Yoo Jae-suk's benevolent impact has once again made headlines. On January 8, the Milal Welfare Foundation (밀알복지재단), led by Chairman Hong Jeong-gil, announced that MBC's popular show, 놀면 뭐하니? (How Do You Play?), has donated 50 million KRW. This donation is part of the revenue generated from past projects, including MSG Wannabe and WSG Wannabe.

Since its inception in 2019, when it began donating proceeds from the 'U-Flash' project featuring drum prodigy Yoo Guk-star, 놀면 뭐하니? has contributed approximately 1 billion KRW to the Milal Welfare Foundation over the past six years. These funds have primarily supported music education for children and youth from low-income families who are passionate about the arts.

The latest donation will be utilized in the Milal Welfare Foundation's '2025 Support Project for Vulnerable Elderly Individuals,' aimed at providing medical, housing, and living expenses to low-income elderly individuals facing economic hardships.

Jung Hyung-seok, the Executive Director of the Milal Welfare Foundation, expressed gratitude for the continuous support from MBC's 놀면 뭐하니?, stating, "The heartfelt contributions from the production team and cast will be a significant source of strength for vulnerable elderly individuals in crisis."

Yoo Jae-suk's Positive Influence Continues with Generous Donation

The KBS2 show 'Salim Nam' (살림하는 남자들 시즌2) will pay tribute to the late Lee Hee-cheol during its broadcast on January 18. According to OSEN, the show will include a memorial subtitle in honor of Lee, who appeared on the program from August 12 to November 15, 2023. Due to the scheduling of the '2024 KBS Acting Awards' on January 11, the tribute will be featured in the episode airing on the 18th.

Lee Hee-cheol passed away from a heart attack. His brother expressed deep sorrow, stating, "He had not been feeling well recently, but he was still healthy. It all happened in just one day." Many celebrities, including Hong Seok-cheon, Yoo Min-sang, Jung Il-woo, Park Seul-ki, and Yoo Ha-na, have shared their condolences following the news of his passing.

In addition to his role on 'Salim Nam', Lee was the CEO of the cosmetic brand Seoul Salon and operated a YouTube channel titled 'Lee Hee-cheol's Bui-log'. His funeral is being held at the Soonchunhyang University Hospital funeral hall.

故이희철, 심근경색 사망 비보..'살림남' 추모 동참 [공식]

KBS2's 'Salim Nam' to Honor Late Lee Hee-cheol

T.O.P (최승현), a former member of the iconic K-pop group BIGBANG, is set to participate in an interview regarding his role in the highly anticipated Netflix series Squid Game 2 (오징어 게임2) on January 15 in Seoul. This marks T.O.P's first interaction with the press since his involvement in a drug scandal, drawing significant public interest.

In February 2017, T.O.P enlisted in the military as a conscripted police officer. However, he faced legal issues when it was revealed that he had smoked marijuana at his home in 2016, resulting in a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Following this incident, he announced his departure from BIGBANG and retirement from the entertainment industry. The recent news of his casting in Squid Game 2 has reignited controversy, particularly surrounding allegations of favoritism in casting, involving fellow actors Lee Jung-jae (이정재) and Lee Byung-hun (이병헌), who are known to have a close relationship with T.O.P.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, along with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, has addressed these casting rumors during interviews and press conferences, but public sentiment remains skeptical. Additionally, T.O.P has faced criticism regarding his acting skills, further complicating his return to the spotlight. Given that he was previously excluded from major promotional events, anticipation is high for what he will say during this upcoming interview.

Squid Game 2, which premiered on December 26, continues the story of Gi-hun (이정재) as he seeks revenge and re-enters the deadly games, facing off against the Front Man (이병헌). T.O.P plays the character Thanos, a 'drug-addicted rapper' in the series.

[공식] 탑, '마약 파문'·'낙하산 캐스팅' 논란 입 연다…'오겜2' 인터뷰 확정

Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P to Speak in First Interview Since Drug Scandal

Shin Dong-yup (신동엽), a 54-year-old television personality and former comedian, has recently opened up about a troubling incident from his early career. During an appearance on the YouTube channel ‘Donghaemul-gwa Baekdu-eunhyeok’ on January 6, he shared that he was physically assaulted by a senior comedian when he was a rookie. 

Shin explained that the comedy industry had very strict hierarchies at the time, with a strong emphasis on seniority. He recalled, 'In the past, the rules in the comedy scene were very rigid. There were people who were particularly obsessed with the senior-junior relationships.' He described how comedians typically start with minor roles and gradually earn their own segments based on their talent. However, during his rookie days, he was unexpectedly given a short segment, which he likened to a low-level employee suddenly receiving a significant promotion. 

