Categories
FEATURES LATEST STORIES

Suzy Shares Adorable ‘Wonderland’ Set Selfie With Park Bo Gum

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming film “Wonderland” reaches new heights as Bae Suzy treats fans to a candid glimpse of her on-screen chemistry with co-star Park Bo Gum. Showing off their delightful chemistry, the former Miss A member shared an adorable ‘Wonderland’ set selfie with her co-actor.

‘Wonderland’ Set Selfie Confirms Suzy and Park Bo Gum’s Undeniable Chemistry

Taking to her Instagram on April 30, Suzy delighted fans with two charming selfies alongside Park Bo Gum, accompanied by the caption “Tae Joo and Jung In,” referencing their respective characters in the film.

“Wonderland” weaves a captivating narrative centered around the innovative “Wonderland” service, offering users the chance to reconnect with departed loved ones through AI-generated video calls. Against this backdrop of technological marvels and emotional complexities, the film promises a thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the boundaries between the past and the present. With a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Tang Wei, Suzy, Park Bo Gum, Jung Yu Mi, and Choi Woo Shik, “Wonderland” is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Suzy’s Instagram post not only offers a tantalizing sneak peek into the dynamic between her and Park Bo Gum’s characters but also serves as a testament to the camaraderie and chemistry shared by the talented cast. As fans eagerly await the film’s release, these glimpses behind the scenes only serve to heighten anticipation for the on-screen magic that awaits.

More Suzy and Park Bo Gum Interactions Soon

In addition to their roles in “Wonderland,” Suzy and Park Bo Gum are set to reunite on another prestigious stage as hosts for the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. Teaming up once again with Shin Dong Yup, the trio is poised to infuse the ceremony with their trademark charisma and wit. Scheduled to take place at COEX on May 7, the awards ceremony also promises to be a star-studded affair celebrating the best and brightest talents in Korean film, television, and theater.

With its live broadcast on JTBC, the Baeksang Arts Awards will offer viewers around the world a front-row seat to the festivities, also providing an opportunity to witness the magic as it unfolds. As Suzy, Park Bo Gum, and Shin Dong Yup take the stage, fans can expect a night filled with memorable moments, heartfelt speeches, and perhaps even a glimpse of the chemistry that makes “Wonderland” such a highly anticipated cinematic experience.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Doh Kyung Soo (EXO D.O) Releases Whimsical ‘Popcorn’ MV

Doh Kyung Soo has once again mesmerized fans with the release of his whimsical ‘Popcorn’ MV, setting the stage for his highly anticipated mini-album ‘Blossom’. The new music video shows off a different side of the EXO member known as D.O. as he excitedly prepares to fall in love.

Whimsical ‘Popcorn’ MV Shows Off Doh Kyung Soo’s Quirky Side

In the deeply meaningful music video, D.O. takes center stage, exuding palpable excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.

The whimsical “Popcorn” MV paints a charming picture of Doh Kyung Soo eagerly awaiting love, with popcorn playfully following him around, a metaphorical representation of the heart-fluttering feelings associated with new romance. As kernels pop around him, mirroring the bursts of emotion within his heart, viewers are transported into a world where the simplest of joys and the most profound emotions converge.

The clever use of imagery in the MV teaser, released prior to the full video, further underscores the depth of emotion and thought behind Doh Kyung Soo’s music. Through the surreal scene of popcorn kernels popping out of a laundry machine, D.O. masterfully captures the essence of his inner turmoil and excitement, cleverly juxtaposing mundane activities with profound emotions.

As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Blossom’, it’s evident that Doh Kyung Soo is pouring his heart and soul into this new musical endeavor. With each note and lyric, he invites listeners into his world, sharing his hopes, fears, and dreams with a sincerity that resonates deeply.

‘Blossom’ promises to be more than just an album; it’s a testament to D.O.’s growth as an artist and as a person. Through introspective lyrics and soul-stirring melodies, he invites listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

As May 7 approaches, anticipation continues to mount, fueled by the promise of new music from one of K-pop’s most beloved voices. With ‘Blossom’, Doh Kyung Soo is poised to captivate audiences once again, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. So mark your calendars and get ready to experience the magic of ‘Blossom’.

Categories
K-DRAMA KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Taeyeon Confirmed for ‘Zombieverse 2’

Fans of both K-dramas and Taeyeon are in for a thrilling treat as news spreads of the beloved singer’s upcoming appearance in the highly anticipated Netflix original series, ‘Zombieverse 2’.

