Author: Kpop News Writer

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ENHYPEN’s Jungwon Goes Viral for Sweet Interaction With a Fan

Jungwon

ENHYPEN‘s leader Jungwon is making waves on social media for his treatment of fans.

A South Korean netizen posted about her encounter with Jungwon outside the HYBE Labels building recently. As proof of her story, she shared a photo of the photocard she asked him to sign on social media, along with her account of what happened.

On X (formerly Twitter), the Jungwon fan account @jungwonglobal translated the netizen’s story. “OP said she met Jungwon in front of the HYBE building yesterday. When she called him and said she was an ENGENE, he came closer and gave her his autograph. He even greeted her with a fist bump.” This explains the signed photocard the netizen posted on her X account, which bore the username @wwxn28.

As if getting his autograph wasn’t a big enough coup, the fan was lucky enough to experience how sweet the “Sweet Venom” singer can really be. When the netizen handed Jungwon the photocard and a pen for him to sign it, their hands touched briefly. That’s when he offered to do something nice for her. “Jungwon said he would buy her a hot pack because her hands were cold. He even offered to buy her a meal because she had told him she hadn’t eaten. OP felt embarrassed, so she naturally said it was OK.”

Fans called Jungwon an ‘angel’

This act of kindness by the idol has impressed fans online, highlighting the reasons they adore him. Another X user commented, “This is the sweetest thing ever.” The story of this particular encounter has gone viral on social media, revealing Jungwon‘s true personality to the public. Fans were thrilled to hear about fellow ENGENEs meeting their favorite idol and expressed their joy at the kindness Jungwon showed.

With stories emerging from fans who have had chance encounters with him, the community praised him for treating them well. Many fans have also called him an “angel” for being kind to them, solidifying his reputation as a talented artist and a genuinely caring person. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: How can you not stan Jungwon after reading this story? Source: X/@honeywonietea.

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Bang Si-hyuk Arranged ENHYPEN’s ‘I Need U’ Cover for Spotify

For the 10th anniversary of Spotify’s K-Pop ON! (온) playlist, the BELIFT LAB boy group ENHYPEN recently unveiled their rendition of BTS’s “I Need U.” Their cover is markedly different from the original’s electronic synth sound. Instead, it’s an acoustic, almost serene take on the song, masterfully arranged by HYBE Labels’ chairman Bang Si-hyuk. This is notable because Bang PD had never granted any artist permission to release covers of BTS’s songs before. Therefore, ENHYPEN’s cover marks a first—and the significance of this milestone isn’t lost on the boys themselves. How can it be, when the song itself means a lot to them? 

In an interview released soon after the cover dropped, Heeseung, the group’s eldest member, shared his personal connection to the song. “I was much younger when I listened to this song for the first time, as you can imagine. My older brother would put this song on while he was preparing to go to school. I sort of woke up to this song every morning, so I grew up to be fond of it.”

“We decided to remake ‘I Need U’ for three reasons,” added ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon. “It was meaningful because it marked the beginning of BTS sunbaenim’s The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series. We used to listen to it all the time. Some of us even performed this song on I-LAND. This was also the very first time HYBE chairman Bang PD-nim approved the recording and release of a cover. He even participated in the process. It was an honor for us to have him on board.”

ENHYPEN covers “I NEED U” by BTS | K-Pop ON! First Crush

ENHYPEN has learned a lot

ENHYPEN’s rendition of ‘I Need U’ is more mellow and incorporates elements of afrobeats. Sunghoon said this stylistic change is an opportunity for ENGENEs to see a new side of the septet. “Since this is a song that everybody knows and loves, I really want people to focus on what kind of spin we put on it.”

Jake revealed how they decided which member would sing which part. “What we usually do when we record is we go in one by one, sing the whole song, and the producer sort of chooses what lines would fit each member. When I went in to sing the whole thing, I was told that the second verse is going to be Ni-Ki’s so I didn’t get to sing that part.”

ENHYPEN tell us more about their cover of “I NEED U” by BTS | K-Pop ON! First Crush

This cover also presented a challenge for Sunoo, who sings a high-pitched note in the bridge. “I was concerned about it, but practiced a lot. Our own rendition is obviously meant to be different from the original, so I tried really hard to put my own style into it as well,” he shared.

