Author: Kpop News Writer

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“EXchange 3” Couple Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung Gets Back Together

Another couple from the TVING original series “EXchange 3” has gotten back together after the show, Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung. On July 17, Lee Joo Won uploaded a new video on his YouTube channel, holding a Q&A session with fans. In response to numerous questions about his ex, Lee Seo Kyung, Lee Joo Won shared their journey.

Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung rekindle their relationship after resolving misunderstandings post-filming

Lee Joo Won revealed, “After the filming wrapped up, we returned home and talked out our misunderstandings. We went to a barbecue restaurant that we used to go to together, and we talked.” This candid conversation allowed them to address issues that had arisen during the show.

He continued, “We used to rely on each other, but while filming the program, a lot happened, and some misunderstandings arose, so there was a point when we grew distant. But in the end, we now see each other more often and try to help each other out when we can, and we are doing well while being cautious. There were a lot of ups and downs, but we are seeing each other with good feelings. The three weeks that we spent on the show weren’t everything. We learned a lot even after the show, and we each reflected on our mistakes. I would be grateful if everyone cheered us on.”

As of now, four couples have reunited either through or after “EXchange 3.” Lee Yoo Jung and Choi Chang Jin, as well as Seo Min Hyung and Gong Sang Jung, got back together at the end of the program. Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin announced their new relationship status on July 4. These reunions highlight the show’s impact on rekindling relationships and resolving past misunderstandings.

The journey of Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung, in particular, showcases the power of communication and reflection. Their decision to address their issues head-on and support each other moving forward is a testament to their commitment. Fans of the show and the couple are eagerly cheering them on as they navigate this renewed chapter in their relationship.

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British Band Shakatak Accuses NewJeans of Plagiarism

British band Shakatak is facing online backlash after accusing NewJeans’ song “Bubble Gum” of plagiarizing their 1981 hit “Easier Said Than Done.” According to an exclusive media report, Shakatak’s representatives accused ADOR of copyright infringement. However, ADOR’s Min Hee Jin denied the allegations and demanded a credible analysis report.

The accusation of plagiarism against NewJeans’ “Bubble Gum” by Shakatak has sparked significant online controversy

On July 19th, Shakatak announced that their publishing company, Wise Music Group, is handling the plagiarism case. They have employed a musicologist to investigate further and have sent a letter of claims. An exclusive media report on July 18, KST, detailed that Wise Music Group sent a Letter of Claim to multiple recipients, including ADOR, HYBE Labels, and the Korea Music Copyright Association.

The letter stated, “We have confirmed that ‘Bubble Gum,’ composed and written by 250, Oscar Bell, Sophie Simmons, and Gigi, uses components of ‘Easier Said Than Done’ by Shakatak without permission.” Wise Music Group demanded immediate actions, including halting the sale of “Bubble Gum.”

Additionally, Wise Music Group asked for a detailed account of all profits from “Bubble Gum,” a legal change in ownership, a seal, and compensation for damages. They provided a list of components they believe indicate copyright infringement.

ADOR responded, “This letter was received and answered by the law firm representing ‘Bubble Gum’s’ composers. We do not believe ‘Bubble Gum’ used Shakatak’s composition without permission. We have demanded Shakatak present a credible analytical report with clear evidence.”

Shakatak’s legal team has indicated they will forward an analytical report soon, but Wise Music Group has yet to take further action. Meanwhile, the online community has erupted with debates and discussions, with fans defending NewJeans and others scrutinizing the plagiarism claims. Both sides are awaiting the next steps, and the music community is closely watching how this situation will unfold.

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K-DRAMA K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES

IU and Jo Jung Suk Recalls Working Together in ‘IU’s Palette’ Vlog

IU and Jo Jung Suk shared a heartwarming reunion on the latest episode of “IU’s Palette.” The episode featured Jo Jung Suk as a guest, promoting his upcoming film “Pilot,” and reminiscing about his past work with IU.

