Author: Kpop News Writer

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Song Joong Ki Shares Career Ambitions to Act in Hollywood

Song Joong Ki updates fans with new set of photos. Credit: Instagram/Song Joong Ki

Despite being one of the biggest names in South Korean cinema, actor Song Joong Ki shared his ambitions to still try new and diverse genres.

Song Joong Ki, who is currently in the middle of promotions for his new film Hopeless, opened up about his career in a recent group interview with Korean media. 

Interestingly, the actor said that the film served as a new challenge in his acting career. He also mentioned that his appearance in Hopeless is an example of how he still wants to try different genres. “I have a strong desire for it… There is still room for improvement, I’m just giving it a try,” the actor humbly said.

Known for his impressive portfolio including popular dramas Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, Reborn Rich, he’s undeniably one of the biggest actors in Korea from his generation. However, Joong Ki mentioned that he still dreams of stepping into the global scene.

“I’ve been going to global auditions for many years to try out more genres in different cultures and styles,” he stated. The actor also shared that his wife, Katy Louise Saunders, shows her support by arranging meetings and auditions for him. Although the results for the actor were unfavorable.

Song Joong Ki in ‘Hopeless’

Directed by Kim Chang Hoon, Hopeless is a neo-noir thriller drama starring Song Joong Ki. He will be joined by singer Bibi and actor Hong Xa-bin. 

In the film, Joong Ki will play the role of Chi-Geon, a big boss of a criminal gang. Chi-Geon encounters the young boy Yeon-Gyu (played by Xa-bin), who wishes to escape his hellish reality of being a domestic violence and school bullying victim. With the big boss’ sympathy for the teenager, he ends up taking Yeon-Gyu into the world of crime.

With the intriguing plot, Joong Ki stated that the grim subject may have captured European audiences, but he was unsure whether the film would be well-accepted in his home country.

“Hopeless is not a kind movie. I am wondering how general audiences would view it, whether it is a compliment or criticism, I am ready to take it,” Joong Ki said. 

While promoting the film, Joong Ki earned the opportunity to walk in the red carpet of this year’s Cannes Film Festival for the first time in his 15-year career. Such film was screened in the prestigious event’s Un Certain Regard, which is the official selection’s largest sidebar of new films. 

Hopeless is set to hit theaters on October 11.

After that, Song Joong Ki is also set to star in two more films. First is the Netflix original My Name is Loh Kiwan,  and another crime drama Bogota: City of the Lost. As of writing, the release date for both films have yet to be announced.

Featured image: Song Joong Ki updates fans with new set of photos. Credit: Instagram/Song Joong Ki

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KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Fans of Fifty Fifty Boycott Attrakt for Its New Compilation Album

FIFTY FIFTY poses for the concept photo of their song 'Cupid.' Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

As the legal battle between K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY and its agency ATTRAKT continues,  the group’s fandom came in solidarity to support the “Cupid” singers amidst the controversy. 

On Saturday, September 23, the FIFTY FIFTY’s fan union announced a boycott of all merchandise produced by the music label ATTRAKT as a protest against the label’s abuse of the girl group. Such boycott include the group’s physical and digital albums, social media accounts, and paid event tickets.

Moreover, the boycott was prompted after ATTRAKT released a compilation album K-Pop called The Beginning on September 22. Given the circumstances surrounding its release, fans were unhappy with it.

‘The Beginning’ album draws backlash from fans

Despite the immense support for the girl group and their music, the group’s fandom was greatly disappointed and enraged with the poor quality of The Beginning. Which led them to boycott the product yet again.

In a two-minute clip shared by a fan, multiple empty pages in the album were visibly noticed. With the lack of content, some fans stated that it was a waste of money.

Another fan who purchased the album took her sentiments to social media. In a Twitter thread, she listed down all the details regarding the album’s poor quality. First, she pointed out that the photobook had 195 pages in total, and 123 pages of it are either blank, nearly blank, or have irrelevant designs.

Additionally, the user also criticized the reused content with most photos already publicly released, and the repetitive design all throughout the album. Apart from that, the fan also showed pages with random designs that are far from the group’s concept, in an attempt to fill up more space. 

