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Park Seo Joon Receives Backlash for His “Attitude Problem,” Actor Apologizes

South Korean actor Park Seo Joon recently found himself at the center of a controversy following a seemingly innocent incident at a special screening of his upcoming movie, Concrete Utopia. It tells the story of survivors in an apartment complex after a devastating Seoul earthquake.

Concrete Utopia | Official Main Trailer | INTL

At the event, a fan presented couple of hairbands to Park Seo Joon and his co-star, Park Bo Young, who play a married couple in the movie. Park Bo Young graciously accepted and wore the hairband, but Park Seo Joon declined the offer, gesturing toward his hair. This left Park Bo Young holding onto both hairbands, which didn’t go unnoticed by the audience.

The incident quickly gained traction online, with netizens saying Park Seo Joon was inconsiderate of Park Bo Young. A section of the online community felt the backlash was exaggerated. Meanwhile, the fan who offered them the hairbands came forward to share their perspective. In a statement, the fan said they were unbothered by the actor’s decision and hoped the incident would no longer be blown out of proportion.

Park Seo Joon responds

In response to the growing controversy, Park Seo Joon took to his official fan café on August 7th to address the situation. In a heartfelt post, he expressed concern that some fans might have felt hurt by the incident. 

He clarified that his refusal to wear the offered headband wasn’t due to vanity or the presence of hairspray. Instead, he had styled his hair in a way that made it unmovable, explaining, “I sweat a lot during stage greetings. I sprayed a lot of hairspray in the morning and fixed my hair so firmly that it wouldn’t move even if I tried. In that state, if I put anything in my hair, it hurt my scalp a lot.

@gumihoi

Park Seo Joon addresses his attitude controversy parkseojoon kdrama

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Furthermore, Park Seo Joon addressed the perception that he had embarrassed Park Bo Young by leaving her holding both headbands. He shared his belief that the headband was a gift specifically for Park Bo Young. “I think there was a misunderstanding,” he stated.

The actor also revealed a conversation with Park Bo Young, where she apparently expressed regret over the incident. But he reassured her, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their remaining schedules together.

Beyond the headband incident

Beyond the headband incident, Park Seo Joon also touched upon other controversies surrounding his interactions with fans. He addressed an instance where a fan hugged him without consent and his reluctance to make a face heart gesture. 

Park Seo Joon also thanked his fans, saying, “Because of you, I’m not afraid of anything.” He ended his message with words of love and care, urging fans to look after themselves.

What happened to Seo Joon serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges celebrities face in the public eye. Every action, no matter how small, is scrutinized. But communication, understanding, and empathy can bridge the gap between celebrities and their fans.-K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The actor has been busy promoting his new movie. Source: Twitter/@allaboutPSJ.

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EXO’s Baekhyun Rushes to Clarify Rumors of Him Starting His Own Agency

Recently, rumors about EXO‘s Baekhyun and his alleged involvement in shady business dealings have been circulating. These rumors gained traction when a netizen posted about Baekhyun‘s move to the UN Village in Seoul’s prestigious Hannam district. The netizen highlighted the connection between Baekhyun and a company named One Signature, suggesting potential financial foul play.

The netizen revealed that the CEO of the construction company that built Baekhyun‘s new home is his landlord. Interestingly, the records showed One Signature took out a 13 billion KRW mortgage. Further investigations into One Signature’s public records unveiled Baekhyun‘s position as a board executive. Another executive, Cha Dae Young, was identified as the father of Cha Ga Won, the CEO of the construction company and Baekhyun‘s landlord.

This discovery led to another revelation. Cha Ga Won is an executive at Big Planet Made, an agency previously accused by SM Entertainment of trying to recruit the EXO-CBX members. The timing of these events raised eyebrows, as EXO-CBX had requested contract termination a day after One Signature’s incorporation.

As these findings spread, many netizens started believing that Baekhyun‘s publicized dispute with SM Entertainment was premeditated. Some speculated that he planned to take his company public and profit from selling his shares during the IPO.

In response to the growing criticism, Baekhyun took to a live stream on August 7th to address the controversy. “Seeing how the misunderstandings and misinformation were being taken as truths, I worried for my fans,” Baekhyun said. “That’s why I decided to live stream my story.”

Baekhyun speaks up

Baekhyun clarified his reasons for the legal dispute with SM Entertainment during the live stream. He said, “I’ve always wanted to inquire about accounting. There were incidents during Lee Soo Man’s absence that piqued my curiosity. But we reached an amicable compromise, and now SM and I have a good relationship.”

