The K-pop group ZEROBASEONE held a showcase for their fifth mini album, 'Blue Paradise', on February 24 at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan, Seoul. The members expressed their excitement about returning to the music scene after approximately six months since their last release, 'Cinema Paradise', in August 2024. 

Kim Gyu-bin stated, "We are back with a new album after about six months. We prepared it with joy, so we hope for warm support from our fans." Kim Ji-woong added, "It feels great to have an album that marks the start of the year." 

Seok Matthew shared his anticipation, saying, "I believe we can show a more developed version of ourselves this time," while Han Yoo-jin mentioned, "I worked hard to present a new side of myself again." 

Jang Hao expressed his excitement about connecting with fans globally, stating, "I am thrilled and happy to share our music through this album." Sung Han-bin emphasized the group's growth, saying, "We worked hard to show our musical and performance development." 

Kim Tae-rae thanked fans for their patience, saying, "We have also grown a step further." Ricky mentioned their dedication to practicing hard, hoping fans will love their music. Park Geon-wook expressed his desire to showcase a new image, promising to meet expectations and introduce unit songs to display their diverse charms. 

ZEROBASEONE's 'Blue Paradise' will be available on various music streaming platforms starting at 6 PM on February 24.

ZEROBASEONE Shares Excitement for Comeback with 'Blue Paradise'

Rei, a member of the popular K-pop group IVE, has become a significant trendsetter among Gen Z fans. Known for her adorable charm, she has garnered a massive following with her unique style and engaging personality. Her nickname, which combines 'Rei' and 'cute' (레이 + 귀요미), reflects her endearing appeal. 

One of Rei's most notable contributions to current trends is the 'Gyaru Peace' pose, which involves forming a V with her fingers and flipping it upside down. This pose, popular in the 2000s, saw a resurgence in 2022 thanks to Rei's frequent use of it in photos. It has since inspired various other poses, including the 'Cherry Peace.' 

Another viral trend initiated by Rei is the 'Ribbon Heart' pose, which she introduced with the message, 'I will show you my ribbon every day.' This pose quickly gained popularity among fans and fellow idols alike. Additionally, her 'Kongsuni Pose,' where she places her fists on her cheeks, has also become a signature move. 

In the recent performance of 'Attitude,' Rei's part, dubbed 'Raging Guinea Pig,' has captured more attention than the choreography itself. Her dynamic movements, synchronized with the powerful beat, have earned her this playful nickname, highlighting her energetic stage presence. 

Rei's influence extends beyond music; she showcases her skills as a social media instructor on the show '따라해볼레이 by 섭씨쉽도.' Here, she shares tips on engaging with audiences through various platforms, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in content creation. 

Her videos on IVE's official TikTok account consistently achieve impressive view counts, often surpassing one million, particularly her 'Raging Guinea Pig' clip. IVE is often referred to as the 'MZ Wannabe' and 'MZ Icon,' reflecting their strong connection with the self-loving and confident Gen Z audience. Rei's ability to set and discover trends significantly contributes to the IVE phenomenon, leaving fans eager to see what she will popularize next.

아이브 레이, 갸루피스→폭주기니…했다하면 유행되는 MZ 아이콘 [Oh!쎈 레터]

IVE's Rei: The Trendsetter Captivating Gen Z

Actor Ha Jung-woo has confirmed the release date for his directorial debut film, 'Lobby', which is set to hit theaters on April 2. The official trailer has also been unveiled, showcasing a star-studded cast that includes Ha Jung-woo, Kim Eui-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. The trailer hints at an exciting ensemble performance, raising anticipation for the film.

The plot of 'Lobby' revolves around Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), who initially relies solely on technical skills. However, when he finds himself outmatched by his rival, Kwang-woo (Park Byeong-eun), who excels in lobbying, his company faces financial difficulties. Determined to fight back, Chang-wook decides to enter the world of lobbying golf for the first time. The trailer contrasts the different lobbying styles of a rookie team, inexperienced in entertaining, and a veteran team, accustomed to the lifestyle, promising a unique cinematic experience.

In summary, 'Lobby' tells the story of a startup CEO, Chang-wook, who embarks on his first lobbying golf venture to secure a 4 trillion won national project. The film features a talented cast, including Ha Jung-woo, Kim Eui-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.

