Category: LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V, has given fans another tantalizing glimpse into his first solo venture. A monochromatic teaser for the song “Blue” shows V‘s intense demeanor, leaving fans eager for the full album. As he walks down a corridor in a leather jacket, knocking angrily at a door, the suspense builds. Who could be on the other side?

That teaser is just the beginning. BigHit Music, BTS‘ agency, announced a full promotional schedule for Layover, with the album set to drop on September 8. But V‘s impact isn’t limited to the music scene. His sartorial choices, whether he’s on stage, participating in dance challenges, or waiting at the airport, consistently turn heads. 

V ‘Blue’ Official Teaser 1

Case in point: His participation in a TikTok dance challenge for NewJeans‘ “Hype Boy” went viral. His fit, a vibrant check-print shirt paired with mauve joggers, complemented by layered chains and white sneakers, was an instant hit among netizens.

Hype ‘V’oy with #BTS #V #NewJeans #뉴진스 #NewJeans_HypeBoy#Time_to_NewJeans

The ‘Blue’ singer’s fashion game is always on point

From the dance floor to the airport, V‘s fashion game remains on point. Spotted at Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport, he combined sophistication with Gen-Z flair. As an ambassador for the luxury brand CELINE, V‘s beige cardigan and light blue acid-washed jeans were accentuated by a CELINE bag and his signature tousled blonde hairstyle.

V‘s association with CELINE goes beyond fashion. He’s friends with the brand’s artistic director, Hedi Slimane. He even turned up at CELINE’s Paris fashion show as a personal guest of Slimane’s. In a recent interview, the South Korean superstar admitted to emulating Slimane’s style, particularly his penchant for wearing sunglasses in dimly lit settings.

V(BTS), Gimpo International Airport DEPARTURE

As V gears up for the release of Layover, his multifaceted talents, from music to fashion, continue to captivate fans worldwide. Whether it’s his well-crafted tracks or his bold fashion choices, V has plenty of aces up his sleeve. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’ V turned up at the airport on the same day the ‘Blue’ teaser dropped. Source: Twitter/@LuV_btsV_.

On August 22, media reports suggested that BTS‘ Jungkook‘s first solo single, “SEVEN” featuring Latto, might have elements of plagiarism.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ Official MV

“SEVEN,” which is primarily in English, was a collaboration of renowned artists and composers such as Andrew Watt, Jon Bellion, Henry Walter, Theron Makiel Thomas, and of course, Latto. However, eyebrows were raised when it was pointed out that the song might have similarities, particularly the “same scale sequence”, with Fin.K.L‘s 2000 release, “Time of Mask.”

Fin.K.L – Time of mask, 핑클 – 가면의 시간, Music Camp 20000122

“Time of Mask” by Fin.K.L, which is a lesser-known track from their SPECIAL album, was crafted by Yang Joon Young. The musician behind the song took the matter to a producer at HYBE, seeking a professional evaluation of the scale sequences in both songs.

Scale sequence 101

When two songs share the same “scale sequence,” it means they both use a specific sequence or pattern of notes from a scale in a similar or identical manner. This could be a unique melody, riff, or motif that stands out in the composition. For instance, if there’s a song whose melody progresses through a series of notes like C-D-E-F-G and another song that features the same progression, that means both songs have the same scale sequence.

However, just because two songs have a similar scale sequence doesn’t automatically mean one is a copy of the other. The same sequence might appear in different contexts in each song, accompanied by varying rhythms, harmonies, or instrumentations. Also, certain scale sequences are prevalent in music, especially within genres that have well-established conventions and patterns.

While a shared scale sequence might draw attention, it isn’t conclusive evidence of plagiarism on its own. The broader composition, arrangement, and the song’s overall originality are important factors in determining any potential copyright infringement. Ergo, even if “SEVEN” and “Time of Mask” do share a scale sequence, that doesn’t mean the former is a rip-off of the latter. That just means the two songs have a similarity in a specific note pattern, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate copying or plagiarism.

BigHit Music denies plagiarism claims

HYBE Labels, initially caught off-guard due to Bang Si Hyuk‘s business commitments in the United States, couldn’t address the allegations immediately. But BTS’ agency BigHit Music soon stepped in with a definitive statement. They categorically denied that “SEVEN” was a product of plagiarism.

According to BigHit Music’s statement, “Any claims suggesting copyright infringement are baseless. The song is the result of a joint effort by five international composers and has no connection to any track from South Korea released over two decades ago. We stress that these unilateral allegations don’t meet the established criteria for copyright violations.”

Since its release, “SEVEN” has taken the world by storm. It has shattered records and has been a favorite on multiple music streaming platforms. The music industry is no stranger to controversies of this nature. However, listeners and fans should learn to differentiate between genuine concerns and baseless claims. As of now, BigHit Music has made its stance clear, and fans worldwide continue to groove to the beats of Jungkook‘s “SEVEN.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans say the two songs don’t sound alike at all. Source: Twitter/@boraboravie.

BTS‘s Jimin recently took center stage in a promotional video for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. The highlight? Its innovative FlexCam technology. Unique to Samsung’s Z Flip series, this feature gives users a transformative photography experience.

Galaxy Z Flip5: Hands-free selfies with Jimin | Samsung

All about FlexCam

But what exactly is FlexCam? It’s a feature that allows users to take photos and videos hands-free on the latest Z Flip models, including the Z Flip 5 and its predecessor, the Z Flip 4. With Samsung’s unique teardrop hinge design, users can simply prop up their phones on various surfaces, eliminating the need for tripods or assistance from others. The Z Flip 5 further enhances this experience with its 3.4-inch cover display, which acts as a camera preview, ensuring users get the perfect shot. 

Also, its gesture controls, such as flashing your palm at the camera to activate the timer, make the process even more seamless. As aptly described by Samsung’s Dillon Hesse during the August 2022 Unpacked event, it’s akin to having a camera and a tripod combined into one device.

But the capabilities of FlexCam don’t stop there. It’s integrated not only into the Camera app but also into Meta-powered apps like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This integration allows users to effortlessly record stories and reels on platforms like Instagram without holding their phones.

Samsung’s Flex Mode complements FlexCam. The latter focuses on hands-free photography as Flex Mode adjusts the device’s interface when users fold it into an L-shape. For example, in the Camera app, the shooting options usually at the top half of the screen go to the bottom for easier control when users fold the phone. This adaptability extends to other apps, providing users with a versatile and intuitive experience.

Jimin’s brand reputation ranking

It’s no surprise that brands often tap Jimin for their campaigns. According to the latest data from the Korean Business Research Institute, he has secured the second spot in the Boy Group Member Brand Reputation Rankings for August. This achievement is not a fluke. In July, the BTS member’s brand reputation rating was 4,214,731. It saw a commendable increase of 5.11 percent, bringing his score up to 4,429,960 in August. Such numbers are proof of his immense popularity and influence, making him a top choice for brands aiming for global reach.

As many brands continue to recognize the unparalleled influence of K-pop idols, especially members of BTS, it’s evident that their collaborations result in a win-win situation. With Jimin‘s new video for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, fans and tech enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting to see how the FlexCam feature will revolutionize the smartphone experience. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin showed users how FlexCam can help them if they don’t have a tripod handy. Source: Twitter/@jimin_chartsph.