Author: Kpop News Writer

Stray Kids‘ leader, Bang Chan, has been a consistent figure in the world of live broadcasts. Since 2019, fans eagerly awaited his weekly YouTube Live show, Chan’s Room, where he chatted with fans, played songs, and sometimes hosted guests. Due to the way he hosted it, STAYs came to regard the show as a safe place.

However, since May 14, 2023, the popular broadcast has been noticeably absent from the internet. This hiatus coincided with an episode in which Bang Chan shared his experiences at the Music Bank show in Paris. In that episode, the idol revealed his surprise at some of his peers not greeting their sunbaes, which he considers basic manners. 

Although he didn’t name names, fans worldwide speculated on possible culprits, with groups like IVE being mentioned. This led to some artists facing severe criticism, while Bang Chan was praised for being honest. Following the controversy, Bang Chan took to Instagram to apologize. He clarified he never intended to target specific artists and expressed regret for any offense caused.

The hiatus of Chan’s Room has led to STAYs criticizing JYP Entertainment, with many believing the company is behind the decision. A clip from a fan meeting seemed to confirm these suspicions, with Bang Chan saying, “I can’t do Chan’s Room anymore. So, uh, I actually want to, but the company said no.”

Did Bang Chan address the controversy?

This news ignited a firestorm of criticism towards JYP Entertainment, with plenty of fans trending hashtags like #JYPELeaderOfDisappointment, and #JYPEPROTECTSKZ. Some directed their ire at Division 1, the JYP Entertainment department in charge of managing Stray Kids. They did this with the hashtag #DIVDISBAND. Other fans mobilized protest trucks to express their anger.

In a recent twist, Bang Chan seemingly addressed STAYs’ concerns on the fan community platform Dear U Bubble. He posted a photo of himself with a towel wrapped around his head. He also wrote, “Why upload now? Because it’s my decision lol.” He further emphasized, “Everything is my decision, my rules—hahahahahahahaha.” Some believe that was his way of saying that pausing his broadcasts was his decision. Others aren’t convinced.

https://twitter.com/rainbecomestars/status/1696618833191051721

While some fans remain skeptical, many hope for a resolution that sees the return of Chan’s Room. A harmonious relationship between Bang Chan, Stray Kids, their management, and the fans wouldn’t go amiss, either. But only time will tell whether that’ll happen or not. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Bang Chan made fans worldwide happy through Chan’s Room, so they’re all fighting to get it back. Source: Twitter/@sweetestdua.

Hueningkai of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) recently took to Weverse, offering fans a candid glimpse into his life, thoughts, and more. This live stream served as an intimate bridge between the K-pop idol and MOA, revealing facets of his personal and professional lives.

When he began the session, Hueningkai mused about the fleeting nature of summer, saying, “Hello! I just wanted to chat today. We had dance practice and a video call fansign. I started this stream right after it ended. Are you still at school even though it’s 9:00 PM? Oh, you’re coming from an after-school academy? I see. The new semester begins tomorrow, right? I can’t believe the summer break is almost over. It’s August 23 already, and fall is approaching. This summer was particularly hot.”

Pondering over his weekend plans, he sought drama recommendations, revealing, “What should I do this weekend? I might spend it practicing or catching up on dramas. Is there anything I should do? Give me recommendations! I see comments recommending The Uncanny Counter and Zombieverse. I haven’t watched Elemental yet; I feel like I’m just going to wait till it’s out on Disney+.”

Music is a significant part of his life

His excitement was palpable as he showcased a new phone case, saying, “I have something I want to show off: a new phone case with a cute bunny design. It was so adorable that I had to buy it. I’ve also changed my phone to a Samsung 23 Ultra in cream color, which is essentially the white version. Before this, I had a green phone. For my birthday, Yeonjun-hyung gave me clothes as a present. I should wear them and show you all later. Thank you for the gift, hyung!”

Music remains a significant part of Hueningkai’s life. He shared, “The drum set arrived at the dorm! Taehyun and I plan to set it up later today. Lately, I’ve been playing the guitar. Honestly, given the opportunity, I’d prefer to do a guitar live session over a piano one. I’ve never done a guitar live session before, have I?” 