하정우, 세 번째 연출작 '로비' 온다…4월 2일 개봉 확정

Ha Jung-woo's Directorial Debut 'Lobby' Set to Release on April 2

A 36-year-old man, identified as A, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Chuncheon District Court for committing fraud while already facing charges for similar offenses. Presiding Judge Kim Taek-seong announced the verdict on February 23, 2025. 

Between October 2022 and June 2023, A posted advertisements on a second-hand trading site, claiming to sell items such as an elf accompaniment device and amusement park tickets. He defrauded approximately 190 victims, amassing over 200 million won. 

Investigations revealed that A deceived victims by promising to deliver goods upon receiving payment. Notably, he continued his fraudulent activities even while evading authorities during his ongoing trial for previous fraud charges. 

Judge Kim emphasized the severity of A's actions, stating, "He repeatedly committed fraud over a significant period, and the total amount defrauded is substantial. His prior convictions for similar crimes were also taken into account during sentencing."

“사기죄 재판 중에 또다시 범죄”… 30대 사기범 ‘징역 3년’

Chuncheon Court Sentences Man to Three Years for Fraud During Ongoing Trial

In the upcoming episode of SBS's Running Man, airing on February 23, Ji Suk Jin's 60th birthday celebration will be featured, taking place at Kim Jong Kook's home. During a recent recording, the members visited Kim Jong Kook's house, which is in the process of moving, and engaged in a thorough cleaning session. After tidying up, they surprised Ji Suk Jin with a birthday party on the day of his milestone birthday. Notably, Ji Ye Eun, who shares a familial connection with Ji Suk Jin as a fellow 'Chungju Ji' clan member, took on the task of cooking miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) for the occasion.

However, Ji Ye Eun is known for her lack of cooking skills, which left the other members feeling anxious about the meal. The reactions to her 'chicken breast miyeok-guk' were mixed, with some members enjoying it while others were less enthusiastic, sparking curiosity about its actual taste.

In this episode, the members also participated in a drawing challenge where they had to sketch each other's faces on sticky notes, using items they found while cleaning Kim Jong Kook's house as prizes. Although the task seemed simple, with only one minute to draw, the time constraint led to some bizarre portraits. The chaos escalated when they had to identify the drawings, with many members struggling to recognize their own work, resulting in a hilarious scene.

As the members faced the risk of losing the prizes offered by Kim Jong Kook, the episode promises to blend cleaning with fun, showcasing the true spirit of the 'SOS Severe Cleaning Zone' race. Tune in to Running Man on February 23 at 6:10 PM to catch all the excitement!

지예은 또 의욕만 넘쳤다…동료들도 뜨뜻미지근 (런닝맨)

Running Man Celebrates Ji Suk Jin's 60th Birthday with a Surprise Party

On February 23, during the KBS2 program 'Boss's Ears Are Donkeys' (사장님 귀는 당나귀 귀), announcer Um Ji-in brought up former MBC announcer Kim Dae-ho, who recently left the network. In the episode, she visited the home of Kim Sun-geun, a former announcer now working as a freelancer, to provide mental support to her colleagues Kim Jin-woong and Hong Joo-yeon.

Upon arrival, Kim Jin-woong stood up to greet them, humorously stating that he had 'planted his soul at KBS.' In response, Jeon Hyun-moo quipped, 'You can leave your body behind as long as your soul stays here. My soul is still here too,' which prompted nods of agreement from Um Ji-in and Kim Hyun-wook. They also mentioned Jo Woo-jong, joking that he had claimed he would become a boss but was the first to leave.

Um Ji-in explained her reason for bringing her juniors along, noting that with Kim Dae-ho's departure from MBC, the atmosphere among those still at the network has become uneasy, as they realize how cold the outside world can be.

Curious about Kim Sun-geun's true reasons for leaving after three years, Um Ji-in pointed out that while other freelancers like Jeon Hyun-moo and Jo Woo-jong have strong recognition, and Do Kyung-wan has the backing of his wife, singer Jang Yoon-jung, Kim Sun-geun seems to lack such advantages, calling it a 'mystery.'

Kim Sun-geun revealed that financial issues prompted his exit. While filming '6시 내고향' (6 O'Clock My Hometown), he received a call about a housing application that distracted him from his work. He explained that the burden of mortgage payments, children's education, and supporting his parents became overwhelming, stating, 'I couldn't manage it on my salary. I didn't know what would happen after leaving, but I thought I might earn more outside.' He also mentioned that he left just as the auditions for 'Mr. Trot 2' were announced but ended up getting eliminated quickly.

