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Jimin and Jungkook Tore Up the KSPO Stage with SUGA for “D-DAY” Encore Concerts

D-DAY

The BTS members have always delivered electrifying performances, and SUGA‘s D-DAY shows in Seoul stand as proof. Jimin and Jungkook joined SUGA onstage at the KSPO Dome, filling the first two nights of the tour’s final leg with captivating moments for fans.

Jungkook graced the stage on the opening night, collaborating with SUGA on “Burn It.” Before his second song, he engaged with the audience, expressing, “Hello, everyone! I’m here at SUGA-hyung’s encore concert to celebrate with him. ARMY, your voices are amazing! Thank you for supporting him. I wish I could stay longer, but I’ll leave you with one more song. Thank you, everyone.” He then sang “SEVEN” backed by some dancers, including James, one of BigHit Music’s more well-known trainees.

However, a candid Jungkook went on Weverse Live after the concert, addressing a slip-up during “Burn It.” “I practiced the song many times and still made a mistake,” he lamented. 

“While performing ‘SEVEN,’ I took out my in-ear because I couldn’t hear the music. I couldn’t tell if the note was flat or sharp because my microphone was so loud. All I heard were the drums,” he said. But performing in front of ARMY felt so good, even if it was short-lived. Ah, I want to do a concert too.”

Reflecting on his mistake with the lyrics, he wondered, “Can I perform it again tomorrow to make up for it? Should I ask for another chance? I’m free tomorrow. ARMY, please ask Yoongi-hyung if I can have another chance. Tell him that ‘Jungkook feels regretful.’ We’re friends, right?”

Jimin joined the D-DAY festivities too

Jimin made a dramatic entrance on the second night as the lights dimmed. He and SUGA performed “Tony Montana,” much to the crowd’s delight. Originally released in 2016 with Yankie’s voice, SUGA produced a new version that he and Jimin debuted at BTS’ third Muster later that year.

Their onstage chemistry was palpable, and the performance quickly became legendary among ARMY. SUGA, always in tune with the fans, often expressed his desire for a repeat performance. Following this, Jimin did his single, “Like Crazy.” SUGA let Jimin seamlessly transition into “Like Crazy” with no formal introduction.

The result? A performance that combined Jimin‘s vocal prowess, intricate dance sequences, and an aura that captivated the KSPO Dome. Fans’ enthusiasm continued online, with the keyword ‘JIMIN JIMIN’ garnering over a million mentions. Meanwhile, ‘TONY MONTANA’ ranked first in worldwide Twitter trends and second in the US. It also went to No. 1 in Korea. Other keywords, such as ‘LIKE CRAZY, ‘ PARK JIMIN,’ and ‘STAGE COMMANDER JIMIN,’ also trended.

“I’ve seen many concerts where people usually introduce the guest, but he just appeared. Ah, that’s Yoongi-hyung’s style,” Jimin said after SUGA left him alone on stage.

The first two nights of SUGA’s D-DAY concerts highlighted BTS‘ strong bond with each other and ARMY. From Jungkook‘s candid reflections after the first night to Jimin‘s dramatic entrance and legendary performance with SUGA on the second, the last leg of SUGA’s D-DAY tour captured the essence of BTS. Their performances resonated within the dome’s confines and echoed across the digital world, capturing hearts and setting trends. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin and Jungkook jumped at the chance to join their SUGA-hyung on the last leg of his D-DAY world tour. Source: Twitter/@bts_bighit.

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Look: GFRIEND Members Reunite

Members of GFRIEND pose for their reunion. Credit: Instagram/Sowon

How are we feeling, BUDDYs? Fans of K-pop girl group GFRIEND are sent into a frenzy when the members recently reunited for a hang-out. 

On Saturday, August 5, all six members of GFRIEND took to social media to share photos from their recent get-together. 

One photo showed Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji seated at a table at what seems like a restaurant. Another post featured the idols posing at a photo booth. 

Sowon captioned the photo with “Love,” with Yerin replying: “Friendship.” Meanwhile, Umji wrote: “I’m happy that we still have a lot of laugh to share.” 

https://twitter.com/eunhalilac/status/1687822156124884992

Fans then couldn’t help but express their happiness in seeing all the members together again. 

