Author: Belle

Categories
FEATURES LATEST STORIES

Song Joong Ki Reflects on Being a New Father

It’s official: Song Joong Ki is now a dad and the “Vincenzo” star is clearly pleased with his new role. The famous actor discussed what it was like being a new father while promoting his new movie at the 28th Busan International Film Festival.

Song Joong Ki Opens About About Fatherhood

Song Joong Ki recently graced the 28th Busan International Film Festival, held on October 6 at KNN Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan. He was a prominent figure at the Actors House event, where he enthusiastically discussed his latest film, ‘Hwaran,’ with the audience.

The event drew a large crowd of fans and reporters who eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of the beloved actor. As Song Joong Ki made his entrance, the theater resounded with enthusiastic cheers from his admirers. In return, he greeted them with a warm smile and a pleasant demeanor before answering their questions.

On a personal note, Song Joong Ki embarked on a new chapter in his life when he married British actress Kate Louise Saunders in January and welcomed their son into the world five months later, in June. As a new father, he also shared his thoughts on the recent changes in his life.

“My son is now over 100 days old,” Song said. “I’ve realized the importance of being responsible as a father, not just as a public figure, as an actor.”

Song Joong Ki Praised for ‘Hwaran’

The actor also promoted his new film ‘Hwaran’, a noir drama that delves into the life of a young boy named Yeon Kyu who is trapped in a nightmarish reality. After forming a friendship with Chigeon, the middle boss of a sinister organization, Yeon Kyu ventures into a perilous new world. ‘Hwaran’ also had the distinction of being invited to the ‘Noteworthy Gaze’ section of the 76th Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. In the film, Song Joong Ki portrays ‘Chigeon,’ the middle boss navigating a challenging existence.

Song Joong Ki’s participation in the Busan International Film Festival was also a significant moment for both the actor and his fans, as they eagerly anticipate his role in ‘Hwaran’ and celebrate his journey as a new father.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BIGBANG’s Daesung Confirmed To Judge New Trot Competition

BIGBANG’s Daesung is set to make his return to variety shows as a judge in the upcoming trot competition. This will mark the first time that the K-pop idol has returned to variety shows.

Daesung of BIGBANG Confirmed As New Judge on ‘Living Legend’

On October 6, it was confirmed that Daesung would serve as one of the judges on a new trot competition show. “Living Legend” is a survival music variety program that aims to identify the top 7 currently active female trot singers who will represent South Korea at the 2024 Korea-Japan Trot Legend Championship.

Even before its premiere, the show has garnered attention as it is created by the same team behind hit programs like “Miss Trot,” “Mr. Trot,” and “Burning Trotman.” Furthermore, Shin Dong Yup will serve as the show’s MC, marking his debut as a trot music variety show host.

In addition to his involvement in BIGBANG, Daesung has displayed his versatility as a solo artist, exploring various music genres, including rock, ballad, and trot. His trot songs, such as “Look at Me, Gwisoon” and “It’s a Big Hit,” have received immense affection in Korea. Furthermore, he has made appearances on popular variety shows like “Family Outing” and “Night After Night” as a fixed panel member.

Daesung Takes on Special Role in New Competition Show

Daesung will take on the role of a “special national producer” on the show, and fans are also eager to see the new and unique charms he will bring to the table. This appearance marks his first regular variety show appearance in 12 years.

Expressing his anticipation, Daesung stated, “I’m looking forward to this opportunity to gain valuable experience alongside exceptional mentors and senior artists. I also have big concerns about how I can contribute and provide assistance. I’ll approach this with the goal to offer my help as best as I can to as many people as possible.”

The production team also expressed their confidence in Daesung, stating, “We believe that ‘Living Legend’ gained even more credibility with the inclusion of Daesung, who possesses unparalleled expertise and dedication to music. Starting with Daesung, we will continue to unveil special national producers who are a perfect fit for the scale of ‘Living Legend.’ We kindly request your ongoing interest in the upcoming lineup for ‘Living Legend.'”

“Living Legend” is scheduled to air in the second half of 2023. Fans are also eagerly awaiting Daesung’s return to the variety show scene.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ASTRO’s Sanha Dedicates Emotional Cover Song to Moonbin

The ASTRO maknae performed an emotional cover of the song 'Neko' by DISH//

Sanha has released an emotional cover of a Japanese song that seems to express his true feelings. The ASTRO member also had a heartfelt message for everyone and may have chosen the song as a tribute to the late Moonbin.

Sanha Dedicates Emotional Cover of ‘Neko’ To Moonbin

In the early hours of October 7, ASTRO member Sanha shared a touching cover song that resonated deeply with fans. He chose to perform an acoustic rendition of “Neko” by the Japanese band DISH//, allowing fans to glimpse into his emotions and connect with him on a personal level.

