Category: BTS

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.

The global sensation BTS is no stranger to making headlines. However, this time, it’s not for their chart-topping hits or groundbreaking performances. RM, the group’s leader, came under fire for a song recommendation he made on his Instagram story. He posted about the song “Bad Religion” by Frank Ocean. As many fans eagerly listened to the track, they soon realized that the song has been a topic of debate for some time.

All about “Bad Religion”

“Bad Religion” by American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean is a profound exploration of internal conflict, unrequited love, and the search for understanding and acceptance. It delves deep into the psyche of an individual grappling with the pain of loving someone who doesn’t feel the same.

The song begins with Frank Ocean in the backseat of a taxi. In the song, he asks the taxi driver to play the role of a therapist. Drivers often become inadvertent therapists, offering passengers a safe space to rant and reflect. A taxi’s intimate setting, combined with the driver’s detachment, creates an environment reminiscent of a confessional.

Religion plays an important role in the song. It serves as a metaphor for the confusion and pain of unrequited love. In the chorus, the taxi driver uttered the Islamic protective oath, “Allahu Akbar” (which means “God is the greatest”). It suggests that one should seek solace in a higher power when faced with overwhelming problems. However, for Frank Ocean, this religious reference intertwines with his unrequited love, leading him to question the very nature of devotion and worship.

Throughout the song, love is portrayed as a form of worship. This “bad religion” of unrequited love contrasts with institutionalized religious beliefs that often condemn homosexuality. Frank Ocean‘s open letter following the Orlando mass shooting underscores the pain and alienation many LGBTQ+ individuals feel due to societal and religious prejudices.

Should RM apologize?

The recommendation has left the internet divided. Some believe RM should’ve been more cautious with his song choices, especially given the global reach and influence of BTS. Others argue that he might not have been aware of the song’s controversial history. Many Muslims don’t approve of Frank Ocean’s use of that phrase in his lyrics. However, in the context of the song’s overall narrative, the use of the line doesn’t seem to be disrespectful of Islam.

As an individual, RM has the freedom to listen to anything. But the dynamics change when he shares his musical preferences on a platform like Instagram, especially given his immense global influence. Sharing a song can be perceived by many as an endorsement or recommendation, even if the intent might simply be an appreciation of the song itself.

Historically, public figures have often faced backlash for sharing songs, movies, or other forms of art that have contentious elements. The emphasis, in such situations, is on the response. A genuine acknowledgment or clarification can be instrumental in addressing concerns.

RM‘s decision to share “Bad Religion” on his Instagram story is fraught with complications. While personal freedom in musical choices is essential, public figures like BTS’ leader have great power. As such, they should use it responsibly. Whether he should apologize or not is subjective and hinges on the feedback from his diverse fanbase and the broader public. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM sported a powerful aura when he performed at SUGA’s D-DAY Encore Concert in Seoul. Source: Twitter/@Brillante_Mon.

BTS‘ Jimin recently set social media ablaze with a fresh post on Instagram Stories. The t-shirt he wore in his post caught the attention of fans worldwide. It was a beige tee with “AGUST D D-DAY” emblazoned across the front. Fans realized he wore SUGA’s concert merch to go work out, so they freaked out on social media. This caused “WELCOME HOME GYM-IN” to trend on Twitter.

Jimin’s fans, affectionately known as ARMY, were happy to see him return to social media. One fan expressed their elation with, “The world is a happy place again!” Another fan chimed in, celebrating his use of emojis, “We love Instagrammer Jimin.” Their overwhelming sentiment was clear: ARMY missed Jimin and they were ecstatic about his return.

A ripple effect

But Jimin‘s impact isn’t limited to social media. He’s also making waves in music. Recently, he broke artist and song chart records on Spotify, the world’s premier music streaming platform. On August 11, he became the first (and so far only) Korean/K-pop soloist to mark 150 days on the Global Daily Top Artists chart. Jimin also secured his 21st week on the Global Weekly Top Artists list. 

His single “Like Crazy” also made waves. As of August 9, it celebrated its 75th day on the Spotify USA Daily Top Songs chart. It surpassed Lisa’s “Money” and set the record for longest-charting hit by a K-pop solo artist. Moreover, the track has stayed in the Top 50 of the Global Daily Top Songs chart for 131 days, further solidifying its position as the longest-charting song by a K-pop soloist in the Top 50.

