Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

VANNER Named City Ambassadors of Daejeon

VANNER

The boy band VANNER has been appointed city ambassadors of Daejeon, as announced by their agency, KLAP Entertainment. This prestigious designation became effective from Wednesday, February 14 under a two-year contract. It entrusts the members with the responsibility of promoting Daejeon’s public events, including the notable Daejeon Zero O’Clock Festival.

@discoverkorea

대전여행 꼭 해야하는 것! #대전여행 #daejeoncity

♬ Little Hot – Official Sound Studio

Last year’s Daejeon Zero O’Clock Festival showcased Daejeon’s past, present, and future through various events and programs. The festival had three sections. The first section, Newtro Daejeon Blues, highlighted the city’s past with 1950s-themed setups. The second section, D-Culture of Korea, focused on the present with K-pop performances. Lastly, the Future City of Daejeon section showcased the city’s technological advancements. International students helped promote the festival, which also aims to boost the local economy by attracting tourists. For the next two years, that will be part of VANNER’s job as city ambassadors of Daejeon.

Expressing their enthusiasm for the new role, VANNER stated, “We are delighted and honored to have the opportunity to promote Daejeon. We will work in body and mind to aid events that promote Daejeon.” Hyesung, a band member native to the city, shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for his hometown. He committed to not only promoting Daejeon but also to spreading a positive influence as an artist.

About VANNER

VANNER made their debut in February 2019 under VT Entertainment and joined KLAP Entertainment after winning JTBC’s survival show Peak Time in 2023. The show spotlighted already-debuted but lesser-known boy bands, providing VANNER with a significant platform to showcase their talent. The band, consisting of members Ahxian, Gon, Hyesung, Taehwan, and Yeonggwang, has since captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

@vanner_official

VVS를 위한 💎💍#JACKPOT_Challenge   #VANNER #배너 #CAPTURE_THE_FLAG #JACKPOT

♬ JACKPOT – VANNER (배너)

The band’s second EP, Capture the Flag, featuring the lead track “Jackpot,” dropped in January and achieved remarkable success, topping iTunes global charts in the Philippines and Colombia. 

 As city ambassadors of Daejeon, VANNER will leverage their growing popularity and influence to shine a spotlight on their city, promising to engage in various activities and events that highlight the cultural and social vibrancy of Daejeon. – K-Pop News Writer

 Featured Image: The boys posed with the certificate after the ceremony. Source: X/@FranceVanner.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

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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K-DRAMA K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Song Seung-hyun Retires From the Entertainment Industry

Song Seung-hyun, known for being an actor and a member of the band F.T. Island has announced his retirement from the entertainment industry. On February 15, Seung-hyun shared the news in a heartfelt letter on Instagram.

What did Seung-hyun say?

Seung-hyun began by apologizing for being radio silent after leaving his agency. “First, I’d like to express my apologies to my fans who have been waiting during my long break, as I’m not really good at using social media, and it has been a while since I left the company. I deeply regret that I wasn’t able to communicate smoothly and for the long period of silence,” he wrote.

He then confirmed his retirement and reflected on the challenges he faced after leaving the band to go into acting. “After much thought, I’ve decided to leave the entertainment industry and probably leave Korea to start a new life. Four years have passed since I left F.T. Island and started working as an actor. But what was more difficult than adapting to a new job and environment were the uncertain waiting periods and interpersonal relationships that I didn’t see coming,” he added.

Seung-hyun ended his message with a note to fans, thanking them for everything and wishing them well. “No matter what I do, there’ll never be an easy job or an easy relationship with people, but for me, I’ll try to live a new healthy and regular life that I can tackle every day. I really wanted to say that I’m more grateful than anyone else to the fans who have waited, and I hope that you too will always live a healthy and happy life without getting sick physically or mentally.”

Oh! My Assistant | Official Trailer | He’s devoting his heart, body and soul to this man.

