Netflix Actress Kim Sae Ron’s Cause of Death Revealed

South Korean actress Kim Sae Ron, widely recognized for her role in Netflix’s Bloodhounds, tragically passed away on February 16 at the age of 24. Kim was found at her residence in Seoul, after a close acquaintance alerted authorities. Initial investigations indicate no signs of foul play. While no note was discovered, officials presumed that her death was suicide.

Kim Sae Ron captivated audiences from a young age with standout performances in A Brand New Life (2009) and The Man from Nowhere (2010). Her transition to adult roles, particularly in Bloodhounds, cemented her place in the Korean entertainment industry.

Despite her success, Kim faced personal struggles, including a DUI incident in 2022 that led to public criticism and a temporary break from acting. Her recent attempt at a comeback, including a role in the 2024 play Dongchimi, was curtailed due to health concerns. The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a promising talent. Fans and colleagues have expressed their grief, remembering her as a dedicated actress with immense potential.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#KimSaeRon #NetflixActress #koreanactress #KimSaeRonpasses #kcrush #koreandramaactress #BrandNewLife #TheManFromNowhere #personalstruggles #DUIincident2022 #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #sympathy #koreancelebrity #ourcondolences #grief #mourningKimSaeRon #whathappenedtoKimSaeRon

IVE girl band’s agency, Starship Entertainment, is gearing up to launch its latest girl group.

4 years since the successful debut of IVE girl band, Starship Entertainment is planning to make another successful venture with the debut of a new girl group, KiiiKiii. On February 10, the new girl group rumors were confirmed after KiiiKiii official accounts were launched on various social media platforms.

In addition to the launched accounts, teaser images are being posted with concepts of ‘gems’ and ‘glitter’ fused with happiness and fun vibes. According to the vibe in the posted images and video clips, fans speculate that the group might be a 5 or 6-member group.

KiiiKiii fans, who’ve started showcasing their excitement and support on the social media pages, are mesmerized by the attractive concepts and can’t wait to see what IVE’s sister band has to offer. KiiiKiii is rumored to debut in March.

Starship Entertainment recently announced it will be structuring its business into three divisions to preserve individual artist’s unique identity while promoting synergy across groups. The divisions include, Division 1 (K.Will, MONSTA X, IVE), Division 2 (WJSN, CRAVITY), and Division 3 (KiiiKiii).

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#StarshipEntertainment #KiiKii #StarshipEntertainmentKiiKii #kcrush #StarshipEntertainmentthreedivisions #kpop #kidol #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #kcrushdigital #kcrushbreakingnews #KWill #MONSTAX #IVE #WJSN #CRAVITY #koreanpop #newgirlgroup #StarshipEntertainmentnewgirlgroup #kfashion #kpopcelebrity #kpopnews

‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [The Culture, The Future]’ is heading to Los Angeles and London and the artist lineup is out.

As SM Entertainment continues celebrating its 30th anniversary, the powerhouse agency is expanding its anniversary event beyond Korea. On February 14, the agency revealed the artist lineup for the Los Angeles leg. The LA event is scheduled to take place on May 11 in Dignity Health Sports Park and will feature artists like SHINee’s Key and Minho, SUPER JUNIOR, and EXO’s Chanyeol among others.

As for London’s ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [The Culture, The Future]’ event, only part of the artist lineup has been revealed so far. The revealed artists include WayV, Suho, RIIZE, NCT WISH, EXO’s Chanyeol, and NCT DREAM. The London event is scheduled to take place on June 28 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The ‘SMTOWN LIVE 2025 [The Culture, The Future]’ event is also to happen in Mexico City on May 9 and in Tokyo City on August 9-10. More stops and artist lineup will be communicated in time.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#SMTOWNLIVE2025TheCultureTheFuture #SMTOWN20thAnniversary #kccrush #kpop #MexicoCity #London #TokyoCity #LosAngelesCalifornia #TVXQ #SUPERJUNIOR #SHINeeMINHO #DignityHealthSportsPark #AllianzStadium #kpopidol #kpopperformances #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #KEYofSHINee #SUHO #NCTDREAM #NCTWISH #naevis #aespa #RIIZE #WayV #CHANYEOLofEXO #REDVELVET #Hearts2Hearts #SMTR25

ONEWE, an alternative rock boy band, has announced the dates for their 1st world tour.

