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Look: NCT WISH Unveils Teasers for Official Debut in February

The infinite expansion concept of NCT is now coming to an end! And here’s the last unit to make it to the team: NCT WISH. 

On Thursday, January 18, SM Entertainment officially announced that the latest addition to the NCT family will be called NCT WISH. Previously referred to as NCT New Team, the group was formed through the 2023 survival program NCT Universe: Lastart.

Ahead of their highly anticipated debut, NCT WISH unveiled a five-minute trailer. Aside from the clip, they also released the first set of teasers on social media. 

In the series of youthful photos, Sion, Riku, Yushi, Jaehee, Ryo and Sakuya posed as a full group in charming schoolboy outfits.

In addition, the six members also introduced their unique visuals in their individual close-up shots in black-and-white filters.

To recall, the boy group first made headlines in October 2023, after releasing their pre-debut single “Hands Up.” Now, the last NCT unit is ready to formally take on the stage with the upcoming title track “Wish for our Wish.”

According to reports, the said track, which will have two versions — Korean and Japanese, is slated for release in February.

Moreover, NCT WISH, being a Japanese boy group, will be managed by both SM Entertainment and the Japanese label Avex Trex

NCT members welcome NCT WISH

Now that the last NCT group has been finalized, their hyungs or older members from other units made sure to warmly welcome NCT WISH.

In the group’s official Instagram account, Taeyong, Johnny, Yuta, Doyoung, Jungwoo were seen showing their support for the new members.

Jungwoo, from the units NCT 127 and NCT DoJaeJung, sent his well wishes for the young group. Furthermore, the vocalist shared that he wishes that the rookies’ future activities will shine in the future and reassured the six members that he is rooting for them.

Meanwhile, NCT’s general leader, Taeyong made the atmosphere lighter with his jokes and even initiated a group hug with the rookie group.

Even the other members were also seen giving brotherly advice to the youngsters as well.

To note, NCT WISH will be NCT’s sixth and last unit. Since being introduced in January 2016, the group has formed five prior groups: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT DoJaeJung

Initially, the group was supposed to have seven members. However, in October 2023, SM Entertainment announced that Jungmin will no longer debut with the group due to health concerns. 

Featured image: The last unit of NCT releases teaser for their debut single. Credit: Twitter/NCT WISH

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LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Are the Final Couples from ‘Single’s Inferno’ 3 Dating?

The popular Netflix dating program Single’s Inferno recently concluded its third season and the final couples seemingly hinted at their dating status after the show!

 

To start off, contestants Lee Jin Seok and Ahn Min Young thrilled the viewers when they picked each other as partners at the finale episode. When asked about their current relationship, Jin Seok answered that he only focuses on one person and that’s what happened in the show.

However, Jin Seok revealed that due to their busy schedules, they are not dating but they occasionally meet to stay in touch. 

Next is the second couple who left the show together: Park Min Kyu and Kim Gyu Ri. Since matching in episode two, the two have remained close. Although it is unknown if they stayed hand-in-hand after the show. 

Moreover, Choi Min Woo and Yu Si Eun were the third formed couple in Single’s Inferno 3. While they do not post updates of each other on social media, Min Woo and Si Eun were seen resharing fan edits of the couple. With this, fans of the show are considering this as a hint that they formed a relationship. 

Meanwhile, the fourth and last couple for this season were Lee Gwan Hee and Choi Hye Seon. Although the couple have not shown hints about their actual score, Gwan Hee and Hye Seon were seen exchanging interactions on their personal Instagram accounts. With this, their fans became hopeful that their relationship worked outside the Inferno. 

However, Gwan Hee personally spoke up about the matter through his YouTube channel, revealing that they aren’t dating. According to the basketball player, he couldn’t maintain a long-distance relationship given the business of their schedule. “I only kept in touch with her from time to time,” he said.  

Is ‘Single’s Inferno’ 4 possible?

Following the conclusion of season three, the producers of the show revealed that it has been the most successful season as compared to the previous ones.

