Category: BTS

In the face of adversity, the path forward may appear daunting. However, K-pop stars Jungkook of BTS and Mingyu of SEVENTEEN recently shared their strategies for dealing with such challenges, offering fans a beacon of hope.

As any ARMY worth their salt knows, Jungkook does live broadcasts on Weverse more often these days. During a recent broadcast, he read a comment from a fan who was finding university life hard. The fan indicated they felt like giving up, so they turned to their bias for advice.

Jungkook was only too happy to help. He said, “Do you want to cry and give up? What should you do… There are a lot of hard things in this world, right? I think there are many difficulties in life. But I don’t want to say ‘everything in life is difficult’ or ‘work hard.’ I just hope you like attending college. I don’t think I can give you a solution, but I hope you, yourself, can decide well for yourself. I hope ARMYs won’t have a hard time. But to not have a hard time, you’d need to put in the effort yourself, right?”

This advice, while simple, is so profound. Jungkook acknowledged the fan’s situation but didn’t offer clichéd advice. Instead, he encouraged them to try and find joy in their journey, emphasizing the importance of personal effort in overcoming adversity. His words serve as a reminder that it’s OK to struggle and that finding personal satisfaction in what we do can make the journey easier.

Mingyu on the power of perseverance

Similarly, when asked about how he handles stressful situations, Mingyu shared that perseverance is key. At least as far as he’s concerned, anyway. During a recent online fansign, a CARAT asked him for advice. He said, “Honestly, I don’t try to tell myself I have to do extremely well, but I also don’t give up. I try to hold out.”

His strategy is to do whatever it takes to weather the storm, which is a testament to his resilience. Mingyu’s words underscore the importance of patience and persistence. He believes there’s nothing wrong with not being perfect or not doing well. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is to keep going even when things are tough. His advice resonates with fans worldwide, as does Jungkook’s, offering a beacon of hope to those who need it.

‘97-liners, best buds for life

Beyond their individual success, Jungkook and Mingyu share a deep, longstanding friendship. Part of the renowned ’97-line squad, they’ve been friends since their debut, their bond strengthening over the years. Their camaraderie was recently on display when Mingyu made a surprise appearance on a late-night live broadcast with Jungkook, a moment that sent fans into a frenzy of excitement.

Their friendship goes beyond casual hangouts. They’ve collaborated on dance challenges, their most recent video going viral and trending for several days. Jungkook even invited Mingyu to learn the choreography for his solo single, “Seven,” and film a dance challenge with him, much to the delight of their fans. In an industry characterized by competition, their friendship is a breath of fresh air. It’s a bond fans admire and look forward to seeing more of in the future. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook and Mingyu are as thick as thieves. They hang out when their schedules allow. Source: Twitter/@YayyConnaayyee.

BTS‘ Jungkook secured the No. 1 spot on SBS’ Inkigayo with his single “Seven.” The song has not only topped the charts in Korea but also made a grand entrance on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 1.

When he was on Inkigayo, Jungkook interacted with his juniors from HYBE Labels. Woonhak from BOYNEXTDOOR and Yeonjun from TOMORROW X TOGETHER are two of the show’s MCs. Rising actress Park Jihu is the third. They interviewed Jungkook, which began with Jihu saying how happy she was to meet him in person.

“It’s my first time meeting you in person. It’s an honor. You two are his junior colleagues in the same company,” Jihu gushed, referring to her fellow MCs, who nodded. 

Jung Kook(정국) – Seven (feat. Latto) @인기가요 inkigayo 20230730

“Yes, I’ve seen him often at the company,” Yeonjun confirmed.

Woonhak shared that he had introduced himself to Jungkook earlier, to which Jungkook responded with a warm smile, saying, “That was cute. I’m proud.” Jihu then congratulated him on his solo single “Seven.” It recently went to No. 1 on Billboard, and she asked how he felt about that achievement.

Jungkook expressed gratitude towards his fans, stating, “I had confidence in this song. But I think I earned this valuable result thanks to ARMY’s love and support, not just my own dream.” He called “Seven” a summer song that has already made significant achievements despite being released just over two weeks ago.

정국 ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ (Jung Kook FullCam)│@SBS Inkigayo 230730

What Jungkook’s “Inkigayo” win means

When asked to introduce “Seven” to those who haven’t heard it yet, Jungkook said it’s a charming summer song that listeners won’t tire of. He urged everyone to give it a listen.

