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NewJeans Surprises Fans in ‘Boss in the Mirror’ Teaser

At the conclusion of the July 30th episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘Boss in the Mirror,’ viewers were treated to an intriguing teaser featuring Park Myung Soo meeting some unexpected guests. Park Myung Soo’s first encounter was with Zico, where he humorously proposed appearing on ‘The Seasons – Zico’s Artist’ and even tried to persuade Zico to become a regular guest on his radio show.

In the following scene, Park Myung Soo was seen at what seemed to be an event venue, where he was pleasantly surprised by the sudden appearance of NewJeans. As NewJeans entered the waiting area, Park Myung Soo warmly welcomed them, highlighting their close relationship fostered through previous collaborations on Park Myung Soo’s YouTube channel, ‘Hal Myung Soo.’

The unexpected appearance of NewJeans on a terrestrial variety show sparked excitement among netizens, given its rarity for the group. NewJeans made their debut on terrestrial television on the July 9th episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘2 Days & 1 Night Season 4.’ Their participation had generated considerable anticipation ahead of the broadcast and captivated viewers with their youthful energy and vibrant presence.

During their stint on ‘2 Days & 1 Night,’ NewJeans engaged in various games with the show’s cast, competing for the chance to finish work early. Their dynamic performance of ‘Hype Boy’ upon winning was a standout moment, particularly Yoo Seon-ho’s impressive synchronized dance with NewJeans, which delighted everyone and contributed to a notable boost in the show’s viewership rating to 9.2%.

Furthermore, NewJeans showcased their global appeal by hosting their inaugural solo fan meeting, titled ‘Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome,’ on July 26th and 27th. This event followed closely after their debut in Japan with the single ‘Supernatural’ on July 21st, further solidifying their expanding international fanbase.

Fans are eagerly tracking NewJeans’ expanding activities and international ventures, eagerly anticipating their future endeavors both in South Korea and beyond.

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TWS Shatters First-Week Sales Record With Summer Beat!

TWS, the rookie boy group under PLEDIS Entertainment, has achieved unprecedented success with their recent comeback. Their mini album titled “SUMMER BEAT!” was released on June 24, marking their first-ever comeback.

Within just one day of its release, the EP surpassed expectations by selling over 300,000 copies, a significant leap from their debut mini album “Sparkling Blue,” which sold 260,881 copies in its first week.

The momentum continued to build throughout the week, culminating in a remarkable achievement reported by Hanteo Chart. By the end of its first week (June 24 to 30),

“SUMMER BEAT!” had sold an impressive total of 513,892 copies. This outstanding figure nearly doubled TWS’s previous first-week sales record, highlighting the group’s growing popularity and the enthusiastic support of their fanbase.

As they continue to soar to new heights, TWS is poised to make a lasting impact with their unique sound and dedicated fan following. Fans and industry watchers alike eagerly anticipate what’s next for this promising group as they navigate their burgeoning career.

TWS (투어스) is a six-member K-pop boy group managed by Pledis Entertainment. The group consists of members Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon, and Kyungmin, and they officially debuted on January 22, 2024, with their first mini album titled ‘Sparkling Blue’. The name TWS stands for ‘Twenty Four Seven With Us’.

Before their debut, each member was gradually introduced by their senior from the same agency, HOSHI of SEVENTEEN. Their official greeting, “TWENTY FOUR! SEVEN WITH US! Hello,” emphasizes their strong connection with their fanbase.

Originally known as PLEDIS BOYZ during their trainee days, the group adopted the name TWS following their official debut announcement. The unveiling of TWS followed a similar approach to SEVENTEEN’s debut introduction back in 2013, during a NU’EST fan meeting.

TWS’s debut marks a significant milestone for Pledis Entertainment, occurring eight years after the launch of their senior group SEVENTEEN in 2015. With their energetic debut and promising talent, TWS is poised to carve out their own niche in the competitive world of K-pop, following in the footsteps of their successful predecessors.

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Kiss of Life Releases Fresh Summer Anthem ‘Sticky’

KISS OF LIFE has recently premiered the official music video for their latest track ‘Sticky.’ The video captures a delightful summer atmosphere complementing KISS OF LIFE’s captivating vocals. Shot in a seamless one-take style, it is filled with charming details that fans are sure to appreciate.

KISS OF LIFE (Korean: 키스 오브 라이프; Japanese: キスオブライフ), also known as KIOF, is a girl group managed by S2 Entertainment, consisting of four members. They made their debut on July 5, 2023, with their self-titled mini album ‘KISS OF LIFE’. The group’s name symbolizes their aim to rejuvenate the music industry with their unique style and charm, focusing on themes of adolescence and young adulthood in their concepts.

