Author: Kpop News Writer

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

tvN’s ‘Lovely Runner’ Hits Season-High Viewership After Shocking Episodes

Lovely Runner

The tvN drama Lovely Runner, starring Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok, has captivated audiences with its recent episodes, leading to a record-breaking viewership spike. According to Nielsen Korea, episode three of Lovely Runner earned an average nationwide viewership rating of 3.4 percent, a marked increase from the previous episode’s 2.7 percent. It also set a new personal best for the drama.

Episode 3 Preview [ENG] | Lovely Runner (2024)

The drama’s ratings bump

The drama’s third episode picked up with Ryu Sun Jae (played by Byeon Woo Seok) determined to compete in a swim meet despite attempts by Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon) to keep him from doing so. In the end, he won a gold medal, and he also tried to confess his feelings to Im Sol, leading to heartwarming and hilarious moments between the characters.

However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when Sun Jae was injured during practice. The emotional highs continued as he gathered the courage to confess to Sol again. This time, he was successful, and the two even shared a kiss. Unfortunately, Sol was drunk when it happened and forgot about the kiss the next day. To top it all off, another character, Kim Tae Sung (played by Song Geon Hee), confessed his feelings to her as well.

Episode four saw Sol waking up in 2023, confused and desperate to return to 2008. Meanwhile, in the present, Baek In Hyuk (played by Lee Seung Hyub) attempts to contact Sol about Sun Jae, but their call gets cut off. Surprisingly, most of the things Sol did in 2008 remained unchanged in 2023, indicating that she may actually have altered Sun Jae’s future.

As Sol travels back to 2008, she discovers she’s in a relationship with Tae Sung, and Sun Jae is upset with her. Eventually, Sun Jae and Sol reconcile as he saves her from a drunken man, and Sol realizes that Sun Jae was the one who saved her from her car accident all along. These twists kept viewers hooked, leading to the drama’s ratings bump.

Episode 4 Preview [ENG] | Lovely Runner (2024)

‘Lovely Runner’ has gone viral

Lovely Runner has gone viral in Korea and abroad. In the week ending April 20, the drama recorded a 149% increase in digital mentions compared to the previous week. Also, the number of paid TVing subscribers has exceeded 10,000. The significant buzz is evident through the overwhelming number of YouTube comments, SNS mentions, and Naver Talk discussions. All these showed a 160% increase from the previous week, as measured just 12 hours after each episode’s broadcast.

Furthermore, Lovely Runner ranked first in 133 countries during its premiere week on the global OTT platform, Rakuten Viki. This list includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. The drama maintains a high viewer rating on Viki, receiving favorable reviews that praise everything from the acting and story to the chemistry between the characters.

Based on a popular web novel and penned by True Beauty writer Lee Si Eun, Lovely Runner is a new time-slip romance drama that poses the question: “What would you do if you had the opportunity to save your ultimate bias?”

It’s a question many can relate to, which is partly why the drama is such a hit. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The third and fourth episodes of the show are its highest-rated to date. Source: X/@ljscentric.

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KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

tripleS’s New 24-Member Comeback Teaser Receives Swift Backlash

The lineup of tripleS is now complete. The rookie girl group, which originally debuted in February 2023, now has 24 members, all of whom will participate in tripleS’s first full group comeback this May. Known for their sub-units Acid Angel from Asia, +(KR)ystal Eyes, LOVElution, and EVOLution, the girl group’s activities are influenced by the fans through a novel approach pioneered by their agency MODHAUS.