Six years after its debut, ONEWE is finally taking a leap to connect with its fans one-on-one. The band is scheduled to kick off the tour in Vietnam, then North America, before closing the curtains in Seoul, South Korea.

Although the Vietnam dates are yet to be released, the official dates for the North American leg are out. The North American leg is scheduled to run from early April to early May 2025. The tour will start in Orlando in April, with performances in other cities, including Los Angeles, before wrapping up the leg in Vancouver. Tickets will be available from February 21 on TicketWeb.com and TicketWeb.ca.

In the meantime, ONEWE is also preparing for its upcoming return with the WE: Dream Chaser 2nd full-length album. On February 14, the band shared an image revealing their comeback schedule plan. According to the schedule, the WE: Dream Chaser album’s track list will be unveiled on February 17. The album will be available on music platforms on March 5.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#ONEWE #ONEWENorthAmericaTour #ONEWE2025TourDates #kcrush #kpop #kidol #koreanpop #WEDREAMChaser #2ndfulllengthalbum #return #comeback #Ticketwebcom #Ticketwebca #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #ONewEvolutionTour #sixmemberkoreanboygroup #kpopmusic #ONEWEfirstworldtour

‘Forbidden Fairytale’ K-movie is a 2025 South Korean romantic comedy film that centers on a woman aspiring to become a children’s book author but unexpectedly finds herself writing adult web novels. Yun Dan Bi (Park Ji Hyun) dreams of becoming a children’s book author but works as a public officer in the Youth Protection Team and is responsible for monitoring and regulating adult content. Her life takes an unforeseen turn when she accidentally damages Hwang Chang Seop (Sung Dong Il)’s car. Chang Seop is the CEO of an adult web novel publishing company and to repay the debt, Dan Bi ends up becoming a writer for his platform.

Yun Dan Bi (Park Ji Hyun)

Yun Dan Bi is an aspiring children’s book author working as a public officer. Despite working in the adult content control team, Dan Bi’s unforeseen circumstances force her to become an adult content creator. Dan Bi is faced with a dilemma with two options to choose from – see the opportunity as a conflict of interest or an opportunity to discover her hidden talent.

Kang Jeong Seok (Choi Si Won)

Kang Jeong Seok is a senior officer in the Youth Protection Team. Despite his unwavering dedication to his work, Jeong Seok becomes entangled in Dan Bi’s new venture, leading him to reassess his own beliefs and professional path.

Hwang Chang Seop (Sung Dong Il)

The quick-witted CEO of an adult web novel publishing company. After a chance encounter with Dan-bi, he recognizes her potential and persuades her to write for his platform. The ensuing series of unexpected incidents reveal the complexities of self-development against social norms.

My Thoughts

As per this ‘Forbidden Fairytale’ K-movie synopsis, this drama offers a fresh and humorous take on the journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of societal expectations. The film portrays Dan Bi’s transformation as she navigates the challenges of an unexpected career path, highlighting the importance of embracing change and exploring new facets of oneself. The narrative examines societal taboos and the judgments associated with different forms of creative expression while balancing comedic elements with romantic developments to offer a lighthearted yet meaningful story. ‘Forbidden Fairytale’ K-movie gives compelling entertaining and thought-provoking performances.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#ForbiddenFairytaleMovie #koreanmovie #kcrush #kcrushmindmap #mindmapthis #SungDongIl #ChoiSiWon #ParkJiHyun #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #Koreanromanticcomedy #kfashion #koreancelebrity #kmovie #koreanmovie #koreanboxofficehitForbiddenFairytale #boxofficehit

