Category: BTS

BTS‘ V, also known as Kim Taehyung, dropped his newest solo track, “Love Me Again” accompanied by a mesmerizing music video. This release is fans’ first peek at his solo album, Layover, which is set to drop on September 8. The video features close-ups of V as he sings the R&B track passionately.

The song’s lyrics resonate with themes of longing and lost love. Lines like “I think about you all the time / Where you are, who you’re with / Lost without you, baby / I wish you would love me again” evoke a sense of yearning. This sentiment is further amplified by the music video’s setting and V‘s choice of attire. 

V ‘Love Me Again’ Official MV

Fans have been dissecting every frame of the “Love Me Again” music video, eager to uncover any hidden meanings or messages. V, known for his unique sense of style and impeccable fashion choices, left an indelible mark with his fits in the video. Set against the alluring backdrop of a dimly lit cave, V‘s attire was a stark contrast to his environment. The BTS star donned two sequined turtlenecks, one long-sleeved in a radiant red and the other sleeveless in a lustrous golden hue. 

At first glance, those turtlenecks might seem like a mere reflection of V‘s fashion sense, especially since they’re from the CELINE Men’s Fall 2022 Collection. But fans believe there’s more to those clothes than meets the eye. The way the sequined tops glint and shine, even in the subdued lighting, could symbolize V‘s yearning to be acknowledged by the one he loves. His sartorial choices seem to parallel the song’s themes of lost love and the desire to get it back.

Intense discussions among fans

The lyrical content of “Love Me Again” has also sparked intense discussions among fans. One line, in particular (“Now you’re in California, I’m still waiting for us”) ignited a flurry of speculations. Many are theorizing that this could be a subtle nod to BLACKPINK‘s Jennie, who is known to have a home in Los Angeles, California.

Moreover, some fans have drawn parallels between the lyrics of V‘s “Slow Dancing” and Jennie‘s “You & Me.” In “Slow Dancing,” V sings, “Stay with me ’til the end of the day. Maybe we could be slow dancing until the morning. We could be romancing the night away,” which some believe could be a response to Jennie‘s lines in “You & Me“: “I love you and me dancing in the moonlight. Nobody can see, it’s just you and me.” 

The impact of “Love Me Again”

People have spotted the two idols in similar outfits and locations, leading to speculation about their dating. Still, such theories must be approached with caution. The world of K-pop is rife with rumors, and while fans are passionate about connecting the dots, it’s crucial to differentiate between fact and fiction. What’s undeniable, though, is the impact of V‘s solo releases. The “Love Me Again” music video swiftly garnered over 9.1 million views on YouTube, securing its spot as the No. 1 video on YouTube’s Trending for Music.

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V‘s solo venture follows successful releases from other BTS members. “Love Me Again” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to his artistry. As we await the release of Layover, one thing is sure: V’s album will surely knock everyone’s socks off. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Some fans believe V’s shining, shimmering outfits carry a deeper meaning. Source: YouTube/@HYBELABELS.

BTS‘ V, also known as Kim Taehyung, is making waves in the music industry by announcing his debut solo album Layover. His agency BigHit Music recently released the promotional schedule. A series of activities will lead up to the album’s official launch on September 8.

Music videos for “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days” will drop  on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Both tracks will be available on streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music by Friday, August 11, at 1:00 PM KST. An initial set of Layover concept photos will drop at midnight KST on the same day, and a second set is set to drop the following Wednesday.

Moreover, the music videos for “Slow Dancing” and other album tracks like “Blue,” “For Us,” and the piano version of “Slow Dancing” will be released on Layover’s actual street date. The announcement sent the ARMY, BTS’ dedicated fanbase, into a frenzy on social media. Many expressed excitement for V’s solo music, with comments ranging from excitement to playful impatience.

BTS’ V nailed magazine shoots

Outside the music scene, V has also been captivating fans with his recent magazine shoots. For the September issue of W Korea, V showcased his intense aura adorned in signature Cartier pieces. His magnetic presence didn’t stop there. In Arena Homme Plus, V exuded the alluring and bold essence of youth, wearing select pieces from CELINE. His portrayal as the brand‘s global ambassador was nothing short of mesmerizing, capturing the enigmatic allure of a Parisian in love.

V‘s solo debut with Layover marks a significant milestone, especially since his fellow BTS members have all done solo work in the past year. His album is a collaboration with ADOR CEO and NewJeans mastermind Min Heejin, who spearheaded its production. Fans can expect Layover to have a strong R&B influence. For instance, “Love Me Again” is a light R&B song that highlights V’s unique baritone, while “Rainy Days” harmoniously blends his vocals with the soothing sound of rain.