The trouble with tripleS

MODHAUS—led by its founder and CEO Jaden Jeong, who also happens to be tripleS’s creative director and music producer—made it so fans could be part of the group’s creative process by voting on everything that has to do with tripleS. This includes things like stage names and unit formations, which are normally decided on by a group’s agency or staff. When fans buy NFT photocards called “Objekts,” they earn “COMO” tokens, which allow them to place their votes.

tripleS recently announced a 24-member comeback under the name ASSEMBLE24, set for May. The announcement was accompanied by a photo featuring all the members. When fans saw it, they theorized that the girls were arranged in order according to who sold the most Objekts. Although MODHAUS hasn’t confirmed or denied this, fans compared the members’ positions in the photo to the Objekt sales data. They found that the members who were front and center in the photo had sold more than the girls placed at the back.

This discovery sparked discussions within the fandom. Some believed it wasn’t fair, while others considered it downright toxic. Concerns were raised about the impact the arrangement could have on the members, especially on tripleS’s maknae, SeoAh, who is only 13 years old. Moreover, there are those who say they’re having a hard time getting into tripleS because they feel overwhelmed by the number of members.

The broader issues

Fans weren’t the only ones bothered by the group’s ranking system. Member Xinyu took to the fan communication platform Fromm, where she described the system as “cruel.” She likened it to her traumatic experiences on the Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999. Xinyu suggested that a randomized system might be better. However, soon after posting these comments, she issued a retraction and an apology, then deleted all her posts. Fans speculated that the group’s management might have pressured her to do so.

MODHAUS has yet to address the controversy surrounding Xinyu’s remarks or the broader issues related to the group’s management practices. Fans hope that Xinyu wasn’t punished for her honesty and that the agency will take steps to improve how members are treated. However, it seems like the agency may already be making changes. A quick check of tripleS’s social media shows new concept photos where the members aren’t arranged according to Objekt sales. Additionally, the track list for the group’s album has been released.

These issues notwithstanding, the album ASSEMBLE24 will be released as planned on May 8 at 6:00 PM. The 10-track collection will be bannered by the title track “Girls Never Die.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is tripleS’s latest photo featuring all 24 members. Notice how they’re arranged. This time, it’s not according to Objekt sales. Source: X/@triplescosmos.

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Stray Kids Sets Summer Comeback, Charlie Puth Collab

Stray Kids are gearing up for a summer comeback with a digital single called “Lose My Breath,” featuring American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. The track is set to drop on May 10 at 1:00 PM KST and serves as a precursor to a highly-anticipated Korean album due later in the year. This marks the first time Stray Kids has collaborated with a Western artist. As such, some say this song is proof that Stray Kids is looking to significantly expand their international presence.

@jypestraykids

#StrayKids #스트레이키즈 #LoseMyBreath Feat. #CharliePuth TRACK PREVIEW 1 2024.05.10 FRI 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET) #StrayKidsComeback #YouMakeStrayKidsStay #NewMusic

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – Stray Kids – Stray Kids

A wave of controversy

While the collaboration has stirred considerable excitement among some fans, it has also unleashed a wave of controversy because of Charlie Puth’s involvement. Some fans of Stray Kids, known as STAYs, have voiced their intent to boycott “Lose My Breath.” They also asked the group’s agency, JYP Entertainment, for a version of the song without Puth’s vocals. This reaction stems from issues Puth faced in the past, namely the accusations of him being a Zionist and a rape apologist.

Charlie Puth has faced criticism over his perceived support for Israel in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties. The Palestinian death toll reached 33,843, with at least 76,575 injured. Puth’s family, including his sister, has been identified by some as Zionists, and Puth himself has liked and shared posts by other celebrities who support Israel.

Moreover, Puth has been accused of being a rape apologist due to his support for Swedish music producer Dr. Luke, whom American pop star Kesha accused of abuse. Additionally, Puth’s social media history includes support for controversial figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump.

@lilwickedfelix

Its a hard pass for me on the lose my breath collab with cha*rlie puth… #straykids #skzstay

♬ original sound – felix

Stray Kids’ reputation

Despite the controversy, the excitement for “Lose My Breath” remains high. The teaser for the song quickly amassed millions of views, indicating strong interest in the collaboration. The group is also set to appear at this year’s Lollapalooza festival. It will be held at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, on August 2. As of this writing, tickets to the festival are sold out.

