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Park Seoham Thanks BTS’s Jin For His Special Gift

Park Seoham recently took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards BTS’s Jin for a unique gift—a bottle of Korean traditional liquor called “Honey Jar of Butterflies.” This liquor is special because it was crafted by Jin himself in collaboration with Park Rokdam of the Korean Traditional Liquor Research Institute. The crafting took place before Jin enlisted in the South Korean military on December 5, 2022.

The bottle, inscribed with “Made by Jin,” showcases Jin‘s creativity and his thoughtful nature. Seoham was not the only recipient of this thoughtful gesture; Jin also shared these personalized bottles with others close to him, including BTS member j-hope.

Memorable exchanges

Seoham is an actor, best known for his star turn in the popular BL (Boys’ Love) drama Semantic Error. Before turning to acting, Seoham, initially known as Park Seungjun, trained to be an idol. He eventually debuted with the boy group KNK. He left KNK in September 2021. His time as a trainee led to many significant connections, including close friendships with the BTS members. Even as their careers took them in different directions, Seoham’s bond with Jin stayed strong.

Their friendship is filled with memorable exchanges. In the past, Jin gave Seoham a signed copy of the BTS album The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1. It came with a note saying, “From the moment you receive this, you are my slave, vowing loyalty to me for life. Serve me well. If you don’t like it, don’t accept it.” Seoham laughed uproariously when he received the album.

When Seoham debuted with KNK, Jin sent him an expensive figurine to congratulate him. He also posted a photo of them together on BTS’s official Twitter. The photo was accompanied by a playful caption that read, “Fighting to KNK’s Seungjun for holding their debut showcase today. You know I usually don’t take bare-faced selfies, right? Be thankful for the rest of your life.”

In response, Seoham sent Jin a KNK album inscribed, “To senior Kim Seokjin.” When Jin saw the inscription, he playfully retorted, “Who calls their neighborhood hyung ‘senior’?”Their camaraderie was also evident during a reunion at the Idol Sports Athletic Competition, where they were spotted embracing.

What will Park Seoham do next?

Born in 1993, 30-year-old Seoham started his service as a public service worker in March 2022 and was discharged in December last year. He recently held a fan meeting in Seoul. While rumor has it that he’ll appear in a historical drama, fans hope he’ll do a second season of Semantic Error with co-star Park Jaechan instead.

Whatever Seoham decides to do next, it’s clear that Jin will be cheering him on every step of the way. Maybe they’ll even use the “Honey Jar of Butterflies” to toast Seoham’s success. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The gift was a sign of their enduring friendship. Source: Instagram/@parkseoham, X/@Jiniya1204.

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JYP, SM, YG Entertainment Unveil 2024 Plans

Before HYBE became a major player in the K-pop industry, its growth was mainly driven by three agencies: JYP Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. Here’s what these agencies have planned for fans this year.

TWICE “With YOU-th” Mood Film

JYP’s global dominance

JYP Entertainment is set to continue its global dominance in 2024, with its top groups Stray Kids and TWICE at the forefront. Stray Kids, having achieved four consecutive Billboard 200 number ones, will drop two new albums and embark on their third world tour. TWICE, as one of the biggest girl groups around, will make a comeback in February with their 13th EP With YOU-th. They’ll drop a pre-release single on February 2, and the EP itself will follow on February 23.

Aside from preparing for DAY6’s full group comeback, JYP is reportedly working to debut a new boy group. The agency is also set to launch groups born of international collaborations. NEXZ, from Nizi Project season two with Sony Music Japan, and VCHA, from the A2K project with Republic Records, will begin promoting in 2024. Finally, JYP’s partnership with Live Nation for North American performances will give its artists a big platform in the world’s largest music market.

2024 SM GLOBAL AUDITION

SM remains optimistic

In 2024, SM Entertainment’s artists will broaden their reach through diverse channels. The rookie group RIIZE, which has grown in popularity since its debut, is leading the charge. NCT is expected to continue their activities seamlessly despite the anticipated enlistment of some members. SM’s plan is to strengthen its global presence through major performances. These include Key’s solo concert, NCT 127’s third tour, SMTOWN LIVE in Tokyo Dome, and Ten’s first solo concert.

