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Bang Si Hyuk Reveals Why BTS Began Releasing English Songs

Bang Si Hyuk is finally revealing the truth behind one of K-pop’s great mysteries. The HYBE chairman shared the real reason why BTS started releasing English-language songs in 2020.

The Real Reason Why BTS Began Releasing English-Language Songs Revealed By Bang Si Hyuk

Bang Si Hyuk was interviewed by Rolling Stone as part of the magazine’s cover story on BTS. In the interview, the BIG HIT MUSIC founder discussed how HYBE decided that the supergroup should release an English song. The company then worked with UK songwriting duo David Stewart and Jessica Agombar for “Dynamite”.

So why did HYBE decide that it was time for BTS to record a song in the English language? Bang Si Hyuk revealed that COVID-19 was the main cause.

“‘Dynamite’ would not have been released if BTS had been on tour as scheduled,” Bang said. “The project was chosen to shift the mood as a response to the pandemic situation.”

Back in 2020, BTS was slated to support the ‘Map of the Soul’ album series with a concert series. The ‘Map of the Soul Tour’ was scheduled to begin in April of that year. However, it was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Bang Si Hyuk, “Dynamite” was the perfect song to comfort ARMYs who were disappointed by the tour cancellation and COVID-19’s global impact. Moreover, Bang believed BTS’ message would be best conveyed in English.

“I thought it matched BTS, and that the song’s trendy vibes would be better expressed if sung in English,” he said.

Hitman Bang was certainly right about that. “Dynamite” debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became BTS’ first chart-topper and they became the first all-South Korean act to earn a number-one single in the US.

The global success of “Dynamite” would then lead to a second English-language single for BTS. “Butter” was released in May 2021 and it also debuted at number one on the Hot 100.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Opens Up About Passing of Beloved Dog Kai

Jennie is finally opening up about a tragedy in her personal life. The BLACKPINK member shared her feeling about the recent passing of her beloved pet Kai. The “Solo” singer also revealed that her other dog Kuma and her mother are greatly affected by the loss.

Jennie Shares True Feelings About The Death Of Her Dog Kai

The dog Kuma was recently the special guest on “Kang Hyung Wook’s Dog Guest Show”. Jennie joined her pet in the episode and discussed several topics with the celebrity dog trainer.

At one point, Kang Hyung Wook asked if the BLACKPINK member had any questions about living with Kuma. Jennie then revealed that she was concerned about Kuma since the death of her first dog Kai.

“Actually…my first dog (Kai) recently died, and Kuma went through a lot,” she said. “I was wondering if there was anything I could do to comfort him.”

“Our family thought Kuma is very depressed…yet it feels like there’s nothing we can effectively do,” Jennie added. “He would mimic everything the other dog did.”

Kang Hyung Wook then assured Jennie that it would only be difficult for Kuma at first. However, the dog will eventually adjust to the change. The dog trainer then turned his attention to Jennie’s other family members.

“But it’s always a lot harder for people. Is your mom okay? It must be very hard for your mother…” he said.

“She is not okay,” Jennie admitted. “We stopped calling each other for a while and we just basically stopped talking.” She further explained that their interactions became too emotional to the point that they would simply cry at the slightest eye contact.

“It also took me a very long time to be able to talk about this openly,” Jennie confessed.

Luckily, Jennie is slowly opening up about her feelings about Kai, who she says was like a little brother to her.

https://twitter.com/BLINKSTATS/status/1662042918717206531

In related news, Jennie’s HBO series ‘The Idol’ premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival which she attended. The show will begin airing on the network on June 4, 2023.

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Rei To Resume IVE Promotions After Temporary Hiatus

Rei is finally ending her temporary hiatus. The IVE member will be reunited with An Yujin, Gaeul, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo for the group’s ongoing promotions.

Rei Finally Resumes Activities With IVE Following Temporary Hiatus In April

Starship Entertainment confirmed Rei’s return in an update posted on the group’s official fan cafe. The agency assured DIVEs that the main rapper is finally feeling better.

“Rei’s symptoms have recently improved greatly and she’s decided to re-join the team and resume activities,” the statement read. The company also confirmed they will continue to monitor Rei’s condition.

“While carrying out their future schedules, we will closely check the health statuses of IVE, including Rei, and do our best to care for our artists,” the statement continues.

“We ask for lots of support for Rei. Thank you,” it concludes.

IVE immediately posted a photo confirming that Rei has reunited with her fellow members. The picture features all six members of the group.

Starship Entertainment announced Rei’s temporary hiatus in April. The IVE rapper then assured her fans in a sweet letter that she shared on the group’s fan cafe.