According to producer Kim Jae Won, the first two seasons garnered a total of about six million viewing hours each. Meanwhile, Single’s Inferno 3 surpassed this record with seven million viewing hours. 

With the show’s success, viewers have expressed their anticipation for another season on social media. However, the producers said that there are no confirmations yet for Single’s Inferno 4. 

“It is not confirmed yet. But I think Netflix is thinking positively about producing the fourth season,” Kim said. Moreover, he also mentioned that they are considering the possibility of creating spin-offs featuring the cast from previous seasons.

Featured image: Lee Gwan Hee shares a photo of Choi Hye Seon after the finale airing of ‘Single’s Inferno’ 3. Credit: instagram/Lee Gwan Hee

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan Shares Personal Clips With ASTRO’s Moon Bin in Recent Song Cover

In celebration of his birthday on January 16, Seungkwan of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN released a cover of Choi Yu Ree’s “Shape.” As it is intended to be a gift for the fans, the idol shared that he personally edited the music video for the cover.

In the five-minute video, the vocalist shared personal clips he took with the people close to him. Some who made an appearance are his fellow SEVENTEEN members, his relatives, his dog Bookkeu, and fellow friends in the K-pop industry, which are often referred to as the 98-liners. 

But what made fans extra sentimental is the clips involving his dear friend Moon Bin from the boy group ASTRO. Notably, the 25-year-old singer, who sadly passed away in April 2023, is known to be close friends with Seungkwan.

Moreover, Seungkwan has been very vocal with his love and longing for the ASTRO member.  In the video, some clips showed the two hanging out in a park and posing for a photobooth. One clip also showed Moon Bin happily blowing candles on a cake.

After releasing the cover, Seungkwan continued to talk about Moon Bin in his birthday live. There, he said that there are a lot of good memories with Moon Bin that he wanted to share. “I didn’t want to keep dwelling in sadness, because he is a friend I like so much,” Seungkwan told his fans.

Fans get emotional over the friendship of Seungkwan and Moon Bin

Upon seeing the music video, both SEVENTEEN and ASTRO’s fans — CARATs and AROHAs, were moved by Seungkwan’s warm gesture. Many said that they cried after listening and watching the cover.

On social media, CARATs showered Seungkwan with positive words. Knowing that the singer had gone through a difficult time in 2023, the fans wished for Seungkwan’s good health, safety and happiness. 

 

Aside from the SEVENTEEN fanbase, AROHAs also expressed their gratitude to Seungkwan for sharing his personal memories of Moon Bin. One fan said:“It feels like getting an update for him after a long time.” Another stated: “Thank you for sharing your beautiful moments with our Binnie and thank you for being his best friend.”

Most of the fans were also touched by the video. Moreover, several said that Seungkwan’s cover felt like an early gift to commemorate Moon Bin’s birthday, which will be on January 26.

Featured image: SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan included clips of ASTRO’s Moon Bin in his recent cover. Credit: YouTube/SEVENTEEN

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: BTS’ RM and V Graduate as Elite Trainees

RM and V of K-pop powerhouse BTS shared photos of themselves in military uniform as they completed their military training on January 16.

According to several media outlets, RM, whose real name is Kim Nam Joon, and V, whose real name is Kim Tae Hyung, graduated as two of the only six elite trainees in the 27th Recruit Training Regiment in Nonsan Training Center. A few clips of the singers receiving their respective awards also circulated on social media.

To recall, the BTS members started their enlistment on December 11, 2023. Now that they have completed the five-week basic training with honors, RM and V will now proceed to undergo regular mandatory service.

Several South Korean reports also shared that RM learned about comradeship in his experience. “I was able to naturally find the fun, fulfillment, and meaning of military life,” the septet’s leader said.

On the other hand, Jimin and Jungkook, who were the last two members to enlist, have also completed their basic military service this week.

ARMYs congratulate the BTS members

With the news of RM and V’s achievement, BTS’s fanbase, ARMYs, shared their congratulatory comments for the singers on social media. 

