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Jimin Expresses Concern for Fan “Jibangie” Amidst South Korean Floods

Idols and their fans have deep connections in the K-pop scene. The bond between BTS‘s Jimin and a fan known as “Jibangie” is a perfect example. This relationship began when they met while filming content for the PIXID YouTube channel. Recently, a concerning situation brought their relationship into the spotlight.

“Jibangie” resides outside South Korea’s metropolitan area, a region currently affected by flooding and landslides. The country is at the peak of its summer monsoon season, and dams, reservoirs, and rivers are overflowing. As of this writing, approximately 40 people have died over the last few days. South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol has vowed to “completely overhaul” his country’s approach to extreme weather caused by climate change. 

Meanwhile, the “Like Crazyhitmaker posted on the fan community platform Weverse to express concern for “Jibangie.”

His doing so is a testament to his character and highlights the connection between fans and their idols. Despite the distance and other things that separate them, idols like Jimin have been known to form unique connections with their fans. Aside from showing concern for someone’s well-being as the BTS member did, some idols even remember individual interactions long after they took place.

ARMY means a lot to Jimin

In the face of the flooding (even though he had flown to New York City with bandmate Jungkook at the time), Jimin‘s thoughts still turned to “Jibangie,” demonstrating how much his fans mean to him. 

Jimin’s concern serves as a reminder of the human element in K-pop, where fans and their idols can be affected by the same global events and share the same concerns. As the rains continue, the hope is that “Jibangie” and everyone affected by the foul weather stays safe. –K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin is fairly active on social media. He posted this photo as part of his work with the luxury jeweler Tiffany & Co. Source: Instagram/Jimin’s personal Instagram account.

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Verdict Announced in BTS Impersonation Case

In a recent case that sent shockwaves through the K-pop industry, a 28-year-old male was handed a suspended prison sentence for posing as a member of the globally-renowned K-pop group BTS and leaking unreleased tracks.

The male, referred to as “A,” was found guilty of violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection. Last July 17, the Western Branch of the Daegu District Court’s Criminal Division 9 sentenced “A” to a one-year and two-month prison term, suspended for three years. In addition to the suspended sentence, “A” was told to complete 240 hours of community service and 40 hours of psychiatric/mental health education.

https://twitter.com/enoughtobeloved/status/1680853102713524225

This case dates back to February 22, 2022, when “A” contacted a producer from Big Hit Music, the agency managing BTS, from his home in Seo-gu, Daegu. Pretending to be a member of the group, “A” tricked the producer, referred to as “B,” into giving him confidential information on their activities and unreleased tracks.

Over the next three months, “A” posted the unreleased music files on Instagram or passed them to others 47 times via KakaoTalk. Not only did this violate the privacy of BTS and the producer, but it also disrupted BigHit Music’s music production, release, and sales operations.

Investigations revealed that “A” found “B’s” personal information on the internet and impersonated a successful composer to impress other people. The prosecution initially demanded a 1.5-year prison term for “A.” But the defense argued that “A’s” previous criminal record made it challenging for him to form healthy relationships, leading to an obsession with social media. They further revealed that “A” used to study music but became jealous of his successful peers, which was why they committed this crime.

The court took into consideration the popularity and sales of the artist in question, concluding that the victims must have suffered significant financial and social damage. However, it also noted that most of the leaks were short clips of 10 to 20 seconds, and they had since been officially released. Additionally, Big Hit Music withdrew its complaint.

This case serves as a reminder of the potential risks and violations that can occur in the digital age, where confidential data can be easily misused. It underscores the need for stringent cybersecurity measures and ethical online behavior to protect artists and their creative content. –K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: The leaked songs mentioned in this article reportedly ended up on BTS’s “Proof.” Source: Weverse/Weverse Magazine’s BTS ‘Proof’ release interview.

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As Expected, Jungkook’s “Seven” Stirs Up Some Good Chaos

BTS golden maknae Jeon Jungkook recently made his solo debut with the single “Seven,” making waves and, quite frankly, a stir because of its explicit lyrics. Fans reactions range from excitement to shock and, as we can see, just the right amount of chaos.