The success of “Like Crazy” has had a ripple effect on Jimin‘s album FACE. Just a few days ago, it became the most streamed album by a Korean solo artist in Spotify’s history. Now, having earned a staggering 933 million streams in 141 days, FACE clinched another title: the most streamed album of 2023 by a K-pop act on Spotify.

In a related accolade, Genius recognized “Like Crazy” as the best K-pop male song of 2023.

How deeply fans missed Jimin

Finally, a recent poll conducted from August 6 to 12 proclaimed him the idol who looks best in a rash guard. In addition to the overwhelming response to his Instagram story and music, that poll reveals a deeper narrative. It’s not just about a celebrity’s accolades or online presence; it’s a testament to how deeply Jimin was missed by his fans. 

Every comment, tweet, and vote underscores a collective yearning for his presence, showcasing the profound bond between an artist and his admirers. Jimin‘s brief hiatus only served to remind fans of the joy and inspiration the singer brings into their lives. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin continues to endear himself to listeners worldwide. Source: SBS.

In 2021, a catchy trot tune titled “Jjin-iya” by the singer YoungTak became the talk of the town. It had a repetitive chorus that goes “Jin, Jin, Jin, Jjin-iya,” mirroring BTS‘ Jin‘s stage name. This serendipitous overlap didn’t go unnoticed by BTS, who playfully engaged with the trend, giving the song an even broader audience in South Korea.

Every time he interacted with the media, YoungTak never missed an opportunity to thank BTS. For instance, during a recent interview, YoungTak shed light on the transformative impact this song had on his career. He candidly referred to Jin as the catalyst that rekindled his musical journey. Due to the rising popularity of “Jjin-iya,” YoungTak found himself performing in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. 

[MMA 2020] 영탁 – 니가 왜 거기서 나와 + 찐이야 #멜론 #MELON

Delving into his past, YoungTak opened up about the challenges he faced before his breakthrough. “There was a time in my career when I was hit by the thought that a singer’s income isn’t that much. So I transitioned to teaching kids for two to three years. As I was doing that, people around me were complimenting me, saying, ‘I think you’re a great teacher.’ The positive feedback I received as a teacher kept me going,” he said. 

However, during this phase, he confessed, “During those times, I lost the will to write music. I was very sad about not performing. The truth is that I am a singer who gave up and stopped because I had no income. But all those experiences became a big motivation for me to live a better life for my future,” he said.”

YoungTak wants to treat BTS’ Jin to a meal

Highlighting a memorable moment, YoungTak reminisced about his performance of “Jjin-iya” at the 2020 Melon Music Awards. “I’m grateful to BTS, especially Jin. My performance coincided with his birthday, and because of my song’s chorus, BTS was left wondering, ‘Who’s this Jin, Jin, Jin guy?’ This intrigue played a pivotal role in propelling my song to viral status,” he said.

Another heartwarming incident YoungTak shared was when Jin publicly declared his fondness for YoungTak‘s song “Why Are You Coming Out From There” during a TV appearance. “Every time Jin showers, he listens to my song. I was deeply touched by his shoutout and look forward to the day I can express my gratitude in person, perhaps over a meal,” YoungTak added with a smile.

The trot singer’s story serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of fame and the power of genuine appreciation between artists. Isn’t that nice? – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: As far as YoungTak is concerned, he owes the BTS member a debt that can never be repaid. Sources: Instagram/@jin and YouTube/@MelonOfficial.

In K-pop, where style and visuals are quite important, hairstylists and makeup artists often work their magic behind the scenes. Among them stands Park Nae Joo, a master hairstylist and owner of a renowned salon, who has been the trusted stylist for BTS for nearly a decade. He has had a hand in some of their most famous looks—including Jungkook’s wavy hair for his “SEVEN” promotions.

[ENG INT] Journey with BTS from the bottom to the Grammys

Park Nae Joo owns the salon Bit & Boot in Seoul. Its client list reads like a who’s who of the South Korean entertainment industry. Aside from BTS, that list includes top actors Park Bogum and Lee Je Hoon, as well as idols like EXO’s Kai and the girl group TWICE. But it’s Park Nae Joo’s journey with BTS that has captured the hearts of many. After all, the Bit & Boot owner has forged a deep, strong bond with the septet, having seen them through the ups and downs that characterized their early years in the business.

