Category: K-POP ARTISTS

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Stray Kids to Hold Meet and Greet Called ‘SKZ’s Magic School’

Stray Kids

Stray Kids is gearing up to enchant their fans, known as STAYs, with a fan meeting titled SKZ’s Magic School. Scheduled over three days from March 29 to 31, this event marks the eight-member boy group’s fourth fan meeting. JYP Entertainment unveiled the poster for the fan meeting on social media two days ago, sparking excitement among fans.

The poster for SKZ’s Magic School depicts the Stray Kids members in what appears to be a library, aligning with the “school” theme of this mysterious event. STAYs don’t know much about it yet. All they know is that Changbin, Felix, Han, Hyunjin, I.N, Lee Know, and Seungmin will transform into wizards for it. So will Stray Kids’ leader Bang Chan.

The fan meeting’s venue is the KSPO Dome (formerly the Olympic Gymnastics Arena), an indoor arena located within the Olympic Park in Seoul’s Songpa District. Stray Kids will hit the stage at 7:30 PM on the 29th, 6:00 PM on the 30th, and 5:00 PM on the 31st. On the final day of this three-day extravaganza, their performance will be streamed live via the Beyond LIVE platform. This will allow STAYs from around the globe to join in the fun. 

Stray Kids continues to expand its global popularity

With the venue’s capacity at 15,000, an estimated 45,000 people are expected to attend over the three days, as Stray Kids is anticipated to sell out all three shows. This fan meeting comes nine months after their third, held at the same venue.

Meanwhile, Stray Kids continues to expand its global popularity. The group recently received nominations for Group or Duo of the Year at the upcoming People’s Choice Awards. They’re also up for K-Pop Artist of the Year and K-Pop Song of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. 

These nominations underscore the group’s growing influence, setting the stage for an even more magical SKZ’s Magic School fan meeting. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This fan meeting is one of the activities the group referred to in their ‘STEP OUT’ video for 2024. Source: X/@Stray_Kids.

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SEVENTEEN Prepared Special Gifts for CARATs’ Eighth Birthday

SEVENTEEN put together a unique present for CARATs on their eighth birthday, showcasing the deep bond between the group and their fans. To mark this special occasion, the 13-member boy group prepared a remix of “Super,” the title track from their 10th mini-album, FML. It will be available for streaming on February 16. This remix of “Super” is named the “Workout” version because it is said to be an energetic track that’s best listened to while exercising.

FML currently holds the record for being the best-selling single K-pop album of all time, with over 6.29 million copies sold. SEVENTEEN also achieved a historic milestone as the only artist globally to surpass 3 million sales on the first day of an album release with FML.

The title track “Super” not only dominated the real-time charts of major South Korean music sites like Bugs and MelOn. It also secured the top spot on the iTunes Top Songs chart in 36 countries, including Brazil, India, the Philippines, and Singapore, demonstrating its worldwide appeal. The music video for “Super” broke records by being the fastest among all SEVENTEEN music videos to reach 100 million views.

SEVENTEEN will celebrate with CARATs on tour

In addition to this gift of song, SEVENTEEN made a grand gesture by bathing the N Seoul Tower on top of Namsan in their official colors. From sunset until 10:30 PM on Valentine’s Day, the tower was awash in rose quartz and serenity. A heartfelt message—the words “CARATs, happy birthday”—also adorned the tower, alongside other expressions of gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support. SEVENTEEN-related videos were also projected on the media facade outside the tower.

https://www.tiktok.com/@andy2six7/video/7335407365111598342?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

On the same day, the group also went live to celebrate with their fans.

✨Happy Carat’s Day Eng Sub[24.02.14] 8th year celebration 💎💖

Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN will continue to connect with fans through the ‘FOLLOW’ AGAIN tour. It will kick off with performances at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium in South Korea on March 30 and 31. From there, they will perform at Japan’s Yanmar Stadium Nagai in Osaka on May 18 and 19, then head to the Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa on May 25 and 26. Through this tour, the members will celebrate the last eight years and make more memories with their CARATs. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SEVENTEEN went the extra mile for their fans this year. How sweet! Source: X/@pledis_17.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Park Hyung-sik Talks About BTS’s V, Military Service on ‘Salon Drip 2’

On February 13, a clip from Salon Drip 2, featuring Park Hyung-sik, went viral, capturing the attention of Hallyu fans worldwide. In the clip, the actor mentioned his good friend, BTS‘s V, aka Kim Taehyung. Salon Drip 2 is a comedy talk show hosted by Jang Do-yeon, who invites celebrities to sit down with her and talk about their current or upcoming projects. Park Hyung-sik and Park Shin-hye appeared on the show to promote their ongoing medical and slice-of-life drama, Doctor Slump.