A number of ARMYs expressed that they are proud of their idols. Meanwhile, others also took the time to wish the members good health while doing their service. 

While the fans are celebrating RM and V’s milestone, ARMYs are also patiently waiting for the group’s reunion in the future. Currently, all seven members are undergoing their mandatory services.

Notably, the big fanbase is welcomed by some good news this 2024 as members Jin and J-Hope are set to be discharged in the latter half of the year. To recall, Jin became the first member to enlist in December 2022. Meanwhile, J-Hope followed the eldest member in April 2023.

After announcing their hiatus in 2022 and focusing on their solo careers, BTS promised to be back as a full group once all the members are discharged from the military in 2025. 

Featured image: BTS’ RM shares photo from his military training with member V. Credit: Instagram/RM

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: GFRIEND Reunites to Celebrate 9th Anniversary

It’s a good time to be a BUDDY! In celebration of their ninth anniversary, all six members of K-pop girl group GFRIEND reunited and shared sweet photos of their get-together on social media.

Through a series of social media posts on their personal Instagram accounts, SinB, Umji, Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, and Yuju shared cute photobooth pictures. All the members wrote “9” or “9th anniversary” in their captions. Meanwhile, Umji added: “I want to see you again. Beautiful people!”

Where are the GFRIEND members now

For those unaware, GFRIEND is a South Korean girl group who made their official debut in January 2015 with the track Glass Bead.” Since then, the group gained recognition for several hits including “Me Gustas Tu,” “Navillera,” “MAGO,” and a lot more. 

However, the group disbanded in 2021 and the six members had gone their separate ways.

To start off, SinB, Umji, and Eunha debuted as VIVIZ in 2021. As a trio, they released songs such as “Bop Bop,” “Pull UpandManiac.”

On the other hand, Yuju and Yerin became soloists and are both active in promoting their respective activities.

Meanwhile, the group’s leader, Sowon, pursued a different career as an actress. In 2022, the singer made her acting debut with a lead role in the drama My Chilling Roommate.

BUDDYs get emotional over the reunion

After seeing the members still in touch despite GFRIEND’s disbandment, the group’s fanbase, BUDDYs, can’t help but feel emotional on social media.

Several fans flooded the members’ Instagram posts with heartwarming comments. In addition, they also trended the hashtag #9YearsWithGFRIEND on X (formerly Twitter).

“We’ve come so far… It’s like they healed our trauma from the first 2 photos”, one fan wrote. Another said that GFRIEND’s songs saved her during her hard time and mentioned that seeing them together to celebrate the anniversary makes her happy.

 

Other fans also expressed their gratitude to the singers while quoting touching lyrics from their previous songs. Several BUDDYs also admired the girls’ strong friendship throughout the years and wished for their happiness in the future. 

With the sight of the six members in one frame, fans have become hopeful for the possibility of GFRIEND retaking the stage as a full group once again. Moreover, the group has been consistent in having gatherings, proving that they still have a tight bond. 

Featured image: GFRIEND members gathered to celebrate their ninth debut anniversary. Credit: Instagram/Umji

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

GOT7 Pens Letters to Fans for 10th Debut Anniversary

It has been a decade since K-pop boy group GOT7 made their debut. And to celebrate their 10th anniversary, the members penned heartfelt letters for the fans!

To note, the hitmakers behind the tracksHard Carry,”Just Right,” “NANANA,” and many more made their official debut on January 16, 2014. As a way of commemorating their 10 years in the industry this 2024, the group’s official X account posted photos of the members in polaroid shots with the hashtag #GOT7FOREVER and #ADecadeWithGOT7.

Although all members left JYP Entertainment in 2020, each member — Mark, JAY B, Jackson, Jinyoung, Youngjae, BamBam, and Yugyeom – have been vocal on how they’d still want to do group activities as GOT7.

