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BTS RM Shares Photo with Fellow Soldiers

RM’s recent update featuring his fellow soldiers from the military has once again stirred excitement among fans, affectionately known as ARMYs, who also eagerly await any news from the BTS leader during his enlistment. Since embarking on his mandatory military service journey alongside V in December, RM has also continued to captivate hearts with his dedication and charisma, both on and off duty.

BTS Leader Kim Namjoon Shares Image Featuring Fellow Soldiers

The latest glimpse into RM’s military life came in the form of a candid picture shared on his Instagram story on February 24. In the photo, RM is seen smiling alongside a group of his fellow soldiers, all dressed in their military uniforms. The spontaneous snapshot also offers a glimpse into the camaraderie and bond shared among RM and his peers, highlighting the sense of unity and friendship that flourishes within the military community.

While RM’s enlistment only marks a temporary hiatus from his role as BTS’s leader and rapper, he has also remained steadfast in maintaining communication with ARMYs and keeping them updated on his experiences. From sharing heartfelt letters on special occasions such as the Lunar New Year to providing glimpses into his daily life through social media, RM has also continued to foster a strong connection with fans despite being away from the spotlight.

As the countdown to his discharge date on June 10, 2025, continues, fans eagerly anticipate RM’s return to BTS and the stage. In the meantime, RM’s unwavering commitment to his military duties and his willingness to share moments from his journey serve as a source of inspiration and pride for ARMYs around the world. With each update, RM also reaffirms his dedication to his country and his gratitude for the love and support of his fans, further strengthening the bond between BTS and ARMYs.

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BTS’s Jungkook Arranges to Take Care of ARMYs Visiting Gangnam Restaurant

BTS‘s Jungkook recently made headlines again. This time, it’s because of a heartwarming act of kindness towards an ARMY who visited a restaurant he had recommended.

Angoo, a popular Korea-based food and travel content creator and a proud fan of BTS, posted a TikTok of her visit to Sokurichon Cheongdam (소쿠리촌 청담), a barbecue place in Gangnam that Jungkook had frequented in the past. This restaurant has also played host to other idols like SEVENTEEN‘s Hoshi and Mingyu, as well as ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo. Their signatures adorn the restaurant’s wall.

@angootv

Jungkook bbq tour with a mini food history😎 편집하는데 배가 너무 고팠다🥓 📍소쿠리촌 청담 서울 강남구 삼성로148길 10 #bts #jungkook #btsarmy #korea #seoul #food #foodtrip #koreanbbq #koreatravel #seoultravel #맛집

♬ Vintage – Cōrt

Located at 1st floor, 10 Samseong-ro 148-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Sokurichon Cheongdam is famous for its naengsam or frozen pork belly barbecue. It also offers a variety of traditional Korean pocha snacks and side dishes. Its unique blend of kitsch and retro vibes makes dining here a memorable experience. This restaurant is ideal for romantic dates, family gatherings, or company dinners. Go here to enjoy late-night meals in a cozy, nostalgic setting. The staff’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes it a must-visit spot in Cheongdam-dong.

During her visit, Angoo ordered the same menu Jungkook had supposedly enjoyed. It included three servings of frozen pork belly barbecue, kimchi rolled noodles, and cheonggukjang, a type of soybean paste and tofu stew. She praised the dishes he ordered, commending Jungkook for ordering a perfectly balanced meal.

Jungkook treats fans well

The visit took an even sweeter turn when the restaurant’s manager informed Angoo that Jungkook had asked him to take extra care of ARMYs who visited the place. In honor of Jungkook‘s request, the restaurant treated Angoo to some amazing freebies, including makgeolli, highball, and red bean shaved ice.

The video of Angoo’s experience recently went viral on X (formerly Twitter), where fans expressed gratitude for having an idol like Jungkook who treats them so well. Many fans reiterated how much they miss the singer, who is currently serving in the South Korean military.

Jungkook and fellow BTS member Jimin enlisted under the “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. This program allows them to enlist, train, and live together for the duration of their service. They’re scheduled to be discharged in 2025. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This incident proves Jungkook thinks about ARMY 24/7. Source: X/@CalvinKlein.

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‘Sweet Home’ Star Might Replace BTS V in ‘Jinny’s Kitchen’ Season 2

TvN’s popular variety show “Jinny’s Kitchen” has been confirmed for a highly anticipated second season, bringing back the charm of its culinary adventures. The series, helmed by renowned PD Na Young Suk, promises another delightful exploration of international cuisine, this time set in Iceland. But who is replacing BTS’ V who is currently serving in the military? There are reports suggesting a”Sweet Home” star is taking over as the new intern!

