Jang Wonyoung, a member of the Starship Entertainment K-pop girl group IVE, was recently in the spotlight for her extraordinary professionalism while filming their latest music video, “I Am.” The idol‘s commitment to her craft was tested when she suffered a severe injury on set, for which she needed immediate medical attention and seven stitches.
The untold story of Wonyoung’s injury was revealed by the music video’s director, Son Seung Hee, during an appearance on the MBC FM4U radio program GOT7 Youngjae’s Best Friend Forever. She shared, “I don’t believe this has ever been mentioned, but Wonyoung got injured on the filming set. She hurt her arm and had to get seven stitches. That was the biggest scare I’ve had on a set.”
Despite her injury, Wonyoung’s dedication to her work didn’t waver. The director recalled, “We had two more sessions left, but I thought filming would be canceled because Wonyoung got injured. But she went to the emergency room, got stitches, then returned to the set to continue filming.”
This MV director praised Wonyoung professionalism and hard working attitude. She was injured during filming, went to hospital n admitted to emergency room, but still return to filming. She never complained and keep smiling.pic.twitter.com/vUllCf8Igx#IVE#아이브#장원영#WONYOUNG
Wonyoung’s resilience was further highlighted by her ability to perform the choreography for “I Am,” which required extensive use of her arms. Director Son expressed admiration for Wonyoung’s fortitude, saying, “She was so professional. She didn’t show that she was having a difficult time. At her age, too. The choreography for ‘I Am’ has some moves where they have to use their arms a lot. I just winced watching her do those moves. It pained me to see her doing them with that injury.”
The director further praised Wonyoung, saying, “There are scenes from the MV that wouldn’t have been possible if Wonyoung hadn’t pulled them off with her injury like she did.”
That wasn’t the first time Wonyoung’s professionalism shone through. Last year, she was praised for her incredible performance despite a knee injury. Her ability to overcome physical adversity and deliver a stellar performance is a testament to her dedication and passion for her craft.
Featured Image: Days before IVE’s first full-length album dropped, Wonyoung posted this photo and captioned it, “It’s our time.” Source: Instagram/Wonyoung’s personal Instagram account.
Once again, the ladies of LE SSERAFIM captivated audiences with their lively, refreshing charms in a summer edition CF for the popular vitamin beverage ‘Vita 500 Zero.’ This comes after the K-pop girl group was tapped to be endorsement models for ‘Vita 500 Aero’ last March, a collaboration that saw them engage in various promotional activities with the brand.
One of the highlights of their collaboration was the release of a “Vita 500 Zero LE SSERAFIM Pop Art” limited edition line. This line emphasizes the girls’ vibrant energy and their influence in the pop culture scene. It’s proof of their growing popularity and the positive impact the group continues to have on their fans, collectively known as FEARNOT.
In the summer edition CF, the girl group brings a playful and energetic vibe that perfectly matches the season’s spirit. The commercial features playful outdoor references like a game of ‘Red Light, Green Light’ (‘The Mugunghwa Has Bloomed’ in Korean). It’s a popular children’s game often played in different countries, with variations in name and rules. The game involves one player acting as the “stoplight” and the rest trying to touch or pass the stoplight.
In the context of LE SSERAFIM’s CF for ‘Vita 500 Zero,’ the choice of ‘Red Light, Green Light’ as a theme is entertaining and symbolic. Like the game itself, it represents the stop-and-go nature of life. It serves as a reminder to take a break, refresh, and recharge—just like what ‘Vita 500 Zero’ aims to provide its consumers.
By filming the CF, LE SSERAFIM isn’t only promoting the beverage, but they’re also enhancing their image as a group that embodies youthful energy and positivity. Their personalities shone through in the CF, making it engaging and relatable to a broad audience. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer and the revitalizing effect of ‘Vita 500 Zero.’ It’s a delightful blend of entertainment and promotion that leaves a lasting impression.
As LE SSERAFIM continues to make waves in the K-pop scene, FEARNOT can look forward to more exciting collaborations and promotions in the future. Their charms are sure to bring more color and excitement to the advertising world and beyond.
