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Lee Jung Jae Debuts as a Jedi Master in ‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ Trailer

Lee Jung-Jae is officially a Jedi Master! The first trailer for “Star Wars: The Acolyte” just offered a look at the “Squid Game” actor in the highly anticipated Disney+ series.

Lee Jung Jae Is a Jedi Master in ‘The Acolyte’ Trailer

The release of the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into Lee’s portrayal as he mentors a group of young Padawans, showcasing his commanding presence and skillful performance.

Portraying the character of respected Jedi Master Sol in the live-action series, Lee brings his talent and charisma to the forefront, embodying a pivotal role in the narrative set during the High Republic Era. The storyline, centered around a shocking crime spree and the ensuing investigation, promises a compelling and immersive viewing experience for audiences.

Lee Jung-jae’s Hollywood debut as a Jedi Master in the Disney+ series “The Acolyte” marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. It also represents a notable step forward for Asian representation in the entertainment industry. As an acclaimed actor and Emmy-winner, Lee’s involvement in the Star Wars universe adds further credibility to the project and generates excitement among fans worldwide.

Despite the controversies surrounding Lee, his inclusion in “The Acolyte” underscores the industry’s ongoing efforts to diversify casting and provide opportunities for actors of all backgrounds. Alongside a talented ensemble cast featuring Amandla Stenberg, Jodie Turner-Smith, and others, Lee’s involvement adds depth and star power to the series.

As “The Acolyte” prepares for its premiere on Disney+, anticipation continues to build among fans eager to delve into the rich and immersive world of Star Wars. With its diverse cast, intriguing storyline, and Lee Jung-jae’s Hollywood debut, the series promises to captivate audiences and further expand the beloved franchise’s universe.

The premiere of “The Acolyte” on June 5, with the release of the first two episodes, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Star Wars saga, showcasing Lee’s talent on a global stage and highlighting the enduring appeal of the iconic franchise.

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NU’EST Reunite For 12th Debut Anniversary Celebration

The reunion of all five members of NU’EST to celebrate their 12th debut anniversary marks a significant moment not only for the group but also for their fans, known as L.O.Λ.E. It’s a testament to their enduring bond and friendship despite the challenges and changes they’ve experienced over the years.

NU’EST Members Reunite for 12th Debut Anniversary

NU’EST member Aron shared the delightful image on his official Instagram account. Fans immediately celebrated the return of the group members as they prove their bond.

NU’EST’s journey has been one of resilience and growth since their debut on March 15, 2012, with the single “Face.” Despite facing obstacles and uncertainties, they remained dedicated to their craft and loyal to their fans, carving out a special place in the hearts of many with their music and performances.

The decision to disband on March 15, 2022, following the completion of their 10-year contract with Pledis Entertainment undoubtedly marked the end of an era for NU’EST. However, their reunion for the 12th debut anniversary dinner serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact they’ve had on the K-pop industry and the strong bond they share as members.

The timing of the reunion is particularly bittersweet as it coincides with Hwang Minhyun’s impending enlistment and commencement of mandatory alternative service duty on March 21. His temporary departure adds a sense of poignancy to the gathering, underscoring the importance of cherishing moments together and celebrating milestones as a group.

The snapshots shared by the members on Instagram offer glimpses into their reunion, sparking joy and nostalgia among fans who have been eagerly awaiting this moment. It’s a heartwarming sight to see all five members come together, reflecting on their journey, and creating new memories to treasure.

As NU’EST embarks on new chapters in their individual careers, their 12th debut anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the bond they share and the legacy they’ve built together. Though their paths may diverge for now, the spirit of NU’EST lives on in the hearts of their fans, who continue to support and cherish each member’s endeavors.

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EXO Xiumin Looks Fierce in Arena Homme China Cover

Xiumin is proving yet again that he continues to be hot commodity to his Chinese fans. The EXO member has just been confirmed to grace the cover of Arena Homme China this April. However, he isn’t the only EXO member who will appear on a Chinese publication next month!

