Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Watch: Infinite Returns With ‘New Emotions’

INFINITE releases the album '13EGIN'. Credit: Twitter/INFINITE

K-pop boy group INFINITE is off to a fresh start with the release of their seventh mini-album 13EGIN. 

INFINITE unveiled on Monday, July 31, the six-track EP, which carries the lead single “New Emotions.” 

 

13EGIN — a play between 13 and begin — symbolizes the group’s 13th debut anniversary. 

Additionally, it’s also the group’s first release since INFINITE successfully transferred the trademark rights of their group’s name from their previous label Woollim Entertainment. 

In May, it was confirmed that the rights are now held by INFINITE Company, the agency established by the six members. The group’s leader Kim Sunggyu reportedly heads the agency. 

 

INFINITE last made a full group comeback five years ago, with the release of their third studio album TOP SEED in 2018. The act, however, put out the digital single “Clock” in 2019.

Since then, the members – Sunggyu, Dongwoo, Woohyun, Seungyeol, L, and Sungjong –  have all left Woollim Entertainment, pursued solo careers, and carried out their military services. 

After the release of the album, INFINITE will hold a concert tour called COMEBACK AGAIN. Its international tour stops include Taipei and Macau.

Originally a seven-member act, Hoya left the group in August 2017. INFINITE is best known for their songs “BTD,” “Be Mine,” “Paradise,” “Man In Love,” “The Chaser,” and “Nothing’s Over.”

Featured image: INFINITE releases the album ’13EGIN’. Credit: Twitter/INFINITE

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K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Epik High’s Tablo Gets Real About Daughter Haru Collecting K-Pop Photocards, Albums

Epik High's Tablo poses for a photo with daughter Haru. Credit: Instagram/Haru

It seems like even veteran singer Tablo of Epik High can’t escape the K-pop collecting culture as he revealed that he almost got broke buying albums and photocards for his daughter Haru! 

Tablo was the guest in the July 28 episode of Jae Friends, a web show hosted by soloist Kim Jaejoong. In there, the two stars talked about how Hallyu wave grew over the years. 

 

The two started talking about how they first met, recalling how they both debuted in 2005. Tablo was with Epik High, while Jaejoong was under TVXQ, before he left the group and its agency SM Entertainment in 2009. 

 

Their conversation then transitioned to how K-pop is right now, wherein Tablo revealed that he knows a lot of recent songs. 

However, the rapper-songwriter couldn’t help but whine over one aspect: how expensive K-pop  is. 

Tablo on Haru’s fangirling 

The Epik High singer then joked that he almost went broke because he has spent a lot on buying K-pop merchandise for his daughter Haru. 

“To be honest, I need to get something from this industry. The amount of money I’m spending on K-pop,” he said. 

Jaejoong then asked Tablo what K-pop groups Haru is a fan of. To which, he replied that she’s following BTS, Stray Kids, and SEVENTEEN. 

“She likes so many idol groups. Seriously, I’m not kidding. I have like a bunch of CDs. The employee selling the albums, that person could recognize who I am,” he shared. 

 

Additionally, Tablo pointed out the number of versions that albums have right now and their cost. He even teasingly blamed Jaejoong and TVXQ for making it a trend. 

“You guys have started that. You guys were the first one. But the stone you guys slightly rolled, it now became a huge rock. There are 20 versions just for one album,” he said. 

 

Meanwhile, Jaejoong was surprised at Tablo’s remarks, saying that fans could listen to the music on streaming platforms instead. “Is it necessary to buy a CD?” he asked. 

Tablo then quipped that it’s because he has to buy the photocards included in the album. “It’s also from you guys. Everything’s all because of you guys. With the amount of albums I’ve bought until now, I almost went bankrupt,” he said.  

The exchange quickly went viral on social media, with many fans agreeing to Tablo’s sentiments. Some also found it cute how supportive he is of Haru’s hobby, and shared that they’re curious about her K-pop merchandise collection. 

 

But in response to a tweet, Tablo jokingly implied that the merchandise might be for himself. “Funny that people think the photocards collection is for Haru,” he wrote. 

 

Haru is the 13- year-old daughter of Tablo with his wife Kang Hye Jung. Tablo previously appeared in the variety show The Return of Superman when Haru was still younger, but they left the show in 2014. 

Featured image: Epik High’s Tablo poses for a photo with daughter Haru. Credit: Instagram/Haru Lee

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Here Are the Members of SM Entertainment’s New Boy Group Riiize

SM Entertainment introduces the members for their new boy group RIIZE. Credits: Instagram/RIIZE

This is not a drill: SM Entertainment has finally introduced the members of their highly-anticipated new boy group RIIZE! 

