Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Jin Earns a New Military Badge to Add to His Uniform

BTS’s Jin has earned another new badge while serving in the South Korean military. As of this writing, he has several badges to his name, each a testament to his commendable performance as a soldier. His badges are proof of the significant contributions he has made to his unit since he enlisted almost two years ago. Jin began his military service on December 13, 2022, at a front-line boot camp located near South Korea’s border with North Korea. He’s currently with the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Fans found out about Jin’s new badge thanks to Park Rokdam, head of the Korean Traditional Liquor Research Institute. Rokdam took to Facebook to share a photo of the K-pop superstar brewing traditional Korean liquor while wearing his uniform. Jin’s “Worldwide Handsome” features, combined with the intense aura he radiated while concentrating on the task, sparked enthusiastic reactions on social media.

@rulessxx

[D-56] I’m so proud of you Sergeant Kim Seokjin!!💜©nightstar1201 (on X) jin seokjin #kimseokjin #bts #btsarmy #fypシ #xyzbca #foryoupage

♬ i wanna i wanna ridee – user

The badges on Jin’s uniform include the following. First, he has the daehanminguk yuk-gun or 대한민국 육군 (Republic of Korea Army) badge, which signifies that he’s serving in the military. Next, he wears the jo-gyo or 조교 (Assistant Drill Instructor) badge, which reflects his role in training new recruits. He also earned the teukgeup jeonsa or 특급전사 (Special Warrior) badge after proving his exceptional combat and physical prowess. Lastly, the byeongjang or 병장 (Sergeant) badge refers to Jin’s rank as a senior non-commissioned officer.

His newest badge appears to be a division-specific award recognizing his exemplary performance as an Assistant Drill Instructor. Although the exact details of the badge’s significance are unavailable as of this writing, ARMYs couldn’t contain their enthusiasm and pride upon learning of Jin’s latest achievement.

[CHOREOGRAPHY] Jin of BTS ‘슈퍼 참치’ Special Performance Video

Jin continues to make his presence felt

Even while serving in the military, Jin continues to make his presence felt in the music scene. 

His self-composed solo track “Super Tuna” has made significant waves in the music world, amassing over 108.5 million streams on Spotify as of 4:00 PM on May 16. Originally available only on SoundCloud and YouTube, the track was officially released across all streaming platforms in October 2022. It went to No. 1 in 54 countries, with the latest being Azerbaijan in January. The “Super Tuna” special performance video broke records by topping YouTube’s popular music videos chart for 16 straight days, breaking Psy’s record. To date, it has garnered 95 million views on YouTube.

Abyss by Jin

Meanwhile, “Abyss,” which he composed and released in 2020, secured the number one spot on the iTunes Top Songs chart in 26 countries, including Azerbaijan, the Dominican Republic, Latvia, Micronesia, and Portugal.

Jin will reportedly release new material after his discharge from the South Korean military on June 14. He will be followed by j-hope on October 17, SUGA on June 21, 2025, RM and V on June 8, 2025, and Jimin and Jungkook on June 9, 2025. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: As an idol, Jin collected awards; as a soldier, he’s collecting badges. Way to go, Jin! Source: X/@Earmy_Spain.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Fans Flock to ‘MONOCHROME’ Pop-Up Store

Last month, BTS kicked off an event titled MONOCHROME, with pop-up stores scheduled to appear in cities across Asia and the US. The first store opened on April 26 in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, and closed its doors on May 12. After enthralling fans in BTS’s home country, the MONOCHROME pop-up store will go to Tokyo, Jakarta, Bangkok, Los Angeles, and Manila, offering ARMYs a unique opportunity to connect with their favorite K-pop group through interactive experiences and special merchandise.

On a bustling Saturday afternoon, fans demonstrated remarkable patience, some enduring wait times of up to eight hours to enter the pop-up store. One dedicated fan shared her experience of waiting for hours just to gain access. “This is my second visit. The first time, I arrived at 2:00 PM and entered at 7:00 PM. Today, I arrived at 10:00 AM, and we entered around 2:00 PM. It’s quite a wait, but definitely worth it,” gushed Ines, a 25-year-old fan from Portugal.

