Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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British Netizens Furious About BLITZERS’ ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ Audition

BLITZERS

British netizens are in an uproar after the K-pop group BLITZERS appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. Their audition sparked widespread controversy, particularly because many believe international acts—especially those with an established fanbase—shouldn’t be competing on the show.

BLITZERS consists of members Chris, Jinhwa, Juhan, Lutan, Sya, and Wooju. They took to the stage before judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Bruno Tonioli, and Simon Cowell on the show’s sixth episode, which aired on May 18 in the UK. Formed three years ago by Wuzo Entertainment, BLITZERS have released three EPs and five singles, gaining significant popularity in South Korea. In 2021, they even won the Focus Award for Music at the Asia Artist Awards.

K-pop boyband BLITZERS (블리처스) cover Shawn Mendes hit | Auditions | BGT 2024

When Alesha asked the band about their dreams, one member responded, “Well, we’re the first K-pop band to be on Britain’s Got Talent. We’re honored to be here. From here, we really have a dream to go to Wembley Stadium. We have a lot of fans in South Korea, so we’d love to be famous in the UK.” 

The boys then performed a tightly choreographed cover of the Shawn Mendes hit “There’s Nothing Holding Me Back,” which Bruno proclaimed as “as good as anything I’ve seen around the world in the last fifty years.” Consequently, BLITZERS received four yeses from the judges and a standing ovation from the audience, delighting their fans.

BLITZERS’ journey continues

However, non-fans were less impressed. They took to social media to express their frustrations. The Britain’s Got Talent X account was inundated with criticism. Many viewers argued that BLITZERS, who already have a substantial following with nearly half a million Instagram followers, shouldn’t be on the show. One said that allowing them to participate was a “huge con” on the British public. 

Another viewer suggested BLITZERS were planted on the show. “Basically one of the largest kpop companies is debuting a British kpop group this year so I believe Simon wants to find his own all ready established group to compete against them so he can get his foot in the door of the kpop industry [sic].” Others criticized the group’s vocals, which they felt were lacking.

In 2018, a spokesperson for the show explained the inclusion of international acts to the British media outlet MailOnline. They stated, “Britain’s Got Talent features a range of home-grown talent, alongside some overseas acts. It’s a testament to the international success of past acts such as Susan Boyle and Paul Potts that overseas acts want to audition for the UK show.”

Despite the backlash, BLITZERS’ Britain’s Got Talent journey continues, with the group set to move on to the semi-finals. The show airs on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Not everyone was happy to see them on a British talent show. Source: X/@StgrlInterlde.

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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.

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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 BTS—RM, 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.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Teases New Music in Vogue Korea Interview

BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently graced the digital cover of Korean Vogue’s May 2024 issue, where she shared exciting details about her upcoming projects and personal growth. She dazzled BLINKS not just with her words but also with her striking visuals in a summer-inspired, water-themed photoshoot, for which the BLACKPINK member donned jewelry worth millions from Chanel.

In the interview, Jennie opened up about what made her want to start her own independent label. “As someone whose every move is in the public eye, it’s my job to put on a new face every time, and I’m always thinking, ‘What can I do differently this time?’ I wanted to create a space where I could immerse myself in that. Whenever anyone comes up with a new idea, they share it, and everyone is happy where they are. I believe that when the two meet, there will be good synergy, and good synergy will create attention-grabbing newness,” she said of Odd Atelier.

She also reflected on her relationship with her mother. “My mom is very supportive of whatever I do, and we’ve talked a lot about it this year, and it’s been really helpful for me to hear that I don’t have to worry about it, that I can just be me and it will shine through.”

Jennie talks ‘Slow Motion,’ self-acceptance

March saw Jennie release “Slow Motion,” a surprise single in collaboration with American singer-songwriter Matt Champion. Describing her experience, she said the fun they had in the studio played a big part in the song’s success.

“I’ve always loved Matt’s group, and I’ve always loved his voice in particular, so we just kind of stumbled into each other and started hanging out in the studio and writing songs. We had amazing chemistry and had a lot of fun working together. It was a seamless process, and I think that’s what made it come out so well.”

