Category: BTS

RM, the leader of the global K-pop sensation BTS, recently sat down with writer Fiona Bae for 032c magazine’s Winter 2023/24 issue. Known for his introspective nature, RM delved into his search for identity, his mission in life, and the transformative power of music.

In the interview, RM candidly discussed the personal and professional challenges he has faced since releasing his latest solo album Indigo. He expressed how these experiences have led him to realize that the person he thought he was doesn’t truly exist. This revelation highlights RM‘s continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

When asked about how he defines himself, RM‘s response was introspective. “That’s a good question. I’m not a narcissistic person and I’ve always been driven by my own insecurity. I’m a person who has so much dirt, filth, love, kindness, and consideration in me that I feel I would go insane if I didn’t bring it out candidly, into the world, in some way. And I’m a person who wants to change something, whether it’s myself, people around me, the industry, or the world. I feel like I’m born to transform something, and I think I’ve done it once with BTS.”

Music saves

RM is motivated by a strong sense of purpose. He talked about the impact of his influence and his attempts to turn his personal experiences into something universal through his art. 

“Some people question why I do it, but at the end of the day, if you don’t wear the crown, you don’t understand. It’s not a crown that I asked for, but I try to stay positive and use my influence,” he shared. “What I should do is to take the most beautiful thing about my art and turn my personal individuality into universality. It’s beautiful to see people laughing and crying because artists made their stories universal and cosmic.”

He shared a powerful moment at a concert where a fan’s emotional reaction to the music deeply impacted him. “When I went to the concert of Kim Yuna, the leader of the band Jaurim, I heard a fan screaming in tears, ‘I didn’t kill myself because of you!’ I have received positive messages about how people had benefited from my music before, but hearing this right next to me was profound. I realized music can really save people. That’s what I want to do. I couldn’t survive in BTS without that calling. If I didn’t have a calling, I’d die.”

RM on being a superstar

RM reflected on his experience as a superstar. He also touched on all the challenges that come with being in the Korean music industry, emphasizing the need for more honesty and openness.

“The other day, I happened to see the four habits of happy people on Instagram. I really hate that kind of self-help stuff. But then I realized that I was saying all the four phrases mentioned there. Perhaps I am happy. I also try to let stuff out, and I’m getting better at it, but the hardest part is the industry’s atmosphere. It’s kind of sad to admit this, but people are so conscious of others, and many see only what they want. But I’ve done this for ten to eleven years now. I think it’s the right direction to move, where people like me, with some power, are a bit more honest. It’s a time when more honesty is celebrated.”

RM‘s latest interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of K-pop’s most influential figures. His thoughtful reflections provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM always gives the best interviews because he comes up with very good answers to reporters’ questions. Source: Instagram/@rkive.

BTS‘s Jungkook, renowned for his culinary skills, recently shared his latest creation on Weverse, sparking excitement among fans. Known for his love of cooking, Jungkook posted a photo of his one-pot spaghetti pasta with Buldak seasoning, intriguing ARMY. His post gained more attention when fellow BTS member Jimin commented, playfully requesting Jungkook to prepare him dinner upon his return to Korea.

The day before, the media spotted Jimin at Seoul’s Incheon Airport, where he boarded a flight to Budapest. Coincidentally, music video director Choi Yongseok had posted on Instagram Stories that he was at a McDonald’s in Budapest. Fans theorized that he and Jimin were there to film something for an upcoming release. They also noted with interest that the “Like Crazy” hitmaker chose to undertake his project in the same country where Jungkook had filmed his new music video.

Going back to Jungkook’s Weverse post, Jimin’s comment—”Make some for hyung too when I get to Korea”—set social media abuzz. This reminded fans of when Jungkook made mak-guksu during a live broadcast, and Jimin expressed his eagerness to try it.

Cook Like Jungkook

For those inspired by Jimin and eager to taste Jungkook‘s culinary creation, here’s a reconstructed recipe for his One Pan Pasta with Buldak. This recipe includes bucatini pasta, the sauce and cheese powder from a pack of Buldak Ramen Quattro Cheese Flavor, heavy cream, butter, your choice of grated cheese, and parsley flakes for garnishing.

Begin by boiling water in a large pan. Once it’s boiling, add the bucatini pasta. Cook until it reaches an al dente texture. After the pasta is cooked, drain it, but remember to keep a cup of the pasta water for later use.

Next, using the same pan, melt some butter. Add Buldak Ramen sauce and a dash of heavy cream to this. Be mindful of the spiciness of the sauce as it can be quite intense. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. Then, add the cooked bucatini to the pan with the sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure it’s evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust its consistency.

A simple yet delicious recipe

Now, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle in the Buldak cheese powder and your choice of grated cheese. If you prefer a creamier texture, add more cream. For an extra cheesy experience, consider mixing in different types of grated cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar. Stir the mixture until the cheeses have completely melted and blended with the sauce. Before serving, adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with parsley flakes for an added touch of color and flavor.