Because of this, fans were quick to note that it’s just another way for ATTRAKT to squeeze money from FIFTY FIFTY fans. For them, the lack of thought and preparation for the compilation album is proof of the company’s negligence to the group.

One fan even harshly commented that The Beginning album might just be the worst K-Pop album in history.

FIFTY FIFTY’s legal battle with ATTRAKT

In June 2023, all four members Aran, Sio, Keena, and Saena filed a preliminary injunction with the desire to suspend their exclusive contract with the agency. Moreover the group revealed that the agency lacked providing them fair treatment and proper income distribution. 

On the other hand, ATTRAKT CEO Jun Hong Joon, stated that a third party named Ahn Sung Il attempted to poach the girl group. Ahn Sung Il is the CEO of The Givers who has the copyright of FIFTY FIFTY’s debut album registered under his name. Upon discovering Ahn’s anomalies, Jun Hong Joon filed a police report accusing Ahn of fraud, breach of trust, and other offenses.

Following the report, the court approved ATTRAKT’s request to put Ahn Sung Il’s copyright revenue on hold. 

With all the contrasting arguments, the group’s heated dispute with the agency remains unresolved.

Featured image: FIFTY FIFTY poses for the concept photo of their song ‘Cupid.’ Credit: Twitter/FIFTY FIFTY

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

What Do BTS’ RM and ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew Have in Common?

At first glance, it may seem like BTS’ RM and ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew share little in common. RM is an established superstar, while Matthew, despite his group selling over a million albums in one week with their debut, is still a rookie. However, a closer look reveals a shared love for the animated classic, Howl’s Moving Castle.

@autumn._rr

I LET OUT THE UGLIEST SOB I LOVE THIS MOVIE #namjoon #kimnamjoon #namjoonie #namjoonpiano #namjoonbts #howlsmovingcastle #studioghibli #bts #btsrm #RM #btsarmy #fyp #fypシ

♬ original sound – Autumn⁷

Howl’s Moving Castle, a 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, has always held a special place in the hearts of Studio Ghibli fans. The film, loosely based on Diana Wynne Jones’s 1986 novel, revolves around Sophie, a young milliner cursed into elderly form, who encounters a wizard named Howl and becomes entangled in his resistance against fighting for the king. The film earned an Academy Award nomination and continues to be celebrated across generations for its stunning visuals and thematic exploration.

RM, renowned for his multifaceted talents, treated fans to piano renditions of the theme from Howl’s Moving Castle. Witnessing him perform the song “Merry Go Round of Life” was a treat for fans of Studio Ghibli, BTS, or both. He initially played the theme in its original format, showcasing his exceptional skills, and later treated fans to a speed-up version, playfully captioning it with “It’s the TikTok era, so speed up.”

What ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ means to Matthew

Meanwhile, Matthew has openly expressed how the song from Howl’s Moving Castle has impacted him. “Every time I listen to it, I feel strangely at ease. I close my eyes and listen carefully as I imagine. At times the sea, other times the sky, and at times green mountains. When I found things hard, I calmed down my mind a lot like that. It’s music that was like a friend who protects me,” the ZEROBASEONE member shared in a previous interview. 

@smtmine

oh my god matthew is such a ghibli fan #seokmatthew #석매튜 #matthew #ソクマシュー #メテュ #fyp #kpop #zerobaseone #ZB1 #howlsmovingcastle

♬ u can use this but give creds – Julia ᥫ᭡

He also sports a Howl’s Moving Castle-inspired tattoo on his right bicep and occasionally wears a ring inspired by the film. During an online fansign, he once recited a line of dialogue from the movie, much to the delight of the fan on the call with him.

The shared admiration for Howl’s Moving Castle between BTS’ RM and ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew highlights the universal appeal of the animated classic and brings fans of different generations together. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Knowing they both love this movie makes them even cooler in our book. Sources: X/@_BTSMoments_ and @0528_files.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids Sells Out Both Days of ‘Unveil 13’ Solo Concert in Seoul

Stray Kids has achieved a significant milestone by successfully selling out both days of their solo concert, Stray Kids 5-STAR Dome Tour 2023 Seoul Special (UNVEIL 13), at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul’s Guro-gu on October 21 and 22. This accomplishment comes five years after their debut, highlighting the group’s substantial growth and escalating popularity.

