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Lee Jong Suk Signs With Ace Factory

Ace Factory releases new photos of Lee Jong Suk. Credit: Instagram/ACE Factory

Lee Jong Suk has found a new home! On Thursday, January 4, Ace Factory announced that renowned actor Jong Suk has signed an exclusive contract with the agency. 

“We are truly happy to be able to accompany the new start of Lee Jong Suk, who has built up a solid filmography beyond being a trustworthy actor who has a good eye for choosing projects,” Ace Factory said in a press release, according to a Soompi report.

“As he is an actor loved by global viewers, we will fully support his global activities as well as prolific projects.”

After parting ways with his previous label in September 2023, the actor has been in talks with Ace Factory since November. Moreover, the agency earlier shared that Jong Suk has plans to establish a production company, in collaboration with Ace.

With this, he will now be labelmates with fellow esteemed artists in the film industry. Some of which are Vigilante actor Lee Joon Hyuk, Sweet Home actress Lee Si Young, and veteran actor Yoo Jae Myung, who is best known for his roles in the dramas Reply 1988, Itaewon Class, and Stranger.

Apart from being home to a powerhouse lineup of celebrities, Ace Factory is also known to have created numerous productions. Some of which are When the Weather is Fine, Stranger, Confession, and a lot more.

With Jong Suk joining the label, Ace Factory promised that they would support the global star in his endeavors this 2024.

Lee Jong Suk and his prolific career

Known as one of the most successful actors of this generation, Jong Suk has starred in multiple hit K-Dramas. 

But prior to acting, Jong Suk has first established his name in the entertainment industry as a model. Remarkably, he was crowned as the youngest male model to ever walk at the Seoul Fashion Week when he was just 15 years old.

After his model stint, Jong Suk began his venture as an actor by making his acting debut in the TV project Prosecutor Series in 2010. Not long after, he bagged the Best New Actor award at the 2012 KBS Drama Awards for his lead role in School 2013.

Since then, Jong Suk has gained recognition for his long list of top-notch filmography. Some of his most famous works include Doctor Stranger, Pinocchio, W: Two Worlds, While You Were Sleeping, and Big Mouth.

In 2023, Jong Suk made headlines as his relationship with singer-actress IU came to light. Later that year, he focused on meeting his international fans through his Dear. My With fan meeting. 

Featured image: Ace Factory releases new photos of Lee Jong Suk. Credit: Instagram/ACE Factory

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NCT’s Ten Confirmed to Release First Solo Album 

Ten in the concept photo for NCT's 'Baggy Jeans.' Credit: Facebook/NCT

NCTzens! Are you ready to see soloist Ten?

On Thursday, January 4, SM Entertainment announced that Ten of the boy group NCT is now gearing up to release his first solo album sometime in February.

Previously, the singer has already released solo songs through SM Station and the NCT Lab Project. Some of his tracks include “Paint Me Naked”, “New Heroes”, and “Dream in a Dream.” Meanwhile, his most recent song “Birthday” was released in October 2022.

But this time, he is expected to drop an album for the first time. In the same announcement, the agency asked for fans’ support for Ten. Other details about the album, however, are yet to be unveiled.

Aside from the anticipated album, the idol will also be holding his first ever solo fan concert tour titled 2024 Ten First Fan-Con 1001. 

According to the post, the fan-con will kick off in Seoul on February 17, and will move to three cities across Asia. In particular, Ten will visit and meet his fans in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Jakarta from March to April 2024.

In 2023, Ten spent a busy year promoting WayV’s second full-length album On My Youth and NCT’s fourth full-length album Golden Age. This 2024, Ten is set to start off the year with solo activities.

NCTzens congratulate soloist Ten 

Interestingly, this will be Ten’s fourth time making his debut. To note, he first debuted as a member of NCT in 2016, then as a member of its subunit WayV in 2019, and as part of the super group SuperM in the same year. This time, fans are excited to see the all-rounder idol as a solo performer.