SM is also planning to launch new artists, starting with aespa’s yet-to-be-named sister group. The final team of the NCT system, the Japan-based NCT NEW TEAM, is set to debut after a wildly successful pre-debut tour in Japan.

Despite facing challenges like a change in ownership and an ongoing stock probe, SM achieved record earnings last year. However, its market leadership has weakened, and its revenue heavily depends on loyal fanbases. Even so, SM remains optimistic. In fact, the agency is planning a global audition in 2024 to discover new talent, demonstrating its focus on continued growth and innovation.

BABYMONSTER NEXT PHASE | YG Announcement

YG plans to go all-in

In 2024, YG Entertainment plans to go all-in on promoting BABYMONSTER, with a focus on global expansion. BABYMONSTER will release their second single “Stuck In The Middle” this February, followed by a mini-album in April. The group plans to build a strong industry presence by releasing new music every two months.

YG is also ramping up activities with its other groups. AKMU, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has something special planned for fans. BLACKPINK will continue promoting as a group under YG, but Jennie and Jisoo signed with other agencies for solo activities. Lisa and Rosé are expected to follow suit, but no official announcement has been made yet. Meanwhile, boy group TREASURE is expected to maintain a strong presence in Japan and Korea.

Which of these three agencies do you think will make the biggest splash this year? – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: JYP, SM, and YG have big things up their sleeves. Source: Icon Ape, Top PNG.

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Former ‘Produce 48’ Contestant Kojima Mako Marries Japanese Actor Kido Yuya

Former Produce 48 contestant Kojima Mako has tied the knot! She took to Instagram to announce her marriage to actor Kido Yuya, whom she has been dating for some time. 

Mako wrote, “To all of our supporters and everyone involved, I have some sudden news to share. I am pleased to announce that I have entered into marriage with the actor Kido Yuya. We’re both still immature, but we’re grateful for this encounter and aim to build a happy home filled with smiles. We’d appreciate your warm support and understanding.”

She continued, “We’ll continue to cherish the gratitude we feel towards everyone who supports us, and we will strive to further dedicate ourselves to our endeavors. We kindly ask for your continued support in the future.”

Mako’s journey in entertainment began when she joined AKB48 in 201 as part of the Japanese idol group’s 14th generation. Her rise within AKB48 was marked by her promotion to Team 4 and subsequent transfer to Team K. In 2014, she participated in the title track of their 35th single, “Mae Shika Mukanee.” Five years later, she announced graduation during a concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall. Her last performance with the group was held at the AKB48 Theater on May 12, 2019.

코지마 마코 – AOA ♬단발머리_1조 @그룹 배틀 

Best wishes, Mako and Yuya!

On the Mnet survival show Produce 48, Mako was known for her close friendships with Choi Yena (IZ*ONE), Kim Shi Hyun (EVERGLOW), and Kim Min Seo. She struggled with Korean lyrics but did her best to perform well. She made it through one round of competition, the Group Battle, where she sang “Short Hair” by AOA. Her time on the show ended in episode 8, with her elimination following the Position Evaluation.

코지마 마코 – Fitz&The Tantrums ♬HandClap @댄스_포지션 평가

Post-AKB48, Mako ventured into fashion, launching her own clothing brand, Haluhiroine. She also started a YouTube channel, the mako channel, soon after her departure from the group.

Her husband, Kido Yuya, won the Special Jury Award at the 19th Junon Superboy Contest in 2006. He has starred in dramas like Ore no Skirt, Doko Itta?, as well as musicals and stage plays like Joker Game and Musical: Tennis no Oujisama.

Best wishes, Mako and Yuya! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The two had been dating for a while before deciding to get married. Sources: X/@CTH_48 and X/@sarcastear.

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How HYBE Will Handle BTS’s Absence in 2024

HYBE redefined the K-pop landscape when it solidified its position in the ‘Big Four’—the four largest and most influential entertainment companies in the South Korean music industry. All eyes are on HYBE now as it’s getting ready to navigate a year without BTS, its top-selling act.