IU and Jo Jung Suk reflect on their time together during a heartwarming reunion on “IU’s Palette”

Reflecting on their collaboration in the hit 2013 drama “You Are The Best,” IU reminded viewers that the series marked the first leading roles for both actors. Expressing her gratitude, IU revealed that she recently sought Jo Jung Suk’s acting advice for a scene in her 2023 film “Dream.” She shared how he recorded different versions of her dialogue, saying, “I was so touched. How could I ever repay you?”

Jo Jung Suk responded, “I was a bit impressed. Regardless of who has more experience, we’re colleagues, and it’s not easy to ask for that kind of advice from a fellow actor. I was really impressed by that attitude and mindset, so I wanted to be helpful in any way I could.”

The reunion episode was filled with fun behind-the-scenes stories from “You Are The Best.” The two stars also participated in the show’s signature cover segment. IU performed “Aloha” and “I Like You,” popular remakes by Jo Jung Suk from the “Hospital Playlist” soundtrack, while Jo Jung Suk sang IU’s recent hit ballad “Love wins all.”

Fans enjoyed seeing the chemistry between IU and Jo Jung Suk as they shared their experiences and showcased their musical talents. The full episode is available with English subtitles, featuring IU’s performance at 21:10 and Jo Jung Suk’s cover at 28:30.

This delightful reunion not only highlighted their strong professional bond but also provided fans with a nostalgic trip down memory lane. As both stars continue to thrive in their careers, their heartfelt interaction on “IU’s Palette” serves as a testament to their enduring friendship and mutual respect.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Park Ju Hyun Is a Child of Adoptive Parents in “Perfect Family”

Park Ju Hyun, known for her acting skills, is set to star in the new drama “Perfect Family.” In this series, she portrays a child raised by adoptive parents, which will tackle the conflicts of adoption in familial relationships. The show promises to offer a deep, empathetic look into the lives of adoptive families, a theme not often explored in mainstream media.

Park Ju Hyun takes on an exciting role in the upcoming drama, exploring the complexities of adoption and family dynamics

“Perfect Family” follows a young woman, Park Ju Hyun, navigating her identity and sense of belonging within her adoptive family. The actress’ character faces challenges in understanding her past and integrating it with her present. This will offer viewers an emotional journey of what it means to be part of a family.

In the drama, the creators will emphasize the importance of portraying adoption with sensitivity and accuracy. They aim to highlight the real experiences of adoptive families and the unique bonds they share. Park Ju Hyun’s involvement in the project brings depth and excitement, known for her versatile performances, like in “Extracurricular.”

Additionally, critics and fans are eagerly anticipating “Perfect Family” for its storyline and performances. Park Ju Hyun’s previous roles have shown her ability to convey complex emotions and connect with audiences on a personal level, making her perfect for this role. The drama encourages conversations about adoption and a better understanding of the adoptive experience. By highlighting these stories, “Perfect Family” fosters empathy and appreciation for diverse forms of family.

With its release, “Perfect Family” is poised to be a significant addition to family dramas. Park Ju Hyun’s portrayal of an adopted child promises to be poignant and inspiring, making the series a must-watch for fans of heartfelt and meaningful storytelling.

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MLD Entertainment Struggles With Unpaid Wages

MLD Entertainment, the agency behind the once-popular girl group Momoland, is dealing with major financial issues. These problems have led to significant unpaid wages for their employees. According to Maeil Business Newspaper’s Star Today, the company has repeatedly missed payroll deadlines, causing most staff members to resign. Now, fewer than five employees are still with the company.

Those who left due to unpaid wages haven’t received their severance pay either. Complaints filed with the Labor Office have resulted in only partial compensation.

MLD Entertainment over the years

MLD Entertainment, established in 2015, gained fame with Momoland’s hits like “Bboom Bboom,” “BAAM,” and “Yummy Yummy Love.” Unfortunately, Momoland disbanded on January 27, 2023. Besides Momoland, the company launched groups such as T1419 (rebranded as TFN), Lapillus, and Horizon. However, none have reached significant success. CEO Lee Hyung-jin is currently focusing on managing the Filipino group Horizon, which is based in the Philippines. TFN, which debuted in January 2021, started disbanding in February this year.

