Author: Kpop News Writer

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BTS’s RM Is Playing Saxophone in the Military Band

RM

A recent photo of BTS‘s RM in the military has captivated fans and the public alike. Shared on February 15, it shows RM clutching a saxophone and wearing the distinctive red uniform of the Army Band.

@purplemoon.92

𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝. #bts #btsmilitary #rm #namu 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧

♬ Burning Up (Fire) – BTS

About the Army Band

South Korea has several military bands, each linked to a different branch of the South Korean Armed Forces, such as the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. Each branch has its own central band, along with additional regional bands and specialized ensembles within the military’s music departments.

These bands participate in international military music festivals and perform at military functions, national ceremonies, and official events. The red uniform, exclusive to band members, distinguishes them from other military personnel. Performing in the Army Band allows service members to use their talents while serving the country.

To join a military band in South Korea, individuals must audition. Applicants typically need a background in music, which might include formal education or performance experience. RM, with his background as the leader of BTS, certainly fits the bill. During the audition, would-be band members must prove they’re exceptionally skilled in playing an instrument or singing. Their suitability for military service might also be evaluated. Successful candidates then undergo basic military training before being assigned to the band.

@ems28090

rm message #foryoupage❤️❤️ #everyone #fypシ #tiktok #trinding #bts #armybts #btsarmy #bts #viral #rm

♬ Wild Flower (with youjeen) – RM

RM does his best to stay connected

Despite having his hands full performing in the military band, RM has done his best to stay connected to the fans. On the 11th, he reached out via Weverse, inquiring about ARMYs’ well-being and talking about how he’s adjusting to military life. He wrote, “Are ARMYs doing well?” He continued, “I’ve also arrived at my unit and am adapting well. I ate rice cake soup for the Lunar New Year. I’ve been resting a little since it’s Seollal and I’m doing well. Another Seollal will have to pass before I can see you all, but I’ll do well with my time.”

RM ended by writing, “I believe that it will be another place of learning and experiences. Whenever, wherever, always be healthy. And I wish that you will experience a lot more good things than bad things. Hoping that our connection will continue to go on, I hope you receive a lot of New Year blessings!”

RM enlisted on December 11 alongside fellow BTS member V and was named an elite trainee at his military graduation last month. He’s currently assigned to the 15th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do. RM’s participation in the military band allows him to express his passion for music in a new setting. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM’s new role is perfect for someone like him. Source: Kpopping.

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BTS’s Jimin Says He and Jungkook Are Doing Well in Latest Weverse Post

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, BTS‘s Jimin took time out from his military duties to connect with fans on Weverse. Aside from his group’s fearless leader RM, he was the only other member of BTS who was able to greet fans on this special occasion.

Jimin enlisted with fellow BTS member Jungkook on December 12, 2023. They signed up for the South Korean military’s “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. This unique program allows soldiers to enlist with close friends or relatives, receive training together, and be assigned to the same residential unit. In his message, the “Like Crazy” singer reassured fans that he and Jungkook are alright.

@gracewagan88

Jimin’s greetings for Lunar New Year 💜 missing him dearly 🥺 #jimin #bts #bangtan #btsarmy

♬ Love wins all – IU

He wrote, “ARMYs, it’s Seollal! Have a happy Seollal, and this year too, be healthy and don’t get hurt or sick. I hope this year, you will only be happy. Jungkook and I are doing well, so don’t worry too much, and I’ll come again! Eat lots of delicious things and don’t diet today.” This message not only updated fans on his and Jungkook‘s well-being but also encouraged them to enjoy the festivities without restraint.

Lunar New Year, or Seollal in Korea, is a cornerstone of Korean culture, emphasizing family bonds and cultural heritage. It falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, typically in late January or early February. Jimin made the effort to write to fans during Seollal while serving in the military. That he did so underscores how important the fans and their happiness are to him.

@alcawena74

Mimi Trending today for His greeting for Lunar year to Fans#JIMIN

♬ With you – Jimin & HA SUNG WOON

Get in touch with Jimin while he’s away

In related news, fans discovered that Jimin‘s father had installed a transparent letterbox outside Magnate, the café he runs in Busan. Fans used to visit the café and leave gifts and letters for the singer there, even before his enlistment. When Jimin’s father installed the letterbox, fans realized that it was his way of ensuring fans could still get in touch with Jimin while he’s away. What’s more, he would most likely be the one to deliver the letters in the letterbox to the idol. Not many parents or relatives of idols would do something like this, so they really appreciated the gesture.

