Category: BTS

Kim Taehyung, also known as BTS‘ V, has left fans in awe once again with the release of additional teasers for his first mini-album Layover. The final concept photos, which were eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, went live on BTS‘ official SNS at midnight on September 6 KST.

Much like the previous sets of concept photos, this fourth and final set places emphasis on the “new V.” Many of the photos in it show him in a state of complete freedom and tranquility. For instance, a couple show him leisurely spending time at the beach, frolicking in the ocean without a single care in the world. In some of the other photos, he seems to be completely unaware of the camera tracking his every move. One particularly nice shot highlights the childlike exuberance lighting up his face as he emerges from the waves. It exudes a dreamy vibe that’s unmistakably V.

All in all, this batch comprised 24 photos, bringing the overall count of concept photos for Layover to 102. These photos take ARMY on a comprehensive visual journey of the BTS member’s debut solo album. An initial batch showcased V in his most natural state. The photographer captured him with zero makeup, highlighting the simplicity of his daily life. Subsequent batches highlighted his natural charm.

When can fans meet the ‘new V’?

Apart from his musical endeavors, V‘s presence was notably felt at the Frieze Seoul 2023 Paradise Art Festa. This grand art festival serves as a melting pot for artists, collectors, and gallery owners from all over.

On September 4, organizers held an after party to mark the start of the festival. The party saw a remarkable gathering of celebrities from various sectors of the K-entertainment industry. Among them, V stood out, captivating guests with his blonde hair and stylish fit. Photos circulating on social media showed him interacting with those in attendance, including Japanese chef Hisato Namada of Wagyumafia, a restaurant V visited when he went to Tokyo recently.

Layover and the music video for its title track “Slow Dancing” is set to drop worldwide at 1:00 pm this September 8. This release promises to introduce audiences to the “new V,” and they can hardly wait to meet him. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Are you ready to meet the ‘new V’ on September 8? Source: Weverse.

Global K-pop sensation BTS is marking its 10th anniversary in style. The Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) has launched the BTS 10th Anniversary Medals. They are available domestically and internationally. These limited-edition medals aren’t regular commemorative items; they’re a nice blend of art, sentiment, and technology.

The medals released this time are the second edition, and they’re unique as they have portraits of all BTS members, making it a collector’s dream. What’s even more intriguing is the use of advanced technology and a new design approach. Since only 2,000 gold and 49,000 silver medals are available as global limited editions, people expect the BTS 10th Anniversary Medals to be in high demand.

The gold medal, a first of its kind, comes in the form of an A5-sized poster. It shows the members of BTS in all their glory, with intricate carvings as fine as 10 micrometers. The BTS logo and the words “10th Anniversary” are prominently displayed, along with micro-text and security patterns in the background. The micro-text lists 10 of the group’s representative songs that defined the band’s journey, from “No More Dream” to “Yet to Come – The Most Beautiful Moment.”

On the other hand, the silver medal is as big as a CD. It captures the essence of each member with the intaglio technique, renowned for its precision in currency security. The border is engraved with “10th Anniversary” and the stage names of all seven BTS members.

More on the BTS 10th Anniversary Medals

If you’re eager to own one of the BTS 10th Anniversary Medals, the gold one costs 4.9 million KRW (approximately 3,680.23 USD) and the silver medal sells for 220,000 KRW (approximately 165.23 USD). You can buy them from outlets such as the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation’s shopping mall, Weverse Shop, and Hyundai H Mall. International fans can turn to country-specific dealers like Panda America and Singapore Mint.

During this sales period, the 1st edition commemorative medals, which set records last December, will be up for grabs in limited quantities. To offer fans a look at the BTS 10th Anniversary Medals’ creation process, the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation released a making-of video. Additionally, they set up an exhibition space for fans to see the medals in person.

방탄소년단 데뷔 10주년 기념메달 2차 출시 | BTS 10th Anniversary Commemorative Medal(2nd)

In a heartwarming gesture, KOMSCO will donate a portion of the proceeds from the medals’ sales to UNICEF. Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation CEO Bahn Jahng-Shick expressed his enthusiasm. He said, “This commemorative medal has been designed to realistically and beautifully capture BTS members’ portraits in honor of their 10th anniversary.”