The performance initially opened ticket pre-sales on the 18th for third-generation fan club members. General ticket sales commenced on the 20th. The rapid sell-out of both performances underscores the group’s widespread appeal and the anticipation surrounding UNVEIL 13. This extended performance title, derived from the word “UNVEIL,” has been a significant part of Stray Kids’ journey. It was introduced in signature teaser content like “UNVEIL: TRACK” and their debut overseas showcase tour UNVEIL TOUR ‘I am…’.

The Gocheok Sky Dome is one of South Korea’s largest indoor venues. Fans eagerly await the group’s performance, expecting a showcase of their unique presence and musical evolution.

Stray Kids is making great strides

In addition to their concert success, Stray Kids made a notable appearance at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held at the Prudential Center in New Jersey, USA, on the 12th (local time). They clinched the Best K-Pop trophy with the title track from their third regular album. Its release marked their third consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The debut performance of “S-Class” on U.S. television and the subsequent high-ranking video on MTV’s official YouTube channel confirmed their popularity in South Korea and beyond.

Furthermore, their third regular album continued to chart on the Billboard 200 chart for 15 straight weeks, setting another record for the group’s longest-ranking period on the chart. This achievement, along with the members of their in-house producing team, 3RACHA (Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han), performing at the 2023 Global Citizen Festival in  New York on the 23rd, showcases Stray Kids‘ rising global prominence. As if that wasn’t enough, their agency recently confirmed that the eight-member group is finally recording new material.

Stray Kids‘ journey from their debut to selling out one of South Korea’s largest venues illustrates their remarkable growth and K-pop’s increasing global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This group just keeps racking up achievements! Source: X/@8KIZS.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

South Korea Debates BTS’ Military Service as E-Sports Stars Get Exemption

South Korea’s recent announcement that e-sports athletes can earn a military exemption by winning gold at the Asian Games rekindled an old controversy involving K-pop titan BTS. In South Korea, any male who wins gold at the Asian Games is exempted from the usual 18-month mandatory military service. With e-sports now being included as a medal event, top-tier players—like team captain Lee Sang-hyeok (also known as “Faker”)—have a lot at stake.

Traditionally, these exemptions have been reserved for elite athletes and classical musicians, reflecting their role in promoting national prestige. However, they are also a point of contention. Official statistics show fewer than 100 “arts and sports” exemptions were passed last year.

To provide some context, Son Heung-min, a renowned footballer and Tottenham Hotspur striker, avoided the full military stint after the national football team secured a gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games. But he still had to undergo three weeks of military training. That’s standard even for those given the right to opt out of full service. “It was a good experience,” he told SpursTV. “The three weeks were tough, but I tried to enjoy it.”

Despite their colossal contribution to the country’s economy and K-pop’s global popularity, BTS weren’t considered for an exemption. Jin, SUGA, and j-hope have enlisted. HYBE, the company behind BTS, has begun hinting at the military enlistment plans for the members who have yet to enlist. In a statement shared by HYBE on September 25, a representative commented, “We will announce the enlistment plans for the remaining BTS members in sequential order within this year.”

Military exemption for successful South Korean gamers reignites debate | WION

The perceived injustice towards BTS

In a 2022 Gallup survey, approximately 33% of South Koreans opposed potential military exemptions for K-pop artists despite the intention to ensure uninterrupted progress for groups like BTS. With e-sports’ Asian Games appearance and South Korea’s dominance in this field, discussions around these exemptions are raging. National team coach Kim Jeong-gyun brushed away questions about it. He said “a sense of duty” of representing South Korea will be the players’ only motivation. But experts say military service exemptions are a “very important issue” for the young athletes.

E-sports was a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games. That was the year South Korea’s League of Legends team lost to China in the final. Revenge is on the players’ minds, but they declined to say if avoiding military service is too. “Five years ago, we had to settle for a silver medal, but this time, we have strong players and many people support us,” Faker said. “I will work hard, believing we will win,” he added.

However, reactions, especially from BTS fans, were mixed. While some lamented the perceived injustice towards BTS, others appreciated the e-sports players’ dedication. They also emphasized that e-sports’ recognition as a sport predates BTS’ global fame. Some fans even alleged that if BTS were granted an exemption, they might not even accept it to avoid potential government “exploitation.”

