Entertainment

Former 9Muses member Lee Keum Jo, now a celebrated musical theater actress, is expecting her first child with husband Baek Ki Beom. The exciting news was shared by Keumjo herself on Instagram on February 14, 2026 (KST), delighting fans and colleagues alike. The announcement marks a joyous chapter for the couple, who tied the knot in 2022, and has quickly become a trending topic among K-Pop enthusiasts.

Keumjo revealed the pregnancy with a simple yet heartfelt post, accompanied by photos showcasing her journey to motherhood. She also shared that the baby, affectionately nicknamed “Parangi” – meaning “Papa’s love” – is a son. The revelation comes after the couple began trying for a baby in April of last year, navigating the challenges and hopes that often accompany the path to parenthood.

In a deeply personal message accompanying her announcement, Keumjo opened up about the emotional journey to pregnancy. She described a touching habit of texting her late father, even knowing he couldn’t reply, and making a heartfelt wish for a child. Remarkably, she received the positive pregnancy test on her birthday, December 17th, describing it as a “gift with those two lines,” according to Koreaboo.

The nickname “Parang” holds special significance, representing her husband’s love for their child. Keumjo also playfully admitted to hoping for a son who resembles Baek Ki Beom, adding a touch of relatable anticipation to the announcement. Genetic testing confirmed her wish, and she is due in August, hoping for a “fresh, green” delivery, as reported by Memesita.

Keumjo’s transition from her time with 9Muses and its sub-unit, Nine Muses A, to a successful career in musical theater has been closely followed by fans. Baek Ki Beom debuted in the 2013 musical ‘High School Musical’ and has since appeared in numerous productions, including ‘Bachelor’s Vegetable Store,’ ‘Hamlet,’ and ‘Pirate,’ according to Allkpop. The couple’s announcement has been met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fans and fellow performers.

The news of Keumjo’s pregnancy has resonated deeply with fans, who have praised her openness and vulnerability in sharing her personal journey. The nickname “Parangi” and the story behind it have particularly touched many, highlighting the strong bond between Keumjo, her husband, and her late father. The couple’s story is a testament to the power of hope and the joy of building a family.

As Keumjo prepares for the arrival of her son in August, fans eagerly await updates and wish her a healthy and happy pregnancy. The couple’s next steps will likely involve preparing for parenthood and balancing their thriving careers with the demands of a new family. The entertainment world will undoubtedly be watching with anticipation as Keumjo and Baek Ki Beom embark on this exciting new chapter.

Share your congratulations to the happy couple in the comments below!

The highly anticipated fourteenth season of the Bulgarian singing competition “Like Two Drops of Water” (“Като две капки вода”) is set to premiere on February 16th, promising another round of impressive celebrity transformations and musical performances. The present, known for its elaborate costumes and vocal challenges, will reveal its newest jury member, dubbed “The Queen,” during the first episode, according to Plovdiv24.bg. Fans of the show are eagerly awaiting the reveal, adding to the excitement surrounding the novel season.

Returning to host the show are the beloved duo Dimitar Rachkov and Gerassim Georgiev – Gero, ensuring a familiar and engaging atmosphere for viewers. The judging panel will once again feature Hilda Kazasyan, Dimitar Kovachev – Funky and Veselin Marinov, alongside the mystery new judge. Producers are hoping the addition will bring a fresh perspective to the competition, building on the show’s established success as a popular source of entertainment in Bulgaria.

This season’s theme, “The Sun,” is inspired by Louis XIV, reflecting the show’s fourteenth iteration. Producer Kiril Kirov – Kiko, shared that “Like Two Drops of Water” has become a significant source of positive entertainment for Bulgarian audiences, offering a welcome escape from the constant stream of negative news. “For thirteen years, ‘The Drops’ have proven themselves as the biggest antidepressant in television airtime,” Kiko stated, as reported by Nova. The show aims to provide three hours of lighthearted fun and distraction for its viewers.

