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Wonho Confirms Next Comeback

Wonho’s new single, Blue, is finally out and WENEEs are loving the second mini-album Blue Letter. But what’s with the obsession with the color blue? The former Monsta X member revealed that blue is an important color for him that is connected to his fans. In addition to that, Lee Hoseok has confirmed that he’s already hard at work on his next comeback.

Back in August, Wonho announced his second mini-album Blue Letter will be released in September. Like the previous two-part EP Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me and Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us, the new album has a blue theme.

So why is there so much blue? Wonho told NME that the color holds a special place in his heart since it reminds him of WENEEs.

When I look at my fans, they remind me of the color blue. I can see the color blue when I see my fans. That’s how I started using the color blue [in my concepts]. It’s since become my signature color… and my fans love it too. Blue is also a color that’s able to best represent the emotions that I feel, so that’s why I keep using it,” Wonho said.

He further explained that blue is usually associated with being sad but Wonho was determined to change that.

“I wanted ‘blue’ to serve a double meaning of ‘feeling blue’ and… to flip the meaning of feeling blue to ‘feeling loved’, in context of the album,” he said.


This is especially true with Blue Letter, which Wonho says is a gift for WENEEs who are going through some hardships.

It’s my message to those who are feeling lost, depressed or having a hard time,” he said. “I hope they get good vibes and positive energy from listening to my album and gain strength to overcome what they’re going through.

If it sounds like WENEEs are a truly spoiled fandom, that’s because Wonho is determined to keep making his fans happy. The soloist stated that he is now working on new music for his supporters and even revealed some details about the next album.

I’m actually already planning for my next album at the moment,” Wonho said. “I’m exploring a stronger, hip-hop sound, and I can’t wait for my fans to listen to it.

There’s a good reason why Wonho is all about his fans. The former MONSTA X member had previously admitted that it was the support from his fans that helped him get through his own troubles. This is why he wants to give back all the love he has received during those dark times in his life.

Wonho’s second mini-album Blue Letter was released on September 14.

Blue teaser #1. Photo: WONHO Official/Twitter
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aespa Confirms First Mini-Album “Savage” for October Release

AESPA is ready for a comeback and this time, they’re releasing a mini-album! Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning have announced Savage, their first EP that’s dropping in October.

The official aespa Twitter account had previously teased the comeback with a visual teaser. MYs were mystified by the video which showed a floating Savage avatar and fans were hoping it meant another comeback this year.

Luckily, aespa made it official as it was confirmed that Savage will be the girl group’s first mini-album, to be released on October 5, 2021.

It will be the girl group’s first EP since they debuted with Black Mamba in November 2020.

aespa’s first physical album will have six songs, and SM Entertainment has confirmed that pre-orders for SAVAGE are now available.

That gives MYs a lot of time to prepare for the comeback and the fans are thrilled that Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning will be back this October.

Aespa debuted on November 17, 2020 with their hit single Black Mamba. They followed it up with Next Level in May this year, and have dropped the Habstrakt Remix on September 14.

Aespa’s first physical album Savage and its title track of the same name will be out on October 5, 2021.

aespa 에스파 ‘Next Level (Habstrakt Remix)’ MV Teaser. Photo:SMTOWNGLOBAL/Twitter
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We are Mamamoo: Familiar Meets Fresh in “Best Of” Album

The year 2021 was supposed to be scary for MooMoos. It’s MAMAMOO’s seventh year in the industry, and, coincidentally the dreaded time when the quartet must decide about contract renewal. We all know what that means: the 7-year curse.

No one could have predicted what’s to come for the group. No matter what decision, though, MAMAMOO’s success is undeniable. Despite being from a relatively smaller company than the likes of the Big 4, MAMAMOO steadily rose to fame throughout the years and carved their own unique space in K-pop.

https://twitter.com/RBW_MAMAMOO/status/1438065396045672448

Mamamoo is known for serving some of the best vocals in the industry. You can hear the harmonies as early as in their group intro. The group also got more popular after their win in the idol survival show, Queendom. They also broke barriers in KPOP by bravely taking on sexier and more mature concepts. Not to mention their push for body positivity, women empowerment, and feminism among their fans.