“GFriend are not just idols. They’re family,” one comment read, while other tweets echoed the same sentiment. Many also commended the tight bond the members have despite no longer promoting together. 

 

GFRIEND disbanded abruptly in May 2021, following the expiration of their contract with former agency Source Music. 

Since then, the members have pursued their respective endeavors and signed with different agencies. Sowon made her acting debut as Kim So Jung, with Yuju and Yerin both pursuing solo artist careers. Meanwhile, Eunha, SinB, and Umji formed the trio VIVIZ.

Despite parting ways, the members have been vocal in expressing their desire for a possible reunion in the future.

Sowon, who served as the group’s leader, previously opened up how the disbandment surprised and pained all of them. She added that they didn’t even consider that disbandment as final.

In fact, all six members also gathered in January 2023 to celebrate their eight debut anniversary. 

GFRIEND is known for their songs “MAGO,” “Me Gustas Tu,” “Navillera,” Love Whisper,” and “Glass Bead” among others. 

Featured image: Members of GFRIEND pose for their reunion. Credit: Instagram/Sowon

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Super Junior’s Kyuhyun Signs With Antenna

Kyuhyun of Super Junior signs with Antenna. Credit: Twitter/Antenna

Kyuhyun of K-pop boy group Super Junior is marking a new era in his career as he inked an exclusive contract with Antenna. 

The label released a welcoming post for the idol-host on Monday, August 7. 

“With sentimental music and delightful wit,  he’s excelled as an entertainer in various fields,” they wrote. 

 

Antenna added: “Together, we’ll paint the world with vibrant colors and create unforgettable moments.”

They also released a video of Kyuhyun being welcomed by the staff members of Antenna. 

 

A representative from the agency shared that they’re looking forward to having Kyuhyun under their roster of artists. 

“We plan on actively supporting Kyuhyun’s wide breadth of activities in various ways, so please show lots of support for Kyuhyun who is standing at a new starting line,” they said in a press release. 

Kyuhyun, who made his debut as a member of Super Junior in 2006, left SM Entertainment in July after 17 years. 

Aside from Kyuhyun, Donghae and Eunhyuk also parted ways with SM Entertainment. On the other hand, Donghae and Eunhyuk, who also promotes as the Super Junior sub-unit D&E, are rumored to establish their own talent agency. However, there’s still no confirmation about it, as of writing. 

Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun said that they will still promote as members of Super Junior moving forward.

Kyuhyun made his debut as a solo artist in 2014 with the mini-album At Gwanghwamun. He also starred in various musicals and hosted variety programs. 

Meanwhile, Antenna is an agency founded by singer-songwriter Yoo Hee Yeol. It is home to artists like Lee Hyori, Yoo Jae Suk, Lee Sang Soon, Kwon Jin Ah, Mijoo, and more. 

Featured image: Kyuhyun of Super Junior signs with Antenna. Credit: Twitter/Antenna

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Watch: Riize Drops ‘Siren’ Performance Video, ‘Get a Guitar’ Teaser

RIIZE releases pre-debut performance video of 'Siren.' Credit: YouTube/RIIZE

Save the date as we’re weeks away from the highly-anticipated debut of SM Entertainment’s newest boy group: RIIZE! 

The agency released on Sunday, August 6, the first teaser for RIIZE’s upcoming debut single album! Titled Get A Guitar, it will be out on September 4. 

In a press release sent to Korean media, SM Entertainment also shared that Get A Guitar will have two songs. 

The title track has the same name as the album: “Get A Guitar.” Meanwhile, the second song, “Memories,” will be a pre-release track, and will be available on August 21. 

Aside from the teaser, the label also released RIIZE’s pre-debut performance video for “Siren.”

 

SM Entertainment first introduced the official lineup of RIIZE on August 1 by unveiling the profiles for all seven members on Instagram. 

Shotaro and Sungchan were former members of NCT, while Eunseok and Seung Han were first introduced as SMROOKIES. 

Additionally, RIIZE has broken the record for the fastest K-pop group to reach 1 million followers on the said platform. They achieved the feat within just four days since they opened the account. 

Aside from Instagram, the group also launched their official accounts on other social media platforms. 

A combination from the words “rise” and “realize,” SM Entertainment explained that the group name RIIZE symbolizes the act’s dreams. They added that the group will “write a new chapter of music history.”

