated a fan challenge related to their new song, stating, 'I have a great idea,' and engaged the audience in creating the challenge together. She even headbanged so energetically that her in-ear monitor flew out. Yoon Do-hyun humorously remarked, 'You’re working hard, are you okay?' and added, 'I’m sorry for the sweat and messy hair.' Lee Young-ji responded, 'Since it’s the last episode, I gave it my all and headbanged to my heart's content.'

YB Band Honors Promise on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

Kim Ga-young, a weathercaster, has officially announced her departure from the SBS show 'Goal Diggers' (골 때리는 그녀들). On February 21, SBS confirmed to OSEN that her exit is indeed accurate. 

Currently, Kim is facing allegations related to workplace bullying against the late Oh Yoo-anna. Reports surfaced last month revealing that a note expressing her distress over workplace harassment was found on Oh's phone, leading to scrutiny of senior weathercasters, including Kim, as potential perpetrators or bystanders. 

In light of these serious allegations, Kim decided to step down from 'Goal Diggers' and her group, Wonder Woman, stating that she did not want to cause further harm to the show or her colleagues. The production team accepted her decision. 

As the investigation continues, Kim is distancing herself from the broadcasting industry, having already left her web entertainment and radio segments. Additionally, she was removed from her role as a promotional ambassador for Paju City on February 6. 

Meanwhile, MBC is conducting an investigation into the workplace bullying allegations surrounding Oh Yoo-anna through a fact-finding committee.

'오요안나 괴롭힘 의혹' 김가영, 홍보대사 해촉 이어 '골때녀'도 하차 [공식]

Kim Ga-young Exits 'Goal Diggers' Amid Bullying Allegations

The father-daughter duo of Kim Bong-gon and Kim Da-hyun will be featured in the upcoming episode of MBN's 'GabojaGO4' airing on February 23. A preview released on February 20 showcases their candid conversations, raising anticipation for the full episode. During the show, MCs Ahn Jung-hwan and Hong Hyun-hee asked Kim Da-hyun about her current interests, to which she shyly admitted, "I'm interested in both grooming myself and in the opposite sex." She further revealed, "I don't have someone I like, but I do feel excited when I see the performances of the older guys on TV." This honest expression of youthful excitement surprised the adults present. When asked about her thoughts on dating someone like her father, Kim Da-hyun quickly shook her head and laughed, prompting a humorous reaction from Kim Bong-gon, who expressed disappointment, saying, "Wasn't I like that before?" Kim Da-hyun clarified, "You're a great father, but not quite the right fit as a partner." Ahn Jung-hwan, pondering her age, hinted at a potential match with his son, An Ri-hwan, leading to laughter when Hong Hyun-hee suggested they should meet. Despite the playful banter, Kim Bong-gon expressed a desire for the two to meet, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere. The episode concludes with Kim Da-hyun's shy smile, leaving viewers curious about the possibility of a meeting between her and An Ri-hwan. 'GabojaGO' Season 4 is a nationwide house tour program where the hosts visit the homes of invited stars to share life stories, set to air at 10:30 PM on February 23.

안정환, 며느리 찾았다…주인공은 2009년생 '미스트롯3' 美 (가보자GO)

Kim Bong-gon and Kim Da-hyun to Appear on 'GabojaGO'

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the tragic passing of actress 故이은주, who left this world on February 22, 2005, at the young age of 25. Her death, attributed to struggles with depression, occurred at her home in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

Lee Eun-joo began her career in the entertainment industry after winning a silver medal at the 1996 Sun Kyung Smart Model Contest. She made her acting debut in the drama 'Start' the following year and gained recognition for her role as the young version of Shim Eun-ha in 'White Night 3.98'. In 1998, she expanded her career to film with her appearance in 'Trout'.

She solidified her status as a promising actress by starring in films directed by Hong Sang-soo, such as 'The Day a Pig Fell into the Well' and 'The Power of Gangwon Province', earning her the Best New Actress award at the Daejong Film Awards. Her filmography continued to grow with notable works like 'Bungee Jumping of Their Own', 'Love Story', and 'Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War'. Notably, 'Tae Guk Gi' surpassed 10 million viewers, making Lee Eun-joo the first Korean actress to achieve a '10 Million Career'.

In 2004, she maintained her popularity with roles in the drama 'Firebird' and the film 'The Scarlet Letter'. However, her sudden death shocked the nation, especially as it was revealed that she had been battling severe depression, insomnia, and loss of appetite, leading to medical treatment.

