Category: LATEST STORIES

South Korea’s music industry has seen many stars rise and fall. But few have captured hearts like Park Gunwook. This talented singer, rapper, and dancer signed to Jellyfish Entertainment has been on a roller-coaster journey to stardom.

제로베이스원 박건욱 ‘In Bloom’ (ZEROBASEONE PARK GUNWOOK FaceCam) @SBS Inkigayo

In August 2021, Gunwook first stepped into the limelight as a contestant on the MBC survival show Wild Idol. His rap skills were undeniable, earning him a spot in the finale. Unfortunately, despite his talent, he missed out on the chance to debut in TAN. But as they say, when one door closes, another opens.

Fast forward to December 29, 2022. Gunwook returned to the survival show circuit, this time on Mnet’s Boys Planet. Representing Jellyfish Entertainment again, he showed off his determination  and skills. By the show’s end, he placed fifth and secured a spot in the debut lineup. As part of the fifth-generation group ZEROBASEONE, Gunwook has been on a winning streak. He and his members clinched numerous awards, including the coveted K Global Super Rookie Award in 2023.

What truly sets Park Gunwook apart

But what truly sets Gunwook apart? A former Wild Idol staffer shared a heartwarming account of their brief interaction with him. The staffer reminisced, “When I first saw Gunwook, it was such a pleasant memory. Most trainees were shy, so they barely greeted us. But as soon as he entered, he shouted, ‘I’m Park Gunwook from Jellyfish! Thank you for this opportunity!'”

See more

야생돌 때 티저 촬영 스탭분께서
디엠으로 남겨주신 건욱이 일화 .ᐟ

티저 촬영 때 앞 순서가 딜레이 됐어서 꽤 기다렸을 텐데도 “뒤에 분들도 딜레이 되지 않을까요?” 하며 교복 말고 춤+개인기 때 입으려고 준비해 온 의상이 있는데도 춤도 교복 입고 춰도 된다며.. 본인이 먼저 배려해 놓고는… pic.twitter.com/8gdojUAvvv

— 아로 (@parkgw__) August 18, 2023

The staffer continued, “Even though Gunwook had to wait a while because the previous segment was delayed, he was concerned about the delay for those scheduled to shoot their teasers after him. He had prepared outfits for his dance and individual talent, but he said he could dance in his school uniform. It turned out he wore his outfit under his school uniform because he thought he might not have time to change due to the delay.”

Gunwook‘s dedication was evident throughout the shoot. “He jumped rope multiple times,” recalled the staffer. “Even though he must have been exhausted, he kept doing it when the staff told him to rest. He also prepared multiple dances, songs, and raps on his own.”

His pleasant nature

But it wasn’t just his work ethic that stood out. His gratitude and thoughtfulness were impressive too “The lighting director at the time adjusted the background color to match the trainee’s image or outfit. When asked if pink was OK, he said, ‘I love it! I love pink.’ After finishing, he thanked all the staff. He made a point of going over to the lighting director to thank him for his consideration.”

Wild Idol No. 16 Dance_Stray Kids ‘God’s Menu’, MBC 202109 broadcast

The staffer concluded with a touching memory. “When he left, he drank all the remaining water in one go and even separated the plastic wrapping for recycling. He was such a considerate young man. I remember that. Even though five to sixty trainees who didn’t make it on the broadcast also shot individual teasers, Gunwook was sincerely my top pick. I still support him so much!”

Gunwook‘s actions during that shoot said a lot about his character. In the entertainment industry, talent is essential, but character is what truly endears an artist to everyone around them. Gunwook is proof that genuine dedication and kindness can leave an indelible mark. As he continues to do well in ZEROBASEONE, colleagues and fans alike can attest to the pleasant nature of this rising star. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: He’s not just charming, he’s considerate too. Source: Twitter/@beeforyou0110.

In a recent turn of events, ZEROBASEONE‘s Kim Gyuvin found himself at the center of an online controversy. Known for his playful personality and aegyo, Gyuvin‘s youthful speech habits, typical of South Korean teens, unexpectedly drew criticism. The group’s fans, aka ZEROSE, holding the idol to higher standards, took issue with certain phrases he used. They suspected their origins to be from misogynistic forums and websites.