The upcoming weeks will be exhilarating for ARMY worldwide. With the 95-liner‘s solo debut on the horizon and his enchanting magazine features, there’s no doubt that September will indeed be Kim Taehyung’s month. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V’s visuals are on point in ARENA’s new issue. Source: Twitter/@arenahommeplus.

BTS‘ Jimin is not only a member of the world’s largest-selling, most popular K-pop group. He’s also a solo artist making a splash in the global music industry. Jimin’s recent achievements on Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform, are a testament to his growing influence and popularity.

Jimin‘s debut solo single, “Like Crazy,” has been a sensation since its release. It notched 254,000 pure sales in its first week. Four months after its initial release, the song has only gotten bigger. As of August 5, it earned 400 million streams on Spotify in 133 days. That made it the fastest song by a Korean soloist to hit this milestone, breaking the previous record of 159 days. (Incidentally, that record was set by Jimin’s fellow BTS member, Jungkook, with the Charlie Puth collaboration “Left and Right.”)

But that’s not all. On August 6, “Like Crazy” set another record on Spotify’s streaming charts. The song secured its spot at No. 44 in the Global Daily Top Songs chart based on data from August 5. Remarkably, this marked the song’s 124th day in the Top 50, surpassing Lisa‘s single “Money” which charted for 123 days. This achievement makes “Like Crazy” the K-pop solo track with the longest presence in the chart’s Top 50.

In addition to these accolades, “Like Crazy” is the most-streamed track by a Korean solo artist on Spotify USA, boasting 24.8 million streams. It remains the Korean solo track that has charted the longest on Spotify USA’s Daily Top Songs chart. Additionally, it’s the second-longest charting song by a K-pop solo artist and ranks third among all K-pop soloist songs on the chart.

Jimin’s other achievements on Spotify

Jimin‘s album, FACE, is also making significant strides. It recently became the most streamed LP by a Korean soloist in Spotify’s history, amassing 772 million streams in just 110 days. As of August 5, FACE had already surpassed 900 million streams in 135 days, shattering the previous record of 507 days set by LALISA. This makes FACE the first and only album by a Korean soloist to achieve such a feat.

All these milestones, achieved in just four months of his solo career, hint at a promising future for Jimin as a solo artist. Fans eagerly anticipate more successes in his journey, and given his current trajectory, they won’t have to wait long.

Congratulations to Jimin on these outstanding achievements! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Inkigayo recently released these photos of Jimin performing on the show. Doesn’t he look sharp? Source: SBS Inkigayo.

In a recent ad campaign, BTS‘s Jimin, the house ambassador for Tiffany & Co., treated SNS users with his impeccable visuals, exploring The Landmark in New York City. This iconic space, located at the intersection of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, has undergone a significant transformation, offering viewers a fresh perspective on its beauty.

Tiffany & Co. showcases their commitment to craftsmanship and luxury through The Landmark. As the company’s official website says, they celebrate the extraordinary and display the world’s most exquisite jewels here.

However, while the jewels and the revamped space were breathtaking, Jimin‘s presence truly stole the show. His fans, fondly called ARMY, opined that his visuals were the real highlight of the video. Many claimed that his handsome looks outshone even the brightest of jewels. This sentiment was echoed across social media, with fans sharing their admiration for the BTS member.

Jimin and The Landmark are making a mark

The video showcased Jimin exploring the transformed Landmark. It quickly gained traction online, becoming an internet sensation in no time. Jimin’s effortless charm and charisma, combined with the luxurious backdrop of The Landmark, made for a visual treat that resonated with fans and viewers alike.

Tiffany & Co.’s decision to feature the “Like Crazy” hitmaker in this ad campaign for The Landmark was a masterstroke. Not only did it highlight the brand’s dedication to luxury and craftsmanship, but it also showcased Jimin‘s unparalleled visuals, proving once again why he’s considered one of the most handsome idols in the industry today.

As the video continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that BTS‘ Jimin and Tiffany & Co.’s Landmark are leaving an indelible mark on the world of luxury and fashion. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This face outshone even the rarest of diamonds. Source: Twitter/@TiffanyAndCo.

The BTS members have always delivered electrifying performances, and SUGA‘s D-DAY shows in Seoul stand as proof. Jimin and Jungkook joined SUGA onstage at the KSPO Dome, filling the first two nights of the tour’s final leg with captivating moments for fans.