The BTS 10th Anniversary Medals are not just tokens of appreciation. They’re a testament to the group’s decade-long journey. They symbolize the love and admiration of millions of ARMY worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: KOMSCO Design Research Center Associate Researcher Choi Hyun Jung played a big part the making of the medals. Source: YouTube/@prkomsco.

Last year, RM, the charismatic leader of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, candidly discussed his deep connection to art on Intersections: The Art Basel Podcast. With Genius Korea recently providing fans a comprehensive transcription of this conversation, we now have a deeper insight into RM’s artistic journey.

Broadcasting from his studio in Seoul, RM, whose real name is Kim Namjoon, shared glimpses of his personal space. “I’m in Seoul, because I live in South Korea, Seoul. And here it’s seven pm. I’m in my studio, this is our label studio. It’s my little studio—and there’s a little painting back over there, so, yeah.”

How RM developed a love for visual art

RM’s foray into the world of art began with a transformative visit to the Chicago Art Institute in 2018. “Yeah, I remember how it started. It was in 2018 which was four years ago,” he reminisced. Not being a club person and having limited friends abroad, RM utilized his free time during tours to explore museums and galleries. This lit a fire in his heart, leading him to admire artists like Monet, Picasso, and Seurat. The thrill of seeing their works in person was evident in his voice.

Discussing the longevity and impact visual artists have, RM shared, “I really love to use expressions a lot, I don’t like to divide the art world, but when I see the painters and the artists; most of them get their fame after their death.” This perspective has influenced his own approach to creativity, as well as the kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind.

As his appreciation for art deepened, he began collecting pieces. His first acquisition was a painting by Korean artist Daiwon Lee. The joy of owning art resonated deeply with him. “Actually, I think it already started by collecting. I think, okay, I have this precious piece in my home and I see it every day; I wake up every day in front of it.”

As the conversation neared its end, RM unveiled plans for a unique personal project. “I’m planning to make a small space of my own private collection and just make a café on the first floor, and set up my collection on the second and third floors. People could always see the collections when they just want to see them.”

His impact on the Korean art scene

RM‘s relationship with art showcases his multifaceted personality. His fervor for art, coupled with his global influence, has introduced a new generation to the world of visual arts. That has brought a lot of joy to those who have been part of the scene for a long time.

Jini Yang, the director of an art gallery called White Cube Seoul, is one of those people. In a recent interview with Vogue Korea, she talked about the evolving Korean art scene. She gave the leader of BTS credit for playing a part in that evolution. 

“The Korean art scene is characterized by deep connections with both the local and the global,” she told the media outlet. “It’s heartwarming to see a broader audience enjoying art, just like people adding the County Museum of Art to their LA travel itinerary to listen to RM‘s audio guide.”

White Cube Seoul is located in the upscale Gangnam-gu district. It’s housed in the same building as the private Horim Art Centre, known for its collection of Korean Modern art and antiquities. Maybe, just maybe, you can bump into RM there if ever you’re in Seoul. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Visual art is a subject he takes very seriously. Source: Instagram/@rkive.

On September 1, a South Korean National Assembly discussion highlighted the impressive growth of Korean ramen exports. The key figure behind this surge? None other than BTS‘ Jin. His association with the brand Ottogi and its popular product Jin Ramen made headlines in South Korea’s economic media and gave the company’s revenue a boost.

“Starting from the 2020 award-winning movie Parasite (Jjapaguri) & the advertising model effect of Jin (Ottogi Jin Ramen), a member of BTS, we are showing a significant growth trend,” an official said. These words underscore the power of celebrity endorsements, especially when the celebrity in question is a global sensation like Jin.

