Category: BTS

Bangtansonyeondan—more popularly known as BTS—is a South Korean boy band who debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE). The group comprises seven members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Together, they have become one of the world’s most popular and successful music groups, with a devoted fan base known as the “ARMY.”

BTS first gained attention in South Korea with their debut single “No More Dream,” but it wasn’t until their hit song “Blood Sweat & Tears” that they truly broke through to the mainstream. Since then, they have released many successful albums, including “Love Yourself: Tear,” “Map of the Soul: 7,” and “BE (Deluxe Edition).”

One thing that sets BTS apart from other K-pop groups is their dedication to creating music with meaningful lyrics. Many of their songs address social issues, such as mental health and self-love, and the group has earned a lot of praise for their positive influence on young people.

In addition to their music, BTS is known for their energetic and visually stunning live performances. They have toured extensively, performing in arenas and stadiums worldwide, and have won numerous awards for their concerts.

BTS has also made a name for themselves outside of the music industry. They have been featured in several magazines, including Rolling Stone and Time, and have appeared on famous US talk shows such as The Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The success of BTS has made them role models for many fans, and they are known for their philanthropy and charitable work. Together with UNICFE, they launched their Love Myself campaign in 2018 to promote self-acceptance and end violence against children and young people.

BTS is a global phenomenon that has significantly impacted the music industry and beyond. Their talent, dedication, and positive message have earned them a massive and loyal fan base that continues to grow each day.

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BTS’s “Butter” Races Back To No. 1 On Billboard Hot 100

BTS Butter photo concept. Photo: BigHit_Music/Twitter

Butter, BTS’s digital single of summer 2021, has officially returned to the top spot on Billboard Hot 100. The song has now spent 10 weeks at the summit, giving RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook another major achievement.

Butter has always been a mainstay on the Billboard Hot 100, comfortable in the Top 10 since its release. The single would then rise back up to Number 1 whenever BTS drops a new remix, such as the recent release of the BTS x Megan Thee Stallion Butter remix. The first time it left the top spot was when the Bangtan Boys’ own song, Permission to Dance, took over.

Also read: Conversations with BTS and Coldplay’s Chris Martin on YouTube’s Released

The BTS x Megan Thee Stallion “Butter” remix was released on August 27 after the American rapper appealed for its release. Megan had previously revealed that her label was against the version’s release, so she filed a petition asking for emergency relief. A judge ruled in favor of the Houston-born musician, allowing the song’s release.

The release of the Butter Megan Thee Stallion remix had encouraged ARMYs and Hotties to continue supporting the single. The effort ensured the song’s return to the top spot on Billboard Hot 100, and BTS was eager to reward their fans.

Behold, the amazing return of 3J.

On Wednesday, the BTS dance line dropped the “Butter” Megan Thee Stallion remix Special Performance Video. The sweet treat featured J-Hope, Jimin, and Jungkook showing off their swoon-worthy moves, to the tune of everyone hopint that 3J is here to stay.

Butter also drew 12.2 million radio airplay audience impressions this week, in addition to the 10.7 million U.S. streams and 143,000 downloads sold last week. The song is now expected to continue dominating the charts and sales, thanks to the relentless support of ARMYs and Hotties.

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Conversations With BTS and Coldplay’s Chris Martin on YouTube’s “Released”

Special BTS interview with Coldplay's Chris Martin on YouTube's Released. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube

This week, ARMYs and Coldplay fans can look forward to a special episode of YouTube’s “Released.”

BTS confirmed that they will appear in a special episode of “Released,” YouTube’s weekly music series, right before the premiere of  their “Permission to Dance (Shorts Challenge Ver.)” Coldplay frontman Chris Martin will interview the septet, with the video airing on September 9, 11:45 p.m. ET (September 10, 12:45 p.m. KST).

The trailer for BTS “Released” starts with RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook greeting their fans. BTS leader Kim Namjoon then confirms that they will chat with Chris Martin. ARMYs can look forward to hearing straight from the boys about the “Permission to Dance” challenge, featuring people worldwide dancing to the group’s second English-language song. The original song debuted in July, replacing their own song “Butter” as the No.1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Watch the “Released featuring BTS with Chris Martin” teaser here:

https://youtu.be/xTgI9-cjunE

It’s an interaction that ARMYs and Coldplay fans have been waiting for since early 2021. In February, BTS covered Coldplay’s “Fix You” on MTV Unplugged. Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman, and Will Champion were impressed with the rendition, calling BTS’s performance “beautiful.”

