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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Kim Jaejoong Weighs in on Former TVXQ Member Junsu’s High-Rise Apartment

Singer and actor Kim Jaejoong recently captured the attention of Korean netizens with a witty remark about former TVXQ member Kim Junsu’s house. It also sheds light on Jaejoong’s thoughts about the type of home he wants.

Kim Jaejoong Dishes on Former TVXQ Member Junsu’s Luxurious Home

During his appearance on KBS Cool FM’s “Park Myungsoo’s Radio Show” on July 14, Jaejoong shared insights into his current lifestyle and living conditions.

Jaejoong revealed that he now prefers spending time at home, a notable change from his previous social habits. He stated, “I used to love hanging out with people, but lately, I’ve grown fond of staying at home and keeping it tidy.” This shift in preference has allowed him to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle.

The conversation took a lighthearted turn when host Park Myungsoo brought up Junsu, Jaejoong’s former bandmate from TVXQ and JYJ. Park inquired if Jaejoong’s home was as stylishly decorated as Junsu’s.

In response, Jaejoong joked about the differences between their living situations. He humorously mentioned that, unlike Junsu, who resides in a luxurious high-rise apartment, he lives on the lowest floor. Jaejoong’s playful comment highlighted the contrast in their living arrangements despite Junsu’s high-profile purchase.

Junsu’s purchase of a luxurious apartment in the Signiel Residence in Seoul for around ₩4.80 billion KRW (about $3.49 million USD) last year was a hot topic in South Korea. The apartment, located in one of the tallest buildings in the country, has been the subject of much public interest.

In addition to the recent media buzz, Kim Jaejoong is celebrating his 20th debut anniversary. He marked this milestone with the release of his fourth full-length album’FLOWER GARDEN’ on June 26. The album’s release has been met with enthusiasm from fans, adding to the excitement surrounding his career and personal revelations.

Jaejoong’s candid and humorous remarks during the radio show have charmed the public once again, showcasing his relatable and down-to-earth personality. His ability to connect with fans through such personal anecdotes continues to endear him to many.

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HYBE Creates Team Korea Cheer Lightstick for the Paris Olympics

The iconic cheering culture of K-pop is set to debut at the Paris Olympics. HYBE created the Team Korea Cheer Lightstick to support the South Korean national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, in collaboration with the Korea Sports Association (KSA) and its president, Lee Ki-heung. 

In K-pop, lightsticks are an essential part of fan culture. Each K-pop group has its own unique lightstick design and colors, symbolizing the group’s identity. Fans bring these lightsticks to concerts and other events to show their support. During performances, coordinated displays of lightsticks create a visually stunning sea of lights that enhances the experience for fans and artists alike. This fosters a stronger sense of community among fans and provides powerful encouragement to the artists. 

Now, with the Team Korea Cheer Lightstick, supporters of the Korean national team can offer similar encouragement to athletes at the Paris Olympics. Inspired by the Olympic torch, the lightstick features a transparent top housing the Team Korea logo, symbolizing the identity of the Korean team. The light-emitting part below the logo resembles an Olympic stadium, creating a ripple effect when illuminated. The athlete’s version includes a taegukgi (Korean flag) at the top.

Hybe, may pa-light stick sa Team Korea na sasabak sa 2024 Paris Olympics

Spreading the lightstick culture

HYBE will give 500 lightsticks to the Korean team. They will also distribute approximately 4,500 lightsticks to supporters participating in group cheering events at the Korea House in Paris. There, hundreds of people, including athletes’ families and various dignitaries, will gather to watch and cheer for the Korean team while waving their lightsticks in the air.

SEVENTEEN’s subunit BooSeokSoon or BSS (composed of Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi) will also do its part to support Team Korea. BSS will lead the Team Korea Cheer Challenge with their hit single “Fighting.” A challenge video was released on the Korea Sports Council’s Instagram and other social media channels on the 10th, followed by relay challenge videos by the national team.

