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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao: A Successful Fan of GOT7’s Youngjae

Zhang Hao, center of the K-pop project group ZEROBASEONE, recently had a dream come true. As a huge fan of GOT7, he had the opportunity to meet Youngjae, a member of the group, on the Best Friend radio show.

Zhang Hao’s admiration for GOT7 is well-known. The Chinese performer and violinist auditioned for Mnet’s survival show, Boys Planet, with GOT7‘s “Lullaby.” He has been consistent in saying GOT7 is his role model and “Lullaby” is his favorite song of all time. That’s probably why he decided to start his survival show journey with it. He must’ve thought it would bring him good luck—and it did.

During the radio show, hosted by Youngjae, Zhang Hao could hardly contain his excitement when GOT7‘s signature song, “Hard Carry,” was played in the studio. Not only did he dance to it, but he also clapped when GOT7‘s audio introduction came on afterward. He even got to sing “Lullaby” for Youngjae, showcasing his talent and fandom.

Zhang Hao, successful fan

The best moment of the radio show came when Youngjae presented Zhang Hao with an autographed album. Youngjae had previously promised to gift Zhang Hao an album, and he kept his word. Zhang Hao‘s reaction was priceless. He was visibly excited, fanning his face and struggling to contain his joy.

The two stars also took selfies together, showing off the autographed album. The photos, shared on social media, were met with excitement from ZEROBASEONE and GOT7 fans. Ahgase and ZEROSE alike celebrated the ZEROBASEONE center’s successful fanboy moment and memorable encounter with Youngjae.

Zhang Hao‘s experience is a heartwarming story of a fan meeting his idol. It highlights the power of music and fandom, showing how K-pop connects people from various walks of life. As Zhang Hao continues his journey with ZEROBASEONE, his love for GOT7 will remain a significant part of his story. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Zhang Hao, the successful fan, got a selca with his idol, GOT7’s Youngjae. Source: Twitter/Best Friend’s official Twitter account.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Jo Byung Kyu Addressed Unresolved Bullying Accusations at Press Conference

Jo Byung Kyu, the actor known for his breakout role in The Uncanny Counter, is still embroiled in a lawsuit against an individual who accused him of school bullying. The case remains unresolved as the accuser, residing in New Zealand, refuses to cooperate with South Korean police for questioning.

The actor reportedly considered filing a lawsuit in New Zealand, even if it meant incurring costs of around 1.2 billion KRW or 940,000 USD. However, due to the lengthy process and lack of guarantee that the lawsuit would prove his innocence in South Korea, he decided against it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixQmeFe62VU&pp=ygUhSm8gQnl1bmcgS3l1IGJ1bGx5aW5nIGFsbGVnYXRpb25z

Jo Byung Kyu has faced school violence allegations four times, one in 2018 and three times in 2021. The first accuser, who claimed to have attended the same school he did in New Zealand, accused him of verbal abuse. This accuser later deleted their post. In 2021, two others accused him of school violence, but one admitted their claim was fake.

Despite these allegations, Jo Byung Kyu maintains that he’s innocent. He expressed his frustration on social media once. “Why did I become a target every time there was a school violence accusation and have to explain myself over and over again?” he wrote.

Jo Byung Kyu returns as So Mun

Amidst these controversies, Jo Byung Kyu is making a comeback through The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch. On July 21, the show’s cast held a press conference before its premiere. Jo Byung Kyu took this opportunity to address the allegations again.

“I’m careful in addressing this issue, but I’d like to say that I put in effort for vindication, that it’s not true. I’m still continuing my efforts now. It has taken much time, as it involves an individual who is overseas, and so I’m now returning with a new project before a conclusion has been reached,” the actor stated.

“I also believe that I approached the filming of this project with that much desperate resolve and gave my best efforts. Please pay attention to The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch,” he added.

The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch will premiere on July 29 at 9:20 PM KST. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The actor looked dapper at the press conference. Source: Naver/Kairos’ Naver photo blog.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jungkook of BTS Mesmerizes with Live Performance on “Live Lounge”

Jungkook, a member of the global K-pop sensation BTS, recently graced the UK’s BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge with a captivating live performance. He was introduced as a “global pop star” and performed his debut solo single, “Seven.” Jungkook also covered Oasis’s “Let There Be Love,” leaving listeners in awe of his vocal prowess.