On social media, the group’s fandom, NCTzens, have sent their congratulatory messages for the idol. “Finally! He’s getting his well-deserved solo album”, one fan said.

https://twitter.com/brachitonsaurus/status/1742943273537478658

 

Fans are even more thrilled upon the news as Ten will be the second NCT member to debut as a soloist. In June 2023, Taeyong became the first member to drop his solo album SHALALA. Now, NCTzens are eager to see the artist expand his horizons as an idol, and possibly go on music shows alone.

Featured image: Ten in the concept photo for NCT’s ‘Baggy Jeans.’ Credit: Facebook/NCT

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Watch: Seventeen Dino’s Character Pi Cheolin Debuts at Golden Disc Awards

SEVENTEEN's Dino performs with BSS as his fictional character Pi Cheolin. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

From being a nosy old man to becoming BOMG’s CEO, Pi Cheolin has finally made his debut as a performer!

At the 38th Golden Disc Awards held in Indonesia on Saturday, January 6, K-Pop fans witnessed an entertaining performance as Dino of the boy group SEVENTEEN, brought his fictional character Pi Cheolin on the BooSeokSoon stage.

During the ceremony, SEVENTEEN’s subunit BooSeokSoon (BSS), composed of members Seungkwan, Dokyeom and Hoshi, performed a new rendition of their track “Fighting.” Originally featuring rapper Lee Young Ji, the trio surprised fans as they brought Dino, in his Pi Cheolin persona in particular, to cover her rap parts.

For those who don’t know, Pi Cheolin is Dino’s portrayal of a nosy old man. It started off as an inside joke from a previous Carat Land fan meeting and has become a well-loved character in the fandom. 

Recently, during SEVENTEEN’s “God of Music” comeback, Pi Cheolin returned as the CEO of BOMG, another comedy stint by the 13-member group. Notably, it was through this skit that the group birthed the trot parody single “God of Light Music.”

CARATs’ reaction to “debut” of Pi Cheolin

On social media, Carats, SEVENTEEN’s fanbase, immediately expressed their surprise to see Pi Cheolin with the subunit. “Truly an iconic stage,” one fan wrote.

Other fans, meanwhile, applauded Dino’s versatility and professionalism as he stayed in character for the whole performance. Moreover, fans also said that there is no other group as committed to their inside jokes as SEVENTEEN.

 

Furthermore, several clips of the SEVENTEEN members’ reactions also went viral upon the appearance of Pi Cheolin. Some fans pointed out that the members had no clue as well that they would see Dino’s old man character take over the stage.

https://twitter.com/ksywonu/status/1743634073803759688

SEVENTEEN’s wins at GDA

Aside from BSS and Dino bringing laughter to the audience, SEVENTEEN also performed their tracks “Super,” the Korean version of “Ima” and “God of Music” as a whole group. 

In addition to their stellar performances, the 13-piece act had one more thing to celebrate. During the GDA awarding ceremony, SEVENTEEN took home the Grand Prize for the Album of the Year for their 10th EP FML. On the other hand, BooSeokSoon, bagged the Best Digital Song Award for the track “Fighting.”

Featured image: SEVENTEEN’s Dino performs with BSS as his fictional character Pi Cheol In. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

 

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Thai Actor Pond Naravit Shares Fan’s ‘Thirst Edit’ of NCT’s Jaehyun

Thai artist Naravit Lertratkosum, popularly known as Pond, recently garnered attention from K-pop fans by reposting a “thirst edit” video featuring NCT‘s Jaehyun. This type of video, common on TikTok, is a compilation of clips and photos designed to highlight the allure of the idol in question. The edit Pond reposted was set to the explicit track “Batman” by LPB Poody. It also had a playful caption that read, “as many kids as he wants.” Check it out below.

Who is Pond Naravit?

Pond, a rising star in the Thai entertainment industry, was born on February 1, 2001, in Bangkok, Thailand. He is currently pursuing Biomedical Engineering at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. His journey in the entertainment industry began in 2020 when he won the third edition of the Go On Girl & Guy Star Search by Clean & Clear, leading to a contract with GMMTV. 

