Category: LATEST STORIES

Girl group Billie is gearing up for a grand return this October. On September 19, Xportsnews broke the news that fans have eagerly been waiting for: Billie is set to drop new music next month. This revelation was soon confirmed by Billie’s agency, Mystic Story.

This comeback is particularly significant as it marks the girl group’s return to K-pop after seven months. Their fourth mini-album, titled The Billage of Perception: Chapter Three, dropped in March 2023. It incorporated various genres, including funk-pop, pop-R&B, and synth-pop. It was a monumental success, as its title track, “EUNOIA,” gave them their first music show win.

Billie hasn’t had it easy

Unfortunately, the group hasn’t had it easy lately. On April 20, they stopped promoting their fourth mini-album following the sudden passing of Moon Sua’s sibling, Moonbin, from ASTRO. A few days later, Mystic Story informed fans that Moon Sua would be taking a break, while the other six members would proceed with their scheduled activities. She resumed her MC position on Show Champion on June 12.

That same month, another member—lead dancer and main vocalist Suhyeon—went on hiatus. Mystic Story quickly released a statement regarding Suhyeon’s condition. The agency wrote, “Following an expert’s opinion that she needs rest, we’ve decided to temporarily suspend her activities for the recovery of her health. We will do our best for Suhyeon’s treatment and quick recovery, and do everything we can for the health and safety of our artists in the future too. We apologize for causing concern to fans with this sudden news and ask for your support for Suhyeon’s quick recovery.”

Poor Moon Sua

A few days ago, Moon Sua decided to take another break. This is especially poignant given what her family went through earlier this year. Highlighting her need for adequate rest, Billie’s agency confirmed that the girl group’s upcoming comeback would feature only five members: Haram, Haruna, Sheon, Siyoon, and Tsuki.

As exciting as Billie‘s upcoming comeback is, it’s crucial to acknowledge its members’ struggles. While waiting for them to release new material, fans worldwide are filled with anticipation and hope, rooting for a triumphant comeback and the well-being of every member. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Billie has had it rough lately. Here’s hoping their October comeback will be a success! Source: Twitter/@KpopGirlzBands1.

Concerts are known for their super strict rules, especially regarding cameras. In many events, fans are often prohibited from bringing cameras, leading to a cat-and-mouse game between fansites and security. While some concerts turn a blind eye to fans capturing moments with their phones, others are more stringent, ensuring no footage is taken.

In South Korea, this game is even more intense. Fansites, eager to capture their idols in the best light, often find their professional-level equipment confiscated. This has led to some fansites using ingenious methods to smuggle their things into concert venues. Some resort to strapping cameras to their legs, camouflaging them with long skirts, while others disassemble their equipment, and stuff parts in their bags. However, once inside, if discovered, they risk being ejected from the venue.

What did BamBam do?

This backdrop sets the stage for a recent incident involving GOT7‘s BamBam. The artist held a solo concert in Seoul, and as expected, many fansites were sneaking in their cameras to immortalize the event. One fansite, known simply as Bammad, captured a breathtaking photo of BamBam bathed in a single spotlight. The composition and quality of the photo were so impressive that the artist himself took notice.

In an unexpected move, BamBam publicly exempted Bammad from the standard “no cameras” rule. He took to social media to express his admiration for the photo she took, stating, “Please absolutely never take away this noona’s camera during concerts.” This personal endorsement from BamBam was a significant gesture, but it also highlighted the challenges fansites face. Despite securing her idol’s approval, Bammad still has to navigate the potential pitfalls posed by concert promoters.

The fansite master’s reaction

In a candid response, Bammad tweeted, “Please tell your company this…I’m scared to go overseas…” 

This exchange underscores the delicate balance between artists, fansites, and event organizers. As BamBam embarks on the rest of his world tour, fans are waiting to see if he advocates for Bammad, ensuring she continues delivering high-quality photos without hindrance. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is just one of Bammad’s many amazing shots. Source: Twitter/@bammad0502.