During the interview, Park Hyung-sik brought up V, who is currently serving in the South Korean military. He shared that the Wooga Squad, a group of South Korean stars including himself, V, Peakboy, Park Seo-joon, and Choi Woo-shik, gathered before V’s enlistment to talk about their experiences. This close-knit group of friends, known for their unwavering support for each other, won hearts when they went on a holiday together for the reality show In the SOOP: Friendcation.

Park Hyung-sik, who began his mandatory military service on June 10, 2019, entered the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province for basic training. He served in the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the South Korean military’s Capital Defense Command as an active duty soldier. When he appeared on the variety show Real Man, he showcased his shooting skills and received positive feedback. That inspired him to join the SDT, believing he could put his skills to good use there.

EP.28 Doctor Slump Park Shinhye Park Hyung Sik | Salon Drip2

Park Hyung-sik on the SDT

When his turn to enlist came, V followed in Park Hyung-sik’s footsteps by joining the SDT. V underwent a rigorous selection process, including document checks, interviews, and physical tests, before being accepted into the unit.

On Salon Drip 2, Jang Do-yeon asked Park Hyung-sik if he still talks about his time in the military. That was when the actor mentioned V. He said, “Taehyung–ah joined the military last December. We met up before he joined the army. There are military stories that people might not want to hear. My unit is the hardest. We talked about that for about two to three hours.” He also noted that the other members of the Wooga Squad tried to console V, suggesting he would have it easier than them.

V was deployed to the “Ssangyong Unit” in the 2nd Corps of the South Korean military after completing an three-week additional training at the Army General Administration School. The story Park Hyung-sik shared on Salon Drip 2 highlights the bravery he and V displayed by enlisting in the SDT. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The actor revealed that he and V met up with their other friends for a bonding sesh before the BTS member’s enlistment. Source: X/@kisgnuyh.

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n.SSign Set for Eight-Member Comeback as Doha Goes on Hiatus

Doha, a member of the boy band n.SSign, will be absent from the group’s promotional activities for their forthcoming EP Happy& due to health concerns. n.CH Entertainment announced on Tuesday that n.SSign would proceed with their comeback without Doha, making them an eight-member group for the time being. They also posted about Doha’s hiatus on n.SSign’s official fan site, emphasizing their commitment to his health and well-being.

The agency’s statement detailed the idol’s situation. “Doha had been continuing activities while going for regular checkups and receiving treatment for not feeling well and for health reasons, but received a doctor’s note that rest is necessary for the time being,” n.CH Entertainment wrote.

“The company determined the artist’s health to be of top priority, and after careful discussions with the artist, decided he should focus on his treatment and recovery,” the agency finished. Fans have been asked for their understanding and support during this period, with assurances that the company will do everything possible to aid Doha‘s recovery.

 This isn’t the first time Doha has gone on hiatus due to health concerns. He previously stepped back in October 2023. 

@nch_nssign

[n.SSnack🍪] 귀여워서 미안해❣️🙏💕 可愛くてごめん🫶 #nSSign #엔싸인 #DOHA #도하

♬ 可愛くてごめん (feat. かぴ) – HoneyWorks

Doha isn’t the only n.SSign member who’s sick

n.SSign, which debuted as a ten-member boy band in August 2023, was initially formed through Channel A’s audition program Youth Star (2022). At the time, they had only seven members. Three new faces were added to their lineup before their official debut. Their first album Birth of Cosmo dropped last August. This comeback will revolve around their second mini-album Happy&. 

Happy& will be released tomorrow, February 15, at 6:00 PM KST. It will have three tracks: “Happy&,” “Funk Jam,” and “Love, Love, Love Love Love!”

n.SSign(엔싸인) 2nd MINI ALBUM ‘Happy &’ Preview

Doha isn’t the only one who won’t join n.SSign’s comeback. Member Hyun didn’t participate in the production of Happy& either. Reports say it’s because he’s also feeling poorly. As such, he won’t join the rest of the band—Eddie, Hanjun, Huiwon, Junhyeok, Kazuta, Robin, Lawrence, and Sungyun—for promotions.