Baekhyun also talked about One Signature, revealing his intention behind putting up the company. “I started One Signature with my good friend Kasper to produce good choreographers and dancers,” he said. He further clarified that the company might undergo a name change.

Addressing the loan on his home, Baekhyun explained, “The reason I borrowed the money was for a promise I made to myself. I plan to start my own company while staying with SM Entertainment as a member of EXO. The loan serves as a reminder to always strive for better.”

He also spoke about his relationship with Cha Ga Won and her father, emphasizing their close bond. “They came to know my parents, and we’ve gotten along like family ever since,” Baekhyun added.

Concluding his live stream, Baekhyun revealed that SM Entertainment is aware of and supports his ambitions. “SM knows about my plans to start my own company and positively supports my decision,” he affirmed.

With this live stream, Baekhyun hoped to clear the air and address the concerns of his fans. Only time will tell how these revelations will shape his future endeavors. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Baekhyun was so troubled by the rumors that he went live to address them quickly. Source: Twitter/@xunhuas.

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ENHYPEN’s Jay Wows Fans and Fellow Members With His Guitar Playing

ENHYPEN‘s Jay recently treated ENGENEs to a live broadcast on Weverse, where he seamlessly blended his guitar skills with candid interactions, making it a memorable experience for all.

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688460940482949120

The broadcast began with Jay listening to Cean Jr.’s “YK.” This choice was particularly interesting, as fellow ENHYPEN member Jake had previously expressed his fondness for the same track during his own broadcast. As Jay listened, his facial expressions reflected his genuine appreciation for it. He praised Cean Jr., emphasizing that the artist deserved a wider audience.

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688469701536718848

As his broadcast progressed, Jay‘s musical talents took center stage. Filipino ENGENEs asked him to play “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour on his guitar. Other ENHYPEN members had listened to and loved it, so the fans were curious about what the group’s resident guitar god would make of the song. Jay obliged them, even if he had never played it before. He tried to master it on the spot, and he succeeded. He impressed fans with how quickly he picked up the chords and rhythm. 

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688480257391964160

Jay didn’t stop there. He played several other songs, including “Gravity” by John Mayer, “SEVEN” by Jungkook feat. Latto, “Maps” by Maroon 5, and ENHYPEN’s “Attention, Please.”

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688481615704670208

Jay used the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Electric Guitar for most of his broadcast. Inspired by American blues-rock icon Eric Clapton, it combines classic style and easy-to-use features. Its unique neck shape is perfect for those with large hands, and its sound can be adjusted from bright to deep tones. All told, it’s a top-tier guitar that’s built to stay in tune and look amazing for decades.

Jay gave in to Jungwon’s request

The session took an exciting turn when fellow ENHYPEN member Jungwon chimed in. Jungwon, who was watching the live stream, called Jay on the phone and asked him to play “TFW.” Their banter was a testament to their bond. Jungwon revealed that he had stumbled upon Jay‘s broadcast while browsing Weverse and decided to join in upon seeing Jay‘s guitar playing. Giving in to the ENHYPEN leader’s request, Jay switched to his “Tongtongie” guitar, which he used during their recent Seoul concerts.

Later, Jay displayed his playful side by showing his guitar off to viewers. He mimicked a vlogger by placing his palm before the guitar to help the camera focus on it. His antics had fans chuckling.

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688489318086807552

However, not every moment of the broadcast was filled with music and laughter. Jay encountered a technical problem when he couldn’t rotate the Weverse app horizontally. In a candid moment, Jay shared his confusion with ENGENEs, seeking their help. That showcased his humility and willingness to engage with his fans on even the smallest matters.

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688489318086807552

As the broadcast neared its end, Jay left fans with warm wishes. His musical showcase, heartfelt message, and genuine interactions made the broadcast a memorable experience for ENHYPEN fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jay treated fans to acoustic versions of hit songs. Source: Twitter/@teamjayco.

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Eagle-Eyed CARATs Debunk Joshua’s New Dating Rumor

The world of K-pop is often abuzz with rumors, and the latest artist to find himself at the center of such speculations is SEVENTEEN‘s Joshua. Recent whispers suggested a romance between the “SUPERsinger and Instagram model Mi Young. However, CARATs, SEVENTEEN‘s dedicated fans, took it upon themselves to investigate and debunk these rumors.

The rumors were fueled by netizens who noticed similarities in Joshua and Mi Young‘s Instagram activities. They highlighted pictures both posted showcasing the same things, suggesting they were “couple items.” These items ranged from accessories to bags, jackets to phone cases. The volume of these shared items led many to believe in a possible relationship.