The formation of KISS OF LIFE was preceded by a documentary featuring Natty, who had previously signed with S2 Entertainment, alongside Julie, Belle, and two other trainees speculated to be future members of the girl group. S2 Entertainment officially announced the group’s formation on December 27, 2022, with plans for a debut in 2023. They began building anticipation with the trademark application for ‘KISS OF LIFE’ and the launch of social media accounts in February 2023.

Teasers and member reveals followed, starting with Natty on May 15, Belle on May 16, Julie on May 17, and Haneul on May 18. KISS OF LIFE finally debuted with their first mini album on July 5, preceded by promotional teasers in June.

Following their successful debut, KISS OF LIFE announced their first comeback with the second mini album ‘Born to be XX’, scheduled for release on November 8. Their journey continues to captivate fans with their fresh approach and promising talent in the K-pop scene.

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BLACKPINK Lisa Reportedly Parts Ways With CELINE

BLACKPINK Lisa, CELINE’s global ambassador since 2020, has reportedly parted ways with the luxury brand. This news follows her recent high-profile fashion appearances and the release of her latest solo single, “ROCKSTAR,” under her own label, LLOUD.

BLACKPINK Lisa appears to have ended her tenure as CELINE’s global ambassador, amidst her recent fashion and music ventures

On June 29, K-Media revealed that Lisa ended her three-year tenure with CELINE, a prestigious French luxury brand under LVMH. Sources close to the commercial contract confirmed her departure, noting that rumors began circulating after her appearance at a Louis Vuitton show in March.

Lisa joined CELINE in September 2020 and actively participated in their global promotional campaigns. She featured prominently in their fashion shows throughout 2022 and 2023. Despite inquiries, CELINE has not provided official comments on their contract status with Lisa.

Adding to the buzz, Lisa’s rumored relationship with LVMH heir Frédéric Arnault has also been in the spotlight recently.

Lisa’s current activities

Recently, on June 27, Lisa made a dynamic comeback. She released her first single in three years, “ROCKSTAR,” under her independent label LLOUD. This marks a significant milestone since her solo debut in September 2021 with the single album “LALISA,” which broke records as the first female artist in South Korea to sell 736,000 copies in its debut week. The lead single’s music video also became the most-viewed by a solo artist on YouTube within 24 hours.

Following the success of “LALISA,” her viral hit “MONEY” further cemented her status as a sensation, becoming the longest-charting song by a female K-pop soloist on the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.

Additionally, Lisa is set to make her acting debut in the HBO series The White Lotus,” scheduled for 2025. She has also been in the spotlight for collaborations with artists like Destiny Rogers, DJ Snake, and Rosalía, showcasing her vibrant presence in the music industry and generating excitement for her future endeavors.

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Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha discuss synergy in “The Auditors”

In a recent interview with Allure Korea, actors Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha, who star together in the upcoming drama “The Auditors,” shared their thoughts on their working relationship and mutual respect.

The stars of the upcoming drama discuss their teamwork and mutual respect in a recent interview

The pictorial for the interview was themed around a staycation with a senior co-worker, a concept Shin Ha Kyun humorously found challenging, saying, “How horrible that sounds. Going on a staycation with a senior co-worker? I can’t understand that because I never use the same room, not even with my manager.”

Reflecting on his co-star, Shin Ha Kyun praised Lee Jung Ha’s character and work ethic. “Jung Ha is kind, genuine, and works really hard. Since we met as fellow actors, we are in equal positions. We have our own roles. I share my thoughts when he asks them, but ultimately, acting is something you learn independently rather than being taught by someone else. I just guide him,” he explained.

Lee Jung Ha, who won Best New Actor at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards, expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has had since then. “I realized that I am shyer than I thought. I didn’t know this before because I hadn’t had many opportunities to stand in front of large groups. I’m trying to be more confident. I also want to change my disorganized speech. My ambitions are growing,” he shared.

He also admired Shin Ha Kyun’s sense of humor and professionalism, noting how he lightens the mood during long shoots. “He makes us laugh to lighten the mood when the shoots get long. Even then, he does it as that character, which is cool.” Lee Jung Ha added that Shin Ha Kyun is a great mentor who is always available to provide guidance. “No matter what opinions I offer, Shin Ha Kyun always suggests ways to approach it.”

“The Auditors,” featuring Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha, will premiere on July 6 at 9:20 p.m. KST and be available on Viki.