GOT7 members’ message for the fans

On their personal social media accounts, the members also shared their gratitude for having achieved the milestone. Jackson Wang, the group’s main rapper, took the chance to look back on their journey and thank the people who have been part of it. 

“I love you all, the time you all spent with us was precious,” Jackson said. Moreover, he also emphasized how much he puts importance on their supporters. “I’ve always wanted to make our fandom and crowd proud, as a team, and also as an individual.” In his letter, he said that GOT7 wouldn’t be where they are today without the group’s fanbase, Ahgases. 

On the other hand, Park Jinyoung, who is currently performing his mandatory service, also took the time to celebrate the group’s anniversary with the fans. 

In his handwritten letter, Jinyoung said that the 10 years did not seem like a long time and he feels like they could go on even longer. Furthermore, the singer promised to return healthily from the military.

 

Meanwhile, JAY B, the group’s leader who is also in the military, stated that he treasures all the moments they had in the past. “We GOT7, will work hard so we become artists you can have pride in. Thank you for trusting and loving GOT7,” he shared. 

 

For his part, Mark Tuan mentioned in his note that despite not having group activities for a year and a half now, the members would like to get together and perform as a septet on stage soon. With this, he then asked fans to patiently wait for their comeback.

 

Message from the maknae line

The group’s youngest member, Yugyeom, also penned a message for the anniversary. In here, the maknae said that he wants to become a person Ahgases can be proud of which is why he worked hard making new music. Notably, he announced in the same letter that he will be dropping his first solo studio album Trust Me, slated for release on February 21.

On his radio show, Youngjae also opened up about how meaningful it is to celebrate a decade in their industry. “We were very considerate towards each other, and we thought of each other a lot.” 

 

While the rest of the members shared emotional posts, Bambam greeted the group and the fans lightly by posting memes. Showing a glimpse of the boys’ bond, the “Slow Mo singer uploaded funny pictures and clips of the members both on his Instagram and X accounts. “We’ve been through a lot and that’s what makes us strong and special,” Bambam said.

Aside from the heartwarming messages, all the members wished for the fans’ happiness and good health as well, showing their genuine love for their supporters. Ahgases, in return, responded with a promise to stay with the boy group for a long, long time.

Congratulations on your 10th anniversary, GOT7!

Featured image: GOT7 in the concept photo for their fan concert ‘Homecoming.’ Credit: Twitter/GOT7

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Ex-AOA’s Yuna to Marry Composer Kang Jung Hoon in February

Yuna, a former member of K-pop girl group AOA, is now a bride-to-be!

On January 11, ex-AOA’s Seo Yuna announced that she is set to tie the knot with composer Kang Jung Hoon. For those unfamiliar, Kang Jung Hoon is also known by his stage name Friday of the music production duo GALACTIKA.

On her personal Instagram account, Yuna happily shared the news with black-and-white photos of her and her fiance. In her caption, he spoke highly of Jung Hoon, saying that he is someone who is of good influence and has always been by her side. 

“Even when I was falling apart, he was a warm person who filled the empty space so I could get back up again,” the 31-year-old artist said.

 

In the same letter, Yuna expressed her gratitude to her fans who have supported her since debut. Additionally, the former AOA member promised her supporters that she’ll continue to be the artist that they like. “Because of the great love you have given me, I will always remain the same, as the Yuna who knows how to share and give that love”.

Ending her caption, the idol asked for the fans’ blessings and support as she entered a new stage in her personal life.

Fans and friends congratulate Yuna

For those who don’t know, Yuna debuted as part of the girl group AOA in 2012. After spending eight years with the group, she parted ways with both AOA and its home agency, FC Entertainment in 2020. After leaving the entertainment industry, Yuna started a new career as a yoga instructor, while still being subtle as a musician.

Meanwhile, her future husband Jung Hoon is known to have written hits like ITZY’s Dalla Dalla,” SISTAR19s “Ma Boy,” ZE:A’s “Aftermath,” among many others.

As per reports, the two developed their relationship while Yuna was working with the composer as a lyricist under the pen name e.NA.