This appearance on Live Lounge marked Jungkook‘s return to the station after approximately two years, albeit as a soloist. (His last appearance was with BTS in 2021.) During an interview with the host, Jungkook expressed his excitement about his solo singleSeven,” saying, “I’ve been waiting to meet fans with good music, and finally, I could do it.”

The singer also shared his fond memories of the UK, particularly BTS‘s Wembley concert, which he described as “a great time.” However, Jungkook cleverly added that the present moment, his return to the Live Lounge, is his new “best moment.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L-bnDophkw&pp=ygUeSnVuZ2tvb2sgTGl2ZSBMb3VuZ2UgaW50ZXJ2aWV3

Jungkook on BTS

Seven” has been making waves since its release. The song won first place on Mnet’s M Countdown and held the top spot on Spotify’s Daily Top Song Global chart for six consecutive days, racking up over 11.84 million streams daily. Remarkably, it surpassed 100 million streams within six days of its release.

In addition to his solo work, Jungkook also talked about BTS‘s current activities and future plans. He said that through their solo activities, each member is expressing their individuality and colors, continuously growing. “Based on this, when we come together as a complete group, BTS‘s appearance will be amazing, and there will be incredible synergy. I hope to see it happen soon,” he said.

Jungkook’s words come when BTS isn’t doing any group projects. Jin and j-hope are still serving in the military, and the remaining members will soon follow suit.

Despite the temporary hiatus of BTS as a group, the members continue shining individually, with Jungkook‘s performance on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge being a testament to their success. Even so, ARMY worldwide eagerly await the group’s reunion, which, as Jungkook predicts, will bring about an extraordinary synergy. —K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s English has improved greatly, as evidenced by his Live Lounge interview. Source: YouTube/BBC Radio 1’s official YouTube channel.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK and Starbucks Brew Up a Storm with New Collaboration

BLACKPINK, the world-renowned K-pop group, will team up with Starbucks one more time to launch limited-edition merchandise and a themed drink. The collection will be available starting July 25 and sparked excitement and controversy among fans.

The YG Entertainment girl group‘s “bright and bold style” inspires the collection, which includes a range of drinkware and lifestyle merchandise. The highlight of the collection is the BLACKPINK Strawberry Choco Cream Frappuccino, a blend of strawberry syrup and dark chocolate sauce with oat milk and chocolate curls, topped with light pink whipped cream and heart-shaped chocolate.

Aside from the themed drink, the collection has 11 types of drinkware and six lifestyle accessories. They all showcase BLACKPINK‘s signature pink and black palette. The limited-edition merchandise includes reusable cups, mugs, tumblers, tote bags, yoga mats, passport holders, and key chains.

The controversial BLACKPINK tumbler

However, one item in the collection has caused a stir among fans. The collection features a pink rhinestone tumbler, labeled Lisa’s Pick, which has a price of 95,000 KRW (approximately 74.30 USD), making it the most expensive item in the collection. The price of this tumbler has sparked discussions on online forums, with some fans questioning whether the price was a typo.

Despite the controversy surrounding the rhinestone tumbler, many expressed excitement about the collection. BLACKPINK fans can find the merchandise in select Starbucks stores. These stores are in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Starbucks has a history of collaborating with K-pop stars like BTS and BLACKPINK to maximize its reach. The first collaboration between Starbucks and BLACKPINK in 2021 was exclusively launched in Thailand and sold out within minutes.

Emmy Kan, Starbucks Asia Pacific’s senior vice president and president, spoke with the media about the collaboration. “BLACKPINK is synonymous with an authenticity that’s bold and confident, making them an inspiring force that transcends geographies and cultures,” she said. She further promised an “unforgettable Starbucks Experience” to customers.

As the launch date approaches, fans are eager to get their hands on the merchandise. Despite the mixed reactions, this new collaboration between BLACKPINK and Starbucks is expected to be a hit among fans of the K-pop group. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The BLACKPINK x Starbucks goods are inspired by the girl group’s bright and bold style. Source: Starbucks Stories Asia.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BB Girls, Formerly Brave Girls, Announce Comeback with New Album

The K-pop scene is buzzing with anticipation as BB Girls, the group formerly known as Brave Girls, announced their return with a new album slated for release on August 3. Warner Music Korea, their new agency, retweeted their announcement on social media, sparking excitement among fans.