Taeyeon Joins ‘Zombieverse 2’ Cast

A statement from a broadcasting insider on April 30 KST revealed that Taeyeon has already completed filming her part, adding to the mounting excitement surrounding the release of the new season.

‘Zombieverse’ first burst onto the scene in August of the previous year, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative set in a world overrun by zombies. Against the backdrop of a transformed Seoul, the series plunges viewers into a thrilling tale of survival and human resilience. Its debut was nothing short of a sensation, not only dominating the charts in Korea but also capturing the hearts of viewers across the globe.

The success of the first season on Netflix laid a solid foundation for ‘Zombieverse 2’, which promises to up the ante with a fresh cast and an expanded storyline. As anticipation for the new season reaches fever pitch, the announcement of Taeyeon’s involvement has sent ripples of excitement through the fan community.

What Happens in The Second Season?

While details about Taeyeon’s role in the series remain shrouded in mystery, her inclusion undoubtedly adds an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation. As one of K-pop’s most iconic figures, Taeyeon’s foray into the world of acting is sure to draw attention and excitement from fans worldwide.

As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Zombieverse 2’, they can look forward to seeing Taeyeon bring her unique talents to the screen, adding depth and nuance to an already captivating storyline. With filming already wrapped up, it won’t be long before viewers can immerse themselves once again in the adrenaline-pumping world of ‘Zombieverse’, with Taeyeon leading the charge into uncharted territory.

As the countdown to the release date begins, the excitement continues to build, fueled by the promise of new adventures, unexpected twists, and the electrifying presence of Taeyeon herself. Get ready to embark on another thrilling journey into the heart of the zombie apocalypse with ‘Zombieverse 2’ and Taeyeon at the helm.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

RIIZE Finally Unveils Redesigned Light Stick

The unveiling of RIIZE’s official fanlight marks a significant moment for both the group and their devoted fanbase. But what are people saying about the redesigned light stick?

RIIZE Debuts Redesigned Light Stick

After an initial setback with the previous design, RIIZE has listened attentively to the feedback from their fans and returned with a revamped version that aims to capture the essence of their identity while ensuring it stands out uniquely in the K-pop landscape.

The journey to this unveiling was not without its challenges. When RIIZE first teased the release of their light stick with a “coming soon” poster, they were met with a wave of criticism from fans. Many voiced concerns that the design bore a striking resemblance to another group’s light stick, raising issues of originality and authenticity. Additionally, there were apprehensions about potential cultural insensitivity due to the hand gesture depicted in the initial design.

Responding swiftly to the feedback, RIIZE’s management company, SM Entertainment, made the commendable decision to reassess and redesign the light stick. They understood the importance of addressing fans’ concerns and ensuring that the final product resonated positively with their audience. Thus, the team diligently went back to the drawing board to craft a new design that would embody the spirit of RIIZE while steering clear of any unintended controversies.

The result of this collaborative effort is a sleek and stylish light stick that proudly bears the group’s name, RIIZE, prominently in the center, flanked by stars on either side. This design not only symbolizes the group’s rise to stardom but also serves as a beacon of unity for their fans, who eagerly await the opportunity to wave it proudly during concerts and events.

While opinions among netizens may remain somewhat divided regarding the new design, the overwhelming sentiment among fans is one of relief and satisfaction. They appreciate RIIZE’s commitment to addressing their concerns and applaud the group for delivering a light stick that reflects their unique identity and artistic vision.

As RIIZE prepares to embark on new musical endeavors, the unveiling of their official light stick serves as a tangible symbol of their unwavering bond with their fans and their collective journey towards continued success and growth in the dynamic world of K-pop.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

LOONA Yves Set for Solo Debut in May

It’s an exhilarating moment for fans of K-pop sensation LOONA as they eagerly anticipate Yves’ solo debut in May. Netizens have been waiting for the big news since Yves signed with a new agency earlier this year.

Yves Confirms Solo Debut in May

The news, first reported by Hankook Ilbo on April 30, sent waves of excitement through the fandom, sparking anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking moment in Yves’ career.

In an exclusive interview with Hankook Ilbo, Yves shared her aspirations and excitement for this new chapter in her musical journey. Expressing her determination to explore and expand her artistic horizons, Yves hinted at a transformative experience awaiting her fans. With a focus on recording and meticulous preparation, she aims to deliver a performance that will captivate and surprise her audience, showcasing a side of herself they have yet to see.

Yves’ journey in the world of K-pop began in 2017 when she made her debut as a member of LOONA, a group known for its unique concept and diverse talents. However, the road to solo stardom hasn’t been without its challenges. Following a series of legal disputes and attempts to terminate their contracts with their former agency BlockBerryCreative, Yves, along with her fellow LOONA members, made the difficult decision to part ways with the company by June 2023.

