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Revisiting the Message BTS’s V Left for Fans Before Enlistment

As Kim Taehyung, better known as BTS’s V, continues his military service, we decided to revisit the emotional moments leading up to his enlistment. This is the second in a series of stories looking back at our last moments with him and the other members of BTS who enlisted this month.

On December 11, V entered the Nonsan Army Training Center in Chungcheongnam-do to begin his basic military training. V’s tenure as an active-duty soldier will last 18 months, with his discharge scheduled for June 2025.

@jkgolden_maknae_

taehyung revealing Jungkook’s shaved hair in a facetime call 💜 #jungkook #taehyung #armybtsforever #fyp #pourtoi #bts #taekook

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V reached out to ARMYs through SNS

Before going to the training center, V reached out to ARMYs through social media. On Instagram, he posted a screenshot of a video call with fellow BTS member Jungkook, with the caption, “Hyung is going first. Enlist safely tomorrow.” This simple yet profound message highlighted the deep bond between the BTS members.

V also took to Weverse. He posted a message that read, “I think I’ll miss you all so much. Honestly, I’m sad that I can’t make happy memories with ARMY for the time being, but besides that, it’ll be fine. The hardest thing is not being able to see ARMY. After 18 months, I’ll return in really good health, so ARMY, take good care of your health, and if you spend each day looking for happiness, I will appear saying, ‘Ta-da! I’m here!’”

To ensure his fans wouldn’t feel his absence too keenly, he diligently arranged several surprises for them. “I prepared various things for those 18 months, so please look forward to it. As we always have, let’s make precious memories after I return. I will really miss you, and I really love you, so please wait for me until then. I will return soon! Bye!”

@taehyungielover10

#CapCut 🌟 Tae crew write a farewell letters for Taehyung and filmed a Vlog for him 😭❤️ They also made a cake for him 🥹 #v #bts #bts_official_bighit #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #foryou #foryoupage #trend #ontranding #viral #unfreezemyacount

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A surprise from the ‘Taecrew’

V also acknowledged his dedicated staff on the eve of his enlistment. Sharing on his Instagram story on December 10 KST, he stated, “Our Taecrew’s letters are so cute, and they even made a vlog that I love, sending me a video message. I was deeply moved. I’ll go and return well!”

Accompanying his words were images of a rolling paper filled with farewell messages from V’s team and a special cake featuring a bear dressed as a member of the South Korean military’s Capital Defense Command unit, which V is set to join. The cake added a light-hearted touch to the farewell, showcasing the strong bond between V and his team.

Fans, moved by these gestures, flooded social media with messages of encouragement and love for V as he embarked on this new chapter of his life. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Like the others, V paused to address ARMYs before enlisting in the South Korean military. Source: Instagram/@thv.

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Looking Back on Jimin and Jungkook’s Emotional Goodbyes

BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook, who have been serving in the military for some time now, continue to be dearly missed by their fans, ARMYs. Reflecting on this, we are starting a series of stories looking back at our last moments with them before their enlistment.

Jimin and Jungkook had held emotional live broadcasts to bid farewell to their fans. On December 11, prior to their enlistment, Jimin appeared with a shaved head, symbolizing the beginning of his military journey. He also expressed his mixed feelings by saying, “I’m enlisting tomorrow, so I’m here. I’ll go and come back safely! Now that I’ve shaved my head, it’s starting to feel real.”

[SUB] Jimin Weverse Live 🔴 (11 DEC 2023) | Jimin live

Jimin couldn’t help but get emotional

He spoke about sending off RM and V. “I saw Namjoonhyung and Taehyung enlisting; they went in smiling! They said they’ll go and come back healthy. I miss them lots too, but if we go and come back quickly, the time of us getting back together will come sooner. I will be enlisting together with Jungkook, so I think I will be able to rely on him a lot. Yes, SUGAhyung is doing well too! And Namjoonhyung and Taehyung-hyung will do well. Jin-hyung and Hobihyung are doing well, and JK and I will do well too.”