Pond first appeared on television in The Gifted: Graduation. He gained significant recognition for his lead role in the Thai BL (Boys’ Love) romantic comedy Fish upon the Sky. His on-screen partner  in that series was Phuwin Tangsakyuen. Their chemistry contributed to Pond’s rising popularity, and together, they make up one of Thailand’s most beloved BL tandems. 

For his performance in Fish Upon the Sky, Pond was named Rising Male Actor of the Year at the 2022 KAZZ Awards. His career continued to soar with roles in series like Dirty Laundry, Never Let Me Go (which was his second lead role opposite Phuwin), and Oops! Mr. Superstar Hit on Me.

[Official Trailer] ปลาบนฟ้า Fish upon the sky

He looks up to the SM Entertainment artist

Pond‘s love for NCT‘s Jaehyun is well-known among his fans. Even his co-star Phuwin is aware of how much Pond looks up to the SM Entertainment artist. Pond’s repost of this particular Jaehyun edit on TikTok is not his first NCT-related post. He has previously shared content related to other NCT members, including Mark and Taeyong, as well as aespa‘s Winter. He also watches their shows and live broadcasts!

@itsmeeeecamillejoy

finally my Pond meet his idol NCT and his bias Jaehyun 🥰💚 #ppnaravit #pondnaravit #nct #nct127 #jaehyun #lemonadenct127

♬ Collide (sped up) – Justine Skye

Fans were amused when they saw what Pond did with the Jaehyun edit. They saw it as another example of how celebrities are just like everyone else. They admire other celebrities too. Pond‘s engagement with K-pop content on social media platforms like TikTok continues to endear him to a broad audience, bridging the gap between Thai and Korean pop culture. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Pond is a known hardcore Jaehyun stan. Sources: Style Korea and X/@Igot7jb1994.

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I’LL-IT Set for Five-Member Debut Following Youngseo’s Departure

BELIFT LAB’s upcoming K-pop girl group I’LL-IT will debut as a quintet following the departure of popular trainee Youngseo. The group, formed on the JTBC survival show R U Next?, was originally supposed to have six members. So when BELIFT LAB announced that Youngseo had left the agency and would no longer debut with I’LL-IT, fans were shocked and saddened.

Youngseo, who came in second on R U Next?, was known for her strong stage presence. During the show, she impressed the judges and those watching at home with her performances. Her rendition of (G)I-DLE’s “TOMBOY” in one of the early rounds was particularly memorable. A highlight of her journey was when she made it into the HIGH LEVEL (H) category, reflecting her immense talent.

During the finale, Youngseo made it into the final lineup of I’LL-IT alongside Iroha, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Yunah. Viewers had been looking forward to seeing her debut. Unfortunately, the recent announcement by BELIFT LAB revealed that she and the agency agreed to terminate her contract. However, the agency is keeping a tight lid on the exact reason for the popular trainee’s departure, leading to confusion and speculation among fans.

R U Next? 영서 YOUNGSEO l 1R rehearsal FanCam (Short ver)

I’LL-IT fell victim to the ‘six-member curse’

This development has brought attention to the so-called “six-member curse” in K-pop, particularly among HYBE‘s girl groups. Those meant to debut with six members faced controversies soon after their debut, leading to unexpected lineup changes. An example is LE SSERAFIM, which was forced to reorganize as a five-member group when Kim Garam left following her bullying scandal.

Although Youngseo‘s departure threw fans for a loop, many still support her. They flooded social media with positive messages and heartfelt letters for her. Fans have also expressed excitement and support for I’LL-IT‘s debut as a five-member group, promising the same level of enthusiasm and love for the new lineup.

I’LL-IT‘s debut is a much-awaited event in the K-pop industry. Despite this sudden change, the group is still expected to make a significant impact once they burst onto the scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Youngseo is no longer part of the group, but no one except BELIFT LAB knows the real reason she left. Source: X/@ILLIT_official.

