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BTS K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

‘Sweet Home’ Star Might Replace BTS V in ‘Jinny’s Kitchen’ Season 2

TvN’s popular variety show “Jinny’s Kitchen” has been confirmed for a highly anticipated second season, bringing back the charm of its culinary adventures. The series, helmed by renowned PD Na Young Suk, promises another delightful exploration of international cuisine, this time set in Iceland. But who is replacing BTS’ V who is currently serving in the military? There are reports suggesting a”Sweet Home” star is taking over as the new intern!

‘Sweet Home’ Star Joining ‘Jinny’s Kitchen’ Season 2?

While the majority of the original cast is set to return for Season 2, including Lee Seo Jin, Choi Woo Shik, Park Seo Joon, and Jung Yu Mi, BTS member V, who participated in the first season, will be unable to join due to his ongoing military service. With V’s absence, fans eagerly awaited news of his replacement, and recent reports suggest that “Sweet Home” star Go Min Si is being considered for the role.

It is reported that filming for Season 2 is scheduled to commence in mid-March, with the cast embarking on a culinary journey to Iceland. However, amidst the excitement for the upcoming season, the absence of V left fans curious about his replacement. Enter Go Min Si, known for her captivating performance in the popular K-Drama “Sweet Home.”

Reports indicate that Go Min Si has been offered a role as an intern on “Jinny’s Kitchen,” adding her youthful energy and talent to the mix. While negotiations are still ongoing regarding her schedule, her potential addition to the cast has generated significant interest among fans.

Although TvN has not yet confirmed the casting decision, if Go Min Si joins the cast, she would bring a fresh perspective and dynamic presence to the show. As discussions continue, viewers eagerly await further updates on the lineup for “Jinny’s Kitchen” Season 2 and anticipate another season filled with culinary delights and heartwarming moments.

The first season of “Jinny’s Kitchen” captivated audiences with its unique concept of a Korean restaurant in Mexico, overseen by Lee Seo Jin and his team of talented interns. V, known for his infectious personality and passion for cooking, endeared himself to viewers as one of the interns alongside his fellow cast members.

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K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids’ Felix Appears in LV Fashion Film for Harper’s Bazaar Japan

On February 20, fans of Stray Kids member Felix enjoyed a fashion spectacle as the April issue of Harper’s Bazaar Japan hit the stands. The April issue is available in two versions: the standard edition and the special edition. The standard edition features Felix on the cover in an outfit adorned with pink stripes and a purple houndstooth print, while the special edition showcases the idol in a striking all-black ensemble, consisting of classic black trousers paired with a black top.

Accompanying the magazine’s release was a fashion film on Harper’s Bazaar Japan’s official YouTube channel. The film spotlighted Felix’s collaboration with the esteemed fashion house, Louis Vuitton. In the 30-second video, the Stray Kids member rocked colorful and monochromatic outfits. Everything he wore in the video came from Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection for women. Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton women’s collections, designed the collection.

Stray Kids フィリックスとルイ・ヴィトンの美しき競演|ハーパーズ バザー(Harper’s BAZAAR)公式

Felix owned every item he wore

Felix astounded fans as he strutted his stuff in the fashion film, challenging conventional norms surrounding gendered clothing. Whether it was a chic black flowy top with the iconic LV monogram or a stylish white top with pink sleeves, Felix owned every item he wore.

As soon as the fashion film dropped, the dancer-rapper’s visuals immediately captivated fans, with one enthusiast describing him as “the literal definition of ethereal.” Despite its brief duration, the clip caused a stir among fans. They sent the hashtag #FelixOnFire to the top of the Trending Topics list on X. STAYs flooded other platforms with a sea of compliments and messages praising his performance in the fashion film.