‘Study Group’ K-drama follows the journey of Yoon Ga-min, a student at Yusung Technical High School, as he struggles to achieve academic success despite his school’s poor reputation. Adapted from the popular webtoon of the same name by Shin Hyung Wook, the series blends action, drama, and youth-oriented themes, making it an anticipated K-drama for fans of school-based narratives. Yoon Ga Min is a dedicated student with big dreams of getting into university. However, despite his studious nature, his grades don’t reflect his efforts. Nonetheless, Ga-min is highly skilled in fighting – a skill that becomes crucial in navigating the rough environment of Yusung Technical High School. Determined to change his circumstances, he establishes a study group, gathering fellow students who also aspire to improve their academic standing. With challenges both inside and outside the classroom, Ga Min and his friends must fight – literally and figuratively – for their future.

Yoon Ga Min (Hwang Min Hyun)

Yoon Ga Min is a first-year student at Yusung Technical High School and looks like a model student with his neat appearance and glasses. However, despite his strong desire to study, his academic performance is lacking. On the other hand, he possesses outstanding fighting skills, which he often uses to protect himself and his classmates. His determination to succeed academically leads him to create a study group that is forced to fight against bullies and the school environment’s social norms to succeed.

Lee Han Kyung (Han Ji Eun)

Lee Han Kyung is a temporary teacher at Yusung Technical High School, who supports Ga-min’s efforts to create a study group. Despite almost losing her life striving for a better Yusung School, the incident further fuels her desire to be a change agent. Han Kyung believes in the potential of her students and plays a key mentorship role in guiding them toward a brighter future.

Pi Han Wool (Cha Woo Min)

Pi Han Wool is a second-year student at Yusung Technical High School. Unlike many of his peers, he is known for being a model student, but his presence in the story adds depth to the school’s overall dynamics. Han Wool is the root of all the evil at Yusung School as he is possessed by his desire to surpass his emotionally unavailable father in the gang business.

My Thoughts

This “Study Group” K-drama synopsis explores the stark contrast between the pursuit of knowledge and the need for physical survival in a hostile environment. The drama highlights the resilience of students who refuse to let their circumstances define their futures. Through the study group, they form meaningful bonds and help one another grow. Lee Han Kyung’s role as a teacher is crucial, demonstrating the impact of dedicated educators in shaping young minds. With its mix of school life, intense fight scenes, and a compelling underdog story, “Study Group” is expected to deliver an engaging K-drama experience that balances action with emotional depth ‘Study Group’ K-drama cast effectively embraces its characters amplifying the gripping narrative.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#kcrushmindmap #mindmapthis #StudyGroup #kdramaStudyGroup #kcrush #kdramalove #studentdrama #kpop #koreanculture #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #LeeHanKyung #YusungTechnicalHighSchool #ChaWooMin #HanJiEun #HwangMinHyun

The East Light was a South Korean band under Media Line Entertainment and debuted in November 2016 with the “Holla” single. The group comprised 6 members including Lee Seokcheol, Lee Seunghyun, Jung Sagang, Lee Eunsung, Kim Junwook, and Lee Woojin. Known for their youthful energy and musical prowess, The East Light quickly garnered attention in the K-pop scene becoming a K-pop sensation band.

Debut & Early Success:

Upon their debut, The East Light showcased a unique blend of pop and rock elements, setting them apart from typical idol groups. Given the members ‘ young ages, their musicality and live performances were particularly praised. Tracks like “Holla” and subsequent releases highlighted their instrumental skills and vocal abilities, earning them a dedicated fanbase.

Challenges & Disbandment:

In 2018, the group faced significant challenges after allegations of abuse by their management surfaced. Members Lee Seunghyun and Lee Seokcheol publicly addressed the mistreatment issue which led to legal actions against the agency. Unfortunately, the controversy resulted in the group’s disbandment and members parting ways to focus on individual paths. 