‘Sweet Home’ Star Joining ‘Jinny’s Kitchen’ Season 2?

While the majority of the original cast is set to return for Season 2, including Lee Seo Jin, Choi Woo Shik, Park Seo Joon, and Jung Yu Mi, BTS member V, who participated in the first season, will be unable to join due to his ongoing military service. With V’s absence, fans eagerly awaited news of his replacement, and recent reports suggest that “Sweet Home” star Go Min Si is being considered for the role.

It is reported that filming for Season 2 is scheduled to commence in mid-March, with the cast embarking on a culinary journey to Iceland. However, amidst the excitement for the upcoming season, the absence of V left fans curious about his replacement. Enter Go Min Si, known for her captivating performance in the popular K-Drama “Sweet Home.”

Reports indicate that Go Min Si has been offered a role as an intern on “Jinny’s Kitchen,” adding her youthful energy and talent to the mix. While negotiations are still ongoing regarding her schedule, her potential addition to the cast has generated significant interest among fans.

Although TvN has not yet confirmed the casting decision, if Go Min Si joins the cast, she would bring a fresh perspective and dynamic presence to the show. As discussions continue, viewers eagerly await further updates on the lineup for “Jinny’s Kitchen” Season 2 and anticipate another season filled with culinary delights and heartwarming moments.

The first season of “Jinny’s Kitchen” captivated audiences with its unique concept of a Korean restaurant in Mexico, overseen by Lee Seo Jin and his team of talented interns. V, known for his infectious personality and passion for cooking, endeared himself to viewers as one of the interns alongside his fellow cast members.

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Fan Accidentally Registers as a Soldier While Checking App for News on BTS

A few days ago, the BTS fandom was left in stitches after a fan accidentally registered herself as a soldier in the Republic of Korea (ROK). This incident occurred when a Chinese ARMY, eager to stay updated on BTS‘s time in the military, accidentally signed up as a soldier on The Camp. 

Developed by the ROK Army, The Camp is an app that allows civilians to stay in touch with young men who have enlisted in the South Korean military for their mandatory service. Fans of celebrities who are serving use it to receive updates, share messages of support, and connect with their favorites indirectly through the app. They can also use it to track how many days a soldier has left until the end of their enlistment.

News of what happened to the Chinese ARMY quickly spread online. At the time, she had been “serving” for nearly 100 days because, try as she might, she couldn’t figure out how to delete her account or undo her registration as a soldier. On Weibo, a China-based social media platform, the Chinese ARMY shared a screenshot of the app. Instead of showing how many days the BTS members have left in the military, The Camp displayed her own “enlistment” without a recognized name.

The fandom couldn’t contain their laughter as the fan shared her predicament, seeking advice on how to get out of it. Fans found the incident endearing, jokingly noting that the Chinese ARMY would be “discharged” in “564 days.”

BTS is no longer on The Camp

As of this writing, all seven BTS members are currently serving in the South Korean military. Jin was first to enlist on December 13, 2022, followed by j-hope on April 18, 2023. Both will complete their service this year, with Jin‘s discharge scheduled for June and j-hope‘s for October. SUGA, who enlisted on September 22, 2023, as a social worker due to a previous injury, is set to be discharged in June 2025. Finally, Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V recently began their service in earnest after completing basic training. They’ll return to the music scene after 18 months.

@joan_kim30

“The Camp Mall”, a commerce channel of The Camp, sold a doll & name sign as a package using BTS members’ real names. The doll was sold at a high price of 56,000 won per unit. The agency believes that the artist’s name also corresponds to IP. In response to Hybe’s complaint, the management company of The Camp dropped its BTS-related posts and stopped selling brand name tags for artists. However, the BTS community is known to be still operating except for the name of “Official.” The camp reportedly protested that the community was created voluntarily by fans, not by the management company hybe officials said “Using IP of artists who joined the military, shakes the foundation of the entertainment industry that has invested a lot of money to discover and develop artists. We can never give indulgence just because it is a start-up” Hybe “In fact, it is a trick to continue take advantage of the promotional effect of the company leaning on BTS’ fandom and it is an expression of its willingness to continue free rides.” Meanwhile, The Camp did not make an official position by responding “We have nothing to say” ’The Camp’ is not owned by gov but by a startup company named Enable Daon Soft Co., Ltd. The service is in collab with South Korean Army with the aim of contributing to the communication between the military and society.“ The Camp is an integrated support service related to military service and military service, providing useful services for soldiers before enlisting, serving in the military, and after being discharged from the military.” (From their website) #BTS #jungkook #seokjin #jhope #rm #yoongi #taehyung #jimin #hybe

♬ Epilogue: Young Forever – BTS

Even if the Chinese ARMY hadn’t accidentally signed up as a soldier, she wouldn’t have been able to keep tabs on them using the app. Following a conflict involving BTS’s Intellectual Property (IP) rights, The Camp removed the BTS members from its “Recommended Star Soldier” list. HYBE Corporation had issued a warning against the app’s organization on January 9, 2024. They demanded the app adhere to IP regulations and the company’s privacy policies.