Last year, singer Gil joined the company as a producer and artist but has remained inactive. He was recently involved in a controversy related to singer Kim Ho-joong’s DUI incident in May. MLD clarified that Gil was only a witness and not involved in any wrongdoing. Veteran singer Lee Seung-chul also joined MLD Entertainment in 2022.

The financial instability and management problems at MLD Entertainment highlight the challenges the company faces. This situation raises serious concerns about its future operations and overall stability. Immediate intervention is necessary to resolve financial issues and protect the remaining employees’ welfare.

Despite these challenges, MLD Entertainment has introduced a new group, NewID. This group will bring fresh energy to the company, offering hope for a turnaround. Fans are eager to see if NewID can revive MLD’s reputation with their promising talent. Their debut is highly anticipated and may mark a new chapter for MLD Entertainment.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NewJeans Declines HYBE Exhibition Invitation Amid Controversy

NewJeans has declined the invitation to participate in the Grammy Museum’s ‘HYBE Exhibition,’ stirring controversy and speculation about internal conflicts within their management. The exhibition, which is set to run from August 2 to September 15, was supposed to feature a prominent display dedicated to NewJeans.

NewJeans’ absence from the Grammy Museum’s ‘HYBE Exhibition’ fuels attention to HYBE x ADOR dispute

The Grammy Museum offered NewJeans a central position in the exhibit, making them the first thing visitors would see. HYBE, the parent company, communicated this offer to ADOR, NewJeans’ label, expressing a strong desire for the group to be included. Despite this, ADOR declined the invitation, citing insufficient representation of NewJeans in the overall exhibition.

Additionally, this decision has led to widespread attention to the conflict between HYBE and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. Fans and industry insiders have noticed NewJeans’ absence from recent HYBE events, including Weverse Con. While HYBE attributed NewJeans’ absence to their busy schedule and preparations for overseas activities, other artists managed to attend, leading to questions about ADOR’s cooperation with HYBE.

However, the controversy has not gone unnoticed. The public has continuously been pointing fingers at ADOR’s leadership for not supporting HYBE’s initiatives. HYBE responded to the situation by stating that the decision was made by the label, indicating that it was ADOR’s independent choice.

The ‘HYBE: We Believe In Music’ exhibition celebrates the history and achievements of HYBE and its artists. Despite the absence of NewJeans, the exhibition is expected to draw significant attention and highlight the contributions of other major HYBE artists.

In related news, Min Hee-jin is under investigation for embezzlement, intensifying public attention and the ADOR CEO’s dispute with HYBE. Sources close to the investigation report that Min Hee-jin faces thorough questioning about her handling of finances and particular transactions identified by HYBE’s internal audit team. However, her representatives argue that the company’s share structure prevents any possibility of a takeover and maintain that she has never engaged in embezzlement.

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PLAVE Partners With HYBE Labels for Japanese Activities

PLAVE is set to officially debut in Japan. Earlier this year, VLAST Entertainment CEO Lee Seong-gu admitted that he and the members want to expand their presence beyond their homeland. “We don’t know if it’ll happen this year, but we’re focusing on PLAVE’s overseas expansion, hoping to receive love beyond Korea.” Now, their dream is becoming a reality with the help of an influential partner.

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘왜요 왜요 왜?’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

‘Glocalization’

VLAST Entertainment recently announced, “We have signed an agreement with HYBE Japan for the Japanese debut and activities of our group PLAVE. We anticipate high-quality activities in Japan through this collaboration with HYBE Japan, who has a deep understanding of the Japanese market.”

Earlier this year, rumors were rife that HYBE had acquired VLAST Entertainment, but Lee cleared them up at a press conference. “The rumors about HYBE acquiring us are false. They invested small stakes to help us with overseas expansion, not for funding purposes.”