Filipino snack brand Oishi surprised many by teaming up with the renowned South Korean girl group, TWICE, for its latest ad campaign. Oishi recently debuted TWICE’s commercial for the “O Wow! O Wow!” campaign on its social media platforms, creating a buzz among fans.

The commercial, which spans a minute, captures the nine-member group digging into different Oishi snacks while watching TV. The nine members grouped themselves into four teams, with each team promoting one snack. Chaeyoung and Mina endorsed the chocolate and ube-filled crackers. Nayeon, Sana, and Tzuyu couldn’t get enough cheese-flavored potato fries. Dahyun and Jeongyeon were all about the sweet corn-flavored tortilla chips. Finally, Jihyo and Momo ate the spicy-flavored prawn crackers.

But it wasn’t just about the snacks. The commercial also featured TWICE dancing to their hit song “What is Love.” As a delightful surprise, the video ended with the idols showing off their Tagalog skills, exclaiming the Filipino word for delicious, “Sarap! Sarap!”

More from TWICE 

In related news, TWICE is gearing up for the Philippine stop of their Ready to Be World Tour, with sold-out performances set for September 30 and October 1 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. This comes after the music video for their English hit “MOONLIGHT SUNRISE” earned over 100 million views on YouTube. This solidifies TWICE’s position as the K-pop girl group with the most number of videos to achieve this feat. (So far, 23 of their music videos have over 100 million views.)

The excitement doesn’t end there. TWICE is set to host two fan meetings in Seoul on October 21. JYP Entertainment recently heightened ONCEs’ anticipation by unveiling a poster for these events on its official social media platforms. The poster, set against a pink background, showcased the nine members in hip outfits, exuding their signature girl-crush look. 

Fans are eagerly awaiting the event, curious about the special memories the group will share as they celebrate their eighth anniversary since debut. Moreover, the fan meeting will be broadcast live for a fee, allowing international fans to join the festivities alongside TWICE and their fellow ONCEs. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is TWICE’s second time endorsing a Filipino brand. Their first was for Bench. Incidentally, the owners of Bench and Oishi are brothers. Source: Facebook/@oishi.ph.

In a recent interview with AnOther Magazine, former SF9 member Rowoon shared insights into his career. Their conversation began with the interviewer highlighting the growing popularity of Hangul, the Korean language. Rowoon expressed pride in this trend, saying, “This is something I’m proud of. I think the Korean alphabet, Hangul, is beautiful, and I’m grateful that other people perceive it that way too.”

Later in their conversation, Rowoon pondered the motivations behind the intense love fans have for top South Korean actors and idols. He candidly admitted to having a potentially controversial opinion on the matter. When the interviewer pressed him on it, he suggested that the root of such fervent devotion might be tied to feelings of loneliness. 

“This may be a little dangerous to say, but I think it’s about loneliness. That’s how I feel, honestly. I think it’s a contradiction because, at the end of the day, it’s a form of consumption. Once you try to find a reason for it, it turns into loneliness,” he remarked.

Rowoon on the darker side of fandom

Talk then turned to the darker side of fandom: sasaengs or stalker fans. AnOther Magazine noted that, like many celebrities, Rowoon has experienced both the highs and the lows of fame. In other words, he has dealt with his fair share of sasaengs. From obsessive love to harsh criticism, this guy has seen it all. Reflecting on the negative attention, Rowoon revealed, “It used to be hurtful, so now I just treat it as more attention. It keeps me on edge, alert, and hard-working.”

Despite the challenges, Rowoon emphasized the deep connection he feels with his fans. He believes that they find solace in his work, and he, in turn, draws inspiration from their support. “I always ask myself, ‘Would there be meaning to what I do if these people didn’t exist?’” Rowoon wondered. “For them, I feel like I need to live my life to the fullest. I used to feel pressure from fame, but now I just try to enjoy it.”

Rowoon‘s journey from a rising K-pop star to a seasoned artist has been filled with ups and downs. Through it all, he remains very grateful for the experiences and the unwavering support of his fans. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Former SF9 member Rowoon looks dapper in the new issue of AnOther Magazine. Source: AnOther Magazine.