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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Relaxes at Luxury 5-Star Utah Resort

The BLACKPINK member treated herself to a fun stay at the expensive hotel in Utah during the BORN PINK world tour
The BLACKPINK member treated herself to a fun stay at the expensive hotel in Utah during the BORN PINK world tour

Jennie certainly works hard but she also knows how to give herself a break. The BLACKPINK member recently treated herself to a much-deserved vacation at a gorgeous resort in Utah. It’s a well-deserved break after several months on the road for the group’s US concert tour. However, fans were gagged when they realized that the luxury hotel costs an insane amount of money per night!

Jennie Enjoys a Luxurious Getaway In Gorgeous New Photos

The star of “The Idol” recently shared photos from a relaxing stay at a beautiful five-star hotel in the US. “2 weeks back,” Jennie wrote, suggesting that her quick getaway happened before the BLACKPINK Born Pink World Tour concluded. In the photos, the “Solo” singer lounges by a pool and shares an amazing view of the desert. Needless to say, BLINKs loved the idea of Jennie taking some time off to have some fun.

But upon closer inspection, the BLACKPINK member isn’t just at any hotel in the desert. It has been confirmed that Jennie checked into the Amangiri, a luxury five-star hotel in Canyon Point, Utah. It’s a favorite among celebrities for its exclusivity and amenities. And there’s also a good reason why big-name stars are known to visit the resort. A room per night at Amangiri ranges from $3,425 to a face-melting $7,075!

It might be expensive but Jennie certainly can afford a night or even a week at the Amangiri. After all, it has already been confirmed that BLACKPINK’s Born Pink World Tour sold out just about every stop. According to reports, the girl group has amassed an astonishing 350 billion KRW, equivalent to approximately 264.5 million USD in revenue. Needless to say, Jennie should be able to enjoy even a month at the luxury resort if she wants to.

In related news, Jennie’s venture into acting has also been cut short. “The Idol” has been cancelled by HBO after its disappointing first season.

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LOOSSEMBLE Announces Official Fan Club Name

The LOONA members also clarified that their new fan club name is still connected to their beloved ORBITs

LOOSSEMBLE made a heartwarming announcement about their official fan club name, evoking a range of emotions among their dedicated followers. The five members of LOONA confirmed that their fandom now has an official name. In addition to that, the girls assured ORBITs are still very much a part of their family.

LOOSSEMBLE Finally Unveils Fan Club Name

On September 1, LOOSSEMBLE took to a live broadcast to unveil their new fan club name. It was confirmed that the fandom will be known as C.LOO (pronounced as “crew”). This choice carries the sentiment that fans are an integral part of LOOSSEMBLE’s crew, an acknowledgment of the tight-knit bond between the group and their supporters.

The announcement stirred mixed reactions among netizens, with some expressing concerns about whether this shift would mean that Vivi, Hyunjin, Gowon, Hyeju, and Yeojin would become less connected to their original fandom during their time with LOONA.

Thankfully, these worries were swiftly put to rest. Yeojin reassured fans that despite the introduction of C.LOO as the new fan club name, there would be no need for supporters to make a choice between being a C.LOO and remaining an Orbit.

“It’s not that we’re not using Orbit anymore. We’re just using C.LOO when it’s the five of us. Orbits will always be Orbits,” Yeojin said.

ORBIT, the original fan club name during LOONA’s active period still holds a special place in the hearts of the members, and their commitment to both C.LOO and ORBIT signifies the enduring connection between LOOSSEMBLE and their cherished fan base. This heartfelt assurance underscores the group’s dedication to maintaining their strong relationship with their fans as they continue their musical journey together.

LOOSSEMBLE has wasted no time in generating anticipation for their debut album. The group has already unveiled their plans for the highly-anticipated US Debut Ceremony tour, during which they intend to connect with fans across the United States at eight different locations. This tour promises to be an exciting opportunity for fans across America to engage with LOOSSEMBLE and be part of their milestone US debut.

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G-Dragon Takes Epic Selfie With Fellow K-pop Legend PSY

In the dynamic realm of K-pop, few names radiate as brilliantly as G-Dragon and PSY. These two titans of the industry have enjoyed a dazzling reign, capturing the global music scene’s attention and acclaim. Therefore, the recent selfie shared by Kwon Jiyong, featuring himself alongside the iconic “Gangnam Style” singer, holds immense significance.

