Category: LATEST STORIES

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Ikon’s Jay Begins Military Service

Kim Jinhwan, or also known as Jay, of K-pop boy group iKON has started his mandatory military service on Thursday, July 20. 

After entering the training center, Jay will undergo basic military training for several weeks, before he can serve as an alternative social worker. 

The vocalist first announced his plans to enlist in early July, taking to Instagram to pen a message to his fans. 

“I will diligently fulfill my duty and return quickly, so let’s find strength while thinking of each other, and please be well,” he promised them, according to a translation by Soompi. 

Days before his enlistment, Jay also shared a photo of him with a shaved head. 

Born in 1994, Jay is the first member of iKON to enlist in the military. 

Prior to his enlistment, Jay also made his debut as a solo artist in June by releasing his album Paradise Pt. 1. Meanwhile, the second part of the album, titled Blue Moon, was released on July 18 — two days before Jay’s enlistment. 

Composed of Bobby, DK, Chan, Ju-ne, Jay, and Song, iKON debuted in September 2015 under YG Entertainment. They left the agency in December 2022 and signed with 143 Entertainment. 

iKON made their group comeback in January with the album TAKE OFF. It’s also the title of their upcoming world tour, which will include shows around Asia, Europe, and the United States. 

Jay was able to take part in the TAKE OFF concert in Osaka, Japan that happened on July 8 and 9, but would be missing the rest of the shows because of military service. 

Featured image: iKON Jay’s Twitter

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KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Newjean’s “Get Up” Album Is Here!

After weeks of anticipation, K-pop monster rookies NewJeans have finally released their sophomore EP GET UP on Friday, July 21. 

The five-piece rising girl group also released the music video for their track “ETA,” which sees the NewJeans members reaching out to their female friend to tell her that they’ve discovered her boyfriend cheating on her at a pool party. 

 

The “GET UP” EP features a total of six songs, with “ETA,” “Super Shy,” and “Cool With You” as its triple title tracks. 

All six songs have their own music videos, but the earlier released ones already boast impressive collaborations. 

The “New Jeans” music video, for example, saw the group transform into superheroes as it was a collaboration with the 25th anniversary of the hit American cartoon series THE POWERPUFF GIRLS.

Meanwhile, the two music videos for “Cool With You,” meanwhile, featured Asian superstars Tony Leung and Jung Ho Yeon. THE “ETA” music video is also in collaboration with Apple as the whole video was entirely shot on iPhone 14 Pro. 

GET UP is NewJeans’ second EP following their self-titled EP, which was released in July 2022.

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

Featured image: NewJeans’ Twitter

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Song Hye Kyo Wins Daesang at the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards

South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo won the Grand Prize at the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards held at Incheon Paradise City on Wednesday, July 19. 

Song was recognized for her portrayal as Moon Dong-eun in the hit Netflix series The Glory. 

“I can’t believe I’d receive this award. I want to praise myself for the first time. Good job, Hye Kyo,” she said in her acceptance speech. 

 

This served as her third Daesang (Grand Prize) in her acting career. Her previous Daesang were from the 2013 series That Winter, The Wind Blows and the 2016 series Descendants of the Sun. 

Meanwhile, Ha Jung Woo of Narco-Saints and Anna’s Bae Suzy won the Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. 

The Disney+ series Big Bet won the Best Drama award, beating nominees The Glory, Narco-Saints, Weak Hero Class 1, and Bargain. 

The rest of the winners in the drama category are: 

  • Best Supporting Actor: Lee Dong Hwi, Big Bet 
  • Best Supporting Actress: Lim Ji Yeon, The Glory 
  • Best Rookie Actor: Park Ji Hoon, Weak Hero Class 1
  • Best Rookie Actress: Shin Ye Eun, Revenge of Others 
  • OST Popularity Award: Jaechan of DKZ, Our Season 
  • Why Not Award: Choi Hyun Wook, Weak Hero Class 1

For the variety category, Siren: Survive the Island took home the Best Variety Program award. 

Yoo Jae Suk was named Best Male Entertainer for his show PLAYou Level Up, while Joo Hyung Young of  SNL Korea was named Best Female Entertainer. 

