Category: BTS

BTS‘ V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has always been a force to reckon with in the music industry. His recent collaboration with W Korea magazine solidified his position as a global icon. It marks the superstar’s debut as Cartier’s global brand ambassador, representing the ‘Panthère de Cartier’ line. The photoshoot is a visual treat, with V blending elegance and sensuality. 

But it’s not just the photos that captured netizens’ attention. V’s interview with W Korea provided a candid look into his life. He talked openly about the pressures and thrill of being in the limelight. One of the most intriguing parts of the interview revolved around his debut album, Layover.

“The entire process was reminiscent of revisiting my early vocal training days,” he said. “I stumbled upon my new vocal identity. Certain tonalities and pronunciations seem to resonate more now. My love for diverse genres often has me humming away. While creating this solo album, I discovered my vocal essence, and that’s what makes me incredibly fulfilled.”

His dedication to his craft was evident in the interview, even when he talked about working with Min Heejin of ADOR, the CEO behind NewJeans.

“I trust my instincts, but I remain open to the insights of those around me. Both are important to me. I wanted to show a different side of my music compared to my past releases, and collaborating seemed like the best way to achieve that,” he says. “f(x)’s Pink Tape was a big inspiration. I reached out to her when I recalled it. Our discussions were productive, encompassing all the details, and the whole process was seamless. Min Hee Jin brought expertise and sincerity to the table. She has such a warm presence.”

It’s all about ARMY

V also reflected on his personality. He said resilience is one of his core traits. But he acknowledged his vulnerabilities as well, including his tendency to move at his own pace. He realized that may have frustrated some ARMY, which made him feel terrible. That left V with a strong desire to make it up to them however he can.

“While I may not always operate at a rapid pace, there’s a steadfast and unyielding resilience within me, akin to that of a tanker. I tend to move at my own rhythm, which might test ARMY’s patience at times. For instance, with my solo album, the wait was extensive. My initial intention was a release in December of the previous year; but the process was extended, leaving me with an enduring sense of apology,” he said. “It feels like forever since I connected with ARMY on stage. The burning question in my mind is ‘Do I need to diet for this grand return?’ Trust me, that thought was non-stop. It’s all about ARMY. Being in their presence, feeling their energy—that’s paramount.”

W Korea is a feather in V’s cap

But amidst the challenges that come with life in the spotlight, V’s personality remains unchanged at its core. The pursuit of joy is very important to him, whether it involves small things like a nice meal or big things like spending time with the BTS members. Now that they’re currently working on their own projects, V makes it a point to keep up with the others’ achievements. Seeing them excel makes him feel good.

“Every time they hit the stage, I’m proud of how far they’ve come. They bring something fresh and it’s just amazing to see. Honestly, I’ve been all in, soaking up every scene they’ve been in and on,” he shared.

His LP Layover will be out on September 8. With songs like “Slow Dancing,” “Love Me Again,” and “Rainy Days” generating buzz, it’ll be another feather in his cap—just like this W Korea spread.

Featured Image: V exuded the aura of a panther in his W Korea photoshoot. Source: W Korea.

BTS’ Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V, has given fans another tantalizing glimpse into his first solo venture. A monochromatic teaser for the song “Blue” shows V‘s intense demeanor, leaving fans eager for the full album. As he walks down a corridor in a leather jacket, knocking angrily at a door, the suspense builds. Who could be on the other side?

That teaser is just the beginning. BigHit Music, BTS‘ agency, announced a full promotional schedule for Layover, with the album set to drop on September 8. But V‘s impact isn’t limited to the music scene. His sartorial choices, whether he’s on stage, participating in dance challenges, or waiting at the airport, consistently turn heads. 

V ‘Blue’ Official Teaser 1

Case in point: His participation in a TikTok dance challenge for NewJeans‘ “Hype Boy” went viral. His fit, a vibrant check-print shirt paired with mauve joggers, complemented by layered chains and white sneakers, was an instant hit among netizens.

Hype ‘V’oy with #BTS #V #NewJeans #뉴진스 #NewJeans_HypeBoy#Time_to_NewJeans

The ‘Blue’ singer’s fashion game is always on point

From the dance floor to the airport, V‘s fashion game remains on point. Spotted at Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport, he combined sophistication with Gen-Z flair. As an ambassador for the luxury brand CELINE, V‘s beige cardigan and light blue acid-washed jeans were accentuated by a CELINE bag and his signature tousled blonde hairstyle.

V‘s association with CELINE goes beyond fashion. He’s friends with the brand’s artistic director, Hedi Slimane. He even turned up at CELINE’s Paris fashion show as a personal guest of Slimane’s. In a recent interview, the South Korean superstar admitted to emulating Slimane’s style, particularly his penchant for wearing sunglasses in dimly lit settings.