The King of K-Pop Poses With The King of YouTube in Epic New Selfie

The image, casually posted on G-Dragon’s Instagram story, swiftly ignited a social media frenzy, adding yet another layer to their colossal influence, both within and beyond the K-pop universe. Notably, G-Dragon cleverly captioned it as “Oppa, Hannam Style,” a wordplay that playfully swaps “Gangnam” from Psy’s hit song with “Hannam,” as both artists reside in Hannam-dong.

Their enthralling blend of exceptional musical talents, electric stage charisma, and unmatched performance prowess has catapulted G-Dragon and PSY to stratospheric stardom. The sight of them together in a single photograph is a true delight, showcasing the meeting of two unparalleled forces in the K-pop cosmos. This image encapsulates the convergence of their monumental careers, cementing their status as enduring icons of the genre.

xxxibgdrgn/Instagram

G-Dragon is widely recognized as the “King of K-pop.” In his role as the leader of BIGBANG, he has amassed a staggering collection of accolades, boasting seven Mnet Asian Music Awards, six Melon Music Awards, two Korean Music Awards, two Golden Disc Awards, and two MBC Entertainment Awards, to name just a few of his many honors. Notably, Kwon Jiyong holds the distinction of being the first and only solo artist to clinch the coveted Mnet Asian Music Award for Artist of the Year in 2013.

Meanwhile, PSY is known as the King of YouTube. This was coined after his music video for “Gangnam Style” exceeded one billion views. The MV became the first video to do so in the website’s history. Park Jae-sang performed under YG Entertainment from 2010 until 2018 before starting his own label P Nation in 2019.

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Restaurant Employee Fired For Mocking NCT Dream’s Chenle

Aewol Restaurant has fired the employee who shared photos of the NCT members

A Seoul restaurant located in the prestigious Apgujeong district issued a formal apology following an incident involving derogatory language used by its employee in an Instagram story. The target of this offensive language was Chenle, a member of the popular group NCT Dream. Since then, the restaurant has confirmed that the staff member has been fired for their actions.

Chenle Gets Disrespected at a Restaurant

Chenle had visited Aewol Sikdang, a renowned establishment known for its expertise in preparing barbecued black pork from Jeju. The NCT member was joined by “EXchange” cast member Kim Tae Yi and the two set down to enjoy a meal together. However, an employee quickly recognized the celebrities and began posting their images on their Instagram story.

The invasion of privacy itself was already worrying but the employee made things worse by mocking Tae Yi. They also wrote derogatory terms about Chenle in one post, calling the Chinese idol “jjangkkae,” a rude Korean term similar to calling someone a “chink”.

Since then, the restaurant’s management expressed deep regret for the incident. In a statement posted on a new X account, they issued an apology to Chenle and Tae Yi. It was also confirmed that the staff member had been fired.

“This is Aewol Sikdang Apgujeong. We are deeply sorry to Chenle, Tae Yi, and their fans,” the statement read. “We believe that the mistake of one employee is the mistake of the entire restaurant. But we are firing the staff due to their unforgivable actions, and we have also personally directly apologized to Chenle, and have asked for his forgiveness. We are really sorry.”

It is unfortunate that Chenle and Tae Yi were disrespected during their visit to the restaurant. However, it is assuring that the restaurant has promised to take corrective action. Hopefully, they will foster a more respectful environment for all patrons, regardless of background or celebrity status.

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ITZY’s Lia Bows Out of Latest Schedules Due to Health Reasons

Lia is still dealing with some health issues. The ITZY member was unable to join the rest of the girl group during their latest schedules which included an appearance at a music show. Not surprisingly, MIDZYs are getting concerned about the “Always Be Your Star” singer.

Lia Absent For ITZY’s Most Recent Scheduled Activities

On September 2, JYP Entertainment issued a statement regarding Lia’s health status. According to the agency, the ITZY member will not join Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna in the group’s latest schedules. This would include an appearance at MBC’s “Music Core” and the in-person and video fan sign/fan call events scheduled for the day. However, the company assured that they are considering Lia’s health as a major priority.