In 2023, BTS‘s album sales, including the members’ solo projects, constituted 22% of HYBE’s total album sales, underscoring the group’s pivotal role in the company’s revenue stream. With all BTS members in the military, Yuanta Securities is projecting a 0.4% decrease in HYBE’s annual sales for 2024. To mitigate this, HYBE is diversifying its focus to other artists in its stable.

On-point: How will 2024 K-pop scene look without BTS?

Among these artists, SEVENTEEN is set to embark on a stadium tour in January 2024. Meanwhile, ENHYPEN, fromis_9, and &TEAM are preparing for both domestic and international concerts. Other groups such as LE SSERAFIM, NewJeans, and TXT are expected to maintain their active presence in the music scene both domestically and internationally. Fans are also eagerly anticipating the return of BTS members Jin and j-hope to the music industry after they’re discharged from the military.

This month, PLEDIS Entertainment, a label under the HYBE umbrella, will debut TWS. This highly-anticipated group marks PLEDIS’s first new boy group since the debut of SEVENTEEN. TWS‘s first EP is scheduled for release on January 22. Additionally, two more groups are set to make their debut in the first half of the year: I’LL-IT, formed through JTBC’s show R U NEXT?, and KATSEYE, created through The Debut: Dream Academy.

HYBE is poised for success in 2024

HYBE is also focusing on its fan community platform and intellectual property (IP). Weverse, which serves as a space for fans to connect with artists, is undergoing functional improvements. It’s also looking to add more artists from Japan, Korea, and the US. The company is also planning to continue its foray into webtoons with new releases, such as the sequel to ENHYPEN’s Dark Moon: The Altar of the Moon. HYBE IPX plans to expand with pop-up stores and continue its urban concert play park project, “The City.”

Binary Korea, a HYBE subsidiary, is teaming up with Sandbox Network to launch a creator-centric fan community platform soon. Additionally, HYBE IM, with a focus on gaming, is poised to release the full version of ASTRA: Knights of Veda in the first quarter. Superton, an AI audio company under HYBE, is developing advanced AI voice solutions for gaming. This indicates HYBE’s ambition to establish a strong foothold in the AI audio industry.

[ASTRA: Knights of Veda] The beginning of the journey.

In line with global market trends, HYBE is adopting more international strategies. Bang Si-hyuk, HYBE’s Chairman, has emphasized the need for K-pop to evolve beyond its traditional boundaries. This evolution is reflected in the recent releases from HYBE artists like Jungkook, LE SSERAFIM, and NewJeans. They had more English lyrics and introduced creative variations to classic K-pop elements, such as intricate choreography.

With a focus on nurturing new groups, enhancing digital platforms, and developing innovative content, HYBE is poised for success in 2024 and beyond. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: HYBE is pulling out all the stops to ensure its continued success despite BTS’s absence. Source: HYBE, PEOPLE.

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ENHYPEN’s Jake Addresses Starbucks Incident on Weverse Live

ENHYPEN member Jake recently faced backlash after being seen drinking from a Starbucks cup during a live broadcast earlier this month.

@hyeinlurve

#jake #enhypen #enha #jakeenhypen #starbucks🤮 . . . . . jake drinking starbucks, his apology❤️‍🩹

♬ love maze – ulan

What did Jake do?

The issue with Starbucks began when it took legal action against its own workers’ union. This union had expressed support for Palestine, and Starbucks’ decision to sue them for doing so sparked controversy. The company, known for its liberal, progressive image, faced criticism for what appeared to be a lack of support for a humanitarian cause. Consequently, many people in the U.S. started boycotting Starbucks, criticizing the company for not standing with the oppressed and for suing its employees over their social media posts.

Starbucks has since issued a statement denying any political affiliations. The company also refuted claims that it is pro-Israel or involved in funding the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, Starbucks clarified that it has no branches in either Gaza or Israel.