This incident highlights the lengths to which fans will go to stay connected with their idols, even if it means accidentally joining the military in the process. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This fan must really miss the boys! Source: Asian Fixations.

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BTS’s Jungkook Wins ‘The Male Artist’ Award at the 2024 PCAs

On February 18, 2024, BTS‘s Jungkook bagged the Male Artist of the Year award at the 49th People’s Choice Awards. The ceremony, which took place in Santa Monica, California, was a night to remember. The Barker Hangar rang with applause and cheers for all who won awards. Hosted by actor Simu Liu, the event was broadcast live on NBC and E! News. A live stream available on Peacock allowed fans to witness the proceedings in real-time.

Jungkook was nominated in four categories, including Pop Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, and Collaboration Song of the Year. His Male Artist of the Year victory was particularly significant as he became the first Asian to win that particular category at the People’s Choice Awards. He beat out artists like Bad Bunny, Drake, his “3D” collaborator Jack Harlow, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and The Weeknd. This win underscores his popularity, as fan votes determine the outcome of the People’s Choice Awards.

BTS Jung Kook and Stray Kids win People’s Choice Awards

Jungkook continues to make an impact

Fans expressed their joy on social media, congratulating the “Standing Next to You” singer for making history yet again. This victory follows Jungkook‘s win for Collaboration Song of the Year at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards for his song “Left and Right” with Charlie Puth. That means BTS’s golden maknae has two consecutive People’s Choice Awards wins under his belt. It’s remarkable that even as Jungkook serves in the South Korean military, his impact on the international music scene remains strong.

Looking ahead, Jungkook earned nominations in four categories at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on April 1, 2024. He’s up for Best Music Video, Favorite Debut Album, K-Pop Artist of the Year, and K-Pop Song of the Year. Unfortunately, because he’s off in the 5th Infantry Division with fellow BTS member Jimin, he won’t be performing at the ceremony. But that’s fine because Jungkook has a good chance of winning at least one of those awards anyway. Who knows, if the stars align, he could win all four! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook left top artists in the dust and made history at the same time. Source: X/@calvinklein.

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BTS’s Jimin Earns Nine Wins at the Dabeme Music Awards

On Monday, February 19, BTS‘s Jimin won big at the Dabeme Music Awards 2024, an awards ceremony that honors artists based on fan votes. Conducted online annually, the Dabeme Music Awards revealed their list of winners, much to the delight of fans. Jimin won all nine awards he was up for.

From being named Artist of the Year to being recognized for the dedication of his fans, Jimin‘s haul of trophies this year has filled fans with pride. These achievements are particularly significant as they occur while Jimin is serving in the South Korean military, making the accomplishment even more memorable for fans. Although he’s currently off in the 5th Infantry Division, he continues to rack up awards for his music—a remarkable feat.

Jimin released his first solo mini-album, FACE, on March 24, 2023. The six-track collection had “Like Crazy” as its title track. The album allowed Jimin to stretch himself creatively, especially in terms of his vocal ability. The fact that there are no collaborations on it enables the album to stand as a testament of Jimin’s talent as a soloist. “Like Crazy” and its English version—which also made the album—captivated fans worldwide, becoming Jimin’s first solo No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart.

DABEME MUSIC AWARDS 2024 – WINNERS

Jimin won awards as a soloist too

Therefore, when Dabeme Pop unveiled the winners of its recent awards ceremony, fans were thrilled to see Jimin win awards as a soloist. But he didn’t earn plaudits only for his solo work. His collaborations also received nods from voters. 

Jimin‘s wins at the Dabeme Music Awards included Artist of the Year, Collaboration of the Year for “VIBE” with Taeyang, Fandom of the Year for PJM, K-Pop Album of the Year for FACE, and K-Pop Idol of the Year. Meanwhile, his work on “Like Crazy” earned him Song of the Year, K-Pop Video of the Year, and Video of the Year.

Jimin‘s success at the Dabeme Music Awards 2024 not only highlights his talent but also the support of his fans. Despite being a relatively new soloist, he has already set numerous records and won many awards, with these nine recognitions from the Dabeme Music Awards being the latest. Winning these awards through fan votes is particularly meaningful, showing that even in his absence, the love and support of his fans remain as strong as ever. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin came out on top in nine categories. Isn’t that impressive? Source: X/@JiminGlobal.