As n.SSign’s fans eagerly await their comeback, they’re also sending Doha and Hyun good vibes and well-wishes. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Get well soon, Doha! Source: X/@nSSign_official.

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NCT WISH Unveils Release Schedule, Teaser for Debut Single

NCT‘s newest—and last—unit, NCT WISH, is gearing up for an explosive debut. At midnight on February 14, they revealed the release schedule for their much-anticipated debut single “WISH.”

The digital album and music video are set to drop online on February 28 at 6:00 PM KST. The physical version of the single will drop in Japan on the same day. Fans outside Japan, including those based in South Korea, will have to wait a few more days to grab physical copies of the album. Its international release is on March 4, but pre-orders are now open at various offline and online record stores.

WISH will boast a total of four tracks, including Japanese and Korean versions of the eponymous title track “WISH” and the B-side “Sail Away.” K-pop icon BoA has presumably had a hand in the creation of this song, as she became the group’s overall producer earlier this month.

More on the NCT WISH title track

SM Entertainment describes the title track as a mid-tempo dance song with an old-school hip-hop base. It combines an energetic hook with lyrical melodies and refreshing, emotional vocals to deliver an overwhelming sense of excitement. According to a press release from the agency, the song’s lyrics articulate the group’s ambition and optimism for the future, as well as their desire to showcase their unique identity and inject positive energy into their music. Check out the adorable teaser image for “WISH” below.

While waiting for NCT WISH to make their official debut, fans can watch the performance video for their song “NASA.”

NCT WISH 엔시티 위시 ‘NASA’ Performance Video

NCT WISH will perform “WISH” for the first time at the Tokyo Dome on February 21. This performance will be part of the SMTOWN LIVE 2024: SMCU Palace in Tokyo concert. This stage is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide, as NCT WISH promises to deliver a bold, energetic performance. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: NCTZens can hardly wait to get their hands on more new material from the boys! Source: X/@nctwishofficial.

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HORI7ON to Make Comeback With Digital Single in March

HORI7ON is finally ending their eight-month hiatus. Consisting of Jeromy Batac, Kim Ng, Kyler Chua, Marcus Cabais, Reyster Yton, Vinci Malizon, and Winston Pineda, the all-Filipino boy group has made strides since their debut. After debuting in South Korea, they have promoted there and in their native Philippines, capturing the hearts of fans across both countries.

Emerging from the survival show Dream Maker, they released their pre-debut single “DASH” on March 22, 2023, setting the stage for their unique sound and style.

On February 14, MLD Entertainment announced that HORI7ON will make their comeback with the digital single “DAYTOUR” on March 2nd. The group will delve into the funk-pop genre with this song. It’s described by their agency as a “high-teen confession song that expresses feelings for a loved one with a refreshing vibe.”

HORI7ON aims to continue their ascent

On the day of their comeback, HORI7ON is scheduled to hold a showcase in Manila, Philippines, for about 1,000 fans. Following the showcase, the band will collaborate with the SM Supermalls chain to perform at malls across the Philippines. MLD Entertainment also revealed plans for other promotional activities in the Philippines, as well as performances on Korean music shows.

This new release is a follow-up to their debut studio album Friend-SHIP, which featured “SIXTEEN” as its title track. The 21-track collection dropped on July 24, 2023. The group saw success with this album. It topped the iTunes album charts in various regions, including New Zealand, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates. They also vied for first place on Korean music shows.

HORI7ON was named the Top Global Artist of the Year at the PPOPAwards 2023 and won the Focus Award at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards. With “DAYTOUR,” the boys aim to continue their ascent, bringing their unique sound and energy to fans around the world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The septet is preparing to explore new musical territory. Source: X/@HORI7ONofficial.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Producer Said to Be Dating Weather Reporter

BTS‘s music producer Pdogg is reportedly dating weather reporter Kim Ga-young. South Korean media outlets reported on the rumors last Tuesday, February 13. The couple has been seen going out on dates and introducing each other as partners to their friends, according to SpoTV News. 

Pdogg, a fixture at BigHit Music, has been instrumental in BTS‘s success. He composed and produced many of their hit songs, including “No More Dream,” “Fire,” “Spring Day,” and “Fake Love.” His contributions have earned him high praise from the band. V has called him “the eighth BTS member” while Jungkook labeled him a “living legend.” 