The end of an era

Seung-hyun joined F.T. Island in 2009 as a guitarist and vocalist, contributing to the band’s success with hits like “Love Sick,” “I Hope,” and “Severely.” After his contract expired in 2019, he left the group and starred in films, musicals, and web dramas. In 2022, he ventured into the Boys’ Love (BL) genre through an adaptation of webtoon Oh! My Assistant. It turned out to be his last project before announcing his retirement.

Seung-hyun‘s retirement marks the end of an era for his fans, who have followed his journey from music to acting. His contributions to both fields have left a lasting impact, and his decision to retire has been met with support and well-wishes from fans around the world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: His sudden retirement threw his fans for a loop. Nevertheless, they supported his decision. Source: Instagram/@soow456.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NCT WISH to Hold Fan Showcase in Seoul Next Month

NCT‘s newest unit, NCT WISH, is gearing up for an exciting event next month. They’ll be meeting their South Korean fans for the first time through a fan showcase titled NCT WISH’s Wishlist. Scheduled for March 4, the showcase will take place at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Yongsan District, central Seoul. But that’s not all. According to SM Entertainment, the showcase will also be live-streamed across various platforms, including YouTube, NCT WISH‘s Weverse channel, and TikTok.

The showcase promises an intimate experience with the NCT WISH members. They’ll perform their upcoming debut single “Wish.” They’ll also share behind-the-scenes stories, including personal anecdotes, about the road they took to get to their official debut. “Wish,” a track produced by SM Entertainment legend BoA, is set to drop on February 28 at 6:00 PM KST. BoA became the group’s overall producer last month.

About NCT WISH 

NCT WISH is the latest addition to the NCT family, formed through SM Entertainment’s survival show NCT Universe: LASTART. The group consists of six members: Jaehee, Riku, Ryo, Sakuya, Sion, and Yushi. They were active under the name NCT New Team even before their official debut, performing in various cities in Japan​​. They also caught the attention of fans worldwide with their pre-debut single “Hands Up,” released last October.

Before their fan showcase in Seoul, NCT WISH will make their debut performance at SM Entertainment’s in-house concert SMTOWN LIVE 2024: SMCU. This event will take place at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on February 21. They’ll perform alongside top SM Entertainment artists like aespa, Red Velvet, Taeyeon, Super Junior, and more.

Fans of NCT are eagerly awaiting the Seoul showcase, ready to support NCT WISH as they embark on this new chapter. With their unique sound and dynamic performances, NCT WISH is poised to become the next big name in K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will you be watching the showcase? Source: X/@nctwishofficial.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Lotte Wellfood Taps NewJeans to Endorse ‘ZERO’ Snack Line

Lotte Wellfood has enlisted the top girl group NewJeans to endorse its ZERO snack line, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s Health & Wellness campaign. Launched in 2022, the ZERO line targets customers seeking healthier snack options. It offers sweets and desserts with zero calories and zero sugar. Through this partnership, Lotte Wellfood aims to leverage NewJeans‘ widespread popularity to establish the brand as a new dessert standard.

The ZERO line, a sugar-free dessert series using alternative sweeteners, features a wide range of products. This includes ZERO Chocolate Chip Cookies, ZERO Cocoa Cake, and ZERO Fruit Jelly, among others. NewJeans is endorsing the entire line. The girl group has seen considerable success. Their second EP, Get Up, topped the US Billboard 200 Albums chart. Three songs from the EP—“Cool With You,” “ETA,” and the megahit “Super Shy”—also made the US Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart.

NewJeans will enhance ZERO’s brand image

The campaign with NewJeans will showcase video content of the members enjoying ZERO products in their daily lives. Centered around the tagline, “The dessert you want to eat every day, ZERO,” it seeks to attract fans. The brand will also release limited edition products featuring photos of members Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, Hyein, and Minji.

A representative from Lotte Wellfood shared their enthusiasm about partnering with the ADOR Music act, stating, “We plan to conduct various marketing activities to enhance the brand image of ZERO in collaboration with the global stars NewJeans. Look forward to the varied appearances of NewJeans that we will unveil through new product launches, making films, and more.”