Jungkook graced the stage on the opening night, collaborating with SUGA on “Burn It.” Before his second song, he engaged with the audience, expressing, “Hello, everyone! I’m here at SUGA-hyung’s encore concert to celebrate with him. ARMY, your voices are amazing! Thank you for supporting him. I wish I could stay longer, but I’ll leave you with one more song. Thank you, everyone.” He then sang “SEVEN” backed by some dancers, including James, one of BigHit Music’s more well-known trainees.

However, a candid Jungkook went on Weverse Live after the concert, addressing a slip-up during “Burn It.” “I practiced the song many times and still made a mistake,” he lamented. 

“While performing ‘SEVEN,’ I took out my in-ear because I couldn’t hear the music. I couldn’t tell if the note was flat or sharp because my microphone was so loud. All I heard were the drums,” he said. But performing in front of ARMY felt so good, even if it was short-lived. Ah, I want to do a concert too.”

Reflecting on his mistake with the lyrics, he wondered, “Can I perform it again tomorrow to make up for it? Should I ask for another chance? I’m free tomorrow. ARMY, please ask Yoongi-hyung if I can have another chance. Tell him that ‘Jungkook feels regretful.’ We’re friends, right?”

Jimin joined the D-DAY festivities too

Jimin made a dramatic entrance on the second night as the lights dimmed. He and SUGA performed “Tony Montana,” much to the crowd’s delight. Originally released in 2016 with Yankie’s voice, SUGA produced a new version that he and Jimin debuted at BTS’ third Muster later that year.

Their onstage chemistry was palpable, and the performance quickly became legendary among ARMY. SUGA, always in tune with the fans, often expressed his desire for a repeat performance. Following this, Jimin did his single, “Like Crazy.” SUGA let Jimin seamlessly transition into “Like Crazy” with no formal introduction.

The result? A performance that combined Jimin‘s vocal prowess, intricate dance sequences, and an aura that captivated the KSPO Dome. Fans’ enthusiasm continued online, with the keyword ‘JIMIN JIMIN’ garnering over a million mentions. Meanwhile, ‘TONY MONTANA’ ranked first in worldwide Twitter trends and second in the US. It also went to No. 1 in Korea. Other keywords, such as ‘LIKE CRAZY, ‘ PARK JIMIN,’ and ‘STAGE COMMANDER JIMIN,’ also trended.

“I’ve seen many concerts where people usually introduce the guest, but he just appeared. Ah, that’s Yoongi-hyung’s style,” Jimin said after SUGA left him alone on stage.

The first two nights of SUGA’s D-DAY concerts highlighted BTS‘ strong bond with each other and ARMY. From Jungkook‘s candid reflections after the first night to Jimin‘s dramatic entrance and legendary performance with SUGA on the second, the last leg of SUGA’s D-DAY tour captured the essence of BTS. Their performances resonated within the dome’s confines and echoed across the digital world, capturing hearts and setting trends. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin and Jungkook jumped at the chance to join their SUGA-hyung on the last leg of his D-DAY world tour. Source: Twitter/@bts_bighit.

American media personality Ryan Seacrest, host of the globally syndicated radio program American Top 40, recently shared some exciting news about Jungkook‘s upcoming album. The BTS member, known for his perfectionism, is working diligently with producers Andrew Watt and Cirkut to create a creative and unique album that will undoubtedly captivate fans worldwide.

Jungkook’s perfectionism, while it allows him to ensure high-quality music, is also the reason for the album’s delay. He’s not one to settle for mediocrity. If a song fails to hold his interest after a few listens, he does not hesitate to scrap it entirely and start anew. This rigorous process ensures that each track on the album is nothing short of flawless. His recent smash, “SEVEN,” is a testament to this meticulous approach.

American Top 40, sometimes abbreviated as AT40, is a popular radio program that counts down the week’s top songs. The program has seen different hosts over the years, with Seacrest taking over on January 10, 2004, following creator Casey Kasem‘s retirement. Currently, American Top 40 airs in two formats, one distributed to Contemporary Hit Radio (Top 40) stations and the other to Hot Adult Contemporary stations. The program is broadcasted on nearly 500 radio stations in the U.S. and other territories. It’s among the most listened-to weekly radio programs globally.

American Top 40 used the Billboard charts to compile the countdown in its early years. However, it now uses unpublished mainstream Top 40 and hot adult contemporary charts compiled by Mediabase.