Meanwhile, their solo careers are never a miss. Every member carries hits, OST singles, and mini-albums under their arms—Hwasa’s TWIT and Maria, Solar with Spit It Out, Moonbyul’s Selfish and Eclipse, and most recently, Wheein with‘water color. Everything’s going well for the ladies, right? But then again, success and constant activity can’t really determine the group’s fate. (Missing GFriend and IZ*ONE!)

News about each member’s contracts didn’t come in one go: Solar and Moonbyul acted fast and renewed with RBW Entertainment back in January 2021. Then, Hwasa followed them last March. As for Wheein, though, she decided to leave the company last June. Wheein then signed with VIXX Ravi’s label, THE L1VE.

Luckily, this didn’t trasnlate to bad news for Moomoos. Wheein’s exit wasn’t the end for MAMAMOO’s OT4. Despite leaving the company, Wheein agreed to stay in the group and to promote with the girls ‘til 2023.

MAMAMOO breaks the 7-year curse

Back in June, they gave fans a full-group comeback with the mini-album WAW. And the group didn’t stop there! On September 15, they celebrated their seven years together with the release of their I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST album.

Named after their group intro, MAMAMOO’s 23-track compilation album is made of new songs, genre-shifting renditions of fan favorites, and 2021 versions of their hits. With the combination of reimagined tracks and fresh, new ones, it feels like every song brought something new, each standing out in their own ways. Both old and new Moomoos would also be able to listen through the evolution of the group’s music through this album.

The album starts with the new mumumuch, a chill track that’s full of funky beats, smooth runs, and fun parts that feels like their onstage adlibs. This is followed by the mellow and sentimental Happier Than Ever, another new song with lyrics that looks back at the good days of a newly ended relationship.

MAMAMOO did genre exploration for their songs, which felt reminiscent of their Queendom performances. Paint Me and Starry Night were accompanied by an orchestra, gogobebe felt like a rock concert, HIP went with a hipper remix, and AYA had traditional instruments in the background.

And those are just a few of the tracks! Unsurprisingly, every version showcased the group’s amazing vocals in different ways.

It’s amazing for a group this young to release a jampacked compilation album. Usually, Western artists would wait decades to compile golden tracks to put on their “Best of” albums. But then again, if we look at Mamamoo’s discography, they already gave us 3 studio albums and 11 mini-albums, which can be considered as enough material for a “Best of” compilation.

With every album run-through, it felt like hearing details that you didn’t notice last time. The compilation also veered away from merely being a group of old songs strewn together. MAMAMOO rearranged and rerecorded everything to create a diverse addition to their discography, giving Moomoos a familiar yet refreshing plunge.

Featured image: I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST album, out now. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter
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BTS at the United Nations General Assembly 2021

BTS made history once again as they carried out their first official duty as “Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture,” as appointed by South Korean President Moon Jae In. They stood in front of world leaders at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York, and talked about the younger generation’s experiences during the pandemic.

https://twitter.com/BTSupdate_7/status/1439942344665706496?s=20

Serving as the youth’s representative, BTS presented #YouthToday stories through their own creative collages.

Giving more perspective on what the pandemic “took away” from the youth, Jungkook mentioned the canceled important events such as graduations and concert tours, leaving a hole in our hearts and a gap in our lives.

They went on to discuss other pressing matters, such as taking the environment for granted. Suga and Namjoon explained that despite everyone mourning for the earth, the youth is out here looking for ways to extend its life for future generations.

Refusing to call the youth as the lost generation, Jimin and Jin talked how the “welcome generation” adapts to the lockdowns and quarantines. They showed the UN that young people are finding new ways to get the most out of this new normal.