Jimin‘s Lunar New Year message and the news of the letterbox at Magnate café touched fans deeply. As Jimin and Jungkook continue serving together, their efforts to stay connected with fans do not go unnoticed, reinforcing the strong bond between BTS and the ARMY. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ARMYs were pleased that Jimin found time to greet them. Source: Instagram/@jikook_angelic.

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TXT’s Soobin Releases Cover of ‘Forest’ for Valentine’s Day

Soobin, the charismatic leader of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), gave fans a special Valentine’s Day gift. On February 14, he released a cover of the song “Forest” on the group’s official YouTube channel. 

SOOBIN’s 숲 (Original Song: 최유리) – TXT (투모로우바이투게더)

Soobin on his journey with ‘Forest’

Originally by singer-songwriter Choi Yu-ree, “Forest” is known for its captivating piano melody. Soobin put his own spin on the song by replacing the piano with an acoustic guitar. This gave his rendition a soothing and warm feel that complements his calm delivery perfectly. In a Weverse live broadcast hours after releasing the song, Soobin opened up about his journey with “Forest,” sharing the personal connection he has with it.

“I decided that I wanted to cover this song and when I made up my mind that I wanted it as my first cover, I told the company. They advised me to think about it because they didn’t want me to regret it and suggested I might find something that suits me better,” he said. “However, this song is special to me because it gave me a lot of strength in the past year. So I told them that this is something I really want to cover as my first cover, and they agreed, and then we recorded it.”

Soobin‘s admiration for the song extends beyond its melody to the lyrics, which he found himself listening to often while on tour. The indie track’s open-ended lyrics allowed Soobin to find his own story within its verses. Before heading into the studio to record his cover, he reached out to Choi Yu-ree herself and asked her for advice. Luckily, the singer-songwriter was happy to oblige.

“I wanted to really understand the song, so I contacted the original singer and asked what her interpretation was. I was like, ‘What does this mean? What does that mean?’ It could’ve been tiresome, but she explained it to me in detail until ‘Forest’ felt like my story.”

[TXT] Live SOOBIN 14/2/2024 || live eng sub full live

A piece of the idol’s heart

The creative process behind the accompanying video was also influenced by Soobin‘s vision. He chose to film it at a beach in Incheon instead of an actual forest. Addressing fans’ concerns about the melancholic tone of his cover, Soobin revealed that his smile at the end of the video was made to convey that all is well.

“I also saw people saying that listening to the cover made them sad, but I’m alright,” Soobin reassured MOAs. “That’s why there’s a scene of me smiling at the end. I suggested that they put it in so you don’t have to worry about me at all. I really hope you listen to it peacefully with a light heart.”

While waiting for TXT’s ‘2024 TXT FANLIVE PRESENT X TOGETHER‘ event in Seoul, MOAs everywhere can listen to Soobin’s rendition of “Forest.” It’s a piece of the idol’s heart dressed up in music and lyrics. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Soobin brought so much emotion to the song. Bravo! Source: Instagram/@page.soobin.

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TREASURE Teases New Project ‘Shining SOLO’

On February 14, YG Entertainment‘s official Twitter account set the stage for TREASURE‘s newest project, a reality show titled Shining SOLO. The teaser immediately caught fans’ attention. Comparisons were drawn to the popular dating show I Am Solo, leading many to wonder if this new show would follow a similar format.

An insider added fuel to the fire by leaking some information about the boy group’s upcoming content slate. They revealed that TREASURE really did film a dating show. According to the leak, this show will feature the members splitting into teams of five and going on dates with six influencers. “Final couples” will be chosen at the end. Rumors also suggest a segment where three women will explore the TREASURE members’ charms. While it’s true that fans have seen some members on public “dates,” these dating show rumors still stand unconfirmed.

Despite the lack of official details, the teaser offers a glimpse into the romantic, mysterious vibe of Shining SOLO. Featuring the aurora borealis in the night sky, casting a greenish-purple glow on the large house below, the poster creates a romantic atmosphere that perfectly complements the phrase “Which gem (treasure) boy is yours?”.

What else is TREASURE up to?