“We made the decision for [Lia] to not participate because we considered our artist’s health our top priority. We ask for the generous understanding of the fans,” the statement read.

This isn’t the first time that Lia had to bow out for ITZY’s schedules due to health issues this year. In August, she was unable to join her bandmates on stage at the World Scout Jamboree “K-Pop Super Live.” The group performed with the remaining four members at the concert that took place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

In related news, Lia recently stunned audiences when she participated in “The King of Mask Singer”. After performing Park Hwayobi’s ballad “A night like this” and The Black Skirts’ “Antifreeze,” it was revealed that “Aloha” was actually ITZY’s main vocalist. When asked about the group’s stable singing, Lia admitted that it wasn’t always that way.

“To be honest, when we first debuted, my voice shook a lot when I sang live because my style of singing includes a lot of air. So that was a big concern for me,” she said. “But after practicing a lot, I think I’m now better at singing those songs when I’m dancing.”

ITZY recently released their new album ‘KILL MY DOUBT’ with the title track “Cake.”

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ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin is New M Countdown MC

Sung Hanbin, the charismatic leader of the K-pop sensation ZEROBASEONE, has been announced as the new MC for the renowned music show M Countdown. This exciting news was confirmed ahead of the broadcast set for September 7. That one will be Hanbin’s first episode as MC, and he’ll be joining (G)I-DLE Miyeon.

From a young age, Hanbin has been an ardent fan of M Countdown. Now, he’s not just a viewer but an integral part of the show. He shared his feelings through his agency, WAKEONE, stating, “Since I was young, I’ve watched M Countdown and dreamt of being a part of it. It’s an honor and a joy to meet viewers as an MC. I look forward to learning and growing by meeting seniors and colleagues up close. I hope the fans, known as ZEROSE, look forward to seeing a different side of me.”

https://twitter.com/MnetMcountdown/status/1697444283652157689

However, this isn’t the only feather in Hanbin‘s cap. ZEROBASEONE, the group he leads, recently made waves in the music industry. They set a new record by selling a staggering 1,822,028 copies of their first mini album YOUTH IN THE SHADE within its first week. This monumental achievement propelled them to become the first K-pop group to earn the “Million Seller” nickname with a debut album.

Moreover, Hanbin‘s musical prowess isn’t limited to group performances. Last month, he showcased his vocal talents by releasing the fifth OST “Luv Luv Luv” for the tvN drama It’s Useless to Lie. He collaborated with Jo Yuri on this track. The song captures the fluttering feelings of lovers. It received widespread acclaim and a positive response from fans worldwide.

The future of Hanbin and his group

ZEROBASEONE also made headlines with their first major show. 2023 ZEROBASEONE FAN-CON the event took place at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul’s Guro District. Remarkably, this happened just 37 days post their debut, allowing them to connect with over 18,000 fans in a grand celebration of music.

But the excitement doesn’t stop here. Their fans have one more reason to rejoice. ZEROBASEONE has teased a super-fast comeback slated for November, only four months after their debut album’s release. This announcement heightened the expectations of ZEROSE worldwide.

Hanbin’s journey from being a fan of M Countdown to its new MC, combined with ZEROBASEONE‘s rapid rise in the K-pop world, is nothing short of inspirational. As he takes on this new role, fans are eager to see what the future holds for Hanbin and his group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Hanbin’s M Countdown fancams earn plenty of views. Source: YouTube/@MnetM2.

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GCOVA: The Fried Chicken Brand Favored by BTS’ Jungkook

On August 30, a brief live session on TikTok featured none other than BTS‘ Jungkook. Amidst his interactions, he expressed a sudden hunger and mentioned his intention to order food from a fried chicken brand named GCOVA. He promised to return after his chicken feast.

Originating in Jungkook’s hometown of Busan, this barbecue-style chicken restaurant rapidly gained popularity, leading to the opening of many branches. It primarily operates as a delivery service. But recognizing the challenges tourists might face with the Korean delivery system, GCOVA inaugurated a branch at Hongik University, a prime tourist destination in Seoul, with a dine-in space.

The brand provides two variations of chicken: bone-in and boneless. Customers have the liberty to select between spicy seasoned chicken or the simply salted variant. Their chicken pieces are grilled to perfection with a distinctive sauce. The spicy seasoned chicken stands out because it has much more kick than its counterparts. The rice cake that accompanies it is an added delight.