The Korea Customs Service reported that ramen exports from the beginning of this year until July reached approximately 522 million KRW. This figure marked a 17.7% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Despite industry challenges, Ottogi’s revenue surged by at least 15%. Much of this success stems from Jin‘s endorsement. Consequently, in early 2023, Ottogi finally made it into the “trillion won club” (2.43 billion USD). It was established in 1959, but the company only achieved this record-breaking sales figure shortly after partnering with Jin.

Jin, the ‘Next Generation CF King’

Jin Ramen’s export sales hit 326.4 billion won last year, a 19.2% rise from the previous year. This accounts for 10.3% of the total sales of 3.1833 trillion KRW, both domestically and internationally. Notably, the sales of Ottogi’s U.S. subsidiaries also saw a significant boost. For U.S. corporations, there was a 39% year-on-year growth, totaling 92.2 billion KRW. Jin‘s influence played a significant part in Ottogi being recognized as a Korean Representative Brand. On March 29, the BRANDSTARS Selection Committee honored Ottogi with this title.

Just last week, news broke that Ottogi’s overseas sales share surpassed 10% of its total sales for the first time ever. Jin‘s association elevated Ottogi’s status, with his celebrity influence boosting sales and enhancing brand value. In summer 2022, his partnership with video game developer Nexon proved fruitful. MapleStory witnessed a 47% sales surge in the year’s third quarter. Beyond that, Jin participated in events for the game, enhancing fan engagement and interest. This reinforced his appeal as a brand ambassador and influencer. As a testament to his impact, the South Korean media dubbed Jin the “Next Generation CF King.”

Ottogi’s marketing strategy, centered around Jin‘s sophisticated image and warm personality, was a resounding success. Jin Ramen has become a hot favorite, selling out across markets. Today, it’s hard to walk around Korea without seeing Jin‘s face promoting the product.

Beyond the ramen industry

Jin‘s influence isn’t limited to the ramen industry. His solo single “The Astronaut” has been making waves too. Recently, it was featured on the official playlist of Amazon Web Services (AWS)’s 2023 Sales Kick-Off, alongside Western legends like the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, and Coldplay, who did that song with him. On September 2, “The Astronaut” ranked No. 1 on the Amazon Music Digital Song Bestseller list. It also charted at No. 10 in the Movers & Shakers category, which shows the highest sales in the past 24 hours. This recognition is even more impressive when you consider that the song dropped even before Jin’s enlistment in the military last December.

Jin‘s impact on the ramen industry and beyond is undeniable. His star power, combined with brand collaborations, has set new benchmarks in the world of endorsements. As industries continue to feel the “Jin effect,” fans and experts alike eagerly anticipate his next venture. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The face that launched a thousand ramen sales. Source: Twitter/@theJINPRINT.

Jimin of BTS made a striking appearance at the Lady Dior Celebration’ exhibit photocall held at the fashion house’s concept store in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Radiating elegance, he sported gray trousers and a white shirt. A silver necklace draped over the shirt’s collar added an exquisite touch, making fans’ hearts flutter. He further accentuated his fit with a beige, knee-length trench coat, which appeared to be made from faux leather. Combined with black boots and a center-parted hairstyle, his look had photographers’ flash bulbs popping left and right.

His personal space

Later, Jimin took to Weverse for a live broadcast, marking his presence with the words, “Hello, I’m here! Let me just get my air conditioner remote and I’ll be back. I’ve come a bit late, right? Sorry. My hand? Oh, I didn’t hurt it; it got scratched a bit from exercising.” He expressed how much he missed doing live broadcasts, saying, “It’s been a while since I’ve been live! I tried to make time to talk with you, and I was talking to the company regarding that. During that entire month, I’ve done a lot. I’ve worked a lot.”

In a heartwarming gesture, Jimin shared a glimpse of his personal space. He introduced fans to his mood light. “Here, I have something I want to show you. I have a mood light. I’m a bit embarrassed to have a mood light when I’m almost thirty,” he chuckled. “But it’s very pretty. Let me show you. I look at this and fall asleep. It feels very real. It has a timer too.”