The interior of the pop-up offered a nostalgic journey through BTS’s history, featuring previously unreleased black-and-white photos of the group, taken before they enlisted. Upon entering, fans received a special luggage tag. They then stepped into a space that resembled a warehouse, complete with wooden boxes and parcels arranged around conveyor belts. Before leaving, fans could also get a certificate from a booth beside the exit as a souvenir of their experience.

[Onsite Report] BTS highlights close ties with fans via Monochrome pop-up store

The relationship between BTS and their fans

Aashni, a 20-year-old ARMY from Britain, was all smiles as she left the pop-up. “Back in my country, it’s not as open and friendly about fan culture, whereas here, I can meet people in the same situation, all here to support BTS. The overall experience has been so positive,” she said happily. “If you’re an introvert like I am, you might have to force yourself to try it, but I managed to chat with different people and the conversation just carries on. It’s really nice.”

The MONOCHROME concept revolves around “memory clouds,” which are said to hold memories of the times BTS and their fans have shared, both good and bad. These memories are preserved in bottles, an approach the band first utilized during their BTS 4TH MUSTER [Happy Ever After] fan meeting back in 2018. The MONOCHROME pop-ups will expand on this theme, distributing the memory clouds to a global audience.

As all seven members of BTSRM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—are currently serving in the South Korean military, the pop-ups serve as a poignant reminder of the relationship between BTS and their fans. With the septet set to reunite next year, the pop-ups are a perfect way to whet ARMY’s appetite for BTS-related content until all the members are discharged. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This Jimin fan brought her Chimmy toy with her when she visited the pop-up on its last day in Seoul. Source: X/@brendayee.

Categories
BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS RM Drops Pensive MV for ‘Come back to me’ Pre-Release Track

On May 10, the K-Pop community was sent into a frenzy as RM, the illustrious leader of BTS, treated fans to a tantalizing sneak peek of his forthcoming solo album ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’. At precisely 1 p.m. KST, RM unveiled “Come back to me,” a pre-released track that offers a glimpse into the thematic depth and sonic innovation awaiting listeners.

BTS Leader RM Returns with ‘Come back to me’ MV

“Come back to me” isn’t just another song; it’s a mesmerizing journey through the realms of indie pop, interwoven with RM’s introspective musings on the dichotomy of right and wrong. The collaboration with Oh Hyuk of HYUKOH adds an extra layer of allure, infusing the track with a distinctive sound and lyrical prowess that resonates deeply with audiences.

As the title suggests, “Right Place, Wrong Person” promises to delve into the intricacies of fate, choice, and the eternal quest for self-discovery. RM’s artistic vision shines through not only in the music but also in the album’s overarching theme, offering listeners a poignant narrative that transcends mere entertainment.

RM Makes The Wait for His Return Much Easier

The announcement of RM’s solo comeback has ignited a global wave of anticipation, with fans eagerly marking their calendars for the album’s release on May 24 at 1 p.m. KST. BIGHIT MUSIC‘s official unveiling of the album details on April 26 set the stage for what promises to be a monumental moment in RM’s solo career and BTS’s collective legacy.

For ARMYs, RM’s solo endeavors represent more than just music; they signify a celebration of artistic autonomy and creative expression. With each teaser, concept photo, and promotional event, excitement mounts, underscoring the profound connection between RM and his devoted fanbase.

As the countdown to “Right Place, Wrong Person” intensifies, the air is thick with anticipation, as fans brace themselves for an unforgettable musical odyssey. RM’s solo album isn’t just an album; it’s a testament to resilience, growth, and the unwavering bond between artist and audience—a bond that transcends language, culture, and geographic borders.