When fans saw Jake’s Starbucks cup, they left comments on his live broadcast. Some told him not to buy Starbucks anymore “as it sponsors massacres in Gaza.” Others demanded that he apologize and educate himself. Jake noticed their comments and transferred his drink into a glass cup, but that did little to quell the backlash. He eventually decided to put his drink away altogether.

Later, he left a comment on a fan’s Weverse post about the incident. He apologized and promised ENGENEs it wouldn’t happen again. 

@enniskey

Starbucks Just Lost $11B Because of ONE Tweet!! 😱💸 #starbucks #israel #palestine #boycottstarbucks

♬ original sound – Ennis Dakhil

K-netizens react

While international fans were pleased with the idol’s apology, K-netizens weren’t. They argued that Jake‘s actions shouldn’t be linked to the global boycott because Starbucks Korea operates independently from its American counterpart, Starbucks Coffee Company.

Starbucks Korea started as a 50/50 joint venture in 1999, co-owned by Shinsegae Group’s E-Mart Inc. and Starbucks Coffee Company. In 2021, Starbucks Coffee Company sold its entire 50% share. This increased E-Mart Inc.’s ownership to 67.5% as they acquired an additional 17.5%. GIC Private Limited, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, snapped up the remaining 32.5%. Understanding this is key to grasping Starbucks’ operations in different international markets.

K-netizens also noted that international fans are quick to criticize idols over such issues but often remain silent on other matters, like Korea’s historical and territorial disputes with Japan. This indicates that K-netizens believe international fans partake in selective activism, not fully comprehending all relevant issues.

Jake isn’t the only artist who has faced criticism for patronizing Starbucks. In December 2023, Jeon Somi received immense backlash for a video in which she was seen sipping from a Starbucks cup, leading to the closure of several of her largest fan sites. Although Somi didn’t publicly address the issue, she silently removed the video from her TikTok account. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The backlash Jake received was intense. Source: X/@strawbeery_kidz.

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Watch: B1A4 Makes Comeback After Two Years

After two long years of inactivity, B1A4 is now back with a new album!

On Monday, January 8, K-pop boy group B1A4 released the music video of “Rewind,” the title track of their eighth mini-album Connect. In particular, the album consists of a total of five tracks. Aside from “Rewind,” other songs included in the album are “Back to You,” “Pause,” “When You Call Me,” andStill In My Heart.”

Moreover, the said album marks the group’s first comeback after two years. In 2021, B1A4 released the album Adore You before going on a military hiatus. Now, the trio finally returns after all the members have completed their mandatory military service.

Aside from a new album, B1A4 also held a comeback showcase to meet their fans. There, member CNU who composed “Rewind” revealed the story behind the title track. 

“The title song is a song I created with the desire to go into a dream where I can meet my fans even if I turn back time,” the singer said. He also added: “For us, meeting our fans is like a dream.”

It was also revealed that the two other members, Sandeul and Gongchan participated in writing the music of the five songs in the album. In a press release, Sandeul said that they believe it was necessary to produce songs by themselves to properly express B1A4’s unique color.

What made the comeback even more special is the group will be celebrating their 13th anniversary soon. “I hope this album will be like a gift to our fans. I hope you continue to move forward with us in the future,” B1A4 told their fans in the showcase.

More about B1A4

Originally a quintet, B1A4 made their official debut under WM Entertainment in April 2011. In 2018, the group reconstructed into a trio composing CNU, Sandeul, and Gongchan. Such development came after members Jinyoung and Baro decided not to renew their contract with the agency.

Since their debut, the group has made several hit tracks including What’s Happening?,” “Lonely,” “Beautiful Target,” among many others. However, the group had to temporarily go on a hiatus to fulfill their military duties.

Now back with new music and their 13th anniversary around the corner, the trio expressed their intention to continue for a long time. “We hope to stay together in the future, celebrating our 15th, 20th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries,” the group said.

Featured image: CNU, Sanduel, and Gongchan poses for their 2024 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Twitter/B1A4

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B.A.P.’s Daehyun Joins Former Bandmate Jong-Up’s Agency

Daehyun, a member of the boy group B.A.P., has signed an exclusive contract with MA Entertainment. With this, he will now be joining his former bandmate Moon Jong Up in the said label.