The debate might simmer down after the Asian Games. But the questions it raises will remain pivotal for years to come. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The debate began all over again due to the Asian Games. Source: Weverse.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Rain Faces Allegations of Real Estate Fraud Worth 8.5 Billion KRW

Actor-singer Rain (real name Jung Ji-hoon) has refuted allegations of an 8.5 billion KRW real estate scam, calling it an attempt to tarnish a celebrity’s reputation. On September 25, his agency, RAIN Company, posted on their official SNS, stating, “The claims related to Rain are false.” They added, “The seller is merely trying to tarnish his reputation excessively just because he is a celebrity.”

@diaryofakpopstan

Then vs now. Why doesn’t he age?! #rain #rainism #kpoptiktok #irishkpop #kpopedit #fyp

♬ Rainism – RAIN

Rain vs. Mr. A

The real estate scam suspicions surrounding Rain came to light through a video released by a YouTuber named Guje Yeok. In the video, Guje Yeok conveyed the stance of informant Mr. A. The latter claimed, “I sued Rain for a real estate scam worth 8.5 billion KRW.”

According to the video, Mr. A had a deal to sell his building in Hwaseong Namyang New Town, Gyeonggi Province, and buy Rain‘s residence in Itaewon, Seoul. During this process, Mr. A expressed his intention to visit Rain‘s residence, but Rain declined due to privacy concerns and only showed photos. Mr. A, who liked the house in the photos, trusted Rain because he is a celebrity and the real estate agency was a big company, finalized the contract. However, Mr. A claimed that the actual building was completely different from the photos shown by the real estate agency.

In response, Mr. A reportedly filed a lawsuit against Rain at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul last month on fraud charges under the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes Act.

@uskpopjrock

RAIN ignores CIIPHER on KCON LA stage #rain #ciipher #blackocean #kcon2023la #blackoceankpop #rainism #fypシ

♬ original sound – uskpop

One controversy after another

Rain’s career, while successful, has been marred by one controversy after another. As a celebrity soldier, Rain was caught in a string of controversies during his service. Once, he and several other active duty soldiers were filmed wearing civilian clothes, using cell phones, and drinking alcohol. The year before, Rain also came under fire following reports of going on dates while on duty.

Earlier this year, he attended KCON LA as a performing guest. While Rain showed off his usual dancing and singing skills, including his firm physique by going topless, the audience members were surprisingly quiet throughout the performance. Some reportedly turned off their light sticks. One netizen speculated that this is because all idol groups managed by Rain end up disbanded or mismanaged.

For context, Rain is known for having actively promoted and trained the idol group MBLAQ, whose music show trophies ended up on sale in flea markets, which angered fans. Recently, Dohwan, Tag, Tan, and Won of Ciipher—another group managed and promoted by Rain—left the group. The remaining three members’ futures remain up in the air. And now, this real estate issue has cropped up.

@neoriizeallday

RAIN BLACK OCEAN (almost) AT KCON LA #kconla2023 #kpop #fypシ

♬ original sound – kpopverse – ࣪˖ 𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙞 ཐིཋྀ

Strong legal action

Rain‘s side has completely refuted Mr. A’s claims. The agency stated, “It’s nonsensical to think someone would buy a house worth tens of billions of won based only on photos. Even if you only look at the building register or the building ledger provided or checked when buying and selling real estate, the buyer’s claims are invalid. You can verify it by looking at the house’s exterior.”

They continued, “We have already secured evidence that the buyer’s claims are untrue. If the buyer files a lawsuit based on false facts, we will submit evidence according to legal procedures. We can only see that the buyer is maliciously tarnishing the reputation.”

Furthermore, they emphasized, “The facts of this case are very clear, and the buyer’s claims are completely disconnected from common sense and reality. We will take strong legal action against such acts targeting celebrities and set a precedent to ensure that such false propaganda and victimization do not occur again.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Rain is facing another controversy. Source: X/@cloudjjhph_.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Midnight Vibes: TXT’s Yeonjun Stays Up Late to Bond With MOAs

Yeonjun, a charismatic member of the K-pop quintet TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), recently connected with fans on Weverse Live. Recognizing the lateness of the hour, he began his broadcast by saying, “If you’re sleepy, you can sleep! It’s OK, go to bed if you’re tired.” He chuckled when one fan said they could bear being sleepy but couldn’t handle missing out on seeing him.