In the days leading up to the album release, the world holds its breath, poised to embark on a transformative journey through the melodic tapestry of RM’s soul. And when the clock strikes 1 p.m. KST on May 24, millions will press play, ready to be swept away by the magic of “Right Place, Wrong Person”—a masterpiece in the making, courtesy of one of K-Pop’s most visionary talents.

Categories
BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BIGHIT MUSIC Follows Up on Legal Proceedings Concerning BTS’s Rights

BIGHIT MUSIC’s recent update regarding the legal proceedings concerning BTS reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the group’s members in the face of targeted attacks and defamation.

BIGHIT Shares Update on Legal Proceedings Involving BTS Members’ Rights

In their statement released on May 2, BIGHIT MUSIC reiterated their firm stance against defamatory activities aimed at BTS, signaling the gravity of the situation and their determination to address it head-on.

“Our agency decided that the recent movement spreading false rumors and information has become excessive and announced previously that a separate law firm would be engaged to address these matters decisively.

“Thus, we have identified and compiled several posts containing misinformation aimed at defaming and slandering the artists and filed the initial round of criminal complaint to law enforcement agencies today (May 2). This compilation includes posts that were systematically uploaded then deleted as well as posts from authors who have since deleted their accounts. We will persist in our legal proceedings through continuous monitoring and gathering of evidence.

“We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for filing civic and criminal complaints against individuals who attempt to tarnish the reputation of our artists by spreading malicious falsehoods. We will offer no leniency or settlements, ensuring that offenders are appropriately punished without exception.”

The decision to pursue legal action underscores the severity of the organized campaigns aimed at tarnishing BTS’s reputation, highlighting the insidious nature of misinformation and malicious intent in the digital age. By publicly addressing these issues, BIGHIT MUSIC is not only standing in solidarity with BTS but also sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

In addition to their proactive approach to legal proceedings, BIGHIT MUSIC’s enlistment of an additional law firm speaks to their commitment to bolstering their legal defenses and actively combating harmful content. The strategic move further strengthens their ability to navigate complex legal matters and pursue justice on behalf of BTS.

Furthermore, BIGHIT MUSIC’s emphasis on real-time monitoring underscores the urgency with which they are addressing the situation, recognizing the need for swift action to counteract malicious activities before they escalate further. By diligently gathering evidence of defamatory postings and rumors, BIGHIT MUSIC is positioning itself to take decisive measures against those responsible, holding them accountable for their actions and ensuring that BTS’s rights are upheld.

Overall, BIGHIT MUSIC’s proactive stance and comprehensive approach to addressing the targeted attacks on BTS demonstrate their unwavering dedication to protecting the group’s well-being and preserving their reputation amidst challenging circumstances. As they continue to navigate the legal proceedings, BIGHIT MUSIC remains steadfast in their commitment to defending BTS and safeguarding their rights in the face of adversity.

Categories
BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BIGHIT Takes Legal Action Against BTS Defamatory Activities

BIGHIT MUSIC’s latest announcement to take legal action against defamatory activities underscores the gravity of the situation surrounding the targeted attacks on BTS, also signaling a proactive stance to safeguard the rights and dignity of the group’s members. The surge in organized campaigns aimed at tarnishing BTS’s reputation reflects a disturbing trend in the digital age, where misinformation and malicious intent can spread rapidly and inflict real harm.

BIGHIT To Take Action Against BTS Defamatory Activities

By publicly addressing these issues and taking concrete steps to address them, BIGHIT MUSIC is sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The decision to enlist the support of an additional law firm also demonstrates the company’s commitment to bolstering its legal defenses and actively combating the proliferation of harmful content.

The company’s emphasis on real-time monitoring also highlights the urgency with which they are approaching this matter, recognizing the need for swift action to counteract malicious activities. By gathering evidence of defamatory postings and rumors, BIGHIT MUSIC is also positioning itself to take decisive measures against those responsible, holding them accountable for their actions.