Stray Kids previously performed at Lollapalooza Paris, making them the first K-pop artist to headline that particular edition of the festival.

As the song’s release date approaches, all eyes will be on how this single will impact Stray Kids’ reputation and what it will mean for their future projects. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Some STAYs are choosing to sit on the sidelines for this comeback. Source: X/@Stray_Kids.

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S.Coups Stuns on SPUR Magazine’s Latest Cover

S.Coups, the overall leader of the globally acclaimed K-pop group SEVENTEEN, recently graced the cover of SPUR Magazine’s June 2024 issue. This marks his first solo appearance on the cover of a Japanese magazine. This milestone comes after he went on a six-month hiatus following an ACL injury. 

During that time, S.Coups was unable to participate in any activities, including photoshoots. So, when he entered the venue of the SPUR Magazine photoshoot, the air was thick with anticipation. Everyone present couldn’t wait to see what S.Coups would do once he got in front of the camera.

S.Coups stood ready

On the day of the shoot, as S.Coups stood ready in front of the camera, the studio was bathed in warm sunlight, an auspicious start to his comeback. Sure enough, when he started striking poses for the photographer, he impressed the whole team with his charisma.

S.Coups donned four different looks for the photoshoot. On the cover, he wears a relaxed silhouette jacket by Dries Van Noten. It lent him an air of gravitas befitting the leader of a 13-member K-pop group, yet it also made him look gentle. Of all the outfits he wore that day, S.Coups said his favorite was a khaki coat and necktie from Fendi, citing it as a perfect example of the “old money look”—a current trend in Korea he’s keen to explore personally.

The feature also delves into S.Coups as an individual. In a revealing two-page interview, he discusses his role as a leader, the dynamics within SEVENTEEN, and his thoughts on the group’s future, offering fans a deeper insight into his personal and professional life. To coincide with the June issue’s release, SPUR Magazine announced a special campaign that includes signed photos. They also released a behind-the-scenes video and outtakes from the photoshoot.

His newfound hobby

In other news, OSEN reported on the 20th that S.Coups will be featured on ENA Channel Fifteen Night’s Real Fan Zone. His episode will be broadcast on the 29th. S.Coups recently participated in a recording as a devoted fan of the Samsung Lions, a baseball team based in his hometown.

S.Coups has taken a recent interest in baseball, sharing his newfound hobby with fans on Weverse. He posted, “I think I found a hobby…maybe I’ll become a baseball fan,” adding, “I guess Samsung is right for me? They are on a winning streak,” and expressing his desire to watch a game.

CARATs are curious about his upcoming appearance on Real Fan Zone. It’s known for its portrayal of passionate baseball fans and includes celebrities like Cha Tae-hyun and Jo Se-ho, who brings a neutral perspective as the show’s MC. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Head to SPUR Magazine’s website to find out how you can purchase a physical copy of this issue! Source: X/@aboutscoups.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kakao, SM Entertainment to Launch Idol-Themed Video Game ‘SM GAME STATION’

Earlier this month, Kakao Games and SM Entertainment issued a joint statement announcing the launch of a new mobile game titled SM GAME STATION. The announcement was made during a recent signing ceremony at Kakao’s headquarters in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. The ceremony was attended by SM Entertainment CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk and six representatives from Kakao Games, including CEO Han Sang-woo and Business Division Head Lim Young-jun.

Sources say SM GAME STATION will be a mobile collection game where players can “manage” top global K-pop artists from SM Entertainment. The game will transform the artists’ real activities and schedules into fun, engaging mini-games that allow players to interact with their favorite idols. This project is more than a venture into new digital realms—it’s also an opportunity to provide fans worldwide with innovative ways to enjoy their favorite artists’ content.