After over 17 years with SM Entertainment, Super Junior‘s Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun are parting ways with the agency. On July 14, SM Entertainment announced that the three decided not to renew their individual contracts. But although they’ll explore new avenues independently, they’ll continue participating in group activities under the SM Entertainment banner.
Donghae and Eunhyuk, aka the Super Junior unit D&E, are reportedly planning to establish their own label as co-founders. It remains to be seen whether the D&E unit will continue promoting as SM Entertainment artists or under the new label founded by Donghae and Eunhyuk.
#SUPERJUNIOR renewed with SM as a group#Eunhyuk, #Donghae and #Kyuhyun will do (individual) activities separately from SM and SM supports the challenge the members want to do
Super Junior plans to meet the fans globally with new music, performances & fanmeeting this year pic.twitter.com/Zd4XihAUD7
Meanwhile, Kyuhyun is in talks to sign an exclusive contract with Antenna, a label founded by Yoo Hee Yeol and home to artists like Jung Seung Hwan, Lee Hyori, Lee Sang Soon, and Yoo Jae Suk. Antenna has confirmed that discussions with Kyuhyun are progressing nicely, but nothing has been decided.
In addition to their career moves, Eunhyuk and Kyuhyun will soon be moving out of Super Junior‘s dorm in Cheongdam. They’re currently searching for new homes in the vicinity.
Oh noo super junior legendary dorm will become a history now 🥹 Kyuhyun, your time has come. Thank you for taking care and protect super junior dorm up until now 🥹 yall should throw a party there! @SJofficialpic.twitter.com/q1iOvZIXnD
Despite their departure from SM Entertainment as individuals, Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun will maintain ties with the agency for their group activities as Super Junior. The group, which debuted in 2005, has renewed its contract with SM Entertainment.
The remaining members of Super Junior—Choi Siwon, Kim Heechul, Leeteuk, Ryeowook, Shindong, and Yesung—have all renewed their contracts with the agency.
By the end of the day what builds the super junior name and brand is the members and elfs, not sm. Hopefully this new change means we’re seeing bigger and better things~ dont fret everyone! No one loves suju more than suju themselves! Just trust them💙
As Super Junior approaches its 18th anniversary, its fans can look forward to new developments in 2023 and beyond. SM Entertainment said it would support the three members’ new paths and plans to communicate closely with them to make it easy for Donghae, Eunhyuk, and Kyuhyun to carry out their group and solo activities simultaneously.
Featured Image: Super Junior’s SS9 in Seoul concert last April marked their last South Korean gig where they were all under SM Entertainment. Source: Instagram/SuperJunior’s official Instagram account.
BTS golden maknae Jeon Jungkook recently made his solo debut with the single “Seven,” making waves and, quite frankly, a stir because of its explicit lyrics. Fans reactions range from excitement to shock and, as we can see, just the right amount of chaos.
— alexa 💫 🦋 𝔠𝔥𝔦𝔪𝔪𝔶 𝔪𝔬𝔫𝔱𝔞𝔫𝔞⁷ (@outrochimmy93) July 14, 2023
You can now watch Seven’s music videoon YouTube, and listen on various platforms including Spotify. The explicit version of the song has a distinct lyric change that caught fans off guard, to say the least. In the music video, which also stars Han So Hee and Latto, Jungkook sings, “I’ll be loving you right.” In Seven’s explicit version, though, he goes, “I’ll be f*cking you right.”
As expected, fans lost their minds, to say the least. Many took to social media to express their reactions, with some sharing humorous memes and tweets.
The explicit lyrics sparked a discussion about the evolution of Jungkook‘s image and music. Known for his innocent and sweet image as the youngest member of BTS, Jungkook‘s solo debut shows his more daring and mature side. This shift has been exciting and surprising for fans eagerly awaiting Jungkook‘s solo debut.
“Seven” has been described as a smooth and playfully sexual summer anthem. It has been likened to Craig David‘s UK garage-centered tracks, with an acoustic guitar to lighten the mood. It’s a potent combination of K-pop sensibilities and Western influences.