TREASURE has consistently engaged fans with a variety of self-produced content, where they showcase their versatility and charm. From Boys’ High School Mystery to TMI-LOG and TREASURE MAP, the 10-member boy group has demonstrated a knack for variety entertainment. Shining SOLO promises to be a fantastic addition to this list. What’s more, the show will air in different countries and regions, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. This approach hints at content designed to introduce TREASURE to a wider—read: international—audience.

In other news, TREASURE is in the midst of their second Japanese tour, 2024 TREASURE TOUR [REBOOT] IN JAPAN. This tour has taken them all over the country, to Aichi, Osaka, Fukui, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Saitama. Their last stop will be at the K-Arena Yokohama, where they’ll play back-to-back shows on March 2 and 3.

The first episode of Shining SOLO will premiere on March 3—the second day of their tour’s Kanagawa stop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will this show be a hit or a miss? Right now, your guess is as good as ours. Source: X/@yg_treasure_jp.

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Stray Kids to Hold Meet and Greet Called ‘SKZ’s Magic School’

Stray Kids is gearing up to enchant their fans, known as STAYs, with a fan meeting titled SKZ’s Magic School. Scheduled over three days from March 29 to 31, this event marks the eight-member boy group’s fourth fan meeting. JYP Entertainment unveiled the poster for the fan meeting on social media two days ago, sparking excitement among fans.

The poster for SKZ’s Magic School depicts the Stray Kids members in what appears to be a library, aligning with the “school” theme of this mysterious event. STAYs don’t know much about it yet. All they know is that Changbin, Felix, Han, Hyunjin, I.N, Lee Know, and Seungmin will transform into wizards for it. So will Stray Kids’ leader Bang Chan.

The fan meeting’s venue is the KSPO Dome (formerly the Olympic Gymnastics Arena), an indoor arena located within the Olympic Park in Seoul’s Songpa District. Stray Kids will hit the stage at 7:30 PM on the 29th, 6:00 PM on the 30th, and 5:00 PM on the 31st. On the final day of this three-day extravaganza, their performance will be streamed live via the Beyond LIVE platform. This will allow STAYs from around the globe to join in the fun. 

Stray Kids continues to expand its global popularity

With the venue’s capacity at 15,000, an estimated 45,000 people are expected to attend over the three days, as Stray Kids is anticipated to sell out all three shows. This fan meeting comes nine months after their third, held at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Stray Kids continues to expand its global popularity. The group recently received nominations for Group or Duo of the Year at the upcoming People’s Choice Awards. They’re also up for K-Pop Artist of the Year and K-Pop Song of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. 

These nominations underscore the group’s growing influence, setting the stage for an even more magical SKZ’s Magic School fan meeting. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This fan meeting is one of the activities the group referred to in their ‘STEP OUT’ video for 2024. Source: X/@Stray_Kids.

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SEVENTEEN Prepared Special Gifts for CARATs’ Eighth Birthday

SEVENTEEN put together a unique present for CARATs on their eighth birthday, showcasing the deep bond between the group and their fans. To mark this special occasion, the 13-member boy group prepared a remix of “Super,” the title track from their 10th mini-album, FML. It will be available for streaming on February 16. This remix of “Super” is named the “Workout” version because it is said to be an energetic track that’s best listened to while exercising.

FML currently holds the record for being the best-selling single K-pop album of all time, with over 6.29 million copies sold. SEVENTEEN also achieved a historic milestone as the only artist globally to surpass 3 million sales on the first day of an album release with FML.

The title track “Super” not only dominated the real-time charts of major South Korean music sites like Bugs and MelOn. It also secured the top spot on the iTunes Top Songs chart in 36 countries, including Brazil, India, the Philippines, and Singapore, demonstrating its worldwide appeal. The music video for “Super” broke records by being the fastest among all SEVENTEEN music videos to reach 100 million views.

SEVENTEEN will celebrate with CARATs on tour

In addition to this gift of song, SEVENTEEN made a grand gesture by bathing the N Seoul Tower on top of Namsan in their official colors. From sunset until 10:30 PM on Valentine’s Day, the tower was awash in rose quartz and serenity. A heartfelt message—the words “CARATs, happy birthday”—also adorned the tower, alongside other expressions of gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. SEVENTEEN-related videos were also projected on the media facade outside the tower.

https://www.tiktok.com/@andy2six7/video/7335407365111598342?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

On the same day, the group also went live to celebrate with their fans.

