Category: K-POP ARTISTS

Jungkook, a member of the globally renowned group BTS, unveiled the official teaser for his new solo single on Wednesday. His foray into the solo music scene began not long ago with the release of the English track “Seven.” This song garnered immense popularity and clinched the coveted VMA award for Song of the Summer. Now, with “3D,” Jungkook is set to embark on a new musical journey.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘3D (feat. Jack Harlow)’ Official Teaser

When Jungkook met Jack

Releasing just two days before its official launch date on September 29, the teaser for “3D” provided fans with a sneak peek at the song. The video portrays Jungkook in various looks, from an all-white suit to boots, pants, and a sleeveless shirt, all in black. He also wields a hammer in one scene. The upbeat tempo hinted in the teaser suggests that “3D” will be a real chartbuster.

In an exciting twist, Jungkook collaborated with the talented Jack Harlow on his second solo venture. This partnership promises a unique blend of musical styles, offering listeners a fresh and enthralling experience. In the teaser, the duo is playing chess on a sidewalk. While they didn’t share much screen time in the teaser, both artists gave fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the music video shoot on social media. A photo of Jungkook wearing a diamond-studded Kentucky chain, shared by both, quickly became a talking point among fans and even caught the attention of KFC.

The significance of the necklace goes beyond its dazzling appearance. Commissioned by Harlow and crafted by New York jeweler Alex Moss, the piece has 61 carats of VVS diamonds and 560 grams of 14k white gold. The necklace pays tribute to the late GRAMMY award-winner Static Major, a Louisville native like Harlow, known for his iconic Kentucky chain. Fans appreciated the gesture, viewing Jungkook wearing the chain as a sign of respect from Harlow, symbolizing his hometown pride.

More on ‘3D’

In related buzz, there’s speculation about social media influencer Addison Rae‘s involvement in the “3D” project. Rae‘s suggestive Instagram stories—ranging from her love for New York City to her endorsement of Jungkook‘s favorite snack—intrigued fans. The fact that she posted them while Jungkook was in town for the Global Citizen Festival further fueled speculations. Some believe she might sing on the track or star in its music video.

Another highlight is the directorial talent behind “3D.” Drew Kirsch, known for his work with Taylor Swift and previous collaboration with Jungkook, is at the helm of this project. With a track record of producing visually stunning videos that garner millions of views, Kirsch’s involvement further elevates the anticipation for “3D.”

“3D (feat. Jack Harlow)” will drop on Friday, September 29, at 1:00 PM KST. – K-Pop News Writer

https://www.tiktok.com/@byeblossom/video/7282189084443856174?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

Featured Image: Aside from the teaser, Jungkook dropped a second set of concept photos. This is just one of them. Source: X/@BIGHIT_MUSIC.

BTS‘ leader, RM, has generously donated 100 million won to the Korean Forensic Medicine Society, intending to advance forensic medicine nationwide. The current scenario in South Korea reveals a concerning shortage of forensic scientists, with only about 60 active professionals in the field. Moreover, only two to three medical doctors a year take up forensic medicine as a specialty.

RM decided to donate after working with forensic scientist Professor Lee Ho on The Dictionary of Useless Knowledge. It was a tvN show he hosted alongside Jang Hang-jun, featuring panelists Kim Young-ha, Kim Sang-wook, and Dr. Shim Chae-kyung. It began airing on December 2, 2022 and ended on January 27, 2023. The January 6 episode highlighted the challenges forensic scientists in South Korea face. On that day, RM noted that in 2023, no one applied to enter the field.

RM is ‘a cool and deep person’

Dr. Shim Chae-kyung, a planetary scientist and astronomer at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, expressed her admiration for RM’s charitable act. Taking to Instagram on the 27th, she labeled the news of RM‘s donation as “wonderful news.”

Looking back on the day Professor Lee Ho appeared on the show, Dr. Shim shared, “During breaks in the filming of ‘Useless Knowledge,’ Namjoon continued his conversation with Professor Lee Ho. And he made a promise right there. You could tell from his attitude, expression, and eyes that it wasn’t just empty words. He remembered the promise he made and followed through to the end.”

She added, “I thought astronomers were few, but the number of forensic scientists is even fewer. I send cheers and encouragement to those who walk the path of forensic medicine and applause and respect to Namjoon, who does what he can with a kind heart. He feels like a much younger brother. But at the same time, he’s like a life senior with a high level of maturity, a cool and deep person.”

About the Korean Forensic Medicine Society

The Korean Forensic Medicine Society was established in 1976. It has been pivotal in promoting human rights, judicial justice, and social safety through its forensic research, evaluations, and training. Despite the society’s efforts, the number of active forensic scientists remains alarmingly low. 

RM said, “Becoming a forensic scientist is very challenging. I genuinely respect those who walk the path of a forensic scientist. I hope to contribute, even if just a little, to their training and support and the Forensic Medicine Society’s growth.”

The funds donated by RM will be used for the Korean Forensic Medicine Society’s talent cultivation projects, academic research, and enhancements in forensic medicine systems. In recognition of RM‘s generous contribution, the Korean Forensic Medicine Society plans to present him with a certificate of appreciation and grant him honorary membership. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM’s concern over the state of forensics in South Korea led him to donate. Source: X/@joooniehq.

At first glance, it may seem like BTS’ RM and ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew share little in common. RM is an established superstar, while Matthew, despite his group selling over a million albums in one week with their debut, is still a rookie. However, a closer look reveals a shared love for the animated classic, Howl’s Moving Castle.

Howl’s Moving Castle, a 2004 Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, has always held a special place in the hearts of Studio Ghibli fans. The film, loosely based on Diana Wynne Jones’s 1986 novel, revolves around Sophie, a young milliner cursed into elderly form, who encounters a wizard named Howl and becomes entangled in his resistance against fighting for the king. The film earned an Academy Award nomination and continues to be celebrated across generations for its stunning visuals and thematic exploration.

RM, renowned for his multifaceted talents, treated fans to piano renditions of the theme from Howl’s Moving Castle. Witnessing him perform the song “Merry Go Round of Life” was a treat for fans of Studio Ghibli, BTS, or both. He initially played the theme in its original format, showcasing his exceptional skills, and later treated fans to a speed-up version, playfully captioning it with “It’s the TikTok era, so speed up.”

What ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ means to Matthew

Meanwhile, Matthew has openly expressed how the song from Howl’s Moving Castle has impacted him. “Every time I listen to it, I feel strangely at ease. I close my eyes and listen carefully as I imagine. At times the sea, other times the sky, and at times green mountains. When I found things hard, I calmed down my mind a lot like that. It’s music that was like a friend who protects me,” the ZEROBASEONE member shared in a previous interview. 

He also sports a Howl’s Moving Castle-inspired tattoo on his right bicep and occasionally wears a ring inspired by the film. During an online fansign, he once recited a line of dialogue from the movie, much to the delight of the fan on the call with him.

The shared admiration for Howl’s Moving Castle between BTS’ RM and ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew highlights the universal appeal of the animated classic and brings fans of different generations together. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Knowing they both love this movie makes them even cooler in our book. Sources: X/@_BTSMoments_ and @0528_files.