Post-Disbandment Activities:

Following the disbandment, the members have pursued various endeavors:

Kim Junwook

Junwook, who served as the band’s guitarist, transitioned into music production and has made a name for himself. Junwook maintained the @theeastlight_junwookkim Instagram page but goes by the name HONEY NOISE as a producer and runs THE HUB music production studio (@thehub_kr). Junwook has participated in the production of several tracks including “WISHFUL” and “Songbird” by NCT WISH, “Whiplash“ by aespa, “Soñar (Spanish Ver.)” by NMIXX, and “Every Second” by BAEKHYUN among others.

Jung Sagang

Serving as the group’s vocalist, Sagang joined forces with Lee Eun Sung, former The East Light co-member, to form Peak & Pitch duo band. The duo formed the band under Peak Entertainment label and debuted with the “Iko Iko” single in August 2021. Sagang keeps his fans updated through his @sagang_official Instagram page.

Lee Eunsung

Eunsung, who served as The East Light‘s main vocalist, teamed up with Jung Sagang to create Peak & Pitch band. The band has done several song covers, which they share with fans through their official @peakpitch Instagram page. Eunsung also keeps his fans updated through his @dmsxunge Instagram page.

Lee Woojin

Woojin, The East Light’s youngest member and keyboardist, also ventured into the solo artist path. Woojin now goes by the stage name DAVIIDE and still connects with fans on his account @the_greatest_woojin Instagram page. In December 2024, Woojin, now DAVIIDE, collaborated with Doyi Lee and released the “Ending Fairy” track. DAVIIDE also shares his lyrical pieces on his Youtube channel.

Lee Seokcheol

Seokcheol, The East Light’s former leader and drummer, has maintained a low public profile. However, after the trial against their former company ended in 2020, Seokcheol announced that he and Seunghyun would return to the music industry as a duo under the band name, ‘PA22WORD’. Since confirming his rebirth under PA22WORD band, Seokcheol has still maintained a life away from the limelight.

Lee Seunghyun

Seunghyun was the bassist and Seokcheol’s younger brother. Just like his brother, Seunghyun has kept a relatively private life. the duo opened an Instagram account for their perspective PA22WORD band (@pa22word_official) but no updates yet.

 Legacy and Impact:

Despite their brief tenure, The East Light left a lasting impression on the K-pop industry. The members’ courage in speaking out has contributed to ongoing conversations about artist welfare and agency accountability in South Korea. As of now, each member is carving out their individual paths, as their undying army of fans continues to support their journeys.

KCrush interviewed the unique “The East Light” group in 2016.  Much continued success to each!

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#TheEastLight #WhereAreTheyNow #kcrush #kpop #disbandkpopband #LeeSeunghyun #KimJunwook #kpopproducer #TheEastLightmembers #Lee Seokcheol #LeeWoojin #LeeEunsung #JungSagang #pop #rocksound #producer #writer #korea #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #WhereAreTheyNowTheEastLight

Dubbed “Korea’s Lady Gaga”, South Korean singer Anda (안다) made waves in the K-pop industry with her unique sound and bold image. From her early debut to joining YG Entertainment’s subsidiary YGX, Anda’s career was filled with promise. However, after a period of inactivity, she stepped away from the industry—only to make an exciting return with a new single, a new chapter in her personal life, and a fresh start in music. So, where is Anda now? Let’s take a look at her journey.

Debut and Rise:

Anda first debuted in 2012 as Andamiro under Trophy Entertainment with the “Don’t Ask” single. The song credited her the nickname “Korea’s Lady Gaga” because of her striking visuals and unique musical style. Anda later released 3 songs in 2015, including “Mastering”, “It’s Goin’ Down” and “Touch”. After the “Touch” single, Anda’s fame skyrocketed. She then signed with Esteem Entertainment in 2017 before signing with YGX, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment in 2018. Under YGX, Anda collaborated with R.Tee on “What You Waiting For” introducing her to a global audience. In December 2021, Anda signed in with Sublime Entertainment.

Going Inactive:

Despite the quick initial success with YGX, Anda gradually disappeared from the public eye. Fans speculated about contract issues and a possible career shift, but no official statements were made regarding her hiatus. Unlike many K-pop idols who transition into acting or variety shows, Anda remained relatively quiet, leading fans to wonder if she had retired from the entertainment industry altogether.