In other news, Felix was recently spotted in Laos doing volunteer work with UNICEF. He helped the organization provide healthy food, safe drinking water, and other essentials to children living in severe conditions. Afterwards, he returned to South Korea and to Stray Kids. The JYP Entertainment boy group unveiled their plans for 2024 in a video. They’re set to release new music, hold a meet and greet, embark on their third world tour, and more. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Defying gender norms is what Felix does best. Source: YouTube/@HarpersBazaarJP.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SBS Plans to Hold ‘Gayo Daejeon’ Twice in 2024

On February 19, Sports Chosun revealed that SBS is planning to hold the Gayo Daejeon twice in 2024, marking a significant expansion for the renowned music festival. The broadcasting company will mount a mid-year show in addition to the traditional year-end one. Set for July 21 and December 25, both shows will take place at the new Inspire Arena, an indoor multipurpose performance hall located on Yeongjeong Island in Incheon. It has a seating capacity of 15,000 people.

SBS Gayo Daejeon began in 1992 as part of the SBS Star Awards’ singer category. It adopted its current name in 1996. Until 2006, it honored artists with a grand prize, celebrating K-pop icons like BoA, Fin.K.L, g.o.d, H.O.T, Jo Sungmo, and Lee Hyori. The awards ceremony was discontinued in 2007, briefly revived in 2014, and has since morphed into a music festival.

The 2023 edition’s theme was “SWITCH ON.” It took place at the Inspire Arena and featured TVXQ, who celebrated their 20th anniversary with a special performance. Other top artists, such as ATEEZ, BLANK2Y, ENHYPEN, ITZY, IVE, NCT 127, NewJeans, and NiziU, also performed. Groups like NMIXX, SHINee, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and ZEROBASEONE were also present. All in all, a grand total of 25 teams hit the Gayo Daejeon stage last year.

Gayo Daejeon 2023 was controversial

Despite high expectations due to the star-studded lineup, the event faced various controversies, including issues with counterfeit tickets that affected many attendees. Safety concerns on-site and technical glitches with sound and subtitles during the live broadcast marred the proceedings, leaving fans disappointed.

SBS plans to hold Gayo Daejeon twice in 2024 to give fans more opportunities to celebrate K-pop music and culture. The organizers have taken note of the mistakes made in previous years and are likely taking steps to ensure improvements. 

Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting further details and hope that this year’s festivals will surpass the last. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will SBS be able to pull this off? Let’s wait and see! Source: Reddit.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

KQ Entertainment May Sue Unauthorized Visitors to Company Premises

Recently, a TikToker known as @iam.from.korea embarked on a quest to “find someone like ATEEZ’s Choi San.” This was part of a challenge issued to him by one of his followers. He eventually decided to try his luck at the office of the group’s agency, KQ Entertainment. Upon his arrival at the company’s premises, he spoke to their receptionist, telling her he was looking to interview San. He joked that his goal was to “just look for hot guys.” Despite his best efforts, his request was declined, so he left.

@iam.from.korea

Can we please collab..?😭😭🥹🥹🙏🙏@ATEEZ_Official #korea #koreanguy

♬ original sound – IamfromKorea – IamfromKorea

At first, fans were amused by the incident. However, they quickly realized it highlighted some vulnerabilities in the agency’s security protocols. Other K-pop companies, like HYBE Corporation, are much more secure. Its stringent security measures have even made it somewhat difficult for its own artists to get into the building. Two years ago, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan criticized HYBE’s facial recognition system during an appearance on the variety show Knowing Bros. He recounted, “We’re really strict about security. You need to take off your mask, check your body temperature, and have your face recognized to open the door. But it didn’t open!”

Jeonghan eventually managed to enter the building, only to face further hurdles. The same facial recognition system controlled access to the practice rooms. He expressed frustration with HYBE’s complex security measures, saying, “I just don’t understand why we have to go through so many face recognitions! I’ve complained about this a number of times, but it’s still the same.”

@ahgacarat1004

this story basically got deleted on vlive but now they just spilled it on national tv 😂 #seventeen

♬ HOT – SEVENTEEN

Fans were horrified that KQ Entertainment didn’t seem to be as strict and wondered why the company didn’t put any real security measures in place.