Bookmark the official “Permission to Dance” (Shorts Challenge Ver.) premiere party and video drop here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hgWG5gtZJg

Will your “Permission to Dance” short submission make it to the official video? Catch YouTube’s Released featuring BTS with Chris Martin on September 9, 11:45 p.m. ET (September 10, 12:45 p.m. KST), followed by the “Permission to Dance” (Shorts Challenge Ver.) worldwide premiere.

In the meantime, rewatch BTS’s “Permission to Dance” music video while waiting for the challenge premiere here:

Bonus: Here’s BTS’s chilling performance of Coldplay’s Fix You at MTV Unplugged.

Featured image: Special BTS interview with Coldplay’s Chris Martin on YouTube’s Released. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube
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You Quiz on the Block: 4 Most Memorable Guests

IU on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: 유 퀴즈 온 더 튜브/YouTube

On the September 1 episode of You Quiz on the Block, the legendary girl group Girl’s Generation reunited—finally—after four years since their last activities as eight. Viewers were regaled with new stories as the girls reminisced of their 14 years as the nation’s leading girl group. Now, if you’re looking for other outstanding episodes of the show, here are other personalities that have made Yoo Jaesuk and Jo Seho’s program a must-watch:

1. IU

The Nation’s Sweetheart is definitely a fixture in Korean contemporary pop culture – she’s a singer, she composes some of the songs, has a constant presence in ads and product endorsements, not to mentioned she has also acted on both television and even on film. But one thing she hasn’t done much is giving interviews, so much so that even if she had been involved in a number of scandals and controversies especially in the earlier years of her career, the public is still left wanting more, hoping to know her better.

So, it came as no surprise that her You Quiz on the Block guesting just in April this year to promote her album Lilac eventually became one of the show’s highest-rating episodes. She did not disappoint at all as she revealed quite a lot during the interview, including her struggles with self-hatred that she reflected in the songs she composed. As for her acting career, she admitted feeling a lot of commonalities with her character in the drama My Mister, which a lot of people considered too dark, although many were impressed with her performance.

2. Gong Yoo

When Gong Yoo went to You Quiz on the Block to talk about his film Seobok late last year, people were reminded why he continues to be one of the most well-loved personalities in Korean showbiz. Actually, he started off by claiming that he, as Gong Jichul (his birth name), is just a normal person whose personality doesn’t stand out and whose life is not as extraordinary as Gong Yoo the actor. He adds that this may be the reason that he likes being an actor – because he gets to play more exciting characters who are braver and get to do things that he may not have the courage to act on in real life.

The actor also commented on his co-star Lee Dongwook, who sent a snack and coffee truck to the location where the interview was conducted. He claimed that the Grim Reaper to his Goblin is a smart one who wanted to hit three birds (i.e., endearing himself to Gong Yoo and the two hosts) with one stone by sending the coffee truck. He further commented that his friend is a real fox, referring to Lee Dongwook’s role as gumiho (a mythical nine-tailed fox) in Tale of the Nine-Tailed.

Finally, Jo Seho also played a recording of Gong Yoo reading a Korean translation of Australian poet Erin Hanson’s Not, in relation to the episode’s theme of “How to Live.” If you still weren’t swooning at the man, the poem reading was definitely the final guarantee you will.

3. Ju Jihoon

Kingdom lead actor Ju Jihoon made sure no stone was unturned to make his guest appearance in You Quiz on the Block as memorable as possible. The guest wore a leather jumpsuit to the interview, leaving the two hosts in awe of their guest’s fashion statement, with Jo Seho left commenting, “Just wow.” The Princess Hours star is still somehow getting used to his newfound fame as the face of Netflix’s hit show Kingdom that when he was asked how it feels to be an international star, he answered “I feel bitter.” After everyone in the audience laughed, he corrected himself by saying that he actually meant he feels dazed about the experience of international stardom.

