Category: BTS

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.

September 1 is eagerly anticipated by ARMYs worldwide, because it’s the natal day of BTS‘ golden maknae, Jungkook. This year, the celebrations took an unexpected turn when Jimin, another beloved member of BTS, decided to gift fans with a rather cheeky birthday post for Jungkook.

Fans from all corners of the globe flooded SNS with birthday wishes for Jungkook. But amidst the sea of greetings, Jimin‘s Instagram post stood out. The black-and-white photo showcased the duo shirtless, flaunting their chiseled physiques. Jimin, with a playful attempt to appear taller, stood on his toes beside Jungkook. Their tattoos, including Jimin‘s full moon and Jungkook‘s full sleeve, were on full display. The caption? A simple yet sweet “Happy birthday jk” accompanied by a winking emoji with its tongue out.

Fans were taken aback by the unexpected nature of the post. Given Jimin‘s infrequent activity on Instagram, this particular update was all the more shocking. Many fans humorously commented that the picture was “practically illegal,” expressing their overwhelming surprise and delight.

Jimin also has reasons to celebrate

In other news, Jimin also has reasons to celebrate. His solo album, FACE, achieved a staggering 1 billion streams on Spotify. This monumental achievement came only 153 days after release, making Jimin the first Korean soloist to hit this milestone. To put this into perspective, in 2023, only global sensations BTS and BLACKPINK had previously reached the 1 billion stream mark from Korea.

FACE isn’t just a fleeting sensation. As of the 27th, the album has 1.021 billion streams on Spotify. The title track “Like Crazy” alone garnered 677.2 million streams, spanning its Korean and English versions. Other tracks like “Set Me Free Pt.2,” “Face-off,” and “Alone” received love from fans as well. They amassed 190 million, 60 million, and 50 million streams respectively.,Moreover, Jimin‘s FACE remains the only Korean solo album to feature on Billboard’s World Albums chart, marking its 21st consecutive week on the list.

While September 1 began as a celebration for Jungkook, it evolved into a day highlighting Jimin‘s bond with him and his unparalleled solo achievements. The K-pop world continues to be enriched by their contributions, and fans eagerly await their next surprises. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin posted this for Jungkook’s birthday in 2020. Source: Twitter/@bts_twt.

On the eve of his 26th birthday, BTS‘ Jungkook became the talk of the town. Photos of him chilling outside a restaurant in South Korea made the rounds on social media. They weren’t just any photos; they depicted genuine moments of the singer engaging with fans, sharing smiles and taking selfies.

Among the lucky fans was a young woman whose Instagram username is @ka_young2000. She shares a birthday with Jungkook, and she ran into him at the restaurant while celebrating her own special day. She posted photos with him and expressed her joy in the caption, describing the encounter as a dream come true. Later, two other fans also shared their own delightful run-ins with the idol at the same spot.

The ARMY, BTS‘ global fanbase, was abuzz with excitement. Many were happy for them, while some playfully wished they could fly to Seoul for a similar serendipitous encounter. These events further highlighted Jungkook‘s down-to-earth nature, with fans noting how friendly and warm he was. 

Later that day, he posted a message on Weverse. “Hi, everyone, It’s my birthday,” Jungkook began. As time passes, it feels more and more as if my birthday doesn’t feel like much. But since the time that all of you guys prepared for is precious, I’m making sure to clearly write these words.”

Jungkook is ‘always thankful’

He expressed his gratitude for the time fans devote to him, acknowledging the love he receives and reciprocates. “I’m just always thankful, and as precious as all of your time is, I want to tell you that I’m receiving your love and also that I love you,” he continued. “Lately, I’ve been happily spending my day by day. I have confidence that I’m doing well these days, but I’m certain that if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t know how things would’ve turned out. Moving forward, let’s just trust each other, and I want to trust myself and walk alongside all of you. Thank you always! Let’s be happy.”

After posting that message, he did a short live broadcast where he opened up some more. Dressed in the same outfit from earlier—a notable t-shirt from ENFANTS RICHES DÉPRIMÉS—he sounded off on certain topics and said goodbye with signature warmth and charm.

“I feel good. Today I’ll keep this happy heart and sleep well. Recently, my insomnia has gotten a bit worse. On one occasion, I only had five hours to sleep, and it was like I just closed my eyes for five hours and then I had to go out. But today, I’ll put everything down and go to sleep happily. Anyway, today, I wanted to say hello. I’ll go now. Thank you, thank you always! Love you! Have a good time and take your meals. Bye!”

Such interactions between BTS and their fans underscore the strong bond they share, a testament to the mutual love and respect that defines their relationship. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: In honor of Jungkook’s birthday, his agency BigHit Music shared a photo album on their fan community platform. Source: Weverse.