KQ Entertainment issued a statement

Following the success of his first video, which garnered 483.9K views, @iam.from.korea released a second, in which he even made a fake business card to appear more professional. He returned to the KQ Entertainment building and discussed a potential marketing strategy with a staff member, teasing a third installment of his adventure.

@iam.from.korea

Replying to @IamfromKorea @ATEEZ_Official please collab🥲🥲 #korea #koreanguy #kpop

♬ original sound – IamfromKorea – IamfromKorea

However, the next came not from him but from KQ Entertainment itself. The company issued a statement in both Korean and English via X (formerly Twitter) in which they addressed his antics.

“Recently, there has been a recurring issue of individuals visiting our company without prior consultation,” the agency’s statement read. “Such acts are not only disruptive to our operations but also pose potential risks to our artists and employees. Any unauthorized visits to our premises are considered a serious matter. If such incidents occur again in the future, we will take legal action for reasons including obstruction of work. Please refrain from visiting the company without prior arrangement or discussion.”

Fans are reassured to hear that KQ Entertainment is taking the matter seriously, prioritizing the safety and security of their artists and employees. The company’s firm stance serves as a warning to anyone thinking about making more unauthorized visits to the building. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: KQ Entertainment’s address is really easy to find. But that doesn’t mean you can just show up at the building unannounced. Source: Facebook/@creatrip.global.

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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

iKON’s Junhoe and Jo Byeong Gyu Co-Star in Time Travel Movie ‘Again 1997’

The highly anticipated movie Again 1997, starring iKON‘s Junhoe and Jo Byeong Gyu, recently unveiled its first set of posters. Again 1997 is a youth-oriented fantasy movie that revolves around a middle-aged man filled with regret. Moments before his death, he obtains five talismans that allow him to go back in time to 1997—the days when he was in high school, which is the time of his life he cherishes the most.

At the same time the posters dropped, the team behind Again 1997 confirmed that it will hit theaters in March. Accompanying the confirmation were the posters and their thought-provoking captions. One read, “I want to go back.” The other read, “If you could go back, are you sure you’d do better?” These captions and the posters hint at the movie’s central themes, which are time travel and second chances. The movie also asks moviegoers this poignant question: “If you could live your life again, would you change your past?”

X/@KpopChartNet

Beyond its time-travel premise, the film weaves together elements of action, fantasy, friendship, and romance. It also includes unexpected plot twists, creating a rich, multifaceted narrative.

Who else will star in ‘Again 1997’?

Jo Byeong Gyu of Uncanny Counter fame plays Woo Seok, a mischievous high school student whose body is inhabited by the soul of his 40-year-old self. iKON’s Junhoe signed on to play Bong Gyun, Woo Seok’s closest friend and a massive fan of Slam Dunk. Their friend group is completed by Choi Hee Seung, who plays the cheerful and loyal Ji Sung, who’s known for his playful antics. Rookie actress Han Eun Soo stars as Ji Min, a pivotal character in Woo Seok’s future. She was his junior in the theater club and his first love.

Veteran actors Park Cheol Min, Lee Mi Do, and Kim Da Hyun round out the talented cast. Their characters add depth and richness to the movie.

X/@KpopChartNet

Again 1997 promises to be an emotional and thrilling ride from start to finish. As such, fans can hardly wait for March. They’re eager for the chance to embark on this nostalgic journey back to the late 1990s. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The posters piqued fans’ interest. Now they’re excited to watch the movie next month! Source: X/@wowjunhoe.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Fan Accidentally Registers as a Soldier While Checking App for News on BTS

A few days ago, the BTS fandom was left in stitches after a fan accidentally registered herself as a soldier in the Republic of Korea (ROK). This incident occurred when a Chinese ARMY, eager to stay updated on BTS‘s time in the military, accidentally signed up as a soldier on The Camp. 

Developed by the ROK Army, The Camp is an app that allows civilians to stay in touch with young men who have enlisted in the South Korean military for their mandatory service. Fans of celebrities who are serving use it to receive updates, share messages of support, and connect with their favorites indirectly through the app. They can also use it to track how many days a soldier has left until the end of their enlistment.