✨Happy Carat’s Day Eng Sub[24.02.14] 8th year celebration 💎💖

Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN will continue to connect with fans through the ‘FOLLOW’ AGAIN tour. It will kick off with performances at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium in South Korea on March 30 and 31. From there, they will perform at Japan’s Yanmar Stadium Nagai in Osaka on May 18 and 19, then head to the Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa on May 25 and 26. Through this tour, the members will celebrate the last eight years and make more memories with their CARATs. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SEVENTEEN went the extra mile for their fans this year. How sweet! Source: X/@pledis_17.

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Park Hyung-sik Talks About BTS’s V, Military Service on ‘Salon Drip 2’

On February 13, a clip from Salon Drip 2, featuring Park Hyung-sik, went viral, capturing the attention of Hallyu fans worldwide. In the clip, the actor mentioned his good friend, BTS‘s V, aka Kim Taehyung. Salon Drip 2 is a comedy talk show hosted by Jang Do-yeon, who invites celebrities to sit down with her and talk about their current or upcoming projects. Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye appeared on the show to promote their ongoing medical and slice-of-life drama, Doctor Slump.

During the interview, Park Hyung-sik brought up V, who is currently serving in the South Korean military. He shared that the Wooga Squad, a group of South Korean stars including himself, V, Peakboy, Park Seo-joon, and Choi Woo-shik, gathered before V’s enlistment to talk about their experiences. This close-knit group of friends, known for their unwavering support for each other, won hearts when they went on a holiday together for the reality show In the SOOP: Friendcation.

Park Hyung-sik, who began his mandatory military service on June 10, 2019, entered the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province for basic training. He served in the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the South Korean military’s Capital Defense Command as an active duty soldier. When he appeared on the variety show Real Man, he showcased his shooting skills and received positive feedback. That inspired him to join the SDT, believing he could put his skills to good use there.

EP.28 Doctor Slump Park Shinhye Park Hyung Sik | Salon Drip2

Park Hyung-sik on the SDT

When his turn to enlist came, V followed in Park Hyung-sik’s footsteps by joining the SDT. V underwent a rigorous selection process, including document checks, interviews, and physical tests, before being accepted into the unit.

On Salon Drip 2, Jang Do-yeon asked Park Hyung-sik if he still talks about his time in the military. That was when the actor mentioned V. He said, “Taehyung–ah joined the military last December. We met up before he joined the army. There are military stories that people might not want to hear. My unit is the hardest. We talked about that for about two to three hours.” He also noted that the other members of the Wooga Squad tried to console V, suggesting he would have it easier than them.

V was deployed to the “Ssangyong Unit” in the 2nd Corps of the South Korean military after completing an three-week additional training at the Army General Administration School. The story Park Hyung-sik shared on Salon Drip 2 highlights the bravery he and V displayed by enlisting in the SDT. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The actor revealed that he and V met up with their other friends for a bonding sesh before the BTS member’s enlistment. Source: X/@kisgnuyh.

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n.SSign Set for Eight-Member Comeback as Doha Goes on Hiatus

Doha, a member of the boy band n.SSign, will be absent from the group’s promotional activities for their forthcoming EP Happy& due to health concerns. n.CH Entertainment announced on Tuesday that n.SSign would proceed with their comeback without Doha, making them an eight-member group for the time being. They also posted about Doha’s hiatus on n.SSign’s official fan site, emphasizing their commitment to his health and well-being.

The agency’s statement detailed the idol’s situation. “Doha had been continuing activities while going for regular checkups and receiving treatment for not feeling well and for health reasons, but received a doctor’s note that rest is necessary for the time being,” n.CH Entertainment wrote.

“The company determined the artist’s health to be of top priority, and after careful discussions with the artist, decided he should focus on his treatment and recovery,” the agency finished. Fans have been asked for their understanding and support during this period, with assurances that the company will do everything possible to aid Doha‘s recovery.

 This isn’t the first time Doha has gone on hiatus due to health concerns. He previously stepped back in October 2023. 

@nch_nssign

[n.SSnack🍪] 귀여워서 미안해❣️🙏💕 可愛くてごめん🫶 #nSSign #엔싸인 #DOHA #도하

♬ 可愛くてごめん (feat. かぴ) – HoneyWorks

Doha isn’t the only n.SSign member who’s sick

n.SSign, which debuted as a ten-member boy band in August 2023, was initially formed through Channel A’s audition program Youth Star (2022). At the time, they had only seven members. Three new faces were added to their lineup before their official debut. Their first album Birth of Cosmo dropped last August. This comeback will revolve around their second mini-album Happy&. 