Crucially, BIGHIT MUSIC’s declaration of a zero-tolerance policy sends a strong signal to perpetrators that there will be consequences for their actions. By refusing to entertain leniency or settlements, the company is also reaffirming its dedication to upholding the integrity and well-being of BTS and its members, prioritizing their rights above all else.

In an industry where artists often face intense scrutiny and relentless public attention, BIGHIT MUSIC’s commitment to protecting BTS also sets a precedent for responsible management and advocacy for artists’ rights. As BTS continues to inspire millions worldwide with their music and message, it is imperative that they are afforded the respect and dignity they deserve, free from unwarranted attacks and defamation.

Categories
BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS RM Drops Solo Album Scheduler Despite Military Enlistment

It looks like RM is determined to serve his country and the world this year. BIGHIT MUSIC has announced that the BTS leader will be releasing a solo album despite military enlistment. Now, Kim Namjoon has dropped an official schedule for the upcoming release.

BTS’ RM Announces Solo Album Release in May Despite Military Enlistment

BTS’s RM has set the K-Pop world abuzz with the thrilling announcement of his second solo album, “Right Place, Wrong Person,” slated for release on May 24 at 1 p.m. KST. With BIGHIT MUSIC officially unveiling the exciting news on April 26, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating RM’s latest musical offering.

As anticipation mounts, RM has treated fans to a glimpse of what’s to come by releasing the promotion schedule for his forthcoming album. The meticulously crafted roadmap offers fans a tantalizing preview of the exciting events leading up to the album’s highly anticipated release.

‘Right Place, Wrong Person’ Scheduler Unveiled

The promotion schedule serves as a roadmap, guiding fans through a series of carefully curated teasers and announcements designed to build anticipation and excitement for “Right Place, Wrong Person.” From concept photo releases to tracklist reveals and MV teasers, each milestone in the promotion schedule offers fans a deeper insight into RM’s creative vision and musical direction for his solo project.

RM’s solo endeavors have consistently captivated audiences with his introspective lyricism, innovative production, and thought-provoking themes. With “Right Place, Wrong Person,” fans can expect nothing less than a musical journey that transcends boundaries and resonates on a deeply personal level.

Beyond the music itself, RM’s solo comeback represents a momentous occasion for ARMYs, who have eagerly supported and celebrated his artistic pursuits alongside BTS’s collective endeavors. As the promotion schedule unfolds and excitement reaches fever pitch, the countdown to RM’s solo album release is officially underway, promising a musical experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on fans around the globe.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s RM Announces Second Solo LP ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’

He and the rest of his bandmates may be serving in the South Korean military right now, but BTS’s RM made sure that his fans wouldn’t forget about him. How could they, when he and his label BigHit Music just announced that his second solo album Right Place, Wrong Person will drop on May 24?

According to BigHit Music, the album is an embodiment of who RM is as a solo artist. Like the other albums and singles he released on his own, it will be distinct from the material he released as part of the septet. The label encouraged fans to watch out for and support this new batch of material from the 29-year-old rapper.

“Your anticipation and support for RM and his second solo album Right Place, Wrong Person would be much appreciated,” said BigHit Music in a statement.

The album is described as falling within the alternative genre, featuring a rich sound coupled with frank and honest lyrics. RM has been heavily involved in the creative process, contributing to the lyrics for every track. The themes of the album touch on universal emotions, particularly the feelings of being an outsider or not fitting in. That will surely make it a hit among those who have felt the same way at one point or another.

RM vs. NewJeans?

The timing of this announcement coincides with some controversy in the K-pop industry, notably an ongoing feud between ADOR’s CEO Min Hee Jin and parent company HYBE, the music conglomerate that BigHit Music is also part of. Previously, HYBE stated that the issues between the company and Min Hee Jin wouldn’t affect NewJeans’ comeback in any way.

NewJeans will continue activities as planned, with the new music video released on the 27th and their double singles to be released in May and June. We will do our best so that the comeback activities aren’t hindered and released on time,” the agency wrote.