He shared that for a period, he had no income for about four to six months, expressing gratitude towards Jang Yoon-jung, who gave him 2 million won, saying, 'Sun-geun, you might need this when you go out.'

During that challenging time, he took on various jobs, including packing books and unloading packages, with his longest stint being in laundry work, earning around 100,000 won per day. He recounted a moment when he faced verbal abuse from a security guard while doing early morning deliveries. Reflecting on his career, Kim Sun-geun expressed a desire to return to KBS, advising, 'You should leave when you have a clear position. I was in a vague situation, both in timing and recognition, which made my departure feel uncertain. Think carefully, or rather, don’t think about freelancing.'

김대호 퇴사에 KBS도 들썩..“안에 있는 사람들은 싱숭생숭” (‘사당귀’)[순간포착]

Um Ji-in Discusses Former MBC Announcer Kim Dae-ho on KBS2 Show

The highly anticipated return of acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho (56) is here as he reconnects with domestic audiences through his new film 'Mickey 17'. Set to premiere in South Korea on February 28, 2025, 'Mickey 17' is based on Edward Ashton's novel 'Mickey 7'. The story follows Mickey, a disposable worker sent on dangerous missions, who faces his 17th death, only to have an 18th version of himself printed, leading to unexpected events.

This film marks Bong's comeback after his Oscar-winning success with 'Parasite' (2019), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards. In a recent interview, Bong shared, "It took five years for this film to be released, but I only took a break for about 6-7 weeks right after the Oscar race ended in February 2020. I have been consistently working since then. I received the original novel in the summer of 2020 and became captivated, reading it chapter by chapter. I wrote the screenplay in 2021 and met Robert Pattinson for the first time that November. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and we began filming in the fall of 2022, taking a bit longer for post-production throughout 2023."

Bong explained the delay in the film's release, stating, "If it had been released last year, it would have been perfectly timed. However, due to the actors' union strike and adjustments in distribution schedules, not just this film but all films were delayed by about 6-7 months. The strike was so significant that we couldn't film, do voiceovers, or promote the movie. That's why it is being released this year. 'Parasite' had a delayed release in Japan and the UK, with its final release date being February 2020. So, while it has been five years, calling this a six-year comeback would be disappointing. It feels like I haven't been working at all (laughs). I didn't take a vacation, and I've also been preparing an animated film alongside 'Mickey 17'."

Before its release, 'Mickey 17' was showcased at the London premiere and the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, receiving enthusiastic responses from local audiences. Following a screening, speculation arose that the character Kenneth Marshall, played by Mark Ruffalo, was a parody of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Bong clarified, "I explained my timeline for a reason. As I mentioned, I completed the screenplay in September 2021 and started filming in the fall of 2022." At the Berlin International Film Festival, he noted, "Some journalists asked if I had a crystal ball hidden in my room. It seems they thought I was predicting political and social issues. Given the festival's sensitivity to such topics, the questions were quite interesting. I received many inquiries about specific politicians, and while I did draw from real-life figures, the character of Kenneth Marshall's wife, Ilpa Marshall, is not in the original novel. I thought a couple of dictators would be scarier and more cinematic."

He also referenced real-life figures, saying, "While I can't mention specific countries, there are the Marcos couple and the Ceaușescu couple from Romania, who were notorious in the late 1980s. Mark Ruffalo and I discussed historical politicians, and we aimed to blend the horrific with the absurd in portraying bad politicians. It seems audiences projected their local situations onto the film, which I can't control."

Mark Ruffalo takes on his first villain role in 'Mickey 17'. Bong recounted, "He was surprised when he heard about the casting. He asked, 'Why me? Do I have this side?' I explained, 'You're an actor; we want you to portray this character.' He quickly accepted, saying, 'You're right; I'm a professional.' This situation was quite endearing. Kenneth Marshall is not just a cold, charismatic character; he has many flaws."

Robert Pattinson, known for his good looks, portrays a character with a mix of madness and vulnerability. Bong remarked, "I feel like people see me as a pretty boy destroyer, which I don't want (laughs). During 'Mother', I tried not to make Won Bin look too handsome, which was quite a challenge. My cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo and I ended up admiring how good-looking he was. I first saw Robert Pattinson in 'Twilight' and thought, 'How can someone be so pale?' His striking appearance is just the surface. He has a strong desire to act and has appeared in many American indie films. In 'The Lighthouse', he unleashed incredible energy. After watching that film, I felt he could also handle the role of Mickey 18. He expressed a wide range of emotions, making it seem like he played multiple roles rather than just one. It must have been difficult, but he did an excellent job."