“After I became a member of IVE, I diligently ran with the best five members hand in hand. Those who were always with me during happy and sad times were the members and DIVE. I have to halt for now but I am putting in the effort so that this time for myself isn’t meaningless,” she wrote.

Rei added, “I think about DIVE and the members every day. I want to know what you guys are doing, if you guys ate, or if there was anything interesting. Because you are all my most precious friends and family.”

IVE is currently promoting their first Japanese EP ‘Wave’ and its title track of the same name which was released on May 9, 2023.

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LOVELYZ Mijoo Postpones ‘Movie Star’ Promos Due To COVID-19

Mijoo will not be able to continue promoting her single album for the time being. The LOVELYZ main dancer has tested positive for COVID-19. This means her ongoing promotions for ‘Movie Star’ will be put on hold for the rest of the month.

Mijoo Tests Positive For COVID-19, Postpones Remaining May Promotions For ‘Movie Star’

Mijoo’s agency Antenna shared the update on her official Twitter account. The company revealed that Lee Seungah was feeling ill on May 26 and immediately had herself checked.

“On May 26 (Friday), Mijoo felt body ache symptoms, and after confirming a positive result on her self-test kit, we immediately visited the hospital where she was diagnosed with COVID-19,” the agency wrote.

Antenna confirmed that Mijoo will not be able to attend several schedules lined up for the rest of the month.

“As a result, Mijoo is unable to attend the live shows of ‘Music Bank’, which she was scheduled to appear in today, as well as ‘Music Core’ and ‘Inkigayo’. We also announce that the fan signings scheduled on May 27 and 28 for the release of [Mijoo’s] single album ‘Movie Star’ have been temporarily postponed,” the statement continued.

“We will make another announcement later on regarding the fan signing as well as Mijoo’s return to activities. We ask for fans’ understanding,” it continues.

The agency also assured fans that Mijoo’s health is their top priority.

“As we comply with quarantine guidelines, we will prioritize the health and safety of our artist and support Mijoo so she may focus on treatment and recovery,” they wrote.

Mijoo debuted with LOVELYZ in November 2014. She decided not to renew her contract with Woollim Entertainment in November 2021 and signed with Antenna in the same month.

In addition to being an idol, Mijoo has also established herself as a successful actress. She appeared in shows like ‘The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop’, ‘Dunia: Into a New World’, and ‘Sixth Sense’.

Mijoo made her solo debut with “Movie Star” on May 17, 2023.

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Jennie Opens Up About Working on ‘The Idol’ With Lily-Rose Depp

Jennie is opening up about her acting debut. The BLACKPINK member spoke about working on ‘The Idol’, sharing how “Euphoria” writer Sam Levinson directed her performance. Jennie Kim also revealed the advice she received from co-star Lily-Rose Depp.

Jennie Opens Up About Making Her Acting Debut In ‘The Idol’

Women’s Wear Daily interviewed Jennie Ruby Jane ahead of her red carpet appearance at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. During the interview, she admitted that being at the festival was overwhelming. Still, Jennie is proud to represent her new series at the event.

“It’s overwhelming, but I’m grateful and thankful. All of those things at the same time,” she said. “Especially as it’s the first step in my acting career, I was honored to be able to come.”

Jennie also revealed that she is a fan of Sam Levinson. “I’ve been admiring Sam’s work for a very long time,” she said. This made it easy to take direction from the “Euphoria” writer.

“I trusted Sam to be collaborative with all the scenes that we would be working on together, because it was about the industry. The fact that it was about the music industry fascinated me, and I thought I could bring something to the role,” Jennie said.

She then revealed that she didn’t have to prepare much for her acting debut.

“It was an opportunity to just be myself and be brave. I didn’t really train for it, or prep anything,” she said. “Sam wanted me to just be myself.”

Still, it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. “It definitely was a challenge, because I’ve never experienced anything like that before. It was like, breaking a wall for me,” Jennie said.

Jennie Reveals Lily-Rose Depp’s Advice on Her Acting Debut

Luckily, the “Solo” singer had the guidance of ‘The Idol’ co-star Lily-Rose Depp, who plays main character Jocelyn in the series.

“She really helped me a lot. Telling me about scenes, and it was very comforting to have her there,” Jennie said of Depp. She also revealed her fellow Chanel ambassador’s advice.

“She just taught me to express myself and be comfortable with myself, to not be scared,” Jennie shared.

‘The Idol’ premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2023. The series will begin broadcasting on HBO on June 4, 2023.

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K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Cha Eun Woo In Talks To Star In Revenge Drama With Kim Nam Joo

Cha Eun Woo could soon be taking revenge, at least, in a new drama. The ASTRO member is currently in negotiations to join the cast of the upcoming series “Wonderful World”.