News of what happened to the Chinese ARMY quickly spread online. At the time, she had been “serving” for nearly 100 days because, try as she might, she couldn’t figure out how to delete her account or undo her registration as a soldier. On Weibo, a China-based social media platform, the Chinese ARMY shared a screenshot of the app. Instead of showing how many days the BTS members have left in the military, The Camp displayed her own “enlistment” without a recognized name.

The fandom couldn’t contain their laughter as the fan shared her predicament, seeking advice on how to get out of it. Fans found the incident endearing, jokingly noting that the Chinese ARMY would be “discharged” in “564 days.”

BTS is no longer on The Camp

As of this writing, all seven BTS members are currently serving in the South Korean military. Jin was first to enlist on December 13, 2022, followed by j-hope on April 18, 2023. Both will complete their service this year, with Jin‘s discharge scheduled for June and j-hope‘s for October. SUGA, who enlisted on September 22, 2023, as a social worker due to a previous injury, is set to be discharged in June 2025. Finally, Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V recently began their service in earnest after completing basic training. They’ll return to the music scene after 18 months.

@joan_kim30

“The Camp Mall”, a commerce channel of The Camp, sold a doll & name sign as a package using BTS members’ real names. The doll was sold at a high price of 56,000 won per unit. The agency believes that the artist’s name also corresponds to IP. In response to Hybe’s complaint, the management company of The Camp dropped its BTS-related posts and stopped selling brand name tags for artists. However, the BTS community is known to be still operating except for the name of “Official.” The camp reportedly protested that the community was created voluntarily by fans, not by the management company hybe officials said “Using IP of artists who joined the military, shakes the foundation of the entertainment industry that has invested a lot of money to discover and develop artists. We can never give indulgence just because it is a start-up” Hybe “In fact, it is a trick to continue take advantage of the promotional effect of the company leaning on BTS’ fandom and it is an expression of its willingness to continue free rides.” Meanwhile, The Camp did not make an official position by responding “We have nothing to say” ’The Camp’ is not owned by gov but by a startup company named Enable Daon Soft Co., Ltd. The service is in collab with South Korean Army with the aim of contributing to the communication between the military and society.“ The Camp is an integrated support service related to military service and military service, providing useful services for soldiers before enlisting, serving in the military, and after being discharged from the military.” (From their website) #BTS #jungkook #seokjin #jhope #rm #yoongi #taehyung #jimin #hybe

♬ Epilogue: Young Forever – BTS

Even if the Chinese ARMY hadn’t accidentally signed up as a soldier, she wouldn’t have been able to keep tabs on them using the app. Following a conflict involving BTS’s Intellectual Property (IP) rights, The Camp removed the BTS members from its “Recommended Star Soldier” list. HYBE Corporation had issued a warning against the app’s organization on January 9, 2024. They demanded the app adhere to IP regulations and the company’s privacy policies.

This incident highlights the lengths to which fans will go to stay connected with their idols, even if it means accidentally joining the military in the process. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This fan must really miss the boys! Source: Asian Fixations.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Cha Eunwoo, ENHYPEN, and LE SSERAFIM to Guest on Lee Hyori’s Show

Cha Eunwoo, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and Uhm Junghwa are all scheduled to grace the KBS2 music program Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet. Herald POP reports that all four acts participated in the recording on the same day, February 20, but not together. This indicates each act will appear on the show one after the other. During the recording, each act sat down with host Lee Hyori for games, interviews, and more.

@lovenunubear

Cha Eunwoo’s perfect visual at KBS “Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet” 🔥🫠❤️‍🔥💯 #차은우 #CHAEUNWOO #Eunwoo #leedongmin #dongmin #ASTRO #아스트로 #facegenius #visualking #Entity #entitybychaeunwoo #entitychaeunwoo #staybychaeunwoo #stay #chaeunwoosolodebut #leehyorisredcarpet #leehyoriredcarpetshow #leehyoriredcarpet #foryoupage #fyp

♬ Skz 충돌collision speedup – 찌송

Lee Hyori and Uhm Junghwa were members of Refund Sisters, a project girl group formed on MBC’s Hangout With Yoo. They also did tvN’s Dancing Queens on the Road together. Audiences were thrilled to see them work so well with each other. That’s why their fans were happy to hear about Uhm Junghwa‘s upcoming appearance on Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet.