BTS‘s Jimin isn’t just famous for his musical prowess; he’s also making waves with his philanthropic endeavors. His recent donation of 100 million KRW to the Chungbuk Provincial Office of Education has become a topic of discussion among ARMY and the general public. 

An official “Public Disclosure Document” revealed that Jimin‘s donation will benefit 10 educational institutions in the province, with each receiving 10 million KRW. The fund targets reading education programs.

Interestingly, Jimin’s father had asked that the donation remain private, emphasizing the genuine intent behind the superstar’s gesture. An official from the Chungbuk Provincial Office of Education said, “We’ll strive to cultivate upright character in students through reading various books so that the donor’s warm heart can be conveyed well.”

This isn’t Jimin‘s first act of generosity. Last year, he made a donation to the Gangwon Education Scholarship Foundation. Recently, he contributed 5 million KRW to Busan‘s Nam District as part of the Hometown Love Donation initiative. It encourages people to donate to local governments, even if they live and work elsewhere. In exchange, donors can avail of tax deductions and get local specialty products. The funds collected go to projects that benefit residents, like those that revitalize local communities and support vulnerable populations.

Jimin sparked a global movement

Jimin‘s consistent philanthropy, including previous donations to the Busan and Jeonnam Offices of Education, the Green Umbrella Child Fund and polio patients, solidified his reputation as a prominent celebrity who leverages his platform for the greater good. His actions have not only made headlines but have also inspired fans worldwide to follow in his footsteps.

For instance, Jimin’s Swiss fanbase was really moved by his commitment to children’s welfare. They gave to UNICEF and expressed their goal to “help children around the world enjoy a better future and protect them from harm.” Indonesian fans were similarly inspired and contributed to the SOS Children’s Villages in their country. On Twitter, fans used the #ShareYourHeartLikeJimin hashtag.

Furthermore, Jimin Nation of the Asia-Pacific region, celebrated Jimin‘s Spotify achievement of 1 billion streams by donating to UNICEF in his honor. Their message was clear: “Inspired by the role model that is Jimin, we wanted to give back to society and help children.”

Jimin‘s acts of kindness sparked a global movement. Fans from all corners of the world are coming forward to support children in war zones, endangered animals, and victims of COVID-19 and natural disasters, as well as people from vulnerable communities. This ripple effect of generosity, initiated by Jimin, showcases the power of positive influence and the potential of a global community united by compassion and empathy. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin truly has a giving heart. Source: Twitter/@_BTSMoments_.

BTS‘ RM, recently took to a live broadcast to address various topics. He talked about many things, including a controversy he was involved in. Fans from around the world tuned in, eager to hear from their ult group’s leader.

RM began the session on a light note, expressing his joy at seeing a birthday ad dedicated to him. “It’s early, but still. I saw the birthday ad and I was very happy to see that!” he exclaimed. RM also talked about the new drama he’s watching—Netflix’s critically acclaimed black comedy-slash-thriller Mask Girl—and revealed that he only had one more episode left to watch. He also said he had seen the Disney/Pixar movie Elemental two times already and it tugged at his heartstrings both times.

He also shared that he had started tanning, but he’s been focusing on his body, not his face. He also mentioned spotting a beautiful rainbow, which he found less captivating than the ARMY watching his live. “What’s prettier than the rainbow is you all who’s watching this live,” he said with a chuckle.

He then hinted at being busy with a project. “I didn’t say I’m getting ready for the album, but I am getting ready for something!” he teased. Unfortunately, he remained tight-lipped about whatever it is he’s working on. All he said was, “It’s a serious project!”

RM talks Islam controversy

However, the mood shifted when RM addressed the allegations that he had insulted Islam via an old Instagram Story. “You guys keep saying I insulted a religion, but I didn’t. There was no intention or purpose to insult a religion I respect,” he firmly stated. 

He emphasized his respect for all beliefs and religions and expressed his awareness of the ongoing discussions on SNS. “It’s a song, OK? I’m not apologizing. I’m 30 years old. I can express my truth. Please, a word is a word. Don’t assume! Believe my words,” he urged.

RM‘s frustration was palpable as he continued, “I know I can’t convince everyone, and some might say ‘Oh you’re lying,’ but I can’t lie, guys. I’m being honest.” He asked ARMY to trust him and have a heart, expressing how challenging it was to hold in his feelings amidst the controversy.

Wrapping up the session, RM reassured fans, “Guys, don’t worry. Just believe me, and I’ll show you what’s inside, okay.” He admitted his life has been filled with hurdles and obstacles, but remained optimistic about focusing on his path and not letting negativity deter him. He ended with a heartfelt message to ARMY: “Stay healthy. I hope everything around you will be fine. Bye! I’m going to work. Peace out!” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM clearly needed to get it off his chest. Source: Twitter/@boraboravie.