FANTAGIO Clarifies Cha Eun Woo’s Involvement In New Kim Nam Joo Drama ‘Wonderful World’

StarNews reported that Cha Eun Woo will take on the male lead role in the upcoming drama. However, ASTRO’s agency FANTAGIO has since clarified that the “Island” star’s involvement has not yet been confirmed.

“He is currently in talks for the drama with a favorable outlook, but nothing has been decided,” the statement read.

It’s already a promising update and great news for fans who have been hoping to see Eunwoo in a new drama. Hopefully, there will be new updates about the series soon.

“Wonderful World” is described as a suspenseful revenge drama about a woman who loses her young son in a tragedy. When the law forgives the person responsible for the child’s death, she decides to seek vengeance on her own.

According to reports, veteran actress Kim Nam Joo is already in talks to play the female lead. Kim Kang Woo is also in negotiations to play the husband. “Wonderful World” will be directed by Lee Seung Young who previously worked on “Tracer,” “Voice 2,” and “The Missing”.

Cha Eun Woo is reportedly in talks to play Kwon Sun Yool, a medical student who unexpectedly gets entangled with the female lead. Further details about the character have not yet been revealed.

If Cha Eun Woo accepts the role, it will be one of his first shows for the year. The ASTRO member previously played an exorcist priest in the 2022 series “Island”. He will also appear in the webtoon-based fantasy romance drama “A Good Day to Be a Dog” which begins filming in October. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Chansung Hypes Up 2PM 15th Anniversary Concert

Chansung is getting ready to reunite with his fellow 2PM members. The “Dream High” actor is hyping up 2PM’s upcoming 15th-anniversary concert. Hwang Chan Sung also opened up about becoming a new father and shared his hopes for his baby daughter.

Chansung Confirms 2PM 15th Anniversary Concert Later in 2023

Chansung recently took part in a roundtable interview with the press to promote the finale of his show “Bo-ra! Deborah”. During the interview, the rapper confirmed that 2PM has big plans for their 15th anniversary since their debut.

“We will have an anniversary concert,” Chansung said. “The concert will take place in Korea in September, and overseas in October.”

“Once we begin preparations for the concert, I need to put all my focus into practicing,” he continued. Chansung then revealed that practice is important for him and fellow member Wooyoung.

“Junho doesn’t forget the choreography, but Wooyoung and I, for some reason our brains draw a complete blank,” he said.

“In the beginning, it feels like it’s a choreography I’ve never even seen before, and then it comes back little by little once I start moving to the music, but very slowly,” Chansung added with a laugh.

2PM debuted in September 2008 and although leader Jay Park has left the group, the remaining members still want to continue promoting together.

“We enjoyed our time promoting as a group,” Chansung explained. “We all want to stand on stage as a group time and again.”

“Making time to get together, plan, prepare, and see the fruit of those efforts, those moments are meaningful memories to us and the fans, not to mention our way of repaying our fans for their support,” he added.

Chansung Opens Up About Being A Father To His Look-Alike Baby Daughter

Chansung may have proven himself as an idol and an actor, but he is also proud of his new role as a father. Hwang Chan-sung and his wife welcomed their first child in 2022 and he claims that his daughter looks exactly like him. In addition to that, he has great hopes for his child.

“I hope that by the time my daughter starts school, she will have pride in me and also find me comfortable, and when she grows up, I hope she will know of my hardships,” Chansung said.

He also addressed the possibility of his daughter becoming an artist like him. “If my child wants to in the future, I will consider it,” Chansung said.

“But once her appearance is shown on TV, there’s no going back,” he added. “So I need to take responsibility for her for now, and so I don’t have plans to reveal her to the public quite yet.”

2PM will celebrate their 15th anniversary since their debut on September 4, 2023.

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FEATURES KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

FIFTY FIFTY Confirmed For ‘Barbie’ Original Soundtrack

FIFTY FIFTY will be part of a highly anticipated Hollywood film! The girl group will be part of the ‘Barbie’ movie’s original soundtrack which includes several big names in music.

FIFTY FIFTY Joins Star-Studded ‘Barbie’ OST Line-Up

Rolling Stone revealed the details about “Barbie: The Album”, the official soundtrack of the movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. FIFTY FIFTY is among the seventeen acts confirmed for the soundtrack, which will be produced by Mark Ronson.

“Barbie: The Album” will also include Ava Max, Charli XCX, Dominic Fike, Dua Lipa, GAYLE, HAIM, Ice Spice, Kali, KAROL G, Khalid, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, PinkPantheress, Tame Impala, and The Kid LAROI. Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken in the film, will also have a song on the soundtrack.

‘Barbie’ is directed by Greta Gerwig and will be the first live-action film based on the Mattel fashion dolls. The film stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, respectively. They will be joined by an ensemble cast including Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Dua Lipa, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, and John Cena.