You can now watch Seven’s music video on YouTube, and listen on various platforms including Spotify. The explicit version of the song has a distinct lyric change that caught fans off guard, to say the least. In the music video, which also stars Han So Hee and Latto, Jungkook sings, “I’ll be loving you right.” In Seven’s explicit version, though, he goes, “I’ll be f*cking you right.

As expected, fans lost their minds, to say the least. Many took to social media to express their reactions, with some sharing humorous memes and tweets. 

Others pointed out the differences between Seven’s clean and explicit versions.

Days before the explicit version was released, one fan posted a clip from the making film and joked that Jungkook would change the lyrics. 

Check out their reactions when they realized their prediction was spot on.

The explicit lyrics sparked a discussion about the evolution of Jungkook‘s image and music. Known for his innocent and sweet image as the youngest member of BTS, Jungkook‘s solo debut shows his more daring and mature side. This shift has been exciting and surprising for fans eagerly awaiting Jungkook‘s solo debut.

Seven” has been described as a smooth and playfully sexual summer anthem. It has been likened to Craig David‘s UK garage-centered tracks, with an acoustic guitar to lighten the mood. It’s a potent combination of K-pop sensibilities and Western influences.

Seven” doesn’t have an anthemic, explosive chorus, but that’s fine—it doesn’t really need one. The core refrain, reciting the days of the week and then going, “Every hour, every minute, every second, you know, night after night, I’ll be fuckin’ you right,” works perfectly as a memorable hook. “Seven” keeps its momentum without resting, making it addictive, fun, and replayable.

As Jungkook continues to evolve as an artist, fans can look forward to more surprises and exciting music from the 25-year-old superstar.

Featured Image: Jungkook’s label BigHit Music made fans’ hearts race with the campaign photos for “Seven.” Source: Twitter/BigHit Music’s official Twitter account.

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BTS ARMY Lines Up in Central Park Days Ahead of Jungkook’s GMA Summer Concert Series

Central Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of New York City, recently transformed into a vibrant hub of anticipation and excitement. The reason? A performance by BTS member Jungkook at the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series. However, this event took an unexpected turn, leading to a wave of disappointment and revealing the unshakeable bond between the artist and his fans.

Several days before the concert, Jungkook’s fans began to gather in Central Park. Their devotion to the 25-year-old superstar was palpable, with some even calling in sick to work and traveling from as far as Mexico and Texas to secure their spot in line. The dedication of these fans was not deterred by the long lines or the sweltering 90-degree July heat.

Among the sea of fans was 35-year-old tattoo artist Kiila Armwood, who rescheduled every one of her appointments to be part of this event. Armwood, who has about 10 BTS tattoos, traveled from Poughkeepsie and was one of 14 fans who hailed from as far away as Massachusetts and Texas.

Another dedicated fan, Jessica DeLuca, a 28-year-old who works in the convention industry, took a bus from Boston to see what would be her 30th BTS show. “They bring me hope. I was in a low place when I first got into them. They’ve kept me going,” said DeLuca, who was part of a five-woman crew camping out.

The concert was not just an opportunity to see Jungkook perform live but also a reunion of sorts for the BTS community. Many of the fans had met during a previous BTS concert in 2019 and had maintained their friendships using social media. The line became a testament to the community BTS fostered among its fans, with many sharing resources, taking turns to rest, and some even providing opportunities for daily showers.

However, their excitement was cut short when the concert was canceled due to inclement weather. The announcement of the concert’s cancellation was met with disappointment, but the safety of the artist and his fans was paramount. Despite the cancellation, Jungkook managed to pre-record three songs just before the storm rolled in, ensuring that his fans would not leave empty-handed.

The cancellation was heartbreaking, but Jungkook‘s actions during the soundcheck truly touched his fans’ hearts. Despite being aware of the cancellation, Jungkook performed in front of the fans who waited for days to see him. He treated them to performances of his solo singleSeven,” as well as BTS fan favorites “Dynamite” and “Euphoria.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6mc_rRwD3A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h37iI980PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0JX16JNm24

The cancellation proved how unpredictable live events can be. It also highlighted Jungkook’s desire to connect with his fans, even in the face of adversity. Although they were disappointed because of what happened, they left Central Park with a deeper appreciation for Jungkook‘s dedication and the strength of the BTS community.

Suffice to say, even the rain could not come between BTS and ARMY!