The young artist faced criticism for using specific words and phrases many identified as originating from the “Ilbe” forum. For the uninitiated, “Ilbe,” aka the “Daily Best Archives,” is a predominantly conservative online platform frequented mainly by conservative-identifying male users. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@kimtaeraefan/video/7268789298248437035?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

During interactions with fans on a community platform, netizens quickly pointed out several terms Gyuvin used. These included “ㅗㅜㅑ (Oh-woo-yah),” allegedly used by “Ilbe” users when reacting to women’s bodies or explicit content. He also mentioned “없당께 (eop-dang-kkae),” a phrase from the Jeolla dialect “Ilbe” users might use to mock speakers of this dialect. 

Additionally, he used “못참제 (mot-cham-jae),” another dialect-style term similar to “못참지.” Lastly, “아몰랑 (ah-mol-llang)” is a cutesy way of saying “I don’t know,” which some believe ‘Ilbe’ users use to mock emotional females. Some ZEROSE defended Gyuvin, arguing that those terms were common slang, while others felt they were inappropriate, especially coming from a public figure.

See more

Gyuvin who always tries to communicate with Zeroses in every way he can. Gyuvin who showers us with love through his constant updates. Gyuvin who is the nicest and sweetest.

You are loved. ❤️

WE LOVE YOU GYUVIN#WeLoveYouGyuvin pic.twitter.com/PnPb2Kwot1

— Kim Gyuvin Philippines (@KimGyuvinPHL) August 19, 2023

Kim Gyuvin apologizes

As the news spread, concerns arose about whether Gyuvin might be an ‘Ilbe’ user. Addressing the issue head-on, Gyuvin took to social media to clarify his stance. He expressed that he was unaware of the deeper meanings behind the words he used.

See more

[💬] 20230819 Mnet Plus Update: KIM GYUVIN

"Hi, I'm Kim Gyuvin from ZEROBASEONE. Recently, in the process of communicating with fans in a new way, I learned that expressions of unknown meaning and origin were used, and I have deeply reflected on this. I sincerely apologize to… pic.twitter.com/JgTtLWEBMm

— Kim Gyuvin Philippines (@KimGyuvinPHL) August 19, 2023

In his heartfelt message, Gyuvin said, “Hello, this is ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Gyuvin. Recently, while communicating with fans on a new platform, I realized I used words without understanding their origins or implications. I regret my actions and am taking time to reflect on my mistakes. I sincerely apologize to those who felt uneasy due to my oversight. I pledge to educate myself to prevent such incidents in the future. I extend my apologies to my fans and everyone affected by this.”

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the context and implications of the words we use, especially in the age of the internet where words can easily be misconstrued. It’s commendable that Gyuvin acknowledged his mistake and committed to learning from it, setting an example for many in the limelight. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Gyuvin apologized to everyone for his words. Source: Twitter/@KimGyuvinPHL.

tripleS, a renowned name in the K-pop scene, just made a major announcement. Following the debut of their sub-unit LOVElution, the group has confirmed the debut of their next sub-unit, EVOLution, set for October 4. The latter’s lineup is composed of familiar and fresh faces. It includes Kamimoto Kotone, Kim Chaeyeon, Kim Nakyoung, Kim Soomin, Kim Yooyeon, Koma Mayu, Kwak Yeonji, and Lee Jiwoo.

See more

✨TripleS 'EVOLution'✨

Kim Yooyeon
Kim Nakyoung
Kim Chaeyeon
Kim Soomin
Kamimoto Kotone
Kwak Yeonji
Koma Mayu
Lee Jiwoo#tripleS #트리플에스 #EVOLution #에볼루션 pic.twitter.com/tcXsONHKK5

— Girl Group Stan (@girlgroupstankp) August 19, 2023

Kim Yooyeon, known for her versatile skills, was previously part of the now-dissolved sub-unit Acid Angel from Asia. Her participation in the MBC girl group survival show, My Teenage Girl, marked a pivotal point in her career, leading to her official induction into tripleS in July 2022.

Mayu, introduced as the sixteenth member in July 2023, garnered significant attention. Her teaser alone ignited a wave of fan speculation. Kim Nakyoung, transitioning from acting to music, had been a trainee at P NATION before joining tripleS.