One of the unique features of the game is its digital photocard system. Players will be able to collect cards featuring the likenesses and performance outfits of SM’s artists. These cards can be customized with parts that highlight individual characteristics of each idol, allowing for a deeply personal and interactive experience. The game also plans to incorporate real-time activities, such as special events to celebrate idols’ birthdays and debut anniversaries, tying the game closely to the artists’ real lives.

[오딘: 발할라 라이징] 공식 인게임 트레일러 영상_Full ver.

The people behind SM GAME STATION

Metabora is leading the development of SM GAME STATION. Kakao Games handles global publishing and services, while SM Entertainment’s contribution to the process is the vast IP (intellectual property) of its idol groups. Kakao Games has a successful track record when it comes to launching video games, as proven by the release of ODIN: Valhalla Rising and Uma Musume Pretty Derby, so it’s expected to do the same when introducing SM’s artist IPs to a broader audience. The game is slated for a global release in the latter half of the year, with both companies expressing their excitement about providing a novel entertainment experience that combines their strengths in content creation and digital innovation.

Jang Cheol-hyuk, CEO of SM Entertainment, commented on the collaboration, stating, “I am pleased to offer fans of SM a variety of content consumption opportunities and plan to attempt more content mixing within the Kakao Group in the future.” 

Meanwhile, Han Sang-woo, CEO of Kakao Games, added, “We plan to provide a new entertainment experience in the global digital content market by combining our service and development capabilities with the strong content power of SM Entertainment.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Kakao Games and SM Entertainment have something very special in store for gamers. Source: KBS.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

General Mills Cereals Collaborates With TXT on Special Edition Packaging

Earlier this month, certain SNS posts caused a stir among MOAs—fans of the fourth-generation boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Fans were surprised to see photos of TXT on boxes of General Mills cereals, and they wondered if the boys had collaborated with the brand. However, there was confusion as no official announcements had been made at that time. Eventually, any initial skepticism about the authenticity of these photos was laid to rest when General Mills confirmed the collaboration through a press release on their official website.

Each of TXT’s five members—Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai—appears on a different box alongside a General Mills brand mascot. For instance, Soobin shares space with Trix the Rabbit, who became the mascot of Trix in 1959. Known for his attempts to trick children into giving him cereal, his catchphrase “Silly rabbit! Trix are for kids!” became widely recognized. Soobin loves General Mills cereals because of the mascots, and Trix the Rabbit is actually his favorite, so he’s happy to be paired with the mischievous long-eared bunny. (It’s also worth noting that some MOAs and even the other TXT members themselves think Soobin resembles a rabbit.)

The TXT limited edition

Hueningkai, who appears on boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, also weighed in. “I think MOAs will be delighted to see us featured on the General Mills packages on the store shelves! I hope everyone starts their day energetically with TXT limited edition cereals,” he said. Hueningkai’s partner is the cereal’s mascot, Crazy Squares. These square-shaped characters are lively, playful, and often depicted engaging in mischievous antics in commercials for the cereal.

Yeonjun shares his box with Chip the Wolf, the face of Cookie Crisp. Chip became the cereal’s mascot in the US in 2005 and has held that position for a grand total of 14 years. This makes him similar to Yeonjun, who spent many years as a trainee before debuting in TXT as its main dancer and mat-hyung (oldest member). Chip’s antics, which involve hilarious yet unsuccessful attempts to steal Cookie Crisp cereal, are usually highlighted in the brand’s advertising campaigns.

Yeonjun noted, “I’m excited about the collaboration because General Mills is a brand that everyone can enjoy. I hope many people will like the TXT limited edition, too!”

A collectible item for fans

Their bandmates Beomgyu and Taehyun were partnered with Lucky the Leprechaun and Buzz the Bee, respectively. Lucky the Leprechaun, also known as Sir Charms, is the mascot for Lucky Charms. Debuting in 1964, Lucky is depicted as a leprechaun who is protective of his magical marshmallow charms. Meanwhile, Buzz the Bee, introduced in 1980, represents the flavor of the cereal. Aside from becoming a mascot for the brand, Buzz played a key role in campaigns about preserving honeybee populations.

