
The '2025 MBC Song Festival' powerfully opened the door to the New Year with top-class K-POP artists. Yesterday (31st), the '2025 MBC Song Festival' broadcast in Korea featured artists loved this year, each presenting stages infused with different 'mottos' and vibrant performances harmonized with a live band, captivating the viewers' hearts. The festival opened with an introduction by Baek Cheol-soo, who has proven the essence of the Korean music scene, and ATEEZ's performance of 'The Real' firmly established the theme of the show right from the start. SHINee's Minho, who has been the face of the show for three consecutive years, and Annie from ALLDAY PROJECT, who faced her first MC challenge, along with Hwang Min-hyun's return after two years, created an exciting atmosphere together. The performers were introduced with a fantastic harmony by the beatbox and a cappella crew BEATPELLA HOUSE. Following that, newcomers IDID, KiiiKiii, CORTIS, Hearts2Hearts, ALLDAY PROJECT, and KickFlip showcased passionate stages, raising expectations for their future activities. The diverse charms of the artists also drew attention. TWS's Dohun, Yongjae, and Jihun shed their freshness to reveal unexpected allure with a sexy song. izna and PLAVE displayed their strengths with goddess-like visuals and cinematic performances. NEXZ transformed into rugby players, ILLIT declared 'not cute anymore,' and LUCY fully utilized the charm of a band, further enhancing the festive mood. MEOVV, NCT WISH, TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Yeonjun, LE SSERAFIM, TWS, and THE BOYZ also attracted attention with performances reflecting their distinct team colors. Meanwhile, a variety of collaborations worthy of the name 'special stage' unfolded. Starting with a delightful stage by Han Lolo and TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Taehyun, the center group of the 5th generation girl groups, 'Lee Bang Won,' showcased the charm of the center with Hearts2Hearts' Ian, izna's Bang Jimin, and ILLIT's Wonhee, while YB and Stray Kids' main vocalist Seungmin displayed the charm of rock. ILLIT's special stage, featuring a surprise appearance by Pikachu, elicited a hot response. Additionally, in line with the 20th anniversary of the 'MBC Song Festival,' a medley of nostalgic songs from 2005 reinterpreted by rookie idols was prepared, resonating with songs like Lee Hyori's 'Anymotion' and Jinusean's 'Phone Number,' creating empathy across generations. RIIZE, NMIXX, ZEROBASEONE, and Minho, who have grown alongside the show, made the audience feel their growth through their performances. IVE's Liz prepared Sondia's 'Adult,' the insert song from 'My Dear Mister,' as a commemorative song for the 20th anniversary of the 'MBC Song Festival,' adding special meaning. As they welcomed 2026, the idols conveyed their New Year's resolutions and greetings, capturing attention. RIIZE's Wonbin, born in the year of the horse, expressed, 'Since it’s the year of the horse, I will work harder and show good stages and performances.' KickFlip's Donghyun, who just turned 20, revealed his wish to get a license and travel with his parents, while IDID's Seong-hyun humorously mentioned wanting to go to a sauna with his older members after 10 PM. Following this, a joint stage of the 20-year-old artists unfolded, painting a page of youth. The main players of K-POP also shone brightly. BOYNEXTDOOR concluded the event with a deep bow, delivering a warm feeling. IVE doubled the excitement of the New Year with bright energy. Stray Kids attracted attention with stage production utilizing AI technology. Furthermore, artists with solid skills, from TREASURE to aespa, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ITZY, ATEEZ, and NCT DREAM, brought the atmosphere to a climax, delivering moments that were impossible to take your eyes off. The long-awaited finale saw all performers singing together Kim Won-jun's 'Show.' The stage where various artists' voices harmonized made the conclusion of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 even more meaningful, beautifully coloring the end of the '2025 MBC Song Festival.'
On Children's Day, IVE shared childhood photos of its members, highlighting their cute poses and smiles. Wonyoung, Yujin, and others displayed their charming visuals, with Wonyoung's smile unchanged from her youth. Fans reacted enthusiastically to these nostalgic images shared on IVE's official account.
Yeji from ITZY has been diagnosed with a herniated disc, which will restrict her performance during the Japan concerts on May 9-10. JYP Entertainment announced that despite the limitations, Yeji is eager to participate as much as possible and meet fans. The agency prioritizes her health and recovery.
ILLIT arrived at Gimpo International Airport in Korea on the afternoon of the 4th after their performance at JAPAN JAM 2026 in Chiba was canceled due to strong winds. They had left for Japan on the 3rd to participate in the music festival. Fans are excited for their comeback with a new song described as 'spicy like hot pot.'
On KBS 2TV, Kim Yong-bin discussed his past struggles in Japan with friend Chu Hyuk-jin. He revealed hardships like panic disorder and financial difficulties while pursuing his singing career, reflecting on how these experiences shaped him. Both friends shared a moment of nostalgia and support for each other's journeys.
aespa is set to make a comeback with their 2nd full album "LEMONADE" on the 29th, showcasing a unique world filled with tension. They will release a pre-release track, "WDA (Whole Different Animal)," on the 11th. The album promises to highlight aespa's musical growth and introduce a new chapter in their story.
ILLIT departed for Japan to perform at JAPAN JAM 2026, but the event was canceled due to strong winds making the venue unsafe and causing transportation issues. The organizers prioritized the safety of participants and expressed regret for the disappointment caused to attendees and artists alike. 28 acts were scheduled to perform, including ILLIT, ME:I, and Da-iCE.
Wonhee of ILLIT garnered attention on tvN's 'Surprising Saturday' as a special MC, discussing her recent weight loss. She humorously described her appearance as a 'foreign exchange student' and confirmed she has lost weight since turning 20, surprising the cast and expressing her determination to bring energy to the show.
In a recent JTBC variety show, Son Hanbin of ZEROBASEONE discussed his impressive 30kg weight loss. He revealed that he was once 100kg and shared his unique 'perfume diet' method, which helped reduce his appetite. Fellow guests, including Soyou and Lee Gikwang, reacted with humor and shared their own experiences with dieting.
Yujin from IVE appears on the digital cover of VOGUE KOREA, modeling Lacoste's Spring/Summer 2026 collection. She embodies the brand's classic sporty charm with layered styles and oversized suits, reflecting a modern interpretation of tennis aesthetics. This collaboration highlights the synergy between Yujin and Lacoste. Meanwhile, IVE successfully concluded their fan concert and is set to embark on their second world tour, 'SHOW WHAT I AM,' starting in Kuala Lumpur.
On the morning of the 3rd, aespa's KARINA and NINGNING departed from Incheon International Airport to attend the Met Gala 2026 in New York. NINGNING was appointed as GUCCI's global ambassador, a brand she has admired since childhood. Additionally, KARINA received praise for her Japanese skills during a golf challenge, delighting the audience with her innocent smile.
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