ENHYPEN says they’ve learned a lot since coming together on the survival show I-LAND nearly four years ago. “We’ve done a lot of performances and we’ve become more professional. With this particular cover, we’ll be able to showcase how much we’ve grown,” declares Sunghoon.  Their take on ‘I Need U’ is now available for streaming on Spotify‘s K-Pop ON! (온) playlist. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ENHYPEN’s spin on the BTS classic is quite refreshing. Source: X/@kchartsmaster.

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VANNER Named City Ambassadors of Daejeon

The boy band VANNER has been appointed city ambassadors of Daejeon, as announced by their agency, KLAP Entertainment. This prestigious designation became effective from Wednesday, February 14 under a two-year contract. It entrusts the members with the responsibility of promoting Daejeon’s public events, including the notable Daejeon Zero O’Clock Festival.

@discoverkorea

대전여행 꼭 해야하는 것! #대전여행 #daejeoncity

♬ Little Hot – Official Sound Studio

Last year’s Daejeon Zero O’Clock Festival showcased Daejeon’s past, present, and future through various events and programs. The festival had three sections. The first section, Newtro Daejeon Blues, highlighted the city’s past with 1950s-themed setups. The second section, D-Culture of Korea, focused on the present with K-pop performances. Lastly, the Future City of Daejeon section showcased the city’s technological advancements. International students helped promote the festival, which also aims to boost the local economy by attracting tourists. For the next two years, that will be part of VANNER’s job as city ambassadors of Daejeon.

Expressing their enthusiasm for the new role, VANNER stated, “We are delighted and honored to have the opportunity to promote Daejeon. We will work in body and mind to aid events that promote Daejeon.” Hyesung, a band member native to the city, shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for his hometown. He committed to not only promoting Daejeon but also to spreading a positive influence as an artist.

About VANNER

VANNER made their debut in February 2019 under VT Entertainment and joined KLAP Entertainment after winning JTBC’s survival show Peak Time in 2023. The show spotlighted already-debuted but lesser-known boy bands, providing VANNER with a significant platform to showcase their talent. The band, consisting of members Ahxian, Gon, Hyesung, Taehwan, and Yeonggwang, has since captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

@vanner_official

VVS를 위한 💎💍#JACKPOT_Challenge   #VANNER #배너 #CAPTURE_THE_FLAG #JACKPOT

♬ JACKPOT – VANNER (배너)

The band’s second EP, Capture the Flag, featuring the lead track “Jackpot,” dropped in January and achieved remarkable success, topping iTunes global charts in the Philippines and Colombia. 

 As city ambassadors of Daejeon, VANNER will leverage their growing popularity and influence to shine a spotlight on their city, promising to engage in various activities and events that highlight the cultural and social vibrancy of Daejeon. – K-Pop News Writer

 Featured Image: The boys posed with the certificate after the ceremony. Source: X/@FranceVanner.

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StarNews Calls BTS’s Jimin ‘King of iTunes’

BTS‘s Jimin has once again demonstrated his global influence by setting a remarkable record on the iTunes charts. His digital single “Closer Than This,” released as a heartfelt gesture to fans before his military enlistment, soared to the top spot on the Russian iTunes Top Songs Chart on February 10, achieving number one in 116 countries. This achievement has solidified Jimin‘s status as the only artist in the world to have four songs reach number one on the iTunes Top Songs Chart in more than 116 countries and regions, marking a historic first in iTunes history.

Jimin‘s track record includes “Like Crazy,” the first song by a Korean solo artist to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, and the tvN drama OST “With You,” which achieved an all-kill in 119 countries. Additionally, his solo track “Filter” from BTS’s fourth Korean-language album Map of the Soul: 7 reached number one in 118 countries. Now, “Closer Than This” has further extended his record with a number one in 116 countries.

#ThisIsJimin 정말 많이 사랑합니다 우리 아미💜 #지민 #Jimin #자정각👀

Jimin holds a unique record

Moreover, with “Set Me Free Pt. 2” from his debut solo album FACE topping the charts in 113 countries, his collaboration track “VIBE” with Taeyang in 102 countries, and the theme song “Angel Pt. 1” for the movie Fast X in 100 countries, Jimin holds a unique record of having a total of seven songs that have reached number one in over 100 countries on iTunes. This unparalleled achievement has led South Korean media outlet StarNews to call him the “King of iTunes.”