Woonhak mentioned that Jungkook‘s performance on Inkigayo was prepared to repay the love fans showed him and his debut solo single. In response, Jungkook expressed how much his fans mean to him. “I came because I missed you after finishing my overseas promotions. I prepared for today’s performance really hard, so I’d appreciate it if you enjoyed it.”

As the interview drew to a close, Woonhak expressed his excitement for Jungkook‘s performance, stating, “We want to see it seven days a week.” Meanwhile, Jungkook responded by thanking those who shower him with love 24/7 and asking them to stay tuned for his performance.

Jungkook‘s win on Inkigayo is the cherry on top of a fantastic promotional period for his hit single. He’s reportedly working on more new material, so here’s hoping he’ll get to interact with his HYBE juniors on the show again. – K-Pop News Writer

정국 ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ (Jung Kook Encore Fancam) | @SBS Inkigayo 230730

Featured Image: Seeing Jungkook on a music show with his HYBE juniors amused ARMY to no end. Source: Twitter/@BRILLER_MP4.

BTS‘ Jungkook‘s hit single “SEVEN” has been making waves on the charts, but the song’s producers are now facing backlash for some comments they made. BTS’ fans, collectively known as ARMY, are calling out Andrew Watt and Cirkut, the producers of “SEVEN,” for their offensive and xenophobic remarks about Jungkook.

The controversy began when Forbes published an interview with Watt and Cirkut about the success of “SEVEN.” While they had many positive things to say about Jungkook, some of their comments didn’t sit well with ARMY.

First, Cirkut referred to ARMY as “rabid,” a term that many feel perpetuates negative stereotypes about K-pop fans. He commented on the overwhelming response from Jungkook‘s followers on social media, stating, “It’s amazing how fans of BTS and Jungkook are just so supportive and loyal. It’s just pretty crazy.”

Jeon Jungkook, American superstar?

However, what really rubbed ARMY the wrong way was Watt’s comparison of Jungkook‘s release of “SEVEN” to Justin Timberlake‘s solo career. Timberlake was a member of *NSYNC until 2002, the year he went his own way, an implication that did not go unnoticed by fans. Many fans took to social media to express their concerns about the insinuation that Jungkook might leave BTS.

In the same vein, Watt referred to Jungkook as a “superstar” but distinguished between his career before and after the release of “SEVEN.” Watt stated that Jungkook has now reached the level of an “American superstar.” Fans interpreted this as an attempt to downplay his previous success as a Korean superstar. It seemed to them that Watt wanted to emphasize Jungkook’s American success as if it were more important.

ARMY asserted Jungkook’s identity as a Korean artist and criticized the song’s producers for their comments, which some said smacked of xenophobia. They disliked the Western media’s attempts to claim Jungkook’s success as their own and strip him of his Korean identity.

This issue underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for artists’ identities and backgrounds. Despite the ruckus, “SEVEN” continues to set records, proving Jungkook’s undeniable talent and global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven’ Recording Film

Featured Image: Jungkook’s time with Watt and Cirkut was featured in a video about the recording process. Source: YouTube/BANGTANTV.

BTS‘s Jungkook recently graced the set of bandmate SUGA‘s talk show, Suchwita. His appearance was a delightful mix of in-depth discussions, lighthearted moments, and surprises. Here are five of our favorite moments from the episode.

[슈취타] EP.15 SUGA with Jung Kook

SUGA’s Close Call with “SEVEN”

In June 2022, BTS announced a temporary hiatus from group activities, allowing members to enlist in the South Korean military and work on solo projects. That led to a slowdown in Jungkook‘s public appearances, sparking concerns among fans about his lack of schedules, particularly after his FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 performance in November.

Jungkook confessed to SUGA that he thoroughly enjoyed his break. Part of him wanted it to go on for a little longer. But listening to “Seven” for the first time prompted Jungkook to get back on the horse. He admitted that he might’ve continued to lie low if it weren’t for the song. SUGA playfully remarked that he would have sung the song himself if Jungkook hadn’t taken it.

The Story Behind Jungkook’s World Cup Performance

Last November, Jungkook became the first Korean artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 opening ceremony. Behind-the-scenes videos of Jungkook‘s preparations for the performance revealed a challenging situation. He received the choreography for the opening ceremony only after arriving in Qatar.