Netflix’s Kingdom is what the actor considers his second wind in his acting career. After experiencing a phenomenal rise to his popularity with his debut performance in Princess Hours, his career immediately took a blow after he was found guilty of drug use in 2009. After enlisting in the military and making moderately successful comebacks, his career experienced a major resurgence with the two Along With the Gods movies, followed by his role in Kingdom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAHQuZC2hu4&t=175s

4. BTS

Of course, this list will not be complete without acknowledging the March 24, 2021 appearance of the world’s biggest musical group, BTS. After all, the show dedicated a full episode to feature the fabulous seven only, not dividing the show with other personalities like it usually does. The group revealed several details of their struggles when they started in the music business as they faced several obstacles, from shoddy treatment when they guested in variety shows to sharing one bedroom and one bathroom for seven people. Jimin even had a long-standing (albeit one-sided) feud with V about who gets to sleep on the upper deck of the bunk bed they shared.

A majority of ARMY may know BTS since DNA or Spring Day eras, but as far back as 2016, the group was still facing a number of challenges despite already slowly gaining an international following. Suga and Jungkook narrated that they were mistreated in variety shows, although they were not sure if those encounters were done in jest or if there was some sort of malice on them. In the 2016 Busan One Asia Festival, their live performance was eventually cut from the TV broadcast. Imagine if a TV station were to do this now? There would be protests in front of the TV station the same day for sure.

Who have been your favorite guests on You Quiz on the Block? We hope the show features more legendary interviews on future episodes.

Featured image: IU on Yoo Quiz on the Block. Photo: 유 퀴즈 온 더 튜브/YouTube
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Is BTS’s Butter the Undisputed Song of the Summer?

BTS's Butter Special Performance music video. Photo: BANGTANTV/YouTube

It looks like ARMYs and our Bangtan Boys are getting more reasons to celebrate this September, in addition to Jungkook’s birthday, RM’s birthday, and the confirmation of BTS In the Soop 2.

BTS’s chart-topping 2021 single, “Butter,” has been unwavering on the Billboard charts since its release in May 2021. It debuted at number 1 on the Hot 100 and has now melted its way to Billboard’s Songs of the Summer 2021 chart (11 consecutive weeks as of chart dated September 4, 2021). If the BTS hit is still on the summit when the running tally ends next week, it will be declared Billboard’s undisputed Song of the Summer 2021.

“Butter” is the group’s second English-language song, following Dynamite. It consistently held on to the top spot of Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks since release, before their own song “Permission to Dance” took over. “Butter” is now on its 14th week on the same chart, currently placing seventh.

The global K-pop icon released multiple versions of the song, such as a Butter Hotter remix..

a Butter Cooler one..

And a Butter noraebang (karaoke) version.

Recently, the BTS x Megan Thee Stallion “Butter” remix also dropped.

Following its debut, various shows have invited the Bangtan Boys to perform Butter live. Watch BTS on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon..

BTS on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert..

And BTS on SiriusXM.

BTS has also performed Butter live at the Billboard Music Awards 2021.

 

“Songs of the Summer” was an unofficial title, but both Billboard and MTV have added it to their institutions. In 2020, Blackpink’s “How You Like That” won MTV’s Songs of the Summer title, while “’Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande led Billboard’s Songs of the Summer that year.

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ARMYs and Hotties Rejoice for BTS x Megan Thee Stallion Butter Remix

BTS shows how important ARMY is for them in Butter MV. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube

BTS x Megan Thee Stallion “Butter” remix is finally out!

The latest “Butter” remix was dropped on Friday, August 27, but not without controversy. Right before its release, Megan Thee Stallion reportedly needed to file a petition in a Texas court asking for emergency relief so she can release the track. According to the multi-grammy awarded rapper, her record label 1501 Certified Entertainment didn’t approve the remix’s release.

The good news is that a judge ruled in favor of Megan Thee Stallion, to the delight of ARMYs and Hotties worldwide. Both fandoms immediately ensured that the remix receives all the attention it deserves.

https://twitter.com/btschartdata/status/1433104659531669508

Megan Thee Stallion also posted her own “tiktok like the boys,” to everyone’s joy.

The original version of the digital single debuted at the number one spot in Billboard’s Hot 100. It is also now enjoying its 11th consecutive week on the Songs of the Summer 2021 chart (dated September 4, 2021), with one more week left before it can be declared as the undisputed Song of the Summer 2021.