These special edition boxes also include cardboard cutouts of the band members, making them a collectible item for fans. They became available starting April 22 at major retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart, as well as various smaller grocery stores. The limited edition Reese’s Puffs box—which features all five TXT members—will be exclusively available at Wal-Mart from May 6 until it is discontinued.

Speaking of collectibles, the brand is teasing another limited-edition box as part of this collaboration. Check it out below!

About General Mills

General Mills, established as a flour mill in Minneapolis in 1866, has evolved into a multinational entity renowned for a diverse range of food products. From its early days, the company shifted its focus from milling to packaged consumer foods in the mid-20th century and diversified into various sectors, including snack foods, toys, and even fashion and specialty retailing. 

Today, General Mills continues to innovate, focusing on sustainability and expanding its portfolio to include healthier and international food options. The company’s portfolio includes well-known brands like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs, and many more, generating significant sales globally. In 2023, it generated fiscal 2023 net sales of 20.1 billion USD. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled 1.0 billion USD.

Throughout its long history, General Mills has been a pioneer in marketing and advertising. That’s why the company’s latest collab with TXT isn’t that surprising, given its history. For more information, visit General Mills’ website and follow @generalmills on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Partnering with TXT was a genius move on General Mills’ part. Source: X/@txtarchivee.

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ENHYPEN’s Jay Cherishes a Birthday Gift He Got From Jungwon in 2022

In 2021, ENHYPEN’s Jay and Jungwon began a tradition that brought the two of them closer together. Jay gave Jungwon a jacket as a gift, and in return, Jungwon gave Jay an air fryer for his birthday that year.

In his 2024 B-DAY Paper Interview, Jay shared his affection for the unique present. He wrote, “The air fryer that Jungwonie gave me as a gift is the most memorable. Actually, I haven’t had the chance to use it properly yet, but it was memorable because it was my first time to get such a unique gift. Air fryers aren’t usually given as birthday gifts. I need to try cooking with that air fryer right away. Jungwon, thank you!”

@sunwonfilms

#jungwon and jay’s air fryer journey [ #fyp #enhypen #jaywon ]

♬ Some – BOL4

Jay must really be special to Jungwon

Jungwon’s thoughtful approach to gifting didn’t stop there. Over the years, he has tried very hard to come up with creative and personal gifts for his friend. He even asked ENGENEs for suggestions in 2022. That same year, his mother expressed interest in helping him choose a gift for Jay. (It’s possible she helped her son decide on the air fryer.) Jungwon has considered giving Jay a wide variety of things, from perfume to homemade cake to guitar supplies.

Such efforts are notable within ENHYPEN, as member Ni-Ki revealed in a recent live broadcast that the boys generally don’t exchange gifts. He explained, “We celebrate, but that’s how we are since debut.” This makes Jungwon’s persistent gift-giving particularly meaningful. But that’s not all he does for Jay. This year, he made sure to be the first to wish his hyung a happy birthday.

Jay must really be special to Jungwon, otherwise why would he go to such lengths to make the former happy?

@enhypen

꽁꽁 얼어붙은 한강위로 🐈 🐈‍⬛ 가 귀엽습니다. #JUNGWON #JAY #ENHYPEN

♬ 한강 고양이 리믹스 – 행복한피자빵 HappyPizzaBread

ENHYPEN is on tour right now

In other news, Jay and his fellow ENHYPEN members Heeseung and Ni-Ki will make a special appearance at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on April 29. They will throw the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game against the Atlanta Braves, coinciding with the U.S. leg of their ‘FATE PLUS’ IN U.S. world tour. This show will mark the American-born idol’s first performance in his birthplace of Seattle, Washington. 