V(BTS), Gimpo International Airport DEPARTURE

As V gears up for the release of Layover, his multifaceted talents, from music to fashion, continue to captivate fans worldwide. Whether it’s his well-crafted tracks or his bold fashion choices, V has plenty of aces up his sleeve. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’ V turned up at the airport on the same day the ‘Blue’ teaser dropped. Source: Twitter/@LuV_btsV_.

On August 22, media reports suggested that BTS‘ Jungkook‘s first solo single, “SEVEN” featuring Latto, might have elements of plagiarism.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ Official MV

“SEVEN,” which is primarily in English, was a collaboration of renowned artists and composers such as Andrew Watt, Jon Bellion, Henry Walter, Theron Makiel Thomas, and of course, Latto. However, eyebrows were raised when it was pointed out that the song might have similarities, particularly the “same scale sequence”, with Fin.K.L‘s 2000 release, “Time of Mask.”

Fin.K.L – Time of mask, 핑클 – 가면의 시간, Music Camp 20000122

“Time of Mask” by Fin.K.L, which is a lesser-known track from their SPECIAL album, was crafted by Yang Joon Young. The musician behind the song took the matter to a producer at HYBE, seeking a professional evaluation of the scale sequences in both songs.

Scale sequence 101

When two songs share the same “scale sequence,” it means they both use a specific sequence or pattern of notes from a scale in a similar or identical manner. This could be a unique melody, riff, or motif that stands out in the composition. For instance, if there’s a song whose melody progresses through a series of notes like C-D-E-F-G and another song that features the same progression, that means both songs have the same scale sequence.

However, just because two songs have a similar scale sequence doesn’t automatically mean one is a copy of the other. The same sequence might appear in different contexts in each song, accompanied by varying rhythms, harmonies, or instrumentations. Also, certain scale sequences are prevalent in music, especially within genres that have well-established conventions and patterns.

While a shared scale sequence might draw attention, it isn’t conclusive evidence of plagiarism on its own. The broader composition, arrangement, and the song’s overall originality are important factors in determining any potential copyright infringement. Ergo, even if “SEVEN” and “Time of Mask” do share a scale sequence, that doesn’t mean the former is a rip-off of the latter. That just means the two songs have a similarity in a specific note pattern, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate copying or plagiarism.

BigHit Music denies plagiarism claims

HYBE Labels, initially caught off-guard due to Bang Si Hyuk‘s business commitments in the United States, couldn’t address the allegations immediately. But BTS’ agency BigHit Music soon stepped in with a definitive statement. They categorically denied that “SEVEN” was a product of plagiarism.

According to BigHit Music’s statement, “Any claims suggesting copyright infringement are baseless. The song is the result of a joint effort by five international composers and has no connection to any track from South Korea released over two decades ago. We stress that these unilateral allegations don’t meet the established criteria for copyright violations.”

Since its release, “SEVEN” has taken the world by storm. It has shattered records and has been a favorite on multiple music streaming platforms. The music industry is no stranger to controversies of this nature. However, listeners and fans should learn to differentiate between genuine concerns and baseless claims. As of now, BigHit Music has made its stance clear, and fans worldwide continue to groove to the beats of Jungkook‘s “SEVEN.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans say the two songs don’t sound alike at all. Source: Twitter/@boraboravie.

BTS‘s Jimin recently took center stage in a promotional video for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. The highlight? Its innovative FlexCam technology. Unique to Samsung’s Z Flip series, this feature gives users a transformative photography experience.

Galaxy Z Flip5: Hands-free selfies with Jimin | Samsung

All about FlexCam

But what exactly is FlexCam? It’s a feature that allows users to take photos and videos hands-free on the latest Z Flip models, including the Z Flip 5 and its predecessor, the Z Flip 4. With Samsung’s unique teardrop hinge design, users can simply prop up their phones on various surfaces, eliminating the need for tripods or assistance from others. The Z Flip 5 further enhances this experience with its 3.4-inch cover display, which acts as a camera preview, ensuring users get the perfect shot. 

Also, its gesture controls, such as flashing your palm at the camera to activate the timer, make the process even more seamless. As aptly described by Samsung’s Dillon Hesse during the August 2022 Unpacked event, it’s akin to having a camera and a tripod combined into one device.

But the capabilities of FlexCam don’t stop there. It’s integrated not only into the Camera app but also into Meta-powered apps like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This integration allows users to effortlessly record stories and reels on platforms like Instagram without holding their phones.

Samsung’s Flex Mode complements FlexCam. The latter focuses on hands-free photography as Flex Mode adjusts the device’s interface when users fold it into an L-shape. For example, in the Camera app, the shooting options usually at the top half of the screen go to the bottom for easier control when users fold the phone. This adaptability extends to other apps, providing users with a versatile and intuitive experience.