His genuine affection for his fans, known as MOAs, was palpable throughout the chat. “Did I come on too late? I don’t think it’s been that long, though. You’re asking if I’m sleepy? I’m okay! It’s been so long since I was able to stay in and talk to MOAs. It has some sort of midnight vibe, and I love it. If you’re sleepy, put me to the side and sleep. Or you can just watch tomorrow through the replay!”

(FULL ENG SUB) #yeonjun 🦊 Weverse live 25/09/23

Yeonjun is busy with comeback prep

Shifting the focus to TXT‘s activities, Yeonjun provided insights into their preparations for The Name Chapter: FREEFALL. “I’ve been diligently preparing for our comeback. We had schedules all day, but nothing big, just dance practice. The rest of the boys got off work, but I’m still at the company working on music. ‘Were there tough times?’” he said, reading a fan’s comment. “Yes, but I overcame all of them. For this comeback, I’m excited about MOA’s reaction. Just imagining MOA’s smiling and laughing makes my heart flutter and makes me feel thrilled.”

His recent change in appearance also became a topic of discussion. “My hair is pink now. Do you want me to take off my hat? I put it on because I didn’t like how my hair looked, but if MOAs think it looks OK, I don’t mind keeping it off. Let me know if it looks OK. Salmon hair? Oh, it does kind of look like that.”

@txt.bighitent

Respect @kirstendodgen. Respect @JamRepublicAgency. Let’s go @Audrey Lane @lingzhangx @e @Latrice #투모로우바이투게더#TOMORROW_X_TOGETHER #TXT #YEONJUN #JAMREPUBLIC #Anitta #TheNameChapter #FREEFALL #BackforMore

♬ Back for More (Anitta’s Verse) – TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Anitta

A reflective turn

The conversation then took a reflective turn as Yeonjun discussed the Smoke Challenge. For those unfamiliar, the Smoke Challenge originated as a dance choreographed by dancer Bada Lee. It gained widespread popularity, prompting several idols to take on the challenge. However, what was initially intended as something fun soon evolved into a platform for K-pop enthusiasts to engage in spirited discussions about the abilities of their favorite idols. Furthermore, some seized this opportunity to praise those who executed the dance skillfully, often asserting that they possess a natural aptitude for the stage or that elusive “it” factor. Conversely, idols they felt didn’t dance as well faced ridicule, with some fans questioning their talent.

Sharing his thoughts on the matter, Yeonjun said, “I did watch Hueningkai’s smoke challenge, but I have no plans of doing it. I’m kind of half-half on whether I want to do it. I don’t know… it’d be nice to film it, and MOAs would like it, but the meaning of challenges has changed. Not everyone will like it and leave a nice comment. Of course, I’d do it for MOAs, but I don’t know why people argue about who did the challenge better. When did dance challenges become an actual battle? I’ll be honest; I’ve seen negative comments like those. I think Hueningkai did a great job, too. Why do people have to compare?”

@txt.bighitent

THIS you will be Back for More. With @kirstendodgen @Audrey Lane @lingzhangx @e @Latrice @JamRepublicAgency #투모로우바이투게더 #TOMORROW_X_TOGETHER #TXT #YEONJUN #HUENINGKAI #JAMREPUBLIC #Anitta #TheNameChapter #FREEFALL #BackforMore

♬ Back for More (with Anitta) – TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Anitta

Wrapping up

Wrapping up the conversation, he said, “I have to go back home and shower, then sleep, so I’m going to get going now. I’ll be back soon! Do you feel like you’re going to get nightmares? OK, I’ll stay for a few more seconds so you can stare at my face. Look at me for three seconds before you go to bed so I’ll appear in your dreams.”

This intimate conversation was a clear testament to Yeonjun‘s deep bond with MOAs. His genuine care and transparency left fans with a heartwarming experience, eagerly awaiting TXT‘s next moves. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Yeonjun’s latest live broadcast gave new meaning to the term ‘midnight madness.’ Source: X/@txt_sarangdan2.