Arena Homme China Reveals EXO’s Xiumin For April Issue Cover

The Arena Homme China social media accounts posted the upcoming cover for its April issue. It features EXO member Xiumin, who originally debuted as a member of the group’s Chinese sub-unit EXO M. The cover features Xiumin’s profile subtly hidden by a pair of large sunglasses. It’s a fierce image that truly appeals to EXO-Ls around the world.

Xiumin’s magazine cover was soon followed by an interesting announcement as another Chinese publication dropped a teaser for their cover.

EXO Member Chanyeol Confirmed for OK! China Cover

The official Weibo account for OK! China magazine posted a teaser for the April issue. It features EXO member Chanyeol standing with his back towards the camera. Although his face is not revealed, Eris were immediately thrilled to know that the group’s main rapper will grace the cover of the publication.

Chanyeol recently reunited with other EXO members when they attended Baekyun’s solo concert LONSDALEITE in Seoul. He was spotted arriving at the venue with D.O. and sat along with Suho and Chen who were also in attendance. Xiumin had attended the previous day’s concert.

In the meantime, EXO is set to celebrate their 12th debut anniversary in mid-April. The announcement of the ‘2024 EXO FAN MEETING : ONE‘ has sent waves of excitement through the global EXO-L fandom, marking a highly anticipated return for the beloved K-pop group. Scheduled to take place at the prestigious Incheon Yeongjongdo Inspire Arena on April 14th, the fan meeting will be divided into two sessions, accommodating the enthusiastic crowds of EXO-Ls eager to engage with their favorite idols.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT Releases Several Teasers for ‘minisode 3: TOMORROW’

TOMORROW X TOGETHER, aka TXT, captivated fans with a series of six videos teasing their upcoming mini-album, minisode 3: TOMORROW. Released earlier this month, these videos exude a fairy tale-like vibe, offering fans a glimpse into the new album’s enchanting concept. The videos show the members clad in elegant ivory outfits and sparkling paper crowns, setting an otherworldly yet romantic mood.

minisode 3: TOMORROW is set for release in April. It marks the conclusion of the group’s “The Name Chapter” series and heralds the beginning of a new chapter in TXT’s journey. The mini-album weaves together stories from “The Dream Chapter,” “The Chaos Chapter,” and “The Name Chapter.” It delves into themes of failed love, fractured friendships, and temptation—themes TXT has explored since their debut in 2019.

 

TXT released more teasers

Apart from the videos, the group also unveiled the album package image for minisode 3: TOMORROW. It intrigued fans with the line: “Even if we part ways, let’s promise to meet here again.” This line was noteworthy because it had previously appeared in the MV for “Nap of a Star,” the final track of TXT’s debut album, The Dream Chapter: STAR. The inclusion of this line in the album package image for minisode 3: TOMORROW hints at the story TXT will tell with this album and how it connects to their previous releases.

@bethtxtuk

I’m so excited for txt’s new album AND there’s going to be 7 songs on the tracklist, WE CHEERED!! #txt #tomorrow_x_together #tomorrowxtogether #txtcomeback #txtmoa #kpop #kpopfyp #minisode3

♬ End of Beginning – Djo

Adding to the ethereal teasers, TXT also released a new video titled “Light.” It shows all five members in a celestial garden, surrounded by trees, fluttering leaves, and a radiant glow. The presence of a mysterious pair of feet wearing ballet slippers adds an intriguing twist, capturing the attention of viewers. It serves as one more hint at the narrative of minisode 3: TOMORROW.