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Bitter Sweet Hell Stars’ Farewell Messages Reflect Drama’s Impact on Their Lives

As the curtains close on MBC’s “Bitter Sweet Hell,” the stars of this black comedy-thriller have expressed their heartfelt farewells, reflecting on their journey and the drama’s impact on their lives.

The cast of the MBC drama “Bitter Sweet Hell” shares their heartfelt farewells as the series comes to an end

Kim Hee Sun, who played the role of family psychiatrist Noh Young Won, shared her deep connection with the character and the meaningful experiences she gained. ‘Bitter Sweet Hell’ was a truly meaningful project for me,” she said. “I experienced many emotions during filming, and it was a time during which I was able to grow while empathizing with many different characters. Noh Young Won was a learning opportunity for me. Young Won is not just a character who solves conflicts between family, but a character who grows by reflecting on her own emotions and life through that process.”

Lee Hye Young, who portrayed the mystery novelist Hong Sa Gang, shared her initial apprehension and subsequent joy in the project. “I was nervous and scared when I started ‘Bitter Sweet Hell,’ but as we began filming, I developed confidence and a feeling of accomplishment, so I filmed the drama happily and really enjoyed the experience. Everyone who participated in this drama was very intelligent, and I think it was a team full of respect and trust. I really think this was my first time being part of such an intellectual production.”

Kim Nam Hee, who played Choi Jae Jin, reminisced about the joyous filming experience. “Everything about filming the drama was happy and joyful, to the extent where I still feel sad about having to say goodbye to the rest of the cast and crew. I’m so sad about it ending that I wish they’d make a sequel because the drama did so well. Thank you for hating and loving the character of Jae Jin. I hope that ‘Bitter Sweet Hell’ was able to make you even briefly happy during these hot summer days, and I hope that you will always be happy and healthy.”

Yeonwoo expressed her honor and gratitude for being part of the cast. “It was an honor to be a part of this great drama and work together with actors whom I respect. I learned a lot on the filming set, and I’d like to work hard to become an actress whose acting has depth, just like my senior actors in the cast.”

2PM’s Chansung also shared his appreciation for the experience. “Being able to work together with such amazing actors, I really learned and felt a lot. I gained so much from the drama ‘Bitter Sweet Hell,’ which is both sincere and fun at the same time. Thank you to everyone who gave the drama love, and I’ll greet you with better projects in the future as well.”

Finally, DKZ’s Jaechan reflected on his growth and gratitude. “Starting from the beginning of filming, just being able to appear on screen together with these amazing actors was an honor in and of itself. I think this is a memory and experience of growth that I will never be able to forget. Even though Do Hyun lied and made others worry in the drama, thank you to the viewers for giving Do Hyun so much love. I’ll work hard to try to show you better things in the future as well.”

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ENHYPEN Dorm Reveal in MBC’s “The Manager”

ENHYPEN will be appearing as guests on the famous reality show “The Manager.” The anticipation for the new episode is building as “The Manager” has released an intriguing preview, offering a sneak peek into ENHYPEN’s dorm, which will be revealed for the first time.

ENHYPEN gives fans an exclusive look into their personal living space

On June 30, 2024, “The Manager,” a popular reality show on MBC, revealed a preview of their upcoming episode. The preview announced that the next guests would be the spectacular boy group ENHYPEN. This episode is set to be special, as it will mark the first time ENHYPEN shows their dorm to the public, giving fans an exclusive look into their personal space and daily routines.

Viewers will get to see ENHYPEN members going about their busy schedules, including their travels from the Philippines to China. The episode also includes behind-the-scenes moments from the recent 2024 Weverse Con Festival, where the group chatted with HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk. A highlight of the festival was when Bang Si Hyuk surprised fans by joining Park Jin Young on stage as a guitarist.

In a touching interaction, ENHYPEN’s Jay praised Bang Si Hyuk for his guitar skills, to which the founder responded with a laugh, saying his heart felt like it would explode. The episode will also feature the members returning to their dorm, noting how long it had been since they were last there, and gathering in the living room for a meal and conversation.

Fans are eagerly awaiting this episode to see ENHYPEN’s personal space and gain a deeper understanding of their lives behind the scenes.

The group will revive their ‘vampire romance’ concept in their comeback this July 12

Currently, the group is gearing up for their comeback on July 12, 2024. This exciting news is accompanied by the group’s plan to elevate their vampire romance concept.

In this comeback, the boy group will collaborate with Ballerina director Lee Chung Hyun, who will helm their upcoming short film-style comeback. Sources indicate that this film will advance ENHYPEN’s popular vampire romance theme with an even more captivating storyline.