This simple yet delicious recipe is a testament to Jungkook‘s creativity in the kitchen. He blended Italian and Korean cuisines to create a dish that’s easy to make and delightful to taste. Whether you’re a BTS fan or a food enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try for a taste of Jungkook‘s culinary world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The golden maknae’s creativity knows no bounds. He’s great in the recording studio and the kitchen! Source: X/@gcftgkk.

BTS‘s Jimin recently took the internet by storm with his stunning dance cover of “Stuck With U.” Known for his charismatic stage presence and fancy footwork, Jimin once again proved why he’s considered one of the top dancers in the K-pop industry.

The dance cover, uploaded on Jimin’s Instagram, features him effortlessly interpreting the song through his expressive dancing. Dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit, he manages to convey a range of emotions, from longing to joy. His every move matched the song’s mood perfectly.

Fans were quick to express their admiration for Jimin‘s performance. Social media buzzed with excitement, ARMY fans praising his ability to tell a story through dance. “Jimin‘s dance moves are like a brush painting emotions on a canvas,” one fan commented, encapsulating the sentiment of many.

Jimin worked hard

His choice of “Stuck With U,” a hit song by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, was particularly noteworthy. The song, known for its romantic, soothing melody, was a perfect match for his fluid movements. His cover added a new layer of meaning to the song, making it resonate even more with the audience.

Over the years, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of his art. He explored different styles of dance. When he became a trainee, he worked double time to learn hip-hop. This newest cover is another example of his commitment to improving his craft and his ability to connect with fans by creating content that resonates with them.

As BTS continues to evolve and experiment with new styles and concepts, Jimin‘s dance cover of “Stuck With U” stands out as a reminder of the group’s dedication and talents. It’s obvious that Jimin, with his exceptional skills and passion for dancing, will continue to captivate and inspire fans around the world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This latest cover was also captioned with the hashtag ‘#ThisIsJimin,’ like his earlier covers. Wonder what that means? Source: Instagram/@j.m.

HYBE Corporation, the entertainment behemoth behind BTS, recently stepped forward to clear up a significant misunderstanding about the K-pop group’s stock ownership. A now-deleted report inaccurately claimed that all seven BTS members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—had sold all their stocks, causing confusion among fans and investors.

In reality, owning stocks means holding a part of the company, and each BTS member has a stake in HYBE Labels. Reports emerged suggesting that the septet had put their HYBE Labels stocks on the market back in September. The reported selling amounts, based on the September 20 closing price of 243,000 KRW, were substantial, with each member allegedly selling shares worth billions.

Additionally, HYBE’s chairman Bang Si Hyuk reportedly reduced his shareholding significantly. This reportedly coincided with BTS signing new contracts with HYBE, adding to the public’s confusion.

HYBE clears the air

However, HYBE has since clarified the situation. The agency stated that the BTS members had not sold their stocks. Instead, their special status as shareholders simply ended. HYBE explained that the change was due to the end of their individual shareholder contracts with Bang Si Hyuk. Those agreements delegated their voting rights to the Chairman.

When they signed new contracts with HYBE, these individual agreements were rendered null and void. That means all seven BTS members can now exercise their voting rights as shareholders of the company.

BTS’s impact on HYBE’s success can’t be overstated. The group’s temporary hiatus announcement in 2021 led to a significant drop in the company’s stock value. This highlights their integral role in HYBE’s prominence. The company‘s future is closely tied to BTS‘s continued involvement, underscoring the importance of their relationship for the business’s sustainability. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The rumor that BTS sold their stocks was much ado about nothing. Source: X/@bts_bighit.

Earlier this month, BTS‘s Jungkook announced a collaboration with the Belgian chocolate brand Godiva. This collaboration coincides with the promotions of his debut album GOLDEN, which was released on November 3, 2023. The album has been received with enthusiasm by fans, media, and critics globally.

Chocolate-y goodness

For the past month, Jungkook has been doing various promotional activities. He appeared on talk shows, did interviews, and of course, performed songs from GOLDEN live. This collaboration with Godiva takes these activities a step further, aligning the album with a premium brand. 

Jungkook‘s partnership with Godiva introduces a limited edition chocolate and dessert menu, designed just for ARMYs. It includes products like the Golden Choco Rexa, Golden Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, and Golden Double Chocolate Soft Ice Cream. Moreover, customers who make a purchase at the Godiva Cafe or on the official website will get a special golden postcard.

The brand and the “Standing Next to You” hitmaker also came up with the GOLDEN Edition chocolate, which went on sale starting November 20. It’ll be available in all its chocolate-y goodness until December 31 at Stage by Godiva, a cafe in Dosan, Seoul.