Kiko similarly acknowledged the challenges of maintaining freshness after fourteen seasons. “The most difficult thing when making a 14th season of a format is to build on what came before,” he explained to Nova. “Last year, we filled the biggest stadium in Bulgaria, and so many faces have already passed through the show. That’s why it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find interesting people.” Despite these challenges, Kiko expressed confidence in the lineup for the upcoming season, noting that it includes both established stars and emerging talents. He believes some of the participants are “huge stars on the Bulgarian skyline and in show business,” while others have the potential to become household names.

The show’s format challenges celebrities to impersonate famous singers, requiring them to master vocal techniques, stage presence, and elaborate costumes. “Like Two Drops of Water” has consistently drawn large audiences in Bulgaria, becoming a cultural phenomenon known for its entertainment value and the impressive transformations of its contestants. The Entertainment Lions for Music awards celebrate creative musical collaborations and branded music content, recognizing the impact of music in entertainment as highlighted by Cannes Lions.

The competition extends beyond just singing ability, encompassing performance, costume design, and the overall ability to convincingly portray the chosen artist. The W3 Awards and Davey Awards also recognize excellence in web-based entertainment, including film, video, and music (W3 Awards) and (Davey Awards), demonstrating the broad scope of the entertainment industry.

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation is building for the reveal of “The Queen” and the unveiling of the celebrity contestants who will be taking on the challenge of transforming into musical icons. Viewers can expect another season of captivating performances, stunning visuals, and plenty of surprises. The show promises to continue its tradition of providing a much-needed dose of entertainment and escapism for Bulgarian audiences.

The fourteenth season of “Like Two Drops of Water” is poised to deliver another season of captivating entertainment. Keep an eye on Nova for updates and behind-the-scenes content as the competition unfolds. What transformations are you most excited to see this season? Share your predictions in the comments below!

South Korean automation firm RS Automation saw a significant jump in its stock price today, fueled by broader market optimism surrounding related industries. The company’s shares rose by 5% to ₩26,000, reflecting investor confidence in the potential of automation and robotics within the manufacturing sector. This increase comes amidst a positive trend for companies involved in automation systems and energy solutions, including Hanwha Industrial, Mirae Asset Securities, Hecto Financial, Shinhan Financial Group, OCI Holdings, Vinatech and Hana Financial Group.

The surge in RS Automation’s stock is part of a wider rally benefiting companies poised to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced automation technologies. Investors are particularly focused on firms expanding their presence in areas like smart factories, the Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics – all key components of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The company has been actively expanding its global reach, establishing operations in the United States in 2020 and China in 2019 through its subsidiary, RS Systems. This strategic international expansion appears to be resonating with investors.

Recent Financial Performance and Market Position

Despite a 10.5% decrease in consolidated revenue compared to the same period last year, RS Automation has demonstrated improved profitability. According to recent financial reports, the company’s operating loss decreased by 34.1%, and its net loss decreased by 50.1% during the first three quarters of 2025. This improvement is attributed to a reduction in cost burdens, suggesting effective operational adjustments. RS Automation specializes in the development, production, and sale of robot motion control and energy control devices, making it a unique player in the domestic market. Further analysis highlights the company’s position as the sole domestic developer of these specialized technologies.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Trends

RS Automation is actively collaborating with other industry leaders to drive innovation and standardization in the robotics sector. A recent partnership with SBB Tech aims to standardize robot components, potentially establishing the company as a key player in the robotics ecosystem. Reports indicate that this collaboration is expected to strengthen the company’s position in the rapidly evolving robotics market. The company’s focus on physical AI and robot control systems is seen as a significant advantage in a competitive landscape.

Recent Stock Transactions

On January 5, 2026, RS Automation reported the transfer of 14,000 common shares from the company’s corporate account to the personal securities accounts of employees eligible for Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). According to GoInsider, the number of shares transferred matched the previously reported planned disposal amount. The transaction price and total value were not disclosed.

Looking Ahead

The positive momentum surrounding RS Automation reflects the growing investor interest in the automation and robotics industries. The company’s strategic partnerships, international expansion, and improving financial performance position it for continued growth. Investors will be closely watching the company’s progress in standardizing robot components and capitalizing on the increasing demand for smart factory solutions. The company’s next earnings report will be a key indicator of its continued success in navigating the evolving technological landscape.

What are your thoughts on the future of automation and robotics? Share your insights in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network!