The tour, promoting their 2023 mini-album ORANGE BLOOD, includes stops across several U.S. cities, culminating in a performance in New York at the UBS Arena on May 3. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungwon’s penchant for giving Jay gifts says a lot about their bond. Source: X/@jaywoncore_.

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BTS’s RM Announces Second Solo LP ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’

He and the rest of his bandmates may be serving in the South Korean military right now, but BTS’s RM made sure that his fans wouldn’t forget about him. How could they, when he and his label BigHit Music just announced that his second solo album Right Place, Wrong Person will drop on May 24?

According to BigHit Music, the album is an embodiment of who RM is as a solo artist. Like the other albums and singles he released on his own, it will be distinct from the material he released as part of the septet. The label encouraged fans to watch out for and support this new batch of material from the 29-year-old rapper.

“Your anticipation and support for RM and his second solo album Right Place, Wrong Person would be much appreciated,” said BigHit Music in a statement.

The album is described as falling within the alternative genre, featuring a rich sound coupled with frank and honest lyrics. RM has been heavily involved in the creative process, contributing to the lyrics for every track. The themes of the album touch on universal emotions, particularly the feelings of being an outsider or not fitting in. That will surely make it a hit among those who have felt the same way at one point or another.

RM vs. NewJeans?

The timing of this announcement coincides with some controversy in the K-pop industry, notably an ongoing feud between ADOR’s CEO Min Hee Jin and parent company HYBE, the music conglomerate that BigHit Music is also part of. Previously, HYBE stated that the issues between the company and Min Hee Jin wouldn’t affect NewJeans’ comeback in any way.

“NewJeans will continue activities as planned, with the new music video released on the 27th and their double singles to be released in May and June. We will do our best so that the comeback activities aren’t hindered and released on time,” the agency wrote.

However, RM’s album is now slated for release on the same day that NewJeans is set to return to the music scene with their own new material. Hours after BigHit Music’s announcement, a promotion schedule for Right Place, Wrong Person popped up on the label’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

Excitement and concern

In 2015, RM released his debut solo mixtape titled RM, and in 2018, he followed that with Mono, his second mixtape. Mono reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200. In 2022, he released his first studio album Indigo, which saw contributions from renowned artists like Anderson .Paak and Erykah Badu. Indigo achieved a peak position of No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Over the course of his career, RM has worked with several notable artists, including Fall Out Boy, Gaeko, Krizz Kaliko, Lil Nas X, MFBTY, Primary, Wale, Warren G, and Younha.

RM enlisted in the South Korean military in December 2023. After completing basic training, he became a saxophone player in the military band. He’s set to be discharged sometime in 2025.

As the K-pop industry gears up for Right Place, Wrong Person, there’s excitement for RM’s new music and concern about the timing of its release. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Check out the interesting art BigHit Music posted on SNS when they made the announcement earlier today. Source: X/@haruharu_w_bts.

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BOYNEXTDOOR’s ‘HOW?’ Album Dominates Domestic and Global Charts

BOYNEXTDOOR has shattered records with their latest release, HOW?, which soared to the top of domestic and international music charts. According to Hanteo Chart, the album sold a whopping 397,090 copies on the day it dropped. This marks a substantial 30% increase from the first-day sales of their last mini-album, WHY.., which sold 302,203 copies. 

HOW?’s first-week sales totaled 649,361 copies. The increase in first-week sales from WHY.. to HOW? is approximately 69.95%. Impressive, huh?

Earth, Wind & Fire – BOYNEXTDOOR [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 240426

The international reception has been equally enthusiastic, with HOW? hitting number one on the iTunes Top Albums chart in five countries and regions, including Hungary, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. HOW? serves as the final installment of BOYNEXTDOOR’s “First Love Story Trilogy,” exploring relatable tales of first love experiences, from the excitement of initial encounters to the bittersweet farewells.