“Seven” doesn’t have an anthemic, explosive chorus, but that’s fine—it doesn’t really need one. The core refrain, reciting the days of the week and then going, “Every hour, every minute, every second, you know, night after night, I’ll be fuckin’ you right,” works perfectly as a memorable hook. “Seven” keeps its momentum without resting, making it addictive, fun, and replayable.
As Jungkook continues to evolve as an artist, fans can look forward to more surprises and exciting music from the 25-year-old superstar.
Featured Image: Jungkook’s label BigHit Music made fans’ hearts race with the campaign photos for “Seven.” Source: Twitter/BigHit Music’s official Twitter account.
Central Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of New York City, recently transformed into a vibrant hub of anticipation and excitement. The reason? A performance by BTS member Jungkook at the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series. However, this event took an unexpected turn, leading to a wave of disappointment and revealing the unshakeable bond between the artist and his fans.
Several days before the concert, Jungkook’s fans began to gather in Central Park. Their devotion to the 25-year-old superstar was palpable, with some even calling in sick to work and traveling from as far as Mexico and Texas to secure their spot in line. The dedication of these fans was not deterred by the long lines or the sweltering 90-degree July heat.
I’m at Central Park waiting to see jungkook for free and this line is literally insane and there’s so much line drama take this crazy ass sped up Timelapse of the almost mile long line pic.twitter.com/Eg2PCqHTbb
— gray ✨ dan heng enthusiast (@maplesblossom) July 14, 2023
Among the sea of fans was 35-year-old tattoo artist Kiila Armwood, who rescheduled every one of her appointments to be part of this event. Armwood, who has about 10 BTS tattoos, traveled from Poughkeepsie and was one of 14 fans who hailed from as far away as Massachusetts and Texas.
Another dedicated fan, Jessica DeLuca, a 28-year-old who works in the convention industry, took a bus from Boston to see what would be her 30th BTS show. “They bring me hope. I was in a low place when I first got into them. They’ve kept me going,” said DeLuca, who was part of a five-woman crew camping out.
The concert was not just an opportunity to see Jungkook perform live but also a reunion of sorts for the BTS community. Many of the fans had met during a previous BTS concert in 2019 and had maintained their friendships using social media. The line became a testament to the community BTS fostered among its fans, with many sharing resources, taking turns to rest, and some even providing opportunities for daily showers.
However, their excitement was cut short when the concert was canceled due to inclement weather. The announcement of the concert’s cancellation was met with disappointment, but the safety of the artist and his fans was paramount. Despite the cancellation, Jungkook managed to pre-record three songs just before the storm rolled in, ensuring that his fans would not leave empty-handed.
The cancellation was heartbreaking, but Jungkook‘s actions during the soundcheck truly touched his fans’ hearts. Despite being aware of the cancellation, Jungkook performed in front of the fans who waited for days to see him. He treated them to performances of his solo single “Seven,” as well as BTS fan favorites “Dynamite” and “Euphoria.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6mc_rRwD3A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h37iI980PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0JX16JNm24
The cancellation proved how unpredictable live events can be. It also highlighted Jungkook’s desire to connect with his fans, even in the face of adversity. Although they were disappointed because of what happened, they left Central Park with a deeper appreciation for Jungkook‘s dedication and the strength of the BTS community.
Suffice to say, even the rain could not come between BTS and ARMY!
jungkook was saying sorry to everyone because the show got cancelled. HE IS SO PRECIOUS 😭 pic.twitter.com/jGE8CM0vC7
Featured Image: Jungkook performed his first official global solo debut single “Seven” at the GMA Summer Concert Series. Source: Good Morning America/Good Morning America’s official website.
J-hope, the dance leader of global sensation BTS, has been making waves in the world of fashion and beyond—even during his military service. He’s scheduled to grace the cover of Esquire Korea‘s August 2023 issue, looking like a high fashion king. The photoshoot, which took place before he enlisted in the military, saw j-hope clad in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton. Photographed by top fashion lensman Mario Sorrenti, the South Korean dancer and rapper donned a puffer jacket, turtleneck, trousers, and a red suit for different covers. Kim Young-Jin styled him while Park Nae-Joo took care of his hair.