See more

LOVElution 첫 방! 그 시각 EVOLution은?
LOVElution’s First Broadcast Performance! Meanwhile, EVOLution?
트리플에스 : SIGNAL PICKEDhttps://t.co/bqhCZZavMG#tripleS #트리플에스 #トリプルS pic.twitter.com/eLBfxrDM3x

— tripleS official (@triplescosmos) August 19, 2023

More survival show alums

Kotone‘s journey includes participating in Mnet’s survival show Girls Planet 999. Although she didn’t win a place in Kep1er, she became the eleventh member of tripleS in January 2023. Meanwhile, Kim Chaeyeon has been in the limelight since her days as a child actress. Her many talents found a new avenue when she joined the sub-unit +(KR)ystal Eyes, and later, EVOLution.

Lee Jiwoo carved her path to tripleS through her memorable participation in My Teenage Girl. Her charm and talent led her to the group in June 2022, and she subsequently became an integral part of their sub-units +(KR)ystal Eyes and EVOLution. Kim Soomin‘s identity was shrouded in mystery when she was unveiled as the sixth member of tripleS in August 2022, which intrigued fans. Soomin later showcased her talents in the sub-units +(KR)ystal Eyes and EVOLution.

EVOLution is set for a memorable debut

Finally, Kwak Yeonji, joining as the twelfth member in January 2023, added a fresh energy to the group. With the diversity and talent present in EVOLution, this tripleS sub-unit promises to bring a fresh wave of music and performances to the K-pop scene. Their litmus test? Performing on tripleS’ first world tour. What’s more, a snippet of EVOLution’s debut song has already been teased, setting the stage for what’s to come.

tripleS(트리플에스) EVOLution -DEMO + SONG F +Number 8 Mix

As the debut date nears, fans are eager for more details, snippets, and teasers. As fans across the globe count the days leading up to October 4, one thing is clear: EVOLution is set for a memorable debut. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Each girl brings something special to the table. Source: Twitter/@tripleSbraSil.

In the world of K-pop, rumors often spread like wildfire. Recently, Jane, a former member of MLD Entertainment’s defunct girl group MOMOLAND, found herself at the center of such rumors. Many are speculating that she used to date Joshua from the boy group SEVENTEEN. However, Jane has now stepped forward to clear the air.

Earlier this month, someone posted on an online forum hinting at Joshua‘s alleged relationship with a girl group member from years past. While the post didn’t name Jane outright, OP dropped enough hints that led many to believe she was the girl in question. As these whispers grew louder, Jane felt compelled to address them directly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXKuAOTfl6o

MOMOLAND’s Jane Firmly Denies Allegations Of Her Past Relationship With SEVENTEEN’s Joshua

Taking to her fan communication platform, Jane shared her feelings on the situation. She began by expressing her discomfort and uncertainty about how to approach the topic. However, for the sake of her fans, she decided to speak out.

In a heartfelt post, Jane emphasized that during her time in the entertainment industry, she had never personally met Joshua. Moreover, even her close friends hadn’t interacted with the singer in any meaningful way. She expressed her bewilderment at these rumors, stating she genuinely had no idea why they started.

Jane hopes to end the rumors

Jane also referenced a popular Korean meme featuring Jo Se Ho in her post. The meme goes: “How can I go if I don’t know them?” This meme shows Jo Se Ho looking puzzled after being asked about attending a wedding of someone he doesn’t know, captures Jane‘s sentiments to a tee.

See more

my girl literally said she's making the jo se ho face meme after hearing the allegations 💀💀💀

— lex (@lessovyuu) August 19, 2023

She further revealed that these rumors weren’t new. In fact, they had been circulating for quite some time. In the past, her former agency received numerous calls from fans asking about the real score between her and Joshua. This led to a serious misunderstanding between her and her agency. Jane confessed that she dismissed the rumors, thinking they would fade away. Unfortunately, her silence seemed to solidify the rumors in the eyes of many.

She decided to address the matter now to prevent any further misunderstandings. She emphasized that she’s speaking out with a heavy heart, hoping to put an end to the baseless speculations.

Netizens weigh in

Following the emergence of these rumors, the internet was abuzz with discussions and speculations. Korean online communities, in particular, were rife with chatter as many tried to piece together the puzzle of Jane and Joshua’s alleged relationship. However, after her heartfelt clarification on her fan community platform, many expressed disbelief and frustration on Jane’s behalf. They criticized people who spread such information without substantial evidence.