This change seemed to upset some of his older colleagues, leading one of them to confront him while intoxicated. 'He said to me, 'You little punk, you have no popularity. Who do you think you are to act so cocky?' Shin recounted. He attempted to defend himself, but the senior comedian struck him multiple times. 'I remember going to the bathroom to wash up and crying alone,' he revealed. 

When asked if the senior comedian is still active in the industry, Shin confirmed, 'He is not active anymore.' 

Shin Dong-yup made his debut as a comedian in 1991 through SBS and continues to be a prominent figure in various entertainment programs, including SBS’s ‘Animal Farm’ (동물농장), ‘My Little Old Boy’ (미운 우리 새끼), and MBN’s ‘King of Mask Singer 2’ (현역가왕2).

신동엽 “신인 때 선배한테 뺨 수십대 맞아…화장실서 울었다”

Shin Dong-yup Reveals Past Assault by Senior Comedian

Hwang Jae-kyun, the baseball player who recently divorced Ji-yeon from the girl group T-ara, has reactivated his previously dormant social media account, sharing a series of thought-provoking posts. On January 8, he uploaded several images capturing lyrics from the song "The Phoenix" by the band Fall Out Boy. The lyrics include lines such as 'Prepare for war,' 'Don’t you feel it, youth?' 'Time is running out,' 'I will change you,' and 'Then I will resurrect you like a phoenix.' This marks the first time Hwang has posted since his divorce, drawing significant attention. He had deactivated his Instagram account during the divorce proceedings last year, and this post comes nearly ten months after the divorce was finalized. Some speculate that Hwang's post reflects his determination as he prepares for the upcoming baseball season. He is currently with the KT Wiz and is gearing up for spring training to enhance his fitness ahead of the new season. Hwang and Ji-yeon were married in December 2022, but rumors of their separation surfaced in June 2023 during a live radio broadcast. Although Ji-yeon's side initially denied the rumors, signs such as her not wearing her wedding ring led to further speculation. Ultimately, their divorce was officially settled on November 20, 2023. Hwang's representatives stated at the time that both parties could not overcome their differences, leading to their agreement to separate and file for divorce at the Seoul Family Court.

"전쟁 준비" 황재균, 이혼 후 첫 심경..지연은 3개월째 침묵 [종합]

Hwang Jae-kyun Resurfaces on Social Media with Cryptic Post After Divorce from Ji-yeon

The Korean entertainment community is mourning the loss of voice actor and actor Yoo Ho-han, who passed away from a heart attack on January 7 at the age of 52. Known for his work in popular series such as 짱구는 못 말려 (Crayon Shin-chan) and the Avengers franchise, Yoo's contributions to the industry were significant. His funeral is scheduled for January 11, with burial at the Hambeoksan Memorial Park in Hwaseong.

Yoo Ho-han joined KBS as a voice actor in 2002 and lent his voice to numerous animated series including 명탐정 코난 (Detective Conan), 원피스 (One Piece), and 유희왕 GX (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX). He also appeared in films like 청년경찰 (Midnight Runners) and the Netflix series 사냥개들 (The Hunt). 

In addition to his voice acting, Yoo was a strong advocate for the rights of fellow voice actors. He served as the 31st president of the KBS Voice Actors Association for three years, promoting unity among colleagues. As the senior vice president of the Korean Voice Actors Association and a delegate for the Korean Broadcasting Actors Labor Union, he actively participated in negotiations to protect voice actors' rights.

Lee Yeon-hee, director of the Korean Voice Actors Association, expressed deep sorrow over Yoo's passing, stating, "He was an irreplaceable voice actor who showed strong camaraderie with all his colleagues. Losing him feels like losing my right arm. His absence will be profoundly felt."

Yoo's death follows the recent passing of entrepreneur and influencer Lee Hee-cheol, who also died on January 7. Lee's close friend, broadcaster Pungja, shared the news on social media, expressing disbelief and sadness over the sudden loss. Lee Hee-cheol was known for his role on KBS2's 살림하는 남자들2 (Salim Nam) and was a prominent figure in the influencer and restaurant industry.

The unexpected deaths of both Yoo and Lee have left fans and colleagues in shock, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and share memories of the beloved figures.

‘살림남’ 이희철→’짱구’ 성우 유호한, 심근경색 사망..새해부터 이틀째 비보 충격 [종합]

Beloved Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

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

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

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.

Yoo Jae-suk's Positive Influence Continues with Generous Donation

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

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

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

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KBS2's 'Salim Nam' to Honor Late Lee Hee-cheol

Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P to Speak in First Interview Since Drug Scandal

Shin Dong-yup Reveals Past Assault by Senior Comedian

Hwang Jae-kyun Resurfaces on Social Media with Cryptic Post After Divorce from Ji-yeon

Beloved Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

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