A deep dive into the claims

Diving deeper into the claims, fans found that the denim CK jacket both Joshua and Mi Young wore in their photos were promotional. Joshua expressed gratitude to CK for his jacket, while Mi Young’s was bought by the photographer who took her photo. Moreover, the times of their posts didn’t line up or match. They were notably different.

Another point of contention was their photos from Seoul Forest Park. While Mi Young was spotted at a pub near Han River on the night of July 6th, Joshua‘s photo from the park was posted at 3:00 PM on the same day, suggesting they weren’t together at the time.

Further examination revealed that the white abrasion marks on their airport clothes, which some believed to be signs of shared clothing, were part of the items’ official tie-dye design. Additionally, while some netizens thought they had taken couple photos on Jeju Island, again, the timelines didn’t match. Mi Young went to Jeju Island in February 2021, while Joshua made his trip in March 2022. 

The brown jacket saga was another exciting twist. On December 2, Joshua was in Nagoya, while Mi Young was in Tokyo on December 1 and 3, indicating they were in different places wearing different jackets.

Their phone cases became another topic of debate. Joshua had been seen using his bunny case in 2021, while Mi Young used hers in March 2022. As for the beaded accessories, Joshua‘s necklace turned out to be a branded item, not a handmade couple’s necklace. Mi Young wore something like it only twice in September 2020.

Joshua deserves privacy and respect

One of the more intriguing revelations was that a group had been planning these rumors for months. They began on Chinese websites and later transitioned to Twitter, attempting to gain traction for their fabricated stories. Despite the swirling rumors, fans have rallied behind Joshua, emphasizing that he, like anyone else, deserves love and privacy. The overarching sentiment is clear: even if he were dating, it’s his personal life, and fans should respect that boundary. 

In the midst of all this, Joshua‘s contributions to SEVENTEEN and the K-pop industry in general shine through. Known for his incredible vocals, striking visuals, and politeness, he has been a beacon of talent and dedication since SEVENTEEN‘s debut in 2015.

While the K-pop world is no stranger to rumors, it’s nice to see fans rally in defense and support of their idols. The dedication of CARATs in debunking these speculations underscores the deep bond between them and all 13 members of SEVENTEEN. As always, it’s key to approach such rumors with skepticism and prioritize the well-being and privacy of the artists involved. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Joshua has, by turns, been bashed and defended since the rumors began. Source: Twitter/@pledis_17jp.

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DKZ’s Kyoungyoon Quits Group to Join the Military Five Months After “Cult” Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, Kyoungyoon, a member of the popular K-pop group DKZ, has officially announced his departure. This decision comes roughly five months after a controversy surrounding his family’s alleged ties to the JMS cult.

 

Earlier this year, Kyoungyoon found himself at the center of a storm after the release of Netflix’s In The Name Of God: A Holy Betrayal. The documentary shone a light on the controversial JMS cult, revealing that Kyoungyoon‘s family had ties to it. They even operated a cafe associated with a church, Youngduk Ju Mideum (Youngduk Trust In God). While the initial response from DKZ‘s label, Dongyo Entertainment, was that Kyoungyoon‘s family was unaware of the church’s ties to the JMS cult, Kyoungyoon later opened up about his personal experiences. He shared harrowing details of being brainwashed and victimized by the cult. Despite being a victim, he faced significant backlash, leading him to issue a personal apology.

The controversy took a toll on Kyoungyoon‘s mental health, prompting him to take a hiatus in April to focus on his well-being. Fans hoped this break would be temporary, but recent developments suggest otherwise. On August 7, Dongyo Entertainment released an official statement on their fan community website. They informed fans that after a period of treatment and recovery, Kyoungyoon had engaged in extensive discussions with the agency about his future. The outcome? Kyoungyoon would be leaving DKZ to fulfill his mandatory military duties later this year.

Kyoungyoon penned a letter to fans

In a heartfelt and handwritten letter accompanying the announcement, Kyoungyoon expressed his feelings to fans. “For the past five months, I spent a lot of time contemplating,” he wrote. “After thinking about what would be the best option for the people I care about, I concluded that I should let go of DKZ’s Kyoungyoon. I hope fans will understand my decision.” He expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received during his time with DKZ.

The news of Kyoungyoon‘s departure has elicited a wave of reactions from fans and netizens. Many took to SNS to voice their feelings, sharing messages of support, love, and hope for Kyoungyoon‘s future. While some expressed their anger, sadness and shock, others understood his decision, given the circumstances.

 

 

As DKZ continues its journey with five members, Kyoungyoon‘s decision to go serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges artists face. His story underscores the importance of mental well-being and the courage to make tough decisions. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans worldwide send their best wishes, hoping to see him return in good health and high spirits. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: He decided to leave after contemplating it. Source: Instagram/@kyoungyoon_dkz.