Meanwhile, fans of ENHYPEN and LE SSERAFIM who attended the recording shared spoilers on social media. An ENGENE revealed that ENHYPEN performed several songs, starting with a reprise of “Come 2 Me” by Uhm Junghwa, a track they originally covered for the 2023 Weverse Con Festival. Their performance included a special appearance by Uhm Junghwa herself, with ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon escorting her onstage halfway through the group’s performance. 

@strawberry_wchocolate

#ENHYPEN KBS Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet. #fyp

♬ What Makes You Beautiful (Instrumental Version) – Wedding Reception & Instrumental Wedding Music Zone & Wedding

What else did they do for Lee Hyori?

After that, they segued into a rock version of “Bite Me.” They also covered One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” which is reportedly set to be released on streaming services at 6:00 PM KST on Friday. However, their label, BELIFT LAB, has yet to confirm this. Finally, ENHYPEN’s eldest member, Heeseung, reportedly showed off his perfect pitch ability in a game with the show’s house band, impressing their leader by acing all their tests.

The LE SSERAFIM girls also showed off their talents during their sit-down with Lee Hyori. Leader Chaewon performed an acoustic version of Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More,” and Huh Yunjin sang her original composition “I ≠ DOLL” live on the show.

@lil_fearnot

kim chaewon kiss me more cover!❣️ #lesserafim #chaewon #redcarpet #makeitlookeasy #smart

♬ nhạc nền – 🦋 – Bluuu🦋

Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet is a talk show filled with music and stories designed to eliminate viewers’ worries and concerns. It airs every Friday night at 10:00 PM KST. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This episode will be a star-studded one, to say the least! Source: Instagram/@theseasons2023.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Stray Kids’ Felix Spotted Doing Volunteer Work in Laos

On February 7, several South Korean media outlets reported that Felix of the K-pop boy group Stray Kids was spotted doing volunteer work in Laos during his Lunar New Year vacation. 

To recall, Felix was named as the youngest member of the esteemed UNICEF’s Honors Club in January 2024. At the time, the organization revealed that the K-pop idol made a generous donation of 100 Million Won to UNICEF. Moreover, the said amount was used to assist the underprivileged children in Laos.

In a statement released through the Korean Committee, the rapper said that his hope is for the children of Laos to grow up healthy and thrive in a safer environment.

After the news of his philanthropic act, Felix shared about his heartwarming experience to the fans through his Bubble account. 

“I got to know Laos well. The people are so kind and the country is beautiful”, the Stray Kids member wrote. “It’s really my happiness to be next to the kids and [be able to] help them,” he added.

In his interview for Harper’s Bazaar Japan, Felix also talked about his donation and volunteer work. According to the idol, since he received a lot of love from his fans and the people around him, he also wanted to return that love through his charitable activities.

Fans share how proud they are of Felix

Knowing that the singer went beyond his means and spent his holidays volunteering, his fans, especially Stray Kids’ fanbase, STAYs, can’t help but feel extremely proud of their idol.

On social media, fans showered the SKZ member with positive remarks and called him an “angel.”  Several STAYs also praised Felix for having such a warm heart and a kind soul.

 

Other fans also shared that their idol’s act of kindness encouraged them to do the same. “I’m definitely proud and inspired. I want to help as many people as I can too,” a netizen wrote.

 

Before this recent incident, Felix has been recognized for his constant philanthropic gestures. In the previous years, he has made headlines for making several donations for different causes and campaigns. Moreover, Felix was also recognized as part of the Save the Children’s Honors Club in 2023. 