During an interview with Yonhap News, when asked about his experiences with BTS, Park Nae Joo‘s heartfelt response was telling. He’s frequently questioned about his ties with these global icons, but his answer remains the same. Far from being intimidated by their stature, he perceives them as kin. “To many, BTS might be global superstars, but to me, they don’t come across that way. Instead, they feel like my brothers,” he expressed.

Park Nae Joo on bleaching RM’s hair

Before establishing himself, Park Nae Joo worked as a freelancer, with BTS being among his initial clientele. Their partnership commenced during the group’s sophomore album, a phase when BTS was still trying to build a following. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Park Nae Joo reminisced about a particularly taxing session with BTS‘s leader, RM.

Tasked with bleaching RM‘s black hair for a comeback, the hairstylist faced a Herculean challenge. The procedure, demanding eight bleach applications in one day, was conducted in a public restroom lacking hot water or proper facilities. It didn’t even have a washstand, a hose, or hot water. So on a bitingly cold January day, RM let Park Nae Joo wash his hair with cold water. It took him a whole day to finish the job. He worked on RM’s hair from dusk till dawn.

This story serves as a poignant reminder of the hurdles BTS faced in their formative years. Such memories cemented their bond. As Park Nae Joo looks back on those days, he wishes BTS nothing but continued success (and good, healthy hair). – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Park Nae Joo has had many celebrity clients, but BTS will always be closest to his heart. Their bond is something else! Source: YouTube/@KOREANOWyna.

Calvin Klein, a name synonymous with timeless fashion, is making headlines again. This time, it’s for their Fall ‘23 campaign featuring none other than BTS‘ Jungkook. Unveiled on August 14, it presents the Korean superstar in a refreshingly audacious light.

The campaign’s photos quickly gained traction across Korean online communities, showing Jungkook in form-fitted clothing that highlights his toned physique. But it was his long, shaggy bob hairstyle and the overarching genderless theme that truly captivated the public. Shortly after the campaign was unveiled, the term “genderless” began trending on Korean Twitter.

Jung Kook Finds Pleasure in the Music | Calvin Klein Fall 2023 Campaign

Fans and followers didn’t hesitate to express their approval of the concept. Some even dubbed him “Jungsoonie,” a Korean nickname meaning, “cute, long-haired baby girl.” It was first bestowed upon Jungkook by fellow BTS member Jin when they were filming a reality show. (Jungkook had put his hair up in pigtails at the time.) Going back to the Calvin Klein campaign, the consensus was clear: the fact that Jungkook leaned into the genderless concept is mesmerizing and praiseworthy.

In the campaign video, Jungkook‘s magnetic presence is palpable. Accompanied by the classic Gary Numan track “Cars,” the 30-second clip by fashion photographers Inez & Vinoodh, shows the artist wearing a dark denim outfit. His exposed chest, complemented by a sleek black tie and his signature lip ring, enhanced his appeal. The video, exuding confidence, playfulness, and sensuality, captured the campaign’s spirit perfectly.

On Set with Jung Kook | Calvin Klein Fall 2023 Campaign

More on the Fall ‘23 Calvin Klein campaign

Although Jungkook stole the show, the campaign also features other celebrities like Alexa Demie, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Kendall Jenner, and Kid Cudi.

This collaboration isn’t Jungkook’s first with Calvin Klein. Back in March, he was unveiled as a global brand ambassador for the brand and he sported a denim ensemble for his inaugural appearance. It was part of Calvin Klein’s Spring ‘23 campaign, which amassed 1.7 billion impressions, garnered 1.6 million new followers, and significantly boosted traffic to Calvin Klein’s e-commerce platforms.

In an exclusive interview with Women’s Wear Daily, Jonathan Bottomley, Calvin Klein’s global chief marketing officer, talked about the Fall ‘23 campaign. He called it “a celebration of our most iconic products, spotlighting brand ambassadors who are influencing today’s culture.” He underscored the brand’s evolution and the deliberate selection of ambassadors, chosen for their genuine connection with the brand and their sway in pivotal markets.

Custom stories for social platforms, impactful media placements, interviews, and striking imagery showcase the character of every brand ambassador.

The campaign will be featured prominently on Calvin Klein’s digital channels throughout the rest of this week. It’ll also be on high-visibility digital and out-of-home placements worldwide, including the iconic Houston Street and LaCienega billboards. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: JK is his name, genderless fashion is his game. Source: Twitter/@CalvinKlein.