In addition to his Esquire Korea feature, J-hope has also been making headlines as the global house ambassador for Louis Vuitton. The brand recently released a short film for their Men’s Fall-Winter 2023 line, featuring J-hope. The BTS member’s influence in the fashion industry is undeniable, with his charisma and unique style leaving viewers spellbound.
In the campaign video, J-hope can be seen wearing several luxuriously crafted outfits. He exuded confidence and sophistication in a grey suit and pants, presenting a timeless elegance that perfectly encapsulated the essence of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection.
But J-hope didn’t stop there. The “Chicken Noodle Soup” hitmaker put on a striking grey two-piece ensemble adorned with graffiti-inspired patterns. Despite the fact that he’s off in the military, his captivating visuals have left fans in awe, with many taking to Twitter to express their admiration.
His fans haven’t forgotten him, and he hasn’t forgotten them, either. On ARMY Day, which falls on July 9, J-hope penned a heartfelt letter to his fans, expressing his gratitude and love. This gesture resonated deeply with ARMY, showcasing J-hope’s dedication even while serving in the military. His effort to curate a special note for his fans further endeared him to their hearts.
J-hope‘s vibrant personality has captivated many. Known for his bright smile and infectious energy, the idol exudes joy and positivity wherever he goes. Even as he serves in the South Korean military, j-hope continues to make his presence felt, whether it’s through his fashion endeavors or messages to fans. That proves his star shines bright no matter where he is.
Featured Image: During his Esquire Korea photoshoot, J-hope added a pop of color to one layout by putting on a suit reminiscent of a canvas splashed with paint. Source: Esquire Korea/Esquire Korea’s official Instagram account.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made waves in various sectors, and the entertainment industry is no exception. K-pop, a genre known for its innovative approach to music, has been quick to embrace this technology. But the integration of AI in K-pop has sparked debates among artists, critics, and fans, particularly regarding its implications for the industry’s future.
AI’s influence on K-pop is multifaceted. K-pop companies have used it to aid songwriting, create new personas for existing singers, and even generate virtual celebrities. A notable example is Midnatt, the stage name of singer Lee Hyun, who recently released a new song, “Masquerade,” with the help of AI. Using technology from Supertone, an AI company, HYBE transformed Lee Hyun’s voice into a woman’s for the female part of the song while retaining his distinctive singing style. This innovative use of AI extends to multilingual pronunciation correction, allowing songs to be released in multiple languages simultaneously.
Another intriguing application of AI in K-pop is the creation of virtual celebrities. In the storyline of the SM Entertainment girl groupaespa, there’s a persona called Naevis with a unique visual and voice. She was featured in the intro and chorus of the song “Welcome to My World” from aespa‘s third EP, and SM Entertainment is currently preparing for her solo debut.
i love how nct dream respond to ai covers & how some of them saying they don’t like it. yeah the world & technology changed & it might help us, but as an artist or singer it probably feel bad seeing their supposed job replaced by smth that’s not even human https://t.co/UrqgvsDjPg
However, as interesting as its applications can be, the use of AI in K-pop isn’t without controversy. AI-generated vocal covers using the voices of idols have been generally well-received by fans, but the idols themselves have expressed concerns. NCT DREAM, for instance, shared negative feelings about using AI for vocal covers. Chenle, a member of the group, stated, “I hate AI. If singing can be done by AI, what is the meaning of what we do? It feels like that.” His sentiment was echoed by his bandmates, with Jisung adding, “These days, I don’t need to sing some songs because AI can do it. I’m shocked.” Their sentiments reflect the concerns of other artists who fear losing jobs to AI.
What’s more, there are concerns about the ethical implications of AI-generated music. Instances where listeners mistake AI music for music produced by real artists or where singers’ distinctive voices become overused and undistinguished, are a major concern. So are copyright issues, as seen in the case of a song created by a TikTok user that mimicked Drake’s and The Weeknd‘s styles.