The album’s title track, “Earth, Wind & Fire,” debuted at No. 89 on Melon’s real-time Top 100 chart on April 15 and climbed to No. 63 by midnight. This marked the first time BOYNEXTDOOR cracked Melon’s Top 100. It’s a significant achievement that highlights the growing public interest in the group and their music. Also, the song reached No. 10 on the Bugs real-time chart and No. 62 on the Genie real-time chart, setting new records for the group on both platforms. 

BOYNEXTDOOR is on a roll

Other tracks from the album have also received positive feedback, entering the real-time charts on Bugs and Genie, except for the English version of the title track. 

To date, “Earth, Wind, & Fire” has won three music shows, the latest being Music Bank. BOYNEXTDOOR beat ILLIT’s “Magnetic” on this week’s episode of the KBS2 music show. Zico’s boys took the win with a grand total of 11,210 points. 

Winner’s Ceremony – BOYNEXTDOOR [Music Bank] | KBS WORLD TV 240426

Adding to the excitement, HYBE Labels chairman Bang Si-Hyuk made a surprise visit to the group’s first-ever pop-up store at The Hyundai Seoul on April 19. Bang Si-Hyuk took a guided tour of the pop-up space, taking photos and videos of the various displays. The pop-up store, dubbed “BOYNEXTDOOR Ground in The Hyundai Seoul,” will remain open until April 28.

With their new album charting well and “Earth, Wind, & Fire” going viral, it’s clear that BOYNEXTDOOR is on a roll. Congrats, boys! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: On the heels of their chart success, BOYNEXTDOOR won first place on Music Bank. Source: X/@BOYNEXTDOOR_KOZ. 

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AERA Held a Magazine Publishing Exhibit Featuring BTS’s Jimin

AERA, a well-known Japanese weekly magazine, recently hosted an exhibit titled The Making of a Magazine. At the exhibit, attendees got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production of its issues, including the April 2023 issue featuring BTS’s Jimin on the cover. This event took place at the COVER library in Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado from April 17 to April 23.

The April issue, released shortly after Jimin’s debut solo album FACE,included a stunning 12-page spread that captured the hearts of ARMYs worldwide. The photos, taken by acclaimed photographer Mika Ninagawa, made the spread even more appealing.

Mika, the daughter of famed theater director Yukio Ninagawa, rose to prominence in the late 1990s as part of Japan’s “Girly Photo” movement. She made her directing debut with the film Sakuran in 2007, followed by the music video for AKB48’s “Heavy Rotation” in 2010. Mika’s signature style of bright, saturated colors and dynamic compositions, which gave the video a lively, eye-catching visual feel, was evident in Jimin’s spread in AERA. The collaboration between Jimin and Mika resulted in visually arresting photos where Jimin, dressed in a mauve pink blazer, was surrounded by a lush floral backdrop.

Jimin is one of K-pop’s most beloved figures

The exhibit gave fans an immersive, informative look at how magazine publishing works. It included a series of displays that explained how the AERA staff puts every issue to bed, shedding light on the entire process from start to finish. Entry to the exhibit was free, which allowed many to experience the magic of magazine publishing and the charm of one of K-pop’s most beloved figures.

One of the highlights was a display featuring previously unreleased photos and videos from Jimin’s cover shoot. Behind-the-scenes content from photoshoots with other artists, including popular figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, J-pop groups BE:FIRST and INI, and soloist Hiromitsu Kitayama, also had spots in the exhibit. Finally, for those curious about what it’s like to appear in AERA, there was an interactive mirror photo wall where attendees could experience being on the cover of the magazine.

This event celebrated the art of magazine publishing and proved how influential and popular Jimin truly is. Pre-orders for the April 2023 issue soared, topping charts on major Japanese online platforms like Amazon Japan and Net7 even before its official release. The exhibit allowed Jimin’s fans to feel his presence even as he’s serving in the South Korean military. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Don’t you wish you could’ve gone to the exhibit? Source: Instagram/@aera_net.

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