RIIZE will serve as the agency’s first boy group in seven years following NCT. SM Entertainment’s latest group was aespa, which made their debut in 2020. 

Despite having not made their debut yet, RIIZE is already confirmed to be performing in KCON LA 2023 and SMTOWN LIVE 2023: SMCU PALACE in Jakarta, Indonesia. 

Featured image: RIIZE releases pre-debut performance video of ‘Siren.’ Credit: YouTube/RIIZE

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BTS’ Suga Starts Military Enlistment Process

BTS' Suga poses during filming of 'Hageum.' Credit: Facebook/BTS

Fandom hug, ARMYs! SUGA has been confirmed as the next member of BTS to enlist in the military. 

BIGHIT MUSIC announced on Monday, August 7, that the 30-year-old rapper has “initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement.” 

As of writing, the agency did not provide a date for the idol’s enlistment. However, they shared that they will provide further details about the matter “in due course.” 

 

“We ask you for your continued love and support for SUGA until he completes his military service and safely returns,” BIG HIT MUSIC added. 

Additionally, the label promised BTS fans that they will also “spare no effort in providing support for our artist.”

SUGA, whose real name is Min Yoongi, will be the third member of BTS to enlist. Jin started his military service in December 2022, while j-hope in April. 

 

It was in June 2022 when BTS first announced that they’re taking a break from group activities to focus on solo endeavors. In October 2022, BIGHIT Music announced that all seven members of the group will be enlisting in the military and that they’re “honored to serve.” 

BTS is expected to reconvene as a full group again “around 2025.”

The announcement about SUGA’s military enlistment came a day after he wrapped up the encore shows for his D-DAY world concert tour  on Sunday, August 6.

SUGA, who also goes by the moniker of Agust D on his individual career, was the first BTS member to embark on a solo concert tour. 

Featured image: BTS’ Suga poses during filming of ‘Hageum.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS

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Here’s Everything You Need to Know About “NCT Home in the Philippines”

While NCT fans await the group‘s return, they can enjoy a unique experience curated especially for them—the NCT Home in the Philippines exhibit.

NCT, a 19-member group under SM Entertainment, made waves in the K-pop scene with their talent and charisma. After a successful debut in South Korea, the Philippines is the second country to host this immersive exhibit. Next in Line Entertainment meticulously replicated the original setup by SM Entertainment in Seoul. That guarantees the same experience for Filipino fans.

Megatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong hosts the pop-up exhibit until August 17, 2023. Fans can purchase tickets for PHP1,350 via ncthomeph.com.

The ticket package includes a one-hour exhibit admission, a physical ticket, a commemorative event souvenir card, a poster flyer, a guest wristband, an NCT Home loyalty card, and exclusive access to in-exhibit offerings and merchandise. Additionally, each ticket includes a Philippine-exclusive photo card, adding an element of surprise for fans as they randomly select their special keepsake.

What’s in NCT Home?

A half-basketball court greets visitors as they enter the exhibit, reflecting the members’ passion for the sport. LED screens showcasing portraits of each member light up the space, while a stamp area presents the authentic autographs of each member.

Inside the “residence,” visitors meet NCT‘s pop-up mascot, a cute golden retriever named Rocco. The living area offers different activities, like board games, claw machines, foosball, mini-golf, and foosball. The bar area has a video projection with each member offering heartfelt greetings.

The exhibit also showcases a hallway with interactive posters, where fans can control the reactions of every NCT member using different finger gestures. The other side displays their clothes, safely encased and accompanied by pictures of them in each outfit.

A unique, immersive experience

The next room resembles a cozy “bedroom” ambiance, complete with a starry ceiling, bunk beds, and comfortable lounging areas. A projector plays footage of the members engaged in a pillow fight and enjoying themselves with a telescope.

The last section boasts a delightful “Home Party” themed backyard, creating a picnic-like ambiance. Visitors can unwind on bean bags while watching never-before-seen interviews with the members.

Visitors can also explore the MD Zone, where a wide array of Philippine-exclusive merchandise is available. Toward the end, Photoism booths offer a four-cut photo and downloadable video with the member of your choice, making it a memorable souvenir to cherish.

The NCT Home in the Philippines exhibit offers fans a unique, immersive experience, bringing them closer to their ult group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: NCTzens get exclusive photocards with their tix! Source: Twitter/@NILE__ph.

