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IVE Rei Pens Sweet Letter To Fans After Hiatus Announcement

Rei is taking a break to focus on her health. Starship Entertainment announced that the IVE rapper will be on hiatus. This means Rei will not join the rest of the girl group’s current promotions for their latest comeback. However, Naoi Rei made sure to comfort her fans with a sweet letter addressed to DIVEs.

Rei Goes On Hiatus Due To Health Issues

Starship Entertainment confirmed Rei’s hiatus on the official IVE fan cafe. “Rei recently felt symptoms of abnormal conditions such as heart palpitations and stuffiness,” the statement read.

“Based on the opinion of a professional medical institution, after sufficient discussion with Rei, we have decided to temporarily halt her activities for her recovery.”

Rei Assures DIVEs With Sweet Letter

Fans were immediately concerned about Rei. The IVE member immediately noticed and penned a heartfelt hand-written letter addressed to DIVEs.

“To my precious DIVE, you guys were really surprised after hearing the news right? I contemplated over and over again how I can write an honest letter so I decided to write a handwritten one to deliver my sincerity,” Rei wrote.

“After I became a member of IVE, I diligently ran with the best five members hand in hand. Those who were always with me during happy and sad times were the members and DIVE. I have to halt for now but I am putting in the effort so that this time for myself isn’t meaningless,” she continued.

Rei added, “I think about DIVE and the members every day. I want to know what you guys are doing, if you guys ate, or if there was anything interesting. Because you are all my most precious friends and family.”

IVE released their first studio album ‘I’ve Ive’ on April 10, 2023. The full album consists of 11 songs including the pre-release single “Kitsch” and the lead single “I Am.”

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BLACKPINK Lisa Honored With New Plant Species Discovered In Thailand

Lisa is officially a flower! The BLACKPINK maknae inspired scientists to name a new plant species after her. The student researchers chose to name the rare flower after Lalisa Manoban who is their inspiration.

Rare New Plant Species Named After BLACKPINK Member Lisa

Researchers from Thailand’s Chiang Mai University discovered the new species. The research team hails from Chiang Mai University’s Department of Biology and was led by Assistant Professor Dr. Thanawat Chaowasaku and Ms. Anisara Damthongdee, Ph.D. Biodiversity and Ethnic Biology. They were joined by Mr. Abdulramae Baga, a researcher from the independent research group PDiT.

The team found the fragrant flowering plant in the Narathiwat province in the southern region of the country. They decided to name it “Bunga (Flower of) Lisa” in honor of the BLACKPINK member. Its scientific name is Friesodielsia Lalisae Damth., Baka & Chaowasku.

Ms. Anisara Damthongdee confirmed that she admires Lisa’s determination and that the BLACKPINK rapper inspired her to pursue her Ph.D. BLINKS were quick to agree that Lalisa Manoban is a true inspiration for everyone.

https://twitter.com/BLINKSTATS/status/1645834719689338880

Dr. Chaowasku stated that “Bunga (Flower of) Lisa” is distinct for being a hard ivy. A single flower has thick yellow petals and a strong fragrance. The researchers also noted that further studies should be conducted to identify important compounds and biological activities. They added that it could lead to the discovery of new drugs in the future.

Lalisa Manoban released her debut single album ‘Lalisa’ in September 2021. She is set to feature in BIGBANG member Taeyang‘s upcoming mini album ‘Down To Earth’ which will be released on April 25, 2023.

Lisa is currently joining BLACKPINK on the BORN PINK World Tour which started out in Seoul, South Korea in October last year. The girl group will visit 21 countries across four continents by the time the tour ends in July this year.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Park Seo Joon Debuts as Prince Yan in ‘The Marvels’ Trailer

Park Seo Joon is ready for his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut. The “Itaewon Class” star appeared briefly in the new trailer for “The Marvels.” The teaser offers a glimpse at Park as Prince Yan of Aladna, who has a special connection to Carol Danvers!

Park Seo Joon Roars Into Action In New ‘The Marvels’ Trailer

Marvel Studios dropped the first trailer for “The Marvels” on April 12, 2023. The teaser opens with Monica Rambeau on a mission when she suddenly switches places with Kamala Khan. However, this isn’t the only major switch as Carol Danvers ends up in Kamala’s room.

“The Marvels” will bring together the three MCU heroes as they figure out the strange connection between them. Carol, Monica, and Kamala will also encounter new villains like the new Kree Accuser Dar-Benn. The movie will also feature Carol’s comic book groom Prince Yan of Aladna, who is played by Park Seo Joon.