Surprise Comeback: Marriage, Motherhood & New Music

In a surprising turn of events, Anda re-emerged in May 2024 with exciting news revealing that she had gotten married and welcomed her first child. This unexpected revelation was met with joy from fans who had been eager to hear updates about her life. In October 2024, Anda signed a contract with THE EYE Entertainment. In November 2024, she made her long-awaited return to music with the “Dawn” single. The song’s melancholic yet refreshing sound symbolized a new beginning for Anda, both as an artist and as a mother.

Future in Music:

With her latest release, Anda has officially restarted her music career, embracing a more mature and introspective artistic direction. Fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for Anda, as she balances family life with her passion for music.

Anda’s journey has been one of transformation – from a rising K-pop star under YG Entertainment to stepping away from the industry, only to return stronger than ever. Her story is a testament to resilience and personal growth, proving that it’s never too late for a new beginning. As she forges ahead in both her career and personal life, fans are excited to see what the future holds for Anda.

Read our 2015 interview with Anda, here.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#Anda #KoreasLadyGaGa #YGEntertainment #DAWNAnda #Andamarried #Andaisamother #kcrush #kpop #YGX #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #THEEYEEntertainment #koreanpop #kpopidol #Andanewlife #happy #wherearetheynow #kcrusharticle

The highly anticipated Asian festival is returning to LA with a packed line-up of global stars. BIGBANG’s G-dragon and the legendary 2NE1 girl band will grace the event. The event will also mark the organizer’s 88rising 10th anniversary.

88rising announced the festival’s line-up with the festival scheduled to take place on May 31 and June 1 at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California. Some of the other performing artists include DEAN, Rich Brian, Milli, DPR Ian, Youha, and Higher Brothers.

The Head in the Clouds Festival 2025 Tickets are on sale on the HTIC festival website.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#HeadInTheCloudsFestival2025 #HTICFestival #88rising #kcrush #kpopfestival #hallyuidol #koreanmusic #kpop #GDRAGON #2NE1 #HIGHERBROTHERS #BIGBANG #YY #WANGOK #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #Asianculture #festivalincalifornia #RoseBowlPasadena #RichBrian #DPRARTICandDPRCREAM #koreanfashion

As of February 2025, the K-pop industry has delivered global hits that have captivated audiences worldwide. Here are the top 10 most streamed K-pop songs of 2025 so far:

1. “APT.” – Rosé & Bruno Mars

Released in late 2024, “APT.” has maintained its momentum into 2025, becoming a massive commercial success globally. The song surpassed 100 million streams just days after release and surpassed over a billion streams in January 2025

2. “Home Sweet Home” – G-Dragon ft. Taeyang & Daesung

“Home Sweet Home”, a collaboration track by BIGBANG members has resonated deeply with fans and also secured position one on the Circle Digital Chart in January 2025.

3. “Rebel Heart” – IVE

IVE’s “Rebel Heart” has garnered significant attention, securing a position in K-pop’s most streamed songs in early 2025.

4. “Close to You” – Jin

BTS’s Jin made an outstanding solo comeback with the “Close to You” track whose success can be attributed to its high streaming volumes. “Close to You” was released as an OST for the “When the Stars Gossip” K-drama starring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin.

5. “Python” – GOT7

GOT7 boyband made the long-awaited group comeback and has lived up to fans’ expectations with the “Python” track. The track is one of the most streamed K-pop songs in early 2025.

6. “Drip” – BABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER made headlines after becoming the group with the most streamed song amongst 5th generation K-pop groups. the band’s “Drip” track gained over 30 million streams on Spotify as of January 2025.

7. “Igloo” – KISS OF LIFE

KISS OF LIFE’s “Igloo” gained over 27 million Spotify streams in January 2025.