See more

This is how my heart feels when I see these posts, she doesn't deserve this💔😭😭😭😭
Leave Jane alone #Jane#momoland#LeaveJane alone pic.twitter.com/zXTQmQy8xh

— 𝙏𝙖𝙩𝙮𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙆𝙡𝙤𝙮𝙯𝙞𝙨 🪽 (@NANCYahn_trahn) August 19, 2023

In addition, there were those who expressed their dismay at the ease with which rumors spread, commenting, “Why are they spreading rumors like that lol,” and “Wow, she must feel so unjust.” The overarching sentiment was clear: many believed that baseless rumors were not only harmful but also unfair to the individuals involved.

While rumors and speculations are an inevitable part of the entertainment industry, it’s essential to approach them with caution. Jane‘s candid response serves as a reminder that the truth often lies far from what’s being whispered in the corridors of the internet. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jane said she and Joshua have never even met. Source: Facebook/Momoland Jane – 제인 and Twitter/@pledis_17jp.

After nearly two years away, EVERGLOW, composed of Sihyeon, E:U, Mia, Onda, Aisha, and Yiren, finally made a triumphant return. On August 18, coinciding with the release of their fourth single album All My Girls, the Yuehua Entertainment girl group held a press showcase at the YES24 Live Hall in Seoul. There, they candidly shared their feelings about their hiatus and much more.

EVERGLOW 4TH SINGLE ALBUM [ALL MY GIRLS] SHOWCASE

“It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to greet you all,” began leader Sihyeon, her voice tinged with excitement and nerves. “We’ve poured our hearts into preparing for this comeback. Thank you to all the fans who’ve patiently waited for us.”

The group says All My Girls is more than just an album. It’s a message to young women everywhere, urging them to stay true to themselves in a world that often tries to fit them into boxes. The album also encapsulates EVERGLOW’s dreams and aspirations. Aisha confessed, “Given our long absence, we felt immense pressure to deliver a perfect album. We didn’t want to disappoint our fans.” That said, they also emphasized that the hiatus was a blessing in disguise, allowing them to prepare even more intensely for their return.

EVERGLOW (에버글로우) – SLAY MV

Talk turned to their lead single, “SLAY.” The track is a mesmerizing blend of EDM, hip-hop, and pop, boasting a powerful drumbeat and a catchy hook. Drawing parallels with their previous hit “Pirate,” “SLAY” exudes a bolder, more confident energy. It’s no wonder that EVERGLOW, known for their stellar performances, has centered the music video for “SLAY” around a captivating “zombie dance” choreography.

Yiren’s return to EVERGLOW

However, the press showcase wasn’t just about the music. Yiren‘s long-awaited return from China was also addressed. She took a break for academic reasons and to spend time with her family during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially planned as a short hiatus, her return was delayed until November. Reflecting on her time away, Yiren shared, “Although I cherished the moments with my family, the thought of being away from the group weighed heavily on me. This experience fueled my motivation for the album, and I hope it resonates with our fans.”

All My Girls features three songs: the lead single “SLAY” and two B-side tracks, “Oh Ma Ma God” and “Make Me Feel.” The album, a testament to EVERGLOW‘s dedication and growth, was officially released on August 18.

For those eager to experience EVERGLOW‘s latest offering, the official music video for “SLAY” is now available for streaming. So is the album; it’s already on Spotify and other digital music services. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The girls looked truly happy to be back. Source: Twitter/@EVERGLOW_STAFF.

In a recent episode of MMTG – Civilization Express, Jaejae got a firsthand experience of life as a YG Entertainment trainee, guided by none other than the members of TREASURE. The group shed light on the routines, rules, and unique perks that come with being signed to the prestigious agency.

(SUB) [문명특급 EP.304]

Upon entering YG Entertainment, Jaejae‘s first stop was the ‘Rookie Training Team’ office. Here, she was promptly asked to hand over her phone, a standard rule for all trainees. This rule ensures that trainees remain focused on their training without distractions.

Moving on to the practice room, Jaejae‘s curiosity led her to ask about TREASURE‘s trainee days. Jaehyuk, one of the members, detailed their rigorous schedule. He shared, “Our day starts with a gym session at nine o’clock in the morning, followed by foreign language lessons. Then, we dive into dance and vocal lessons, and we end things with team practice. Official practice hours end at ten or eleven, but many of us stay back for personal practice sessions.”