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BTS’s j-hope Dropping New Documentary and OST Album Soon

BigHit Music recently unveiled plans for Hope on the Street Vol. 1, a special album that j-hope worked on before enlisting in the South Korean military. This announcement sparked excitement across social media. ARMYs are eagerly awaiting the tracklist, especially amid rumors that Huh Yunjin from LE SSERAFIM recorded a duet with j-hope for the album. While BigHit Music remains tight-lipped about this and other details, fans’ anticipation only grows as the release date approaches.

X/@bts_bighit

However, the album is just one part of a larger endeavor. Alongside Hope on the Street Vol. 1, j-hope will release a six-part docuseries titled Hope on the Street. Through this series, viewers will get to go on a journey with j-hope as he travels to New York, Osaka, Paris, Seoul, and his hometown of Gwangju.

According to a press release from his agency, the idol’s goal is to “communicate with local dancers through movement.” BigHit Music describes both the album and the docuseries as deep dives into dance, which lies at the core of j-hope‘s artistic identity. The promotion schedule and teasers for these projects have since been released.

X/@bts_bighit

A taste of what’s to come

j-hope first teased this project during an appearance on SUCHWITA, the drinking show hosted by his fellow BTS member SUGA. On the July 18, 2023, episode of the show, he talked about the docuseries and album. He hinted that the digital single he released back in March, “on the street (with J. Cole),” was a taste of what’s to come.

“There’ll be new content about my life called Hope on the Street. It’ll be about my dancing and my story,” he said at the time. “The dancing scene is bigger than you think. It just hasn’t risen up to the surface. But if you really dig into it, there are many talented people and it’s a huge market. I experienced that personally. Although I didn’t go to a lot of cities, I traveled the world and filmed with plenty of amazing dancers. That documentary will come out in 2024. It’s literally like its name, Hope on the Street. It’s just j-hope dancing on the street.”

j-hope ‘HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1’ on delivery

A journey with j-hope

The first episode of Hope on the Street will premiere on March 28. It’ll be available on Amazon Prime for international fans and TVING for Korean viewers. New episodes will drop every Thursday and Friday, offering an intimate look at j-hope‘s journey through dance and his interactions with dancers across the globe.

Since debuting with BTS in 2013 as the group’s main dancer, j-hope has impressed fans worldwide with his dedication and talent. He joined the military on April 18, 2023, and will be discharged on October 17, 2024, after which he can greet fans in person once again. Until then, ARMYs will have to content themselves with seeing the world of dance through his eyes via Hope on the Street. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BigHit Music announced the release of the album and docuseries around the time of j-hope’s birthday. Source: X/@ABSCBNNews.

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StarNews Calls BTS’s Jimin ‘King of iTunes’

BTS‘s Jimin has once again demonstrated his global influence by setting a remarkable record on the iTunes charts. His digital single “Closer Than This,” released as a heartfelt gesture to fans before his military enlistment, soared to the top spot on the Russian iTunes Top Songs Chart on February 10, achieving number one in 116 countries. This achievement has solidified Jimin‘s status as the only artist in the world to have four songs reach number one on the iTunes Top Songs Chart in more than 116 countries and regions, marking a historic first in iTunes history.

Jimin‘s track record includes “Like Crazy,” the first song by a Korean solo artist to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart, and the tvN drama OST “With You,” which achieved an all-kill in 119 countries. Additionally, his solo track “Filter” from BTS’s fourth Korean-language album Map of the Soul: 7 reached number one in 118 countries. Now, “Closer Than This” has further extended his record with a number one in 116 countries.

#ThisIsJimin 정말 많이 사랑합니다 우리 아미💜 #지민 #Jimin #자정각👀

Jimin holds a unique record

Moreover, with “Set Me Free Pt. 2” from his debut solo album FACE topping the charts in 113 countries, his collaboration track “VIBE” with Taeyang in 102 countries, and the theme song “Angel Pt. 1” for the movie Fast X in 100 countries, Jimin holds a unique record of having a total of seven songs that have reached number one in over 100 countries on iTunes. This unparalleled achievement has led South Korean media outlet StarNews to call him the “King of iTunes.”

“Closer Than This” has also achieved significant success on other major music platforms, surpassing 88 million streams on Spotify, the world’s largest streaming platform, 16.4 million on the domestic music streaming platform MelOn, over 16.85 million views on YouTube, and has been searched for 90,000 times on the global music search site Shazam. Jimin‘s widespread popularity and the love he receives from fans around the world across various platforms both domestically and internationally are a testament to his enduring appeal and talent. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: No one does it like Jimin! Source: X/@ARMYonSpotify.