The 2023 ceremony marked the second edition of the Blue Dragon Series Awards. This year, the award-giving body added new awards: a Daesang (grand prize), OST Popularity Award, and Why Not Award. 

Blue Dragon Series Awards honors the excellent individuals and projects produced by streaming services. 

Featured image: Song Hye Kyo’s Instagram

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

IZ*ONE’s Kim Min Ju Considering Role in “Hear Me”

Rising star Kim Min Ju is reportedly considering a role in an upcoming movie. Industry insiders said on July 19 that she might join Hong Kyung and Roh Yoon Seo in a Korean remake of the Taiwanese film Hear Me.

Kim Min Ju‘s agency, Management SOOP, confirmed the news, stating that the actress received an offer to star in the film and was currently reviewing it positively. The role offered to Kim Min Ju is said to be the younger sister of the female lead character, a part Roh Yoon Seo is also in talks for. In the Taiwanese original, this character is Xiao Peng, the older of two sisters. However, in the Korean remake, the character is the younger sister.

Hear Me is a 2009 Taiwanese romantic comedy featuring Eddie Peng, Ivy Chen, and Michelle Chen. The story is about a hearing man who falls in love with a deaf woman. The original movie was popular in Korea, earning a substantial Korean fan base.

Kim Min Ju’s Career

Kim Min Ju debuted in the project group IZ*ONE through Mnet’s Produce 48 in 2018. She signed with Management SOOP in September 2022 and showcased her acting prowess in The Forbidden Marriage. Her potential involvement in the Hear Me remake could boost her acting career.

Also read: The Power and Legacy of IZ*ONE

The Korean remake of Hear Me is set to start filming in August 2023. Fans of the original film and the actors eagerly await more updates on the project. With the talented trio of Kim Min Ju, Hong Kyung, and Roh Yoon Seo potentially in the cast, the remake promises to be an exciting addition to the Korean film industry. –K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: When IZ*ONE disbanded, Kim Min Ju was among the first to post photos like this on SNS. Source: Instagram/Kim Min Ju’s personal Instagram account.)

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jin of BTS “Saves Fan” from Robbery + Military Updates

BTS member Jin is a beloved figure in the music industry. He’s known for his charming personality, fan dedication, and soulful voice. Recently, Jin’s been in the news for his heroic deeds, both in and out of the military.

In a remarkable incident, Jin reportedly “saved” a Brazilian fan named Natali Vitoria Ramos Reis from a robbery. The 21-year-old ARMY was waiting at a bus stop in São José dos Pinhais, in the Curitiba Metropolitan Region, when a robber approached her. The robber managed to take her phone, which had a photo of Jin in his military uniform as the wallpaper.

When he saw the photo, the robber immediately returned the phone and fled, presumably assuming that the man in the picture was Natali’s boyfriend and a member of the armed forces. This incident sparked a wave of reactions from BTS ARMY worldwide. They praised Jin’s indirect role in Natali’s rescue and joked about changing their phone wallpapers to pictures of Jin in his military uniform for protection.

Jin’s off-stage heroism is commendable, and his military achievements are also impressive. Despite being a world-renowned singer, he has dedicated himself to his mandatory military service in South Korea. Jin enlisted in the recruit training center in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, on December 13, 2022. His expected discharge date is June 12, 2024.

Jin the “elite soldier”

Recently, Jin was given the rank of Corporal in the military earlier than scheduled. This came after he received the title of “elite soldier,” a prestigious title given to those who excel in various areas of training. These include first aid, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological training, individual combat, shooting, a three-kilometer race, and vigilance. To earn the elite soldier title, one must meet strict conditions like having a 90% shooting hit rate and completing over 72 push-ups in two minutes. This promotion underscores Jin’s dedication, discipline, and hard work.

The title comes with perks. These include extra leaves of up to five days, early promotion, and the privilege of wearing a special emblem on their uniforms. Additionally, outstanding shooting scores can earn them more rewards.