Watch BTS’s Butter here:

Featured image: BTS shows how important ARMY is for them in Butter MV. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube
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BTS In The Soop Confirmed For Season 2 This October

BTS In The Soop confirmed for S2. Photo: INTHESOOP_TV/Twitter

It’s time to return for more happy, quiet moments in the forest: The seven boys of BTS are going back to the soop (숲; the Korean word for forest) for In The Soop 2.

The official In The Soop Twitter account shared the news with a teaser poster. Although the release date was not revealed, it is confirmed that In The Soop BTS ver. Season 2 will air in October 2021.

ARMYs were delighted when BTS In The Soop 2 was officially announced. Many fans admitted that they have been looking forward to it since the previous one concluded. While it is a reality show, most ARMYs were just thrilled with the idea of seeing RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook enjoying the time they have for themselves, away from their busy schedules and usual worries of the world.

The first season of In The Soop followed the idol group as they spent several days in a beautiful remote lakehouse in Gangwon-do Chuncheon.

The reality series gave the Bangtan Boys some time to recharge, unwind, and enjoy their time together, with nature as their setting. It consists of eight episodes that were an instant hit with ARMYs worldwide. Here we witnessed Jungkook prepare jjapaguri, V trying to unlock the door with his “passcodes” Lajibolala and Rock Bison, and Jimin clear the dishes and even play ping-pong in his hanbok. It was the same BTS reality show where we saw RM paint, Jin fish, and Suga panic to get his music equipment. Most moments with J-Hope, on the other hand, are shared sweetly with each member as he took the time to bond with them. Particularly heartwarming is when, on his drive with Taebear, they ate sandwiches packed by Taehyung’s eomma.

In The Soop was such a success that it spawned another reality show featuring the group’s HYBE labelmates SEVENTEEN. In The Soop SEVENTEEN ver. is currently being broadcast on JTBC and Weverse.

While we wait for the official broadcast date of BTS In The Soop Season 2, let’s watch the official teaser featuring our favorite Bangtan Boys.

Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Featured image: BTS In The Soop confirmed for S2. Photo: INTHESOOP_TV/Twitter

 

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ICYMI: Jungkook Welcomes Birthday on VLIVE, Composes Song on the Spot

Jungkook welcomed his 24th birthday with ARMY on VLIVE. Photo: BTS/VLIVE

“Happy birthday to me!”

Around an hour before his birthday, Jungkook just surprised ARMYs with a VLIVE broadcast. Being the soondoongie that he is, he had a mini-concert and asked ARMys to send him comments which he then turned into an insta-song.

J-Hope, his Hobi Hyung, also made a special appearance and brought him his birthday cake.

He then sang a few more songs and connected with ARMY before capping his birthday concert, thanking everyone for the 축하해/happy birthday.

As of writing, Jungkook’s birthday Vlive has been played at least 21 million times and “liked” with at least 2.4 billion hearts. #HappyBirthdayJungkook is also trending on Twitter, with more than 1 million tweets in less than 3 hours after midnight (KST) of September 1.

Watch the replay of Jungkook’s birthday broadcast on VLIVE here and check out how ARMYs worldwide are celebrating Jungkook Day from North America to Europe and across Asia.

Featured image: Jungkook welcomed his 24th birthday with ARMY on VLIVE. Photo: BTS/VLIVE
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Celebrating BTS’s Bunny Jeon Jungkook

Jungkook's BTS Festa 2021 photo sketch. Photo: BTS (방탄소년단)/Facebook

Each year before September 1, ARMYs across the globe make intricate plans to celebrate the golden maknae of BTS: Jeon Jungkook.


2021 is no different even with strict lockdowns in place. In South Korea, the K-pop act’s home, a themed custom-made themed cruise ship will sail on the Han River in Seoul. As of writing, his birthday ads are already up in one of South Korea’s subway stations.

There are also bus wraps, train wraps, and flower paths:

In the US, ARMYs can immerse in three floors of art exhibit dedicated to Jungkook at Lightbox in Manhattan, NY. There are also cafe events in both New York and Chicago. From August 30 to September 5, “Happy Jungkook Day” will flash on multiple billboards in Times Square, while ARMYs in Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand will see nothing less than large-scale digital billboards.  There are multiple cafe events, PR trucks, and mall ads in Japan. In Europe, digital billboards in Paris and Spain, and subway ads in the UK will make it known to the world that September 1 is Jungkook Day.