“It is a great honor that we embark on this journey with a multifaceted artist like Jung Daehyun, who has showcased his exceptional talent in areas such as music, acting, and musical,” MA Entertainment said in a press release upon welcoming the singer.

Meanwhile, Daehyun also expressed his happiness in being part of the label, “I feel great about being at the same agency as Jong Up. And I ask for your support of my activities with MA Entertainment,” he said. Moreover, the singer also relayed his gratitude to the fans who waited for him after his military hiatus. 

Furthermore, the agency assured fans that they will support Daehyun so he can grow into a better artist. “We will actively support him so that he can unleash his unlimited potential and can shine through a wide variety of activities,” MA Entertainment shared.

In addition to Daehyun and Jong Up’s reunion under one label, fans were also thrilled to know that Daehyun has started following all the B.A.P. members on Instagram. Upon seeing this, fans are hoping that the group would have more interactions in the future. 

More about B.A.P. and Daehyun

For those who don’t know, the boy group B.A.P. made their official debut in 2012 with the mini EP Warrior. Composed of members Daehyun, Jongup, Yongguk, Himchan, Youngjae, and Zelo, the group gained recognition for their songs “1004,” “Wake Me Up,” “One Shot,” among others.

However, the group, which stands for Best Absolute Perfect, disbanded in February 2019. Since then, Daehyun began promoting as a solo artist under a different agency. In the same year, he made his debut as a solo artist with the album Chapter 2 ‘27’.

Aside from his career as an idol, he also ventured into the world of acting. To note, the 30-year-old artist played the lead role in the 2020 drama Meal Kid.

With the news of Daehyun signing with a new agency, fans can’t wait to see more of his activities, both in music and in film.

Featured image: MA Entertainment releases new profile photos of B.A.P’s Daehyun. Credit: Twitter/MA Entertainment

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(G)I-DLE to Release Full-Length Album ‘2’ on January 29

Save the date, Neverland! K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE will soon be back with new music!

On Monday, January 8, (G)I-DLE announced that the quintet are gearing up to release their second full-length album 2.

On their social media pages, the group shared the news with a provocative poster which used intense red lights. According to the group’s agency, CUBE Entertainment, the album will be released on January 29. 

Notably, this will be the group’s return in three months, after the release of their first English EP Heat in October 2023. However, this will be the group’s first comeback for a South Korean release after their sixth mini album I Feel in May 2023.

Moreover, 2 will also serve as the group’s first full-length album in almost two years. Their first full-length album, I Never Die, was released in March 2022. 

As of writing, the “Queencard” hitmakers have already released a teaser for the album inclusions and its pre-order sales information. Other details such as the album’s tracklist, title track, and the official music video release date are yet to be revealed.

Fans can’t wait for (G)I-DLE to be back! 

With a few weeks left until its release, fans  have shared their excitement on social media.

One fan even asked Miyeon for a comeback spoiler on the platform Bubble. To which the singer then daringly answered that the album will be “a little sexy.” Other fans also mentioned that they are excited to see the girl group in a mature concept again.

Meanwhile, others are even more anticipative with the release of 2 as they believe it will be a totally different era. Considering that the group’s I album series has finally come to an end. To recall, all of the quintet’s most recent album titles began with an I. This includes their first studio album I Never Die in 2022, and mini EPs I Do and I Feel released in 2023.

https://twitter.com/dieyacases/status/1744254290833862710

In addition, Neverlands are also excited to see Soyeon, Miyeon, Yuqi, Minnie, and Shuahua perform as a whole group again. In late 2023, both members Minnie and Shuhua had to take a short break from activities due to health concerns. After taking some time to rest, the girls welcomed the new year with restored good health.

With this, (G)I-DLE is set to promote their upcoming album as a full group.