The promotional photos released with the announcement showcased the BB Girls members in a new light. They radiated charisma and confidence in the photos, a stark contrast to the refreshing vibe of their fifth mini-album, 2021’s Summer Queen. This change in image marks a significant shift for the group, as this will be their first album release under their new name and agency.

BB Girls, not Brave Girls

The group, consisting of Minyoung, Yujeong, Yuna, and Eunji, rose to fame as Brave Girls in 2021. Their 2017 single “Rollin’” surprised them by climbing back up the charts four years after its initial release, catapulting the group into stardom. However, Brave Girls disbanded earlier this year after the members parted with their label, Brave Entertainment, at the end of their seven-year exclusive contracts.

In a surprising turn of events, all four members signed with Warner Music Korea in late April and rebranded themselves as BB Girls. The group expressed their gratitude for the continued support from their fans during this transition. “We’re grateful to be able to continue our journey with our fans, as we’ve joined a new agency. We hope to make good memories together. We exist because of our fans,” Minyoung shared in an interview with PMK magazine.

The upcoming album from BB Girls is not just a comeback but a new beginning for the girl group. As they enter a new career phase, fans eagerly await BB Girls’ new music and fresh direction. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The girls didn’t just change agencies; they also changed their look. Will they also change their sound? Let’s see. Source: Twitter/BB Girls’ official Twitter account.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Yerin to Release “Ready, Set, Love” in August

Mark your calendars because K-pop idol Yerin is gearing up for her highly-anticipated comeback. 

The soloist released on Friday, July 21, an arcade-inspired illustrated teaser that showed the details of her upcoming album. 

Yerin’s second EP will be titled Read, Set, LOVE, and will be released on August 23. 

 

This will serve as Yerin’s first comeback in more than a year, following her debut EP Aria that was released in May 2022. It will also be her first music release under her agency Bill Entertainment. 

Yerin made her debut in 2015 as a member of girl group GFriend under the agency Source Music. The six-piece act was known for their hits “Me Gustas Tu,” “Navillera,” and “Mago.” 

In 2021, all six members of GFriend left Source Music and signed with different agencies, with three members forming the group Viviz. Yerin first joined Sublime Artist Agency after their departure from Source Music. 

She transferred to Bill Entertainment in April. 

 Featured image: Yerin’s Twitter

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Ikon’s Jay Begins Military Service

Kim Jinhwan, or also known as Jay, of K-pop boy group iKON has started his mandatory military service on Thursday, July 20. 

After entering the training center, Jay will undergo basic military training for several weeks, before he can serve as an alternative social worker. 

The vocalist first announced his plans to enlist in early July, taking to Instagram to pen a message to his fans. 

“I will diligently fulfill my duty and return quickly, so let’s find strength while thinking of each other, and please be well,” he promised them, according to a translation by Soompi

Days before his enlistment, Jay also shared a photo of him with a shaved head. 

Born in 1994, Jay is the first member of iKON to enlist in the military. 

Prior to his enlistment, Jay also made his debut as a solo artist in June by releasing his album Paradise Pt. 1. Meanwhile, the second part of the album, titled Blue Moon, was released on July 18 — two days before Jay’s enlistment. 

Composed of Bobby, DK, Chan, Ju-ne, Jay, and Song, iKON debuted in September 2015 under YG Entertainment. They left the agency in December 2022 and signed with 143 Entertainment. 

iKON made their group comeback in January with the album TAKE OFF. It’s also the title of their upcoming world tour, which will include shows around Asia, Europe, and the United States. 

Jay was able to take part in the TAKE OFF concert in Osaka, Japan that happened on July 8 and 9, but would be missing the rest of the shows because of military service. 

Featured image: iKON Jay’s Twitter

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KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Newjean’s “Get Up” Album Is Here!

After weeks of anticipation, K-pop monster rookies NewJeans have finally released their sophomore EP GET UP on Friday, July 21. 

The five-piece rising girl group also released the music video for their track “ETA,” which sees the NewJeans members reaching out to their female friend to tell her that they’ve discovered her boyfriend cheating on her at a pool party. 

 

The “GET UP” EP features a total of six songs, with ETA,” “Super Shy,and “Cool With You” as its triple title tracks. 

All six songs have their own music videos, but the earlier released ones already boast impressive collaborations. 