When asked if he felt pressure due to the expectations following 'Parasite', Bong replied, "Honestly, I haven't felt that way. I was invited to the Berlin International Film Festival's competition section, which was fortunate, but I don't have any more expectations for awards. I would rather participate in the non-competitive section and enjoy screening the film. I remember Quentin Tarantino winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes for 'Pulp Fiction' and the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. He was born in 1963 and had all that happen at 31. It was a chaotic time. In contrast, I was already in my 50s during 'Parasite'. While it was exciting and an honor, I developed a dual perspective, being able to observe from a distance."

The film industry has faced the loss of cherished colleagues in recent years. Bong expressed his regrets about the late Lee Seon-kyun during a recent appearance on MBC's 'Questions from Son Seok-hee'. He also spoke cautiously about Kim Sae-ron, who passed away unexpectedly after Lee, saying, "I saw her at the 'Traveler' screening, and it was very unfortunate."

Finally, Bong shared a message for the public who love popular culture: "Everyone makes mistakes. While it's right to be strict about wrongdoings, I hope we can also have a degree of tolerance. I wish for a balance between strictness and leniency."

Bong Joon-ho Returns with 'Mickey 17' After Five Years

On February 24, 2025, the family of the late 일본군 위안부 (Japanese military comfort woman) victim, 길원옥 (Gil Won-ok), presented a donation of 10 million won to the Incheon City Hall, aimed at assisting victims of sexual violence. The donation ceremony was attended by Gil's daughter-in-law, 조근순 (Cho Geun-soon), her son, 황선희 (Hwang Seon-hee), Incheon Mayor 유정복 (Yoo Jeong-bok), and 김석순 (Kim Seok-soon), the head of the Incheon Sexual Violence Counseling Center.

After the donation, Cho expressed her belief that her mother-in-law would be proud of this act, stating, "I think my mother-in-law would be smiling down and saying, 'Well done.'" She shared that the decision to donate came after discussions with her husband, reflecting on how her mother-in-law dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of comfort women and wanting to help women who have suffered from sexual violence.

Cho emphasized her desire to continue her mother-in-law's legacy of compassion and service, saying, "I wanted to practice the spirit of sharing and serving that my mother-in-law embodied. I hope she is happy in heaven, knowing we are doing good in her name."

The funds will be utilized by the Incheon Sexual Violence Counseling Center to create and operate a 'Mental and Physical Recovery Program Room' where victims can heal in a safe and comfortable environment. Kim Seok-soon announced that the program room will be named 'Gil' in honor of Gil Won-ok, to remember her noble efforts in addressing women's sexual violence issues and to provide courage and hope to victims.

Mayor Yoo remarked that the generous donation from Gil's family would greatly empower sexual violence victims and reaffirmed the city's commitment to respecting the human rights of comfort women and seeking just resolutions to their issues.

Gil Won-ok, who had been actively involved in advocating for the resolution of the Japanese military's sexual slavery issue, passed away at the age of 97 on February 16, 2025, after battling health issues.

Family of Late Comfort Woman Donates to Support Sexual Violence Victims

Netflix is set to unveil the latest work from director Yeon Sang-ho, titled 'Revelation' (계시록), on March 21, 2025. This gripping mystery thriller intertwines the lives of a pastor who blindly follows divine revelations, a detective haunted by the ghost of his deceased brother, and an ex-convict suspected in a missing persons case. The narrative promises a powerful clash between madness and faith.

'Revelation' marks a collaboration between Yeon Sang-ho, known for his unique storytelling in 'Train to Busan' (부산행) and 'Hellbound' (지옥), and writer Choi Gyu-seok, the creator of 'Hellbound'. The film's anticipation is further heightened by the involvement of acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón, known for 'Roma' and 'Gravity', as an executive producer.

The recently released poster heightens the tension, featuring the three main characters gazing into different directions within a forest. Seong Min-chan (류준열) appears to be staring at something as if receiving a divine message, while detective Lee Yeon-hee (신현빈) pursues the truth amidst visions of her late brother. Meanwhile, the ex-convict Kwon Yang-rae (신민재) displays a precarious expression, raising questions about the fateful entanglements that await them.

