Categories
K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

‘The Glory’ Star Lee Do Hyun to Enlist in Military on August 14

Sad news, K-drama fans! One of our favorite oppa is temporarily taking a break from acting to fulfill his mandatory military service duties. 

Yuehua Entertainment announced on Thursday, August 3 that actor Lee Do Hyun will be enlisting in the military on August 14. 

The agency emphasized that there’ll be “no separate official event.” Only the actor’s family members and military personnel will be present on the day of his enlistment. 

 

“We ask for fans to refrain from visiting as it is a private event,” Yuehua Entertainment requested. 

Additionally, the label said that Do Hyun will join the ROKAF (Republic of Korea Air Force)’s military band after finishing his basic military training, 

Moreover, they also asked fans to continue their support for the actor.

“Please send your warm support and encouragement to Lee Do Hyun who will return in good health after dutifully carrying out his military duties,” the agency said. 

Before his enlistment, Do Hyun is set to meet his supporters through a fan meeting on August 5. 

Lee Do Hyun, 28, made his acting debut in the 2017 black comedy series Prison Playbook. He also starred in projects Hotel Del Luna, 18 Again, Sweet Home, and The Good Bad Mother. 

Do Hyun is best known for his roles in The Glory and Youth of May.

In May, it was confirmed that he’s in a relationship with The Glory co-star Lim Ji Yeon.

Featured image: Lee Do Hyun shares a behind-the-scenes from filming ‘The Good Bad Mother.’ Credit: Instagram/Lee Do Hyun

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT’s Taehyun Covers “SEVEN,” Jungkook Reacts

Kang Taehyun, a member of the popular K-pop group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), covered “SEVEN,” a hit single by BTS’s Jungkook.

The cover, which Taehyun uploaded to the fan community platform Weverse, has not only delighted fans but also received praise from Jungkook himself. 

Taehyun‘s admiration for Jungkook is well-known. As labelmates at BIGHIT MUSIC, the connection between the two artists dates back many years. Taehyun has been a fan of BTS for years, and his support for the group, especially Jungkook, has been evident in various interactions.

On July 31, Taehyun released his cover of “SEVEN,” singing along to an instrumental version of the original. He congratulated Jungkook on topping the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, calling the song “godly” and a “masterpiece.” 

How will Taehyun react?

Jungkook‘s reaction was swift and appreciative. He thanked both Taehyun and BOYNEXTDOOR‘s Jaehyun, who also covered the song. 

Taehyun‘s fanboy moments with Jungkook have been a source of joy for fans. When TXT debuted in 2019, they visited BTS in their dressing room at a music show. It was then that BTS’ leader RM revealed that Taehyun had over 10 photos of Jungkook in his KakaoTalk profile picture history. RM found that quite amusing. When he shared that story with BTS and TXT, he remarked, “He must be Jungkook’s fan.”

That interaction between Jungkook and one of his idol fanboys was both cute and funny. Now, with Jungkook‘s public acknowledgment of Taehyun‘s cover, BTS and TXT fans are imagining Taehyun‘s excitement. Social media is abuzz with humorous speculations about Taehyun‘s reaction.

SEVEN” is Jungkook‘s official solo debut. It dropped on July 14, featuring American rapper Latto. The song is a taste of Jungkook‘s upcoming solo mini-album, expected to be released by November 2023. His success with “SEVEN” has been remarkable, winning first place on South Korean music show Inkigayo. The song’s popularity continues to grow, and covers by fellow idols like Taehyun add to its acclaim. 

https://twitter.com/mhereonlyforbts/followers_you_follow

Taehyun‘s cover of “SEVEN” and Jungkook‘s warm response highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect between these two talented artists. Fans are now eagerly awaiting more collaborations and interactions between BTS and TXT, two of the most prominent groups in the K-pop industry. In the world of K-pop, where fandoms and connections run deep, this interaction is a reminder of music’s power to bring people together. Or, in this case, make successful fanboys out of idols like Taehyun. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Taehyun truly did his sunbae’s song justice. Source: Twitter/@translatingTXT.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SUGA Sits Down with Samsung EVP, Calls Himself a “Superfan”

BTSSUGA isn’t just a music superstar. He’s also a self-proclaimed “superfan” of Samsung’s Galaxy products. Recently, he interviewed Cho Won-Jun, EVP and Head of Mobile R&D Office at Samsung. They discussed the latest foldable phones: the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5.