The group also highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated, with J-Hope announcing that all the members got their shots while V/Kim Tae Hyung explained that vaccines can help in making face-to-face events happen again. A reassuring message for the vaccine-hesitant population.

Ending the speech, the group showed a special video of “Permission to Dance,” where they performed the song at the UN Headquarters.


BTS performs Permission to Dance at the UN Headquarters

And the internet went wild, of course.

Not wavering in their support for BTS, ARMYs have flooded the speech’s livestream. Just check out the live chat replay from the UN’s channel.

Everyone applauded and felt proud of the group’s words.

Even the world leaders, apparently…

Maybe they felt proud of themselves, too.

Bonus feels for letting them speak their powerful voice in their mother tongue!

This isn’t the group’s first time at the United Nations Headquarters. Back in 2018, they went in front of world leaders (and the whole world, tbh) to speak about self-love and bullying within the youth. BTS broke barriers by being the first K-Pop idols to be at the UN and by being vocal about these very relevant topics in South Korea.

BTS isn’t a stranger to speaking up and supporting advocacies. Since their 2013 debut, the group stood out by pouring their hearts and sending strong social messages in their lyrics. Off-stage, the boys never stopped in showing support and generosity to causes like Black Lives Matter, Anti-Asian Hate, and their Love Myself campaign.

Featured image: BTS at the 76th United Nations General Assembly. Photo: United Nations/YouTube.
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BTS Airport Fashion: “Have a safe flight” trends as BTS and their airport fashion head to NY

“ARMY wish (sic) BTS a safe journey as the group travel (sic) to New York for the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly,” it reads on Twitter.

It’s all the airport feels once again as special presidential envoy BTS heads to New York for the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Given the pandemic and how it understandably canceled their Map of the Soul world tour, seeing RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook venture out to the world again hits differently. No one imagined that BTS airport fashion could be taken away from us anytime, so it means the universe to have this comforting blessing once again.

https://twitter.com/jmnsvibes/status/1439187271882739717

And here you can see more of BTS’s airport fashion:

“Have a safe flight” trending is as poignant as it is comforting. Who would have thought we will miss BTS airport fashion and saying “have a safe flight” to them this much?

Bangtan first graced the United Nations in 2018 for Generation Unlimited, following their “Love Myself” campaign with UNICEF. Unlike their first appearance, they are now speaking as diplomats, representing South Korea as “Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture.”

Have a safe flight, Bangtan Boys! We’ll root for you as you change the world, with ARMY right behind you.

https://twitter.com/parkjiminfiles/status/1439186385848520712

Featured image: Have a safe flight, Bangtan Boys! BTS airport fashion as they head to NY for the UN General Assembly. Photo: BTS_twt/Twitter
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IU Celebrates 13th Anniversary, Donates Over $70,000 for the Underprivileged

IU is celebrating her 13th anniversary in the most generous way possible. The charismatic multi-hyphenate has donated over KRW850 million (US$70,000) worth of goods to several charities and organizations in South Korea. The donation will help underprivileged people especially children and teenagers.

IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment confirmed the news, revealing that Lee Jieun made the donation happen on her own. The Hotel Del Luna actress reportedly spoke with companies she has promoted, convincing them to aid in her cause. As a result, IU was able to collect several donations that will be given to numerous organizations.

The full list of IU’s 13th-anniversary donations is listed below.

  • 2,000 coats and winter gear from BLACKYAK for children and teenagers in shelters ahead of the winter season
  • 2,000 Banolim pizzas for children and teenagers in shelters
  • 2,000 first aid kits from Kyungdong Pharmaceutical to health centers
  • 1,000 pairs of New Balance sneakers to teenagers who are nearing the end of their allowed time at shelters
  • 30,000 bottles of Jeju Samdasoo Water to health centers
  • 300 Evezari blanket and bedding sets to health centers

This isn’t the first time that IU has gone all out on donating to the less fortunate. The singer-songwriter has consistently made donations throughout her long career. In May 2021 alone, The Nation’s Sweetheart donated KRW10,000,000 to Yangpyeong county to aid single-parent families and grandparents raising grandchildren. IU had donated a total of KRW500,000,000 to several organizations and charities aiding women and children.