8. “If I Say, I Love You” – BOYNEXTDOOR

BOYNEXTDOOR also made it to the most streamed K-Pop tracks in 2025 thanks to the “If I Say, I Love You” track.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#Top10MostStreamedKPopSongsof2025 #JanuaryFebruary2025MostStreamed #kcrush #kpop #koreanpop #kidol #koreancelebrities #BoyNextDoor #IfISayILoveYou #KissOfLifeIgloo #BabyMonsterDrip #GOT7Phython #Phython #GDragonftTaeyangandDaesung #RoseandBrunoMarsAPT #IVERebelHeart #JINCloseToYou #BTSJIN #newmusic #kmusic #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #koreanculture #moststreamed #kcrushrecentarticles

In “A Thousand Blues” novel, South Korean writer Cheon Seon Ran explores technology, humanity, and the bonds that connect us. the narrative is set in 2035 and focuses on two sisters with one forced to find solace in familial bond after losing her job to automation. To beat the odds and outdo the new world, the two sisters devise bravery plans embodied in sacrifices.

Amidst social progress, empathy and ethical considerations toward technological advancement are themes bound to leave readers in an emotional wreck. Collie, a robot jockey, is a character that portrays these two themes the best. Collie is accidentally built with human emotions and eventually forms an unbreakable bond with Today, the sister who lost her job to automation. The resulting roller coaster of events from the heartfelt storytelling evokes emotions and thoughts on the relationship between society and technology.

The Korean version of “A Thousand Blues” won the 4th Korea Sci-fi Literature Award in 2019. The novel’s English translation is scheduled to be released in March 2025.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#kcrushbookreview #bookreview #koreanbookreview #AThousandBlues #4thKoreaScifiLiteratureAward2019 #kculture #korean #CheonSeonRan #koreanauthorCheonSeonRan #storyoftwosisters #societyandtechnology #kcrush #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #koreancontent #koreannovelist #koreanbookreleases

‘The Vegetarian’ writer and the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature winner Han Kang has released yet another masterpiece.

We Do Not Part is a hauntingly poetic exploration of memories, trauma, and resilience. The novel follows Kyungha, a writer and Seoul resident, who travels to Jeju Island to visit her childhood friend, Inseon. Inseon encountered an accident that left her incapacitated forcing her to ask Kyungha to care for her beloved pet bird, Ama. As Kyungha arrives on the snow-covered island, she is drawn into the history of Jeju and its dark legacy of pain and loss.

The story intricately connects personal and collective trauma with a focus on the 1948 Jeju Massacre where lives were lost as the government tried to suppress an uprising. Through Inseon’s family story, the novel reveals the ripple of emotional damage that historical violence leaves through generations, shaping identities and lives.

The novel embodies poetic and evocative prose with a fusion of reality and dreamlike moments. The novel is filled with metaphors of buried memories and the passage of time. The story also highlights the need to confront painful histories, no matter how challenging as it fuses grief and survival through unrelenting past moments haunting the present. We Do Not Part showcases Han Kang’s ability to address profound human truths through resilience and remembrance.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#kcrushbookreview #bookreview #WeDoNotPartbyHanKang #HanKangthekoreanwriter #koreanculture #historicalpiece #JeJu #koreanhistory #2024NobelPriceInLiteratureWinner #TheVegiterianHanKang #kcrush #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine

‘When the Phone Rings’ actor Yoo Yeon Seok has clarified about the fueling rumors of his chemistry with co-actress Chae Soo Bin.

The recently concluded ‘When the Phone Rings’ series has had global fans going crazy with the chemistry buildup between the two lead actors. The craze resulted in flooding messages pleading that the two actors finally date in real life.

In an interview on January 6, actor Yoo Yeon Seok clarified that he and actress Chae Soo Bin are not dating. Yoon Seok thanked fans for appreciating their acting skills and showing support and love for the ‘When the Phone Rings’ drama. When asked about the bed scene, Yeon Seok highlighted that they put a lot of effort into ensuring that the couple’s long-term first night was beautiful. Yeon Seok, who’s earned himself the ‘Kiss Master’ nickname, also said that each kiss came from a different emotional state – a reunion, overcoming guilt, overwhelming emotion after a proposal.