The unexpected loss of such a talented young actress in her twenties sent ripples through South Korean society, as it was the first time a young female celebrity had taken her own life. Many of her fellow actresses, including Kim Hye-soo, Jeon Do-yeon, Uhm Ji-won, Kim So-yeon, Son Ye-jin, and Kim Min-jung, expressed their grief and shock over her passing.

Even after two decades, fans continue to mourn her loss. The entertainment industry has seen similar tragedies since her death, amplifying the sorrow surrounding her memory. Just a week before this anniversary, actress Kim Sae-ron also passed away at the age of 24, reigniting waves of grief among fans and colleagues alike.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. In South Korea, you can contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at ☎109, Mental Health Centre Crisis Counselling at ☎1577-0199, or the Hope Line at ☎129 for 24/7 support.

故이은주 사망, 25살에 떠난 청춘..20년째 반복되는 비극[Oh!쎈 이슈]

Remembering Lee Eun-joo: 20 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

On February 20, 2025, tvN's 'Six Sense: City Tour' revealed the story behind the fake menu item, 'Kimchi Bomb Chicken.' The episode featured a game to distinguish between real and fake dishes in the vibrant area of Hwaseong Haenggung-dong, where participants explored a fried chicken restaurant, a dessert shop, and a skewered food stall.

The Suwon Fried Chicken Street gained renewed fame thanks to the film 'Extreme Job.' While strolling through the area, Song Eun-yi asked fellow cast member Heo Gyeong-hwan if he was a chicken expert. He humorously replied, "I’m not. I don’t fry; I boil chicken."

Despite it being only 9 AM, the group was intrigued by a unique dish called 'Kimchi Bomb Chicken.' The chef explained, "This is our signature dish, made with kimchi that has been passed down for five generations. We wondered how to utilize it creatively. We layer kimchi fried rice, add plenty of mozzarella cheese that appeals to the MZ generation, and top it with fried chicken, finishing with a generous portion of kimchi. Each chicken comes with half a head of kimchi. After a year of research and with many social media posts, it became a one-of-a-kind menu item on the chicken street."

While the visually appealing 'Kimchi Bomb Chicken' seemed trustworthy, Go Kyung-pyo expressed skepticism, noting, "If 'Kimchi Bomb Chicken' is the main dish, there should be photos and a menu outside, but there aren’t any."

It turned out that the 'Kimchi Bomb Chicken' was indeed a fake dish. The mastermind behind this was Chef Jo Seo-hyung, known as the 'Black and White Chef.' He shared, "We needed a menu that would generate a strong reaction on social media. I experimented with different presentations, like placing it on pizza or frying cheese to top it."

Thanks to this innovative dish, the restaurant owner, who had been struggling with sales, was able to brighten up and attract customers during the two-month preparation period. Upon learning the truth, Yoo Jae-suk praised the production team, saying, "They tricked us, but they did a great job!"

조혜련까지 활약···소상공인과 연대한 눈물의 가짜 등장('식스센스')[종합]

Behind the Scenes of the Fake 'Kimchi Bomb Chicken' on Six Sense: City Tour

Actress Lee Ji Ah has spoken out regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather, Kim Soon-hung, who has been accused of pro-Japanese activities. This issue resurfaced following reports on February 19 about a legal dispute among his heirs over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion KRW. Allegations suggest that Lee Ji Ah's father, the youngest among his siblings, forged documents using the seals of his older brother and sister during the land buyback process.

The controversy has inevitably impacted Lee Ji Ah's public image, with some netizens expressing shock and disapproval simply due to her familial ties. In response to the escalating situation, Lee Ji Ah's agency, BH Entertainment, released a statement on February 21, where she clarified her position regarding her grandfather.

Lee Ji Ah stated, "After much contemplation, I believe it is right to take responsibility and correct the facts, even though it is difficult. Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years. I have no memories of my grandfather, who passed away when I was two, and I grew up without any knowledge of his pro-Japanese actions."

She also addressed accusations that she had promoted herself using her family's background, asserting, "I have never released promotional articles leveraging my family background. However, false claims have circulated online, stating that I respect my grandfather, which is not true. I want to correct this and sincerely apologize as a descendant."