IU debuted in 2008 at the age of 15 and has since gone on to become one of South Korea’s most successful celebrities. But all that success has never gone to her head and that’s why she’s still considered The Nation’s Sweetheart.

IU is celebrating her 13th anniversary since her debut on September 18, 2021.

IU 5th Album LILAC. Photo:_IUofficial/Twitter
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Chaeyoung Confirms TWICE Is Preparing For a New Album

Chaeyoung has confirmed for TWICE that the girl group has already recorded their new album.

TWICE’s official YouTube channel recently dropped the “Chaeyoung x OhBoy! Behind The Scenes” video showing the rapper having fun at the photoshoot. Chaeyoung also answered a few questions in-between takes.

The TWICE member spoke about the magazine’s concept for the issue. At one point, Son Chaeyoung was asked what she has been doing with her time. Her response confirmed that the girl group has been busy recording new songs!

I’m relaxing and working. Recording and preparing for the next album. We recorded already,” Chaeyoung said.

This is great news for ONCEs who have been waiting for new music from TWICE. In June, the girls released their 10th EP, Taste of Love with the title track Alcohol-Free.” TWICE also dropped their Japanese album Perfect World in July. In true album promotion fashion, one can only hope that this also means seeing more of TWICE on variety shows.

There have been speculations as to what TWICE has been up to these days, but that’s just that. While Chaeyoung did not reveal whether TWICE recorded a single album, another EP, or a full album, it has been announced that they will release their first English single The Feels on October 1, 2021.

Oh Boy! Issue 111 featuring Chaeyoung on the cover is now out.

Featured image: Chaeyoung confirms TWICEs new album during OhBoy! 오보이매거진 interview. Photo: TWICE/YouTube
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New K-pop Drops: BLACKPINK’s Lisa, MONSTA X, TXT, and More

It’s been an exciting past week in K-pop, thanks to the hot new music drops after Labor Day. We got the solo debut of BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and the first comeback from promising girl group PURPLE KISS. MONSTA X has returned with another English single, and TOMORROW X TOGETHER dropped a hot remix featuring MOD SUN. On top of all that, it couple HyunA & DAWN finally made their debut as a musical duo.

SEPTEMBER 6

DAY6’s Young K: Guard You

The DAY6 bassist and rapper has released his first solo album Eternal with the gorgeous title track Guard You. The mini-album features seven songs that were written and produced by Kang Younghyun himself. The EP is a gift for MYDAYs ahead of Young K’s military enlistment in October 2021.

OMEGA X: WHAT’S GOIN’ ON

It’s only been three months since the 11-member rookie group debuted but now they’re back with a darkly sexy single album. Hangyeom, Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Junghoon, Hyuk, and Yechan are proving their drive for excellence. OMEGA X has also revealed their official fandom name, FOR X.

SEPTEMBER 7

MAMAMOO’s Solar: Always, be with you (Lovers of the Red Sky OST)

Kim Yongsun turns in a breathtaking ballad for the Lovers of the Red Sky OST. The MV features Hong Cheon Gi (Kim Yoo Jung) as she slowly falls for Ha Ram (Ahn Hyo Seop). Solar also joined MAMAMOO on their “best of” album,  released on September 15.

SEPTEMBER 8

PURPLE KISS: Zombie

The promising rookie girl group is back just six months after their debut with a new mini-album Hide & Seek. The title track Zombie is a refreshing take on zombies that shows off the girls’ unique vibe.