Matt Champion & JENNIE – Slow Motion

Jennie also talked about her journey of self-acceptance.

“This is something I struggle with all the time, and I think it comes down to choosing what’s ‘me.’ I always try new things because I know my fans will support every challenge I take on, but the most important thing is that it’s ‘me.’ It’s so much more fun for me when I can show what I’m going for without feeling forced, and the results are so much better,” she said earnestly. “I had a really busy year last year, touring all over the world, but after it was over, I took a break in Korea to recharge my batteries. I meditated, lay in bed, listened to my favorite music, and just enjoyed the time. I’m always happiest when I come home from the gym and focus on just me.”

Flying solo

Since the magazine hit bookstores and newsstands, she has attended the Met Gala and released a viral collab with Zico. Titled “SPOT!,” the song quickly climbed to the top of the charts in South Korea. It also reached the number one spot on iTunes Top Songs charts in over 31 regions globally, including countries like Taiwan, Thailand, Chile, and Indonesia. In the US, it debuted atop Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. Jennie earned her first solo leader on this specific chart several years ago. She first topped the World Digital Song Sales chart in 2018 with her aptly-titled “Solo” single.

With two No. 1s under her belt, Jennie has become one of the most successful South Korean female soloists in the history of the World Digital Song Sales chart. As a member of BLACKPINK, Jennie has topped this chart many times before. Now that she’s flying solo—pun intended—she’s determined to make more good music that will take her to the top of this and other charts around the world. 

ZICO (지코) ‘SPOT! (feat. JENNIE)’ Official MV

She ended the interview by hinting that she may make a comeback sooner rather than later. “I’ve been spending almost every waking hour of my day working on my music lately, and it’s been flying by. I’ve been working hard with more ambition and a desire to share my music with more people, so stay tuned, and I’ll be back in great shape,” she said.

This year promises to be a thrilling one for Jennie and her fans as she continues to evolve both as an artist and an individual. Stay tuned for more updates on her journey and upcoming music. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Who’s excited for what else Jennie has in store? We are, that’s for sure! Source: X/@itgirlenergy.

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AKB48 Treated Like Royalty Upon Arriving in Seoul for First Korean Fan Meeting

The members of J-pop girl group AKB48 were treated like royalty during their recent fan meeting in Seoul. It all started upon their arrival at Gimpo Airport, where an impromptu celebration ensued as hundreds of fans gathered at the terminal to greet them. The atmosphere was electric, with fans waving banners and snapping photos as the members made their way through the crowd. The members seemed thrilled by the affection and gifts they received from fans.

Later that day, the same fans who had piled gifts into the members’ arms commented on their beauty, noting that their photos don’t do them justice. They added that the group’s longest-serving member, Kashiwagi Yuki, who also goes by her nickname Yukirin, particularly stood out. “They have really small faces,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Yukirin was really pretty. It was my first time seeing her up close, and I was really surprised. Cameras are misleading. It’s such a waste for her to graduate.”

[4K] AKB48, 김포공항 입국✈️Airport Arrival 24.4.19 #Newsen

A resounding success

The fan meeting itself was a resounding success. The event featured performances, starting with their 63rd single “Karakon Wink,” which marked Yukirin’s last appearance on an AKB48 single.

After dividing into two groups and participating in a random play dance game, they performed their 61st single “Doushitemo Kimi ga Suki da,” with Shitao Miu—known to Korean fans for her participation in the survival show Produce 48, a collaboration between AKB48 and Mnet—taking the center position. Originally, this song’s center was AKB48 graduate Honda Hitomi, who also participated in Produce 48 and made it into the debut lineup of IZ*ONE.

They followed that performance with renditions of their classic hits “Heavy Rotation” and “Flying Get,” and their 62nd single “Idol Nanka Janakattara.” AKB48 kenkyuusei (trainee) Narita Kohina, fluent in Korean, served as the MC of the fan meeting. She also performed a solo rendition of the AKB48 song “365 Nichi no Kamihikouki.”