While AI has opened up new possibilities in K-pop, it has also raised questions about authenticity, copyright, and the value of human artistry. The words of Chenle and Jisung from NCT DREAM are a poignant reminder of the human element in music, something that must never be overlooked in the face of technological advancement.
so now that nct dream said they don’t like the ai covers r u guys gonna stop making kpop ai covers or do u not give a shit
(Featured Image: NCT DREAM dropped MV teaser images featuring Chenle on July 14. The group is gearing up to drop a new mini-album soon. Source: Twitter/NCT DREAM’s official Twitter account.)
The highly anticipated global K-Pop competition series, A2K (America 2 Korea), has finally begun. This groundbreaking survival show is a collaboration between JYP Entertainment, Republic Records, and Federal Films. It will document the journey of the first American girl group to be trained within the K-Pop system.
A2K was announced in 2022 through a video featuring Park Jin-Young, the founder and chairman of JYP Entertainment. Republic Records founder and CEO Monte Lipman appeared in the video as well. In-person auditions were conducted in major cities across Canada and the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York.
In the first episode, Park Jin-Young introduced the project. He revealed that the girl group formed through A2K will partner with JYP Entertainment and Republic Records for all future releases. Park Jin-Young also talked about the in-person auditions, saying that successful auditionees will attend a boot camp, and those who make the debut team will fly to South Korea for further training.
The aspiring trainees will be evaluated based on four crucial aspects: dancing, singing, star quality, and character. The first episode gave viewers a peek at the constructive, transparent feedback of Park Jin-Young. It was reminiscent of the feedback he gave the trainees on SIXTEEN, the survival show that formed TWICE. The episode also highlighted stories of aspiring K-pop idols chasing their dreams.
A2K will be available to stream on JYP Entertainment’s official YouTube channel. New episodes will premiere on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET. This series promises to be a thrilling journey, showcasing the talent and determination of young women as they strive to become the next global superstars.
Stay tuned to witness the birth of the first American girl group trained through the K-Pop system. The journey has just begun, and the world is watching.
TWICE's Message for A2K
TWICE share their support for A2K🙌 Send us your support for A2K as well in the comments💗https://t.co/jcHR8jLzaT
(Featured Image: The winners of A2K will be brought to South Korea for further training under the K-pop system. Source: Twitter/A2K’s official Twitter account.)
(G)I-DLE performs Senorita at M COUNTDOWN's Comeback Stage
K-pop’s global expansion to Latin American shores is further proof that music is, indeed, universal.
Latino K-pop fans have grown steadily in the last 10 years, and an increasing number of K-pop groups have visited and performed in Latin American countries. Because of the rising popularity of the genre in the region, groups and soloists have begun to release tracks inspired by Latino sounds.
Most songs have lyrics that are a mix of Korean, Spanish, and English—and there are even a few that’s sung completely in Spanish!
Here are 10 K-pop songs infused with Latino flavor that are definitely worth checking out:
Lo Siento – Super Junior ft. Leslie Grace, Play-N-Skillz
Latin pop and Super Junior is a combination most would not even think possible. But actually, this is not the first time that the second generation legends have released Latino-inspired music. In their 2014 bop Mamacita, the group only dipped their toes into the genre. But 2018’s Lo Siento, from the group’s Replay album (repackaged version of Play), marked the first time that the SuJu guys collaborated with non-Korean artists as well as their first real venture into Latin pop.
The tri-lingual track featured Dominican-American singer Leslie Grace and producer/DJ duo Play-N-Skillz. The song fully embraced the Latin vibe, with its bold and upbeat sound punctuated by Spanish guitar riffs. It also presented a more mature, more sensual side to the group while still retaining their unique musical color.
Upon its release, the song debuted at no. 13 in Billboard’s Latin Digital Song Sales chart—making Super Junior the first K-pop group to appear on a Latin chart.
One More Time (Otra Vez) – Super Junior ft. Reik
After the success of Lo Siento, Super Junior dove deeper into the Latin pop genre with their first extended play (EP) album, One More Time, also released in 2018. For the album’s tri-lingual lead single, One More Time (Otra Vez), the group collaborated with the Mexican pop rock trio Reik.