“When I first heard this song, tears came to my eyes,” Sanha wrote. “I felt like the song had put my own feelings into words. So I wanted to sing a cover of it. Me, my family, our members, our Arohas, everyone. I’m sure that we will be happy one day. Definitely.”

What made this cover even more special was Sanha’s thoughtful gesture. He took the time to personally transcribe the Korean translation of the song’s lyrics, modifying them to convey a unique message. In the original lyrics, the song is dedicated to an unspecified “you.” However, Sanha made a poignant alteration by replacing “you” with “hyung.”

This change held a significant meaning for fans, as it was a nod to the late ASTRO member Moonbin, who was affectionately referred to as “pup-kitty.” Moonbin’s nickname captured his multifaceted personality, as he exhibited both playful puppy-like traits and enigmatic cat-like qualities.

Sanha’s heartfelt cover resonated deeply with fans, offering them solace and a sense of camaraderie. They appreciated his sincerity in using music as a medium to express his emotions and found comfort in the emotional connection they shared with him.

Through this touching gesture, the ASTRO maknae not only showcased his musical talent but also demonstrated his willingness to share his innermost feelings with those who support him, strengthening the bond between him and his fans.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

MONSTA X’s Minhyuk and GOT7’s Jinyoung Cover NewJeans During Military Service

Minhyuk might be serving in the military but that hasn’t stopped the MONSTA X member from performing like a proper idol. Lee Min-hyuk recently put on a great performance at a special military event and he wasn’t alone.

3RD GEN Idols Perform At Ground Forces Festival

MONSTA X’s Minhyuk, GOT7’s Jinyoung, and former Wanna One members Ong Seongwu and Ha Sungwoon are all 3rd generation K-Pop idols who are currently serving in the military. However, they recently had the opportunity to showcase their talents at the Ground Forces Festival, also known as the 2023 Army Fest.

Despite their absence from their respective groups due to military enlistment, these talented idols came together to perform as part of the same group of soldiers. They treated the audience to dance covers of popular K-Pop songs, creating an entertaining and memorable experience.

Their dance covers included hit songs such as NewJeans’ “Super Shy” and LE SSERAFIM’s “Eve, Psyche, & The Bluebeard’s Wife.” Additionally, each member had the chance to showcase their own group’s iconic tracks. GOT7’s “Hard Carry,” Wanna One’s “Energetic,” and MONSTA X’s “Shoot Out” were all featured in their performances.

Fans of these talented idols appreciated their dedication to providing entertainment even while fulfilling their mandatory military service. It’s clear that their passion for music and performance continues to shine, even in a different setting. As they showcased their dance skills and performed some of their group’s most beloved songs, it was a special moment for both the idols and their fans.

It’s heartwarming to see these 3rd generation K-Pop idols come together and bring joy to the audience, despite the challenges of their military service. Their performances at the Ground Forces Festival served as a reminder of their talent and dedication to their craft, and fans look forward to the day when they can return to the stage with their respective groups.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

LOONA’s HeeJin Announces Solo Album Release With First “K” Teaser

LOONA’s HeeJin is gearing up for her highly-anticipated official solo album release, and fans couldn’t be more excited.

HeeJin Drops First Teaser for Solo Album Release

On October 6, the official ARTMS Twitter account shared the first image from HeeJin’s solo debut. In a captivating teaser reveal, HeeJin unveiled the title of her upcoming solo album release, which is simply titled ‘K.’ The teaser image exudes a strong and elegant traditional Korean ambiance, captivating viewers with its captivating visuals.

The choice in aesthetics perfectly aligns with HeeJin’s unique allure and charisma, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the seamless fusion of music and visuals that her upcoming album is poised to deliver.

The announcement of HeeJin’s official solo debut has ignited excitement and anticipation among fans, who are eagerly awaiting the release of her new music. With a confirmed debut date set for October 31, fans can mark their calendars and prepare for what is sure to be a remarkable and memorable solo debut from the talented LOONA member. Stay tuned for further updates and information on HeeJin’s highly-anticipated solo debut as the countdown to October 31 continues.

Explaining The LOONA Legal Drama

In related news, LOONA’s former agency Blockberry Creative is still determined to pursue legal action against the members. The company is actively pursuing an appeal and has initiated a secondary lawsuit currently pending at the Seoul Northern District Court. Off the record, officials from the agency also continue to assert their position, indicating that they are far from ready to admit defeat.

The LOONA legal battle began with Chuu’s decision to initiate legal proceedings, which triggered a chain reaction within the group. Subsequently, HeeJin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, Choerry, HyunJin, Vivi, and others also followed suit, ultimately leading to the effective disbandment of the group.