Jin’s military achievements give ARMY immense pride and joy. Despite his absence from the music scene due to his military service, his influence continues to resonate worldwide. This story reminds us that heroes can appear in the most unexpected places, even on a smartphone’s home screen. As fans eagerly await his return to the stage, they continue to celebrate his achievements and the inspiring individual he has proven to be. –K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jin posted some selfies on Weverse during a lull in his training. Source: Weverse’s BTS Community.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BREAKING: Haneul Leaves K-Pop Girl Group Saturday

K-pop idol Haneul has exited the group SATURDAY due to “personal circumstances.”

The group’s manager announced the news on Thursday, July 20, saying that SATURDAY will now continue as a four-member group consisting of Juyeon, Yuki, Ayeon, and Minseo. 

While SATURDAY had gone through a series of member lineup changes since they made their debut in 2018, Haneul was one of the original members, alongside Yuki and Ayeon. 

“We apologize to the fans who feel upset about this disappointing news,” the statement continued. 

The manager also asked fans for their continued love and support to the remaining members as they’re gearing up for a new album. 

On Tuesday, July 18, SATURDAY released a schedule for their upcoming sixth single album “Find Summer,” which will be released on July 25. 

 

This would serve as the group’s first comeback in almost two years, following the release of “D.B.DB. DIB” in August 2020. 

Featured image: SATURDAY’s Twitter

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Legend Tony Leung and SAG Winner Jung Hoyeon Star in Newjeans’ “Cool With You” Music Video

Rising K-pop girl group NewJeans released on Thursday, July 20, two cinematic music videos for their song “Cool With You,” which stars Squid Game actress Jung Ho Yeon (for which she won the SAG Award for best performance by a female actor in a drama series in 2022) and a cameo appearance from veteran actor Tony Leung. 

In the first video for “Cool With You,” dubbed the “A side”, Ho Yeon was introduced as a cupid who appears to be completely invisible in life and prompts couples to fall in love through her glance. The latter part of the video saw the actress becoming interested in a man, with the members of NewJeans acting out as angels who are watching the forbidden love story unfold. 

 

Meanwhile, the “B side” video for “Cool With You” picks up from where the “A side” left off but Ho Yeon is now visible to the world. She’s then seen starting a relationship with her love interest. But as their budding romance starts to pick up, Ho Yeon comes across a mysterious man (played by Tony). From that moment, her lover can no longer see Ho Yeon. 

The “B side” video also saw the NewJeans members dancing to a snippet of their unreleased song “Get Up.” 

 

Aside from “Cool With You,” NewJeans has already released the music videos for “Super Shy” and “New Jeans.”

“Cool With You” and “Super Shy” are two of GET UP’s triple title songs, alongside the yet-to-be-released track “ETA.” 

NewJeans’ sophomore EP GET UP, which will be released on July 21, will have a total of six songs, with each track having accompanying music videos. 

GET UP will serve as the group’s second EP following their self-titled EP,  which was released in July 2022. 

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

Featured image: HYBE Labels’ YouTube

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K-POP ARTISTS K-POP STYLE LATEST STORIES

Look: Stray Kids’ Hyunjin Revealed as Versace’s New Global Brand Ambassador

Hyunjin, member of K-pop boy group Stray Kids, has been named as the newest global ambassador of luxury fashion house Versace. 

On Thursday, July 20, Versace made the announcement, revealing that Hyunjin will also front the brand’s Versace Holiday 2023 campaign, which will be launched in November. 

Donatella Versace, the brand’s chief creative officer, described Hyunjin as a “true Versace man.” 

Hyunjin as a ‘Versace man’

“I am constantly inspired by new voices defining culture around the world and for me Hyunjin has great new energy and creativity. I love his confidence and freedom of expression,” she explained about casting Hyunjin. 

The idol also relayed his excitement to be working with the brand. He said that he’s “both inspired and honored to play a part in the House’s truly amazing heritage.”

Hyunjin is the first K-pop idol to be chosen by Versace to become their global ambassador. He’ll be joining the likes of international stars Chris Lee, Anne Hathaway, Bella Hadid, and Li Yuchun, among others. 

Prior to the official announcement, Hyunjin has been seen attending several events of the brand, including going to the opening of the Versace pop-up store in Seoul. 