As the controversy unfolds, some netizens have voiced their opinions, suggesting that it is unreasonable to blame Lee Ji Ah for her grandfather's actions, with comments like, "No one chooses to be born into a pro-Japanese family," and "We need to move past this kind of collective blame. She has apologized, so the criticism should stop."

이지아=친일후손인 죄? 해명→사죄에 "연좌제 없어져야" (Oh!쎈 이슈)

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

Kihyun of MONSTA X held a special live stream on February 21 to celebrate his military discharge, connecting with fans known as MONBEBE through the group's official YouTube channel. Dressed in his military uniform, Kihyun made a charming appearance that delighted fans. He greeted MONBEBE in the live chat, expressing his excitement to reunite with them after his service.

During the stream, Kihyun showcased his signature humor, responding to fans who referred to him as 'Muscle Man' and 'Captain Korea' by saying, "I'm not quite Captain Korea, but I have gained some muscle since then." When fans asked for proof, he playfully replied, "What proof do you need? You can see it!" 

Kihyun also took a moment to blow out the candles on a cake celebrating his discharge and reminisced about the 'KIKITRIP' series, which he filmed during his military service. He shared that he had worked hard to create content during his time away and felt proud to see the positive reactions from fans. He encouraged those who became fans while he was in the military, reassuring them that there’s no need to worry about missing out, as they can look forward to more content in the future.

The live stream included a fun segment where Kihyun answered various questions related to topics like 'chicken,' 'songs,' and 'members.' When asked about his feelings the night before his discharge, he shared, "I was busy thinking about how to safely guide MONBEBE who came to see me, as there were so many cars outside the base. I was worried someone might get hurt, but everything went well, and I’m grateful for their support."

As the stream came to a close, Kihyun participated in a challenge time prepared for MONBEBE, showcasing his talents with various fun challenges, including the 'Today I LOVE YOU' challenge from the group Boynextdoor, leaving fans smiling until the very end.

After about an hour of interaction, Kihyun expressed his gratitude, saying, "It felt like time flew by while talking to MONBEBE. Thank you for waiting for me. I’ve worked hard during my service, and you can be proud of me. I’ll continue to show you my best side moving forward. This was the live stream celebrating my discharge as MONSTA X's Kihyun! Goodbye!"

Kihyun completed his military service after enlisting on August 22, 2023, and has now returned to the music scene. He is set to hold a free fan event titled 'TRIP TO KIKITOWN!' on March 8 at the Myunghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, where he will meet fans up close.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

On the morning of February 22, 2025, families of the victims of the tragic fire at the Banyan Tree Resort in Busan gathered to hold a press conference, calling for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible. The event was organized by the bereaved families in collaboration with the Busan Movement for a World Without Serious Accidents.

During the press conference, a representative of the families criticized a joint briefing held by the Busan city government on February 20, describing it as a mere attempt to deflect responsibility without addressing the concerns of the victims' families. He stated, "We can no longer tolerate the deceitful actions and indifference of the Busan city government and responsible agencies towards the bereaved families."

The representative further expressed outrage at the city’s comments during the briefing, where officials suggested that a memorial space would only be established if there were ten or more fatalities or thirty or more injuries, which he deemed disrespectful.

The families are demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident, punishment for those responsible for the serious accident, preventive measures from the city and the construction companies involved, an official apology from the companies, the establishment of memorials, and adequate compensation and support for the bereaved families.

After the press conference, the families were allowed to enter the resort for the first time since the fire, which occurred nine days earlier. Previously, police had restricted their access to preserve the scene. Some family members were seen weeping as they embraced photographs of their loved ones at the site.

In a statement released nine days after the fire, the construction companies involved, Samjeong Corporation and Samjeong E&C, expressed their condolences, stating, "We sincerely apologize to the deceased, their families, and the injured. We also extend our heartfelt apologies to the public for the distress caused."

They added that their employees had visited the mourning sites to offer support and that the delay in their official apology was regrettable due to the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

Park Bom (박봄) of 2NE1 has once again stirred the pot regarding her relationship with Lee Min Ho (이민호). In a recent post, she expressed frustration, stating, "Someone keeps deleting my posts. I am single and we are not in a relationship. It wasn't self-promotion; Lee Min Ho asked me to write it. I will focus on my work." 

Since last year, Park Bom has been vocal about her feelings for Lee Min Ho. In September 2024, she referred to him as her 'husband' and shared photos of them together on social media, which led to speculation about a romantic relationship. Her agency clarified that it was merely a playful expression of her fan affection, and fans took it lightly. 