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘Watch Me Woo!’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

HYBE Japan will now support PLAVE’s activities. The contract HYBE Japan signed with VLAST Entertainment is the largest of its kind among artists outside HYBE Labels. Its confidence that PLAVE will find success in Japan played a key role in finalizing this agreement. VLAST Entertainment will now actively promote the five-member virtual boy group in the Land of the Rising Sun by working very closely with HYBE Japan.

HYBE Japan employs a ‘glocalization’ strategy, leveraging HYBE‘s global expertise while understanding the Japanese market. They manage strategic planning for K-pop artists in Japan, including music distribution, concerts, product planning and sales, IP-related businesses, content production, media bookings, and PR. PLAVE now has all that and more on their side as they begin promoting in Japan.

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘WAY 4 LUV’ | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

About PLAVE

PLAVE, consisting of Yejun, Noah, Bambi, Eunho, and Hamin, quickly gained popularity in Asia since their debut in March 2023. Their second EP, ASTERUM:134-1, topped HMV & BOOKS Japan’s K-pop sales charts for the first half of 2024. Its title track, “WAY 4 LUV,” not only entered the top ranks of South Korean music charts but also made them the first-ever virtual group to win No. 1 on MBC’s Show! Music Core.

PLAVE is known for their advanced use of motion capture technology combined with high-quality visuals and direction. They also garnered much love from fans through interactive live broadcasts. As a self-producing group, all members participate in songwriting, composing, and choreography, showcasing their musical talent and vocal prowess. 

PLAVE(플레이브) ‘니가 사는 그집’ (원곡 : 박진영) | AliExpress 2024 Weverse Con Festival

On April 13 and 14, PLAVE successfully held their first solo fan concert, Hello, Asterum!, at the Olympic Hall in Seoul. The presale saw 70,000 users accessing the ticketing site simultaneously, resulting in a complete sell-out.

Lee expressed gratitude to the fans, “Last year, despite our efforts, nothing worked out. We couldn’t get on shows or receive any offers. Now, thanks to the fans’ love, we are receiving many proposals for TV and commercial appearances. We are very thankful.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Thanks to HYBE, PLAVE will finally get to do something they’ve dreamed of doing since debut. Source: X/@plave_official.

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HYBE Creates Team Korea Cheer Lightstick for the Paris Olympics

The iconic cheering culture of K-pop is set to debut at the Paris Olympics. HYBE created the Team Korea Cheer Lightstick to support the South Korean national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, in collaboration with the Korea Sports Association (KSA) and its president, Lee Ki-heung. 

In K-pop, lightsticks are an essential part of fan culture. Each K-pop group has its own unique lightstick design and colors, symbolizing the group’s identity. Fans bring these lightsticks to concerts and other events to show their support. During performances, coordinated displays of lightsticks create a visually stunning sea of lights that enhances the experience for fans and artists alike. This fosters a stronger sense of community among fans and provides powerful encouragement to the artists. 

Now, with the Team Korea Cheer Lightstick, supporters of the Korean national team can offer similar encouragement to athletes at the Paris Olympics. Inspired by the Olympic torch, the lightstick features a transparent top housing the Team Korea logo, symbolizing the identity of the Korean team. The light-emitting part below the logo resembles an Olympic stadium, creating a ripple effect when illuminated. The athlete’s version includes a taegukgi (Korean flag) at the top.

Hybe, may pa-light stick sa Team Korea na sasabak sa 2024 Paris Olympics

Spreading the lightstick culture

HYBE will give 500 lightsticks to the Korean team. They will also distribute approximately 4,500 lightsticks to supporters participating in group cheering events at the Korea House in Paris. There, hundreds of people, including athletes’ families and various dignitaries, will gather to watch and cheer for the Korean team while waving their lightsticks in the air.