TXT (투모로우바이투게더) minisode 3: TOMORROW – Concept Clip ‘Light’

TXT’s minisode 3: TOMORROW is poised to be a significant addition to the group’s discography. Fans are eagerly awaiting the album’s release at 6;00 PM KST on April 1, ready to dive into the latest chapter of TXT’s evolving story. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans got even more excited for the album when the newest teaser dropped. Source: YouTube/@HYBELABELS.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Song Joong Ki Responds to Mixed Reviews of ‘My Name Is Loh Kiwan’

Song Joong Ki has recently opened up about the diverse reactions to his latest film, My Name Is Loh Kiwan. Based on the novel by Cho Haejin, the film explores the relationship between North Korean defector Loh Kiwan and professional shooter Marie, portrayed by Song Joong Ki and Choi Sung Eun, respectively.

The film received mixed reviews, with many disliking its romantic angle. Song Joong Ki shared that he had reservations about this aspect of the film as well. “I completely understand. I initially rejected the role for that reason,” he admitted.

Song Joong Ki changed his mind after recognizing the film’s merits. He hopes viewers will eventually come to appreciate the film as well. “However, after a while, even I was able to relate to the work and enter its story, despite my shortcomings. A movie is not a disposable cup that you throw away after watching it once. Even if you don’t find it interesting and can’t relate to it now, you may change your mind again as time goes by. I hope that’s the case, and I hope viewers look kindly on the movie. Of course, if opinions don’t change even after time has passed, that’s something I can’t control. It’s not something I can force.”

MY NAME IS LOH KIWAN | Inside Look | Netflix [ENG SUB]

Song Joong Ki values all feedback

Song Joong Ki values all feedback, seeing it as essential for growth. “I like to hear other people’s opinions, whether good or bad. If I don’t hear them, I can’t learn,” he reflected. “It’s natural to receive a variety of reviews. I accept them without regret.”

The actor also touched on the difficulty of evaluating his own work but expressed a sense of accomplishment and love for My Name Is Loh Kiwan. “I don’t think it’s something that can be easily graded, and it’s not easy for me to talk about my own work like this, but I want to give it a stamp of approval. Not necessarily ‘you did amazingly well,’ but at least a ‘you did well’ stamp. It’s subjective, but it’s a work I personally love,” Song Joong Ki shared. 

“From overseas filming locations to characters from diverse cultural backgrounds, and especially being the director’s debut, it wasn’t an easy production to film. Just being able to complete it feels like achieving half a success. That’s why I want to say, ‘You did well,’” he added. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: He acknowledged the reviews in a recent interview. Source: YouTube/@netflixkcontent.

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RIIZE Confirmed for Spring Comeback, Changes Official Lightstick

RIIZE—currently composed of Anton, Eunseok, Shotaro, Sohee, Sungchan, and Wonbin—is gearing up for a spring comeback. Their agency, SM Entertainment, has recently confirmed that the group is set to release new material in April. Their last release, the single album Love 119, dropped in January.

With “Love 119,” RIIZE won their first music show trophy on M Countdown. They also became the first boy group that debuted in the 2020s to score a win on Inkigayo, with 6,167 points, beating out songs by ITZY and Lim Jae Hyun. RIIZE joins other K-pop artists who are preparing to return to the music scene in April, including their seniors SEVENTEEN and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT).

RIIZE win 1st place with Love 119 on SBS INKIGAYO 240121

The controversial hand shape

The anticipation for RIIZE’s comeback was further fueled by a teaser their agency shared earlier this month. The teaser hinted at the upcoming release of the group’s official lightstick. However, not everyone was happy with the design, which featured a hand with the index finger and thumb pointing outward. Some fans thought it looked too much like Epik High’s “Park Kyu Bong” lightstick.

Concerns arose over the design potentially causing issues for the group in Japan,  where the gesture of the index finger and thumb pointing outward connotes cursing. After fans let SM Entertainment know what they thought of the design via their KWANGYA 119 platform, the agency decided to revise it. They later posted a new teaser for the lightstick. This one omitted the controversial hand shape. All it said was, “Official fanlight will be released in April.”

RIIZE will embark on a worldwide tour

Looking ahead, RIIZE is set to hold their first fan concert since their debut at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium on May 4 and 5. Following these performances, they will embark on a worldwide tour, visiting cities across the globe including Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Manila, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo. 