However, on February 12 and 13, she posted more photos of Lee Min Ho, calling him her 'real husband.' When a fan questioned the authenticity, she replied, "Yes," and when asked who was deleting her posts, she mentioned, "The company." 

On February 19, she reiterated her claims, stating, "Hello everyone. I have been working hard, and everything I wrote is true. I will continue to work hard with 2NE1." This led her to assert that her relationship with Lee Min Ho was not a joke but genuine. 

In response, Lee Min Ho's representatives stated on February 20 that there is no personal relationship between him and Park Bom, calling her claims baseless. Park Bom then addressed her fans, saying, "Hello, dear fans. I am Park Bom. I am actually single. I posted because Lee Min Ho asked me to, and I want to clarify that I am alone." 

On February 21, she continued to make contradictory statements about her relationship with Lee Min Ho, insisting it was not self-promotion. After causing a stir online for nine days, Park Bom departed for Hong Kong and Macau, where she will perform with her group during the '2024-25 2NE1 Asia Tour [Welcome Back] in Macau.'

Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

A 23-year-old woman, identified as A, has been sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison by the Cheongju District Court for making a false rape accusation against her boyfriend after undergoing an abortion. The presiding judge, Jeong Woo-hyuk, stated that A had consensual sexual relations with her boyfriend in April 2021 but later claimed she was raped when he did not visit her following the procedure. A had previously been pregnant with her boyfriend's child and had an abortion. After he failed to contact her, she falsely reported that he had raped her and vandalized her home. Additionally, A faced charges for refusing a breathalyzer test while driving in July of the previous year. The judge noted that if the false rape claim had been proven true, the accused would have faced severe penalties, emphasizing A's repeated false statements and denial of responsibility as factors in determining her sentence.

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

K-pop group ASTRO (아스트로), under Fantagio, is set to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary on February 23 by gifting fans a new single titled 'Twilight' (트와일라잇). The announcement was made on February 22 at midnight through Fantagio's official social media and YouTube channel, where they released a teaser video for the upcoming single.

The teaser showcases the members of ASTRO snapping their fingers, radiating refreshing energy that brings smiles to viewers. A snippet of 'Twilight's' warm and hopeful melody plays in the background, heightening anticipation for the full track. Additionally, the teaser features a group photo that has never been shared before, sparking excitement for new content.

Last year, on their debut anniversary, ASTRO also released a special single titled 'Circles' (서클스), expressing their heartfelt gratitude to fans. This year, in addition to the new music, the group will unveil original content featuring all the members, raising curiosity about the special messages they will convey through 'Twilight'.

Ahead of the single's release, ASTRO surprised fans by dropping a new content series titled 'Starry Table' (별둥이네 별빛식탁) on their official YouTube channel on February 21. In the video, the members celebrate their 9th anniversary with a cozy dinner featuring dishes they prepared themselves.

During the celebration, the members reminisced about their journey from trainee days to the present, sharing various stories that highlighted their enduring friendship and teamwork. They exchanged heartfelt messages to commemorate the occasion. The eldest member, MJ, expressed his hopes for a healthy and happy year ahead, while leader JinJin thanked the members for their support over the years. Cha Eun-woo shared his belief that they would still be together for their 20th anniversary, and youngest member Yoon San-ha reflected on the lessons he continues to learn from his older members.

After the video was released, Cha Eun-woo shared it on his Instagram, tagging the late Moonbin's account to honor the special day together.

ASTRO's new single 'Twilight' will be available on various online music platforms on February 23 at 6 PM KST.

YB Band Honors Promise on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

What do you think?

Trending

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Military Discharge with Fans in Special Live Stream

Families Demand Accountability Following Deadly Banyan Tree Resort Fire in Busan

Park Bom Sparks Controversy with Lee Min Ho Comments

Woman Sentenced for False Rape Allegation After Abortion

ASTRO to Celebrate 9th Anniversary with New Single 'Twilight'

More

Kim Ga-young Exits 'Goal Diggers' Amid Bullying Allegations

Kim Bong-gon and Kim Da-hyun to Appear on 'GabojaGO'

Remembering Lee Eun-joo: 20 Years Since Her Untimely Passing

Behind the Scenes of the Fake 'Kimchi Bomb Chicken' on Six Sense: City Tour

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Over Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Allegations

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