GCOVA isn’t just another chicken brand

For those who can’t handle spicy food, never fear: GCOVA has got you covered. It allows customers to choose from three spice levels: Less Spicy, Normal, or Very Spicy. Given the flavorful and unique seasoning GCOVA employs, many love to mix some rice with the sauce, creating a dish commonly and fondly referred to as “Chi-bob,” a delightful combination of chicken and rice.

@happychildyeji

#korea #seoullife #korealife #seoulkorea #seoultravel #visitkorea #korean #lifeinkorea #지코바 #치밥 #koreanchicken #chibap

♬ Traveling On – Andy Gabrys

For those unfamiliar with the term “Chi-bob,” it’s a relatively new phrase compared to “Chi-maek.” While “Chi-maek” refers to enjoying chicken with beer, “Chi-bob” translates to eating chicken with spicy or soy sauce accompanied by rice. The term “Bob” denotes rice in Korean.

GCOVA isn’t just another chicken brand. It’s an experience, a culinary journey that resonates with both locals and celebrities like Jungkook. Whether you’re in Seoul or elsewhere, GCOVA promises a taste that’s hard to forget. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook talked about his fried chicken cravings in a short TikTok live broadcast. Source: Twitter/@BTSJKHEY.

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Lotte Unveils First Look at NewJeans x Pepero Collab

Lotte Wellfood Co. made waves in the snack industry by announcing NewJeans as the latest brand ambassador for the internationally adored snack, Pepero. On September 1, fans got a sneak peek of the much-anticipated NewJeans x Pepero campaign. Set to launch in 17 countries, the collaboration will coincide with the celebration of Pepero Day on November 11.

For those unfamiliar with this particular South Korean tradition, Pepero Day is like Valentine’s Day. Celebrated annually, it’s a day where couples, friends, and even strangers exchange treats, with Pepero being the star of the show. While Valentine’s Day is also observed, this holiday has a special place in the hearts of many. The choice of November 11 as the date is no accident. The date, 11/11, resembles the snack’s sticks. Some have suggested that to become as slim as the sticks, one should consume 11 packets at 11:11 AM and 11:11 PM, all within 11 seconds.

The origins of Pepero Day

The origins of Pepero Day are quite mysterious. A popular tale attributes the day’s popularity to two middle school girls who exchanged boxes of the snack hoping to become tall and slender, much like the treat. Embracing this narrative, Lotte began promoting Pepero Day in 1997. Their efforts bore fruit as, from 2012 onwards, they reported making 50% of their annual sales on this day.

In the midst of this rich tradition, the collaboration between NewJeans and Pepero is generating immense excitement. A TV commercial featuring the girl group is set for a mid-September release. Moreover, there’s buzz about a pop-up store and special edition merchandise in the pipeline. This collaboration marks a significant milestone. It’s the first time in a while that the brand partnered with a K-pop idol group, the last being EXO-K from 2014 to 2017.

With the fusion of pop culture and tradition, this collaboration promises to be a treat for the girls’ fans and the general public alike. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is NewJeans’ latest in a long line of collabs. Source: Twitter/@newjeans_loop.

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V Meets Army: BTS Member Surprises Fan Hayoung

BTS member V spent the day with the lucky fan Hayoung. Credit: YouTube/Dingo Story

Just when we thought we couldn’t adore BTS’ V anymore, he proved to ARMYs once again how much of a gentle and kindhearted person he is. And now, supporters all over the world couldn’t help but wish they’re in the shoes of their co-fan Kim Hayoung. 

 

On the Thursday, August 31 episode of Dingo Story, V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, surprised the fan Hayoung, who is preparing to become a military officer. 

While she initially thought that she was being interviewed about her struggles at school, Hayoung was shocked when the BTS member called her name. 

Hayoung and V’s unforgettable day 

First, the idol tried to get to know Hayoung better by asking her why she dreams of becoming an army officer. To which she said that it’s because she wanted to do something for her parents and that it’s also a good opportunity overall. 

 

Then, the student started opening up about her school concerns, disclosing that she previously failed exams. She said that it even reached the point where she almost lost contact with other people. 