SEVENTEEN’s subunit BooSeokSoon or BSS (composed of Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi) will also do its part to support Team Korea. BSS will lead the Team Korea Cheer Challenge with their hit single “Fighting.” A challenge video was released on the Korea Sports Council’s Instagram and other social media channels on the 10th, followed by relay challenge videos by the national team.

@ksocpr

부석순이 2024 파리올림픽에 나서는 팀코리아 선수들을 응원합니다!💙 부석순과 함께 팀코리아 선수들을 응원해주세요! 팀코리아 파이팅 해야지!💪 @SEVENTEEN 다음 챌린지를 진행해주실 펜싱 오상욱 선수@ohsu.o_o 와 근대5종 전웅태 선수 @jun__oo__ !! 함께 응원해주세요!🥰 #팀코리아파이팅해야지 #파이팅해야지 #2024파리올림픽 #팀코리아 #TEAMKOREA

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – 대한체육회 – 대한체육회

During the Olympics, HYBE will provide video content by its artists to the Korea House, which serves as the Korea Promotion Center. This will include music videos and variety content from HYBE Labels artists, as well as displays of the lightsticks and official merchandise. A photo event featuring Wootteo, a character made for BTS member Jin’s hit single “The Astronaut,” will also be part of the attractions. Finally, HYBE will also produce ‘cheer slogans’ as official merchandise for Team Korea, supplied to the KSA.

HYBE stated, “Spreading the lightstick culture from K-pop to the international sports arena represents a meaningful initiative for HYBE as an entertainment company. The lightstick’s value in connecting people with a single light aligns perfectly with the unified cheering culture of the Olympics.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The lightsticks look so cool, especially the athlete’s version! Source: X/@gureumsai0217.

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BTS’s Jin Reportedly Filming Self-Produced Content for Summer Release

BTS’s Jin is gearing up to engage with fans through self-produced content. Ten Asia reported on the 8th that the K-pop superstar is working on a project revolving around hiking. Recently, Jin went to Jeju Island, where he climbed Hallasan with several cameras. He planned this content himself in collaboration with his agency BigHit Music.

@bts_army_ghie0t7

Spotted..JIN in hallasan mountain hiking in jeju.. #btsarmyforever💜💜💜 #jin #🥰🥰🥰 #tiktok🇵🇭🇸🇬

♬ DI BAT IKAW REMIX – J E L A I🇵🇭

All about Hallasan

Hallasan is a shield volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea, located on Jeju Island. Rising to an elevation of 1,947 meters or 6,388 feet, it’s a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers in general. 

Hallasan is the centerpiece of Hallasan National Park, which features a variety of flora and fauna, scenic trails, and volcanic landscapes. The mountain also holds cultural and spiritual significance. It’s often referred to as one of the three main mountains in South Korea, along with Jirisan and Seoraksan. Its crater lake, Baengnokdam, meaning “white deer lake,” is one of its most notable features.

People can and frequently do climb Hallasan. There are several well-maintained trails leading to the summit, all of which have different levels of difficulty. The two main trails are the Seongpanak Trail and the Gwaneumsa Trail. The Seongpanak Trail is longer but slightly less steep, typically taking 4-5 hours to ascend. Meanwhile, the Gwaneumsa Trail is shorter but steeper, and hikers who choose it usually take 5-6 hours to get to the top. That said, both trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. 

If you want to hike up Hallasan like Jin, it’s important to start your ascent early. Access to the summit is restricted in the afternoon to ensure hikers have enough daylight to complete their descent safely. The trails are usually open year-round, though conditions can vary with the seasons, so it’s advisable to check the weather and trail conditions before planning a hike.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea’s Highest Peak on Jeju Island 한라산

What else is Jin up to?

In addition to his hiking project, Jin visited his old high school to film more content. The release date for all of it has yet to be confirmed. According to BigHit Music, “Detailed information about our own content will be revealed later.”