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Brave Entertainment to Debut New Four-Member Girl Group This Year

Brave Entertainment is gearing up to debut a four-member girl group. This marks its first new act since Brave Girls debuted in 2011. Earlier this month, the agency announced that this group will put out an album in the first half of 2024. Brave Brothers will lead the production, supported by Brave Entertainment’s team of producers. This talented team once made K-pop history with Brave Girls’ reverse-run syndrome, setting high expectations for the new girl group they’re putting together.

The “reverse-run syndrome” experienced by Brave Girls refers to the unexpected resurgence in popularity of their 2017 song “Rollin’.” This phenomenon occurred several years after the song’s initial release and dramatically revived the South Korean girl group’s career. The catalyst for this resurgence was a fan-made compilation video that went viral in early 2021. It led to a significant increase in streaming and digital downloads of “Rollin’,” propelling the song to the top of major South Korean music charts. Following the expiration of their contracts, Brave Girls moved to Warner Music Korea, rebranding as BB Girls.

[WHO | Brave Girls] From Nobodies to the Hottest Kpop Stars

About Brave Entertainment

Brave Brothers, the founder of Brave Entertainment, has been instrumental in producing albums for numerous girl groups, including After School, AOA, Brown Eyed Girls, and SISTAR. The hits he produced for various K-pop artists include SISTAR’s debut title track “Push Push.” He also worked on some of the group’s other singles, like “Alone” and “So Cool.” His efforts significantly contributed to the success of the groups he worked with. That cemented his reputation as a top producer in the industry. Thanks to him, Brave Entertainment became known for high-quality content that played a pivotal role in shaping K-pop trends.

As Brave Entertainment prepares to unveil its new girl group, the K-pop community eagerly awaits the arrival of fresh talent and innovative music. More details about the group will be revealed in the coming days.– K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Are you excited for this new girl group? Sources: X/@bg_hynn and YouTube Music/Brave Entertainment.

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BOYNEXTDOOR’s Jaehyun and RIIZE’s Sohee Join ZB1’s Hanbin as ‘M Countdown’ MCs

Mnet’s M Countdown is entering a new era with the addition of BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Jaehyun and RIIZE‘s Sohee as MCs, joining ZEROBASEONE‘s Sung Hanbin. The two are slated to make their MC debut on the January 11 live broadcast. The show took a one-week hiatus due to the 2023 MAMA Awards broadcast and is set to resume shortly.

The M Countdown production team expressed enthusiasm for the new team, highlighting the potential for a fresh and trendy synergy among the three super rookies, all born in the 2000s.

엠카 NEW MC 사전 미팅 날 #엠카운트다운 EP.824

Meet the new ‘M Countdown’ MCs

Jaehyun, the leader of BOYNEXTDOOR, is known for his skills in rap and singing, as well as his lively stage presence. Born on December 4, 2003, Jaehyun is a Sagittarius. He is fluent in Korean and English, and his interests include producing music and dancing. Meanwhile, RIIZE‘s Sohee, born on November 21, 2003, is a Scorpio with a passion for music and fashion. Known for his exceptional singing skills, Sohee aspires to collaborate with artists like Bruno Mars. He is also recognized for his unique fashion sense. He usually wears caps, sweatpants, and white t-shirts for dance practices.

Sung Hanbin, the leader of ZEROBASEONE, joined M Countdown on September 1, 2023. He made his MC debut on September 7, 2023, alongside (G)I-DLE‘s Miyeon. His refreshing energy and stable hosting skills earned praise from viewers. In addition to hosting, he covered Taeyeon‘s “INVU,” showcasing his unique vocal style.

Born on June 13, 2001, Hanbin is a Gemini with a talent for waacking dance. He is multilingual, speaking Korean, English, and basic Chinese. He has won many competitions, and his fluency in many languages made him appealing to a global audience. His journey from a backup dancer and dance teacher to a celebrated idol and MC of M Countdown showcases his remarkable talent and dedication.

재현, 한빈, 소희의 친해지길 바라★ #엠카운트다운 EP.814

A new level of excitement

Jaehyun and Sohee previously joined Hanbin as guest hosts for the show’s September 14, 2023 episode. Before the show started, they held a brief meeting to become acquainted with each other. M Countdown‘s YouTube channel shared a video of their initial interaction, where they asked each other questions. Hanbin was the oldest, while Sohee and Jaehyun were of the same age. Hanbin suggested they all speak informally to create a relaxed atmosphere.