[ NewJeans X 빼빼로 ] 뉴진스, 우리 마음 빼빼로로 말해요! – 빼빼로데이 편 (15’)

This partnership represents the second collaboration between Lotte Wellfood and NewJeans, following their endorsement of Pepero. The collaboration on the ZERO snack line is expected to further promote a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle to consumers. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Lotte Wellfood was so pleased with the results of their first collaboration with the girls that they gave them a second one. Source: X/@NewJeansCentral.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Choi Yena Enjoys Chart Success in Japan

Choi Yena, also known as YENA, recently made headlines with her impressive performance on global music charts, particularly in Japan. Her second Japanese single album, DNA, climbed to No. 7 in the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking for the week of February 5 to 11, 2024. This achievement underscores her rising popularity and the enthusiastic reception of her music by Japanese audiences.

Moreover, DNA has shown robust global appeal, securing the top spot in the US J-pop ranking on iTunes as of February 8. It also garnered notable positions in Russia (No. 12) and Turkey (No. 25) in the J-pop rankings. These accomplishments highlight Yena’s expanding influence across various music markets worldwide.

The title track “DNA” resonates with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics, which reflect Yena‘s sincere appreciation for her fans and her unwavering determination on stage. Upon its release, “DNA” entered the Oricon Daily Single Ranking at No. 9, receiving a steady flow of positive feedback from fans and critics alike.

YENA「DNA」Music Video

Yena is poised to continue captivating fans

This isn’t Yena’s first time at the top of the charts. She previously achieved top ranks in the Oricon Daily and Weekly Single Rankings, as well as the Billboard Japan Top Single Sales chart with her first Japanese single “SMILEY-Japanese Ver. (feat. Chanmina)” last year. These successes have cemented Yena‘s status as a significant figure in the global music scene, continually attracting attention and setting records with her releases.

 

After wrapping up promotions for her third mini-album, GOOD MORNING, in Korea, Yena released DNA on February 5, further solidifying her presence in the music industry. Before embarking on her solo career, Yena was part of the project girl group IZ*ONE. They promoted together for two and a half years before disbanding in April 2021. Like her, the other members of the group have gone on to achieve success after IZ*ONE.

With plans to engage in various activities in the future, Yena is poised to continue captivating fans around the world with her talent and charisma. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Yena parlayed her IZ*ONE fame into a successful solo career. Source: X/@YENA_INTL.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s RM Is Playing Saxophone in the Military Band

A recent photo of BTS‘s RM in the military has captivated fans and the public alike. Shared on February 15, it shows RM clutching a saxophone and wearing the distinctive red uniform of the Army Band.

@purplemoon.92

𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝. #bts #btsmilitary #rm #namu 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐣𝐨𝐨𝐧

♬ Burning Up (Fire) – BTS

About the Army Band

South Korea has several military bands, each linked to a different branch of the South Korean Armed Forces, such as the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy. Each branch has its own central band, along with additional regional bands and specialized ensembles within the military’s music departments.

These bands participate in international military music festivals and perform at military functions, national ceremonies, and official events. The red uniform, exclusive to band members, distinguishes them from other military personnel. Performing in the Army Band allows service members to use their talents while serving the country.

To join a military band in South Korea, individuals must audition. Applicants typically need a background in music, which might include formal education or performance experience. RM, with his background as the leader of BTS, certainly fits the bill. During the audition, would-be band members must prove they’re exceptionally skilled in playing an instrument or singing. Their suitability for military service might also be evaluated. Successful candidates then undergo basic military training before being assigned to the band.

@ems28090

rm message #foryoupage❤️❤️ #everyone #fypシ #tiktok #trinding #bts #armybts #btsarmy #bts #viral #rm

♬ Wild Flower (with youjeen) – RM

RM does his best to stay connected

Despite having his hands full performing in the military band, RM has done his best to stay connected to the fans. On the 11th, he reached out via Weverse, inquiring about ARMYs’ well-being and talking about how he’s adjusting to military life. He wrote, “Are ARMYs doing well?” He continued, “I’ve also arrived at my unit and am adapting well. I ate rice cake soup for the Lunar New Year. I’ve been resting a little since it’s Seollal and I’m doing well. Another Seollal will have to pass before I can see you all, but I’ll do well with my time.”