On January 5, Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin took home the Best Couple Awards from the 2024 MBC Drama Awards for their skills in ‘When the Phone Rings’. Yoo Yeon Seok also bagged the Top Excellence Award (Miniseries) award while Chae Soo Bin took the Excellence Award (Miniseries) for the same drama.

—-Karen Mwenda

#YooYeonSeok #ChaeSooBin #BestCoupleAwards #2024MBCDramaAwards #WhenThePhoneRings #kdrama #kpop #hallyu #kcrush #kissmaster #theyarenotdating #inrealitytheyarenotdating #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #clarity #clarifiesnotdating

Actor Kim Jung Hyun is scheduled to part ways with his current agency as his contract comes to an end.

Kim Jung Hyun, known for his charm in the currently airing “Iron Family” rom-com k-drama, will finish his contract with Story J Company this year. Jung Hyun joined the agency in September 2021, and his contract is scheduled to end in March this year.

Recently, Kim Jung Hyun made headlines after a non-directed apology during the 2024 KBS Drama Awards. The apology was believed to be directed to Seohyun, who was hosting the event, for the 2018 incident when Jung Hyun refused to let his co-star Seohyun cross her arms.

The incident caused a stir but Jung Hyun’s agency explained that Jung Hyun was battling health issues and was immersed in his role. There were rumors that Jung Hyun’s then-girlfriend was not a fan of her boyfriend filming romantic dramas. Jung Hyun has proven his freedom and skill aptitude, especially in the currently ongoing “Iron Family” romantic comedy-drama which has fans falling for his charms.

Stray Kids has released its 2025 plans and confirmed its Valentine’s Day fan meeting dates.

On February 14, 2025, Stray Kids will be holding its 5th official fan meeting. The ‘Stray Kids 5TH FANMEETING “SKZ 5’CLOCK”’ is scheduled for 14,15, and 16 February at Inspire Arena, Incheon. The band will hold a live online broadcast on February 16 via Beyond LIVE for their global fans.

On January 6, Stray Kids shared the ‘Stray Kids “STEP OUT 2025”’ video highlighting a list of activities scheduled for 2025. The video includes plans like the upcoming official fan meeting and ‘Stray Kids World Tour ‘DOMINATE’ tour.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#StrayKids #ValentinesDayFanMeeting #kcrush #StrayKidsStepOut2025 #StrayKidsWorldTourDominateTour #kpop #kidol #JYP #5TH FANMEETINGSKZ5CLOCK #InspireArenaIncheon #ValentineDay #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #kculture #koreankpop

JYP Entertainment has revealed teaser images of their newest boy group band ahead of the group’s album release.

JYP has released teaser images of the members of KickFlip. The band is a septet comprising Minje, Keiju, Donghwa, Kyehoon, Juwang, Amaru, and Donghyeon.

KickFlip, formed through LOUD program, was scheduled to debut on New Year’s Eve but plans changed due to the Jeju flight incident.

Earlier on, JYP had released the “Umm Great” music video. The track is KickFlip’s pre-debut track for the upcoming ‘Flip It, Kick It!’ album scheduled for release on January 20.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#JYP #NewJYPboygroup #Kickflip #KICKFLIPJYPnewgroup #kcrush #FlipItKickItAlbum #January20Release #kpop #kpopidol #kpopnewgroup2025 #newmusic #UmmGreat #LOUDProgram #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #kmusic #JYPEntertainment #Minje #Keiju #Donghwa #Kyehoon #Juwang #Amaru #Donghyeon #koreanfashion #khallyu

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has partnered with Armra to develop a limited-edition beverage that will be only available at Erewhon supermarket.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa is becoming an international partnership sensation with her latest deal being with Los Angles’ Erewhon supermarket chain. The limited-edition beverage is an iced tea with inspirations from Thailand.