FUN FACT: The boy in the MV is played by ONEWE bassist Cya, who co-wrote the song with members Dosie and Yuki.

SEPTEMBER 9

HyunA & DAWN: PING PONG

The power couple has officially debuted as a musical duo with the mini-album 1+1=1. The bright and energetic MV for PING PONG showcases the unique, individual styles of HyunA & DAWN that always complement each other.

Lee Hi: Red Lipstick (Feat. 윤미래)

Lee Hayi is back with her fourth studio album 4 Only and the LP proves the soloist’s distinct versatility. For instance, the funky title track Red Lipstick featuring rapper Yoon Mirae doesn’t sound anything like the pre-release song Savior (feat B.I.), yet, the songs still feel like they should be in the same album.

SEPTEMBER 10

BLACKPINK’s Lisa: LALISA

Lalisa Manoban in your area! The Blackpink rapper and main dancer is here with her first solo single album which proudly chants her real name. While the track is clearly all about Lisa, it vibes the same sound and energy that Blinks love.

MONSTA X: One Day

MONSTA X is back with another English track and yes, it’s another emotional breakup song from the idol group. One Day was released early on audio streaming services, several hours before the official MV was dropped. The music video features leader Shownu who had enlisted for military service in July.

TXT: 0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. MOD SUN

The new remix for TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s hit single is finally here and it is just as energetic as the original track. MOD SUN and TXT have both been hyping up the remix’s release and with its awesome MV, it was all worth the (brief) wait.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa Manoban finally releases her solo debut, LALISA. Photo: BLACKPINK/YouTube
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K-pop in Met Gala: A Wishful Thinking List of Idols to See at the Fundraiser

With Rosé and CL making their debut appearances at the Met Gala—one of the fashion industry’s biggest events—the floodgates may have opened for other K-pop idols to also attend the event. Here are some names that may be great ideas to grace Met’s steps in May next year.

BTS’ V

Given that the Met Gala is already one of the most important events in the fashion industry’s calendar, just imagine the commotion it would cause if some of the members of the world’s biggest band to date would attend the event! Maybe having all seven members attend the event would be a bit too much, so we’re thinking the V would be great representatives for the band. Kim Taehyung has long been considered to be the most fashion-savvy among BTS members, and it would be great to see him grace the Met steps, with all the world’s red carpet photographers capturing his unique fashion sense.

Blackpink’s Jennie


When people got wind of news that a Blackpink member was going to attend the Met Gala, most of them made the quick assumption that it was going to be the first member who also launched her solo career. But lo and behold, it was the face of Saint Laurent, Rosé, who was on the grounds of Met, becoming one of the first two female K-pop idols to attend the event. So, if we are to think of the next Blackpink member who needs to be seen in the Upper East Side’s most famous steps, then it may be high time for Calvin Klein’s most recent brand ambassador to make her appearance But then we wouldn’t mind at all if it were Celine’s muse, Lisa, who would be next in line. Since the next Met Gala will be in May next year, we may think Jisoo might not make it because she should be too busy preparing for her solo release, cross fingers.

EXO’s Kai

If we’re on the subject of fashion, it simply is a must to mention EXO’s main dancer Kai. Since being a global brand ambassador of Gucci, Kim Jongin has appeared in countless fashion spreads and pictorials for the brand, as if we still need convincing that the group’s visual (not that the group lacks in this respect) can hold his own with the fashion world’s movers and shakers. That height, those chiseled features, and that camera-ready aura would be such a refreshing sight to see in Met’s fabled steps. With tennis queen Serena Williams and red carpet mainstay British actress Sienna Miller wearing Gucci in last Thursday’s event, I say let’s go for Kai attending next year’s event in full Gucci regalia.

Red Velvet’s Seulgi

It can be argued that they would rather see the Red Velvet’s original visual Irene in fashion’s biggest event, but I’d rather see Seulgi in attendance. With those sharp features that scream high-fashion and commanding presence, Red Velvet’s main dancer would no doubt be a hit in New York. Also, it should be noted that Seulgi has been Besides, shouldn’t Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo may want to push its muse to attend the event? This needs to happen, ASAP!

SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu (and Vernon)


Blessed with a fashion model’s height and matinee idol features, SEVENTEEN’s visual-cum-rapper Mingyu would surely create waves should he appear in the Met Gala. Everything looks good on him and luxury fashion houses would love to give him something to wear. Besides, he has walked several runways for Korean fashion designers and is one of the busiest idols every Seoul Fashion Week, so he shouldn’t have any problems going head to head with other bigwigs in the fashion industry. But then, Mingyu is also known to be a bit awkward in social situations, not to mention he is quite a klutz, so being escorted by the group’s resident Leonardo di Caprio-lookalike and English speaker Vernon should be a great idea.

Let’s hope for more K-pop idols to make their appearances in next year’s event.

EXO’s Kai named global ambassador of 2022 Seoul Fashion Week. Photo: Seoul Fashion Week Official – 서울패션위크/Facebook
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CL and Rosé Represent K-Pop’s Women at MET Gala

While it is true that K-pop may have already pervaded the world’s entire cultural landscape, there may still be records to be broken, glass ceilings to be shattered, and opportunities to be taken advantage of. This is especially true in the world of fashion, with K-pop’s influence only manifesting in recent years.

While groups such as 2NE1 and Girl’s Generation may have endorsed global brands such as Fila, Adidas, and Casio, it was only in 2017 when BIGBANG’s G-Dragon was selected by Karl Lagerfeld himself as the brand ambassador for Chanel. While many idols have been spotted attending fashion shows for haute couture houses and getting front seats to the world’s premier fashion weeks, it was also only two years ago when WINNER’s Mino was handpicked to walk in LV’s men’s wear collection in Paris. While former 2NE1 leader CL did walk the runway for DKNY in 2014, it was only in Seoul.

So, it may not come as much of a shock when it was only this year’s Met gala that saw not one, but two of K-pop’s luminaries in attendance. And what a debut it was for Blackpink’s Rosé and CL! It is the first time that two leading female figures of K-pop attended the event, as only the guys have graced the Met’s annual fundraiser in previous years. In the past, only men—Psy, Super Junior’s Siwon. Rain, and EXO’s Lay—have raised the banner for K-pop on one of the fashion industry’s biggest nights.

As the event last year was postponed, it seems that everyone in attendance was all too eager to make up for lost time as they pulled out all the stops, fashion-wise to the event’s theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Iman appeared in what looked like a chandelier gown and an enormous headdress, Rihanna wore a black voluminous gown and Balenciaga beanie from the house’s latest couture collection, and Kim Kardashian wore a black-out Balenciaga haute couture gown with matching mask and train which cloaked her features and for a time, gave the celebrity a fair amount of anonymity.

So, how did our fierce K-pop ladies fare? Blackpink’s main vocal wore a classic little black dress with a twist as a white asymmetrical bow hid her cleavage area. As the brand ambassador official of international fashion house Saint Laurent, she didn’t only show up wearing a YSL dress, but actually appeared on the Met steps alongside the house’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello.

On the other hand, the Spicy singer, in adherence to the theme, wore a blue denim coat, because what can be more American than denim? The coat, as American as it is in detail, has a distinctly Korean detail with a ribbon that is usually attached to a hanbok top. She wore this over white briefs, and the attire was designed by Taiwanese-American fashion staple Alexander Wang.

With Rosé and CL making their presence felt at the 2021 Met Gala, here’s to hoping that we can see more K-pop ladies in its future stagings, with the next one happening in May to make up for last year’s canceled event.

Featured image: CL “understood the assignment,” attends the Met Gala 2021 in denim and white briefs. The Met Gala is an annual fundraising event for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. Photo: themetgalaofficial/Instagram
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