After the announcement, several of her fans and friends sent their congratulatory messages on social media.

On her Instagram post, her friends from the music industry left flattering comments as well. Notably, her former AOA bandmate Dohwa said that Yuna looked pretty in the pictures while other female artists congratulated the singer.

Moreover, Yuna’s fans also showed their happiness with the news. “As someone who has been a fan of hers for almost 10 years, it makes me happy to hear that she’s found someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with,” one wrote.

Other fans also took the time to wish for the couple’s bright future. “I wish them a lifetime of happiness”, one said. 

According to Korean media, Yuna and Jung Hoon will be exchanging vows in a private ceremony on February 18. Best wishes to the lovely couple!

Featured image: Yuna shares photos from her pre-nuptial shoot. Credit: Instagram/Yuna

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Look: Park Bo Gum, Kim So Hyun to Star in ‘Good Boy’

You’re in for a treat, K-drama fans! On January 11, it was confirmed that actor Park Bo Gum and actress Kim So Hyun are pairing up in the new action-comedy drama Good Boy.

According to the drama’s production team, Good Boy will tell the story of a group of gold medalists who turn into police officers after facing financial struggles, injuries, and other career challenges. Together, they form the “Olympic Avengers” and use their athletic skills to fight violence.

Said drama will be helmed by director Shin Na Yeon, known for spearheading Beyond Evil and The Good Bad Mother. Moreover, director Shin will be accompanied by writer Lee Dae Il, who previously wrote Bring it On, Ghost, Chief of Staff and Life on Mars.

Alongside the confirmation of the lead stars in the drama, Bo Gum and So Hyun’s roles were also briefly discussed.

In Good Boy, Bo Gum will play the role of Yoon Dong Joo, a former Olympic gold medalist boxer who became a police officer for the Special Violent Crime Unit. After experiencing a downfall as an athlete, Dong Joo discovers his instinct to battle injustice.

On the other hand, Kim So Hyun’s character, Ji Han Na, became a police officer after quitting as an Olympic shooting gold medalist due to some traumatic incident.

Fans’ excitement for the duo’s team-up in ‘Good Boy’

Upon hearing the news of the lead roles, fans brought their excitement to social media.

Several fans said that they are excited for the release of Good Boy, especially as this will be So Hyun’s first action drama in a while. “I’m sure this will be great,” one fan said. Meanwhile another mentioned that her long awaited dream pairing has finally happened.

Moreover, one fan is already anticipating Bo Gum and So Hyun’s arguments in the drama. “Can’t wait to watch Kim So Hyun and Park Bo Gum’s bickering. It will be so fun,” she wrote. 

Although there are no specific details about it yet, Good Boy is expected to premiere in the second half of 2024. Stay tuned for more updates!

Featured image: Park Bo Gum and Kim So Hyun will headline the drama ‘Good Boy.’ Credit: Twitter/Korean Updates

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Choi Woo Shik, Son Sukku Star in Thriller Drama ‘A Killer Paradox’

K-drama enthusiasts, get ready to watch this amazing team up on the big screens! On January 11, Netflix Korea unveiled the teaser of its upcoming dark comedy thriller series A Killer Paradox, starring esteemed actors Choi Woo Shik and Son Sukku

In the one-minute trailer, Woo Shik is revealed to play the role of an ordinary college student working as a part-timer in a convenience store. Meanwhile, Sukku will take the role of a detective. Moreover, the teaser hinted at an action-packed storyline as a text read: “Murder’s like that too. It just happens.”

In addition to the trailer, Netflix Korea also shared new stills from the upcoming drama. In a few shots, Sukku appeared to be enraged while holding someone at gunpoint. Meanwhile, Woo Shik’s photo shows himself with blood stains on his face.

Based on the webtoon of the same title, A Killer Paradox is spearheaded by director Lee Chang Hee. Said director established himself as one of the best directors in the thriller genre, after helming previous hits such as the 2018 movie The Vanished, and the 2019 drama Strangers from Hell.