Discussing his future plans, Jimin shared, “I’ll come back with lots of growth and work on the things I can! Actually, something the members and I said a lot is that we really want to tour together. Since Seokjinhyung went [to the army], we’ve worked hard on our own things and been going at it. A year has gone past with us putting our all into it. We really talked about wanting to tour together again. We’ll do a lot of the things we want to do once we’re back! The members and I talk about how much we want to tour, do a tour, concert, release albums. Once we’re back, hopefully, that time will come soon.”

Jimin’s reveal of his shaved head, initially hidden under a beanie, was a poignant moment for fans. Despite previously stating he wouldn’t show his hair, Jimin shared this significant change with ARMYs anyway. He couldn’t help but get emotional when he did.

[SUB] Jungkook Weverse Live 🔴 11.12.2023 | jungkook live

Jimin and Jungkook will serve together

Jungkook, on the other hand, approached his farewell in a more playful manner. In a previous livestream, he humorously sprinted by the camera. He later revealed just a glimpse of his buzz cut. In his final broadcast of 2023, Jungkook reflected on his day and the upcoming enlistment, “It looks like this will be my last live before enlisting. Today, I just sent off Vhyung and Namjoonhyung, then ate a meal and did some things I needed to do, so the live ended up being a little late, sorry.”

Expressing his gratitude to fans, Jungkook said, “I’ll go and come back safely. Now that it’s the day before, my heart feels… a bit iffy? But I need to sleep tonight so I can concentrate tomorrow and stuff too. Everyone, thank you so much for all of you always cheering for us and supporting us until now when we’re enlisting. Please be and stay healthy and happy.”

Luckily, while Jimin and Jungkook did separate live broadcasts to say goodbye to ARMY, they’ll be together while they serve in the military, as they signed up for the dongbanipdae or buddy system. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ARMYs cried when Jimin choked up. Meanwhile, Jungkook tried to keep things light. Instagram/@uarmyhope, X/@boraboravie.

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EXO’s Sehun to Enlist in Military on December 21

Sehun of K-pop boy group EXO has announced that he will be starting his mandatory military service on December 21. 

In a handwritten letter posted on Weverse on December 13, the singer told fans about the news. “I feel sorry for delivering the news to EXO-L (EXO’s official fan club) so late,” he wrote, according to a translation by Soompi

“These days, I’ve been spending time alone, looking after myself and deeply contemplating. As a result, I’m greeting you like this [through a letter] without standing in front of you,” Sehun added. 

Reflecting on his solitude and introspection, the EXO member conveyed his regret at not being able to bid farewell to his fans in person. With this, he expressed his gratitude for the constant support of his fans. “I am really thankful to everyone who cares for me,” he wrote. 

Moreover, Sehun also assured his fans that he’ll stay safe during his service and will return as a better person. “I hope everyone stays healthy until the day we meet again. I will come back in good health,” he concluded his post. 

With Sehun being the youngest member of the group, he’ll be the last member of EXO to enlist.

Other EXO members, including Xiumin, D.O., Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun, have all completed their respective mandatory military service. Meanwhile, Kai enlisted in May.

Both Kai and Sehun are expected to finish their services by 2025. 

Sehun in 2023

Prior to announcing his enlistment, Sehun has been busy with sub-unit activities with Chanyeol for EXO-SC. In the first half of 2023, the duo embarked on their Back to Back fan concert tour, which had several stops across Asia. 

Aside from idol activities, Sehun was also busy with acting as he starred in the series All That We Loved. 

As for group activities, EXO made their highly-anticipated comeback in July with the seventh full-length album EXIST. Said album served as EXO’s first album as a full-group in two years, following the extended play Don’t Fight This Feeling that was released in June 2021. 

On top of that, EXO also released the fourth season of their hit variety show Travel the World on a Ladder. 

In October, it was rumored that Sehun and Chanyeol will be moving to another agency. But SM Entertainment was quick to deny the news.