SUGA’s History with Samsung 

Galaxy x SUGA: Galaxy Z Flip5 | Fold5 | Samsung

SUGA shared his history with Samsung, which began with the Galaxy S7 in 2016. He also shared his childhood fascination with assembling computers. “When I was young, I played with computer parts. I loved building things by myself,” he reminisced. Furthermore, he expressed his excitement for the new Galaxy Z Fold 5, a device he now owns.

On July 26, Samsung invited him to an event called Samsung Galaxy Unpacked July 2023. It showed off the company’s innovations, especially new the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. People asked SUGA for his thoughts on them. Moreover, his single “Daechwita” was played at the event.

SUGA was among the first to own the Galaxy Z Fold 5. His unit even has “D-DAY” engraved on the back, named after his chart-topping album. Pictures of SUGA holding the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with TM Roh appeared on Samsung’s social media accounts. (Roh is President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.)

SUGA‘s relationship with Samsung goes beyond mere ownership. He has shown a special affection for Galaxy products among BTS members. At a concert in Newark, New Jersey, he only took selfies with fans who owned Galaxy smartphones. He declared, “No iPhone, only Galaxy.”

Exploring the Galaxy Z Fold 5

In the interview with Choi Won-Joon, SUGA‘s questions revolved around design and engineering. He asked about the foldable hinge and the foldable display itself. SUGA‘s enthusiasm for the topic was evident throughout the conversation.

Both he and Choi believe in enhancing user experience through improved design and larger screens. Choi elaborates, “Samsung has had a vision for a long time that phones should be smaller while the display size is bigger. With advancements in foldable display technology, we knew we could do that.”

Choi pointed out specific improvements in the Fold 5. These newer foldable devices are thinner and more compact, providing a better grip. They also have a space in the hinge part. Choi says, “It folds with almost no gaps, but we created a display structure that allows it to be folded in a round shape from the inside.”

SUGA enjoyed their conversation immensely. He said, “I feel like I’m listening to a lecture, but it’s so much fun. I mean it. It’s really fun to talk with these developers.”

On BTS’ SUGA and the Galaxy Z Fold 5

Choi concluded with a reflection on the hard work behind the products. He said, “There are so many worries and so much blood, sweat, and tears involved in making something until it’s released.” Their conversation provided a behind-the-scenes look at the development of Samsung’s latest foldable devices. It serves as a testament to the creativity and dedication involved in creating cutting-edge technology,  

Fans of SUGA, collectively called ARMY, can now pre-order Samsung’s latest products, including the foldable smartphone, through its official website. They’re set for an official release on August 11. Early adopters can benefit from free memory upgrades and other bonuses.

With the Galaxy Z Fold 5, SUGA‘s relationship with Samsung continues to unfold (pun intended), symbolizing a partnership that goes beyond a mere endorsement. 

His role as an honorary Samsung employee and his active participation in the Galaxy Unpacked event highlights a connection that resonates with fans and tech enthusiasts alike. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA and Choi Won-Joon were honored to be in each other’s presence. Source: YouTube/@Samsung.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Look: Loossemble Unveils New Photos, Announces Us Tour

It’s really the start of a new era for former LOONA members HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won, and HyeJu as they’ve officially announced their upcoming activities as LOOSSEMBLE. 

Under their new agency CTDENM, the five idols are set to re-debut as LOOSSEMBLE (or Loona Assemble).

After launching its official social media accounts, LOOSSEMBLE also unveiled new set of photos for each members. 

The two sets of individual photos saw the members donning white and black ensembles. Aside from the individual shots, HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won, and HyeJu also posed in group photos. 