Jimin’s brand reputation ranking

It’s no surprise that brands often tap Jimin for their campaigns. According to the latest data from the Korean Business Research Institute, he has secured the second spot in the Boy Group Member Brand Reputation Rankings for August. This achievement is not a fluke. In July, the BTS member’s brand reputation rating was 4,214,731. It saw a commendable increase of 5.11 percent, bringing his score up to 4,429,960 in August. Such numbers are proof of his immense popularity and influence, making him a top choice for brands aiming for global reach.

As many brands continue to recognize the unparalleled influence of K-pop idols, especially members of BTS, it’s evident that their collaborations result in a win-win situation. With Jimin‘s new video for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, fans and tech enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting to see how the FlexCam feature will revolutionize the smartphone experience. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin showed users how FlexCam can help them if they don’t have a tripod handy. Source: Twitter/@jimin_chartsph.

K-pop soloist and ex-IZ*ONE member Lee Chaeyeon recently shed light on an unexpected expense she bore for a recent festival in Tokyo, Japan. In a candid moment on her fan community platform, Chaeyeon shared that she personally financed her hair and makeup artists for the event.

The festival, titled RBW 2023 Summer Fes – Over The Rainbow, was scheduled for August 19 to 20. Chaeyeon‘s participation was highly anticipated, given her prominent status in the K-pop industry. However, her recent messages on Bubble painted a picture of frustration and disappointment with RBW, the parent company of her agency WM Entertainment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mplhAvM553E

이채연 Lee Chaeyeon “KNOCK” Japan RBW 2023 SUMMER FES 콘서트 チェヨン 190823

In her messages, Chaeyeon said, “You know, I really put up with everything else? But right now, I’m so angry I’m writing this and deleting it and writing it again. This RBW Japan concert, I really wish that they would be a little more considerate toward the staff who are managing and helping out.”

Chaeyeon‘s commitment to her performance was evident in her desire to look good while onstage. She continued, “It’s been a burden on my chest. I wanted to look nice on stage, so I personally paid to have my hair and makeup staff fly to Japan with me.” The “Knock Knock” hitmaker’s revelation underscores the lengths artists sometimes go to ensure they can be at their best, even if it means bearing unexpected costs.

Chaeyeon performed alongside other artists

Fans weren’t amused by RBW’s treatment of Chaeyeon.

Chaeyeon’s unexpected expense aside, the event went well. The festival also featured performances from other K-pop acts, including MAMAMOO, Oh My Girl, ONEUS, and Purple Kiss. Chaeyeon‘s revelation cast a shadow over the event, raising questions about the resources and support provided to artists.

[BEHIND]🌈RBW 2023 SUMMER FES：Over the Rainbow 🌈｜RBW 패밀리 콘서트 비하인드

While the RBW 2023 Summer Fes promised a weekend of stellar performances from various K-pop artists, Chaeyeon‘s revelation serves as a reminder of the challenges they face behind the scenes. 

As fans enjoy the dancing and singing, it’s essential to appreciate and recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by these talented individuals. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It was a worthwhile expense on Chaeyeon’s part, because she looked stunning. But the point is, she shouldn’t have had to do it. Source: Twitter/@official_LCY.

On August 17, 2023, BTS enthusiasts were treated to a delightful surprise featuring Jungkook: an insightful behind-the-scenes video from the set of the “SEVEN” performance MV. Intended to give fans a glimpse into the filming process, the video began with Jungkook greeting his dancers, setting the stage for what many assumed would be a routine look behind the curtain. But as the footage continued, it became evident that this was no ordinary video.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ Performance Video Behind

Since Jungkook‘s solo debut, “SEVEN” has captivated fans, breaking records and generating plenty of excitement. While fans thought they had consumed all content related to the track, the August 17 release proved otherwise. Jungkook‘s fit—black sweatpants, a striking yellow beanie, and a white Nike T-shirt—mirrored what his backup dancers wore. He also openly admired their moves, musing, “How do they achieve that vibe? So groovy.”

Later, Jungkook changed into an all-white outfit, marking a segment where he shared a touching memory. He confessed his admiration for one of the dancers, Brian Puspos. Reflecting on his early days, Jungkook said, “I’m here to shoot the performance video for my single ‘SEVEN.’ My favorite dancer from when I was a trainee is also here to dance with us. It feels very strange,” he told the camera. “When I saw him I was like ‘Ah!’ Brian Puspos is here. I liked him a lot when I was younger. It’s so cool.”

Brian Puspos reacts

The dancer in question took to social media after the video dropped.

Brian Puspos wrote, “Been doing this for almost two decades now. Grateful to have done and see [sic] some cool things in that time. But to see todays [sic] biggest star openly tell the entire world what a choreographer/dancer means to them—that stuff does not happen at all. I’m honored and humbled.”