In the Marvel comics, Carol went to the planet Aladna to help Prince Yan get out of an arranged marriage. After a complicated situation where she finally becomes his bride, Carol gives the prince the right to choose who he wants to marry.

Prince Yan appears briefly in the trailer but Park Seo Joon’s appearance was enough for fans. People are excited to see the “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim” actor in a major Hollywood film.

“The Marvels” will also star Brie Larson as Carol Danvers, Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. It will bring back Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and introduce Zawe Ashton as the villainous Dar-Benn.

Catch Park Seo Joon in “The Marvels” when the film hits theaters on November 10, 2023. In the meantime, Park appears in the TV show “Jinny’s Kitchen” with fellow Wooga Squad members “Parasite” actor Choi Woo-shik and BTS’ V (Kim Taehyung).

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Ravi Leaves VIXX, Issues Apology for Military-Related Scandal

Ravi has officially left VIXX. Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed the rapper’s departure in an official statement. Kim Wonsik also issued an apology following his military-related scandal.

Ravi’s Departure From VIXX Confirmed By Jellyfish Entertainment

Jellyfish Entertainment shared an official statement confirming Ravi’s departure from VIXX. “After careful discussion between Ravi and the agency, it was decided that he will leave the team as of today,” the statement read. The agency also apologized “for causing trouble to the fans who support VIXX.”

Ravi Issues Apology To Fans, Epilepsy Patients

For his part, Ravi issued an apology addressing the controversy. The rapper admitted that he tried to postpone his military service for the benefit of his label GROOVL1N. He also explained why he decided to take drastic measures and ended up violating the Military Service Act.

“In the past, I was assigned to public service due to illness I had. I was postponing my service for my activities when I reached the point where it was difficult to postpone my service any further,” Ravi wrote.

“I was the only artist in the company generating profits, and the implementation dates for the contracts that were signed before COVID-19 were being postponed without certainty. So with the burden of contract cancellation charges, I was desperate to delay my military service,” he continued.

Kim Wonsik also apologized to “the epilepsy patients and their families who must have been hurt by this self-justified wrong decision.” He extended his apologies to those who are “diligently carrying out their duty even at this moment.”

“I think I am a person who is lacking a lot and still has much to learn. I think it is my responsibility to take all the criticism over this incident. The more you scold me, the more I will repent and learn from it,” Ravi wrote.

What Happened To Ravi’s Military Enlistment?

Earlier in 2023, a group of brokers were arrested on charges of corruption to evade military service. The group worked by designating their clients to a neurologist who then provides a false medical diagnosis of epilepsy. This allows the client to be exempted from military service or receive a lesser military grade.  The brokers promoted their services by claiming they helped a famous idol rapper, who turned out to be Ravi.

The first trial for eight individuals on charges of violating the Military Service Act was held on April 11, 2023. The individuals included Ravi, GROOVL1N co-CEO “A”, and Nafla who is also under the same label. During the trial, the prosecution requested two-year sentences for Ravi and “A” as well as two years and six months for Nafla.

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SEVENTEEN Mingyu Celebrates Birthday with BTS Jungkook and ASTRO Cha Eun Woo

The 'Seven' singer and the ASTRO member reportedly had an enjoyable night out together in Busan this week

Mingyu is officially 26 years old. The SEVENTEEN rapper celebrated his 26th birthday last week with the special people in his life. Kim Mingyu previously had a fun dinner with the members of his boy group. However, he also took time with his close friends. His recent social media posts confirm he hung out with BTS maknae Jungkook and ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo.

Mingyu Hangs Out With Jungkook And Cha Eun Woo For Birthday Celebration

Kim Mingyu turned 26 on April 6, 2023, and his latest Instagram post confirmed he celebrated the milestone with friends. The SEVENTEEN member posted pictures from a recent dinner he had with fellow 97 liners Jungkook and Cha Eun Woo.

The friendship between Mingyu, Jungkook, and Cha Eun Woo is well-known in the K-pop industry. The three idols are often referred to as the 97z which includes GOT7’s BamBam and Yugyeom and SEVENTEEN’s THE8 and DK. 97z regularly spends time together which is a welcome sight for multiple fandoms.

Mingyu and the rest of SEVENTEEN have announced a new EP slated for release in April. ‘FML’ is the group’s 10th mini-album and will consist of six new songs including the title track “F*ck My Life.” In addition to that, the Hiphop Team, Performance Team, and Vocal Team will each have their own songs as well. The album is now available for pre-order and will be on April 24, 2023, at 6:00 PM KST.

Jungkook recently performed at the opening ceremony for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The BTS maknae was also announced as the newest global ambassador for Calvin Klein. Moreover, Jeon Jungkook currently appears in the campaigns for Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear.