The song that FIFTY FIFTY will contribute to the soundtrack has not yet been revealed. It is unclear if the album will feature an established hit or a completely new track.

In the meantime, FIFTY FIFTY appears to be going strong with the viral hit song “Cupid”.

Back in March 2023, the girl group made history when they became the fastest K-pop group ever to enter Billboard’s Hot 100. “Cupid” charted at No. 100 and it recently made it to the No. 41 spot.

The song is also doing well on the UK Official Charts. “Cupid” reached a new peak at No. 9 on the UK Official Singles Chart. The song is now the first song by a K-pop girl group to crack the top 10.

‘Barbie’ will hit theaters on July 21, 2023. “Barbie: The Album” will be released on the same day.

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BTS’ Jungkook Reveals Interesting Plan Before Military Enlistment

Jungkook is opening up about his impending mandatory military enlistment. The BTS maknae confirmed that he is already thinking about enlisting for military service. In preparation for his enlistment, Jeon Jung-kook revealed his plan that will ease ARMYs into the idea.

Jungkook Discusses Future Military Enlistment

On May 25, Jungkook held a live stream to interact with his fans. During the broadcast, an ARMY commented, “The military loves you.” The “Euphoria” singer agreed, saying, “It’s true.”

Once military was mentioned, Jungkook immediately remembered his fellow BTS members who have enlisted. He pointed out that J-Hope has finally graduated after several weeks of basic training and shared a photo with the idols. The “My Time” vocalist then admitted that Jung Hoseok has grown so much during his training.

“Our Hope hyung recently had a ceremony for completing training,” Jung-kook said. “Hope hyung uploaded a selfie on our group chat, and his eyes became very manly.”

Jungkook then stated that he will also need to fulfill his military obligations in the future. However, he assured ARMYs that he would return in a cool manner.

“Ah, I have to go (to the military), too, though,” he said. “I’ll go and return cooly.”

Jung Kook then shared how he intends to ease fans into the idea of his military enlistment. According to the “Dreamers” singer, he will not cut his hair suddenly. Instead, he plans to cut it shorter gradually until ARMYs get used to the shorter look.

“Rather than cutting all my hair suddenly, I will gradually cut it shorter and shorter,” Jungkook said. “It’s called hair-lighting,” he added, making a play on words from “gaslighting”.

“I will keep cutting my hair shorter until you guys all of a sudden ask, ‘What, when did his hair become so short?’ ‘When did he buzz his hair?’ And so I will make it so that (my short haircut) feels natural,” Jungkook said.

It’s a thoughtful idea that ARMYs immediately appreciated. Fans were grateful that Jungkook is always thinking about how his supporters will feel about his military enlistment.

For now, BIGHIT MUSIC has not yet made an announcement about Jungkook’s mandatory military enlistment. In the meantime, Jin and J-Hope are the two BTS members who are serving their country.

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WINNER’s Kang Seung Yoon Reveals June Military Enlistment Date

Kang Seung Yoon is getting ready for his mandatory military service. The WINNER leader has confirmed his military enlistment date is set for June this year.

YG Entertainment Announces Kang Seung Yoon’s Military Enlistment Date

YG Entertainment released a statement regarding Kang Seung Yoon’s upcoming military enlistment.

“Kang Seung Yoon will be enlisting on June 20 to receive basic military training and is expected to serve as an active duty soldier in the army,” the statement read.

“Respecting Kang Seung Yoon’s wish to enlist quietly, the time and location of his enlistment will remain confidential, and there will be no separate events on the day. We kindly ask for your understanding,” it continued.

“We would like to ask for your warm encouragement and love until the day Kang Seung Yoon fulfills his duty of national defense and returns in good health,” the statement added. “Our agency will also continue to fully support and show love for Kang Seung Yoon as well as the other WINNER members.”

Yoon will be the fourth and final member of WINNER to enlist for mandatory military service. Fellow member Mino also began his military enlistment as a social service agent on March 24, 2023.

In 2013, Seungyoon, Jinu, Hoony, Mino, and former member Taehyun competed as Team A in the Mnet survival program “Win: Who Is Next”. They were dubbed WINNER after winning the program. They officially debuted in August 2014 with the lead singles “Empty” and “Color Ring”.

In addition to being an idol, Yoon also ventured into acting. He appeared in the web series “We Broke Up” alongside former 2NE1 member Sandara Park. Yoon would also go on to star in “The Producers”, “Prison Playbook”, “Tomorrow”, and “Kairos”. He currently serves as a mentor on the MBC reality competition show “Fantasy Boys”.

Kang Seung Yoon will begin his mandatory military enlistment on June 20, 2023.

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