@ksocpr

부석순이 2024 파리올림픽에 나서는 팀코리아 선수들을 응원합니다!💙 부석순과 함께 팀코리아 선수들을 응원해주세요! 팀코리아 파이팅 해야지!💪 @SEVENTEEN 다음 챌린지를 진행해주실 펜싱 오상욱 선수@ohsu.o_o 와 근대5종 전웅태 선수 @jun__oo__ !! 함께 응원해주세요!🥰 #팀코리아파이팅해야지 #파이팅해야지 #2024파리올림픽 #팀코리아 #TEAMKOREA

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – 대한체육회 – 대한체육회

During the Olympics, HYBE will provide video content by its artists to the Korea House, which serves as the Korea Promotion Center. This will include music videos and variety content from HYBE Labels artists, as well as displays of the lightsticks and official merchandise. A photo event featuring Wootteo, a character made for BTS member Jin’s hit single “The Astronaut,” will also be part of the attractions. Finally, HYBE will also produce ‘cheer slogans’ as official merchandise for Team Korea, supplied to the KSA.

HYBE stated, “Spreading the lightstick culture from K-pop to the international sports arena represents a meaningful initiative for HYBE as an entertainment company. The lightstick’s value in connecting people with a single light aligns perfectly with the unified cheering culture of the Olympics.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The lightsticks look so cool, especially the athlete’s version! Source: X/@gureumsai0217.

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BTS’s Jin Reportedly Filming Self-Produced Content for Summer Release

BTS’s Jin is gearing up to engage with fans through self-produced content. Ten Asia reported on the 8th that the K-pop superstar is working on a project revolving around hiking. Recently, Jin went to Jeju Island, where he climbed Hallasan with several cameras. He planned this content himself in collaboration with his agency BigHit Music.

@bts_army_ghie0t7

Spotted..JIN in hallasan mountain hiking in jeju.. #btsarmyforever💜💜💜 #jin #🥰🥰🥰 #tiktok🇵🇭🇸🇬

♬ DI BAT IKAW REMIX – J E L A I🇵🇭

All about Hallasan

Hallasan is a shield volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea, located on Jeju Island. Rising to an elevation of 1,947 meters or 6,388 feet, it’s a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers in general. 

Hallasan is the centerpiece of Hallasan National Park, which features a variety of flora and fauna, scenic trails, and volcanic landscapes. The mountain also holds cultural and spiritual significance. It’s often referred to as one of the three main mountains in South Korea, along with Jirisan and Seoraksan. Its crater lake, Baengnokdam, meaning “white deer lake,” is one of its most notable features.

People can and frequently do climb Hallasan. There are several well-maintained trails leading to the summit, all of which have different levels of difficulty. The two main trails are the Seongpanak Trail and the Gwaneumsa Trail. The Seongpanak Trail is longer but slightly less steep, typically taking 4-5 hours to ascend. Meanwhile, the Gwaneumsa Trail is shorter but steeper, and hikers who choose it usually take 5-6 hours to get to the top. That said, both trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. 

If you want to hike up Hallasan like Jin, it’s important to start your ascent early. Access to the summit is restricted in the afternoon to ensure hikers have enough daylight to complete their descent safely. The trails are usually open year-round, though conditions can vary with the seasons, so it’s advisable to check the weather and trail conditions before planning a hike.

Hiking Hallasan: South Korea’s Highest Peak on Jeju Island 한라산

What else is Jin up to?

In addition to his hiking project, Jin visited his old high school to film more content. The release date for all of it has yet to be confirmed. According to BigHit Music, “Detailed information about our own content will be revealed later.”

Jin is also expected to appear on the variety show Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island. It’s an MBC show where celebrities and guests travel to remote islands to renovate abandoned houses into makeshift hotels. Led by TV personality Ahn Jung-hwan, the show’s fixed cast includes singer Boom and newscaster Kim Dae-ho. According to Sports Chosun, Jin has already finished filming his episode, with the broadcast date to be announced soon.

Furthermore, he recently became the new global ambassador of French jeweler Maison Fred. The brand has been around since 1933, but the people behind it never saw the need for an endorser—until now. Perhaps they were simply waiting for someone like Jin to come along.