2024 RIIZE FAN-CON TOUR ‘RIIZING DAY’ GREETING MESSAGE

This tour will further solidify their international appeal and fanbase. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Are you ready for RIIZE’s return? Source: X/@yantong321.

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K-POP ARTISTS K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Felix Struts His Stuff on the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2024 Runway

When Stray Kids’ Felix participated in Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Week show, he marked his official debut in the high fashion world. The event showcased the luxury brand’s ready-to-wear fall 2024 line and saw Felix don a distinctive ensemble. The K-pop idol wore furry white gloves, sleek white and silver pants, and a textured white turtleneck. He carried a gray handbag in one hand as he strutted down the runway. His blonde hair was a frosty shade of platinum, which matched the icy vibe of his outfit.

The show celebrated Nicolas Ghesquière’s tenth anniversary as the artistic director of women’s collections at Louis Vuitton. According to WWD, the “collection, while not exactly a greatest hits compilation, could be read as a distillation of his work at the house. There were futuristic takes on sportswear, like a graphic two-tone windbreaker with a curved zipper, or a silver flight suit with scarification marks.”

Felix at the Women’s Fall-Winter 2024 Show in Paris| LOUIS VUITTON

Meanwhile, Nicole Phelps of Vogue wrote, “The jackets heavily embroidered with metallic threads and embellished with cabochon stones recalled the frock coats of the Louis XVI collection for spring 2018 he presented in the medieval part of the Louvre. Sparkling skirts that bubbled below the knees seemed to be a callback to spring 2021, a pandemic-time show he staged without an audience. And the swirling asymmetric hems of the spectacular fringy evening numbers evoked the deconstructed scuba-suit dresses from his resort 2017 show in Rio.”

There were plenty of K-pop stars in the audience, including BLACKPINK’s Lisa, NewJeans’ Hyein, and TWICE’s Nayeon. Hollywood celebrities Ana de Armas, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Sophie Turner were also seen checking out the brand’s offerings.

Louis Vuitton Fall-Winter 2024 Show | LOUIS VUITTON

Fashionable Felix

During a recent live broadcast on Instagram, Felix shared some behind-the-scenes tidbits from the show. “Nicholas prepared two large bouquets of flowers, and they were white. He prepared them for me before the show. He sent them to my waiting room, so I took a photo of them. It was sweet of him to send flowers, because in a sense it showed that he cared. He really wanted to cheer me on before the show.”

Felix also gave a shout-out to Squid Game star Jung Hoyeon, who opened the show and joined him onstage for the finale. “On the runway, Hoyeon–nim took really good care of me and taught me quite a lot. I’m thankful to Hoyeon–nim for teaching me how to walk on the runway. I received feedback and tips on how to do it, which was quite helpful.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFSe5WEn2h0

[MULTI SUBS] 170324 StrayKids Felix Instagram live 스트레이키즈 필릭스 인스타라이브

Felix’s relationship with Louis Vuitton began in August 2023 when he was announced as a house ambassador. Ghesquière praised Felix for his “unique personality” and “audacious sense of style.” Prior to his Paris Fashion Week appearance, he attended Ghesquière’s 2024 cruise show for Vuitton. Ghesquière also styled Felix for the Lollapalooza music festival in Paris.

Fashionable Felix wasn’t the only member of Stray Kids who participated in fashion-related events last month. I.N. went to the Alexander McQueen show while Seungmin attended a Loewe event. Finally, Hyunjin was seen at the Versace show in Milan, where he posed for photos with actress Anne Hathaway. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: When Felix walked the runway, he drove 4.4 million USD in earned media value (EMV) for Louis Vuitton. Source: X/@voguebusiness.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Karina’s Apology for Dating Reminds Fans of AKB48’s Minami Minegishi

aespa’s Karina apologized to her fans after Dispatch exposed her relationship with actor Lee Jae Wook.

Earlier this month, she posted a handwritten letter on Instagram in which she addressed the news and fans’ reaction to it. She apologized for disappointing them.