What’s in store for LOOSSEMBLE? 

The developments didn’t stop there as LOOSSEMBLE announced on Wednesday, August 2, that they’re embarking on a concert tour at the United States. 

Titled Loona Assemble: The US Debut Ceremony, the group will hold shows in 10 cities across the US. The stops include New York, Washington, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Oakland, among others. 

The general sales for the ticket will start on August 5, at midnight KST. Meanwhile, the VIP package sales can be availed by the public between August 7, at 11 a.m. KST, to September 7, at 11:49 KST.

LOOSSEMBLE also shared their excitement for the upcoming shows.

“We are preparing a lot of great performances for the dearest fans. We are also preparing to spend meaningful time talking deeply with fans. So please look forward to it,” they said. 

 

Aside from the upcoming showcase tour, CTDENM has also teased that LOOSSEMBLE is planning to release a new album. Additional details about the upcoming album have yet to be disclosed. 

All 12 members of LOONA left their original agency BlockBerry Creative after a legal battle. 

Hyunjin and Vivi signed with CTDENM in June, with Yeojin, Go Won, and HyeJu following in July. 

The news of LOOSSEMBLE’s formation came shortly after Odd Eye Circle made their comeback with Version Up in July. The unit is composed of former LOONA members, JinSoul, Choerry, and Kim Lip, who are now all under Modhaus. 

Featured image: LOOSSEMBLE unveils first group photos. Credit: Twitter/LOOSSEMBLE

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Wow! Newjeans Debuts at Billboard 200 With ‘Get Up’ Ep

There’s really no way but up for rising K-pop girl group NewJeans!

Billboard announced on Wednesday, August 2, that NewJeans’ second EP Get Up topped the Billboard 200 chart, dated August 5.

 

This marks the first time for NewJeans to enter the Billboard 200 chart. Said chart is known to rank the most popular albums and EPs in the United States per week. 

And the quintet reached the feat in just a year since their July 2022 debut. Impressive, right? 

Additionally, NewJeans is only the second female K-pop act to land on the top spot of the Billboard 200, following BLACKPINK.

Including the male artists, NewJeans is the sixth K-pop act to achieve the milestone. Only K-pop acts BTS, SuperM, Stray Kids, BLACKPINK, and TXT have earlier placed first with their releases.

Moreover, NewJeans’ Get Up and BLACKPINK’s Born Pink album are the only two albums by an all-female act to hit the No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in the past 15 years. 

NewJeans’ record

The Billboard 200 ranking is based on “multi-metric consumption” as measured in album sales, track equivalent albums, and streaming equivalent albums. 

According to the US-based songs chart, Get Up garnered 126,500 equivalent album units. Majority of the sales during its first tracking week were driven by album sales. 

 

Get Up is now placed as the second album by a K-pop girl group that had the biggest album debut in Billboard 200 history. 

 

Meanwhile, the Barbie film soundtrack and Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time are in second and third place, respectively.

Get Up, which has six songs, was released on July 21. ETA,” “Super Shy,andCool With You” are the album’s triple title tracks. 

NewJeans is composed of Minji, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle. It is a group under ADOR, the HYBE sub-label headed by Min Hee-jin. 

Featured image: NewJeans poses for a behind cut of their Jeans Zine. Credit: Facebook/NewJeans

Categories
BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin, Jungkook Set Guinness World Records With Solo Releases

BTS continues to make history in the global music scene even with their individual releases as members Jimin and Jungkook just set more Guinness World Records! 

Guinness World Records (GWR) announced on Tuesday, August 2, that both Jimin and Jungkook achieved two new titles each through their solo releases. 

Jungkook’s records

According to GWR, the explicit version of Jungkook’s digital single “Seven has now recorded a total of 89,748, 171 streams – making it the most streamed track on Spotify in one  week by a male artist. 