“Closer Than This” has also achieved significant success on other major music platforms, surpassing 88 million streams on Spotify, the world’s largest streaming platform, 16.4 million on the domestic music streaming platform MelOn, over 16.85 million views on YouTube, and has been searched for 90,000 times on the global music search site Shazam. Jimin‘s widespread popularity and the love he receives from fans around the world across various platforms both domestically and internationally are a testament to his enduring appeal and talent. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: No one does it like Jimin! Source: X/@ARMYonSpotify.

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Song Seung-hyun Retires From the Entertainment Industry

Song Seung-hyun, known for being an actor and a member of the band F.T. Island has announced his retirement from the entertainment industry. On February 15, Seung-hyun shared the news in a heartfelt letter on Instagram.

What did Seung-hyun say?

Seung-hyun began by apologizing for being radio silent after leaving his agency. “First, I’d like to express my apologies to my fans who have been waiting during my long break, as I’m not really good at using social media, and it has been a while since I left the company. I deeply regret that I wasn’t able to communicate smoothly and for the long period of silence,” he wrote.

He then confirmed his retirement and reflected on the challenges he faced after leaving the band to go into acting. “After much thought, I’ve decided to leave the entertainment industry and probably leave Korea to start a new life. Four years have passed since I left F.T. Island and started working as an actor. But what was more difficult than adapting to a new job and environment were the uncertain waiting periods and interpersonal relationships that I didn’t see coming,” he added.

Seung-hyun ended his message with a note to fans, thanking them for everything and wishing them well. “No matter what I do, there’ll never be an easy job or an easy relationship with people, but for me, I’ll try to live a new healthy and regular life that I can tackle every day. I really wanted to say that I’m more grateful than anyone else to the fans who have waited, and I hope that you too will always live a healthy and happy life without getting sick physically or mentally.”

Oh! My Assistant | Official Trailer | He’s devoting his heart, body and soul to this man.

The end of an era

Seung-hyun joined F.T. Island in 2009 as a guitarist and vocalist, contributing to the band’s success with hits like “Love Sick,” “I Hope,” and “Severely.” After his contract expired in 2019, he left the group and starred in films, musicals, and web dramas. In 2022, he ventured into the Boys’ Love (BL) genre through an adaptation of webtoon Oh! My Assistant. It turned out to be his last project before announcing his retirement.

Seung-hyun‘s retirement marks the end of an era for his fans, who have followed his journey from music to acting. His contributions to both fields have left a lasting impact, and his decision to retire has been met with support and well-wishes from fans around the world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: His sudden retirement threw his fans for a loop. Nevertheless, they supported his decision. Source: Instagram/@soow456.

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NCT WISH to Hold Fan Showcase in Seoul Next Month

NCT‘s newest unit, NCT WISH, is gearing up for an exciting event next month. They’ll be meeting their South Korean fans for the first time through a fan showcase titled NCT WISH’s Wishlist. Scheduled for March 4, the showcase will take place at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan District, central Seoul. But that’s not all. According to SM Entertainment, the showcase will also be live-streamed across various platforms, including YouTube, NCT WISH‘s Weverse channel, and TikTok.

The showcase promises an intimate experience with the NCT WISH members. They’ll perform their upcoming debut single “Wish.” They’ll also share behind-the-scenes stories, including personal anecdotes, about the road they took to get to their official debut. “Wish,” a track produced by SM Entertainment legend BoA, is set to drop on February 28 at 6:00 PM KST. BoA became the group’s overall producer last month.

About NCT WISH 

NCT WISH is the latest addition to the NCT family, formed through SM Entertainment’s survival show NCT Universe: LASTART. The group consists of six members: Jaehee, Riku, Ryo, Sakuya, Sion, and Yushi. They were active under the name NCT New Team even before their official debut, performing in various cities in Japan​​. They also caught the attention of fans worldwide with their pre-debut single “Hands Up,” released last October.

Before their fan showcase in Seoul, NCT WISH will make their debut performance at SM Entertainment’s in-house concert SMTOWN LIVE 2024: SMCU. This event will take place at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on February 21. They’ll perform alongside top SM Entertainment artists like aespa, Red Velvet, Taeyeon, Super Junior, and more.