Cha Eun Woo’s most recent project was the TV series “Island” where he played an exorcist priest. The ASTRO singer will next appear in the webtoon-based fantasy romance drama “A Good Day to Be a Dog.”

 

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SUZY Opens Up About Possibly Getting Married Next Year

SUZY is ready for marriage. The “Vagabond” star confirmed that she is open to possibly tying the knot by next year. Bae Suzy also spoke about growing up and aging in the limelight.

SUZY Opens Up About Aging and Marriage

Bae Suzy was recently a guest on “Jo Hyun Ah’s Thursday Night” where she spoke about debuting at a young age. The former MISS A member admitted that growing up in the entertainment industry has not been easy.

“I debuted when I was too young, and I imagined that when I age, everything will become easier and I’ll be more mature,” she said. “Nothing seems to have changed though. I’m getting older and getting more wrinkles, and I’m enjoying it.”

Suzy added, “I like it because it feels like I’m becoming a better person with each year that passes. I think I try to find those things within myself. I don’t think about things too deeply.”

Bae Suzy debuted with MISS A in March 2010 and soon ventured into acting. She has been a singer and actor for 13 years and continues to be an influential figure in the industry.

Not surprisingly, SUZY confirmed that she had thought about marriage and met with a fortune teller to discuss her future.

“I went to a fortune teller recently, and they told me that it’d be best if I got married at age 31. That’s next year though. If I do get married next year, I don’t think I’d regret it,” she said.

The “Start-Up” star continued, “If I do get married, it’ll either be very simple or very grand. There’s no standard for the age to get married, but it’s a young age.”

Suzy has been busy with several projects in the past year. Her latest web series “Anna” premiered on Couprang Play in June 2022. Bae Suzy also returned to singing, releasing the digital single “Cape” in October 2022.

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MONSTA X Reunite For Minhyuk’s Military Service Send-Off

MONSTA X have reunited, at least, for a brief time. Leader Shownu caught up with his other members ahead of his military discharge. All six members of the boy group got together for an awesome send-off for Minhyuk, who has enlisted for military service.

Minhyuk previously announced that he would enlist for military service on April 4, 2023. The MONSTA X singer soon enlisted fellow member Kihyun to help him cut his hair before his enlistment. On the day of his enlistment, Lee Minhyuk had a special treat for MONBEBEs.

Shownu Reunites With MONSTA X For Minhyuk’s Military Service Send-Off

The official MONSTA X Twitter account shared two photos of all six members of the group reunited for the send-off. The images confirm that Shownu took time from his own military service to join his fellow members.

Shownu is the first MONSTA X member to enlist in military service. He enlisted in July 2021, serving as a public service worker due to previous surgery for left eye retinal detachment. In contrast, Minhyuk will serve as an active-duty soldier after undergoing basic military training.

Although Minhyuk will be away for almost two years, he had several promotions before his military enlistment. He is currently the brand ambassador for NFL Korea 2023 Summer Collection. Lee Minhyuk also filmed new content for “Mon Must Go On,” a special series on the group’s official YouTube channel. The new episodes feature fellow members Joohoney and I.M.

In related news, fellow MONSTA X member Kihyun has joined the fixed panel of JTBC’s “Han Moon-chul’s Black Box Review” or “Hanvely.”

“It’s a new feeling to join Hanvely, which I’ve enjoyed,” Kihyun said of his latest project. “I’ll learn a lot and be careful through broadcasting so that I can make Korea safer.”

Shownu will be discharged from military service as a social worker on April 21, 2023. He is expected to resume promotions with MONSTA X soon after.

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GOT7 Jinyoung Confirms Military Enlistment in Sweet Letter to AHGASEs

Jinyoung is officially enlisting for military service next month. The GOT7 member confirmed his enlistment through his talent agency. The ‘Yumi’s Cells’ actor also assured AHGASEs after the announcement by writing a sweet letter to his fans.

GOT7 Jinyoung Announces Military Enlistment In May 2023

On April 5, BH Entertainment confirmed with News 1 that Park Jinyoung will enlist for mandatory military service starting May 8, 2023. The agency revealed that the GOT7 singer will enlist as an active-duty soldier after basic military training.

Jinyoung made sure that AHGASEs took the news well. The ‘Devil Judge’ star shared a handwritten letter to his fans asking them not to worry about the enlistment.

“Hello, everyone. This is Park Jinyoung,” he wrote. “The weather is warmer. Is everyone doing well? You must have been very surprised after coming across my enlistment news through reports. Like it’s been revealed, I’ll be enlisting in the military on May 8 in order to fulfill my military duties.”