The group continued to play up their sultry side with the song, infused with a tinge of Spanish guitar and the addition of more high notes from main vocal Ryeowook, as the song marked his return from military enlistment.
Bonus: The second generation legends also did a remake of Ahora te Puedes Marchar—and released a special music video that was a hilarious parallel (complete with strawberry blonde wigs and ‘80s-inspired leather jackets) to the 1987 song by Mexican singer Luis Miguel!
Hola Hola – Kard
The co-ed group, made up of male members BM and J.Seph and female members Somin and Jiwoo, has become well-known for their Latino-inspired and tropical house sound releases. Their official debut song Hola Hola is an upbeat and breezy dance track that’s perfect for a Caribbean cruise. Its smooth melody and captivating beat, punctuated by Jiwoo’s surprising rap verse in the middle, makes it a great summer song.
The group’s first pre-debut track, Oh Na Na, is also a great tropical house track. It also has the same addictive beat that would make you want to get up and dance.
Demente – Chung Ha ft. Guaynaa
I.O.I alum and soloist Chung Ha proved that she can break boundaries with her music in her first studio album, Querencia, released in 2021. In the album is the track Demente, a sultry Latin pop song that features Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa. Here, she sings about the confusion that comes from simultaneously mourning for a lost love and waiting for him to return.
Unlike other Latin pop-inspired K-pop songs, Chung Ha sings this song entirely in Spanish. The idol, who lived in Dallas, Texas before getting into the entertainment industry, reportedly turned to her Mexican friends to help perfect her Spanish for the song—and to great results.
In this 2018 song, the quartet sings about the breakdown of a relationship with a self-centered person. The track is equal parts sultry and powerful, with just the right amount of grittiness. It’s a departure from the group’s usual sound, but still, the song beautifully showcases the ladies’ vocals. Plus, Moonbyul’s rap added another layer that, while unexpected, works with the overall Latino vibe.
This song is further proof that Mamamoo can pull off just about any music genre.
Si Fueras Mia – D.O. (EXO)
Here’s another exceptional song from a K-pop artist that’s sung entirely in Spanish! D.O. is one of EXO’s main vocals, and in the B-side track Si Fueras Mia, from his debut mini-album Empathy, the idol sings about falling in love with someone he cannot be with. Yet despite this, he will continue to love that person from afar.
D.O. (with Suho, Baekhyun, and Chanyeol) has already enchanted Latin American audiences with EXO’s rendition of Mexican singer Luis Miguel’s Sabor a Mi in a 2014 episode of Music Bank in Mexico. And with Si Fueras Mia, Latinos—along with all EXO-Ls around the world—have only fallen deeper in love with D.O.’s charms.
O Sole Mio – SF9
SF9 laid it on thick with the Latino energy in O Sole Mio, which made the track even more beautiful to listen to. From the strum of the acoustic guitar instrumental to the passionate declaration of love in the lyrics, the song definitely gives justice to the Spanish influence.
O Sole Mio doesn’t have the booming beats and catchy, repetitive hooks. Rather, the smooth melodies and solid vocals, along with a smattering of electronic sounds make it a timeless K-pop track. The song was released in 2017, and it still sounds fresh to this day.
Airplane pt.2 – BTS
Global superstars BTS have also dabbled in Latin pop! Airplane pt.2 is a Latin pop-inspired B-side from the group’s Love Yourself: Tear album, released in 2018. The song is a sequel to J-Hope’s solo song Airplane, and it talks about the group’s journey, from dreaming of traveling around the world to showcase their music to finally achieving international success.
It’s no secret that BTS started as a group of talented young singers and dancers from a small company, who simply wanted to share their music to the world. But despite all the odds stacked against them, these seven young men continued to work tirelessly to become the biggest male K-pop act in the world.
Señorita – (G)I-DLE
Señorita is (G)I-DLE’s take on the sultry Latin dance genre. The group had been active for only a year when they released this song in 2018, but it was no surprise that they decided to release music that was different from their previous singles. In an interview with Billboard, leader Soyeon thought that the song was a perfect opportunity to show a different, more aggressive side of the group.