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American Media Personality Ryan Seacrest Drops Important News on Jungkook’s Album

American media personality Ryan Seacrest, host of the globally syndicated radio program American Top 40, recently shared some exciting news about Jungkook‘s upcoming album. The BTS member, known for his perfectionism, is working diligently with producers Andrew Watt and Cirkut to create a creative and unique album that will undoubtedly captivate fans worldwide.

Jungkook’s perfectionism, while it allows him to ensure high-quality music, is also the reason for the album’s delay. He’s not one to settle for mediocrity. If a song fails to hold his interest after a few listens, he does not hesitate to scrap it entirely and start anew. This rigorous process ensures that each track on the album is nothing short of flawless. His recent smash, “SEVEN,” is a testament to this meticulous approach.

American Top 40, sometimes abbreviated as AT40, is a popular radio program that counts down the week’s top songs. The program has seen different hosts over the years, with Seacrest taking over on January 10, 2004, following creator Casey Kasem‘s retirement. Currently, American Top 40 airs in two formats, one distributed to Contemporary Hit Radio (Top 40) stations and the other to Hot Adult Contemporary stations. The program is broadcasted on nearly 500 radio stations in the U.S. and other territories. It’s among the most listened-to weekly radio programs globally.

American Top 40 used the Billboard charts to compile the countdown in its early years. However, it now uses unpublished mainstream Top 40 and hot adult contemporary charts compiled by Mediabase.

Jungkook is recording a “great album”

Jungkook‘s upcoming mini album is eagerly awaited by ARMY worldwide. When he went on Suchwita, he said he has another single ready to go, and the album itself will follow in November. Despite the delay, the BTS member assures everyone that the wait will be worth it.

In the meantime, Jungkook is making waves with “SEVEN.” The song has charted in the Top 30 of the UK Official Singles Charts for three straight weeks. It also reached No. 1 on Spotify’s Weekly Top Songs Global for three consecutive weeks, solidifying Jungkook‘s global appeal. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured image: Even as Jungkook’s “SEVEN” continues to break records, the golden maknae is hard at work on a worthy follow-up. Source: Twitter/@SBSNOW_PHOTO.

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Is INFINITE Over? A Photo From Their Last Event Has Fans Worried

In K-pop, the popularity of a group can often be gauged by the size of the crowd at their events. So, when a recent photo from a fan event of the second-generation K-pop group INFINITE showed a seemingly small audience, it sparked fan concerns about the group’s standing in the industry.

The photo, posted on INFINITE‘s official Twitter account last August 3, showed the group in a large auditorium with around twenty-five fans, while the rest of the seats were empty. This led to confusion and concern among fans, with many wondering if the group’s popularity was waning.

However, a closer look at the situation reveals a different story. The event was a fan sign, typically with few attendees. For this particular event, only 30 winners were selected to attend, explaining the small number of fans in the photo.

Despite the initial confusion, INFINITE‘s popularity remains strong. The group recently made a successful comeback with their song “New Emotion” after setting up their own company, INFINITE Company, in May 2023. They have been actively promoting their comeback song, including selling out multiple nights of concerts at the KSPO Dome and other locations.

INFINITE is still going strong

Adding to their active schedule, INFINITE will appear on the popular variety show Knowing Bros. A preview of the upcoming episode shows all INFINITE members dancing to their iconic 2011 hit “Be Mine” and teasing their leader, Kim Sungkyu. The episode, set to air on August 12, will bring more laughter and showcase the group’s strong bond and playful dynamics.

＂Knowing Bros＂. Episode 396 preview

The group’s successful comeback and upcoming variety show appearance, suggest that INFINITE is far from over. While initially concerning, the photo from that fan sign is a snapshot of a specific event. It’s not indicative of the group’s overall popularity. Fans can rest assured that INFINITE is still going strong and making waves in the K-pop industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The preview for INFINITE’s “Knowing Bros” guesting proves the group is far from over. Source: YouTube/@JTBCEntertainment.

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“I’ll Change My Underwear”: NCT’s Taeyong Posts Perplexing Comment on Yuta’s Cover

In K-pop, social media interactions between idols often create buzz. A comment by NCT‘s Taeyong on fellow member Yuta‘s recent Instagram post did just that.