Featured image: (G)I-DLE poses for their English EP ‘Heat.’ Credit: Facebook/(G)I-DLE

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Netflix’s ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ to Return for Season 2

On Monday, January 8, Netflix announced that the hit original South Korean series Gyeongseong Creature will be back for a second season.

In a one-minute teaser, the show appears to be hinting at how the second season is set to unfold in Contemporary Seoul. At the end of the clip, Park Seo Joon makes an appearance while looking over the buildings outside his place.

Interestingly, the new season is expected to extend its narrative to the modern day. To recall, the first season of Gyeongseong Creature told the tale of Imperial Japan and their experiments in creating a monster in the year 1945. 

Moreover, the drama’s director Chung Dong Yoon, said that the second season will have a completely different charm. “The change in space and time period will provide a clear distinction, offering an expanded universe feel,” he said in a press release.

What to expect in ‘Gyeongseong Creature’ season 2

Released in late 2023, the first part of the historical  thriller series revolved around the story of Jang Sae Tang, which was played by actor Park Seo Joon. In the series, he gets caught up infiltrating a hospital where the experiments are made. At this hospital, he meets Han So Hee’s character Yoon Chae Ok, who happens to sneak into the hospital as well. Then, the two had to fight for survival as they battled a man-made monster.

Following the suspenseful plot, the first season captivated worldwide audiences and garnered millions of views. According to reports, the drama even placed a spot in Netflix’s Top 10 list of 69 countries across the globe. 

Now that the show is confirmed to make its highly anticipated sequel, fans can’t wait to see how the story will unfold. Moreover, it was revealed in the teaser that Seo Joon will play a different role by the name of Ho Jae, who resembles Tae Sang of the first season. 

Furthermore, Seo Joon and So Hee will also be joined by actor Lee Moo Saeng in the second season. He is best known for his roles in  39, The Glory and Maestra: Strings of Truth. However, details about his character in the sequel have yet to be announced.

Although there is no official date yet, Gyeongseong Creature Season 2 is expected to be released this 2024.

Featured image: Netflix releases still images from filming of ‘Gyeongseong Creature.’ Credit: Twitter/Netflix Korea

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Look: aespa’s Karina Is Converse Korea’s Newest Ambassador

Here comes the new face of Converse! On January 3, Converse Korea announced that they have selected Karina of girl group aespa as the newest ambassador for the brand.

After releasing a couple of hints and teasers earlier, Converse has officially confirmed that Karina will be participating in the brand’s spring campaign. Notably, the specific campaign will have the tagline: “Create Next, Nothing’s Wrong.” According to reports, the brand aims to deliver a message of support to the younger generation through this specific campaign with the idol. 

After the announcement, Converse Korea’s official Instagram account also followed the aespa member. Additionally, they also changed their Instagram bio to “De Luxe Collection with Karina.”

Moreover, the brand’s campaign video and pictorial featuring the idol is now available for viewing via Converse’s official website.

On social media, fans of aespa quickly expressed their delight in the idol’s latest ambassadorship. While the brand has been dropping hints that they’ll have Karina onboard, fans were still ecstatic to have it officially announced. As well as finally seeing the idol’s photos for the brand. 

Karina taking over with her visuals

With this news, Converse Korea is now the latest addition to the aespa member’s list of brand partnerships. 

Aside from Converse, Karina has also been selected by CHIC Magazine as the front page cover for their January 2024 issue. Interestingly, this will be the singer’s first cover appearance in a Chinese magazine.

Prior to that, she was also appointed as a model for Lotte Chilsung’s new beer “Kloud Krush” late last year.

Proving that her visuals go beyond the stage and brands, Karina has also been named as one of the top 20 most popular K-pop female idols in December 2023. According to the Korean Business Research Institute, Karina ranked 14th in the list.

In other news, aespa has recently made an appearance at the Kross K-Pop Concert in Japan. Despite an earthquake hitting Japan a few days ago, the event proceeded with a number of artists in the lineup. There, Karina, Ningning, Giselle and Winter tore up the stage with a performance of their latest track “Drama.”

Featured image: aespa’s Karina poses in the campaign of Converse Korea. Credit: Twitter/aespa

 

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