However, RM’s album is now slated for release on the same day that NewJeans is set to return to the music scene with their own new material. Hours after BigHit Music’s announcement, a promotion schedule for Right Place, Wrong Person popped up on the label’s X (formerly Twitter) account.

Excitement and concern

In 2015, RM released his debut solo mixtape titled RM, and in 2018, he followed that with Mono, his second mixtape. Mono reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200. In 2022, he released his first studio album Indigo, which saw contributions from renowned artists like Anderson .Paak and Erykah Badu. Indigo achieved a peak position of No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Over the course of his career, RM has worked with several notable artists, including Fall Out Boy, Gaeko, Krizz Kaliko, Lil Nas X, MFBTY, Primary, Wale, Warren G, and Younha.

RM enlisted in the South Korean military in December 2023. After completing basic training, he became a saxophone player in the military band. He’s set to be discharged sometime in 2025.

As the K-pop industry gears up for Right Place, Wrong Person, there’s excitement for RM’s new music and concern about the timing of its release. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Check out the interesting art BigHit Music posted on SNS when they made the announcement earlier today. Source: X/@haruharu_w_bts.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

AERA Held a Magazine Publishing Exhibit Featuring BTS’s Jimin

AERA, a well-known Japanese weekly magazine, recently hosted an exhibit titled The Making of a Magazine. At the exhibit, attendees got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production of its issues, including the April 2023 issue featuring BTS’s Jimin on the cover. This event took place at the COVER library in Tokyu Plaza Harajuku Harakado from April 17 to April 23.

The April issue, released shortly after Jimin’s debut solo album FACE,included a stunning 12-page spread that captured the hearts of ARMYs worldwide. The photos, taken by acclaimed photographer Mika Ninagawa, made the spread even more appealing.

Mika, the daughter of famed theater director Yukio Ninagawa, rose to prominence in the late 1990s as part of Japan’s “Girly Photo” movement. She made her directing debut with the film Sakuran in 2007, followed by the music video for AKB48’s “Heavy Rotation” in 2010. Mika’s signature style of bright, saturated colors and dynamic compositions, which gave the video a lively, eye-catching visual feel, was evident in Jimin’s spread in AERA. The collaboration between Jimin and Mika resulted in visually arresting photos where Jimin, dressed in a mauve pink blazer, was surrounded by a lush floral backdrop.

Jimin is one of K-pop’s most beloved figures

The exhibit gave fans an immersive, informative look at how magazine publishing works. It included a series of displays that explained how the AERA staff puts every issue to bed, shedding light on the entire process from start to finish. Entry to the exhibit was free, which allowed many to experience the magic of magazine publishing and the charm of one of K-pop’s most beloved figures.

One of the highlights was a display featuring previously unreleased photos and videos from Jimin’s cover shoot. Behind-the-scenes content from photoshoots with other artists, including popular figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, J-pop groups BE:FIRST and INI, and soloist Hiromitsu Kitayama, also had spots in the exhibit. Finally, for those curious about what it’s like to appear in AERA, there was an interactive mirror photo wall where attendees could experience being on the cover of the magazine.

This event celebrated the art of magazine publishing and proved how influential and popular Jimin truly is. Pre-orders for the April 2023 issue soared, topping charts on major Japanese online platforms like Amazon Japan and Net7 even before its official release. The exhibit allowed Jimin’s fans to feel his presence even as he’s serving in the South Korean military. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Don’t you wish you could’ve gone to the exhibit? Source: Instagram/@aera_net.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Jungkook Starts an Instagram Account for His Beloved Dog Bam

BTS’s Jungkook has returned to Instagram in an unexpected yet endearing fashion. Last year, to the dismay of ARMYs worldwide, he deactivated his personal Instagram account. However, he recently announced on Weverse that he had signed up for a new account—not for himself, but to showcase his beloved dog. 

BTS fans first met Jungkook’s doberman, Bam, during season two of the reality show In The SOOP. Bam was introduced as a new member of Jungkook’s family in the series, which premiered on October 15, 2021.