The award-giving platform shared that “Seven (Explicit Ver.)” has recorded 15,995,378 plays on its first day of release. It trails behind Harry Styles’ “As It Was,” which held the record for most streamed track on Spotify in 24 hours by a male vocalist. “As It Was” recorded 16,103,849 streams on April 1, 2022. 

 

However, GWR continued that “Seven (Explicit Ver.)”  logged at least 11.6 million streams each day for its first tracking week. 

With this, it now holds the record for the fastest time for a music track by a male artist to reach 100 million streams on Spotify. GWR said that Jungkook’s “Seven (Explicit Ver.)” reached  100 million filtered streams on Spotify on July 21 or within eight days after it was released on July 14. 

Meanwhile, t can also be recalled that Jungkook’s other solo track, “Dreamers,” also surpassed 300 million Spotify streams in June. It’s also the record holder for the fastest K-pop soloist to do so. 

Jimin’s achievements

Additionally, Jimin also set two new records with his 2018 single Promisethrough the streaming service Soundcloud. 

GWR noted that Promise,which Jimin released in December 2018, is the titleholder for the most streamed track on Soundcloud within 24 hours of its release. 

The single also reached 330 million plays on June 17 and has now become the most streamed track on Soundcloud. 

 

Furthermore, Jimin also dominated the brand reputation rankings for individual K-pop idols in the month of June. 

Moreover, BTS made their debut in June 2013 with the single “2 COOL 4 SKOOL.” Known for being one of the trailblazers of the K-pop genre, the septet has since entered the Guinness World Records 2022 Hall of Fame.

As a group, the records they currently hold include being the most streamed male group on Spotify, and most followed music group on Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok. 

In June 2023, celebrated their 10th debut anniversary with the release of the memoir Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” and digital single “Take Two.”

Featured image: BTS members Jimin and Jungkook in the preview of their ‘LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF’ DVD. Credit: Facebook/BTS

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

CONFIRMED: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is Dating Actor Ahn Bo Hyun

Jisoo of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK is in a relationship with South Korean actor Ahn Bo Hyun! 

Representatives from each artists’ agency confirmed the news to Korean media on Thursday, August 3. 

Entertainment news website Dispatch was the first outlet to break the news, sharing photos of the couple spending time at Jisoo’s home. 

Both reportedly bond over their similar interests in acting, singing, and fashion. 

In response, YG Entertainment said that the two “are getting to know each other with positive feelings.”

Ahn’s label FN Entertainment added: “We would be thankful if you look upon them with warmth.”

Fans also quickly took to social media to express their happiness for Jisoo and Bo Hyun‘s blossoming relationship.

https://twitter.com/jisoo_snows/status/1686920636759695362

Ahn Bo Hyun, 35, starred in shows See You In My 19th Life, Yumi’s Cells, Military Prosecutor Doberman, My Name, and Itaewon Class. 

Meanwhile, Jisoo made her debut as a member of BLACKPINK in August 2016. She also ventured in acting through the Disney+ series Snowdrop. Jisoo also made her debut as a solo artist in March with the EP ME

Currently, BLACKPINK is embarking on their “BORN PINK” concert tour.

The group’s seven-year contract with YG Entertainment is set to expire by August 2023, with member Lisa being rumored to no longer renew with the agency. Stay tuned about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal news here!

Featured image: BLACKPINK Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun are dating. Credit: Instagram/Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN’s Performance Team Reacts to Jun’s C-Drama “Exclusive Fairytale”

SEVENTEEN‘s Jun‘s Chinese romance drama Exclusive Fairytale has been the talk of the town way before its release. The steamy scenes and viral edits across social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram caught everyone’s attention. The anticipation was high and the show didn’t disappoint. As such, people’s reactions to it were generally favorable.

SEVENTEEN Performance Team reaction to Jun’s drama

iQIYI, a popular streaming platform, added fuel to the fire by releasing a video of SEVENTEEN‘s performance team members Dino, Hoshi, and The8 reacting to Jun‘s drama. The video, released on August 1, showed the four K-pop stars watching several clips from Exclusive Fairytale, including the much-talked-about kissing scenes. 