On Suchwita, Jungkook revealed the reason for the last-minute choreography. He arrived in Qatar several days before the event and learned he wasn’t supposed to dance during the show. But feeling it would be weird if he didn’t dance, Jungkook asked for the choreography video. He taught himself the routine and then collaborated with the dancers. He changed parts of the choreography, guiding them through different formations. And, as the old saw goes, the rest is history. SUGA expressed his admiration for Jungkook‘s resourcefulness and talent, labeling him a “total superstar.”

A Touching Revelation about Jin

Jungkook and SUGA opened up about longing for live performances. But they also acknowledged the unfortunate reality that doing concerts as a whole group isn’t possible for them right now. 

The most touching revelation came when SUGA mentioned Jin‘s feelings. Despite being away from the group due to his military service, Jin shares their yearning to perform. SUGA shared that Jin called him, expressing his desire to be on stage. Jungkook confirmed SUGA‘s statements, revealing that Jin had said as much in their group chat.

Jungkook’s Future Plans

Jungkook also shared his future plans during the episode. He disclosed that he has another single ready to go, followed by the release of a mini album in November. Fans were pleased to hear about the golden maknae’s projects. Although Jungkook admitted that he has yet to start working on the songs for the mini album, his dedication to delivering quality music reassures fans that the wait will be worth it.

Discussing the success of his debut single, “Seven,” and his aspirations for the next one, Jungkook expressed his desire to find a song his fans will love as much as they loved “Seven.” While he hasn’t found it yet, knowing his perfectionism, fans can expect another musical masterpiece.

Jungkook’s Noraebang Session

SUGA prepared a karaoke machine for his dongsaeng. Known for his passing for singing, on and off stage, Jungkook often treats fans to impromptu karaoke performances through late-night Weverse lives. When he was on Suchwita, Jungkook showed off his chops by covering Sung Si Kyung‘s “The Road To Me” and “That That,” a song SUGA did with PSY.

As the episode ended, it was revealed that SUGA went straight home after filming while Jungkook stayed behind. He made the most of the karaoke machine his hyung set up. The staff later released a 15-minute “noraebang” (“karaoke” in Korean) clip to treat ARMY to more of Jungkook‘s delightful covers as the youngest member of BTS had fun singing his heart out.

[슈취타] Jung Kook Noraebang Clip

Jungkook‘s appearance on Suchwita gave fans entertainment and a peek at the other side of BTS. From SUGA‘s near miss with “Seven” to Jungkook‘s future plans, this episode had many memorable moments that fans will cherish for a long time. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: For Jungkook, this episode was a long time coming. Source: Twitter/@bts_bighit.

BTS‘s Jungkook is breaking the mold in the age of carefully curated social media personas. Instead of traditional platforms, he has chosen Weverse live broadcasts as his home, where he can interact with fans in real-time, unfiltered and unedited.

His preference for live broadcasts reveals his desire to share his authentic self with his fans. He is open when discussing his experiences, both professional and personal. During a recent broadcast, he expressed joy and gratitude for his latest achievements, saying, “First of all, thank you so much for the first place on Billboard. I’m so, so happy.”

Moreover, his candidness extends to his decision-making process. After promoting in New York and London, he found himself contemplating his next move. He shared his thoughts during a broadcast, “I had promotions in New York and London, right? It was so much fun to do it after a long time. And then the music show came to mind. I was like, ‘What should I do about it?’ And then I won No. 1 on Billboard. I was so thankful, and I wanted to repay you with something. I wanted to do it [the music show] as soon as possible.”

Despite scheduling challenges, he managed to secure a spot on the music show, eager to give back to his fans.

Jungkook engages with fans meaningfully

Jungkook‘s live broadcasts are not just about sharing his thoughts and experiences. They’re also about engaging with ARMY in a meaningful way. Jungkook was moved to tears when he listened to a song they wrote and recorded for BTS, titled “Love Letters.” 

He praised the song, saying, “It’s touching. Why didn’t I know about this? ARMYs are good singers. The lyrics are pretty. Thank you.” He promised to memorize and sing the song for ARMY sometime.

During another broadcast, Jungkook acknowledged that he had been drinking. He said, “I’m drunk, so let’s discuss this. But even if I weren’t drunk, I would have said the same thing.” 