As way of coping up, she found strength by listening to BTS songs. In turn, V consoled her as he revealed that he also didn’t had many friends.

One of his advice was to just give it time, assuring her that she’ll get along with someone in the future. 

 

To cheer Hayoung up, V spent the whole day with her. They ate delicious meal, played video games, competed at the arcade, and took pictures at the photobooth. 

 

“You really smiled a lot today,” the idol told his fan. “It makes me really feel good too.”

When it was time for them to part ways, Hayoung couldn’t help but shed some tears. Upon seeing her tear up, the singer hugged her and consoled her.

“See you again later,” he promised her. 

 

During the show, V also gave sweet messages for Hayoung. “Thank you for loving me. Don’t have a hard time, stay healthy, and don’t get sick. I hope you always have good things and have good days,” he said. 

Praises for V 

Following the airing of the episode, fans couldn’t help but praise V for this heartwarming moment with Hayoung. 

Several were pointing out how the interaction showed how genuine and caring he is as an idol. 

Meanwhile, other fans were jokingly expressing their envy at how lucky Hayoung is. 

 

But the bond between the idol and the fan didn’t stop when the filming for the episode ended. 

After the episode aired, V took to his own personal social media account to share an update about Hayoung. Based on his post, the student passed her exams successfully, joking that she’s a real ARMY now. 

 

The Dingo Story guesting is just one of V’s promotional activities for his upcoming solo album Layover. 

Set for a September 8 release, Layover will have a total of six songs, with“Slow Dancing” being the title track.  

Ahead of the album’s release, V already dropped the music videos for tracks “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days.” Additionally, V also released his three older solo songs on streaming platforms.

Aside from Dingo Story, V is also confirmed to guest on You Quiz on the Block, Running Man, among others. 

Featured image: BTS member V spent the day with the lucky fan Hayoung. Credit: YouTube/Dingo Story

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BTS’ Jimin Breaks the Internet With a Birthday Greeting for Jungkook

September 1 is eagerly anticipated by ARMYs worldwide, because it’s the natal day of BTS‘ golden maknae, Jungkook. This year, the celebrations took an unexpected turn when Jimin, another beloved member of BTS, decided to gift fans with a rather cheeky birthday post for Jungkook.

Fans from all corners of the globe flooded SNS with birthday wishes for Jungkook. But amidst the sea of greetings, Jimin‘s Instagram post stood out. The black-and-white photo showcased the duo shirtless, flaunting their chiseled physiques. Jimin, with a playful attempt to appear taller, stood on his toes beside Jungkook. Their tattoos, including Jimin‘s full moon and Jungkook‘s full sleeve, were on full display. The caption? A simple yet sweet “Happy birthday jk” accompanied by a winking emoji with its tongue out.

Fans were taken aback by the unexpected nature of the post. Given Jimin‘s infrequent activity on Instagram, this particular update was all the more shocking. Many fans humorously commented that the picture was “practically illegal,” expressing their overwhelming surprise and delight.

Jimin also has reasons to celebrate

In other news, Jimin also has reasons to celebrate. His solo album, FACE, achieved a staggering 1 billion streams on Spotify. This monumental achievement came only 153 days after release, making Jimin the first Korean soloist to hit this milestone. To put this into perspective, in 2023, only global sensations BTS and BLACKPINK had previously reached the 1 billion stream mark from Korea.

FACE isn’t just a fleeting sensation. As of the 27th, the album has 1.021 billion streams on Spotify. The title track “Like Crazy” alone garnered 677.2 million streams, spanning its Korean and English versions. Other tracks like “Set Me Free Pt.2,” “Face-off,” and “Alone” received love from fans as well. They amassed 190 million, 60 million, and 50 million streams respectively.,Moreover, Jimin‘s FACE remains the only Korean solo album to feature on Billboard’s World Albums chart, marking its 21st consecutive week on the list.

While September 1 began as a celebration for Jungkook, it evolved into a day highlighting Jimin‘s bond with him and his unparalleled solo achievements. The K-pop world continues to be enriched by their contributions, and fans eagerly await their next surprises. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin posted this for Jungkook’s birthday in 2020. Source: Twitter/@bts_twt.

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