Fans have also been actively donating to charity on Jungkook’s behalf, raising over $10,000 as of writing. ARMYs in the Philippines is collaborating with Liter of Light, a non-profit organization, to create a solar artwork visible from the sky. They have pledged to donate the solar lights from the event to communities without proper electricity. In China, where he has the strongest fanbase (credits to Baidu JEON JUNGKOOK BAR) art classes will be held on his behalf in the hopes of helping kids get closer to their dreams.

The list does not even include offline activities yet, and still, it goes on. How ARMYs celebrate his birthday keeps getting grander each year, too. A profession of love from a fanbase that is as phenomenal as the group. Evidently, nothing can come between ARMY and Kookie, or any BTS member for that matter.

Where is all the love for BTS’s bunny coming from?
Jeon Jungkook: Golden maknae to adorable bunny and back to being lit on stage

BTS has always been praised for their duality, and it’s hard not to notice it on Jungkook who never disappoints. From being smooth, soft, and hot within seconds in Butter:

to being BTS’s representative when it comes to girl group dances

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlHQb9ygjGY
J-Hope and Jungkook dancing to Red Velvet on Star Show 360


BTS dancing to K-pop girl group dances on Weekly Idol

and back to being fierce and adorable at the same time in Permission to Dance:

Off the stage, the golden maknae shows that his heart is more golden. Many ARMYs find it adorable how Jungkook called his mom in Run BTS:

(Bonus: It’s the same episode where Kookie’s eomma affectionally said saranghae, the Korean for I love you, to Jimin).

And equally adorable how Suga’s dad calls Jungkook, “Soondoongie” (순둥이), which translates to naive, pure, or very gentle person. A testament of his character whether on the stage or irl.

And who can forget Jungkook’s crying incident with Jimin?

BTS’s guesting on Yoo Jae Suk’s Yoo Quiz on the Block showed a more intimate side of Kookie:

“By confronting things and suffering from it, I was able to build my current self. So I am thankful for the members for criticizing, teaching, and always taking care of me.” – Jeon Jungkook

And even when confronted, he gets bashful:

Beneath his strong hip thrusts, muscles, and powerful vocals lies the true Jungkook: A kind-hearted softee raised by BTS.

Just look at him with his new pet, the now-famous chicken from the set of Daechwita.

 

Beyond the stage, Jeon Jungkook gives all of us more reasons why it’s easy to love him. Trite but true: More than being BTS’s golden maknae, his golden personality is what stands out.

Happy birthday, Kookie!

Bonus: Enjoy this clip of Jungkook bunny for BTS’s Halloween dance practice 2016 (21st Century Girl)

Feature image: Jungkook’s BTS Festa 2021 photo sketch. Photo: BTS (방탄소년단)/FacebookBTS (방탄소년단)/Facebook
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Five Boy Group Stages You Should Watch

BTS performs On at the Grand Central Terminal for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Photo: Live Nation Chicago/Facebook

Looking for amazing live performances so you can calibrate your standards. Here are five performances to start you with. Take note that the following were not considered to keep the options limited:

  • Performances in year-end concerts and music awards shows that are usually medleys 
  • Performances in a group’s own concerts
  • Collaboration stages with two or more groups

B2ST’s Memorable and Beautiful Night in Gwanghwamun

Only a few idol groups can boast of having performed in Gwanghwamun Plaza. An iconic Seoul landmark that boasts of monuments to Admiral Yi Sun-sin (remember the 2014 epic movie The Admiral: Roaring Currents?) and King Sejeong (of hangul fame), the public square has been immortalized in the 2009 KBS hit series Iris, where a long gun chase scene was filmed. And if you are an ELF, you may have listened to Kyuhyun’s debut song, At Gwanghwamun countless times. But although the area has been designed and renovated for cultural events, no idol group has had the chance to perform in it. 