Jimin‘s candidness continued as he gave fans a brief tour of the rest of his home. He showed off a concert banner, framed photo, and his secret stash of cup ramen. Jimin also touched on his English lessons (“Unless you make yourself take them, you tend to end up not taking them because they’re hard”) and K-drama preferences. “I don’t usually watch dramas or movies. But I watched ‘Moving.’ It was fun. Now I want to fly too. I also watched ‘Shadow Detective.’”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YUIQYPf76A

Jimin on Weverse Live today right after Dior event 230901

Jimin wants ‘a happy thirties’

Reflecting on his appearance at the Dior event, he said, “I went out to work for the first time in a while. I was able to see you guys, and that was nice.” 

He also shared an anecdote about a previous event where he couldn’t greet fans, “Many waited, but I wasn’t able to greet you. I just remembered a story behind that, so I’ll share it. There were a lot of people, so my manager hyung and I planned to greet you and have fun. We thought of opening the door like ‘jjan!’ then greet you and leave. We were so excited, saying, ‘Let’s greet them,’ and I fixed my outfit. But when the doors opened, there was no one there. We used the wrong door,” he laughed sheepishly.

Jimin‘s deep bond with his fans was evident as he emphasized, “If there’s nobody to cheer you on, you won’t be able to go far. This job is hard. You need people to cheer you on and support you. We’re able to work like this because of all of you guys supporting beyond the means.” As the third decade of his life is approaching, he shared his thoughts on that too. “I want to make a happy thirties with all of you. I’ve been thinking of stuff like that lately because this is chapter two, as Namjoon-hyung mentioned.”

Jimin expressed love and gratitude

Concluding the session, Jimin expressed his love and gratitude, “I came to see all of you because I wanted to show you the mood light, talk about the Dior event, and what I’ve been doing. Please wish Jungkook a happy birthday, and let’s see each other soon! I’m going to wash up and rest. Everyone, be well. Drink lots of water. It seems like it’s raining a lot, so be careful too. ‘Bye! I love you today and tomorrow.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin is a real vision, whether he’s dressed up or dressed down with no makeup at all. Sources: Twitter/@btspicstwt_ and @boraboravie.

On August 30, a brief live session on TikTok featured none other than BTS‘ Jungkook. Amidst his interactions, he expressed a sudden hunger and mentioned his intention to order food from a fried chicken brand named GCOVA. He promised to return after his chicken feast.

Originating in Jungkook’s hometown of Busan, this barbecue-style chicken restaurant rapidly gained popularity, leading to the opening of many branches. It primarily operates as a delivery service. But recognizing the challenges tourists might face with the Korean delivery system, GCOVA inaugurated a branch at Hongik University, a prime tourist destination in Seoul, with a dine-in space.

The brand provides two variations of chicken: bone-in and boneless. Customers have the liberty to select between spicy seasoned chicken or the simply salted variant. Their chicken pieces are grilled to perfection with a distinctive sauce. The spicy seasoned chicken stands out because it has much more kick than its counterparts. The rice cake that accompanies it is an added delight.

GCOVA isn’t just another chicken brand

For those who can’t handle spicy food, never fear: GCOVA has got you covered. It allows customers to choose from three spice levels: Less Spicy, Normal, or Very Spicy. Given the flavorful and unique seasoning GCOVA employs, many love to mix some rice with the sauce, creating a dish commonly and fondly referred to as “Chi-bob,” a delightful combination of chicken and rice.

For those unfamiliar with the term “Chi-bob,” it’s a relatively new phrase compared to “Chi-maek.” While “Chi-maek” refers to enjoying chicken with beer, “Chi-bob” translates to eating chicken with spicy or soy sauce accompanied by rice. The term “Bob” denotes rice in Korean.

GCOVA isn’t just another chicken brand. It’s an experience, a culinary journey that resonates with both locals and celebrities like Jungkook. Whether you’re in Seoul or elsewhere, GCOVA promises a taste that’s hard to forget. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook talked about his fried chicken cravings in a short TikTok live broadcast. Source: Twitter/@BTSJKHEY.