The group first introduced the vampire concept in the music video for “Drunk-Dazed,” the lead single from their second EP, BORDER: CARNIVAL. They further developed this theme in their albums DARK BLOOD and ORANGE BLOOD. The vampire storyline has received widespread acclaim, praised for its originality and impact within the K-pop scene.

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NewJeans Pop-Up Store Attracts Fans in Tokyo

Despite heavy rain, long lines of fans formed at the NewJeans ‘Super Natural’ pop-up store in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, on the 28th. The store opened on the 26th of last month and saw its pre-reservations fill up in just five minutes. Only those who successfully made pre-reservations could access the basement level, allowing fans to enjoy the experience comfortably with timed entries.

@shibuyanews

🐰ニュージーンズPOP UP渋谷公園通り LINE FRIENDS SQUARE 「NewJeans Supernatural POP-UP」渋谷公園通りは朝から大混雑! #ニュージーンズ #뉴진스 #newjeans #渋谷 #shibuya

♬ Supernatural – NewJeans

NewJeans fans eagerly lined up to experience the exclusive NewJeans pop-up in Shibuya

In the basement level, there’s a haven for “true NewJeans fans”. It features an approximately 40-pyeong (around 3.33 square meters) interactive media space with characters created in collaboration with Takashi Murakami. In the background, NewJeans’ song “Right Now” is playing. Hani’s voice saying, “Bunnies, have a great day today,” elicited constant exclamations of “Kawaii (cute)” from visitors. Although the space was not as big as other pop-ups, the layout was impressively efficient and accessible.

At the entrance, fans were welcomed with collaboration goods by Takashi Murakami, members’ autographs, and charming photo zones. According to the pop-up store staff, the most popular items were NewJeans T-shirts and hats, with the T-shirts selling out on the first day. The second basement level of the store was accessible without reservations. It offered practical goods like indoor slippers, eye masks, stationery, and pouches. It indicates that the store caters to a broader audience beyond just fan merchandise.

@my_dy_re

NewJeans Supernatural pop-up store in Shibuya Japan! ニュージーンズ ポップアップ  6/30の14時の回の在庫 アパレル以外は結構ありました✨ B1のphoto booth は目立たないので、入場したら忘れずにcheck! 뉴진스 팝업 스토어 갔다 왔어요✨ Newjeans NJ X MURAKAMI 村上隆 #supernatural #newjeans #popup #kpopalbum #kpopunboxing #albumunboxing #howsweet #newjeansbunnies #kpop #kpopfyp #japantravel

♬ Supernatural – NewJeans

The prices were affordable, with NewJeans character T-shirts costing about 2,700 yen each and smaller items like pens and pouches often priced under 1,000 yen. On average, the prices of goods were around 20,000 won in Korean currency.

Even NewJeans’ fanbase in Korea and other neighboring countries booked flights just to buy goods from the pop-up store. Many of them noted that even non-fans will find cutesy items. One Korean tourist, in an online forum, said she bought bunny-themed products as gifts for her colleagues. Only one item per person per product was allowed to ensure as many people as possible could purchase NewJeans’ merchandise.

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Nominees Announced for the 3rd Blue Dragon Awards

The nominations for the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards 2024 have been announced. Presented by Sports Chosun, this ceremony is South Korea’s premier award event dedicated to streaming platforms. Since its inception in 2022, the Blue Dragon Series Awards have highlighted outstanding achievements in K-dramas, variety shows, and other streaming content. This year’s ceremony promises to be an exciting event, celebrating many talented actors, actresses, and entertainers.

Among the nominated K-dramas for the 2024 awards are popular titles such as “Mask Girl,” “Moving,” and “A Killer Paradox.” Renowned actors like Ryu Seung-Ryong and Ryu Jun-Yeol have secured nominations for their impressive performances. The actresses category features notable names such as Park Bo-Young and Ahn Eun-Jin. The ceremony will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. KST on KBS2.

