Category: BTS

Jungkook of BTS has made a significant splash on the Billboard Hot 100 with his new song “Seven,” featuring Latto, debuting at the top spot. This makes Jungkook the second BTS member to have a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100, following Jimin‘s “Like Crazy” in April. 

This also marks Latto‘s first No. 1. She previously peaked at No. 3 with “Big Energy” in April 2022. With this latest achievement, Jungkook has become the youngest male solo artist to debut at No. 1 on the chart since Justin Bieber.

“Seven” debuts at No. 2 on the Digital Song Sales chart and No. 4 on Streaming Songs. While below the all-format Radio Songs tally, it debuts at No. 30 on Adult Pop Airplay and No. 33 on Pop Airplay.

Jason Aldean vs. Jungkook

Meanwhile, Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” came in at No. 2 on the Hot 100. The song, released in May, had the biggest sales week for a country song in over a decade. Interestingly, “Try That in a Small Town” was not initially seen as a competitor for “Seven.” However, the song gained sudden attention due to the release of its controversial music video on the 14th.

The video, shot in a Tennessee courtroom, depicted scenes of protests and looting, and the song’s lyrics warned of repercussions for such behaviors in a small town. The music video, interpreted as discriminatory, and the lyrics implying gun use led to a boycott by CMT (Country Music Television), a cable broadcaster in the U.S. specializing in country music. 

The conservative white base, country music’s main fan base, was against this action. They expressed their opinion by buying and streaming “Try That In A Small Town,” pitting it against “Seven.” Their efforts led to it drawing 11.6 million streams (up 547%) and 7.3 million in radio airplay audience (up 17%) and selling 228,000 (up 27,625%) in the week of July 14-20. 

https://twitter.com/WinstonNuo/status/1683549098173972482

“Seven” still beat it handily. It debuted with 21.9 million streams, 6.4 million in airplay audience, and 153,000 combined digital and CD singles sold from its release July 14 through July 20, according to Luminate. Jungkook’s accomplishment is seen by many as a victory against discrimination and racism, as a Korean artist’s single beat a white male’s track on the Billboard Hot 100—a song whose spike in popularity was fueled by hate.

By the numbers

“Seven” is the 1,151st No. 1 since the Hot 100 began in August 1958. It’s the 68th leader to debut atop the chart. Furthermore, it’s Jungkook‘s best-selling song in the U.S. by total units, surpassing “Dreamers” in just over a week.

Jungkook earned his first Hot 100 No. 1, or even Top 10, after charting two songs in 2022: Charlie Puth’s “Left and Right,” featuring Jungkook, hit No. 22 after Jungkook’s own “Stay Alive” spent one week on the list at No. 95.

With BTS having logged six Hot 100 No. 1s and Jungkook and Jimin with one No. 1 each, BTS joins The Beatles, The Black Eyed Peas, Destiny’s Child, and Genesis as the only groups with leaders and multiple members who earned No. 1s. All of Jungkook‘s No. 1s on the Hot 100 across his entire career include the hits “Dynamite,” “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat),” “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” “Permission to Dance,” “My Universe,” and “Seven.” — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook released previously unseen photos from his “Seven” campaign photoshoot while in the UK. Source: Rolling Stone/Rolling Stone UK.

During a chaotic arrival at Incheon Airport, BTS‘s Jungkook made headlines with his unique outfit. Jungkook‘s distinctive style and dedication to his fans shone through despite the tumultuous scene.

On July 24, Jungkook returned from his overseas schedules, looking as handsome as ever. Those at the airport were thrilled to catch a glimpse of the superstar, but the reality behind the scenes was anything but calm. Chaos erupted when the barriers keeping fans back were lifted. Despite the best efforts of airport security, the crowd became difficult to control. Jungkook reportedly almost fell over outside the airport.

However, Jungkook‘s unique style caught people’s attention amidst the chaos. He was seen wearing a piece from Balenciaga’s women’s range, a pair of pants that looked like a skirt from the back. This bold fashion statement not only turned heads but also broke gender norms, showcasing Jungkook‘s fearless personality and individualistic style.

Fans and netizens quickly took to social media to express their admiration for Jungkook‘s sartorial choices. The discussion about Jungkook‘s outfit extended to social media, where fans shared their thoughts on his clothes. 

Chaos greeted Jungkook at Incheon Airport

ARMY’s excitement grew when MTV posted a photo of Jungkook wearing the same pants during his rehearsal in London. They praised him for breaking gender barriers and expressing himself through fashion. This incident highlighted BTS‘s progressive approach to styling, where they refuse to allow gender norms to dictate their style choices.