In the song, the girls fall in love with an unnamed señor. Unlike the other songs in this list, brass permeated the instrumentals along with the electronic beats. Snaps of the castanets can also be heard in the verses. This track can definitely inspire anyone to stand up and dance, and it might just be what you need to hear to finally take up tango or flamenco lessons!
Bomba – Kai (EXO)
EXO’s main dancer Kai proves his mettle as a soloist with his third mini-album Rover, released in 2023. In this album, he once again infuses his unique energy and charisma in every R&B, pop, and dance track. The lead single, also called Rover, is a lively dance track tinged with reggaeton beats. But it is in the B-side track Bomba that the idol star fully embraces the Latino vibe.
Kai has admitted to wanting to try this genre. In an interview during Rover’s promotions, he even considered making Bomba the lead single for his second album, Peaches (released 2021). With addictive beats and straightforward expressions of summer in the lyrics such as “You can melt the ice, hot, hotter than the summer,” this song will surely be a staple in beach trip playlists.
This is by no means an extensive list of K-pop tracks with a Latino flair. What other Latino-inspired K-pop songs are in your playlist?
Featured image: (G)I-DLE performs Senorita at M COUNTDOWN’s Comeback Stage. Source: YouTube/Mnet K-POP.
Beloved second-generation idol Sandara Park has made a triumphant return to the K-pop scene with the release of her new mini album, marking her first musical endeavor in six years. The album, titled Sandara Park (see what she did there?), comes after the disbandment of her old group 2NE1 in 2017. It includes five songs and is led by the title track “FESTIVAL.” It samples a 1995 song of the same name by Uhm Jung-Hwa, who appears in Sandara’s music video.
The music video for “FESTIVAL” is a playful, vibrant romp through an amusement park bearing her name. It showcases Sandara enjoying the park’s attractions as well as cameos from popular Korean celebrities Aiki, Jo Se-Ho, Kim Sook, and Park Na-Rae.
The album is a testament to Sandara‘s musical evolution and her ability to create a sound distinctly her own. Sandara co-wrote “Festival” alongside GRAY, Heize, and SJWA, who all receive production or writing credits on the B-sides “DARA DARA,” “T MAP,” and “HAPPY ENDING,” respectively.
Sandara‘s return to music sparked excitement among her fans, many of whom have supported her since her 2NE1 days. The album was well received, with Sandara Park – EP becoming the highest charting album by a female artist on the iTunes European Album chart in 2023. It also conquered all top five spots on iTunes Philippines, marking a historic all-kill for the singer.
Sandara is set to debut her new material at The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila concert on August 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The K-pop legend expressed excitement on Twitter, stating, “Finally!!! I’m going back home with my own song~!!!” She added that she hopes to see her Filipino fans at the show, “If not now, when?! Mag-enjoy tayo habang meron pa hehe.”
CL, her former 2NE1 bandmate, shared a touching message on Instagram, expressing her pride for Sandara‘s solo debut and growth as an artist. In response, Sandara expressed gratitude and love for CL, acknowledging the support she received while she was working on the album.
The release of Sandara Park – EP is a major milestone in Sandara‘s career. With her unique sound, vibrant music video, and overwhelming support from fans and fellow artists, Sandara Park will make waves in the K-pop scene again.
(Featured Image: Sandara Park’s label, ABYSS Company, posted a screenshot from the music video to announce that it had been posted to YouTube already. Source: Twitter/ABYSS Company’s official Sandara Park Twitter account.)
![[비타500 ZERO & 르세라핌] 비타민C 가드득 피었습니다 (30초)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XSHXcO8ewnY/hqdefault.jpg)
![[MV] 마마무(MAMAMOO) - 너나 해(Egotistic)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/G5UM2rOyqr4/hqdefault.jpg)
![[MV] SF9 (에스에프나인) _ O Sole Mio(오솔레미오)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sUZeYOLp8Ys/hqdefault.jpg)