Featured image: Sehun poses for EXO’s album ‘Exist.’ Credit: Facebook/EXO

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SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan to Take Temporary Hiatus Following Ankle Surgery

Jeonghan of K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN will temporarily take a break from participating in upcoming activities as he has recently undergone ankle surgery. 

On Thursday, December 14, PLEDIS Entertainment revealed the singer’s condition through a statement posted on the fan community Weverse. According to the agency, the SEVENTEEN member has “suffered an injury to his left ankle.” Although the label didn’t disclose when it occurred, they assured fans that the idol has been receiving “several conservative treatments” since then. 

Despite his condition, PLEDIS Entertainment shared that Jeonghan has been “highly determined to participate in all activities.” With this, the agency allowed him to push through with his schedule as long as he’s getting regular checkups on his ankle. 

However, the singer’s ankle pain has recently worsened as he continues to participate in the group’s ongoing FOLLOW concert tour. After a diagnosis from the medical staff, Jeonghan was admitted to the hospital on December 13 and promptly underwent surgery on the morning of December 14.

According to PLEDIS Entertainment, the “surgery was successful” and that the artist is currently recuperating. 

Following his current condition, the agency has decided to prioritize the artist’s recovery and rehabilitation first. As such, they continued that it will “be difficult for Jeonghan to participate in official activities.” Among the listed events that the idol will miss are the Asia leg of the group’s FOLLOW concerts. 

“We will do our very best to support Jeonghan’s treatment and recovery so he can meet the fans as his healthiest self again,” PLEDIS Entertainment said. 

Jeonghan assures fans 

After the official announcement, Jeonghan also took to Weverse to assure fans that he’s doing okay. 

“You must be worrying so much by now. My surgery went well and I’ll do my best at rehab,” he wrote. “But I’m okay so don’t worry. And I’m sorry to make you worried with things like this.”

Additionally, the singer also apologized to fans and fellow SEVENTEEN members for not being able to participate in group activities. “I’ll try my best to get better quickly. And I’ll try to get hurt less from now on,” he wrote. 

In the comments section, several SEVENTEEN members such as Seungkwan, Hoshi, S.coups, Joshua, and Vernon wrote their well-wishes for him. 

Aside from Jeonghan, SEVENTEEN’s leader S.coups is also currently on hiatus. In August, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that the rapper was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). In October, the agency updated fans that he’s still receiving post-surgery care and doing rehabilitation exercises.

Because of his condition, S.coups wasn’t able to participate in the group’s comeback activities for their album SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN as well as filming for the travel variety show NANA Tour. 

With two members currently on hiatus, only 11 members of SEVENTEEN are partaking in the group’s activities.

Featured image: Jeonghan poses for the group’s 2024 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Facebook/SEVENTEEN

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RIIZE Named as Louis Vuitton Ambassadors

Make way for the newest fashion icons! Monster rookies RIIZE have been tapped as the newest faces of the luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton. 

On December 11, the newest boy group from SM Entertainment was announced as the latest addition to the prestigious brand. 

“The Maison is pleased to welcome the members of RIIZEShotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Seunghan, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton — as House Ambassadors,” Louis Vuitton shared on social media.

On their own social media accounts, the group also shared the good news. “RIIZE’s ‘another level’ of influence that the global fashion world also paid attention to!”

Despite being relatively new in the K-pop scene, Louis Vuitton wholeheartedly put their trust in the rookies.

RIIZE has established an unrivaled presence since their debut, attracting attention from around the world with its unique style, personality and music,” the brand explained. According to a press release, the fashion house expressed their excitement in future collaborations with the group. “We plan to continue our journey with RIIZE whom we will create a vision with together,” they said. 

A week after the announcement, the “Memories” singers also released the behind-the-scenes clips of their Louis Vuitton photoshoot on their Youtube channel. In the 11-minute video, the members were seen flaunting their visuals while wearing pieces from the luxury brand.

With the group officially named as its ambassador, they will now be joining the likes of BTS’ J-Hope, Stray Kids’ Felix, and girl group NewJeans in the Louis Vuitton family.