The chaos that greeted Jungkook at Incheon Airport was palpable. Fans and press people alike were eager to catch a glimpse of him. Despite the frenzy, he remained calm and collected as he greeted his fans.

ARMY expressed their worries for Jungkook‘s safety. They thanked airport security for protecting the BTS member but stressed the importance of maintaining a safe environment for idols and fans. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: MTV UK was the first to post a photo of Jungkook wearing Balenciaga’s Women’s Black Apron Pants Skirt. Source: Twitter/MTV UK’s official Twitter account.

Jungkook, who was in the U.S. promoting his new solo single “Seven” was traveling with Jimin. They intended to enjoy some leisure time on a yacht trip in New York. However, their private outing took an unpleasant turn when the yacht’s captain said disrespectful, xenophobic things about them.

The captain recorded videos of Jimin and Jungkook, who were unaware they were being filmed. He later shared the videos on his Instagram story, infuriating ARMY. In one of the videos, the captain said, “The dude in charge, he was all, ‘You need to put your phones away.’ I said, ‘Listen, bro, they’re getting on my boat, not the other way around.’” 

The fans saw the captain’s words as a clear display of xenophobia. Consequently, they mass-emailed BigHit Music, BTS’s management company, informing them of the situation. They urged BigHit Music to sue the captain for invading the artists’ privacy and making xenophobic comments.

How ARMY fought for Jimin and Jungkook

This incident isn’t the first time Korean artists encountered racism and xenophobia while promoting outside their native land. As of this writing, BTS fans worldwide are awaiting a response from the yacht company and for HYBE Corporation, BigHit Music’s parent company, to take appropriate action regarding the invasion of privacy.

Featured Image: As always, Jimin and Jungkook were together on the “Yet to Come” MV Shoot set. Source: YouTube/BTS’s official YouTube channel.

An unexpected connection formed between BTS‘s Jimin and Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling, marking a unique crossover between K-pop and Hollywood. Some playful banter about their matching outfits and Jimin’s love for Gosling’s movie The Notebook sparked this connection.

Fans first noticed a striking similarity between Jimin‘s outfit in the “Permission to Dance” MV and Gosling‘s costume in the Barbie movie. Instead of ignoring their comments, Gosling addressed the issue head-on. He acknowledged the resemblance and praised Jimin for wearing the outfit first and best. In a video, Gosling said the “Ken code” dictates that if one Ken copies another’s style, he must offer his most prized possession. In this case, it was Ken’s black-and-white guitar from the Barbie movie.

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Jimin, a massive fan of Gosling and his movie The Notebook, was thrilled to receive the guitar. He responded to Gosling‘s video message with his an Instagram reel. In the reel, Jimin thanked Gosling for the guitar and expressed his excitement for the Barbie movie. He congratulated Gosling on the movie’s release and complimented his style.

This interaction delighted fans from the K-pop and Hollywood sectors. It bridged the gap between the two worlds and led to a wholesome exchange between the two stars. Fans are now waiting to see if this unexpected connection will lead to more collaborations or interactions in the future.

Is Jimin a Ryan Gosling fan?

Jimin has expressed admiration for Gosling‘s work, particularly the movie The Notebook. He once wrote on Weverse that he watched it multiple times when he got COVID-19. That doesn’t include all the times he watched it before then. But don’t ask Jimin how many times he has watched it since it was released. He probably lost count already!

This playful exchange between Jimin and Ryan Gosling highlights the potential for connections and friendships to form across different sectors of the global entertainment industry. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Lucky Jimin is a successful Ryan Gosling stan. Source: Instagram/Jimin’s personal Instagram account.

BTS‘s Jungkook has captivated fans worldwide again with his dance practice video for “Seven.” The video, which showcases the exceptional teamwork between the South Korean star and his dancers, went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking widespread discussion among fans.

In the video, Jungkook and his dancers display a level of synergy rarely seen in K-pop. Their energy is palpable, and their movements are perfectly synchronized. This level of coordination and harmony is a testament to their dedication, hard work, talent, and admiration and respect for each other.

One of the dancers in the video, Brian Puspos, isn’t a newcomer to K-pop. He choreographed Jimin‘s solo song “Serendipity,” which appeared on the BTS albums Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself: Answer. He also choreographed “My Time,” Jungkook’s solo song from Map of the Soul: 7. In 2017, Jungkook and Jimin performed Brian’s “Own It” choreography for a YouTube video. It has earned over 20 million views since then.