What to expect in ‘A Killer Paradox’

 

According to reports, the story will revolve around Woo Shik’s character, Lee Tang. Tang, who is a student-part-timer, unconsciously ends up committing a murder after getting into an argument with a customer.

After a while, Tang discovers that the man he killed was actually a serial killer. He then discovers his skill to identify “evil people” and decides to go on a spree to punish the “bad seeds.”

However, detective Jang Nan-gam, played by actor Son Sukku, is set to pursue the culprit behind these killings, hinting at the duo’s cat-and-mouse chase.

Aside from the hair-rising plot, fans are also anticipating the team up of Woo Shik and Son Sukku in one film. 

Notably, Woo Shik has marked his name as one of the most versatile actors in the Korean film industry after numerous of his previous works achieved great success. Some of which are The Witch Part 1, Train to Busan and the 2020 Oscars Best Picture Parasite

On the other hand, Son Sukku has become one of the most loved leading actors in South Korea. Among the 40-year old veteran actor’s most recognized works are The Roundup, My Liberation Notes, and D.P., among many others.

A Killer Paradox will officially be available for streaming on Netflix starting February 9.

Choi Woo Shik in the Netflix series ‘A Killer Paradox.’ Credit: Twitter/Netflix

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ZEROBASEONE Achieves Rookie Grand Slam

ZEROBASEONE made K-pop history yet again by becoming the first boy group in four years to achieve a “Rookie Grand Slam.” This remarkable achievement makes them the seventh group ever to reach this milestone. 

In the K-pop scene, a Rookie Grand Slam is defined by winning the Rookie of the Year award at each of the five major South Korean music award shows. This award demonstrates commercial success and widespread recognition for a new artist or group. Highly coveted, it represents a unique honor in an artist’s career, awarded only once to emerging talents.

@haoareyou

UNSTOPPABLE ROOKIESSS #zb1 #zerobaseone #fyp

♬ original sound – yan – yan

The five major award shows one must win to achieve a Rookie Grand Slam are the MAMA Awards (formerly known as the Mnet Asian Music Awards), Melon Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, Seoul Music Awards, and Circle Chart Music Awards. Each award has its own criteria, encompassing various aspects of the industry such as digital sales, physical sales, and voting. 

Winning the Rookie of the Year award at all these ceremonies is not only rare but often signals a successful career ahead in K-pop. Aside from ZEROBASEONE, only six other groups have achieved a “Rookie Grand Slam.” They are SHINee (2008), iKON (2015), WANNA ONE (2017), ITZY (2019), TXT (2019), and aespa (2022).

@sheng_xy

Congratulations again jebewon #zb1 #zerobaseone #rookiegrandslam #kpopfyp

♬ paper rings by taylor swift – jacob

ZEROBASEONE is on a path of continued success

ZEROBASEONE took their first step on the road to the Rookie Grand Slam at the 2023 MAMA Awards. This award show took place at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on November 28 and 29, 2023. They won Worldwide Fans’ Choice, Favorite New Artist, and Best Male Artist. In their speech, the group said, “We’re thrilled to receive the Best New Male Artist award, a recognition that comes only once in a lifetime. We want to express our gratitude to all the ZEROSE for their support. We’re thankful to our agency for their active belief and support. We appreciate the staff who always illuminate our path. To our fellow members, we love you, and to our parents, we want to convey our gratitude and love.”

On January 10, ZEROBASEONE was named Rookie of the Year at the Circle Chart Music Awards, completing the Rookie Grand Slam. The group’s center, Zhang Hao, won the VIAJE Global Popularity Award. He’s the first foreign idol and third individual idol to receive this award, following EXO’s Sehun in 2016 and Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon in 2017.

This achievement sets ZEROBASEONE on a path of continued success and influence in K-pop. Great work, boys! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Not many artists can say they’ve achieved what ZEROBASEONE has. Source: X/@ZB1Vibes.

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