A ‘golden moment’ with Godiva

A brand official stated, “This collaboration was organized to communicate Godiva’s brand values through the ‘Golden Moment,’ inspired by Jungkook’s solo album GOLDEN.” They added, “Godiva will continuously strive to offer customers a ‘golden moment’ through top-quality chocolate.”

In simpler terms, it’s as if Jungkook is suggesting that if GOLDEN were a food product whose taste one could savor, it would be the premium chocolate brand Godiva. Fans noted that Jungkook had hinted at this collaboration in a Weverse live broadcast. During that broadcast, he compared a box of chocolates to the packaging of his album.

ARMYs are in awe of the golden maknae’s business-savvy mind and generous heart in curating amazing presents for fans. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Don’t these look delicious? If you’re in Seoul, try them while supplies last! Source: X/@HYBE_MERCH.

In an engaging and insightful Q&A session with SiriusXM, BTS‘s Jungkook offered fans a glimpse into his creative process, future plans, and more. The interview was filled with questions submitted by fans. It gave Jungkook a unique opportunity to connect with his audience on a deeper level.

Jungkook began by talking about what it was like to listen to GOLDEN for the very first time. He expressed his eagerness to hear the album ASAP. “So, when you feel that your recording went well, you naturally want to listen to the final version as soon as possible. I asked for it right away. The first time I listened, the schedule was tight and I didn’t have much time. I thought about revising some parts, but overall, it was better than I expected. I was amazed; it was fun and a little strange too.”

When asked if the order of the album’s tracks meant anything, he said yes. “They’re all love songs. We arranged the album based on the content, details, and properties of the songs. Eventually, we noticed there was this connection or flow going through it.” That was how they fixed the order of the tracklist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGAu_Trc038

Jungkook Full Interview with Morning Mashup SiriusXM #jungkook

Significant challenges

One of the most significant challenges for Jungkook was recording in English. He candidly shared, “The pronunciation was difficult, and it was actually more like psychological pressure than I thought to have the songs in English.” Despite these challenges, the positive reception of the album has given him a sense of relief and satisfaction.

When asked by a fan which song he’d recommend to someone new to his music, Jungkook chose “Hate You.” He reasoned that it’s easy to listen to and fitting for the chilly weather. Another fan inquired about how the album helped Jungkook express his colors to the world. He responded, “From ‘Seven,’ ‘3D,’ and up to this album, I think the balance was great with the songs.”

Jungkook also expressed a desire to explore different genres and instruments, starting with the bass. “I really, really want to try, and when I get a chance, I want to try everything,” he said.

Jungkook looks ahead

Looking ahead, Jungkook talked about the future. “Frankly speaking, I cannot imagine myself in ten years. And it’s true that I was always considering the future as I pursue all of this,” he admitted. “But I do not have any particular image of me in ten years, but one thing that’s clear is I’m always aspiring to be more like a cool person every day.”

On a lighter note, Jungkook revealed his favorite version of the album is the one featuring his photo. The interview concluded with a question from Billie Eilish, asking what Jungkook misses the most. His answer tugged at ARMYs’ heartstrings. “The one that I miss the most is, because I’m now working as a solo artist, so I think of my members from time to time, and also the moments when we’re performing on stage.”

Jungkook‘s SiriusXM interview not only showcased his thoughtful approach to music but also his reflective and ambitious nature. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his journey remains a source of inspiration for fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This was just the latest in a series of interviews Jungkook did with this outlet. Source: X/@BTS_2015_ARMY.

In a video message posted on Weverse, BTS‘s Jin highlighted a traditional Korean snack that holds a special place in the hearts of many. The video was titled “Jin’s Message from Jin: Nov 2023,” and in it, Jin expressed his fondness for bungeoppang, a type of street food known for its sweet taste and unique shape.

Jin shared, “The weather gets really cold in November, and isn’t it the season to eat bungeoppang while carrying around 1,000 won somewhere in your heart? I will be praying that you can enjoy warm bungeoppang in the winter.”

Bungeoppang, which means “carp bread,” is made by pouring a simple batter of baking powder, flour, sugar, and water into a fish-shaped mold. The traditional filling is a sweet red bean paste. This paste is added before the mold is closed and cooked until it turns golden-brown. This process results in a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior, making bungeoppang a sought-after treat in the winter.

Bungeoppang is more than a snack

Originating in Korea in the 1930s, bungeoppang is more than just a snack; it has become a part of Korean culture, often linked with childhood memories and evocative of winter street scenes. It’s a common sight at street markets and winter festivals. Over time, bungeoppang has evolved, with modern variations including fillings like custard, chocolate, and cheese, and even some savory versions. Its popularity extends beyond Korea, with variations found in other East Asian countries. Each variation puts a local twist on the recipe.