Yves’ Bright Future

Amidst this period of transition, Yves found a new home for her talents, signing an exclusive contract with PAIX PER MIL, a label founded by acclaimed producer MILLIC. This strategic move not only signaled Yves’ commitment to her craft but also hinted at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead under the mentorship of a visionary like MILLIC.

As Yves prepares to step into the spotlight as a solo artist, the anticipation among fans continues to mount. With her boundless talent, unwavering dedication, and newfound creative freedom, Yves is poised to make a lasting impression on the K-pop industry and cement her status as a force to be reckoned with.

As May draws near, all eyes are on Yves as she gears up to unveil her solo debut, ready to leave an indelible mark on the world of music and capture the hearts of fans worldwide.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Weverse Adds New Features at ENHYPEN Leader Jungwon’s Suggestion

Earlier this month, the team responsible for HYBE’s operations in Japan held a press conference in Tokyo to discuss strategies and future plans for the Weverse app in Japan. Weverse is a fan community platform that facilitates interactions between artists and fans globally, offering services such as community management, media content distribution, merchandise sales, and real-time streaming.

Weverse currently manages official communities for over 130 artists and audition programs from both South Korea and internationally. It stands as the largest platform of its kind, serving users from 245 countries and regions in 15 languages with real-time translation features. As of last June, Weverse surpassed 100 million downloads. While specific user data per country remains confidential, Japan ranks among the top five countries with a notably active user base.

Weverse Japan’s General Manager, Moon Jisu, revealed that his team surveyed users in March and found that the app’s satisfaction rate is 87 percent. Some complained that Weverse isn’t very user-friendly and has “too many features to use effectively.” To address their concerns, Moon Jisu and his team will streamline the app’s interface. They hope doing so will make it easier for fans to communicate with their biases.

A valuable addition to Weverse

A notable enhancement they made to the app was based on a suggestion made by ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon. Thanks to him, Weverse will now allow artists to do joint livestreams, with real-time translations extending to 12 languages for Korean streams and four for Japanese ones. This feature is already live—B1A4 tried it a few days ago, much to the amusement of their fans.

Not everyone is amused, however. While many praised Jungwon for his innovative suggestion, others pointed out that BTS’s V had mentioned wanting to do joint livestreams before Jungwon did. V would even switch to Instagram because Weverse’s limitations didn’t allow him to go live with his members. However, Jungwon did something V didn’t—he actually made a formal request for the feature to be added.

Ultimately, regardless of who suggested it first, the addition of the joint livestream feature is a valuable addition to Weverse that artists and fans alike can benefit from. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungwon played a big part in getting Weverse to add this long-awaited feature to the app. Source: X/@Lychee_0209.

Categories
K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

tvN’s ‘Lovely Runner’ Hits Season-High Viewership After Shocking Episodes

The tvN drama Lovely Runner, starring Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok, has captivated audiences with its recent episodes, leading to a record-breaking viewership spike. According to Nielsen Korea, episode three of Lovely Runner earned an average nationwide viewership rating of 3.4 percent, a marked increase from the previous episode’s 2.7 percent. It also set a new personal best for the drama.

Episode 3 Preview [ENG] | Lovely Runner (2024)

The drama’s ratings bump

The drama’s third episode picked up with Ryu Sun Jae (played by Byeon Woo Seok) determined to compete in a swim meet despite attempts by Im Sol (played by Kim Hye Yoon) to keep him from doing so. In the end, he won a gold medal, and he also tried to confess his feelings to Im Sol, leading to heartwarming and hilarious moments between the characters.

However, the narrative took a dramatic turn when Sun Jae was injured during practice. The emotional highs continued as he gathered the courage to confess to Sol again. This time, he was successful, and the two even shared a kiss. Unfortunately, Sol was drunk when it happened and forgot about the kiss the next day. To top it all off, another character, Kim Tae Sung (played by Song Geon Hee), confessed his feelings to her as well.

Episode four saw Sol waking up in 2023, confused and desperate to return to 2008. Meanwhile, in the present, Baek In Hyuk (played by Lee Seung Hyub) attempts to contact Sol about Sun Jae, but their call gets cut off. Surprisingly, most of the things Sol did in 2008 remained unchanged in 2023, indicating that she may actually have altered Sun Jae’s future.