Featured image: Felix performing during Stray Kids’ concert. Credit: Facebook/Stray Kids

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Red Velvet’s Wendy to Make Solo Comeback With ‘Wish You Hell’

Save the date, Reveluvs! Wendy will be returning with new music soon!

On Monday, February 19, K-pop girl group Red Velvet announced through their official social media accounts that member Wendy will be making her first solo comeback with the mini album Wish You Hell.

With this, the vocalist is making her return as a soloist after almost three years. In April 2021, Wendy released her first mini album Like Water

To recall, said album drew numerous for Wendy’s excellent singing abilities. As such, it topped the iTunes Top Album Chart in 33 regions around the world. In addition, the title track “Like Water also won the “Best Ballad” award at the 31st Seoul Music Awards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ih5UArd4zk

Furthermore, SM Entertainment revealed that Wish You Hell will contain a total of 6 tracks including the title song of the same name. As per the agency, the album will showcase Wendy’s colorful music.

Fans excited for new album from Wendy 

Following the announcement, Red Velvet’s fanbase, Reveluvs, expressed their excitement on social media by trending the hashtag #SoloistWendyComeback.

“We are finally getting a new message from [Wendy]. I am so excited!” one fan wrote. Another mentioned that the “When This Rain Stopssinger is about to save the music industry with her six new songs.

https://twitter.com/perfectshon/status/1759408412440600654

Some Reveluvs also applauded the Red Velvet member’s  wide range with her album titles alone. One said that “Like Water and Wish You Hell already shows the “duality” of Son Seungwan, the singer’s real name. 

To note, Wish You Hell, her second mini-album will officially be out on March 12. Additional details about it, however, are yet to be released.

In other news, Wendy currently acts as a judge in MNET’s ongoing survival show Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survivor. In that variety show, she judges alongside fellow renowned vocalists Solar of MAMAMOO, Eunkwang of BtoB, soloists Baekho and Kim Jaehwan, and singer-songwriter Lee Seok Hoon. Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s main vocal, Seungkwan, also appeared as a special judge in one of its episodes.

Featured image: Wendy in the concept photos of Red Velvet’s ‘Chill Kill.’ Credit: Twitter/Red Velvet

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Zico ‘Apologizes’ for Starting the Dance Challenge Trend

TikTok challenges have taken the K-pop world by storm, with fans eagerly watching their biases participate in them. Zico is often credited with kickstarting this phenomenon, thanks to his “Any Song” challenge. The first time he did it, it was alongside MAMAMOO’s Hwasa

@kozico0914

#AnysongChallenge#ZICO #지코 #화사 #아무노래 #Anysong#아무노래나틀어주세요#KOZ

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – kozico0914 – kozico0914

He also did it with 2NE1’s Dara, among other artists.

@kozico0914

샵에서 우연히 만난 버전! #AnysongChallenge with #Dara #지코 #ZICO #Anysong #아무노래

♬ 아무노래 – ZICO

This trend, which began as a novel way to promote music, has evolved. It has since become a staple marketing strategy employed by different agencies to promote artists and their releases.

Zico expressed concern

During a recent episode of MBC’s Omniscient Interfering View, Zico opened up about his life as an artist and producer at KOZ Entertainment. It was then that he expressed concern over the trend. “Usually, singers rest or practice for their performance during the break. But nowadays, they have to meet up with their colleagues and film challenge videos. They also have to master all the others’ choreography. So I apologize now that I’m here,” Zico commented.

is this the ending of Kpop Challenges? Zico apologies to Kpop Idols

On platforms like Reddit, discussions flourished around Zico’s apology. Many acknowledged that the trend has become a double-edged sword. While it has led to increased visibility for underrated artists, some argue that the trend has gone too far.

Critics of the trend say that what began as a lighthearted interaction between idols has become a source of stress for them and their fans. After all, such challenges can fuel rivalries and expose idols to unnecessary criticism. As agencies and artists continue to depend on this trend as a marketing strategy, many hope that the essence of camaraderie and fun that once defined it can be restored. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Zico apologized almost as soon as the topic came up. Source: X/@hblfess.

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