Singer Lee Hyori and Big Bang's G-Dragon are demonstrating their influence early this year with new challenges. Lee Hyori has quickly made her KBS 2TV show ‘The Seasons - Lee Hyori's Red Carpet’ (Red Carpet) a hot topic, while G-Dragon is gearing up for a comeback by attending various international events.

'The Seasons' fourth program, 'Red Carpet,' has garnered hot attention as Lee Hyori took on the role of a solo MC for the first time in her 26-year career since her debut. The first broadcast on the 5th recorded the highest viewership rating of 1.9% (Nielsen Korea) among 'The Seasons' programs, marking a smooth start. Despite being broadcast at a relatively late hour with many viewing restrictions, it quickly attracted a high viewership rating. Viewers who missed the broadcast flocked to the OTT (online streaming service), tripling the viewing time on Wave compared to the fourth week of last month.

Lee Hyori is actively using her 'star power' to heighten viewer interest. She personally invited guests like Blackpink's Jennie, saying "I’m happy to meet my eternal idol," and the group RIIZE to perform on stage. She also introduced the significance of Hakchon Theater with actor Lee Jung-eun and recommended watching the children's play 'Go-chu-jang Tteok-bokki.' 

A Hakchon official explained on the 14th, "Since being mentioned on 'Red Carpet,' the reservation rate has consistently risen, surging by 30% compared to the first performance."

G-Dragon, who overcame a drug controversy at the end of last year and found a new agency, headed to the United States. He opened the year by attending 'CES 2024' on January 10th (Korean time) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. His attendance at the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, where he has a global fandom, attracted curious eyes both domestically and internationally. 

The Samsung Electronics AI robot 'Bolly' and LG Electronics' future mobility concept 'Alphable,' which he observed at the event, also became hot topics. Recently signing an exclusive contract with Galaxy Corporation, a company dealing with AI and the metaverse, he was known to have visited the event with CEO Choi Yong-ho and other company executives. 

There is speculation that G-Dragon, who plans to release a new album as early as the first half of the year, is preparing to combine music with new technology. 

A representative of Galaxy Corporation said, "We visit the event every year as a company, and G-Dragon accompanied us due to his interest in new technology. We will continue to showcase activities reflecting G-Dragon's diverse interests."