Known for being more active on SNS than most idols, Taeyong, leader of the SM Entertainment boy group NCT, frequently engages with fans. From liking posts on Instagram to spending hours playing Animal Crossing with them, Taeyong‘s online activities have endeared him to many.

However, his recent comment on Yuta‘s Instagram post has stirred up lively discussions among fans. Yuta had uploaded a cover of Bring Me The Horizon‘s “Happy Song” on his Instagram account and earned praise for his vocals. 

Taeyong, however, left a comment that read, “Let me go change my underwear and come back.” This unexpected comment had NCTzens scratching their heads in confusion. Some even wondered if they had misread or misunderstood what Taeyong wrote.

He used the Korean term “지린다,” which some use to express exhilaration. It can sometimes mean “to expel bodily fluids from oneself due to excitement.” (Get it?) In other words, Taeyong’s use of this term implied that he got so excited by Yuta’s vocal performance that he needed to change his underwear. 

Other stunts Taeyong pulled on SNS

Adding to the intrigue, Taeyong has inadvertently hinted at his presence on Twitter. As part of his promotions for his first solo album, “Shalala,” he shared a screenshot of a tweet from the official SBS Inkigayo Twitter account on Dear. U Bubble. The screenshot displayed a message that appears when someone uses a Twitter account. By sharing the screenshot, Taeyong suggested he might have a secret Twitter account from which he follows fans.

That added a layer of intrigue to Taeyong‘s online activities, fueling fans’ curiosity and excitement. It’s a testament to NCT‘s close-knit relationship and willingness to engage with fans in ways others might consider unconventional. (For idols, anyway.)

As NCT continues to make waves in the music industry, fans can look forward to more amusing and unexpected moments featuring Taeyong, Yuta, and the rest of the group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Taeyong and Yuta have always had great chemistry, as proven by this photo from a magazine shoot they did before. Source: Twitter/@ellejapan.

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CRAVITY Charms Filipino Fans by Participating in a P-Pop Group’s TikTok Challenge

In a delightful surprise for their Filipino fans, members of the K-pop boy band CRAVITY recently participated in a dance challenge set to the song “GENTO” by P-pop group SB19. This unexpected move came days before CRAVITY‘s first concert in the Philippines, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the event.

In a TikTok video, Hyeongjun and Taeyoung, two members of CRAVITY, showed off their dancing. The video, posted from their label Starship Entertainment‘s practice room, saw them energetically dancing to “GENTO.” The performance was a testament to their talent and a nod to P-pop’s growing global influence.

@cravityofficial

왕눈즈의 춤은 계속된다 2 #CRAVITY #크래비티 #형준 #HYEONGJUN #태영 #TAEYOUNG #GENTO

♬ GENTO – SB19

CRAVITY’s engagement with the “GENTO” dance challenge is part of a larger trend. Other Korean stars, including Minzy from the second-generation girl group 2NE1 (of which the Philippines’ own Sandara Park is a member) and Jacob from The Boyz, took on the “GENTO” challenge too. These interactions highlight the increasing cross-cultural exchanges in the world of pop music.

More “GENTO” from CRAVITY

The band comprises nine members: Allen, Hyeonjun, Jungmo, Minhee, Serim, Seongmin, Taeyoung, Wonjin, and Woobin. They debuted on April 14, 2020, with the title track “Break all the Rules.” At the time their “GENTO” video went viral on TikTok, CRAVITY was preparing a Manila performance as the last stop on their Masterpiece World Tour. 

When they turned up at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on August 5, they continued to impress their Filipino fans with their charms, talents, and visuals. They kicked off the concert with a rousing rendition of “Get Lifted” and ended with “Colorful.” Member Serim cut a sizzling figure as he danced and sang to their 2022 single “Vivid.”

One of the show’s highlights was when Hyeongjun and Taeyoung led the rest of the group in a quick performance of “GENTO.”

“GENTO” is a single from SB19‘s latest EP, which dropped last June. The song has gained immense popularity on social media, sparking the dance challenge that Hyeongjun and Taeyoung participated in. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: During the show, one member said they’re grateful Manila is the last puzzle piece that completed their Masterpiece Tour. Source: Twitter/@CRAVITYstarship.

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