Happy& will be released tomorrow, February 15, at 6:00 PM KST. It will have three tracks: “Happy&,” “Funk Jam,” and “Love, Love, Love Love Love!”

n.SSign(엔싸인) 2nd MINI ALBUM ‘Happy &’ Preview

Doha isn’t the only one who won’t join n.SSign’s comeback. Member Hyun didn’t participate in the production of Happy& either. Reports say it’s because he’s also feeling poorly. As such, he won’t join the rest of the band—Eddie, Hanjun, Huiwon, Junhyeok, Kazuta, Robin, Lawrence, and Sungyun—for promotions.

As n.SSign’s fans eagerly await their comeback, they’re also sending Doha and Hyun good vibes and well-wishes. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Get well soon, Doha! Source: X/@nSSign_official.

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NCT WISH Unveils Release Schedule, Teaser for Debut Single

NCT‘s newest—and last—unit, NCT WISH, is gearing up for an explosive debut. At midnight on February 14, they revealed the release schedule for their much-anticipated debut single “WISH.”

The digital album and music video are set to drop online on February 28 at 6:00 PM KST. The physical version of the single will drop in Japan on the same day. Fans outside Japan, including those based in South Korea, will have to wait a few more days to grab physical copies of the album. Its international release is on March 4, but pre-orders are now open at various offline and online record stores.

WISH will boast a total of four tracks, including Japanese and Korean versions of the eponymous title track “WISH” and the B-side “Sail Away.” K-pop icon BoA has presumably had a hand in the creation of this song, as she became the group’s overall producer earlier this month.

More on the NCT WISH title track

SM Entertainment describes the title track as a mid-tempo dance song with an old-school hip-hop base. It combines an energetic hook with lyrical melodies and refreshing, emotional vocals to deliver an overwhelming sense of excitement. According to a press release from the agency, the song’s lyrics articulate the group’s ambition and optimism for the future, as well as their desire to showcase their unique identity and inject positive energy into their music. Check out the adorable teaser image for “WISH” below.

While waiting for NCT WISH to make their official debut, fans can watch the performance video for their song “NASA.”

NCT WISH 엔시티 위시 ‘NASA’ Performance Video

NCT WISH will perform “WISH” for the first time at the Tokyo Dome on February 21. This performance will be part of the SMTOWN LIVE 2024: SMCU Palace in Tokyo concert. This stage is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide, as NCT WISH promises to deliver a bold, energetic performance. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: NCTZens can hardly wait to get their hands on more new material from the boys! Source: X/@nctwishofficial.

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HORI7ON to Make Comeback With Digital Single in March

HORI7ON is finally ending their eight-month hiatus. Consisting of Jeromy Batac, Kim Ng, Kyler Chua, Marcus Cabais, Reyster Yton, Vinci Malizon, and Winston Pineda, the all-Filipino boy group has made strides since their debut. After debuting in South Korea, they have promoted there and in their native Philippines, capturing the hearts of fans across both countries.

Emerging from the survival show Dream Maker, they released their pre-debut single “DASH” on March 22, 2023, setting the stage for their unique sound and style.

On February 14, MLD Entertainment announced that HORI7ON will make their comeback with the digital single “DAYTOUR” on March 2nd. The group will delve into the funk-pop genre with this song. It’s described by their agency as a “high-teen confession song that expresses feelings for a loved one with a refreshing vibe.”

HORI7ON aims to continue their ascent

On the day of their comeback, HORI7ON is scheduled to hold a showcase in Manila, Philippines, for about 1,000 fans. Following the showcase, the band will collaborate with the SM Supermalls chain to perform at malls across the Philippines. MLD Entertainment also revealed plans for other promotional activities in the Philippines, as well as performances on Korean music shows.

This new release is a follow-up to their debut studio album Friend-SHIP, which featured “SIXTEEN” as its title track. The 21-track collection dropped on July 24, 2023. The group saw success with this album. It topped the iTunes album charts in various regions, including New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates. They also vied for first place on Korean music shows.

HORI7ON was named the Top Global Artist of the Year at the PPOPAwards 2023 and won the Focus Award at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards. With “DAYTOUR,” the boys aim to continue their ascent, bringing their unique sound and energy to fans around the world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The septet is preparing to explore new musical territory. Source: X/@HORI7ONofficial.

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