The ice tea, consisting mainly of Colostrum, clover Sonoma organic heavy cream, and Just Iced Tea black tea, will be available for purchase from February 7.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#LisaBlackpink #BLACKPINK #Erewhon #Erewhonbeveragepartnership #kcrush #Armra #kpop #kpopidol #ErewhonSupermarket #kculture #Thailandinspired #icetea #Colostrum #cloverSonomaorganicheavycream

Lee Hee Chul, a renowned influencer and broadcaster, passed away at the age of 40.

Lee Hee Chul passed away on January 7 after succumbing to a heart attack after being hospitalized for a week for a chronic illness treatment. A message by Hee Chul’s younger brother on his social media platforms confirmed the devastating news that indeed the star had passed.

Before the passing. Lee Hee Chul was a former photographer turned visual director of CLASS.y girl group. Over the years, the Hee Chul built a career as a broadcaster and restauranteur, which appeared in KBS2’s Mr. Househusband Sn 2 and ‘Trust and Tell – Let’s Be My Chef’ Sn 2 shows.

In his last Instagram post on December 31, Lee Hee Chul had termed 2024 as an ‘incredibly difficult year both physically and mentally’. The post however, continued on a positive note highlighting ‘hardships lead to growth’ and he would ‘use these difficulties as fertilizer for his health’. The funeral is scheduled for January 10 at Suwon City Yeon Crematorium from Soonchunhyang Seoul Hospital funeral hall.

Sincere condolences to the family.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#LeeHeeChul #LeeHeeChulPassesAway #Broadcaster #Influencer #kcrush #funeralSuwonCityYeonCrematorium #kpop #SoonchunhyangSeoulHospital #CLASS,y #photographer #creativedirector #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine

2NEI girl band has confirmed it will be interacting with local fans in Seoul as part of their ongoing 15th anniversary Asia tour.

2NE1 is scheduled to hold the “2025 2NE1 CONCERT [WELCOME BACK] ENCORE IN SEOUL” on 12 and 13 April at KSPO DOME, Seoul.

The band is currently on the “2024-25 [WELCOME BACK] Asia tour” which kicked off on October 2024. 2ne1 reunited in 2024 for their 15th debut anniversary after disbanding in 2016.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#2NE1EncoreinSeoul #2NE1 #WelcomeBack #AsiaTour #15thdebut #April2025 #kcrush #kpopgirlgroup #kpopidol #kpop #hallyu #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #kcrushannouncement #KSPODomeinSeoul #koreansinger #kpopcelebrity #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #2NE1

EXO-CBX will reunite this February through its first fan meeting in 6 years in Japan.

INB100 agency announced that EXO-CBX will be holding a fan meeting in Japan this February. The ‘GET, SET, GO!’ (Get, 3, Go!) 2025 CBX JAPAN FANMETING will be taking place at Yokohama’s Pia Arena MM, Japan.

The fan meeting is scheduled for 8 and 9 February 2025. The members have been carrying out solo projects including Chen’s 2024 ‘DOOR’ mini album and ‘Beyond the Door’ fan concert Asia tour, Xiumin’s MCing KBS 2TV’s ‘MAKE MATE 1)’ program, and Baekhyun’s 2024 ‘Hello, World’ mini album.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#EXOCBXBand #Chen #Baekhyun #Xiumin #JapanFanMeeting #kcrush #kpop #kpopfanmeeting #kpopcelebrity #hallyu #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #INB100Agency #TheGetSetGo #YokohamaPiaArenaMM #Japan

JYP Entertainment has rolled out a fan recruitment drive for Stray Kinds boy band.

JYP Entertainment released the Stray Kids Official Fanclub STAY 5th Gen Recruitment Main Poster in a bid to gather more fanbase to the already overwhelming family of supporters.

The recruitment, which kicked on January 9 is expected to run until January 19. All Korean fans (link) and Global fans (link) are welcome so as enjoy a variety of special membership benefits.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#STRAYKIDS #STRAYKIDSRecruitment #StrayKidsFanclub5thGeneration #Koreanfans #Globalfans #kcrush #kpop #kpopidol #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #OverStayTheRain #JYPEntertainment #FanClubStrayKids