Following these legal battles, some members have already signed contracts with new agencies and are making preparations to resume their entertainment careers. Furthermore, the remaining members – HaSeul, YeoJin, Yves, Olivia Hye, and Go Won – have also won an appeal at the Seoul High Court, liberating them from the constraints on their entertainment activities.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ITZY Confirms First Drama OST for tvN’s ‘Strong Girl Nam Soon’

ITZY is set to make a significant contribution to the upcoming South Korean drama “Strong Girl Nam Soon” with their first-ever drama OST as a group, titled “Superpowers.”

ITZY Joins “Strong Girl Nam Soon” OST Lineup

Scheduled for release on October 8 at 6 PM KST, “Superpowers” serves as part of the OST for tvN’s new Sat-Sun drama, “Strong Girl Nam Soon.” The track promises to be an upbeat and energetic dance number that perfectly encapsulates the impressive strength and spirited personality of the main character, Kang Nam Soon.

“Strong Girl Nam Soon” is an eagerly anticipated television series featuring a star-studded cast, including Lee Yoo-mi in the title role. The drama is a spin-off of the popular 2017 series “Strong Girl Bong-soon.” This time, the story follows Gang Nam-soon, who is revealed to be the cousin of Do Bong-soon (Park Bo-young) from the original series.

Nam-soon, like her cousin, is gifted with extraordinary superhuman strength, which she inherited from her mother and grandmother. The series explores her journey as she navigates her life with this unique ability, promising an entertaining and action-packed storyline.

ITZY’s “Superpowers” is set to enhance the drama’s narrative by providing a captivating and fitting theme song for Kang Nam Soon, who possesses exceptional abilities similar to those of Do Bong-soon. The collaboration between ITZY and “Strong Girl Nam Soon” is eagerly awaited by fans, as it marks the group’s first venture into drama OSTs, adding to their ever-expanding musical portfolio. With their empowering music and catchy tunes, ITZY is sure to amplify the excitement and energy of the drama’s storyline and characters, making “Superpowers” a highly anticipated release.

In related news, ITZY was scheduled to perform the highly anticipated Superpop 2023. However, the event was cancelled after a portion of the stage collapsed just a few days before the concert. Nine out of the thirteen workers present were injured during the accident.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

LOCO Confirms 2nd Full Album ‘WEAK’

Renowned artist LOCO is making a triumphant return with his highly-anticipated 2nd full album, “WEAK,” marking a significant milestone in his musical journey. This would be the rapper’s first full-length effort in almost six years.

LOCO Confirms 2nd Full Album For October Release

“WEAK” is a remarkable achievement as it marks LOCO’s first full-length album in six years since his debut full-length album, “BLEACHED,” which was released in 2017. The 2nd full album is set for release on October 17, 2023.

To build anticipation for this momentous comeback, AOMG, the label representing LOCO, has unveiled captivating image teasers across its official social media platforms. In these teasers, LOCO dons a striking appearance with his red-dyed hair, piercings, and an intriguing “WEAK” inscription engraved on his head. These unconventional visuals have piqued curiosity and excitement among fans, also hinting at the unique direction of his upcoming album.

Having solidified his position as a leading figure in the domestic hip-hop scene, LOCO has consistently delivered trendsetting music that resonates with fans. This summer, he also released his first single in over a year, titled “INEEEDYOURLOVE,” showcasing his distinct musical style through both the title track and the b-side “VOLVO.”

With LOCO’s return to the music scene this season, expectations are running high as fans eagerly await the unveiling of the tracks featured in his long-awaited full-length album, “WEAK.” As a talented and influential artist, LOCO’s music also continues to captivate audiences and shape the landscape of contemporary hip-hop in South Korea and beyond.

In related news, LOCO recently opened up about his married life. The rapper dropped the surprise news last year confirming he is tying the knot with a civilian woman. Although he has kept silent since getting hitched, LOCO has opened up about his marriage and also discussed how he met his lovely wife.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TVXQ Announces December Comeback for 20th Anniversary

TVXQ is getting ready for a December comeback! The legendary idol group is set to commemorate their remarkable 20th debut anniversary with a highly anticipated new album, concert, and exhibition later this year!

TVXQ Confirms December Comeback and Massive Year-End Showcase

SM Entertainment announced on October 5th that TVXQ will be launching a new album, hosting a concert, and organizing an exhibition to celebrate their 20th debut anniversary. The agency also confirmed that the group is set for a December comeback this year.

TVXQ, who made their debut in December 2003 with the chart-topping single “Hug,” will reach their momentous 20th debut anniversary on December 26th. To honor this significant occasion, TVXQ has decided to express their gratitude to the devoted fans who have showered them with love and support over the years by presenting a full-length ninth album.