RM ended by writing, “I believe that it will be another place of learning and experiences. Whenever, wherever, always be healthy. And I wish that you will experience a lot more good things than bad things. Hoping that our connection will continue to go on, I hope you receive a lot of New Year blessings!”

RM enlisted on December 11 alongside fellow BTS member V and was named an elite trainee at his military graduation last month. He’s currently assigned to the 15th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do. RM’s participation in the military band allows him to express his passion for music in a new setting. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM’s new role is perfect for someone like him. Source: Kpopping.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Jimin Says He and Jungkook Are Doing Well in Latest Weverse Post

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, BTS‘s Jimin took time out from his military duties to connect with fans on Weverse. Aside from his group’s fearless leader RM, he was the only other member of BTS who was able to greet fans on this special occasion.

Jimin enlisted with fellow BTS member Jungkook on December 12, 2023. They signed up for the South Korean military’s “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. This unique program allows soldiers to enlist with close friends or relatives, receive training together, and be assigned to the same residential unit. In his message, the “Like Crazy” singer reassured fans that he and Jungkook are alright.

@gracewagan88

Jimin’s greetings for Lunar New Year 💜 missing him dearly 🥺 #jimin #bts #bangtan #btsarmy

♬ Love wins all – IU

He wrote, “ARMYs, it’s Seollal! Have a happy Seollal, and this year too, be healthy and don’t get hurt or sick. I hope this year, you will only be happy. Jungkook and I are doing well, so don’t worry too much, and I’ll come again! Eat lots of delicious things and don’t diet today.” This message not only updated fans on his and Jungkook‘s well-being but also encouraged them to enjoy the festivities without restraint.

Lunar New Year, or Seollal in Korea, is a cornerstone of Korean culture, emphasizing family bonds and cultural heritage. It falls on the first day of the lunar calendar, typically in late January or early February. Jimin made the effort to write to fans during Seollal while serving in the military. That he did so underscores how important the fans and their happiness are to him.

@alcawena74

Mimi Trending today for His greeting for Lunar year to Fans#JIMIN

♬ With you – Jimin & HA SUNG WOON

Get in touch with Jimin while he’s away

In related news, fans discovered that Jimin‘s father had installed a transparent letterbox outside Magnate, the café he runs in Busan. Fans used to visit the café and leave gifts and letters for the singer there, even before his enlistment. When Jimin’s father installed the letterbox, fans realized that it was his way of ensuring fans could still get in touch with Jimin while he’s away. What’s more, he would most likely be the one to deliver the letters in the letterbox to the idol. Not many parents or relatives of idols would do something like this, so they really appreciated the gesture.

Jimin‘s Lunar New Year message and the news of the letterbox at Magnate café touched fans deeply. As Jimin and Jungkook continue serving together, their efforts to stay connected with fans do not go unnoticed, reinforcing the strong bond between BTS and the ARMY. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ARMYs were pleased that Jimin found time to greet them. Source: Instagram/@jikook_angelic.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT’s Soobin Releases Cover of ‘Forest’ for Valentine’s Day

Soobin, the charismatic leader of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), gave fans a special Valentine’s Day gift. On February 14, he released a cover of the song “Forest” on the group’s official YouTube channel. 

SOOBIN’s 숲 (Original Song: 최유리) – TXT (투모로우바이투게더)

Soobin on his journey with ‘Forest’

Originally by singer-songwriter Choi Yu-ree, “Forest” is known for its captivating piano melody. Soobin put his own spin on the song by replacing the piano with an acoustic guitar. This gave his rendition a soothing and warm feel that complements his calm delivery perfectly. In a Weverse live broadcast hours after releasing the song, Soobin opened up about his journey with “Forest,” sharing the personal connection he has with it.