RIIZE continues to dominate

Notably, being tapped as Louis Vuitton ambassadors is another testament to the group’s impact beyond the music industry. With this, the seven-piece act continues to prove their status as the ‘best rookie’ in 2023. To note, it has only been three months since the group debuted with the single album Get a Guitar on September 4.

Carrying this achievement to end the year, the boys are now gearing up to return early in 2024 after their successful arrival in the music scene.

According to SM Entertainment, the group will be making a comeback next year with a new single on January 5. Although other details have yet to be released, the label has already asked for the fans’ support and interest.

With the upcoming comeback, the septet will be returning with new music in just two months. In October, the group released the single Talk Saxy.” 

Although highly-anticipated, the group is currently promoting with six members only as member Seunghan is on indefinite hiatus.

Featured image: Members of RIIZE pose while wearing Louis Vuitton pieces. Credit: Twitter/Louis Vuitton

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Look: TVXQ Unveils Teasers for Anniversary Album ‘20&2’

The legendary 2nd-gen idols are back! As confirmed by the artists’ agency, SM Entertainment, TVXQ will be returning with music!  

In celebration of the group’s 20th anniversary since their debut in 2003, the “Mirotic” singers will be releasing their ninth full-length album titled “20&2”. Interestingly, the album name stands for the number of years the group has been active and the remaining members still part of the group.

In the previously released one-minute-and-a-half cinematic trailer, Yunho and Changmin showed off their impressive acting skills as the video follows a thrilling storyline.

Moreover, the act also unveiled captivating solo and duo pictures in different settings. Both members flaunted their timeless visuals, proving that they are the original matinee idols in the K-Pop industry.

 

In particular, 20&2 will feature a total of 10 songs including the title track “Rebel.” Said album will be the group’s first Korean full-length album since 2018, after the release of the New Chapter #2: The Truth of Love.

Now promoting as a duo, the act will officially make its much-awaited comeback on December 26.

More to come for the 20th year of TVXQ

Following the album launch, the artists are also gearing up to greet their loyal fans, starting off with a show in South Korea. The duo will be holding the their (20&2) concert on December 30 and 31 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon.

After that, the singers will also meet their international fans for the Asia leg of the tour. Based on the posters, Yunho and Changmin will visit HongKong, Taipei, Bangkok and Taiwan from January to February 2024.

Furthermore, the duo will also have their 20&2 exhibition rom December 23 to January 26, to complement their concert.

According to SM Entertainment, the event will be in commemoration of the group’ 20th anniversary.

“This exhibition will offer an opportunity for the group and fans to revisit the cherished memories and experiences they shared over the last years,” the agency stated.

Although originally debuting as a quintet with members Kim Jaejoong, Yoochan and Junsu, TVXQ remains to be one of the longest-running and most iconic groups to this day.

Featured image: Members Yunho and Changmin pose for their anniversary album ’20&2. Credit: Twitter/TVXQ

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Look: Park Shin Hye, Park Hyung Sik to Star in ‘Doctor Slump’

Rejoice, K-drama fans! We’ll finally see actors Park Shin Hye and Park Hyung Sik back together on one screen through the project Doctor Slump. 

In early December, it was confirmed that renowned South Korean stars Shin Hye and Hyung Sik will be reuniting for the new romantic comedy drama Doctor Slump

 

Following the announcement of the project, fans have been very excited as the two haven’t worked together in more than a decade. To recall, the two have previously starred together in the popular series The Heirs way back 2013.

Although this is the reunion project of both actors, Shin Hye and Hyung Sik have already proven their versatility in their respective filmographies. In particular, Shin Hye has gained recognition for her long list of admired works including Doctors and Memories of Alhambra. Meanwhile, Hyung Sik has established his name with his roles in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon and Happiness, among many others.

 

Aside from the exciting chemistry between the two lead roles, fans are also anticipating the drama for its esteemed crew.