The theme of their upcoming anniversary celebration is aptly named “20&2 (20th Anniversary & 2 Members).” Through their musical activities, TVXQ also intends to reflect on the meaningful two decades they have spent together and offer fans a glimpse of the exciting journey ahead, led by the duo consisting of Yunho and Changmin.

This forthcoming full-length ninth album marks their first new Korean release in approximately five years, following the launch of “New Chapter #1: The Chance of Love.”

In anticipation of their highly awaited comeback, TVXQ also unveiled a teaser image adorned with the Cassiopeia constellation, which also symbolizes their dedicated fan club. This teaser image has only heightened the excitement surrounding their return to the music scene.

As the K-pop industry anticipates this momentous comeback, TVXQ’s 20th debut anniversary is also bound to be a spectacular celebration that fans around the world will eagerly embrace.

TVXQ began as a five-member boy band composed of members U-Know Yunho, Max Changmin, Hero Jaejoong, Micky Yoochun, and Xiah Junsu. After Hero, Micky, and Junsu left the group, Yunho and Changmin continued to promote as a duo.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Wonder Girls’ Yubin and Tennis Player Kwon Soon Woo Confirm Breakup

Yubin and Kwon Soon Woo have officially parted ways, marking the end of their relationship. The Wonder Girls member confirmed the news after removing the national tennis player’s photos from her social media account.

Kim Yubin’s Agency Confirms Wonder Girls Member’s Breakup With National Tennis Player Kwon Soon Woo

On October 5, rrr Entertainment, Yubin’s agency, confirmed the news, stating, “It is true that Yubin [and Kwon Soon Woo] recently broke up. They have mutually decided to maintain a supportive friendship.”

The former Wonder Girls member and professional tennis player Kwon Soon Woo had initially confirmed their romantic relationship in May, which had garnered attention and support from their respective fanbases. However, the breakup had been a subject of speculation as observant fans noticed that the couple had deleted their shared photos and unfollowed each other on Instagram.

Kim Yubin, the founder and CEO of RRR Entertainment, first gained prominence as a member of the South Korean girl group Wonder Girls. The group was formed in 2007 under JYP Entertainment and remained active until its disbandment in 2017. Yubin embarked on her solo career in 2018, making her debut with the single “Lady.” Since then, she has continued to release music and expand her presence in the entertainment industry.

Kwon Soon Woo has represented South Korea in the 2017 Davis Cup. He also represented South Korea at the 2022 Davis Cup Finals and recorded his first victory over a top-20 player by defeating world No. 13, Félix Auger-Aliassime. After a six-month hiatus, he returned to the 2023 US Open. Although he was eliminated in the first round out, Kwon had protected ranking.

While the couple’s decision to go their separate ways may come as a disappointment to some fans, it is reassuring to know that they have chosen to remain friends and offer encouragement to each other in their respective endeavors.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

aespa’s Winter Claps Back at Fan Complaining About Dear U. Bubble Absence

Being a K-pop idol is a great job but it also has a lot of demands. For instance, idols are expected to interact with their fans whenever they can. In the case of Winter, one particular fan tried to get the aespa member to interact with them on Dear U. Bubble. Interestingly, the idol had a classy clapback at the demanding fan.

Several SM Entertainment artists have recently expanded their presence on the Weverse platform, allowing for increased interaction with fans through the fan forum community, free of charge. However, despite this expansion, aespa continue to use the Dear. U Bubble service to communicate with their fans.

Dear. U Bubble is a subscription-based service where fans pay a monthly fee to receive exclusive messages from their favorite idols, as well as the opportunity to send replies. Given the paid nature of this service, fans often have expectations regarding the frequency of messages and interactions.

aespa Fan Tries To Get Winter To Return To Bubble

One fan, in particular, expressed their discontent on Weverse, sharing a screenshot of Winter’s last message on Bubble and urging her to send a new one. They persistently requested messages from a specific time frame between 5:32 pm and 5:54 pm. Despite the fan’s somewhat demanding tone, Winter responded to one of their posts at 6:15 pm, displaying remarkable professionalism and courtesy in her reply.

Winter‘s graceful handling of the situation deserves commendation. Despite the fan’s initial rudeness and insistence, Winter remained composed and responded in a polite manner. Her ability to handle such interactions with grace and professionalism reflects well on her as a star and demonstrates her dedication to maintaining a positive connection with her fans. Kudos to Winter for her exemplary response!

In related news, aespa and American footwear brand Crocs recently teamed up to launch its limited edition “Stomp Clogs”.

Exit mobile version