Fans of NCT are eagerly awaiting the Seoul showcase, ready to support NCT WISH as they embark on this new chapter. With their unique sound and dynamic performances, NCT WISH is poised to become the next big name in K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will you be watching the showcase? Source: X/@nctwishofficial.

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Calvin Klein Reportedly Spent 10M USD on Jungkook’s New Ad

Calvin Klein’s new ad for their Spring/Summer 2024 collection took social media by storm upon its release on February 14. The seven-second ad, set to the tune of Iggy Pop’s 1977 single “The Passenger,” features BTS’s Jungkook moving and grooving through Grand Central Station. Normally one of the busiest places in New York City, the station was empty on the day of filming. Calvin Klein reportedly paid approximately 10 million USD to close down the station just so Jungkook could film in peace.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) acquired Grand Central Station for 33 million USD in May 2020. Anyone wishing to film on the premises must obtain permission from the MTA. The process involves completing an application. Only then will the MTA and Metro-North Railroad grant permission for the space to become a filming set. Sources indicate that the cost of shutting down the station for filming could range from 5 million to 10 million USD. This is due to the expenses per hour and additional costs like permits, estimated at around 500,000 USD.

Jungkook was spotted filming something at Grand Central Station in New York

News of Calvin Klein‘s actions sparked significant buzz on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many admired the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence, which spurred them to invest a substantial amount of money to ensure Jungkook‘s ad would turn out great.

Learn more about Grand Central Station in the video below.

Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour

Calvin Klein sees it as a worthwhile investment

The ad itself features Jungkook looking stylish in an oversized black half-sleeved shirt and black jeans, with the shirt unbuttoned to reveal his chiseled torso. A silver chain complemented his outfit. The ad ends with Jungkook beside a piano in the middle of Grand Central Station, with the location’s iconic clock in the background.

Jungkook‘s participation in this high-profile ad campaign comes just after his enlistment in the Republic of Korea Army on December 12, 2023, where he has been assigned to the 5th Infantry Division. He’s expected to return to the entertainment industry in June 2025, alongside fellow BTS member Jimin. Jimin enlisted with Jungkook on December 12, 2023. They signed up for the South Korean military’s “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system, allowing them to train and live together for the duration of their service.

The fact that Calvin Klein was willing to spend so much money on Jungkook‘s campaign indicates they see it as a worthwhile investment. After all, despite his absence from the entertainment scene due to military service, Jungkook remains overwhelmingly popular. The brand will surely recoup their investment thanks to his star power. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Calvin Klein’s investment paid off handsomely, don’t you think? Source: Instagram/@calvinklein.

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Lotte Wellfood Taps NewJeans to Endorse ‘ZERO’ Snack Line

Lotte Wellfood has enlisted the top girl group NewJeans to endorse its ZERO snack line, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s Health & Wellness campaign. Launched in 2022, the ZERO line targets customers seeking healthier snack options. It offers sweets and desserts with zero calories and zero sugar. Through this partnership, Lotte Wellfood aims to leverage NewJeans‘ widespread popularity to establish the brand as a new dessert standard.

The ZERO line, a sugar-free dessert series using alternative sweeteners, features a wide range of products. This includes ZERO Chocolate Chip Cookies, ZERO Cocoa Cake, and ZERO Fruit Jelly, among others. NewJeans is endorsing the entire line. The girl group has seen considerable success. Their second EP, Get Up, topped the US Billboard 200 Albums chart. Three songs from the EP—“Cool With You,” “ETA,” and the megahit “Super Shy”—also made the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.

NewJeans will enhance ZERO’s brand image

The campaign with NewJeans will showcase video content of the members enjoying ZERO products in their daily lives. Centered around the tagline, “The dessert you want to eat every day, ZERO,” it seeks to attract fans. The brand will also release limited edition products featuring photos of members Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, Hyein, and Minji.

A representative from Lotte Wellfood shared their enthusiasm about partnering with the ADOR Music act, stating, “We plan to conduct various marketing activities to enhance the brand image of ZERO in collaboration with the global stars NewJeans. Look forward to the varied appearances of NewJeans that we will unveil through new product launches, making films, and more.”