As Sol travels back to 2008, she discovers she’s in a relationship with Tae Sung, and Sun Jae is upset with her. Eventually, Sun Jae and Sol reconcile as he saves her from a drunken man, and Sol realizes that Sun Jae was the one who saved her from her car accident all along. These twists kept viewers hooked, leading to the drama’s ratings bump.

Episode 4 Preview [ENG] | Lovely Runner (2024)

‘Lovely Runner’ has gone viral

Lovely Runner has gone viral in Korea and abroad. In the week ending April 20, the drama recorded a 149% increase in digital mentions compared to the previous week. Also, the number of paid TVing subscribers has exceeded 10,000. The significant buzz is evident through the overwhelming number of YouTube comments, SNS mentions, and Naver Talk discussions. All these showed a 160% increase from the previous week, as measured just 12 hours after each episode’s broadcast.

Furthermore, Lovely Runner ranked first in 133 countries during its premiere week on the global OTT platform, Rakuten Viki. This list includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. The drama maintains a high viewer rating on Viki, receiving favorable reviews that praise everything from the acting and story to the chemistry between the characters.

Based on a popular web novel and penned by True Beauty writer Lee Si Eun, Lovely Runner is a new time-slip romance drama that poses the question: “What would you do if you had the opportunity to save your ultimate bias?”

It’s a question many can relate to, which is partly why the drama is such a hit. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The third and fourth episodes of the show are its highest-rated to date. Source: X/@ljscentric.

Categories
KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

tripleS’s New 24-Member Comeback Teaser Receives Swift Backlash

The lineup of tripleS is now complete. The rookie girl group, which originally debuted in February 2023, now has 24 members, all of whom will participate in tripleS’s first full group comeback this May. Known for their sub-units Acid Angel from Asia, +(KR)ystal Eyes, LOVElution, and EVOLution, the girl group’s activities are influenced by the fans through a novel approach pioneered by their agency MODHAUS.

The trouble with tripleS

MODHAUS—led by its founder and CEO Jaden Jeong, who also happens to be tripleS’s creative director and music producer—made it so fans could be part of the group’s creative process by voting on everything that has to do with tripleS. This includes things like stage names and unit formations, which are normally decided on by a group’s agency or staff. When fans buy NFT photocards called “Objekts,” they earn “COMO” tokens, which allow them to place their votes.

tripleS recently announced a 24-member comeback under the name ASSEMBLE24, set for May. The announcement was accompanied by a photo featuring all the members. When fans saw it, they theorized that the girls were arranged in order according to who sold the most Objekts. Although MODHAUS hasn’t confirmed or denied this, fans compared the members’ positions in the photo to the Objekt sales data. They found that the members who were front and center in the photo had sold more than the girls placed at the back.

This discovery sparked discussions within the fandom. Some believed it wasn’t fair, while others considered it downright toxic. Concerns were raised about the impact the arrangement could have on the members, especially on tripleS’s maknae, SeoAh, who is only 13 years old. Moreover, there are those who say they’re having a hard time getting into tripleS because they feel overwhelmed by the number of members.

The broader issues

Fans weren’t the only ones bothered by the group’s ranking system. Member Xinyu took to the fan communication platform Fromm, where she described the system as “cruel.” She likened it to her traumatic experiences on the Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999. Xinyu suggested that a randomized system might be better. However, soon after posting these comments, she issued a retraction and an apology, then deleted all her posts. Fans speculated that the group’s management might have pressured her to do so.

MODHAUS has yet to address the controversy surrounding Xinyu’s remarks or the broader issues related to the group’s management practices. Fans hope that Xinyu wasn’t punished for her honesty and that the agency will take steps to improve how members are treated. However, it seems like the agency may already be making changes. A quick check of tripleS’s social media shows new concept photos where the members aren’t arranged according to Objekt sales. Additionally, the track list for the group’s album has been released.

These issues notwithstanding, the album ASSEMBLE24 will be released as planned on May 8 at 6:00 PM. The 10-track collection will be bannered by the title track “Girls Never Die.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is tripleS’s latest photo featuring all 24 members. Notice how they’re arranged. This time, it’s not according to Objekt sales. Source: X/@triplescosmos.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids Sets Summer Comeback, Charlie Puth Collab

Stray Kids are gearing up for a summer comeback with a digital single called “Lose My Breath,” featuring American singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. The track is set to drop on May 10 at 1:00 PM KST and serves as a precursor to a highly-anticipated Korean album due later in the year. This marks the first time Stray Kids has collaborated with a Western artist. As such, some say this song is proof that Stray Kids is looking to significantly expand their international presence.