[4K] AKB48 한국 첫 공식 팬미팅 풀 영상 240420

AKB48, idols you can meet

The Korean fan meeting was a dream come true for many fans. The intimate venue allowed them to get up close and personal with the AKB48 members. After the performances, the members signed autographs for fans. The event ended on a high note, with each member making a concerted effort to make eye contact and smile at everyone present as they bid farewell. This final gesture ensured that fans left the venue feeling personally acknowledged and appreciated.

This event not only solidified the Japanese girl group’s rising popularity in Korea but also highlighted the deep bond they share with their fans, which cuts across cultural and geographic borders. No one does fan meetings like AKB48, proving that their tagline “Idols you can meet” truly suits them. They thrive on such interactions, knowing precisely how to engage in ways that leave fans breathless and thrilled. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Because their first Korean fan meeting was so successful, AKB48 may do more promotional activities in Seoul. Watch this space! Source: X/@AKB48_staff.

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Stray Kids Sets Summer Comeback, Charlie Puth Collab

Stray Kids are gearing up for a summer comeback with a digital single called “Lose My Breath,” featuring American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. The track is set to drop on May 10 at 1:00 PM KST and serves as a precursor to a highly-anticipated Korean album due later in the year. This marks the first time Stray Kids has collaborated with a Western artist. As such, some say this song is proof that Stray Kids is looking to significantly expand their international presence.

@jypestraykids

#StrayKids #스트레이키즈 #LoseMyBreath Feat. #CharliePuth TRACK PREVIEW 1 2024.05.10 FRI 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET) #StrayKidsComeback #YouMakeStrayKidsStay #NewMusic

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – Stray Kids – Stray Kids

A wave of controversy

While the collaboration has stirred considerable excitement among some fans, it has also unleashed a wave of controversy because of Charlie Puth’s involvement. Some fans of Stray Kids, known as STAYs, have voiced their intent to boycott “Lose My Breath.” They also asked the group’s agency, JYP Entertainment, for a version of the song without Puth’s vocals. This reaction stems from issues Puth faced in the past, namely the accusations of him being a Zionist and a rape apologist.

Charlie Puth has faced criticism over his perceived support for Israel in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties. The Palestinian death toll reached 33,843, with at least 76,575 injured. Puth’s family, including his sister, has been identified by some as Zionists, and Puth himself has liked and shared posts by other celebrities who support Israel.

Moreover, Puth has been accused of being a rape apologist due to his support for Swedish music producer Dr. Luke, whom American pop star Kesha accused of abuse. Additionally, Puth’s social media history includes support for controversial figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump.

@lilwickedfelix

Its a hard pass for me on the lose my breath collab with cha*rlie puth… #straykids #skzstay

♬ original sound – felix

Stray Kids’ reputation

Despite the controversy, the excitement for “Lose My Breath” remains high. The teaser for the song quickly amassed millions of views, indicating strong interest in the collaboration. The group is also set to appear at this year’s Lollapalooza festival. It will be held at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, on August 2. As of this writing, tickets to the festival are sold out.

Stray Kids previously performed at Lollapalooza Paris, making them the first K-pop artist to headline that particular edition of the festival.

As the song’s release date approaches, all eyes will be on how this single will impact Stray Kids’ reputation and what it will mean for their future projects. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Some STAYs are choosing to sit on the sidelines for this comeback. Source: X/@Stray_Kids.

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S.Coups Stuns on SPUR Magazine’s Latest Cover

S.Coups, the overall leader of the globally acclaimed K-pop group SEVENTEEN, recently graced the cover of SPUR Magazine’s June 2024 issue. This marks his first solo appearance on the cover of a Japanese magazine. This milestone comes after he went on a six-month hiatus following an ACL injury. 

During that time, S.Coups was unable to participate in any activities, including photoshoots. So, when he entered the venue of the SPUR Magazine photoshoot, the air was thick with anticipation. Everyone present couldn’t wait to see what S.Coups would do once he got in front of the camera.

S.Coups stood ready

On the day of the shoot, as S.Coups stood ready in front of the camera, the studio was bathed in warm sunlight, an auspicious start to his comeback. Sure enough, when he started striking poses for the photographer, he impressed the whole team with his charisma.