The New Jeans” music video, for example, saw the group transform into superheroes as it was a collaboration with the 25th anniversary of the hit American cartoon series THE POWERPUFF GIRLS.

Meanwhile, the two music videos for Cool With You,” meanwhile, featured Asian superstars Tony Leung and Jung Ho Yeon. THE “ETA” music video is also in collaboration with Apple as the whole video was entirely shot on iPhone 14 Pro. 

GET UP is NewJeans’ second EP following their self-titled EP, which was released in July 2022.

Composed of Minji, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle, NewJeans is a group under ADOR, the HYBE sub-label headed by Min Hee-jin

Featured image: NewJeans’ Twitter

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Song Hye Kyo Wins Daesang at the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards

South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo won the Grand Prize at the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards held at Incheon Paradise City on Wednesday, July 19. 

Song was recognized for her portrayal as Moon Dong-eun in the hit Netflix series The Glory. 

“I can’t believe I’d receive this award. I want to praise myself for the first time. Good job, Hye Kyo,” she said in her acceptance speech. 

 

This served as her third Daesang (Grand Prize) in her acting career. Her previous Daesang were from the 2013 series That Winter, The Wind Blows and the 2016 series Descendants of the Sun. 

Meanwhile, Ha Jung Woo of Narco-Saints and Anna’s Bae Suzy won the Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. 

The Disney+ series Big Bet won the Best Drama award, beating nominees The Glory, Narco-Saints, Weak Hero Class 1, and Bargain. 

The rest of the winners in the drama category are: 

  • Best Supporting Actor: Lee Dong Hwi, Big Bet 
  • Best Supporting Actress: Lim Ji Yeon, The Glory 
  • Best Rookie Actor: Park Ji Hoon, Weak Hero Class 1
  • Best Rookie Actress: Shin Ye Eun, Revenge of Others 
  • OST Popularity Award: Jaechan of DKZ, Our Season 
  • Why Not Award: Choi Hyun Wook, Weak Hero Class 1

For the variety category, Siren: Survive the Island took home the Best Variety Program award. 

Yoo Jae Suk was named Best Male Entertainer for his show PLAYou Level Up, while Joo Hyung Young of  SNL Korea was named Best Female Entertainer. 

The 2023 ceremony marked the second edition of the Blue Dragon Series Awards. This year, the award-giving body added new awards: a Daesang (grand prize), OST Popularity Award, and Why Not Award. 

Blue Dragon Series Awards honors the excellent individuals and projects produced by streaming services. 

Featured image: Song Hye Kyo’s Instagram

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

IZ*ONE’s Kim Min Ju Considering Role in “Hear Me”

Rising star Kim Min Ju is reportedly considering a role in an upcoming movie. Industry insiders said on July 19 that she might join Hong Kyung and Roh Yoon Seo in a Korean remake of the Taiwanese film Hear Me.

Kim Min Ju‘s agency, Management SOOP, confirmed the news, stating that the actress received an offer to star in the film and was currently reviewing it positively. The role offered to Kim Min Ju is said to be the younger sister of the female lead character, a part Roh Yoon Seo is also in talks for. In the Taiwanese original, this character is Xiao Peng, the older of two sisters. However, in the Korean remake, the character is the younger sister.

Hear Me is a 2009 Taiwanese romantic comedy featuring Eddie Peng, Ivy Chen, and Michelle Chen. The story is about a hearing man who falls in love with a deaf woman. The original movie was popular in Korea, earning a substantial Korean fan base.

Kim Min Ju’s Career

Kim Min Ju debuted in the project group IZ*ONE through Mnet’s Produce 48 in 2018. She signed with Management SOOP in September 2022 and showcased her acting prowess in The Forbidden Marriage. Her potential involvement in the Hear Me remake could boost her acting career.

Also read: The Power and Legacy of IZ*ONE

The Korean remake of Hear Me is set to start filming in August 2023. Fans of the original film and the actors eagerly await more updates on the project. With the talented trio of Kim Min Ju, Hong Kyung, and Roh Yoon Seo potentially in the cast, the remake promises to be an exciting addition to the Korean film industry. K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: When IZ*ONE disbanded, Kim Min Ju was among the first to post photos like this on SNS. Source: Instagram/Kim Min Ju’s personal Instagram account.)

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