Finally, Jin expressed excitement for fellow member Jimin’s second solo album MUSE by saying, “Jimin, I’m next. I’m going to sing too.” Rumor has it that Jin will drop his own solo effort in the latter half of 2024. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jin was spotted walking the trails of Hallasan with a camera. Source: X/@nightstar1201.

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BigHit Music Announces Pop-Up Event for Jimin’s ‘MUSE’ Album

BigHit Music will hold a special pop-up event to celebrate the release of BTS member Jimin’s second solo album, MUSE. The event, titled MUSE Smeraldo Garden, will take place from July 22 to 28 at the Sikmulgwan Plant House in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

[복합문화공간 강남 카페] 식물관PH Sikmulgwan PH / Seoul cafe

About the venue

Located two bus stops from Irwon Station, Sikmulgwan Plant House is known for its modern design and spacious interiors. When you walk through the doors of this four-story cafe and exhibition space, the first thing you’ll need to do is go up to the counter and pay the admission fee. The fee varies by age, with prices set at 10,000 KRW for adults, 7,000 KRW for teenagers, and 5,000 KRW for children, except those under 36 months who can enter for free.

The fee covers the cost of a drink. You can choose any one of these coffee-based drinks: americano, cafe latte, einspanner, espresso, and vanilla latte, all available hot or iced. There is also a selection of non-coffee drinks, such as Earl Grey tea, lavender lemon soda, matcha cream, organic hibiscus berry, pineapple ginger soda, and freshly squeezed orange juice (exclusively for kids). Desserts like carrot cake and New York cheesecake can be purchased separately.

After paying the admission fee and choosing a drink, you’ll receive a wristband that gives you access to all areas inside Sikmulgwan Plant House. The Foliage Plants Zone and the Glass House are also on the first floor. Lush trees fill the former, while many potted plants are on display in the latter, which is very Instagrammable. The Cafe Lounge is on the second floor, a mezzanine-level area. It serves as a quiet place where people can hang out or read any of the botany books stacked along one wall. The third floor is an exhibition space featuring art from various artists. Finally, the fourth floor is reserved for events, seminars, and workshops. Sikmulgwan Plant House is open on weekdays, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

@bts_official_bighit

🚗➡️🎈➡️🏞️➡️🎹➡️🌹 On the way to ARMY💜 #지민 #Jimin #SGMB #Jimin_MUSE #NewMusic

♬ Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco) – Jimin & Loco

The pop-up will be based on ‘MUSE’

According to BigHit Music, the MUSE Smeraldo Garden pop-up will have a photo zone and various experiential content based on Jimin’s new album. The pop-up will span three floors, each reflecting different concepts and themes the K-pop superstar tackled on MUSE. Fans will be able to leave handwritten messages for him as well. Additional details will be provided to ARMY Membership holders at a later date.

The fictional flower Smeraldo, featured in Jimin’s pre-release track “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” will play a significant role in creating memorable experiences for Jimin and his fans at the pop-up. 

“Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” was released last month and has reached No. 88 on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart, marking Jimin’s fifth solo song to appear on the chart. It will soon be followed by “Who,” the title track of MUSE.

Jimin’s MUSE album, set to release on July 19 at 1:00 PM, features six songs. Jimin wrote lyrics for some of the songs and produced two. Knowing that he had creative control over this project is one of the reasons why fans are looking forward to listening to MUSE when it drops. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Will you visit the pop-up? Sources: X/@ARMYNation_MX, X/@BTSJMTURKEY.

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DAWN Cleans Out Instagram Feed

DAWN’s Instagram feed has drastically reduced in size, with a total of 1,080 posts deleted. It’s a drastic change that netizens believe might be connected to his ex-girlfriend HyunA’s latest announcement.

DAWN Clears Out Instagram Feed Including HyunA’s Photos

DAWN’s Instagram feed had previously displayed 1,095 posts. However, after several posts were deleted, it now shows only 15, all related to his solo work.