Brian’s portfolio extends beyond K-pop. He has worked with international artists like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber. He also teaches dance classes and performs in over 40 countries worldwide.

Brian thanks Jungkook

Brian expressed gratitude and admiration for Jungkook in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking him for the experience of a lifetime. He wrote, “Thank you, JK, for this full circle experience. You’re a game-changer but, more importantly, a life-changer. I love your respect and care for everyone that shares the stage with you. I didn’t think we would align so much; it feels like we’ve been hanging out for years. Until next time! Enjoy all this love that you deserve!”

Fans have been quick to praise Jungkook and his crew for their performance. Many have admired Jungkook‘s dedication, humility, and teamwork. Others have noticed his growth and maturity since his debut, both as a performer and a person.

The dance practice video for “Seven” doesn’t just showcase Jungkook‘s skills. It’s also a testament to his humility and leadership. Despite being the star of the show, Jungkook never overshadows his crew. Instead, he seamlessly blends in with Brian and the rest to create a harmonious performance that’s emotionally resonant and both visually stunning. —K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook also filmed a performance video for his single. Source: YouTube/BTS’s official YouTube channel.

The official biography of the K-pop supergroup BTS, titled Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS,’ made history. It topped ‘The New York Times Best Sellers’ list. This marks the first time a book by a Korean author went to No. 1 on the prestigious list. The book’s success underscores the immense global influence of BTS and its captivating content.

Co-authored by BTS and Myeongseok Kang, the book traces the group’s remarkable journey since their debut. It secured the top spot in the non-fiction hardcover category and the Combined Print & E-Book Non-fiction category, according to the list published by The New York Times on July 19.

The success of Beyond the Story extends beyond the U.S. market. The book dominated the weekly bestseller lists of domestic online bookstores like Aladin and Yes24 as soon as the Korean version became available for pre-order. The book soared to the top of Kyobo Book Center’s comprehensive weekly bestseller list upon release.

Internationally, Beyond the Story topped Amazon’s bestseller lists in several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It even set a new record for the highest number of pre-orders on Brazil’s Amazon.

An Intimate Look at BTS

Beyond the Story pulls back the curtain on BTS’s seven members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—and their rise to become 21st-century pop icons.

The book also touches on the group’s struggles with industry disdain, performance flubs, and public bullying in their early days. Despite these challenges, BTS built a dedicated fan base through their authentic and intimate vlogs, a departure from the highly produced content typical of the K-pop industry.

The smashing success of Beyond the Story is a testament to BTS‘s influence and connection with ARMY. Their impact extends beyond music, breaking barriers worldwide.

The biography’s success also highlights the growing global interest in K-pop and Korean culture. As BTS continues to make waves in the international scene, the book serves as a valuable record of the group’s journey, offering readers a deeper understanding of their contribution to music. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The book has been translated into several languages, including English and Filipino. Source: YouTube/Arirang’s official YouTube channel.

On July 19, American actor Ryan Gosling posted a video message for BTS’s Jimin. He shared it on the Twitter page of his latest film Barbie.

“Hi Jimin, it’s Ryan Gosling here. I notice that your ‘Permission to Dance’ outfit is the same as my Ken outfit in the upcoming movie Barbie. I have to give it to you—you wore it first. You definitely wore it best.”

Gosling didn’t just compliment Jimin. He also followed a unique Ken rule to show his admiration for Jimin‘s fashion. He presented a prop from the movie, a black and white guitar labeled “Ken.” It also serves as an accessory to Ken’s iconic outfits.

“There’s an unspoken Ken code that if you bite another Ken’s style, you have to give them your most prized possession,” the 42-year-old actor explained. “I hope you’ll accept Ken’s guitar as my humble offering. Besides, Ken doesn’t really play anyway, so it’ll be much better in your hands.”

The outfit in question was a black Western-style shirt Jimin wore in the “Permission to Dance” MV. It had intricate embroidery and white tassels, and the South Korean superstar paired it with black jeans. Gosling’s Barbie movie character accessorized it with a pink bandana and a white cowboy hat. The video was captioned, “Had to give Jimin this [guitar emoji] for his KEN-RGY!”

Gosling didn’t identify the outfit in his message, but it appears to be from H Bar C Ranchwear. This New York-based brand, established in 1897, has provided clothing for numerous Western films. It has dressed stars like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, John Wayne, Elvis Presley, and John Travolta.

Jimin loves Ryan Gosling’s work

Fans adored Gosling’s playful video. They speculated that Jimin would be delighted with the gift. After all, he’s a massive fan of The Notebook, a classic film starring Gosling. Jimin has mentioned that he has watched it at least seven times.