S.Coups donned four different looks for the photoshoot. On the cover, he wears a relaxed silhouette jacket by Dries Van Noten. It lent him an air of gravitas befitting the leader of a 13-member K-pop group, yet it also made him look gentle. Of all the outfits he wore that day, S.Coups said his favorite was a khaki coat and necktie from Fendi, citing it as a perfect example of the “old money look”—a current trend in Korea he’s keen to explore personally.

The feature also delves into S.Coups as an individual. In a revealing two-page interview, he discusses his role as a leader, the dynamics within SEVENTEEN, and his thoughts on the group’s future, offering fans a deeper insight into his personal and professional life. To coincide with the June issue’s release, SPUR Magazine announced a special campaign that includes signed photos. They also released a behind-the-scenes video and outtakes from the photoshoot.

His newfound hobby

In other news, OSEN reported on the 20th that S.Coups will be featured on ENA Channel Fifteen Night’s Real Fan Zone. His episode will be broadcast on the 29th. S.Coups recently participated in a recording as a devoted fan of the Samsung Lions, a baseball team based in his hometown.

S.Coups has taken a recent interest in baseball, sharing his newfound hobby with fans on Weverse. He posted, “I think I found a hobby…maybe I’ll become a baseball fan,” adding, “I guess Samsung is right for me? They are on a winning streak,” and expressing his desire to watch a game.

CARATs are curious about his upcoming appearance on Real Fan Zone. It’s known for its portrayal of passionate baseball fans and includes celebrities like Cha Tae-hyun and Jo Se-ho, who brings a neutral perspective as the show’s MC. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Head to SPUR Magazine’s website to find out how you can purchase a physical copy of this issue! Source: X/@aboutscoups.

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General Mills Cereals Collaborates With TXT on Special Edition Packaging

Earlier this month, certain SNS posts caused a stir among MOAs—fans of the fourth-generation boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT). Fans were surprised to see photos of TXT on boxes of General Mills cereals, and they wondered if the boys had collaborated with the brand. However, there was confusion as no official announcements had been made at that time. Eventually, any initial skepticism about the authenticity of these photos was laid to rest when General Mills confirmed the collaboration through a press release on their official website.

Each of TXT’s five members—Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai—appears on a different box alongside a General Mills brand mascot. For instance, Soobin shares space with Trix the Rabbit, who became the mascot of Trix in 1959. Known for his attempts to trick children into giving him cereal, his catchphrase “Silly rabbit! Trix are for kids!” became widely recognized. Soobin loves General Mills cereals because of the mascots, and Trix the Rabbit is actually his favorite, so he’s happy to be paired with the mischievous long-eared bunny. (It’s also worth noting that some MOAs and even the other TXT members themselves think Soobin resembles a rabbit.)

The TXT limited edition

Hueningkai, who appears on boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, also weighed in. “I think MOAs will be delighted to see us featured on the General Mills packages on the store shelves! I hope everyone starts their day energetically with TXT limited edition cereals,” he said. Hueningkai’s partner is the cereal’s mascot, Crazy Squares. These square-shaped characters are lively, playful, and often depicted engaging in mischievous antics in commercials for the cereal.

Yeonjun shares his box with Chip the Wolf, the face of Cookie Crisp. Chip became the cereal’s mascot in the US in 2005 and has held that position for a grand total of 14 years. This makes him similar to Yeonjun, who spent many years as a trainee before debuting in TXT as its main dancer and mat-hyung (oldest member). Chip’s antics, which involve hilarious yet unsuccessful attempts to steal Cookie Crisp cereal, are usually highlighted in the brand’s advertising campaigns.

Yeonjun noted, “I’m excited about the collaboration because General Mills is a brand that everyone can enjoy. I hope many people will like the TXT limited edition, too!”

A collectible item for fans

Their bandmates Beomgyu and Taehyun were partnered with Lucky the Leprechaun and Buzz the Bee, respectively. Lucky the Leprechaun, also known as Sir Charms, is the mascot for Lucky Charms. Debuting in 1964, Lucky is depicted as a leprechaun who is protective of his magical marshmallow charms. Meanwhile, Buzz the Bee, introduced in 1980, represents the flavor of the cereal. Aside from becoming a mascot for the brand, Buzz played a key role in campaigns about preserving honeybee populations.