The launch trailer introduces a shocking incident involving the disappearance of a middle school student, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Seong Min-chan becomes convinced that Kwon Yang-rae is the culprit behind the missing person case after a chance encounter at church, leading him to follow the ex-convict. However, detective Lee Yeon-hee uncovers suspicious circumstances between the two, complicating the investigation further.

With a haunting line, "I was told to wait for you to save me," the detective's past is revealed, while the tagline, "Madness begins with twisted faith," amplifies the chilling atmosphere.

Yeon Sang-ho's signature psychological depth and immersive storytelling, combined with the powerful performances of 류준열, 신현빈, and 신민재, are expected to create a compelling blend of crime, mystery, and thriller in this upcoming film.

'Revelation' will be available to audiences worldwide on March 21, 2025.

Netflix to Release New Mystery Thriller 'Revelation' on March 21

Actor Yoon Si-yoon has officially signed an exclusive contract with the newly established R&C Entertainment. The agency announced on February 24, 2025, that they will provide full support for Yoon's future activities and expressed hopes for the public's continued interest and love for him.

Currently, Yoon Si-yoon is reviewing scripts for various upcoming projects and is reportedly preparing to showcase a new and transformed image. Fans are eagerly anticipating which project he will choose to greet the audience next.

Yoon made his debut in 2009 with MBC's High Kick Through the Roof (지붕뚫고 하이킥) and rose to fame as a next-generation Hallyu star with his impressive performance in KBS2's Baker King, Kim Tak-goo (제빵왕 김탁구). He has since appeared in a variety of dramas, including MBC's I Do, I Do (나도 꽃), KBS2's Prime Minister and I (총리와 나), TV CHOSUN's The Great (대군 -사랑을 그리다), and SBS's Dear Judge (친애하는 판사님께), earning acclaim for his versatile acting skills.

In recognition of his talent, Yoon received the Best Actor award in the long drama category at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards for his role in Currently Beautiful (현재는 아름다워). He has also built a diverse filmography, appearing in movies such as The Last Story: Teacher's Practice (고死 두번째 이야기: 교생실습), Birth (탄생), and When Our Love Remains a Scent (우리 사랑이 향기로 남을 때).

Looking ahead, R&C Entertainment and Yoon Si-yoon plan to recruit new talent to strengthen their lineup.

Yoon Si-yoon Signs Exclusive Contract with R&C Entertainment

Actor Seo Kang-joon has become the center of attention over the weekend with his role in MBC's new drama, Undercover High School (언더커버 하이스쿨). The series follows a National Intelligence Service agent who goes undercover in a high school to recover Emperor Gojong's gold bars. Seo plays the lead character, Jung Hae-sung, a top agent who trades in his suit for a school uniform as he embarks on his mission.

Undercover High School showcases Seo's charm, blending action, comedy, and a mix of seriousness and lightheartedness, which has sparked enthusiastic reactions across various online communities and social media platforms.

The show's success is evident as it has maintained the top spot in the 2049 viewership ratings for two consecutive episodes, a key indicator of channel competitiveness and popularity, according to Nielsen Korea. Notably, the first episode ranked first among Friday-Saturday dramas, and the second episode topped all dramas aired that day, indicating a positive upward trend.

Additionally, Undercover High School has captured the audience's attention on OTT platforms, ranking first in both the Tving viewer category and the Wave drama section, further solidifying its popularity.

Seo Kang-joon has naturally drawn explosive interest as he leads the narrative with his standout performance. Critics have noted that he has already surpassed his previous works in just two episodes. His emotional portrayal of comforting a bullied classmate has resonated with viewers, showcasing his delicate acting skills. Following the broadcast, the keyword 'Seo Kang-joon face' trended on social media, reflecting the audience's admiration.

Many viewers are expressing a newfound appreciation for Seo, with some stating they have become 'fans' of him through Undercover High School and are revisiting his past works, suggesting that his popularity will continue to grow.

Undercover High School airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM on MBC.

ZEROBASEONE Shares Excitement for Comeback with 'Blue Paradise'

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Bong Joon-ho Returns with 'Mickey 17' After Five Years

Family of Late Comfort Woman Donates to Support Sexual Violence Victims

Netflix to Release New Mystery Thriller 'Revelation' on March 21

Yoon Si-yoon Signs Exclusive Contract with R&C Entertainment

Seo Kang-joon Captivates Audiences in 'Undercover High School'

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Ha Jung-woo's Directorial Debut 'Lobby' Set to Release on April 2

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Running Man Celebrates Ji Suk Jin's 60th Birthday with a Surprise Party

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