Featured Image: Jungkook performed his first official global solo debut single “Seven” at the GMA Summer Concert Series. Source: Good Morning America/Good Morning America’s official website.

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BTS’s J-hope Graces Esquire Korea August Cover

J-hope, the dance leader of global sensation BTS, has been making waves in the world of fashion and beyond—even during his military service. He’s scheduled to grace the cover of Esquire Korea‘s August 2023 issue, looking like a high fashion king. The photoshoot, which took place before he enlisted in the military, saw j-hope clad in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton. Photographed by top fashion lensman Mario Sorrenti, the South Korean dancer and rapper donned a puffer jacket, turtleneck, trousers, and a red suit for different covers. Kim Young-Jin styled him while Park Nae-Joo took care of his hair.

In addition to his Esquire Korea feature, J-hope has also been making headlines as the global house ambassador for Louis Vuitton. The brand recently released a short film for their Men’s Fall-Winter 2023 line, featuring J-hope. The BTS member’s influence in the fashion industry is undeniable, with his charisma and unique style leaving viewers spellbound.

In the campaign video, J-hope can be seen wearing several luxuriously crafted outfits. He exuded confidence and sophistication in a grey suit and pants, presenting a timeless elegance that perfectly encapsulated the essence of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection.

But J-hope didn’t stop there. The “Chicken Noodle Soup” hitmaker put on a striking grey two-piece ensemble adorned with graffiti-inspired patterns. Despite the fact that he’s off in the military, his captivating visuals have left fans in awe, with many taking to Twitter to express their admiration.

His fans haven’t forgotten him, and he hasn’t forgotten them, either. On ARMY Day, which falls on July 9, J-hope penned a heartfelt letter to his fans, expressing his gratitude and love. This gesture resonated deeply with ARMY, showcasing J-hope’s dedication even while serving in the military. His effort to curate a special note for his fans further endeared him to their hearts.

J-hope‘s vibrant personality has captivated many. Known for his bright smile and infectious energy, the idol exudes joy and positivity wherever he goes. Even as he serves in the South Korean military, j-hope continues to make his presence felt, whether it’s through his fashion endeavors or messages to fans. That proves his star shines bright no matter where he is.

Featured Image: During his Esquire Korea photoshoot, J-hope added a pop of color to one layout by putting on a suit reminiscent of a canvas splashed with paint. Source: Esquire Korea/Esquire Korea’s official Instagram account.

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BTS Jungkook’s Highly-Anticipated Solo Debut and Record-Breaking Social Media Presence

BTS‘s Jungkook is making waves in music and social media. With a staggering 70.41 million posts, he has become the most hashtagged person in the history of Instagram. He’s also the most hashtagged celebrity on TikTok and YouTube.

Jungkook‘s popularity isn’t confined to social media alone. His fans, the BTS ARMY, can hardly wait for his solo debut. The youngest member of BTS is set to release his digital single, “Seven,” on July 14. It’s an invigorating song that showcases the full breadth of Jungkook’s charm. A statement from his label said “Seven” is expected to take fans’ summer fun to a whole new level.

To prepare for his solo debut, Jungkook collaborated with Grammy-winning musician Andrew Watt, who produced “Seven.” When asked what it was like to work with Jungkook, Watt said, “Hearing him on his own on this song…it’s pretty dangerous what’s about to happen.”

In a recent interview, American K-pop columnist Jeff Benjamin expressed his anticipation, stating, “I think we’re in for a surprise. Every single he’s done, he made sure to make it a moment, whether that was ‘Left and Right’ with Charlie Puth, or the song he did for the Qatar World Cup. Jungkook really knows how to take a single and get the world talking about it. I can’t wait for this one to come out. I think we’re going to see really good chart action.”

The anticipation for “Seven” has reached fever pitch, with fans camping out at Central Park in New York City four days before his appearance at the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series. However, the excitement was marred by two concerning incidents. First, while interacting with fans at Seoul’s Incheon Airport on his way to the US, Jungkook was almost approached by a sasaeng. His bodyguards were quick to protect the singer, but ARMY still called for increased security measures to ensure his safety.