These special edition boxes also include cardboard cutouts of the band members, making them a collectible item for fans. They became available starting April 22 at major retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart, as well as various smaller grocery stores. The limited edition Reese’s Puffs box—which features all five TXT members—will be exclusively available at Wal-Mart from May 6 until it is discontinued.

Speaking of collectibles, the brand is teasing another limited-edition box as part of this collaboration. Check it out below!

About General Mills

General Mills, established as a flour mill in Minneapolis in 1866, has evolved into a multinational entity renowned for a diverse range of food products. From its early days, the company shifted its focus from milling to packaged consumer foods in the mid-20th century and diversified into various sectors, including snack foods, toys, and even fashion and specialty retailing. 

Today, General Mills continues to innovate, focusing on sustainability and expanding its portfolio to include healthier and international food options. The company’s portfolio includes well-known brands like Cheerios, Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs, and many more, generating significant sales globally. In 2023, it generated fiscal 2023 net sales of 20.1 billion USD. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled 1.0 billion USD.

Throughout its long history, General Mills has been a pioneer in marketing and advertising. That’s why the company’s latest collab with TXT isn’t that surprising, given its history. For more information, visit General Mills’ website and follow @generalmills on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Partnering with TXT was a genius move on General Mills’ part. Source: X/@txtarchivee.

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ENHYPEN’s Jay Cherishes a Birthday Gift He Got From Jungwon in 2022

In 2021, ENHYPEN’s Jay and Jungwon began a tradition that brought the two of them closer together. Jay gave Jungwon a jacket as a gift, and in return, Jungwon gave Jay an air fryer for his birthday that year.

In his 2024 B-DAY Paper Interview, Jay shared his affection for the unique present. He wrote, “The air fryer that Jungwonie gave me as a gift is the most memorable. Actually, I haven’t had the chance to use it properly yet, but it was memorable because it was my first time to get such a unique gift. Air fryers aren’t usually given as birthday gifts. I need to try cooking with that air fryer right away. Jungwon, thank you!”

@sunwonfilms

#jungwon and jay’s air fryer journey [ #fyp #enhypen #jaywon ]

♬ Some – BOL4

Jay must really be special to Jungwon

Jungwon’s thoughtful approach to gifting didn’t stop there. Over the years, he has tried very hard to come up with creative and personal gifts for his friend. He even asked ENGENEs for suggestions in 2022. That same year, his mother expressed interest in helping him choose a gift for Jay. (It’s possible she helped her son decide on the air fryer.) Jungwon has considered giving Jay a wide variety of things, from perfume to homemade cake to guitar supplies.

Such efforts are notable within ENHYPEN, as member Ni-Ki revealed in a recent live broadcast that the boys generally don’t exchange gifts. He explained, “We celebrate, but that’s how we are since debut.” This makes Jungwon’s persistent gift-giving particularly meaningful. But that’s not all he does for Jay. This year, he made sure to be the first to wish his hyung a happy birthday.

Jay must really be special to Jungwon, otherwise why would he go to such lengths to make the former happy?

@enhypen

꽁꽁 얼어붙은 한강위로 🐈 🐈‍⬛ 가 귀엽습니다. #JUNGWON #JAY #ENHYPEN

♬ 한강 고양이 리믹스 – 행복한피자빵 HappyPizzaBread

ENHYPEN is on tour right now

In other news, Jay and his fellow ENHYPEN members Heeseung and Ni-Ki will make a special appearance at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on April 29. They will throw the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game against the Atlanta Braves, coinciding with the U.S. leg of their ‘FATE PLUS’ IN U.S. world tour. This show will mark the American-born idol’s first performance in his birthplace of Seattle, Washington. 

The tour, promoting their 2023 mini-album ORANGE BLOOD, includes stops across several U.S. cities, culminating in a performance in New York at the UBS Arena on May 3. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungwon’s penchant for giving Jay gifts says a lot about their bond. Source: X/@jaywoncore_.

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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.

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