The group played three games, involving skinship, which helped them build comfort with each other. This comfort was noticeable in their hosting on the September 14 broadcast. The trio performed quite well, especially considering the younger members’ limited experience. Their chemistry and hosting skills caught fans’ attention.

MC 한빈🤴 SPECIAL MC 소희💂X명재현🐶 9월 2주 MC 컷 모음❣️

The fans weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the episode. Hanbin talked about working with Jaehyun and Sohee on Bubble, expressing how much fun he had with them. Sohee thanked Hanbin and Jaehyun for their guidance and support during the show. “I was very nervous after hearing the news a few days ago. But today, Hanbin-sunbaenim and Jaehyun-sunbaenim, who was a special MC along with me, guided me so well that I finished it without any problems.”

With their roles as official MCs now set, Hanbin, Jaehyun, and Sohee are poised to bring a new level of excitement to M Countdown. The show airs every Thursday at 6:00 PM KST, offering a platform for these stars to shine and connect with fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: M Countdown will open 2024 with a fresh all-male MC lineup. Source: YouTube/@Mnet.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Opens Up About New Label Odd Atelier

Jennie of BLACKPINK recently guested on The Seasons: Red Carpet With Lee Hyori, hosted by Lee Hyori, marking her first appearance since announcing her own agency, ODD ATELIER. The television debut of “You & Me” on the show showcased Jennie’s versatility and vocal prowess. She earned widespread praise for it. Later in the show, she also performed a cover of Lee Hyori‘s “Miss Korea,” leading to an impromptu duet with the show’s host.

JENNIE – YOU & ME Performance

During her appearance on the show, Jennie opened up about going solo. She emphasized her desire for more freedom and comfort in her individual activities while continuing group activities with YG Entertainment.

She expressed, “I’m embarking on this journey with the crew who have been with me for a long time, seeking to freely engage in all my activities. Even if the path I take is strange, or different from others, I made the name with the intention of doing well. At YG, where I started as a trainee, I learned so much, which inspired me to ask myself, ‘Can you do something on your own?’ I thought, ‘Let’s take courage and face it.’”

JENNIE & Lee Hyo Ri – Miss Korea (Lee Hyo Ri)

What will Jennie bring to the music industry?

She then revealed that she’s working on new material. She said, “My dream is to release my first solo album this year. I hope to be Jennie who can come to you with good music within this year.”

The conversation then shifted towards future possibilities when Lee Hyori asked if Jennie had thought about producing other artists. Jennie, showing her business acumen, replied, “I’ve never dreamed of that, but after starting a company, imagining it was fun. However, I want to take good care of the artist Jennie first and if there are good opportunities in the future, that would be great.”

Lee Hyori joked, “My contract with Antenna ends in February, so please take care of me.” That elicited laughter from Jennie, who responded with, “Please call me.”

As the newly-minted CEO embarks on this new venture with ODD ATELIER, fans eagerly anticipate what she’ll bring to the music industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jennie told Lee Hyori how she really feels about this new chapter in her career. Sources: X/@BLACKPINKBRASIL and X/@BPontheNetwork.

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WM Entertainment Launches Private Messaging Service for Its Artists

WM Entertainment, the agency representing top K-pop artists like Lee Chaeyeon and ONF, is now using a private messaging service called Fromm. (Its DearU service ended late last year.)

@seoulmates.io

Any fans of WM artists here ? Finally spotted the building on Seoul street 😍 #wm #wmentertainment #ohmygirl #ohmygirldolphin #b1a4 #sandeul #onf #yooa #leechaeyeon #ohmygirlyooa #ohmygirlarin #ohmygirlseunghee #kpopcompany #kpop #kpoplabel #kpopfyp #kpopshop #kpopgroup #kpopohmygirl #kpopb1a4 #kpopagency

♬ Dolphin – OH MY GIRL

WM Entertainment’s use of Fromm marks a strategic shift in the realm of artist-fan interaction. It’s more than just a communication tool; it’s a nuanced approach to deepening fan engagement. In a time where the connection between artists and fans is key, Fromm provides a more personal way for fans to communicate with their favorites, offering a level of interaction that goes beyond what social media, for instance, can provide. In doing so, it fosters a more loyal and robust fan community.