Will we see Jimin posing with the guitar or playing a song from FACE with it? We’ll have to wait and see. We hope he will! — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin wearing the outfit in question. Source: Facebook/BTS’s official Facebook page.

Jungkook, a member of the global K-pop sensation BTS, recently graced the UK’s BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge with a captivating live performance. He was introduced as a “global pop star” and performed his debut solo single, “Seven.” Jungkook also covered Oasis’s “Let There Be Love,” leaving listeners in awe of his vocal prowess.

This appearance on Live Lounge marked Jungkook‘s return to the station after approximately two years, albeit as a soloist. (His last appearance was with BTS in 2021.) During an interview with the host, Jungkook expressed his excitement about his solo single “Seven,” saying, “I’ve been waiting to meet fans with good music, and finally, I could do it.”

The singer also shared his fond memories of the UK, particularly BTS‘s Wembley concert, which he described as “a great time.” However, Jungkook cleverly added that the present moment, his return to the Live Lounge, is his new “best moment.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L-bnDophkw&pp=ygUeSnVuZ2tvb2sgTGl2ZSBMb3VuZ2UgaW50ZXJ2aWV3

Jungkook on BTS

“Seven” has been making waves since its release. The song won first place on Mnet’s M Countdown and held the top spot on Spotify’s Daily Top Song Global chart for six consecutive days, racking up over 11.84 million streams daily. Remarkably, it surpassed 100 million streams within six days of its release.

In addition to his solo work, Jungkook also talked about BTS‘s current activities and future plans. He said that through their solo activities, each member is expressing their individuality and colors, continuously growing. “Based on this, when we come together as a complete group, BTS‘s appearance will be amazing, and there will be incredible synergy. I hope to see it happen soon,” he said.

Jungkook’s words come when BTS isn’t doing any group projects. Jin and j-hope are still serving in the military, and the remaining members will soon follow suit.

Despite the temporary hiatus of BTS as a group, the members continue shining individually, with Jungkook‘s performance on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge being a testament to their success. Even so, ARMY worldwide eagerly await the group’s reunion, which, as Jungkook predicts, will bring about an extraordinary synergy. —K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s English has improved greatly, as evidenced by his Live Lounge interview. Source: YouTube/BBC Radio 1’s official YouTube channel.

BTS member Jin is a beloved figure in the music industry. He’s known for his charming personality, fan dedication, and soulful voice. Recently, Jin’s been in the news for his heroic deeds, both in and out of the military.

In a remarkable incident, Jin reportedly “saved” a Brazilian fan named Natali Vitoria Ramos Reis from a robbery. The 21-year-old ARMY was waiting at a bus stop in São José dos Pinhais, in the Curitiba Metropolitan Region, when a robber approached her. The robber managed to take her phone, which had a photo of Jin in his military uniform as the wallpaper.

When he saw the photo, the robber immediately returned the phone and fled, presumably assuming that the man in the picture was Natali’s boyfriend and a member of the armed forces. This incident sparked a wave of reactions from BTS ARMY worldwide. They praised Jin’s indirect role in Natali’s rescue and joked about changing their phone wallpapers to pictures of Jin in his military uniform for protection.

Jin’s off-stage heroism is commendable, and his military achievements are also impressive. Despite being a world-renowned singer, he has dedicated himself to his mandatory military service in South Korea. Jin enlisted in the recruit training center in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, on December 13, 2022. His expected discharge date is June 12, 2024.

Jin the “elite soldier”

Recently, Jin was given the rank of Corporal in the military earlier than scheduled. This came after he received the title of “elite soldier,” a prestigious title given to those who excel in various areas of training. These include first aid, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological training, individual combat, shooting, a three-kilometer race, and vigilance. To earn the elite soldier title, one must meet strict conditions like having a 90% shooting hit rate and completing over 72 push-ups in two minutes. This promotion underscores Jin’s dedication, discipline, and hard work.

The title comes with perks. These include extra leaves of up to five days, early promotion, and the privilege of wearing a special emblem on their uniforms. Additionally, outstanding shooting scores can earn them more rewards.

Jin’s military achievements give ARMY immense pride and joy. Despite his absence from the music scene due to his military service, his influence continues to resonate worldwide. This story reminds us that heroes can appear in the most unexpected places, even on a smartphone’s home screen. As fans eagerly await his return to the stage, they continue to celebrate his achievements and the inspiring individual he has proven to be. –K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jin posted some selfies on Weverse during a lull in his training. Source: Weverse’s BTS Community.