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BTS’ Jimin Cuts a Stunning Figure in Tiffany & Co. Ad Campaign

In a recent ad campaign, BTS‘s Jimin, the house ambassador for Tiffany & Co., treated SNS users with his impeccable visuals, exploring The Landmark in New York City. This iconic space, located at the intersection of 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, has undergone a significant transformation, offering viewers a fresh perspective on its beauty.

Tiffany & Co. showcases their commitment to craftsmanship and luxury through The Landmark. As the company’s official website says, they celebrate the extraordinary and display the world’s most exquisite jewels here.

However, while the jewels and the revamped space were breathtaking, Jimin‘s presence truly stole the show. His fans, fondly called ARMY, opined that his visuals were the real highlight of the video. Many claimed that his handsome looks outshone even the brightest of jewels. This sentiment was echoed across social media, with fans sharing their admiration for the BTS member.

Jimin and The Landmark are making a mark

The video showcased Jimin exploring the transformed Landmark. It quickly gained traction online, becoming an internet sensation in no time. Jimin’s effortless charm and charisma, combined with the luxurious backdrop of The Landmark, made for a visual treat that resonated with fans and viewers alike.

Tiffany & Co.’s decision to feature the “Like Crazyhitmaker in this ad campaign for The Landmark was a masterstroke. Not only did it highlight the brand’s dedication to luxury and craftsmanship, but it also showcased Jimin‘s unparalleled visuals, proving once again why he’s considered one of the most handsome idols in the industry today.

As the video continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that BTSJimin and Tiffany & Co.’s Landmark are leaving an indelible mark on the world of luxury and fashion. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This face outshone even the rarest of diamonds. Source: Twitter/@TiffanyAndCo.

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First Look: Im Siwan and Jung Hae In’s Travel Show ‘Actors on a Journey’

Celebrity friends Im Siwan and Jung Hae In will give a glimpse of their adorable friendship in the travel variety show Actors on a Journey! 

JTBC Entertainment released the teaser for the series, wherein the two actors will travel all over Scotland. 

In the clip, the two are seen constantly making each other laugh. The teaser ends with the two racing each other after Siwan ran away from Hae In. 

 

Actors on a Journey is the first time that the two actor friends are starring in a variety series together. 

Following the teaser, fans are anticipating how Siwan and Hae In interact given that they’re both born in 1988. Fans also pointed out that the two have different MBTI types and travel preferences. 

Additionally, both stars are also known to be whiskey lovers. The show was reportedly filmed in Scotland as its a place known for having the greatest amount of whiskey produced. Filming for the show wrapped up in May. 

Actors on a Journey will premiere on August 23. 

Im Siwan is known for his roles in Run On, Summer Strike, and Misaeng, among others. He is confirmed to star in the second season of Squid Game. Meanwhile, Jung Hae In starred in Snowdrop, D.P., and While You Were Sleeping. 

Featured image: Jung Hae In shares a photo of him hanging out with Im Siwan. Credit: Instagram/Jung Hae In

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Watch: Netflix’s ‘Hellbound’ Season 2 Starts Production

More chaos awaits as hit supernatural-thriller series Hellbound has kicked off production for its second season. 

Netflix released on Friday, August 4, a 31-second video featuring the cast and crew during the show’s script reading. 

As of writing, plot details about the second season is still kept under wraps. But the teaser revealed that actor Kim Sung Cheol will now headline the upcoming season. 

Kim has replaced Yoo Ah In following the latter’s scandal on illegal drug use. In the first season, Yoo portrayed cult leader Jung Jin Soo. 

Currently, Yoo is embroiled in a high-profile drug scandal after testing positive for cocaine, ketamine, and marijuana. 

Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, Hellbound revolves around supernatural beings that descend upon Earth to drag sinners to Hell. 

The series was helmed by Train to Busan director Yeon Sang Ho. It debuted at the No. 1 spot on Netflix, following its November 2021 release. 

For the second season, Kim Hyun Joo, Kim Shin Rok, Lee Dong Hee, and Yang Ik Joon are reprising the roles. Meanwhile, Yang Dong Guen and Moon Geun Young are added to the cast members. 

Netflix has yet to announce the premiere date of Hellbound season two. 

Featured image: Hellbound is a fantasy-thriller series from Netflix. Credit: Twitter/What’s On Netflix

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Yuehua Entertainment Belatedly Apologizes for Cutting Choi Ye Na’s ‘Hate XX’ Promotions Short

Yuehua Entertainment has formally issued an apology to fans of Choi Ye Na for abruptly ending the promotional activities for her HATE XX comeback. 