Fromm offers a more controlled and safer environment for both artists and fans, a contrast to the often unpredictable and public nature of social media. This platform allows for better-managed interactions. That’s important for protecting the artists’ images and ensuring fans have a positive experience. It also creates opportunities for artists and WM Entertainment to earn, as fans may be willing to pay for exclusive interactions or special content.

WM Entertainment is staying current

Furthermore, Fromm is useful for understanding what fans like and want. This information is key for planning future projects, including but not limited to music. It’ll also allow WM Entertainment to come up with better ways to market those projects. As K-pop gains more fans worldwide, Fromm helps connect international fans with Korean artists, which is vital as K-pop’s global influence continues to grow.

Overall, the launch of Fromm by WM Entertainment shows how the company is adapting to the ever-changing media landscape. By introducing this new technology, WM Entertainment is staying current with how fans consume media.

The Fromm service for WM Entertainment artists launched last January 5, opening a new chapter in the evolving relationship between K-pop idols and their fans. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans of WM Entertainment artists can now interact with them in a safer, more user-friendly environment. Sources: CHOEAEDOL, Kpop Wiki, WM Entertainment.

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Sister of ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew Decodes His Tattoos

Seok Matthew, a member of ZEROBASEONE, has two tattoos that have piqued the interest of his fans. His sister Seok Yaebin recently revealed the stories behind these intriguing designs.

@canadaoppa

the tattoo>>> #seokmatthew #seokwoohyun #zerobaseone #zb1

♬ original sound – canada oppa ^•^ – canada oppa ^•^

Matthew and his tattoos

Yaebin shared that one of Matthew‘s tattoos is a “sibling tattoo” they got together, representing their Korean heritage and family bond. They each chose different pieces of old Korean artwork for their tattoos, with Matthew‘s placed on the upper left side of his back, and Yaebin‘s on the back of her right arm. The siblings intentionally chose these locations so their tattoos would align “next to each other from the back” when they link arms.

Yaebin also shed light on the “H.M.C” tattoo inside Matthew’s right arm. It represents the Hayao Miyazaki animated classic Howl’s Moving Castle. In a previous interview, Matthew talked about how much the movie means to him and his mother. “Since I was young, I thought Howl was really good looking. But to be honest, the bigger reason I love it is that it’s my mum’s favorite movie,” he admitted. “I got the tattoo so I can be reminded of my mum when I’m in Korea.”

Matthew‘s connection to the movie extends to its soundtrack, which brings him comfort. “Every time I listen to it, I feel strangely at ease,” he explains. “I close my eyes and listen carefully as it takes me to different places—green mountains, the sea, or the sky. I felt lonely after coming to Korea and there were times where I had no one to talk to. It’s music that’s like a friend who protects me.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@babyfoxsmt/video/7222144233384316187?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

More than just body art

For this fifth-generation idol, tattoos are more than just body art; they symbolize his relationship with his family. He often expresses gratitude for his parents’ love and support, acknowledging their role in his life. “They see the love I’m receiving and are happy about it. They remind me to give back to the fans whose love has filled the void they can’t fill from afar.”

Despite the distance separating him from his parents, Matthew has found ways to keep them close to his heart. For instance, one of his most prized possessions is a wallet his mother gave him on his 17th birthday. “When I buy something and take out my wallet, my mum comes to mind. I’m going to treasure it for a long, long time and use it well.”

As Matthew navigates the idol life, his tattoos serve as a constant reminder of where he comes from and the loved ones that continue to cheer him on. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Matthew’s tattoos reflect his love for his family and his cultural roots. Sources: X/@baurbaurr, X/@Jungwonsmulti, and X/@ttseokbokki.

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