Most fans rallied behind Karina in the comments, telling the K-pop star she didn’t have to apologize because she didn’t do anything wrong. Others criticized SM Entertainment, Karina’s agency, for what they perceived to be SM’s poor handling of the crisis. They believe the agency shouldn’t have let Karina write the letter in the first place.

The case of Minami Minegishi

Some compared Karina’s apology letter to the case of Minegishi Minami, a former member of the J-pop girl group AKB48. In 2013, she was caught after spending the night at the home of Alan Shirahama, the leader of boy group Generations from Exile Tribe. A few hours after the weekly tabloid Shukan Bunshun published its report about the incident, AKB48 announced that Minegishi would be demoted to trainee status as punishment. The idol eventually posted a video on the group’s official channel, in which she apologized profusely to fans for what happened. What’s more, she shaved her head for the video (in Japan, shaving one’s head is an act of contrition).

The Most Tragic Case Of Breaking The Idol “NO DATING” Ban

At the time, Japan Times writer Ian Martin published an article saying, “What is happening here is the protection of fans’ fragile fantasies automatically trumps the basic human right to a life outside that fantasy framework. Though as lawyer Hifumi Okunuki pointed out in a Japan Times article on Jan. 22, such an arrangement is probably illegal under Japanese labor laws.”

Minami Minegishi’s case is similar to Karina’s in the sense that both incidents revolve around the pressures and societal expectations idols face. In Japan and South Korea, idols must maintain the illusion that they’re pure as the driven snow—which includes avoiding dating or even talking about it. It’s exceedingly rare for idols to date publicly. Karina may not have had to shave her head, but the fact that she too felt compelled to apologize says a lot.

When did Karina start dating?

Dispatch was the first to report that Karina and Lee Jae Wook started dating after a Prada show in Milan last January. The publication said the couple would usually meet in Lee Jae Wook’s neighborhood and take late-night walks together.

Karina debuted with aespa in 2020. Their group is known for the hits “Black Mamba” and “Next Level.” Meanwhile, Lee Jae Wook debuted as an actor in 2018 and has since appeared in several K-dramas such as Extraordinary You and Alchemy of Souls. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The incident involving Minami Minegishi happened over a decade ago. It’s kind of sad that things haven’t changed much since then. Sources: X/@rinaoutsold, YouTube/@Sandwellnews.

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ENHYPEN Endorses Dunkin’ PH, Sets Bench Fan Meeting in Manila

ENHYPEN surprised their Filipino fans once again, this time by becoming the new faces of Dunkin’ Philippines. 

ENHYPEN Dunkin’ Pasalubong Ng Bayan | Dunkin’ PH

The brand celebrated this new partnership with the BELIFT LAB act by dressing up select stores in orange, reminiscent of the septet’s latest mini-album, ORANGE BLOOD. They also set up ENHYPEN-themed photo areas and invited fans to take photos there. Finally, they launched a new promo: Get an ENHYPEN photo strip with every purchase of the Famous or Delights bundles.

This partnership places ENHYPEN alongside other esteemed Korean stars like Kim Soo Hyun and Cha Eun Woo, who have previously served as ambassadors for the brand.

@dunkin.ph

D’Day with ENHYPEN! 🧡 #ENHYPEN_DunkinPH #ENHYPEN #DunkinPH

♬ original sound – Dunkin’ Philippines – Dunkin’ Philippines

Dunkin’, originally named Dunkin’ Donuts, was founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. It started as a coffee and doughnut shop and quickly became known for its high-quality coffee and baked goods. Over the years, Dunkin’ evolved into a leading global bakery-cafe chain, emphasizing speed and convenience while expanding its menu to include a wide range of beverages and food items.

Dunkin’ first entered the Philippines in 1981 through its local franchisee, Golden Donuts, Inc., with the opening of its first store in Makati City. It recently opened its 800th store in the Philippines, marking it as the largest coffee operator in the country. This milestone was achieved after the opening of 13 new stores in one weekend in August 2023.