Second, a dead body was recently found in Central Park. New York City police were notified about a man’s body floating in the Harlem Meer at the northeast end of the park. The incident is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the man’s cause of death. This has led to increased concerns among Jungkook’s fans. Some ARMY have taken to urging their fellow fans to prioritize their own safety.

As Jungkook gears up for his solo debut, ARMY worldwide are bracing themselves for everything he has in store. No one knows what else Jungkook has up his sleeve besides “Seven,” but whatever it is, it’s sure to create a stir worldwide.

(Featured Image: BigHit Music recently dropped a series of sizzling campaign photos for Jungkook’s solo debut. Source: Twitter/BigHit Music’s official Twitter account)

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Is BTS’ RM Preparing for Military Enlistment?

The K-pop world is abuzz with speculation, and the epicenter of all the chatter is none other than BTS‘s leader, RM, aka Kim Namjoon. The cause of all the speculation? An Instagram story in which RM is seen sporting a new, shorter haircut.

RM, known for being active on social media, recently posted a series of photos on Instagram. Among these images, one particular photo has caught the attention of fans worldwide. The photo features RM with a noticeably shorter haircut, a stark departure from his usual style. This change has led to widespread speculation among ARMY, BTS‘ dedicated fanbase, about whether RM’s new ‘do is a sign of his impending military enlistment.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for a certain period. This has led to many popular K-pop idols temporarily stepping away from their entertainment careers to fulfill their duties. Given RM‘s age, fans have been anticipating news about his enlistment.

 

Adding fuel to the speculation, RM captioned the post, “Gotta expect the unexpected.” This cryptic message has left fans wondering if he is subtly preparing them for his upcoming military service.

Also, at the recent FESTA in Seoul on June 17, RM delivered a heartfelt performance, hinting that it might be the last time he’ll stand onstage for a while. These hints, coupled with RM’s latest social media posts have led to increased speculation about his military enlistment.

Despite the speculation, there has been no official confirmation from BigHit Music, the agency that manages BTS. The fans, however, remain on high alert.

As the speculation continues, fans worldwide send their love and support to RM, hoping for the best for their beloved idol, whether he is preparing for military service or simply trying out a new look.

In the world of K-pop, where every post can hold a hidden message, the question remains: Is RM‘s new haircut a fashion statement or a sign of his upcoming military enlistment? Only time will tell.

(Featured Image: RM recently posted a photo of himself on a sailboat. Source: Instagram/RM’s personal Instagram account)

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BTS Fans, ARMY, Lauded for Cleaning Up After Massive Anniversary Event

The dedicated fanbase of the global K-pop sensation BTS, known as ARMY, has been praised for behaving responsibly after the boy group’s 10th anniversary celebration. The fans cleaned the venue after the event, displaying a high level of responsibility and respect for public spaces.

On June 17th, BTS celebrated their 10th debut anniversary with a massive event called 2023 BTS 10th Anniversary Festa @ Yeouido held at Hangang Park in Seoul. The event attracted an estimated 400,000 people, including 120,000 international fans, according to HYBE, the group’s management company. Despite the massive gathering, the venue was left spotless because of ARMY’s concerted efforts.

BTS‘s leader, RM, took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards the fans and staff members for what they did at Hangang Park. He posted a screenshot of a news article about the cleanup on his Instagram Story and thanked the ARMY and the staff for their efforts. “To all the staff, and proud ARMYs, Thank You,” he wrote.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5tIjGSJI_kU

In an interview with Korean media, a street cleaner confirmed the fans’ efforts. “We were tasked to clean the place by 12 o’clock, but there was no trash left,” they said.

The fans’ initiative to clean up after the event was widely praised by netizens. Photos of the clean venue went viral on social media. 

ARMY’s actions sparked a wave of positive comments online, with many expressing their admiration for what the fans did.

ARMY’s actions reflect not only their dedication to BTS but also their commitment to maintaining order in public spaces, setting a good example for fans worldwide. The 10th-anniversary celebration of BTS was proof of the band’s enduring global popularity and their fans’ maturity. The event was so well-managed that it made headlines in South Korea and beyond.