Beyond his work with BTS as a group, Pdogg has also produced music for individual members. He worked on D-DAY, the first full-length album released by SUGA under the name Agust D. He also contributed to Jimin’s first EP FACE. Outside of BTS and BigHit Music, Pdogg has worked with other HYBE artists, such as ENHYPEN and LE SSERAFIM member Huh Yunjin. 

BTS Call Me Brother (Immortal Songs 2) I KBS WORLD TV 201114

Pdogg and his other half

When BTS was on Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend,  RM praised Pdogg. The leader of BTS said, “He’s got to be No. 1 in copyright royalties in Korea, right?” Indeed, Pdogg has led Korea’s music royalties list for the past five years. He also received the grand prize at the KOMCA Awards for five consecutive years.

Kim Ga-young, the other half of this power couple, has been the weather forecaster for MBC’s Newsdesk since April 2021. Her career also spans presenting for radio shows and sporting events. She has appeared on entertainment shows, and has had a regular spot on the SBS variety show Kick a Goal from its second season in 2022.

Regarding the reports of Pdogg‘s relationship, BigHit told Yonhap News that it “cannot confirm [their relationship] as it concerns personal matters.” It wouldn’t be a bad thing if the news were true. After all, Pdogg’s contributions to the K-pop industry have made plenty of fans happy. He deserves to be happy too. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Their relationship has progressed to the point where they’re meeting each other’s friends. Source: X/@PixyEditzz.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s ‘Spring Day’ Reaches Seventh Year on MelOn Top 100

This emotive ballad has been on MelOn’s Daily Top 100 chart since it dropped on February 13, 2017, marking seven consecutive years on the chart. No other song has maintained such a consistent presence on the chart, operated by Korea’s largest streaming service. As the title track of You Never Walk Alone, the repackaged version of their second full-length album, “Spring Day” marked a significant shift for BTS. This release saw them transitioning from their earlier, more hip-hop-driven singles to a more introspective sound.

BigHit Music issued a press release about the song. “The band’s hope to make a song that will be played for a long time among Korean people has become true. It remains with us with a resonance that goes beyond music,” said the agency.

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘봄날 (Spring Day)’ Official MV

About ‘Spring Day’

During an appearance on Immortal Songs 2: Singing the Legend, members SUGA and RM shared the personal experiences that inspired “Spring Day.” SUGA claimed the song is based on how he felt when he lost a friend, an experience he deemed relatable. He believed that’s why people embraced the song the way they did. “Isn’t that common, though? Doesn’t everyone go through this loss at one point in life?”

RM said the idea for the song popped into his head while he was hanging out at the Han River. He wrote the lyrics while thinking about the friends he left behind in Ilsan. “I had friendships that meant a lot to me back in the day. But once I moved to Seoul and started my traineeship, we kind of drifted apart and I eventually lost them. So I thought of them as stars in the sky, floating around me.” 

RM Was Thinking About His Star-Like Friends (Immortal Songs 2)

The song’s poignant lyrics led fans to believe it’s about the lives lost in Korea’s 2014 Sewol Ferry disaster. RM acknowledged that “the song can be interpreted in many ways,” allowing it to serve as an anthem for all things lost but cherished.

As all members of BTS are currently serving in the military, “Spring Day” has taken on a new meaning for ARMYs. This anthem of longing and missing someone mirrors the sentiments of fans worldwide, who are most likely playing it on repeat, eagerly awaiting BTS’s return as a full group in 2025. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This Daesang-winning song holds the record for the most streams, most unique listeners, most likes, and longest charting duration in the history of MelOn. Source: X/@Pk_bts_land.

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TXT’s Soobin Donates 100M KRW to Seoul Children’s Hospital

On February 5, Seoul Children’s Hospital revealed that Soobin, leader of the K-pop boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), donated 100 million KRW. This generous act, carried out on January 31, aims to support children with severe disabilities, showcasing Soobin‘s deep compassion and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the young and vulnerable.

Hospital officials allocated his donation carefully. Twenty million KRW will cover medical expenses for children in need of mental and physical rehabilitation. The remaining 80 million KRW went to fund projects aimed at improving the treatment environment within the hospital. This initiative reflects a holistic approach to supporting the health and well-being of children dealing with serious ailments.