“Everyone must be very worried, but I’ve gotten confident and reassured while meeting all of you. That’s why I promise to return as a more mature person and in good health after experiencing a lot. I’ll think of everyone. Well then, let’s meet again soon. Thank you always, and I love you,” Park concluded.

The letter was a kind and sweet gesture to fans who have supported Park Jinyoung since he debuted with GOT7 in 2014. It also assured AHGASEs that the singer-songwriter will stay healthy during his military service this year.

Jinyoung released his solo album ‘Chapter 0: WITH’ to commemorate his tenth anniversary since debuting with GOT7. The EP consists of five new songs written by Park including the title track “Cotton Candy.” Jinyoung’s latest projects include the film ‘A Christmas Carol’ and the upcoming Disney+ series ‘Witches.’ His military enlistment will begin on May 8, 2o23.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Suga Adds New Concert Dates Ahead of ‘D-Day’ Solo Album Release

Suga is set for a busy year. The BTS rapper added new dates to his upcoming world tour. The news comes right after Agust D confirmed the release of his first solo album ‘D-Day.’

SUGA Agust D Tour Adds 2 More Dates in Asia

The official BIG HIT Entertainment Twitter account confirmed that two new dates have been added to the SUGA Agust D Tour. Agust D will now perform a third date (June 9) in Bangkok’s Impact Arena. The rapper is also holding a third concert date (June 16) at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Suga’s world tour kicks off in April starting with numerous dates in the U.S. before returning to Asia in May. The final dates of the concert tour bring Min Yoongi back to Seoul in the latter part of June.

Suga had previously confirmed the world tour in February 2023. The BTS rapper celebrated the announcement with ARMY, expressing his excitement for performing for them during the tour. BIG HIT Entertainment announced Suga’s first solo album ‘D-Day’ on April 2, 2023.

‘D-Day’ is Suga’s first solo album that will get a physical release. He had previously released the mixtape ‘Agust D’ in August 2016 although the album was not available outside of Korea. He released the second mixtape ‘D-2’ in 2020.

ARMY will also get a first-hand look at how Suga worked on his latest album through a new documentary. ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ will follow Min Yoongi as he finds inspiration to work on the new album. The documentary will also feature the BTS rapper’s interactions with artists around the world. ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ will stream on Weverse and Disney+ this April.

Suga Agust D Tour kicks off in Belmont Park on April 26 followed by dates in Newark, Los Angeles, and Oakland. The album ‘D-Day’ is dropping on April 21, 2023, at 1:00 PM KST. ‘SUGA: Road to D-Day’ is available for pre-order on Weverse and will begin streaming on April 21, 2023.

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SEVENTEEN Unveils ‘FML’ Hidden Version Tracklist

SEVENTEEN is preparing to release their 10th mini album ‘FML’ this month and the group has just unveiled the tracklist. A brief teaser dubbed the “Hidden” version confirms the surprising title track. It also reveals three new songs performed by the SVT teams.

SEVENTEEN Drops ‘FML’ Hidden Ver. Tracklist

The official SEVENTEEN Twitter account shared the “Hidden” version tracklist teaser for ‘FML’. It confirms that the boy group’s 10th mini album will consist of six new songs. The first title track is “F*ck My Life” while the second title track remains unknown.

The official track list also includes new songs from each SEVENTEEN team. The Hiphop Team, which consists of S. Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Vernon, have produced the track “Fire.” For their song, the Vocal Team comprised of Woozi, Jeonghan, Joshua, DK, and Seungkwan chose “먼지 (Dust)”.

Additionally, the Performance Team (Hoshi, Jun, THE8, and Dino) has a new song “I Don’t Understand But I Luv U.” The track is inspired by a fan comment during SEVENTEEN’s Weverse live broadcast where an international CARAT expressed their love for the group despite the language barrier. A fifth track “April Shower” was also confirmed in the video.

‘FML’ will be SEVENTEEN’s 10th mini album and their first group release for the year. The group’s special subunit BSS (DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan) had previously released their comeback single album ‘Second Wind’ on February 6, 2023. This marked BooSeokSoon’s first comeback after five years of being inactive.

SEVENTEEN recently got together to celebrate Mingyu‘s birthday. The group’s official Twitter account shared a photo of all 13 members enjoying a meal together. Kim Mingyu is a member of the SVT Hiphop Team and he turned 26 on April 6, 2023.

SEVENTEEN’s 10th mini album ‘FML’ is currently available for pre-order. The EP is scheduled for release on April 24, 2023, at 6:00 PM KST.

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