The agency launched the group’s official Instagram account on Tuesday, August 1, wherein they introduced the official seven members of RIIZE. 

 

RIIZE is composed of Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Won Bin, Seung Han, So Hee, and Anton. 

Based on the member profiles posted, Shotaro and Eunseok are both 22 years old, Sunchan and Won Bin are 21, while Seung Han, So Hee and Anton are all 19.

Shotaro and Sungchan were former NCT members who were removed from the group in May.

SM Entertainment’s CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk explained that the two, together with SMROOKIES Eunseok and Seunghan will be part of a new boy group instead. 

RIIZE will be SM Entertainment’s first boy group in seven years following NCT. The agency’s latest group to debut was the female act aespa. 

What we know about RIIZE so far

According to SM Entertainment, RIIZE is a combination of the words “rise” and “realize.” 

The group is aiming for a September debut, but there’s no final details yet. The agency also said that RIIZE is currently wrapping up the filming of their music video. 

Additionally, SM Entertainment earlier revealed that the group’s musical genre will be “emotional pop.” They also teased that RIIZE will write “a new chapter of music history.” 

Meanwhile, other photos and information for RIIZE and its members will be unveiled on August 4. 

Known as one of the leading K-pop agencies, SM Entertainment is also home to acts such as TVXQ, Super Junior, SNSD, SHINee, EXO, and Red Velvet. 

Currently, the label will also form the last unit of NCT through the talent competition series NCT Universe: LASTART. 

Featured image: SM Entertainment introduces the members for their new boy group RIIZE. Credits: Instagram/RIIZE

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

How to Deal With Adversity, According to BTS’ Jungkook and SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu

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

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

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

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

Mingyu on the power of perseverance

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

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

‘97-liners, best buds for life

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

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


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

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Why the Thought of Lollapalooza 2022 Makes TXT’s Soobin Emotional

In a surprising revelation, Choi Soobin, the leader of the K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER, shared his emotional journey during their historic performance at the 2022 Lollapalooza in Chicago. This performance marked the first time a K-pop group had graced the Lollapalooza stage, making it a significant milestone for the whole industry.

TXT Live at Lollapalooza 2022 (Full Performance)

While the performance was a success, Soobin‘s experience was not as joyous as one might expect. In the Disney+ documentary, TOMORROW X TOGETHER: Our Lost Summer, Soobin confessed to feeling isolated and unsatisfied with his performance. Contrary to his members who described the day as their happiest since their debut, Soobin admitted to crying in his hotel room after the show.

Soobin‘s candid confession has shed light on the pressures and expectations that come with being a performer. He expressed how hard it was for him to let go and enjoy himself on stage, especially when there were no dance moves to guide him. He felt awkward and isolated, unable to meet his own high standards.

Despite these feelings, Soobin remained dedicated to his fans. He expressed his desire to earn the love and support of the fans through his performances. Even when he felt he wasn’t receiving the response he hoped for, Soobin continued to give his all in every performance. His commitment to his fans was evidenced by his promise to always work hard. He saw that as the best way to express his love for them and repay them for their support.

Soobin received support from fans

Soobin’s admission elicited an outpouring of support from TXT’s fans, known as MOA, aka Moments of Alwaysness. Not only did they commend him for his honesty and vulnerability, but they also told him they would stand by his side no matter what. Soobin’s confession deepened his relationship with his fans and highlighted the human side of being a K-pop idol.

In the face of these revelations, TXT is set to return to Lollapalooza in Chicago, this time as the first K-pop group to headline the American music festival on August 5. As fans eagerly await their return, they carry with them a deeper understanding and appreciation of the emotional journey that Soobin goes through behind the scenes. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Soobin normally puts on a brave face for the fans, but sometimes he can’t help but get emotional. Source: Twitter/@csbpics.

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Jo Yuri Drops Concept Photos for Mini Album, Comeback Single “Taxi”

K-pop star Jo Yuri—who rose to fame as IZ*ONE’s big-voiced main vocalist—is building anticipation for her second mini album LOVE ALL. She’s been dropping one set of concept photos after another on social media. The latest image, featuring a silhouette atop a yellow car against a yellow backdrop, is just one of the many intriguing visuals she has released.

Check out the first set of concept photos she posted. As you can see, she’s wearing two different dresses. She even donned a pair of angel wings in one of the photos.

Next, she unveiled a set of lovely, dreamy concept photos. These images showed her clad in a furry coat and surrounded by flowers, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere.

In addition to these, Jo Yuri also released concept photos featuring pink and blue themes. In these images, she is seen lounging amidst pink posters and donning a fluffy blue dress, further adding to the diverse visual narrative of LOVE ALL.