This isn’t the first time ARMY was lauded for cleanliness. In October 2022, some fans organized a fantastic event to celebrate BTS member Jimin‘s 27th birthday. They gathered at Gwangali Beach in Busan for what they dubbed a “plogging” program, an activity that combined picking up trash with jogging. A nonprofit organization called EARTH SAVE spearheaded the project. After clearing the beach of litter, ARMYs gathered for a photo session and shouted, “We purple Busan.”

Busan, being the hometown of Jimin and Jungkook, made that project more meaningful.

(Featured Image: The official BTS Twitter account run by the group’s label posted a photo of RM in Hangang Park on the day of the event. Source: Twitter/BTS’s official Twitter account)

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BTS’s Jin and J-Hope’s Friendship Just Got Cuter in Military Service

The bond shared by the members of the world-famous South Korean boy band, BTS, is well-known and cherished by their fans, called ARMY. This bond is evident in the recent interactions between members Jin and j-hope, even as they fulfill their mandatory military service duties.

On July 8th, j-hope surprised fans with a post on the fan community platform Weverse. 

Jung Hoseok enlisted as an active-duty soldier for the 36th Infantry Division in April and completed his basic training in May. He’s currently serving as an assistant instructor for new recruits at a training center in Wonju, Gangwon Province. He is set to be discharged on October 17th, 2024.

Jin, also serving his military service, accused j-hope of “copying his content” in a post titled “Hobi’s letter.” Since he enlisted last year, Jin has stayed in touch with the fans through posts and videos on BTS’s platforms. So when he saw j-hope’s post, Jin joked about the audacity of a private first class (j-hope) copying a corporal like himself. BTS’s eldest member ended with a playful warning to j-hope, saying that the latter should avoid making eye contact with him when they meet during the holidays.

The playful banter continued in another post where Jin challenged j-hope (and, by extension, their other bandmates as well). Jin said that if even one of them isn’t ranked among the Special Forces, He added that j-hope needed to achieve that distinction within the month. However, it’s important to note that Jin was only joking.

Their interactions give fans a glimpse into the close-knit and playful relationship between the BTS members. Despite their global fame and busy schedules, including their military service duties, they continue to engage with each other in a friendly and humorous manner. This camaraderie is one of the many reasons why BTS continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

In a heartfelt post on BTS‘s 10th anniversary, Jin promised fans he would come back sometime in 2024. He thanked them for their continuous love and support over the years.

As Jin and j-hope continue their military service, fans can look forward to more heartwarming and humorous interactions. These moments are a testament to the enduring bond between the members of BTS, a bond that transcends their music and resonates with fans across the globe.

Featured Image: J-hope shared never-before-seen photos of them when Jin enlisted in the army in December 2022. Source: Instagram/@uarmyhope

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Read: BTS’ J-Hope Gifts Letter to Fans on ARMY Day While Serving in the Military

How are we feeling, ARMYs? BTS rapper J-Hope surprised fans on Sunday, July 9, with an update about how he’s faring in his military service. 

In the Weverse post, J-Hope, or Jung Ho-seok in real life, shared that he’s now serving as the training instructor at the 36th Infantry Division recruit training center after completing his training. 

He continued that while he hadn’t had enough time to reach out to his fans given how busy he is with the training, he still wanted to say hello to them even if it’s only through a short message. 

J-Hope also couldn’t help but recall his memories from July of last year and compare it to how he’s spending it now. “These are two completely different sides of me but I think that they’re the same in that I’m still filled with fiery passion as I plan my future,” he wrote. 

He also promised ARMYs that whether it’s as Jung Ho-seok or BTSJ-Hope, he will continue to live his life to the fullest in whatever situation he is in. 

He ended the post by wishing good health to his fans, fellow BTS members, and military personnel. 

J-Hope began his basic military training on April 18 at the New Recruit Training Center Division A in Gangwon-do. At the time, he also assured ARMYs that he’s no longer worried about his military enlistment. 

J-Hope, who is the second BTS member to enlist, following member Jin, is expected to be discharged by October 17, 2024. 

Following BTS’ announcement in June 2022 that they’ll be taking a break, the members have focused on solo activities, with other members enlisting in the military.

Jungkook, the group’s youngest member, is the latest BTS member to have a solo release, following j-hope’s JACK IN THE BOX, Jin’The Astronaut, RM’s Indigo, and Jimin’FACE.

Featured image: BTS’ Facebook

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