Jungkook is recording a “great album”

Jungkook‘s upcoming mini album is eagerly awaited by ARMY worldwide. When he went on Suchwita, he said he has another single ready to go, and the album itself will follow in November. Despite the delay, the BTS member assures everyone that the wait will be worth it.

In the meantime, Jungkook is making waves with “SEVEN.” The song has charted in the Top 30 of the UK Official Singles Charts for three straight weeks. It also reached No. 1 on Spotify’s Weekly Top Songs Global for three consecutive weeks, solidifying Jungkook‘s global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured image: Even as Jungkook’s “SEVEN” continues to break records, the golden maknae is hard at work on a worthy follow-up. Source: Twitter/@SBSNOW_PHOTO.

BTS‘ Jungkook has always been a figure of admiration and intrigue among fans. But like many K-pop idols, he doesn’t share a lot of personal information with them. As a result, there has been plenty of speculation about various aspects of his life, including his religious beliefs. In a recent Weverse live broadcast, he surprised fans by answering one of their long-standing questions.

Jungkook‘s religious views have been a subject of curiosity for many. Some have speculated that he might be Christian based on specific details and observations. For instance, Jungkook attended the School of Performing Arts in Seoul (SOPA), a faith-based school known as “South Korea’s first and only Christian-based high school with special purposes in performing arts.” The school’s curriculum includes mandatory services every Wednesday afternoon and a Bible-teaching class once a week.

Additionally, fans noticed that Jungkook prays before meals. Although that practice isn’t exclusive to Christianity, it’s commonly associated with it. Once, Jungkook covered the classic Christmas song “O Holy Night.” Its lyrics reference Christ’s birth, which fueled these speculations.

BTS Jungkook ‘Oh Holy Night’ Lyrics

But Jungkook‘s religious practices have not been confined to Christianity alone. During Chuseok, he prayed like a Buddhist and has also been spotted at the Buddhist temple Ganghwa Bomunsa. He also wore a Mala beaded bracelet on several occasions, such as live broadcasts, music video shoots, and photoshoots. A Mala beaded bracelet is from Buddhist and Hindi traditions and has meditative and spiritual significance. It can have up to 54 crystals, gemstones, seeds, or wood beads. Some believe that Jungkook could be Muslim, although not much evidence supports this claim.

Jungkook’s religious beliefs

During his recent Weverse Live, Jungkook finally addressed the topic of religion, explaining that he isn’t religious since he was never pressured to be. He revealed that his father’s family is Christian, but his mother’s was Buddhist. This revelation helps explain why Jungkook appears to follow some practices from both religions. He identifies as non-denominational or non-religious, which means he embraces aspects of different faiths without adhering to a specific one.

Jungkook‘s openness about his religious beliefs reflects a broader trend within BTS. Members like RM have publicly stated their lack of religious beliefs. The group’s leader has confirmed that he is an atheist, while SUGA has said he has no religion but prays during challenging times.

Jungkook‘s frank discussion about religion adds a new layer to understanding the Korean superstar’s personality and values. His approach to religion is personal and nuanced, reflecting a thoughtful and open-minded perspective. 

In a world where every detail of a celebrity’s life is dissected and scrutinized, Jungkook‘s honesty and willingness to share his thoughts on such a sensitive topic are commendable. His words remind us that personal beliefs are multifaceted and unique to each individual. Embracing different aspects of various faiths can be a meaningful and enriching experience. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s musings on religion caused a stir, but the man himself is an unbothered king. Source: Twitter/@boraboravie.

South Korean hip-hop artist Tablo, leader of the group Epik High, recently opened up about his life and work in an interview with CNN Brasil. He also talked about what collaborating with BTS’ SUGA was like. He shared insights into their creative process, revealing the stories behind some of their songs.

When asked about the stories behind some of his songs, like one that was quickly written and one that took longer, he mentioned an old friend: SUGA from BTS. Fans got to see a little more of that friendship when the introverted member of the K-pop group interviewed the Epik High frontman on his talk show, Suchwita, available on YouTube.

At one point in the episode, SUGA even reveals that when he’s going through a tough time and has thoughts like “I’ll never be able to write songs after this,” he plays Epik High’s albums. He revealed that listening to Tablo‘s solos from start to finish makes him feel better.