Initially impressed by Jun‘s handsomeness, the mood quickly shifted when the kissing scenes began. Jun covered his face with his hands, adding to the hilarity of the situation. His embarrassment and Hoshi‘s humorous question, “Did you brush your teeth before the scene?” left fans and members in stitches.

The iQIYI reaction video spread like wildfire on social media, giving rise to a wave of memes. Dino’s facial expressions as he watched Jun’s drama ranged from amused to horrified. They proved to be a popular choice for memes among creators. All in all, the performance team’s reactions to the kissing scenes were very meme-able because they were so candid. CARATs worldwide had a blast watching Dino, Hoshi, and The8 tease Jun good-naturedly.

Exclusive Fairytale is a C-drama adapted from the bestselling novel Once We Come Across Love. The series became available to iQIYI VIP members on July 27, and the anticipation was high since it marked Jun’s return to acting after seven years. The last time the 27-year-old singer appeared in a drama was in the 2015 series Intouchable.

Other members’ reactions

During a recent fan call event, some fans took a unique approach by showing scenes from Exclusive Fairytale to SEVENTEEN members to capture their live reactions. Mingyu seemed confused but amused as he watched the clips. He sang Jun’s latest single “PSYCHO” while asking about the show. He admitted he hadn’t watched it yet but promised to do so later that day. 

@horang_nabi

mingyu’s full reaction to a clip from jun’s drama (translation from gyumedia on twt) c: xhslink.com/EM10Os #mingyu #svt #jun #exclusivefairytale #fyp

♬ original sound – 니니🍒 – 니니🍒

Meanwhile, Vernon was visibly stunned by one of the scenes. 

@silksonicgyu

Replying to @★ only this ss was posted but vernon’s face says it all 😂 #vernon #chwehansol #junhui #seventeen #exclusivefairytale #cdrama #carat #fyp #kpop #kpopfyp #foryoupage

♬ Fire – SEVENTEEN

Even other members like Jeonghan expressed curiosity about the drama. He revealed that he hadn’t watched it yet but had seen the kissing scenes.

The impact of Exclusive Fairytale extends beyond the show itself. Through curiosity, laughter, and shared experiences, the group’s engagement with Jun’s latest acting project has become more than just entertainment. It’s a reflection of the bond that unites fans and idols in the world of K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jun covered his face while watching. Source: YouTube/@cheonsa_hanniee.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Red Velvet’s Yeri Confirms Plans for Group to Drop New Album Later This Year

Yeri of Red Velvet brought joy to fans worldwide by confirming the group‘s plans to release their third full-length studio album later this year. During a live broadcast on August 1 to celebrate the group’s anniversary, their maknae excitedly made the announcement, ending years of anticipation.

Since debuting nine years ago, Red Velvet has become one of SM Entertainment’s most successful acts, breaking numerous records with their unique sound and vibrant visuals. However, despite their consistent success, the group’s discography has only housed two full studio albums since 2014. This fact has not sat well with the group’s passionate fan base.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhHHqzuX8vs

[✓2 August 2023] RED VELVET 9TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL LIVE

The fans have been vocal about their desire for a third full-length album from the group. Recently, the demand took a visible form when fans sent protest trucks with messages to SM Entertainment, urging the company to prioritize the release of Red Velvet‘s third full-length album. Now, it seems their wish is about to be fulfilled.

During the eventful broadcast filled with fun games and interactions, the members prepared to end their time together. As they expressed gratitude to Reveluvs for their unwavering support, Yeri decided to leave the fans with some good news. “Do I say it?” she asked, then forged ahead anyway. “We’re preparing our third full-length album. After this live, we’re going to have a meeting for the comeback. We have a goal to release it in the second half of the year.”

Red Velvet is already hard at work

The announcement was met with excitement and anticipation from the Red Velvet fandom, who have been patiently waiting for this moment. Keywords related to the announcement started trending in South Korea and worldwide, just minutes after Yeri’s teaser.