Ultimately, as “SEVEN” continues to be a chartbuster for Jungkook, this behind-the-scenes video will be cherished for the sincere respect two phenomenal artists share. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook was thrilled to meet his idol. Source: YouTube/@BANGTANTV.

On August 17, 2023, BigHit Entertainment unveiled a promotional schedule for BTS‘ V‘s solo album Layover.

The schedule indicates that fans can expect to get the first and second teasers for the music video of “Blue” on August 22 and 25. Moreover, a handful of songs that were only available on SoundCloud will finally be available on Spotify and other streaming platforms on August 28. Concept photo three will drop the next day.

As September approaches, the excitement continues to build. September 6 will see the unveiling of “concept photo four,” culminating in the album’s official release on September 8. On the same day, the music video for “Slow Dancing” will also make its debut.

The ARMY, BTS‘ dedicated fanbase, exploded with joy upon hearing the news. They flooded social media with messages of support and anticipation for V’s upcoming releases. ARMYs are particularly excited for the official release of “Winter Bear,” “Snow Flower,” and “Scenery.”

Anticipation for “Layover” is building

One topic that particularly piqued the interest of fans was the absence of a specific release date for the complete “Blue” music video. Given that “Blue” is V‘s first music video to have teasers, fans humorously speculated that the video might drop “out of the blue.”

The presence of the mysterious three dots in the promotion schedule has also sparked widespread speculation. Fans are wondering if these dots could indicate surprise content drops or perhaps the release of the “Blue” music video.

As the anticipation for Layover builds, V has already treated fans to two tracks from the album: “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days.” Both songs received an outpouring of love from fans globally. As a testament to their success, as of August 15, they secured the top two positions on the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart. Impressively, the title track “Slow Dancing” went to No. 7 on the same chart even before its official release.

With the album’s release date drawing near, the excitement among ARMYs is palpable. Layover by BTS’ V promises to be a musical journey that fans won’t want to miss. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’ V looks like he’s made of boyfriend material in the “Layover” concept photos. Source: Weverse.

BTS‘s j-hope, known for his unwavering dedication to his fans, recently gave them a deeper glimpse into his life in the military. On July 8, he shared photos from his time as an assistant instructor for new recruits at a training center in Wonju, Gangwon Province. But these photos weren’t just casual snapshots; they were filled with details that gave fans a closer look into his military life.

In the photos he posted, j-hope proudly displayed the insignia on his arm, representing the 36th infantry division. This division is known as the Baekho unit and its symbol is the white tiger. The hat he wore bore the coat of arms or seal of the Republic of Korea Army. On the pocket of his shirt, a patch indicated his rank as a private first class. 

Another patch on his backpack further emphasized his affiliation with the 36th infantry. The term “조교” on his uniform, which means “assistant instructor,” was accompanied by the words “Republic of Korea Army” (ROKA). Above his rank on his chest, another patch with a sword also denoted his role as an assistant instructor.

Interestingly, j-hope also added a personal touch to his military gear. He used a fan’s gift, sticking it on his backpack, showcasing the deep bond and appreciation he holds for his fans even during his military service.

What else has j-hope been up to?

Aside from his selcas, j-hope also treated fans to new material even as he continued serving in the military. On August 18, he dropped a physical version of his album, Jack in the Box (HOPE Edition). It includes live recordings from his groundbreaking Lollapalooza 2022 performance, minus ones, and a plethora of new concept photos and other special items.

But the excitement didn’t stop there. His fellow BTS members RM, SUGA, Jimin, V, and Jungkook took to YouTube to unbox the physical album, sharing their reactions and support. RM, diving into the lyrics book, revealed his favorite song, “=” (“Equal Sign”), and expressed his unwavering support for j-hope‘s future endeavors. SUGA, on the other hand, was all praises for j-hope‘s visuals, while Jimin urged fans to shower the album with love.

‘Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)’ Unboxing Video with #RM

‘Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)’ Unboxing Video with #SUGA

‘Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)’ Unboxing Video with #Jimin

Much more to look forward to

The younger BTS members, V and Jungkook, also joined the unboxing spree. V was impressed with the photocards, especially the black and white ones. He couldn’t help complimenting j-hope‘s unique photo-taking style. Jungkook was impressed with j-hope‘s dedication to taking new photos for this edition, setting it apart from the digital version released the previous year.

‘Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)’ Unboxing Video with #V

‘Jack In The Box (HOPE Edition)’ Unboxing Video with #JungKook

j-hope’s Jack in the Box (HOPE Edition) isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to his passion and the bond shared by the BTS members. As fans eagerly await more updates, one thing is clear: j-hope‘s journey is far from over, and there’s much more to look forward to. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ARMYs swooned when they saw j-hope’s selcas. Source: Instagram/@uarmyhope.