[ NewJeans X 빼빼로 ] 뉴진스, 우리 마음 빼빼로로 말해요! – 빼빼로데이 편 (15’)

This partnership represents the second collaboration between Lotte Wellfood and NewJeans, following their endorsement of Pepero. The collaboration on the ZERO snack line is expected to further promote a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle to consumers. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Lotte Wellfood was so pleased with the results of their first collaboration with the girls that they gave them a second one. Source: X/@NewJeansCentral.

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Jungkook Heats Up Valentine’s Day in New Calvin Klein Ad

On February 14, 2024, Calvin Klein unveiled a new ad campaign featuring BTS‘s Jungkook, capturing hearts worldwide on Valentine’s Day. The campaign video, set in New York’s iconic Grand Central Station, showcases Jungkook‘s charisma and style, aligned with the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 theme of self-assurance, fun, and allure. Iggy Pop‘s 1977 classic “The Passenger” plays in the background, adding a timeless vibe to the seven-second snippet that quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter).

Jungkook has been a brand ambassador for Calvin Klein since March 2023. His previous campaigns, including the 2023 Fall collection, have generated significant revenue for the American brand. Following the announcement of Jungkook as the face of Calvin Klein, the stock prices of its owning corporation, PVH Corp, saw a remarkable 20% increase. This highlights the immense impact of his endorsement.

In the monochrome video, Jungkook is seen wandering through a deserted Grand Central Station. He’s wearing a black shirt—unbuttoned to reveal his muscled torso—paired with matching jeans and a silver chain around his neck. He casts smoldering looks at the camera while descending an escalator and sauntering towards a piano in the middle of the station. This underscores the campaign’s edgy yet sophisticated aesthetic.

Jungkook set social media ablaze

The video set social media ablaze, with fans and followers lauding Jungkook‘s charisma and visuals. Comments like “He’s back to set our hearts on fire” reflect the excitement over the idol’s latest work. This reaction is partly because Jungkook has been serving in the South Korean military since December 2023. Active-duty soldiers can only use their phones at specific times. Ergo, fans don’t hear from him as often as they used to.

Despite his absence, BTS’s golden maknae continues to influence and inspire. Releases like this will whet ARMYs’ appetites for Jungkook content until he’s discharged in June 2025. Before his return, the older BTS members will make their respective comebacks to the entertainment scene. Jin is expected to return in June 2024 and j-hope in October 2024.

This campaign serves as a reminder of Jungkook’s enduring star power, even as he fulfills his national duties. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This was one of several photos the brand posted after the video went viral. Source: Instagram/@calvinklein.

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Choi Yena Enjoys Chart Success in Japan

Choi Yena, also known as YENA, recently made headlines with her impressive performance on global music charts, particularly in Japan. Her second Japanese single album, DNA, climbed to No. 7 in the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking for the week of February 5 to 11, 2024. This achievement underscores her rising popularity and the enthusiastic reception of her music by Japanese audiences.

Moreover, DNA has shown robust global appeal, securing the top spot in the US J-pop ranking on iTunes as of February 8. It also garnered notable positions in Russia (No. 12) and Turkey (No. 25) in the J-pop rankings. These accomplishments highlight Yena’s expanding influence across various music markets worldwide.

The title track “DNA” resonates with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics, which reflect Yena‘s sincere appreciation for her fans and her unwavering determination on stage. Upon its release, “DNA” entered the Oricon Daily Single Ranking at No. 9, receiving a steady flow of positive feedback from fans and critics alike.

YENA「DNA」Music Video

Yena is poised to continue captivating fans

This isn’t Yena’s first time at the top of the charts. She previously achieved top ranks in the Oricon Daily and Weekly Single Rankings, as well as the Billboard Japan Top Single Sales chart with her first Japanese single “SMILEY-Japanese Ver. (feat. Chanmina)” last year. These successes have cemented Yena‘s status as a significant figure in the global music scene, continually attracting attention and setting records with her releases.

 

After wrapping up promotions for her third mini-album, GOOD MORNING, in Korea, Yena released DNA on February 5, further solidifying her presence in the music industry. Before embarking on her solo career, Yena was part of the project girl group IZ*ONE. They promoted together for two and a half years before disbanding in April 2021. Like her, the other members of the group have gone on to achieve success after IZ*ONE.

With plans to engage in various activities in the future, Yena is poised to continue captivating fans around the world with her talent and charisma. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Yena parlayed her IZ*ONE fame into a successful solo career. Source: X/@YENA_INTL.

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