On January 5, 2025, K-pop sensation New Jeans made waves on social media by greeting their fans with heartfelt New Year wishes through their newly created account, “jeanzforfree.” The group not only conveyed their New Year blessings but also shared a motivational image from the popular MBC variety show, Infinite Challenge. The screenshot features entertainer Liu Zhi Shi encouraging the members with inspiring words: “No matter what, whether we succeed or fail, we do our best to the end.”
Meanwhile, Bo Guagua, the son of the former Chongqing mayor, welcomed the New Year with excitement and joy as he shared glimpses of his newlywed life. On January 1, he posted charming selfies with his wife Xu Huaiyu, which marked her first appearance on social media, delighting fans. The couple, smiling against the backdrop of pink balloons, sent warm greetings, cheerfully writing, “HNY (Happy New Year) everyone!”
Xue Huaiyu received praise for her beauty, with netizens comparing her to popular actress Sun Haiying. Their affectionate postings quickly drew attention, as one user noted, “Bo Guagua is lucky to have such a beautiful wife!” To the compliments, Bo Guagua humorously responded, “You have good taste!” adds to the couple's charm.
The couple continued sharing their blissful moments. On January 2, Bo Guagua uploaded photos of them snorkeling, signifying their honeymoon adventures. Referring to fan inquiries about their travels, he remarked, “Every trip is a honeymoon with her!” showcasing the deep affection both share.
On the same day, across the ocean, the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce (TCCOC) hosted its New Year gathering at the Orange County Chinese Cultural Center, marking another significant celebration. The event attracted nearly one hundred guests, including members of the Taiwanese community from Orange County and San Diego. This gathering served as both a nostalgic reflection on 2024 and a hopeful outlook for the New Year.
The gathering was moderated by Hu Jiahui, the president of the youth branch, who emphasized the importance of youth involvement in the community's affairs. TCCOC President Chen Qi Geng noted the event's significance, stating, “What a beautiful beginning to the New Year, bringing together friends from all over.” He highlighted the upcoming “Taiwan Day” on May 1 as a key opportunity to increase Taiwan's visibility.
Xiao Peiru, the director of the Orange County Cultural Center, reflected on the previous year's highlights, thanking all contributors for their dedication to community initiatives, which mirrored the passion and strength of Taiwanese people. During the event, she presented awards to key organizers of the Double Tenth National Day celebrations, acknowledging their hard work and commitment.
The festivities included lively performances by the OC Boys band, who performed classic Mandarin and Western songs, creating an energetic ambiance. Dancers from the Golden Bell Dance Group performed culturally themed pieces such as “Ancestral Echo” and traditional Uyghur dances, showcasing the cultural richness of the Taiwanese community.
Also captivating the audience were performances by harpist Tiffany Wu, who played Taiwanese pop classics, and cellist Charlotte Yoh, whose solo performance earned loud applause from all present. Attendees enjoyed plates of delicious Taiwanese delicacies, including tea-based snacks and salted glutinous rice balls—delighting many with tastes from home.
All guests received limited-edition calendars labeled “Taiwan: A Delightful Vision for 2025,” crafted by the Overseas Community Affairs Council, enhancing the event’s warm and inviting feel.
Esteemed guests included Liu Lunzheng, head of the Economic Section of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and several council members, reflecting the broad community representation. The TCCOC event concluded successfully, leaving participants with renewed hope and camaraderie as they embarked on the New Year.
Overall, whether through the cheerful posts of K-pop stars, the intimate snapshots of newlyweds, or community gatherings celebrating shared heritage and future aspirations, the New Year of 2025 is welcomed with enthusiasm and unity by individuals and groups alike.