The long hours are just the tip of the iceberg. YG Entertainment trainees also abide by a strict “No dating” rule. Jaejae, taken aback by this revelation, commented on how love is essential in her life.

(SUB) [문명특급 EP.305]

YG Entertainment doesn’t burden trainees

But it’s not all work and no play. One of the best things about being a YG Entertainment trainee, as highlighted by TREASURE, is the absence of “trainee debt.” The boys unanimously expressed their gratitude for this policy. “Unlike other companies, this one doesn’t burden trainees with debt. From lessons to meals, everything is on the house. The company sees such expenses as an investment in its future stars.”

Later, with TREASURE members Hyunsuk and Junghwan in tow, Jaejae visited YG Entertainment’s renowned Vietnamese pho restaurant. Here, the duo reminisced about their strict dieting days as trainees. They revealed a little secret: “Trainees receive boxed meals and are required to report each meal to the staff. We would snap a photo of our lunch, send it with a message saying, ‘Starting lunch now,’ sneak out to the convenience store for a quick bite, and then send another picture of the empty lunchbox with the caption, ‘Finished lunch.'”

While the path of a YG Entertainment trainee is paved with dedication, discipline, and hard work, it also offers unparalleled perks and experiences. The journey might be challenging, but with the right attitude and passion, it’s a dream worth chasing. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jaejae and the TREASURE members clearly had fun. Source: Twitter/@iksanpjw.

On August 16, HIGHUP Entertainment’s STAYC unveiled their newest mini-album TEENFRESH at Gangnam’s Ilchi Art Hall. This album follows their hit single “Teddy Bear,” and it showcases their signature “teen fresh” sound, which blends addictive melodies with a high-teen concept. Isa, one of the group’s members, likened their new music to a summer festival, saying, “When you listen to each song on the album, you get the feeling that a summer festival has arrived.” 

Indeed, the lead single “Bubble” exudes a light-hearted vibe with its catchy “bubble-bubble-bubble” hook. In contrast to their previous single “Teddy Bear,” which talked about resilience in the face of life’s challenges, “Bubble” dismisses judgmental comments, comparing them to fleeting bubbles. The girls’ decision to release another positive single stemmed from the comfort “Teddy Bear” provided many, including themselves. They believe “Bubble” has an even more hopeful message.

STAYC(스테이씨) The 3rd Mini Album [TEENFRESH] Showcase

Due to the amount of love “Teddy Bear” received, including topping MelOn’s real-time chart, they knew comparisons between the two were inevitable. When asked about that, Sumin just said, “We’re grateful that ‘Teddy Bear’ was able to receive so much love.”

During their showcase, STAYC performed “Bubble” live. They amazed the crowd with their dynamic choreography and stable live vocals. Sumin, reflecting on their performances, said, “We were really nervous today. We worked very hard to make sure we could convey our title track’s positive message well.”

STAYC goes global

STAYC‘s meteoric rise, especially since they’re not from any of the Big 4 agencies, is noteworthy. Their albums have consistently outperformed previous releases, with “Teddy Bear” setting greater sales records. When quizzed about the secret behind their success, Sieun attributed it to the girls’ authenticity and heart, stating, “I think the biggest factor is our sincerity.”

Their growing global popularity prompted the girls to record an English-language version of “Bubble” and announce their first world tour. Slated to commence next month, the tour will take them to 11 cities, including New York and Singapore. Sieun conveyed their excitement, saying, “Because it’s our first world tour, we’ve been feeling a lot of excitement and anticipation.”

See more

📢
STAYC 1ST WORLD TOUR [TEENFRESH]

Register for Presale Tickets
at https://t.co/Yktz68m8gf ✨

📍in USA 🇺🇸#STAYC #스테이씨#TEENFRESH pic.twitter.com/BJ1hBeguDe

— STAYC(스테이씨) (@STAYC_official) August 17, 2023

The English version of “Bubble” is a testament to how much they love their international fans. Yoon candidly shared the challenges they faced with singing in English, saying, “English pronunciation was really difficult while working on this track.”

However challenging it may have been for them to sing in English, they pushed through it with their trademark authenticity and heart. STAYC‘s TEENFRESH, bannered by their title track “Bubble,” is out now. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Dance your troubles away with STAYC’s latest! Source: Twitter/@STAYC_official.