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K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Here’s How TXT’s Soobin Maintains His Gorgeous Visuals

In an industry where handsome men are a dime a dozen, Soobin‘s visuals stand out. His appearance has garnered attention from fans worldwide, and many are curious about the secrets behind his flawless complexion. During a recent live broadcast on Weverse, the TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) leader shared insights into his beauty regimen. “I think my face looks pretty good today, so it’s okay if I don’t wear glasses today,” Soobin began.

Delving deeper into his routine, he continued, “I do a lot of skincare. Is it a lot? I don’t know, does everyone do this much? I take vitamins that are good for your skin, like vitamin B and C! There’s a face mask called ‘modeling pack,’ and I do that once on days before filming. We had filming today, so I did it yesterday. I do the skincare that I’ve shown in my vlog!”

@yeonjunco

his skin is so pretty #soobin

♬ No Guidance (Remix) – Quise UE

A detailed look into his regimen

In November 2022, he gave fans a detailed look into his regimen. He uploaded a vlog to YouTube where he took his fans, nicknamed MOAs, through his nightly routine while on the worldwide ACT: LOVESICK tour. 

After showering, Soobin begins by applying a generous amount of foam cleanser, scrubbing his skin thoroughly. He then washes off the cleanser and applies moisturizer. On particularly dry days, he also uses a face pack. After the product sets, Soobin washes his face with water and uses two toning pads to smoothen his skin. The routine ends with applying essence, ampoules, and a final layer of face cream.

Expanding on skincare, he added, “But apparently, men don’t use that much toner. Even amongst our members, I think I’m the only one who puts on toner, ampoules, and face cream as a full set. The members just put on face lotion to keep it simple. Some don’t even put on anything. Before debuting, I didn’t either. I’d just wash my face and go to bed, but after debuting, my skin started getting dry, so I started doing skincare.”

[TXT-LOG] SOOBIN IN U.S l 수빈의 브이로그🐰

Soobin on aging and dieting

Beyond skincare, Soobin also touched upon concerns about aging. “I’m worried about something. My skin is super thin, right? I saw this on YouTube, but it said that people with thin skin will show signs of aging faster. I don’t want to grow old. I’ve been thinking about that a lot these days. I’m really sensitive about my skin. If I get even just one spot on my skin, I get so stressed.”

About his dietary habits, Soobin shared, “Diet? I don’t think I’ve been on a diet at all this year. It’s been about half a year since I weighed myself. I haven’t checked my weight since we went overseas on tour, and we left in March, so it’s been half a year. I don’t even know how much I weigh, and if I feel like my face is getting puffier, I just eat less rice.”

@hanahwithonen4

Please argue with me #soobin #soobintxt #txt #haircolor #ranking #rankingsoobinshaircolors

♬ original sound – SendAFriend ✨

Beyond the surface

Soobin is also a big believer in the importance of smelling good. “I asked my friends on our group chat what perfumes they use and to give me recommendations. We’ve decided to meet up in three to four days, so they said they’d bring their own perfumes and give me a tester, and then I’ll pick one and order it!”

Concluding with his hair preferences, he spoke about his hair, “Some people are asking about my hair color. I really wanted to dye my hair because I think dyed hair is better for performances. Black hair is better on the daily, but when it’s styled for performances, black hair might look a little simple, while dyed hair looks charming. But having black hair… I also do want to stop dyeing my hair. Once you dye your hair, it takes a long time for it to recover to its natural state, so it’s a bit difficult, and my hair is weak to begin with. I want to give long hair a try! I don’t want to do it for too long, but just once, I kind of want to!”

Soobin’s dedication to skincare, his candidness about personal concerns, and his ever-evolving style make him a standout in the K-pop industry. As fans continue to admire his visuals, it’s clear that his commitment to self-care goes beyond just the surface. With his insights, many can find inspiration in adopting their own beauty and wellness routines. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Rain or shine, Soobin’s visuals are always on point. Source: X/@txt_sarangdan2.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

FNC to Debut New Boy Group Featuring ‘Boys Planet’ Contestants Jiho and Kamden

 

FNC Entertainment has officially confirmed rumors regarding the new addition to their roster. The company revealed, “Na Kamden and Choi Jiho will join our new seven-member boy group. We are preparing for a debut in November this year,” and added, “We ask for your continued interest and support.” Jiho and Kamden participated in Mnet’s boy band audition program, Boys Planet. 