[슈취타] EP.5 SUGA with 타블로

The stories behind the songs 

Tablo said that the song he composed the fastest, and the one that took the longest to finish, were written with the BTS member and producer. Case in point: Epik High’s “Eternal Sunshine.” “I was talking to SUGA, and I was like, ‘Hey, give me a song,’ Tablo shared. “I need a track because I want to try writing a hook. He was on tour somewhere at the time, I think.”

SUGA sent him a slam, and within 15 minutes, Tablo landed a hook. He recorded it and sent it back that same day to the BTS member, who did additional work on the track and sent it back. “And then it was done. It happened fast.”

Epik High (에픽하이) – Eternal Sunshine(새벽에) (Prod. by BTS SUGA) (Lyrics Eng/Rom/Han/가사)

Tablo revealed that the song that took the longest to be released was “Song Request,” with artist Lee Sora. SUGA featured on the song as a guest rapper. “He wrote the lyrics, he had a great verse, but the song literally took almost two years to come out because of so many different things going on,” he recalled.

In that time, SUGA‘s rapping developed into a different style, and the way he saw the world also changed, so he felt that his verse needed to be redone. He went to Tablo and asked him for time to do that. “I said, ‘I don’t know if we have time to redo it, but you’re right. It was two years ago. So he said ok and re-recorded the song. The song everyone can hear is the re-recording,” he clarifies.

LeeSoRa(이소라) ft. BTS SUGA – Song request (신청곡) (Lyrics Eng/Rom/Han/가사)

Tablo reflects on working with SUGA

Tablo added “Eternal Sunshine” to Epik High’s recent concert setlist because he and his daughter Haru couldn’t make it to SUGA’s concert in Seoul

Tablo‘s anecdotes about working with SUGA reveal their collaboration’s fluid and dynamic nature. Whether a song is composed quickly or takes an eternity, Tablo reflects, “It just happens like that. It’s not because of who does it; it’s just different circumstances, situations behind the scenes, and inspirations. So each song has its own clock.”

With Tablo‘s candid insights into his collaboration with SUGA and his reflections on life and music, his interview offers a glimpse into the inner workings of one of South Korea’s top hip-hop groups. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: She’s not in this photo, but Tablo brought his daughter Haru to the “Suchwita” set that day. Source: Instagram/@blobyblo.

Kang Taehyun, a member of the popular K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), covered “SEVEN,” a hit single by BTS’s Jungkook.

The cover, which Taehyun uploaded to the fan community platform Weverse, has not only delighted fans but also received praise from Jungkook himself. 

Taehyun‘s admiration for Jungkook is well-known. As labelmates at BIGHIT MUSIC, the connection between the two artists dates back many years. Taehyun has been a fan of BTS for years, and his support for the group, especially Jungkook, has been evident in various interactions.

On July 31, Taehyun released his cover of “SEVEN,” singing along to an instrumental version of the original. He congratulated Jungkook on topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, calling the song “godly” and a “masterpiece.” 

How will Taehyun react?

Jungkook‘s reaction was swift and appreciative. He thanked both Taehyun and BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Jaehyun, who also covered the song. 

Taehyun‘s fanboy moments with Jungkook have been a source of joy for fans. When TXT debuted in 2019, they visited BTS in their dressing room at a music show. It was then that BTS’ leader RM revealed that Taehyun had over 10 photos of Jungkook in his KakaoTalk profile picture history. RM found that quite amusing. When he shared that story with BTS and TXT, he remarked, “He must be Jungkook’s fan.”

That interaction between Jungkook and one of his idol fanboys was both cute and funny. Now, with Jungkook‘s public acknowledgment of Taehyun‘s cover, BTS and TXT fans are imagining Taehyun‘s excitement. Social media is abuzz with humorous speculations about Taehyun‘s reaction.

“SEVEN” is Jungkook‘s official solo debut. It dropped on July 14, featuring American rapper Latto. The song is a taste of Jungkook‘s upcoming solo mini-album, expected to be released by November 2023. His success with “SEVEN” has been remarkable, winning first place on South Korean music show Inkigayo. The song’s popularity continues to grow, and covers by fellow idols like Taehyun add to its acclaim. 

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Taehyun‘s cover of “SEVEN” and Jungkook‘s warm response highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect between these two talented artists. Fans are now eagerly awaiting more collaborations and interactions between BTS and TXT, two of the most prominent groups in the K-pop industry. In the world of K-pop, where fandoms and connections run deep, this interaction is a reminder of music’s power to bring people together. Or, in this case, make successful fanboys out of idols like Taehyun. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Taehyun truly did his sunbae’s song justice. Source: Twitter/@translatingTXT.