That all changed in 2012 when B2ST filmed their comeback performance of Beautiful Night for Inkigayo in Gwanghwamun Plaza. On July 26 at 11 PM (an hour short of midnight, which may be a nod to their EP’s title, Midnight Sun), an estimated crowd of 4,000 fans flocked to the square to see Junhyung, Dongwoon, Yoseob, Gikwang, Doojoon, and Hyunseung stage a guerilla performance with the historic gate as their background. It was a beautiful night, indeed as the group’s performance on the makeshift stage gave a similar feel as the song’s MV, which showed them performing before an American crowd in a US location.

With their Gwanghwamun live stage, B2ST not only successfully proved themselves as one of the most popular groups of k-pop’s second generation, but also cemented themselves in the annals of Korean pop music history. 

The World Revolves Around BIGBANG

What can you say about BIGBANG, a group that treats each and every live stage performance like it’s part of their concert? Brash, high-energy, and loud are some words you can always use to describe their live stages. But when it comes to their ballads, how do they perform them? With intimacy and a lot of charisma, obviously. In the 424th episode of M Countdown, G Dragon, TOP, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri performed Loser very intimately, in a circular revolving stage, surrounded by VIPs loyally waving their yellow lightsticks. Watch this performance and dare say you’re not at the least impressed with their live performing skills. 

VIXX’s Shangri-La Remix at the 2017 MBC Music Festival

A list of memorable live stages would not be complete without the Concept Kings. VIXX has established themselves as a group that executes every single concept with so much slay that Starlights can only consider themselves the luckiest fandom in all of k-pop. Duality of darkness and light? Check with Hyde and subsequent Jekyll stages. A dark concept bordering on horror? Check with Voodoo. Sci-Fi futuristic love story? Check with Error. Polished but bordering on risque with chains and bondage? Check with Chained Up. Sexy nobility with aggressive hip-thrusting? Check with The Scentist. 

But nothing has been more iconic as a VIXX concept, at least in the aesthetic sense, than 2017’s Shangri-La. Six sexy men dancing in flowing robes? Check. Six sexy men dancing with fans? Check. Cherry blossom background? Check.  Each and every live performance of Shangri-La is simply beautiful to watch, and the 2017 MBC Music Festival performance with the group adding remix portions to the song only meant more dance breaks and aesthetic elements. As soon the group closed their fans and executed their ending pose, every viewer was left wanting more while being thoroughly satisfied. 

BTS puts ON a Show in Grand Central Terminal

How else can a groundbreaking group perform a historic song than staging a live performance in one of the world’s most iconic locations? And that’s exactly what BTS did when they performed the lead single off their album Map of the Soul: 7 in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. 

When the seven perform ON with dancers doubling as a post-apocalyptic drumline, even those who haven’t enlisted themselves as ARMY would surely appreciate this single-take live stage. As most, if not all of us, are quite spoiled with the work done by Korean music show camera operators, we may have a couple of items to critique with the American show’s shots, as some members get cut in some moments, but our nitpicking obviously doesn’t diminish our appreciation of this historic performance.

Thanks to SEVENTEEN

If you’re looking for excellent live stages, you can never go wrong with SEVENTEEN. Any and every single SEVENTEEN live stage is guaranteed to give you the best choreography, vocals, fashion, synchronization, and overall energy. And all of these factors are perfectly embodied in their comeback performance of Thanks on M Countdown in February 2018. 

The live vocals are flawless, the sharpness of the intense movements can cut anyone, the perfect balance between precision and flair of the transitions are glorious, and THE FORMATIONS! No words to describe the hard work displayed by the program’s cameramen in showcasing the group’s beautiful formations. The cuts from zoomed-in shots of some members to panoramic shots to overhead shots that show the formations in full effect are breathtaking. The 9.3 million views the video has gotten is a testament to the beauty of this masterpiece.

Watching these performances shows the amount of work and dedication our idols put into their live stages. A single performance is a result of countless hours of practice and vocal recording sessions all members subject themselves to.  And we haven’t even mentioned legendary performances from SHINHWA, Super Junior, EXO, and Infinite, to name a few. Here’s to more exciting live stages to come!

Feature image: BTS performs On at the Grand Central Terminal for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Photo: Live Nation Chicago/Facebook
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10 Must-Watch K-pop Idol Variety Shows Online

BTS/VLIVE

Content is king, and idols know it! 