He also mentioned Soobin‘s taste in music, saying, “Soobin-hyung is still listening to that Elemental OST. Even after we returned to Korea, he plays it every time we’re in the car. As soon as we get in, I hear Lauv‘s voice. I wonder if he plays it on purpose when I’m around. Maybe I should pick a song to play whenever he’s near. I could choose the ‘Mix n’ Max’ song and dance energetically whenever he’s with me.”

Hueningkai on languages and his MBTI

Reflecting on his personality, he shared insights into his MBTI results and evolving nature, “About two to three years ago, during the pandemic, I took the MBTI test and got ISTJ. However, I was certain I wasn’t a ‘J’. I think I’m an ISTP. I believe Taehyun influenced my shift from ‘F’ to ‘T’. How did I become introverted? I remember being extroverted until elementary school. I was always initiating conversations. But as I got older, I became more reserved. I began to like staying indoors. I feel healed when I’m at our dorm.”

Hueningkai also talked about his plan to study languages. His admiration for his father’s linguistic prowess was evident. He said, “I’ve developed an interest in languages recently. My dad is fluent in many languages, which I find so impressive. When I listen to him talk, I tell myself, ‘I can do it too!’ However, sometimes I doubt myself. I make an effort to speak to my dad entirely in English. I’m so thankful to him for sending me lists of English words useful for daily life and communicating with fans. These words are immensely helpful. I’m eager to learn different languages and am determined to do so. When I shared this with my dad, he offered to teach me all the languages he knows. So I gratefully responded, ‘Thank you, Dad.'”

A touching moment

Lastly, in a touching moment, Hueningkai empathized with a fan who lost a class election by a single vote, offering, “I understand how you feel. It’s essential not to be too hard on yourself, as this will become a memory in time. The most crucial aspect is to enjoy your school life. Remember, there will be more opportunities for you to run for class president in the future.”

This live broadcast was a testament to the TXT maknae’s genuine connection with fans, showcasing his sweet, multifaceted personality and deep reflections. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Hyuka’s sweet face matches his sweet personality. Source: Twitter/@hnkapics.

SEVENTEEN member Jun recently opened up about Exclusive Fairytale, the Chinese drama he did.

On the day filming began for Exclusive Fairytale, Jun was inundated with support from his fellow SEVENTEEN members. They sent him not one, not two, but a whopping twelve flower baskets. They didn’t stop there, though. SEVENTEEN is known for being extra, which is how they show their love for each other. “They gave me plenty of flowers and wrote a pile of stuff,” Jun reminisced with a chuckle.

Moving on to another heartwarming tale, he highlighted a particularly thoughtful gesture by Vernon, one of the group’s rappers. The shoes Jun wore during the booting ceremony of Exclusive Fairytale were, in fact, a gift from Vernon. 

Jun had once mentioned how he found those shoes appealing. To his surprise, Vernon bought them for him, remarking, “These will keep you company through this period.” (The period in question was Jun‘s filming stint in China.)

Jun shared another funny story

But it wasn’t all sweet moments. There were instances filled with playful teasing, especially when he watched part of Exclusive Fairytale with his members. During a particularly intimate scene, despite having makeup on, his ears and neck betrayed his embarrassment by turning a violent shade of red. 

Jun’s members didn’t miss the chance to pull his leg. “Why are you suddenly blushing?” they teased, to which he playfully responded, “Ling Chao did it, so it’s got nothing to do with me, right?”

Speaking of intimate scenes, Jun shared another funny story. When he kissed one of his co-stars in a previous drama he starred in, Joshua bought a cake to congratulate him. What was supposed to be a quick moment became a recurring joke among the members. “Such a small scene and our members laughed and joked about it for two to three years,” Jun shared, laughing at the memory. He added, “They’re going to laugh at me for a lifetime because of Exclusive Fairytale.”

Jun‘s journey during the filming of Exclusive Fairytale was marked by heartwarming gestures and light-hearted banter. Through these stories he shared with the media, CARATs got a glimpse of the close-knit bond shared by the SEVENTEEN members on and off the stage. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This was one of several photos from the drama that recently surfaced on Weibo. Source: Twitter/@svtcontents.