Despite his light-hearted demeanor, he took a serious tone when addressing certain concerns raised by fans. He passionately expressed his stance, asking everyone not to interfere with his decisions, “I guess people will watch this and say, ‘Jungkook is drinking while doing a live broadcast again.’ So what? Do you guys not drink? Don’t you say this or that after drinking? Just chatter away,” he said.

His fans, in turn, appreciate his honesty and independence. They promise to have his back as long as his actions don’t harm others. One fan encouraged him to live as he pleases. Another asserted that his drinking habits were inconsequential as long as he abstained from driving under the influence.

Jungkook‘s preference for live broadcasts reflects his desire to make genuine connections with his fans. His candidness and openness endeared him to ARMY and set a new standard for celebrity-fan interactions in the digital age. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: One ARMY posts HD screenshots of his live broadcasts for other ARMYs to enjoy. Source: Twitter/boravoravie’s Twitter account.

BTS‘ Jin, currently serving in the military, recently shared some photos with WINNER‘s Yoon, who is also fulfilling his military duties. The photos, posted on the fan community platform Weverse, not only delighted fans but also addressed rumors of special treatment for idols in the military.

Jin (Kim Seok-jin), a member of the world-renowned K-pop group BTS, and Yoon (Kang Seung-yoon), a member of the popular group WINNER, are currently serving in the military. Jin, who serves as an instructor, shared pictures of himself with Yoon, who recently completed basic training. The photos show Jin wearing his sergeant’s uniform and Yoon in his private’s uniform, offering fans of both a rare glimpse into their military life.

BTS’ Jin and WINNER’s Yoon address rumors of special treatment

In his post, Jin also addressed the rumors of special treatment for idols in the military. He wrote that both he and Yoon were treated the same as everyone else, dispelling any misconceptions about preferential treatment. This statement was well-received by fans who appreciated Jin‘s honesty and transparency.

Jin‘s Weverse post also included a heartfelt message congratulating Yoon on completing his basic training and wishing him well on his next assignment. Jin also expressed hope that the photo would be well-received by both BTS (ARMY) and WINNER (INNER CIRCLE) fans.

The post sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing happiness on social media. Fans left comments such as “A two-shot we couldn’t even imagine,” “This is fascinating,” and “They both look good; I hope they have a healthy military life.”

As Jin and Yoon continue their military service, fans are eagerly awaiting their return to the music scene. Despite their current duties, both idols have shown commitment to keeping fans updated on their activities, even during military service. As always, BTS and WINNER continue to connect with fans in meaningful ways, even amidst their individual pursuits and responsibilities. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans called this “A two-shot we couldn’t even imagine.” Source: Weverse/Source: Weverse’s BTS Community.

BTS‘ SUGA will conclude his successful D-DAY tour with three encore concerts in South Korea. He will also appear at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event, marking a busy schedule for the superstar.

SUGA‘s D-DAY tour, which has seen him perform across Asia and the U.S., will conclude with three shows on August 4, 5, and 6 at the KSPO Dome, aka the Olympic Gymnastics Arena. The concerts will be streamed online on Weverse, with ticket prices ranging from 59,000 KRW for a single day to 178,000 KRW for all days. Delayed single-view streaming will also be available for those who wish to rewatch the concerts.

The D-DAY tour has been a significant journey for SUGA. It had guest performances from artists like Halsey, MAX, and Psy. With the encore concert announcement, ARMY hopes to see more guest appearances from artists such as IU, Jimin, RM, and Woosung.

SUGA loves Samsung

In addition to his tour, SUGA will attend Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event. This will be Samsung’s first unveiling of its flagship phones in Korea. His presence is expected to add a special touch to the event. Samsung has collaborated with BTS for promotional activities, but this will be the first time a BTS member will be attending a Galaxy event in person.

Multiple industry sources confirmed SUGA‘s participation in the Samsung event. One source stated, “Samsung put much effort into inviting SUGA to attend its first Unpacked event on its home turf.” Another source added, “Since the event means a lot to the firm, SUGA’s presence will make it more special.”

The rapper’s love for Samsung products has been evident in the past. During a solo concert in New Jersey, he offered to take selfies with fans using their smartphones, but only if they were Galaxy phones. He also showed off his own Galaxy smartphone with concert stickers during a live stream on Weverse, the social platform BTS uses to communicate with fans. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA’s concerts are audio-visual and emotional spectacles. Source: Instagram/SUGA’s personal Instagram account.

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.