Jungkook and Bam Moments – BTS In The SOOP 2 EP 1

With the handle @bowwow_bam, the account describes Jungkook as “Bam’s dad” in the bio. It also features a cute, playful pun, “Have a good BAM,” which cleverly uses the Korean word “bam.” This word means “night” and is written as “밤” in Hangul. Jungkook’s new Instagram account offers fans a glimpse into his interactions with Bam, shedding light on a more personal side of BTS’s youngest member.

Bam is so adorable that he became an instant star on the platform. Since its inception, Bam’s Instagram has amassed over 900,000 followers in less than a day. The account has seven posts to date, all of which show Bam either posing like a model or proving that he’s just as athletic as his dad. ARMYs couldn’t help but gush about Bam in the comments, with one calling him “a handsome kid” and saying Jungkook must be proud of him.

Should Jungkook limit who can leave comments?

Sadly, not every comment is that nice or polite. While many enjoy being able to communicate with Jungkook indirectly through Bam, others have used the comments section to press the BTS member to issue statements on global issues. Some want him to speak up about the Israel-Palestine conflict, specifically regarding HYBE Labels’ ties to music executive Scooter Braun, who has been accused of Zionism. Others have left awful comments, which contrast sharply with the wholesome content of Bam’s posts.

This prompted fans to suggest that Jungkook adjust the settings of Bam’s Instagram account to limit who can comment on his posts. That’s what the other BTS members did with their accounts; they only allow people they follow to leave comments on their photos and videos.

But overall, the response to Bam’s presence on Instagram is largely positive. ARMYs are hoping that the awful comments won’t turn Jungkook (and Bam) off the platform entirely. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The BTS maknae clearly has so much love for Bam. Source: Pinterest.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s j-hope Poses for Photos at ROK Military Music and Honor Guard Festival

On April 12, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army held the 2024 Military Music and Honor Guard Festival at the 36th Infantry Division in Gangwon-do. That day, BTS’s j-hope, who is currently serving as one of the division’s assistant instructors, became the center of attention. The festival, which featured military bands and honor guards from various divisions, highlighted j-hope’s popularity not just in the music scene, but also within the military.

Dressed in his military uniform, j-hope engaged enthusiastically with those who attended the event. He posed for photos with everyone who asked. He also displayed humility and respect for his fellow soldiers when he bowed to them. Photos and videos from the event, capturing him with male and female personnel from different military units, made the rounds on SNS. 

He earned significant attention and praise from ARMYs and locals alike. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to celebrate the HOPE ON THE STREET star, using terms like “Captain Korea,” “main character,” and “Our Sunshine” to describe his impactful presence. They also called j-hope “Superstar of the ROK Army.”

j-hope continues to make waves

Since enlisting on April 18, 2023, j-hope has quickly adapted to military life. Aside from serving as an assistant instructor for the 36th Infantry Division, he was also named a special forces soldier. He also earned an early promotion to the rank of sergeant due to his proficiency in first aid and marksmanship. j-hope was also praised for his performance as a platoon leader last year.

j-hope continues to make waves in the music scene, even while he’s away in the military, thanks to previously recorded content that’s only now being released. His latest album, HOPE ON THE STREET VOL. 1, coincided with the debut of his reality show by the same name. This album quickly climbed to the top of the US Section of the Hanteo National Charts in the second week of April. It achieved a composite index of 7320.78 points.

The premiere of j-hope’s documentary HOPE ON THE STREET at midnight on March 28 was followed by the album’s release at 1:00 PM on March 29. The buzz continued with the launch of a pop-up store on March 30, where j-hope personally made an appearance. He posted a series of photos at the venue on Instagram.

Fans went wild when they saw that photo because such posts from the BTS members are rare these days due to their ongoing military service. Fortunately, j-hope stans won’t have to wait long to see him in the flesh again, as he’s set to be discharged this October. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: j-hope displayed charm, kindness, and humility at the festival. Source: X/@jhopesuperstar_.

Exit mobile version