@jypestraykids

#StrayKids #스트레이키즈 #LoseMyBreath Feat. #CharliePuth TRACK PREVIEW 1 2024.05.10 FRI 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET) #StrayKidsComeback #YouMakeStrayKidsStay #NewMusic

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – Stray Kids – Stray Kids

A wave of controversy

While the collaboration has stirred considerable excitement among some fans, it has also unleashed a wave of controversy because of Charlie Puth’s involvement. Some fans of Stray Kids, known as STAYs, have voiced their intent to boycott “Lose My Breath.” They also asked the group’s agency, JYP Entertainment, for a version of the song without Puth’s vocals. This reaction stems from issues Puth faced in the past, namely the accusations of him being a Zionist and a rape apologist.

Charlie Puth has faced criticism over his perceived support for Israel in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Since October 7, 2023, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties. The Palestinian death toll reached 33,843, with at least 76,575 injured. Puth’s family, including his sister, has been identified by some as Zionists, and Puth himself has liked and shared posts by other celebrities who support Israel.

Moreover, Puth has been accused of being a rape apologist due to his support for Swedish music producer Dr. Luke, whom American pop star Kesha accused of abuse. Additionally, Puth’s social media history includes support for controversial figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump.

@lilwickedfelix

Its a hard pass for me on the lose my breath collab with cha*rlie puth… #straykids #skzstay

♬ original sound – felix

Stray Kids’ reputation

Despite the controversy, the excitement for “Lose My Breath” remains high. The teaser for the song quickly amassed millions of views, indicating strong interest in the collaboration. The group is also set to appear at this year’s Lollapalooza festival. It will be held at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, on August 2. As of this writing, tickets to the festival are sold out.

Stray Kids previously performed at Lollapalooza Paris, making them the first K-pop artist to headline that particular edition of the festival.

As the song’s release date approaches, all eyes will be on how this single will impact Stray Kids’ reputation and what it will mean for their future projects. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Some STAYs are choosing to sit on the sidelines for this comeback. Source: X/@Stray_Kids.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

S.Coups Stuns on SPUR Magazine’s Latest Cover

S.Coups, the overall leader of the globally acclaimed K-pop group SEVENTEEN, recently graced the cover of SPUR Magazine’s June 2024 issue. This marks his first solo appearance on the cover of a Japanese magazine. This milestone comes after he went on a six-month hiatus following an ACL injury. 

During that time, S.Coups was unable to participate in any activities, including photoshoots. So, when he entered the venue of the SPUR Magazine photoshoot, the air was thick with anticipation. Everyone present couldn’t wait to see what S.Coups would do once he got in front of the camera.

S.Coups stood ready

On the day of the shoot, as S.Coups stood ready in front of the camera, the studio was bathed in warm sunlight, an auspicious start to his comeback. Sure enough, when he started striking poses for the photographer, he impressed the whole team with his charisma.

S.Coups donned four different looks for the photoshoot. On the cover, he wears a relaxed silhouette jacket by Dries Van Noten. It lent him an air of gravitas befitting the leader of a 13-member K-pop group, yet it also made him look gentle. Of all the outfits he wore that day, S.Coups said his favorite was a khaki coat and necktie from Fendi, citing it as a perfect example of the “old money look”—a current trend in Korea he’s keen to explore personally.

The feature also delves into S.Coups as an individual. In a revealing two-page interview, he discusses his role as a leader, the dynamics within SEVENTEEN, and his thoughts on the group’s future, offering fans a deeper insight into his personal and professional life. To coincide with the June issue’s release, SPUR Magazine announced a special campaign that includes signed photos. They also released a behind-the-scenes video and outtakes from the photoshoot.

His newfound hobby

In other news, OSEN reported on the 20th that S.Coups will be featured on ENA Channel Fifteen Night’s Real Fan Zone. His episode will be broadcast on the 29th. S.Coups recently participated in a recording as a devoted fan of the Samsung Lions, a baseball team based in his hometown.

S.Coups has taken a recent interest in baseball, sharing his newfound hobby with fans on Weverse. He posted, “I think I found a hobby…maybe I’ll become a baseball fan,” adding, “I guess Samsung is right for me? They are on a winning streak,” and expressing his desire to watch a game.

CARATs are curious about his upcoming appearance on Real Fan Zone. It’s known for its portrayal of passionate baseball fans and includes celebrities like Cha Tae-hyun and Jo Se-ho, who brings a neutral perspective as the show’s MC. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Head to SPUR Magazine’s website to find out how you can purchase a physical copy of this issue! Source: X/@aboutscoups.

Exit mobile version