눈으로 주고 받는 불꽃 튀는 싸움! ‘플래닛 EYE 파이터’

Kamden, originally from Seattle, United States, was a member of the G group in the 2022 edition of Boys Planet. Despite his efforts, he secured the 17th rank and was eliminated in the finale. Before this, he had participated in Wild Idol but was eliminated in the third episode. Fluent in both English and Korean, Kamden, nicknamed “Tofu,” has a twin brother, Na Kade, and the two spent a decade living in the USA. Kamden‘s trainee journey in the music industry spans three years and two months, during which he closely trained with Keeho from P1Harmony.

Jiho also appeared on Boys Planet. He is an all-rounder with solid rap skills and vocals, captivating fans with his sleek and clean visuals. Born on June 10th, 2004, Jiho is a Gemini by zodiac sign and falls under the Wood Monkey in the Chinese zodiac. Standing tall at 182cm (5’11”), Jiho has undergone rigorous training for three years and three months. He is fluent in both Korean and English and holds great confidence in his distinct nose. Jiho looks up to industry stalwarts like G-Dragon and BTS‘s Jimin as his role models.

거기 너! 다른 곳 보지 말고 오직 나 ‘만보기’♡

The new FNC septet

With the addition of Kamden and Jiho, there is growing anticipation for FNC’s next rookie group. Information about the new FNC septet, which is preparing for a debut in November this year, will be released sequentially in the future. As of now, it is not known who will debut in the group alongside Kamden and Jiho.

FNC Entertainment, founded in 2006, is home to many bands and artists, including K-pop rock bands FT Island, CNBLUE, N.Flying, and Hi-Fi Un!Corn; boy band SF9, entertainer Noh Hong-chul, Moon Se-yoon and more. The agency was best known as entertainer Yu Jae-seok and girl group AOA‘s former agency.

The upcoming group will be FNC Entertainment’s first boy band since P1Harmony, which debuted in October 2020. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These two are the latest ‘Boys Planet’ trainees to make their debut. Source: X/@theomoroll.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EVNNE Sells Over 240K Copies of Debut Album in Just One Week

Jellyfish Entertainment’s new boy group, EVNNE, has surpassed 240,000 initial album sales just one week after their official music industry debut. Having released their first mini-album, Target: ME, on the 19th, EVNNE recorded sales of 243,747 copies on the Hanteo Chart, a domestic album sales aggregation site, and also ranked first on the weekly chart.

Before their debut, the EVNNE members had garnered significant attention on every episode of Mnet’s Boys Planet, proving their potential star power. They were put in one team after the show’s finale, setting them on the path to their current success. On the Target: ME release day, EVNNE’s debut simultaneously topped daily and real-time physical album charts. They also made a significant impact on overseas charts, receiving fervent support from domestic and international K-pop fans.

TROUBLE – EVNNE [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 230922

EVNNE continued their winning streak on music shows. So far, they’ve performed on M Countdown, Music Bank, and Show! Music Core. They showed off their teamwork with powerful performances of their first title track, “TROUBLE.” They danced well, sang well, and looked good doing it, too. 

They pulled off diverse styles, from light-colored duds to well-fitting dark suits. In casual clothes, they exuded an energetic, playful vibe; in suits, they had a certain masculine appeal. After each performance, the members’ “ending fairies” captured their unique appeal.

(Interview) Interview with EVNNE [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 230922

EVNNE is set to continue shining

They were brimming with charm on Music Bank as they introduced themselves to the audience. When asked to explain the meaning of their group’s name, Leader Keita said, “EVNNE stands for ‘Evening’s Newest Etoiles.’ It conveys our vow to captivate everyone by shining brightly at the top, like new stars in the night sky.” His words heightened fans’ expectations for their future activities.

EVNNE‘s first mini-album was produced with the intent of turning the seven members into “the targets the public wants.” In addition to the title track, Target: ME has five other songs, all of which are certified bops: “Role Model,” “Pretty Thing,” “Your Text,” “JUKEBOX,” and “Even More.”

With a successful first week behind them, EVNNE is set to continue shining in the K-pop world. They’re definitely on their way to earning the coveted “super rookies” title! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Don’t the suits suit them? Source: X/@EVNNE_official.

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