Jin is also expected to appear on the variety show Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island. It’s an MBC show where celebrities and guests travel to remote islands to renovate abandoned houses into makeshift hotels. Led by TV personality Ahn Jung-hwan, the show’s fixed cast includes singer Boom and newscaster Kim Dae-ho. According to Sports Chosun, Jin has already finished filming his episode, with the broadcast date to be announced soon.

Furthermore, he recently became the new global ambassador of French jeweler Maison Fred. The brand has been around since 1933, but the people behind it never saw the need for an endorser—until now. Perhaps they were simply waiting for someone like Jin to come along.

Finally, Jin expressed excitement for fellow member Jimin’s second solo album MUSE by saying, “Jimin, I’m next. I’m going to sing too.” Rumor has it that Jin will drop his own solo effort in the latter half of 2024. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jin was spotted walking the trails of Hallasan with a camera. Source: X/@nightstar1201.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BigHit Music Announces Pop-Up Event for Jimin’s ‘MUSE’ Album

BigHit Music will hold a special pop-up event to celebrate the release of BTS member Jimin’s second solo album, MUSE. The event, titled MUSE Smeraldo Garden, will take place from July 22 to 28 at the Sikmulgwan Plant House in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

[복합문화공간 강남 카페] 식물관PH Sikmulgwan PH / Seoul cafe

About the venue

Located two bus stops from Irwon Station, Sikmulgwan Plant House is known for its modern design and spacious interiors. When you walk through the doors of this four-story cafe and exhibition space, the first thing you’ll need to do is go up to the counter and pay the admission fee. The fee varies by age, with prices set at 10,000 KRW for adults, 7,000 KRW for teenagers, and 5,000 KRW for children, except those under 36 months who can enter for free.

The fee covers the cost of a drink. You can choose any one of these coffee-based drinks: americano, cafe latte, einspanner, espresso, and vanilla latte, all available hot or iced. There is also a selection of non-coffee drinks, such as Earl Grey tea, lavender lemon soda, matcha cream, organic hibiscus berry, pineapple ginger soda, and freshly squeezed orange juice (exclusively for kids). Desserts like carrot cake and New York cheesecake can be purchased separately.

After paying the admission fee and choosing a drink, you’ll receive a wristband that gives you access to all areas inside Sikmulgwan Plant House. The Foliage Plants Zone and the Glass House are also on the first floor. Lush trees fill the former, while many potted plants are on display in the latter, which is very Instagrammable. The Cafe Lounge is on the second floor, a mezzanine-level area. It serves as a quiet place where people can hang out or read any of the botany books stacked along one wall. The third floor is an exhibition space featuring art from various artists. Finally, the fourth floor is reserved for events, seminars, and workshops. Sikmulgwan Plant House is open on weekdays, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

@bts_official_bighit

🚗➡️🎈➡️🏞️➡️🎹➡️🌹 On the way to ARMY💜 #지민 #Jimin #SGMB #Jimin_MUSE #NewMusic

♬ Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco) – Jimin & Loco

The pop-up will be based on ‘MUSE’

According to BigHit Music, the MUSE Smeraldo Garden pop-up will have a photo zone and various experiential content based on Jimin’s new album. The pop-up will span three floors, each reflecting different concepts and themes the K-pop superstar tackled on MUSE. Fans will be able to leave handwritten messages for him as well. Additional details will be provided to ARMY Membership holders at a later date.

The fictional flower Smeraldo, featured in Jimin’s pre-release track “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” will play a significant role in creating memorable experiences for Jimin and his fans at the pop-up. 

“Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” was released last month and has reached No. 88 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart, marking Jimin’s fifth solo song to appear on the chart. It will soon be followed by “Who,” the title track of MUSE.

Jimin’s MUSE album, set to release on July 19 at 1:00 PM, features six songs. Jimin wrote lyrics for some of the songs and produced two. Knowing that he had creative control over this project is one of the reasons why fans are looking forward to listening to MUSE when it drops. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will you visit the pop-up? Sources: X/@ARMYNation_MX, X/@BTSJMTURKEY.

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