In his message, Jin also expressed his affection for fans, urging them to stay healthy as the weather gets colder. “As it gets colder in November and it’s practically winter, please be careful not to catch a cold and stay healthy. If you are sick, it really hurts my heart too. November is close to the end of the year. I hope you finish November well and spend the end of the year well. I’ll say goodbye for now and come to see you all again next time. Eat a lot of bungeoppang.”

Jin is currently serving in the military, yet he continues to connect with fans through different types of content. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Like many South Koreans, Jin loves this delicious treat. Source: X/@jinxjoyxjoon_7.

Recently, BTS‘s Jungkook left fans in awe during an M Countdown stage for his newest title track, “Standing Next To You.” Given that music shows often gather many Korea-based fans, several ARMYs were present in the audience. The idol showed off his generosity as he presented ARMYs with a unique gift in line with the yeok jo gong trend, where idols give “reverse tributes” to fans to thank them for their support.

Jungkook, known for his attention to detail and deep connection with his fans, went above and beyond with his gift. Attendees were gifted with exclusive GOLDEN perfumes, not just any ordinary fragrance, but one infused with 24-carat gold flakes. The perfume’s significance was further enhanced by its focus on the Tiger Lily, Jungkook‘s birth flower, symbolizing the unique bond he shares with his fans.

The perfume is a complex, harmonious blend of Tiger Lily, Suede, and Amber, which embodies the essence of the golden autumn season. The Tiger Lily’s sweet, floral fragrance, which symbolizes vulnerability and yearning, takes the lead. Suede brings sophistication and depth, while Amber rounds out the scent, adding warmth and a golden allure.

Jungkook put a lot of effort into the perfume

The packaging revealed Jungkook‘s attention to detail. It came with a note that read, “Blooming splendidly in a resplendent display, just like the flower language that means ‘Love Me,’ it resembles autumn, melancholic yet filled with brilliant GOLDEN moments, all captured within.” The message ended with “ONLY FOR ARMY,” emphasizing that the perfume was specifically for them.

The internet reaction was immediate and intense, with fans who couldn’t attend expressing a mix of admiration and yes, envy. The effort Jungkook put into preparing such an extravagant gift did not go unnoticed. Fans were visibly moved by the symbolism and the personal touch embedded in this gesture, interpreting it as a reflection of Jungkook‘s deep appreciation and love for his fans. 

In other news, Jungkook recently made history on multiple charts, both in the U.S. and his native South Korea. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans wish Jungkook would sell the perfume on the Weverse Shop. Source: YouTube/@Mnet.

The K-pop community went wild when BTS’s Jimin did the “Guilty” dance challenge with SHINee‘s Taemin. Posted on SHINee‘s official TikTok account, the video features the best friends grooving to the title track of Taemin’s fourth solo EP, Guilty. He dropped the EP on October 30, 2023, after he was discharged from the military.

The album, consisting of six tracks, has been making waves. But that’s nothing compared to how fans reacted when they saw Jimin dance to “Guilty” with Taemin. The video began with the two artists giving the camera a smoldering look then segueing into the perfectly synchronized routine. The highlight for many was when they showed off their six-pack abs. After dancing, they began mugging for the camera. Jimin giggled as Taemin picked him up and swung him around the studio.

This collaboration isn’t the first time Jimin and Taemin have performed together. Their friendship and synergy were first made evident during a Gayo Daejukjae performance in 2016. They’ve also done other TikTok videos together. This new one only reinforces their strong bond and exceptional dance skills.

The ‘Guilty’ video is more than a collaboration

[슈취타] EP.20 SUGA with 태민

Their camaraderie was further highlighted in a Suchwita episode, where BTS‘s SUGA discussed their similarities, including the unique charm they both bring to their stages. SUGA said that both Jimin and Taemin have a way of making those around them feel comfortable, a sentiment echoed by Taemin. The SHINee singer also pointed out their shared “gender neutral” appeal and the delicate yet powerful nature of their performances.

The episode took an exciting turn when Jimin made a surprise appearance. Jimin was somewhat shy at first but loosened up eventually, teasing SUGA about his own growing friendship with Taemin. SUGA joked that he’d take Jimin’s comments as a challenge, vowing to become even closer to Taemin than his fellow BTS member.

TAEMIN (SHINee) & Jimin (BTS) – SHOWDOWN

Taemin looked back on their 2016 KBS Gayo Daejukjae “TWO MIN” stage, a memorable event for both BTS and SHINee fans. He praised Jimin‘s dedication and skill, while the latter admitted to a case of stage fright. Luckily, it was alleviated by the encouragement of the other BTS members.

The “Guilty” dance challenge video is more than just a collaboration; it’s a testament to the enduring friendship and mutual respect between Jimin and Taemin. Their ability to blend their unique styles and personalities, both on and off the stage, continues to captivate and inspire fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The best friends’ chiseled abs drove fans absolutely wild. Source: X/@pjmpoems13.