@dunkin.ph

Receive a special gift with every purchase of Famous or Delights Bundle. #ENHYPEN_DunkinPH #ENHYPEN

♬ original sound – Dunkin’ Philippines – Dunkin’ Philippines

ENHYPEN’s ‘sweet experience’

Beyond their endorsement deal with Dunkin’ Philippines, ENHYPEN is exciting Filipino fans by planning a return to Manila for a fan meeting named “A Sweet Experience.” Bench, a Philippine retail brand that ENHYPEN endorses, is organizing this event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 28.

Bench has a long history of collaborating with Korean artists. They started with Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae of Super Junior in 2012. Over the years, Bench has expanded its roster of Korean endorsers to include a wide range of personalities from the world of K-drama and K-pop. This reflects the brand’s commitment to engaging with the Hallyu wave and its fans in the Philippines.

It’s Q&A time with ENHYPEN!

Some notable Korean celebrities who have endorsed Bench include Ji Chang Wook, Hyun Bin, Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Park Hyung Sik, Park Seo Joon, and Park Shin Hye. K-pop groups like ITZY, Stray Kids, and TWICE have also joined the brand’s lineup of Korean endorsers. These collaborations have not only helped Bench solidify its fashion-forward brand but also created buzz and excitement, drawing fans closer through exclusive content and other special promotions featuring Korean celebrities.

As ENHYPEN prepares to meet their fans in Manila, the anticipation builds not just for the event itself but also for the impact it will have. 

Elevate Your Style Game with ENHYPEN’s Iconic Jacket!

With these activities, ENHYPEN continues to bridge the gap between K-pop and the Philippines. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki are the latest Hallyu stars to sign with Dunkin’ Philippines. Source: X/@dunkinph.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s V Amazes Fans in Behind-the-Scenes Video of His Latest Commercial

BTS member Kim Taehyung, aka V, impressed fans with his involvement in filming a commercial for Compose Coffee, a popular South Korean coffee brand. A behind-the-scenes video from their recent ad campaign revealed V’s active participation in the production process. He contributed to discussions about angles, shots, and other creative aspects. This demonstrated his influence on the overall direction of the shoot.

Fans got their first glimpse of the “Love Me Again” singer’s Compose Coffee campaign back in January. The ad, rich with references to films like Big Fish and The French Dispatch, reminded fans of V’s well-known fondness for European romantic comedies. This led to speculation that he might have suggested incorporating those elements into the campaign.

The ad’s fusion of cinematic visuals and Compose Coffee’s signature color palette was well-received. In an Instagram post, V acknowledged the director he worked with, Yu Kwang-goeng. The BTS member expressed gratitude to the director for allowing V to contribute his ideas to the ad and bringing them to fruition.

컴포즈커피 V 메이킹필름

Fans praised the BTS member

When fans found out about V’s active participation in the shoot, they wasted no time in praising not just his dedication, but his attention to detail as well. They admired the fact that V demonstrated an ability to contribute significantly to creative projects that go beyond music. For ARMYs, that means V can succeed in whatever he does, regardless of whether he’s an idol or not.

V’s relationship with Compose Coffee began in December 2023, when he was named the new face of the brand. Their partnership has been a resounding success, with the musician reportedly earning over 4.6 million USD for his role in the brand’s ad campaigns. His involvement led to a significant boost for Compose Coffee, which attracted over 2.6 million new users to its app. The brand also introduced coffee cup sleeves adorned with V’s image, which propelled the brand to the No. 1 spot on Baemin, South Korea’s largest delivery service.

Although they’re currently completing their military service, the BTS members, including V, continue to influence popular culture. Fans are eagerly anticipating their return as a complete group in June 2025, looking forward to more projects from the superstar septet that will showcase their creativity. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V’s not just good in front of the camera, he’s dynamite behind it too. Source: YouTube/@composecoffee.official.

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