In March, the hospital will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Good Neighbors and the Seoul Community Chest. This will focus on identifying vulnerable groups in need of medical support. Starting in April, parts of the hospital will be remodeled based on user feedback. This will ensure that its facilities will meet the needs of those it serves.

@crimtheghoul

#greenscreen Philanthropy in Kpop and TXT Soobin’s amazing donation to help Children in need. #txt #hybe #philanthropy #kpopnews #kpop #kpopfyp #kpopers #kpoper #kpopfypシ #kpoptiktok #soobin #soobintxt #txt_bighit_official #txt_official_bighit #txtsoobin #txtnews #koreannews

♬ original sound – ☢️Ghoul☢️

Who taught Soobin to be generous?

The hospital has witnessed a significant increase in donations, totaling 940 million KRW last year. This includes contributions aimed at enhancing the treatment environment and providing essential medical equipment, such as ventilators and rehabilitation robotics, for children without guardians. Last year’s donations, more than four times the five-year average, played a crucial role in supporting the medically disadvantaged, a testament to the ongoing corporate social responsibility activities and the generosity of individuals like Soobin.

Nam Min, the director of the Seoul Children’s Hospital, expressed his gratitude for the donors’ kindness, which has enabled the hospital to continue its work. He pledged to honor them by identifying and supporting more vulnerable families this year.

Soobin‘s philanthropy is rooted in the values his family instilled in him. In a past interview with Weverse magazine, he shared a poignant memory of his mother’s influence, recalling how she once made a donation in tears while watching TV. She once advised him, “When you grow up, you should always be kind and help anyone in need.” This lesson has clearly shaped Soobin‘s personality, inspiring him to use his platform and resources to make a positive impact on society. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Soobin took his mother’s words to heart. Source: X/@translatingTXT.

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Sung Hanbin and Zhang Hao Showcase Their Chemistry on ‘M Countdown’

Sung Hanbin and Zhang Hao of ZEROBASEONE are the epitome of friendship goals in the K-pop scene. From their early days on Boys Planet, it was clear they shared a special connection.

Despite the competitive nature of the show, their bond stood out, especially when Hanbin fell to second place behind Hao in the finale. Despite the fact that many considered the South Korean trainee a shoo-in for the top spot, he graciously accepted the outcome. Hanbin even told Hao that the No. 1 seat suited the global trainee. This left a lasting impression on fans, who were charmed by the depth of their friendship.

ALL HAOBIN MOMENTS from 1st to last ep of BOYS PLANET

After Boys Planet, their chemistry was further showcased in a video where they shared fun facts about each other. This further endeared them to fans.

[팅글인터뷰] ASMR | 제로베이스원 장하오&성한빈 편 (ENG/JPN)

Hao and Hanbin have been flexing their friendship

This chemistry was on full display during a recent gathering of idols for M Countdown. When Hao arrived, he was met with a full couch. Instead of squeezing in next to one of the idols, he joked that he could simply sit in Hanbin’s lap. The M Countdown MC welcomed his friend by patting his leg and gesturing for Hao to have a seat, indicating that the Chinese idol could indeed sit in his lap.

@haoandbin

oh that’s the best seat Hao 😂#zerobaseone #zb1 #sunghanbin #zhanghao #haobin #hanbinzhanghao

♬ original sound – ivy🐬 – ivy🐬ྀི

A video clip of this moment went viral on social media, racking up over 150,000 views on TikTok alone. On X (formerly known as Twitter), viewers couldn’t stop talking about what Hao did. The reaction of CIX’s Bae Jinyoung also became a hot topic. One fan pointed out that Jinyoung looked like he was side-eyeing the ZEROBASEONE members. While that wasn’t exactly true, he did look somewhat bemused, which made the incident funnier.

Adding to the amusement, Hao and Hanbin later posted a TikTok video together.

@zb1_official

‘I WANNA KNOW’ with HAN BIN 🐹 #ZEROBASEONE #ZB1 #제로베이스원 #SUNGHANBIN #ZHANGHAO #성한빈 #장하오 #I_WANNA_KNOW #환승연애3 #I_WANNA_KNOW_Challenge

♬ I WANNA KNOW – ZHANG HAO

Last year, fans accused WAKEONE Entertainment of homophobia, believing their agency had banned Hao and Hanbin from spending time together. It’s great to see that isn’t the case, as the two have been flexing their friendship whenever and wherever they can. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Theirs is truly a beautiful friendship. Source: X/@kpopachillean.

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