Complete list of nominees for the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards 2024

Best Drama

  • Mask Girl
  • Moving
  • A Killer Paradox
  • LTNS
  • Daily Dose of Sunshine

Best Actor

  • Ryu Seung Ryong – Moving
  • Ryu Jun Yeol – The 8 Show
  • Byun Yo Han – Uncle Samsik
  • Im Siwan – Boyhood
  • Choi Woo Shik – A Killer Paradox

Best Actress

  • Park Bo Young – Daily Dose of Sunshine
  • Ahn Eun Jin – Goodbye Earth
  • Esom – LTNS
  • Chun Woo Hee – The 8 Show
  • Han Hyo Joo – Moving

Best Supporting Actor

  • Kim Sung Kyun – Moving
  • Seo Hyun Woo – A Shop for Killers
  • Ahn Jae Hong – Mask Girl
  • Lee Kyu Hyung – Uncle Samsik
  • Lee Hee Joon – A Killer Paradox

Best Supporting Actress

  • Kwak Sun Young – Moving
  • Geum Hae Na – A Shop for Killers
  • Yeom Hye Ran – Mask Girl
  • Lee Joo Young – The 8 Show
  • Tiffany Young – Uncle Samsik

Best New Actor

  • Kim Woo Seok – Night Has Come
  • Noh Jae Won – Daily Dose of Sunshine
  • Lee Si Woo – Boyhood
  • Lee Jung Ha – Moving
  • Choi Hyun Wook – High Cookie

Best New Actress

  • Go Youn Jung – Moving
  • Kim Hye Joon – A Shop for Killers
  • Lee Yul Eum – The 8 Show
  • Jang Da Ah – Pyramid Game
  • Jeon So Nee – Parasyte: The Grey

Best Variety Show

  • The Devil’s Plan
  • The Community
  • SNL Korea Season 5
  • My Sibling’s Romance
  • Crime Scene Returns

Best Male Entertainer

  • Dex – Zombieverse
  • Shin Dong Yup – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Cho Sae Ho – Super Rich in Korea
  • Ji Suk Jin – Bro & Marble in Dubai
  • Code Kunst – My Sibling’s Romance

Best Female Entertainer

  • Park Ji Yoon – Crime Scene Returns
  • Lee Soo Ji – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Jang Do Yeon – High School Mystery Club 3
  • Joo Hyun Young – Crime Scene Returns
  • Pungja – Be My Side 3

Best New Male Entertainer

  • Kwak Joon Bin – The Devil’s Plan
  • Ahn Do Gyu – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Jeong Sewoon – 19/20
  • Jonathan – Zombieverse
  • Joo Woo Jae – Witch Hunt 2023

Best New Female Entertainer

  • Miyeon – My Sibling’s Romance
  • Uhm Ji Yoon – Comedy Royale
  • Yoon Gai – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Ji Ye Eun – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Patricia – My Sibling’s Romance

The nominees were selected through online voting between June 10 and June 25, with evaluations by Sports Chosun entertainment news reporters and industry experts. All original streaming shows, series, and dramas aired between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, were eligible for nominations.

Viewers can look forward to an evening of celebration and entertainment as the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards honors the best in South Korean streaming content. 

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BTS Jimin Tops iTunes Charts Worldwide With New Solo Track

BTS Jimin has once again showcased his immense popularity with the release of his new solo track, “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” featuring Loco. Dropped on June 28 at 1 p.m. KST, the song immediately soared to the top of iTunes charts across various countries.

BTS Jimin conquers global iTunes charts and amasses millions of views on YouTube with new solo track

By 7 a.m. KST on June 29, the track had already secured the No. 1 spot on iTunes Top Songs charts in at least 108 different regions, including major markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Additionally, by 1:00 p.m. KST on June 30, the track’s video had surpassed 7 million views on YouTube, reflecting Jimin’s powerful global influence.

Considering the strong sales performance and Jimin’s widespread popularity, “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” will significantly impact Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart next week. This feat wouldn’t be new for Jimin, who is familiar with chart-topping success.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the rest of Jimin’s second solo album, “MUSE,” which is set to be released on July 19 at 1 p.m. KST. The upcoming album promises to solidify Jimin’s position as a leading solo artist in the music industry.

BTS members’ busy and successful solo careers

2024 has been a notably busy year for BTS members as they pursue their solo careers. V released his solo single “FRI(END)S” on March 15, which has garnered over 40 million views as of June 30. He is also preparing to release his Type 1 photobook on July 9. RM released his second solo album, “Right Place, Wrong Person,” on April 24, exploring the themes of internal conflict and anxiety.

Meanwhile, Jin has recently completed his 18-month military service. The remaining members—Suga, J-Hope, Jungkook, Jimin, RM, and V—are currently serving their mandatory military duties. They are expected to be discharged by June 2025, except for J-Hope, who will be released in October 2025. Despite their enlistment, their solo musical careers thrive, topping music platforms like Spotify.

With each member carving out their unique path, the BTS phenomenon continues to captivate the world, collectively and individually.

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