“I decided that I wanted to cover this song and when I made up my mind that I wanted it as my first cover, I told the company. They advised me to think about it because they didn’t want me to regret it and suggested I might find something that suits me better,” he said. “However, this song is special to me because it gave me a lot of strength in the past year. So I told them that this is something I really want to cover as my first cover, and they agreed, and then we recorded it.”

Soobin‘s admiration for the song extends beyond its melody to the lyrics, which he found himself listening to often while on tour. The indie track’s open-ended lyrics allowed Soobin to find his own story within its verses. Before heading into the studio to record his cover, he reached out to Choi Yu-ree herself and asked her for advice. Luckily, the singer-songwriter was happy to oblige.

“I wanted to really understand the song, so I contacted the original singer and asked what her interpretation was. I was like, ‘What does this mean? What does that mean?’ It could’ve been tiresome, but she explained it to me in detail until ‘Forest’ felt like my story.”

[TXT] Live SOOBIN 14/2/2024 || live eng sub full live

A piece of the idol’s heart

The creative process behind the accompanying video was also influenced by Soobin‘s vision. He chose to film it at a beach in Incheon instead of an actual forest. Addressing fans’ concerns about the melancholic tone of his cover, Soobin revealed that his smile at the end of the video was made to convey that all is well.

“I also saw people saying that listening to the cover made them sad, but I’m alright,” Soobin reassured MOAs. “That’s why there’s a scene of me smiling at the end. I suggested that they put it in so you don’t have to worry about me at all. I really hope you listen to it peacefully with a light heart.”

While waiting for TXT’s ‘2024 TXT FANLIVE PRESENT X TOGETHER‘ event in Seoul, MOAs everywhere can listen to Soobin’s rendition of “Forest.” It’s a piece of the idol’s heart dressed up in music and lyrics. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Soobin brought so much emotion to the song. Bravo! Source: Instagram/@page.soobin.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TREASURE Teases New Project ‘Shining SOLO’

On February 14, YG Entertainment‘s official Twitter account set the stage for TREASURE‘s newest project, a reality show titled Shining SOLO. The teaser immediately caught fans’ attention. Comparisons were drawn to the popular dating show I Am Solo, leading many to wonder if this new show would follow a similar format.

An insider added fuel to the fire by leaking some information about the boy group’s upcoming content slate. They revealed that TREASURE really did film a dating show. According to the leak, this show will feature the members splitting into teams of five and going on dates with six influencers. “Final couples” will be chosen at the end. Rumors also suggest a segment where three women will explore the TREASURE members’ charms. While it’s true that fans have seen some members on public “dates,” these dating show rumors still stand unconfirmed.

Despite the lack of official details, the teaser offers a glimpse into the romantic, mysterious vibe of Shining SOLO. Featuring the aurora borealis in the night sky, casting a greenish-purple glow on the large house below, the poster creates a romantic atmosphere that perfectly complements the phrase “Which gem (treasure) boy is yours?”.

What else is TREASURE up to?

TREASURE has consistently engaged fans with a variety of self-produced content, where they showcase their versatility and charm. From Boys’ High School Mystery to TMI-LOG and TREASURE MAP, the 10-member boy group has demonstrated a knack for variety entertainment. Shining SOLO promises to be a fantastic addition to this list. What’s more, the show will air in different countries and regions, including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. This approach hints at content designed to introduce TREASURE to a wider—read: international—audience.

In other news, TREASURE is in the midst of their second Japanese tour, 2024 TREASURE TOUR [REBOOT] IN JAPAN. This tour has taken them all over the country, to Aichi, Osaka, Fukui, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Saitama. Their last stop will be at the K-Arena Yokohama, where they’ll play back-to-back shows on March 2 and 3.

The first episode of Shining SOLO will premiere on March 3—the second day of their tour’s Kanagawa stop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will this show be a hit or a miss? Right now, your guess is as good as ours. Source: X/@yg_treasure_jp.

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