According to reports, Doctor Slump will be helmed by director Oh Hyun Jong, who is known for his work Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. Moreover, writer Baek Sun Woo was in charge of What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.

What to expect in ‘Doctor Slump’ 

Based on articles by South Korean media, Doctor Slump will follow the story of two successful doctors who struggle to get themselves out of a slump. 

In the drama, Shin Hye will be portraying anesthesiologist Nam Ha-Neul, who suffers from burnout. On the other hand, Park Hyung Sik will play the role of Yeo Jung Woo, a plastic surgeon who faces a dark time in his life.

Adding a romance aspect to the doctors’ exhausting medical life, the lead characters will overcome their mutual dislike for the other person. Eventually, they’ll find comfort in each other’s presence. 

 

In the shared photos of the actors’ script reading, the production team teased viewers.  “The story of Yeo Jung Woo and Nam Ha-Neul who shared the most brilliant and most miserable moments, will bring pleasant excitement and warm sympathy,” they wrote. 

Furthermore, the upcoming drama will consist of 16 episodes and will premiere on January 27. It will also be available via JBTC channel for the local viewers and via Netflix for the international audience.

Featured image: Park Shin Hye and Park Hyung Sik lead the cast of ‘Doctor Slump.’ Credit: Instagram/JTBC Drama

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WEi’s Yohan May Return to the Small Screen as Lead in New K-Drama

WEi‘s Yohan is poised for a potential comeback on the small screen as the protagonist in the upcoming drama When the Stars Shine. On December 5th, KST, it was confirmed that Yohan has been offered the lead role in this new drama and is currently weighing his options.

When the Stars Shine is a drama that weaves themes of growth, mystery, romance, and youth into a compelling narrative set within a rural campus. Yohan was offered the role of Lee Cheol Woo, a first-year taekwondo major. The idol can bring a high level of authenticity to the role. He trained in taekwondo for over thirteen years. He achieved remarkable success in the sport thanks to his father, a taekwondo master who served as his coach.

Yohan won first place in two youth national competitions, demonstrating his skill and dedication to taekwondo. These successes earned him recognition as a national-level martial artist, and he even received a scholarship in the sport. He had the potential to compete on the world stage, but chose to pursue a career as a K-pop idol instead. Remember when Yohan wowed everyone on Produce X 101 with those high-flying taekwondo kicks during his first audition? That display of his prowess went a long way in helping him secure a spot in the debut group.

kim yohan showing off his taekwondo skills

Will Yohan make an acting comeback?

If he does join the cast of When the Stars Shine, it’ll mark his return to the small screen. He made his acting debut in 2020’s A Love So Beautiful. In this Korean remake of the Chinese drama of the same name, Yohan played Cha Heon, a high school student known for his intelligence and visuals. His charming, nuanced performance in this rom-com proved he could carry a show on his broad shoulders.

Yohan continued to build his acting career with a significant role in School 2021. This drama is known for its realistic portrayal of the lives and struggles of high school students. Yohan‘s role as Gong Ki Joon allowed him to explore a more complex character.

We’re looking forward to seeing Yohan make an acting comeback. If not in When the Stars Shine, maybe in another project. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: According to his agency Oui Entertainment, Yohan is currently reviewing the offer. Source: X/@timeto_yohan.

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Korean-American Singer Steve Yoo Wins Lawsuit Against Visa Denial

Korean-American singer Steve Yoo, aka Yoo Seung Jun, recently notched a big win in his own legal battle. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, overturning the initial denial of his F-4 visa and passport issuance. This decision upholds an earlier ruling by the Seoul High Court.

Korean descendants who are foreign nationals can work and live in South Korea using the F-4 visa. It’s a multiple entry visa that grants them the right to reside in Korea for three years. However, F-4 visa holders do not have the right to vote in national elections.

The Supreme Court’s decision comes after a lengthy legal battle. Yoo first filed a lawsuit in 2015 after the South Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles refused to issue him a visa. In 2020, the high court ruled that the refusal was procedurally flawed. When Yoo reapplied for a permit, the consulate general declined it again, prompting him to file a second suit in 2020 to reverse the decision.