Nowadays, K-pop idols don’t just guest at variety shows, they also star on their own! Having their own programs lets idols share more about themselves to fans, as well as give the fans an inside look at their daily lives. 

Here are some of your favorite idols’ online variety shows you can binge on: 

Run BTS (2015 – present) 
Starring: All BTS members 

What it’s about: The world’s biggest K-pop boy group has their own weekly variety show where they take on missions and play games to win prizes or avoid punishments. In the program, the boys unleash their fun, goofy, and cheeky selves on camera, much to the delight of all ARMYs around the world. With almost 150 episodes as of August 2021, there is more than enough BTS content for fans to watch! 

Where to watch: VLive, Weverse 

24/365 with Blackpink (2020 – present) 
Starring: All Blackpink members 

What it’s about: 24/365 lets Blinks into the lives of Blackpink. The show features the members as they chill in their dorm, shoot their music videos, play games, attend group and individual schedules, learn new skills, and more. The program is currently in its first season and has 16 uploaded episodes. 

Where to watch: Blackpink’s YouTube channel  

NCT Life (2016 – present) 
Starring: All NCT members 

What it’s about: It’s hard to keep up with a massive 23-member group, but NCT Life will help you get to know all the members better! Throughout its 10-season run, the show follows the lives of all members as they travel to different cities and countries. Several seasons also featured the NCT members acting as tour guides for their fellow members.  

Where to watch: NCT’s VLive channel 

Red Velvet Level Up! Project (2017 – 2020) 
Starring: All Red Velvet members (seasons 1 – 3), Irene and Seulgi (season 4)

What it’s about: The girls of Red Velvet take Reveluvs on a trip around the world with them in Level Up! Project. The show currently has four seasons; however, only the most recent one featuring Irene and Seulgi can be viewed outside of South Korea. 

Where to watch: SM C&C YouTube channel

SuperM M-Topia (2021)
Starring: All SuperM members 

What it’s about: SM Entertainment’s supergroup, SuperM, is made up of EXO’s Baekhyun and Kai, Shinee’s Taemin, and NCT’s Taeyong, Ten, Lucas, and Mark. In 2020, they starred in their own variety show, M-Topia, where they go on a special vacation to relax and bond. During the trip, they also try different missions and avoid booby traps in the games to build their teamwork.

Where to watch: SM C&C YouTube channel

EXO Ladder (2018 – 2019)
Starring: EXO-CBX (Season 1), All EXO members except Lay (Season 2)

What it’s about: Officially titled “Travel the world on EXO’s ladder,” the show features the members as they go on a trip, and what they will do on their journey is determined by the ladder game (used to help choose something at random). In the first season, the EXO-CBX sub-unit (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) went to Japan; in the second season, all members (except Lay) took a trip to Taiwan. 

Where to watch: SM C&C YouTube channel

EXO Arcade (Season 1 2018 – 2019; Season 2 2021) 
Starring: All EXO members except Lay (Season 1); Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun (Season 2) 

What it’s about: On this show, EXO-Ls get to watch their favorite boys compete against one another in various games—from shouting in silence to the Mafia game. Winners get prizes such as snack foods, while losers receive a penalty from the winners. 

Where to watch: VLive, SM C&C YouTube channel

Time to Twice (2020 – present) 
Starring: All Twice members

What it’s about: Twice members bring on the laughs and their competitive streaks with Time to Twice! Each short season (around 5-6 episodes long) takes on a different concept, such as a noraebang (karaoke) battle, healing camping trip, high school, crime scene—and even chocolate factory! 

Where to watch: Twice’s YouTube channel

Twice TV (2015 – present)
Starring: All Twice members 

What it’s about: Twice TV follows the Twice members as they go about their daily lives—album recording, music video shooting, and more. There’s more than 200 episodes to watch, so you won’t run out of vids to binge! 

Where to watch: Twice’s YouTube channel

Going Seventeen (2017 – present) 
Starring: All Seventeen members 

What it’s about: Going Seventeen is an ongoing web series featuring the 13-member boy group Seventeen. The show began in 2017 as a vlog-style program featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the group’s activities. In 2019, it transitioned into a variety/game show series, which saw the boys take on different challenges such as bungee jumping, going to escape rooms, completing an inflatable obstacle course race, and more. 

Where to watch: Seventeen’s YouTube channel, VLive

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