In May, Hyunjin also attended Versace’s “La Vacanza” fashion show in Cannes alongside popstars Dua Lipa and Troye Sivan. 

While Versace serves as Hyunjin’s first solo ambassadorship, Stray Kids has been previously tapped by luxury Italian footwear Etro. Aside from fashion names, the group has been recently tapped by mobile accessory brand SLBS. 

Stray Kids initially debuted as a nine-piece act. Woonjin left the group in October 2019. 

Members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. are the current lineup.

The group is known for their songs “CASE 143,” “Thunderous, “God’s Menu,” and “Back Door.”  Stray Kids made their recent comeback in June with the third studio album 5-STAR.

Featured image from Stray Kids’ Instagram

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BTS FEATURES K-POP ARTISTS K-POP STYLE LATEST STORIES

Look: BTS’ V Is Cartier’s Newest Ambassador

ARMYs all over the world spazzed over V of BTS in his latest photoshoot! 

French luxury jewelry brand Cartier announced on Wednesday, July 19, that V, or Kim Tae-hyung in real life, is the newest addition to their roster of A-list ambassadors. The pop superstar is the brand’s face of their Panthére De Cartier campaign.

Sporting light brown hair, the K-pop idol donned a striking red suit as he flaunted pieces from the brand’s collection – a gold ring and a necklace with a pendant that resembles a panther.

Arnaud Carrez, the International Senior Vice President of Cartier and Chief Marketing Officer said in a press release that they chose V because of his “powerful aura” and that he can naturally “express a panther’s charm and aura.” “[He] will showcase a style of his own as well as his grace,” he added.

V joins a star-studded list of ambassadors for Cartier, including GOT7’s Jackson Wang, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Rami Malek, Gong Li, and Elle Fanning. 

Aside from Cartier, though, V is also a brand ambassador for French luxury fashion brand Celine, while BTS also serve as faces of Louis Vuitton. Other BTS members have also sealed partnerships with various luxury brands – RM with Bottega Veneta, Suga with Valentino, Jimin with Tiffany & Co., and Jungkook with Calvin Klein. 

BTS announced in June 2022 that they’re taking a break to focus on solo releases while other members enlist in the military. The group marked their 10th anniversary in June and released the digital single “Take Two” and the memoir “Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS.”

Meanwhile, as a solo artist, V has released songs “Stigma,” “Singularity,” and “Inner Child.” He also ventured into acting in the 2016 series Hwarang, and starred in the variety show Youn’s Kitchen.

Featured image: Cartier’s Twitter

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LATEST STORIES

Inkigayo Announces Txt’s Yeonjun, Boynextdoor’s Woonhak, and Park Ji HU as Hosts

A new combination of hosts will welcome viewers of SBS’ Inkigayo on its Sunday, July 23 episode! 

SBS announced that Yeonjun of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) would be returning as MC, three months after he temporarily vacated the post in April to focus on TXT’s Act Sweet Mirage world tour. Prior to his absence, Yeonjun started hosting Inkigayo in April 2022, together with actors Noh Jeong Eui and Seo Bum Joon.

 

This tme, Yeonjun will be joined by BOYNEXTDOOR member Woonhak and actress Park Ji Hu. Ji Hu is known for her roles in South Korean series Little Women, All of Us Are Dead, and House of Hummingbird. 

“The three people with similar positive energy will present a new, vibrant Inkigayo soon,” SBS said about the new hosts.

Meanwhile, MONSTA X’s Hyungwon and actress Kim Ji Eun are confirmed to leave their position as Inkigayo MCs. The pair, which started hosting in April, had the July 16 show as their last episode. 

 

“Because it was my first time hosting a music show, I must have been lacking in some ways, but thanks to the love and support I received from you all, I think I’ll be able to wrap up with only happy memories,” Hyungwon said about his departure. 

Although Hyungwon will no longer be an MC, he is currently gearing up for his sub-unit debut with fellow MONSTA X member Shownu. Their unit album The Unseen will be released on July 25. 

Featured images from: TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s Facebook; BOYNEXTDOOR’s Facebook, and Park Ji Hu’s Instagram

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