In late June, Choi Ye Na returned with her second single album Hate XX, with the song Hate Rodrigo” as its title track. 

However, the song, which featured (G)I-DLE member Yuqi, was met with online backlash. Netizens speculated that the song was a diss track directed to American singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. 

https://twitter.com/YENA_OFFICIAL/status/1674671023416016898

 

Moreover, the music video even featured actual images of Rodrigo. It also included several references to some music videos of the American popstar. 

Additionally, fans also continued criticizing the song’s title and the similarities of the concept between the two releases. 

https://twitter.com/YENA_OFFICIAL/status/1668996717872832512

 

Following the criticisms, the music video for “Hate Rodrigo” was made private shortly after its release.

However, Yuehua Entertainment explained that it wasn’t removed because of a request from Rodrigo’s camp. According to the agency, they “discovered possible violations of trademark rights, portrait rights and copyright in the music video.” 

Homage gone wrong? 

For her part, Choi Ye Na has already explained that the song wasn’t an attack towards Rodrigo.

In fact, she said that it’s meant to pay tribute to the international star’s success. She added that the “hate” is a metaphor to her envy and admiration for Rodrigo’s career. 

Despite this, the track was still met with displeasure. 

Within a week of her promotions, Yuehua Entertainment announced that Ye Na canceled a broadcast appearance due to bad health. 

Since then, neither the artist or her agency has released a statement on her future activities and developments with the song.

Until August 5, when Yuehua Entertainment issued an apology. 

“We would like to bow our heads and apologize for not quickly informing the fans about our artist Choi Ye Na’s album promotions for her second single album HATE XX,” the agency said. 

The label continued that they accept the “fans’ rebuke.” They  promised that they’d try to “make more of an effort” to listen to the opinions of the supporters. 

Currently, Choi Ye Na is preparing for her Japanese debut on August 9. 

Choi Ye Na made her debut in 2018 through the project group IZ*ONE, after becoming one of the 12 winners in the audition program Produce 48. After IZ*ONE’s disbandment in April 2020, she made her solo debut in January 2021.

Featured image: Choi Ye Na in the concept photos for her ‘Hate XX’ album. Credit: Twitter/YE NA

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‘Always in Your Area’: Blackpink Celebrates 7th Anniversary

Look how fast time flies! K-pop powerhouse BLACKPINK took to social media on Tuesday, August 8 to celebrate the group’s seventh debut anniversary. 

To mark the special day, all four members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa; shared throwback photos and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes snaps from their time together. 

The quartet also penned messages for their co-members and thanked their BLINKs for their continuous support since 2016.

Rosé wrote that BLACKPINK is a huge blessing in her life. “I have really been able to experience everything and more than what I have ever dreamed of growing up as an aspiring artist,” she said. 

 

She continued, “My heart is so full. I cannot express my gratitude for every single person who has been a part of this seven year journey with us four.”

The vocalist concluded her post by sharing how proud she is to be part of BLACKPINK. “For making history. For always having so much fun and pride with what we do,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Lisa said that she hoped this year “will be a lucky one” for the group. 

 

Jennie also dedicated a post for the group’s anniversary. “I love us. I love BLACKPINK. I love BLINKs,” she said. 

For her part, Jisoo said: “BLACKPINK is always in your area. Love you.” 

Additionally, the eldest member penned a longer message on the group’s Weverse community. 

“Thank you for trusting, supporting, and loving us for a long time,” Jisoo said. “Let’s stay together forever.”

7 years with BLACKPINK 

BLINKs, the group’s fans, also commemorated the milestone by posting on social media with the hashtags “7 years with BLACKPINK” and “FOUREVER with BLACKPINK.”

In addition, related phrases such as “ALWAYS WITH BLACKPINK” and “Happy 7th” were also among the top trending topics for the day. 

 

BLACKPINK made their debut under YG Entertainment in August 2016 with the album Square One. It carries the double title tracks “Whistle” and “Boombayah.”

Since then, the group has released hits after one another. Some of their most notable songs include “Pink Venom,” “How You Like That,” “Ddu-du Ddu-du,” and “Boombayah.”

The four-piece act also holds several Guinness World Records, including being the most viewed channel on YouTube. 

All four members have also made their solo debut, with Jisoo and Jennie also venturing into acting.

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. 

As of writing, the agency has yet to address the status of the group’s renewal. Stay tuned about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal news here!

Featured image: Rosé shared a behind-the-scene photo from BLACKPINK’s ‘Born Pink’ concert tour. Credit: Instagram/Rosé

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