Court rules gov’t refusal to issue visa to Steve Yoo should be reversed

A turning point for Steve Yoo

The Ministry of Justice and other stakeholders are expected to discuss follow-up measures. If Yoo applies for a visa again, it won’t be easy for the consulate general in Los Angeles to refuse it unless it provides other grounds for visa refusal other than his dodging of military service.

However, even if he receives a visa, if the Ministry of Justice doesn’t lift its entry ban on Yoo, he will not be able to come to South Korea. If the government approves visa issuance and lifts the entry ban, Yoo will get to go there for the first time in about 20 years.

음악캠프 – Steve Yoo – Passion, 유승준 – 열정, Music Camp 19990515

Born in Seoul in 1976, Steve Yoo moved to California with his family at 13. He debuted in South Korea in 1997. With his powerful dance music, he became quite popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, he renounced his Korean nationality to become a US citizen just before he was set to begin alternative military service. That led to the ban and subsequent public outcry, as all able-bodied South Korean men aged between 18 and 40 are required to serve.

This recent legal victory marks a potential turning point in his career and relationship with his home country. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This ruling is a welcome development for the beleaguered singer. Source: X/@hjh1882.

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Kim Jung Hyun on His Controversial Past and Return to Acting

Actor Kim Jung Hyun recently returned to the big screen in the mystery thriller Unforgivable. He reflected on everything he’s been through lately during a roundtable interview with the press. 

In January, he marked his return to acting after a significant hiatus with the MBC drama Kokdu: Season of Deity. In this fantasy romance series, he impressively portrays dual roles—a grim reaper and a doctor—demonstrating his wide range as an actor. He prepared meticulously for both roles, focusing on the specific goals of each character and distinctly expressing their emotions and gestures.

Kim Jung Hyun described the challenge of playing two contrasting characters: “Do Jin Woo is rather static compared to Kokdu, and Kokdu is very dynamic. So I tried to restrain myself as much as possible when portraying Do Jin Woo, whereas I tried to portray Kokdu’s expressions bigger than what I imagined. However, as always, I tried to focus on the particular goal of each scene for each character rather than focusing on playing dual roles,” he explained.

[ENG] Kokdu Poster Photo Shoot & Press Conference Behind the Scene (2023)

Kim Jung Hyun on his 2021 controversies

Earlier in his career, Kim Jung Hyun made notable appearances in Dinner Mate and played the lead role in Mr. Queen, one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history. He also contributed to the drama’s soundtrack. Unforgivable marks his first starring role in about 8 years, premiering on December 13.

In 2021, Kim Jung Hyun faced controversies over his private life, including suspicions of being gaslighted by his ex-girlfriend, Seo Ye Ji. Reflecting on the media attention this issue received, he shared, “The pain that I suffered was momentary, compared to what my family went through. I just felt so apologetic toward them. There was nothing I could do to take responsibility for my actions, and I felt like I was powerless and insignificant.” During the interview, the actor was visibly emotional.

Despite the challenges, he found strength in the support of his family, friends, and fans. “When my guilt was at its highest point, I even doubted their support. But I eventually decided that I would try my best again, so that those people who are on my side can live proudly and happily. Thinking that I wanted to repay those people became motivation for my return,” he added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4ouczT7zz4

[ENG] Unforgivable Press Conference (2023)

His current outlook

On his current outlook, Kim Jung Hyun expressed, “There is no way for me to change how the public perceives me. I think all I can do is to not run away but face what’s in front of me, getting back up if I trip and remembering to not make the same mistakes again. I just have to prove myself through acting until the day comes when the public sees me for my work, and not for my controversies.”

Concluding his reflections, Kim Jung Hyun stated, “Some phrases that have helped me overcome my difficulties are ‘All things pass with time’ and ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. But maybe it’s about time I start looking up some more positive phrases.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: He kept his head up and made a very successful comeback. Source: X/@deeliciouskjh.

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