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Calvin Klein Reportedly Spent 10M USD on Jungkook’s New Ad

Calvin Klein’s new ad for their Spring/Summer 2024 collection took social media by storm upon its release on February 14. The seven-second ad, set to the tune of Iggy Pop’s 1977 single “The Passenger,” features BTS’s Jungkook moving and grooving through Grand Central Station. Normally one of the busiest places in New York City, the station was empty on the day of filming. Calvin Klein reportedly paid approximately 10 million USD to close down the station just so Jungkook could film in peace.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) acquired Grand Central Station for 33 million USD in May 2020. Anyone wishing to film on the premises must obtain permission from the MTA. The process involves completing an application. Only then will the MTA and Metro-North Railroad grant permission for the space to become a filming set. Sources indicate that the cost of shutting down the station for filming could range from 5 million to 10 million USD. This is due to the expenses per hour and additional costs like permits, estimated at around 500,000 USD.

Jungkook was spotted filming something at Grand Central Station in New York

News of Calvin Klein‘s actions sparked significant buzz on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many admired the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence, which spurred them to invest a substantial amount of money to ensure Jungkook‘s ad would turn out great.

Learn more about Grand Central Station in the video below.

Grand Central Terminal Walking Tour

Calvin Klein sees it as a worthwhile investment

The ad itself features Jungkook looking stylish in an oversized black half-sleeved shirt and black jeans, with the shirt unbuttoned to reveal his chiseled torso. A silver chain complemented his outfit. The ad ends with Jungkook beside a piano in the middle of Grand Central Station, with the location’s iconic clock in the background.

Jungkook‘s participation in this high-profile ad campaign comes just after his enlistment in the Republic of Korea Army on December 12, 2023, where he has been assigned to the 5th Infantry Division. He’s expected to return to the entertainment industry in June 2025, alongside fellow BTS member Jimin. Jimin enlisted with Jungkook on December 12, 2023. They signed up for the South Korean military’s “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system, allowing them to train and live together for the duration of their service.

The fact that Calvin Klein was willing to spend so much money on Jungkook‘s campaign indicates they see it as a worthwhile investment. After all, despite his absence from the entertainment scene due to military service, Jungkook remains overwhelmingly popular. The brand will surely recoup their investment thanks to his star power. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Calvin Klein’s investment paid off handsomely, don’t you think? Source: Instagram/@calvinklein.

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Jungkook Heats Up Valentine’s Day in New Calvin Klein Ad

On February 14, 2024, Calvin Klein unveiled a new ad campaign featuring BTS‘s Jungkook, capturing hearts worldwide on Valentine’s Day. The campaign video, set in New York’s iconic Grand Central Station, showcases Jungkook‘s charisma and style, aligned with the brand’s Spring/Summer 2024 theme of self-assurance, fun, and allure. Iggy Pop‘s 1977 classic “The Passenger” plays in the background, adding a timeless vibe to the seven-second snippet that quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter).

Jungkook has been a brand ambassador for Calvin Klein since March 2023. His previous campaigns, including the 2023 Fall collection, have generated significant revenue for the American brand. Following the announcement of Jungkook as the face of Calvin Klein, the stock prices of its owning corporation, PVH Corp, saw a remarkable 20% increase. This highlights the immense impact of his endorsement.

In the monochrome video, Jungkook is seen wandering through a deserted Grand Central Station. He’s wearing a black shirt—unbuttoned to reveal his muscled torso—paired with matching jeans and a silver chain around his neck. He casts smoldering looks at the camera while descending an escalator and sauntering towards a piano in the middle of the station. This underscores the campaign’s edgy yet sophisticated aesthetic.

Jungkook set social media ablaze

The video set social media ablaze, with fans and followers lauding Jungkook‘s charisma and visuals. Comments like “He’s back to set our hearts on fire” reflect the excitement over the idol’s latest work. This reaction is partly because Jungkook has been serving in the South Korean military since December 2023. Active-duty soldiers can only use their phones at specific times. Ergo, fans don’t hear from him as often as they used to.

Despite his absence, BTS’s golden maknae continues to influence and inspire. Releases like this will whet ARMYs’ appetites for Jungkook content until he’s discharged in June 2025. Before his return, the older BTS members will make their respective comebacks to the entertainment scene. Jin is expected to return in June 2024 and j-hope in October 2024.

This campaign serves as a reminder of Jungkook’s enduring star power, even as he fulfills his national duties. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This was one of several photos the brand posted after the video went viral. Source: Instagram/@calvinklein.

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