As the second half of the year begins, Reveluvs can look forward to new music from their favorite quintet. This development comes after a long wait, and Yeri’s announcement is sure to send ripples of joy through the fandom. The group’s main dancer, Seulgi, acknowledged that Reveluvs had indeed been waiting for a long time, echoing the sentiments expressed by fans worldwide.

Red Velvet’s long-anticipated third album is no longer a distant dream but a thrilling reality in the making. Fans can now eagerly await the release, knowing that their favorite group is hard at work to bring them new material. The excitement is palpable, and the countdown to the album’s release has officially begun. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans have been waiting for this LP for a long time. Source: Twitter/@revevante.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

“Queendom Puzzle” Reveals New Top 7 Ahead of Semi-Finals Showdown

Mnet’s Queendom Puzzle has shaken up the competition by revealing its current standings based on the ongoing global vote. This spin-off of the hit survival show Queendom features idols, including members of currently active girl groups, battling for spots in a seven-member project girl group.

[EN/JP] [#퀸덤퍼즐] EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW | 6/13(화) 밤 10시 첫 방송

A significant change

Last week, a significant change took place. The contestants’ voting scores were reset immediately after the show’s first live elimination ceremony. Consequently, all the votes and benefits everyone received before that episode will not count towards next week’s semi-final results and eliminations.

With one week of voting left before the August 8 semi-finals, during which seven idols will be sent packing, Queendom Puzzle revealed the interim status of its 21 remaining contestants on August 1. This announcement was based on votes from the past week, and it certainly stirred up excitement among fans.

The current Top 7, in no particular order, are CLC’s Yeeun, H1-KEY’s Hwiseo, Lovelyz’s Kei, PURPLE KISS’s Yuki, Rocket Punch’s Yeonhee, Woo!ah!’s Nana, and WJSN’s Yeoreum. These ladies showed a lot of charisma, heart, and talent, earning them the top spots in the competition so far.

EL7Z U+P(엘즈업) 데뷔를 향한 TOP7 후보 및 탈락 후보 공개!

Meanwhile, the mid-ranking contestants, who are in the 8th to 14th places, are Dohwa (aka AOA’s Chanmi), Rocket Punch’s Suyun and Takahashi Juri, tripleS’s Jiwoo, Weeekly’s Jihan, Weki Meki’s Elly, and Woo!ah!’s Wooyeon. These contestants are still in the running and have a chance to climb the ranks with strong performances in the upcoming rounds.

Lastly, the 7 lowest-ranking contestants, who are at risk for elimination, are Cherry Bullet’s Bora and Jiwon, Fye, H1-KEY’s Riina, NMB48 alum and soloist Shiroma Miru, Weeekly’s Lee Soojin, and Weeekly’s Zoa. The pressure is on for them, as they need to prove themselves in the next round to avoid elimination.

“Queendom Puzzle” is heating up

As the show heads into the semi-finals, fans are eagerly rooting for their favorite contestants. The anticipation is building, and the competition is heating up. In the meantime, viewers can catch up on all the previous episodes of Queendom Puzzle with subtitles on Viki. 

The semi-finals showdown is set to be an intense battle, and the latest rankings have only added to the excitement. Who will make it to the top? The answer will be revealed on August 8. Stay tuned!

[#Queendom Puzzle/8회 예고] ‘다 털어버리자🔥’ 편집실을 습격한 퀸들의 대소동!

The rankings brought joy to some fans and disappointment to others, but they undoubtedly added a new and welcome layer of intrigue to the competition. With the semi-finals just around the corner, the contestants are gearing up for their most important performances yet. 

The stakes are high, and every vote counts. The road to EL7Z U+P (the name of the project group the show will form) is paved with twists and turns, and Queendom Puzzle continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The battle for the top 7 is on, and the world is watching. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: If your bias isn’t in the Top 7, don’t worry. You still have time to help her by voting on the Mnet Plus app. Source: YouTube/@Mnet.

Exit mobile version