Jo Yuri and the Metaverse

The NFT store hellobot worked with her to release these concept photos. They’re part of a larger campaign to engage fans. The fact that Jo Yuri is working with hellobot indicates a shift towards integrating more metaverse content into her future promotions. This is a trend that many artists are embracing, and it’s exciting to see Jo Yuri at the forefront of this movement.

The release of these concept photos is part of a broader strategy to generate excitement for her upcoming album. Jo Yuri has been steadily releasing teasers and concept photos, each one offering a new glimpse into the themes and aesthetics of ‘LOVE ALL’.

Jo Yuri is setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting release. With her creative concept photos and innovative use of metaverse content, she’s not just promoting an album—she’s creating a whole experience. To her credit, it’s working. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of LOVE ALL, which is set to drop on August 9 at 6:00 PM KST. The anticipation is palpable, and these latest concept photos only add to the excitement.

Her acting work

Aside from her new music, Jo Yuri is also gearing up for Squid Game 2. Released in 2021, the first season, quickly became a global sensation. When word got out that she had been cast in season two, videos showcasing her acting prowess began circulating on social media. 

Last year, Jo Yuri made a cameo appearance as a high school student in Work Later, Drink Now 2. While her time there was brief, she impressed viewers with her delicate emotional expressions. 

In May, Jo Yuri caught attention when she imitated the facial expressions of Park Yeon Jin from The Glory. Her acting ability impressed the netizens who watched her.

Consequently, expectations are soaring regarding her new projects. If you stan her, buckle up. The next few months will be an exciting ride for you. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is her most intriguing teaser so far. Source: Twitter/@JOYURI_offcl.

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Watch: Thunder’s Heartfelt Proposal for Mimi

MBLAQ's Thunder proposes to longtime girlfriend Mimi. Credit: YouTube/KBS Entertainment

Although the fans’ response to idols getting married have improved in recent years, it’s still rare to see these K-pop stars getting real about their relationship to the public. 

That’s why many fans of MBLAQ’s Thunder and gugudan’s Mimi couldn’t help but be touched by how the idol couple chose to be open about how their proposal transpired. 

The heartwarming moment between the couple was captured through the July 27 episode of the variety show Second House 2. 

Veteran actor Choi Soo Jong lent a hand in preparing Thunder’s simple yet beautiful romantic gesture. When Mimi was out with Soo Jong’s wifi Ha Hee Ra, the men made a beam projector screen from a plain fabric and completed the set-up with led lights and tulips. 

 

As Mimi returned, Thunder surprised her with a compilation of videos of their relationship and a song performance. 

“I hope my sincerity comes across. Let’s get married. I love you,” he told Mimi. She then responded to Thunder’s proposal with a kiss. 

Thunder and Mimi’s relationship

The former MBLAQ rapper and former gugudan singer revealed in early July that they’ve been dating for four years. 

They shared handwritten letters in their respective Instagram accounts to tell their fans that they “found someone with whom [they] want to spend the rest of [their] lives [with].” 

They also confirmed that they plan to marry in the second half of 2024. 

Thunder debuted in 2009 as a member of MBLAQ but left the group in 2014. Since then, he has released multiple solo albums, as well as a hip-hop single. 

Mimi made her debut as a member of gugudan in 2016. The group remained inactive in 2019 before officially disbanding in December 2020. She’s set to star in the upcoming drama Timetable.

Featured image: MBLAQ’s Thunder proposes to longtime girlfriend Mimi. Credit: YouTube/KBS Entertainment

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ENHYPEN Drops Their Webtoon’s New Song, “Criminal Love”

ENHYPEN, the South Korean boy band that has been taking the world by storm, has just released a new song, “Criminal Love,” for their supernatural-themed webtoon, Dark Moon: The Blood Altar. With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, it suits the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the webtoon.

CRIMINAL LOVE

ENHYPEN released “Criminal Love” on July 31, under the BELIFT LAB label. Fernstream produced the song. He worked on the lyrics with talented songwriters Anton Eriksson, danke (lalala studio), Joseph Feinstein, Kang Eun Jeong, Kim In Hyung (Jam Factory), and Yi Yi Jin. All seven ENHYPEN members (Heeseung, Jake, Jay, Jungwon, Ni-Ki, Sunghoon, and Sunoo) lend their unique vocal colors to the song, creating a distinct and harmonious blend that characterizes ENHYPEN’s sound.

ENGENEs met the release of the song with much enthusiasm. “Criminal Love” not only became a hit in South Korea, but it also gained international acclaim. As of this writing, it topped iTunes charts in the Philippines, the UK, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates. It made the top five in Thailand and cracked the top 20 in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Poland.

DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR | ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) ‘CRIMINAL LOVE’ Shooting Sketch

The song’s popularity extends even further. It cracked the top 50 in Mexico and Russia, and the top 100 in Singapore and India. Even in Vietnam, where K-pop has a growing fanbase, the song made it into the top 200.

The live debut of “Criminal Love”

Adding to the excitement surrounding “Criminal Love,” ENHYPEN performed the song live at their concerts at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. Those shows marked the beginning of their FATE World Tour. The live performance allowed fans to experience the song in a whole new way. It added the kind of depth and emotion that only a live rendition can provide.

Moreover, fans have been encouraged to listen to “Criminal Love” while reading Episode 60 of the Dark Moon: The Blood Altar webtoon. This immersive experience allows fans to fully engage with the story and the song. That enhances their appreciation and understanding of both.

This isn’t the first time ENHYPEN ventured into creating music for their webtoon. They previously did “One In A Billion,” another song for Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, which was well-received by critics and fans alike. The success of “One In A Billion” and now “Criminal Love” demonstrates the group’s ability to create music that not only stands on its own but also enhances the storytelling of their webtoon.

This song’s release is a significant milestone for ENHYPEN. It showcases their musical prowess and their ability to connect with fans through various mediums. As the track becomes more popular, it’s clear that ENHYPEN‘s approach to music and storytelling is resonating with audiences worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The septet did a special photoshoot for “Criminal Love” and their webtoon. Source: Twitter/@DARKMOON_HYBE.

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ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Taerae Shows Off His Vocals on “King of Masked Singer”

In a recent episode, The King of Masked Singer unveiled a surprise that left viewers thrilled. The contestant who went by the alias Snow Flower Shaved Ice turned out to be the main vocalist of a project group formed on a survival show.

The episode introduced eight contestants, all eager to unseat the reigning champion. Snow Flower Shaved Ice and Parfait battled it out during the third match-up of Round 1. Their duet rendition of Park Joonghoon’s “Rain and You” mesmerized the audience and panelists. 

[C.C.] KIM TAERAE of ZEROBASEONE seduces the judges by his warm voice #KIMTAERAE #ZB1

Soloist Sandara Park lauded their performance, saying she liked Snow Flower Shaved Ice’s “boyish voice.” EXO’s Kai described his tone as “fresh and charming.” Singer Lim Hanbyul said Snow Flower Shaved Ice reminded him of a young Park Hyoshin, but noted that his stage presence was still a bit awkward.

Veteran singer Yoo Youngseok expressed surprise at the warmth of his voice, given his “cold alias.” He found Snow Flower Shaved Ice’s voice comforting and eagerly anticipated the revelation of his identity. All in all, their praise underscored Snow Flower Shaved Ice’s potential in the music scene, with his unique vocal tone marking him as a promising new talent.

“Snow Flower Shaved Ice” is ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Taerae

Despite the panelists’ compliments, Snow Flower Shaved Ice didn’t win the round. Undeterred, he stayed on stage to sing a heartfelt rendition of Lee Seokhoon’s “10 Reasons I Love You.” Halfway through the song, he unmasked himself. Snow Flower Shaved Ice turned out to be Kim Taerae, the main vocalist of the Boys Planet project group ZEROBASEONE. To say the audience was delighted to see him would be an understatement.

Everyone in the studio—not to mention those watching at home—couldn’t believe it was him. At the time that episode was taped, ZEROBASEONE had only been active for two days. (They debuted on July 10 with the mini album YOUTH IN THE SHADE and title track “In Bloom.”)

In a conversation with the variety show’s host, Taerae admitted to being nervous about his solo performance. He also revealed that his members joked, “If you get eliminated in the first round, go back to being a trainee.”

“It’s my first solo variety show appearance after debut, so I wanted to get off to a good start,” he said. “I appeared on this program because I wanted people who don’t know us yet to think, ‘Oh, this team sings well.’”

What’s next for Taerae

When asked what he wants to do next, Taerae said he wanted to win Best New Artist awards, a goal shared by the rest of ZEROBASEONE. After all, you can only win those awards once, when you’re a rookie.

Lim Hanbyul, a vocal master on Boys Planet, revealed that he recognized Taerae’s voice instantly. This emphasized his unique singing style and his potential in the music industry. This episode of The King of Mask Singer is a testament to the show’s commitment to providing a platform for talented vocalists to shine, regardless of where they are in their journey. – K-Pop Life

Featured Image: When Taerae tweeted this selca, a fan said, “Why are you so hot all of a sudden?” Source: Twitter/@ZB1_official.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jungkook Wins No. 1 on Inkigayo, HYBE Juniors Interview Him

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Jungkook’s “Inkigayo” win means

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

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

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

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

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

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

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