DAWN has not publicly explained the reason behind this sudden change, but K-Pop fans speculate it could be connected to the recent news of HyunA’s upcoming wedding with Yong Junhyung.

In the past, DAWN mentioned that he and HyunA had agreed to keep their couple photos on their social media platforms even after a breakup. They both tried to honor this promise initially. However, it appears that DAWN has reconsidered and decided to clear his Instagram of those memories.

HyunA, on the other hand, has kept some pictures featuring DAWN public, though she admitted to deleting a few for the aesthetic of her feed. During an episode of Jeon Somi’s talk show, HyunA revealed that she had informed DAWN that he should do as he wished with his feed, giving him the freedom to manage his social media as he saw fit.

This significant change in DAWN’s Instagram activity has sparked discussions among fans and followers. Many are interpreting this move as a way for DAWN to start fresh and focus on his career and future endeavors. The timing of this action, coinciding with the news of HyunA’s wedding, adds another layer to the narrative, suggesting that DAWN might be seeking closure or a new chapter in his personal and professional life.

Regardless of the reason, DAWN’s decision has resonated with many, highlighting the complexities of moving on from past relationships, especially in the public eye. Fans continue to support both DAWN and HyunA in their respective journeys, expressing hope for their continued success and happiness.

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Woozi Reacts to BBC Article Purporting AI Use in SEVENTEEN Lyrics

SEVENTEEN‘s Woozi has released a statement in response to a controversial BBC article that claimed the group used AI-generated lyrics in their songs.

BBC Article Suggests SEVENTEEN Songs Have AI-Generated Lyrics

On July 10, a BBC article entitled “Will K-pop’s AI experiment pay off?” speculated about the involvement of AI in the creation of SEVENTEEN’s 2024 song “MAESTRO.” The article also mentioned that the music video features an AI-generated scene and suggested that the album includes AI-generated lyrics.

Fans quickly reacted, claiming the journalist had twisted Woozi’s words. They also highlighted that Woozi’s actual statement was different from what was portrayed in the article. They also emphasized Woozi’s decade-long experience and his extensive list of self-produced songs as evidence of his integrity and dedication to music creation.

Woozi’s Reaction

On July 14, Woozi also addressed the controversy directly through a post in both English and Korean, stating, “All of SEVENTEEN’s music is written and composed by human creators.” This clear and firm response was also aimed at dispelling the misinformation and reaffirming the group’s commitment to authentic music production.

Fans were also delighted with Woozi’s straightforward response, praising him for standing up for himself and his group. Social media platforms were also flooded with supportive messages from fans who appreciated Woozi’s transparency and dedication to his craft. They also expressed their frustration over the misleading article, but also their admiration for Woozi’s professionalism in handling the situation.

Woozi’s statement has helped to clarify the group’s stance on music creation and has reinforced the trust between SEVENTEEN and their fanbase. By addressing the controversy head-on, Woozi also demonstrated his commitment to maintaining the group’s artistic integrity and ensuring that their hard work is accurately represented. This incident has also highlighted the importance of responsible journalism and the impact of misinformation on artists and their fans.

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Huang Zitao Officially Announces Relationship with Xu Yiyang

Former EXO member Huang Zitao and former SM Entertainment trainee Xu Yiyang from SM Rookies have officially announced their relationship. The confirmation comes after the two were rumored to be engaged earlier this year.

Huang Zitao Hard Launches Xu Yiyang Relationship

On July 14, the couple made their relationship public on Douyin. In the videos they posted, each showed a picture of the other on their phone. As they lowered their hands, they physically appeared from behind the phone, revealing themselves together. The video then transitions to them walking through a field, arms wrapped around each other, grinning and gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes.

In a separate post, they shared couple photos taken at a beach. Yiyang captioned the photos of them holding hands, “Make a wish at sunset.” Meanwhile, Zitao uploaded romantic pictures of them leaning in for a kiss, sweetly saying, “May we always be us.“

Their announcement has delighted fans, who have eagerly followed their journeys and supported their relationship.

Tao and Yiyang Through the Years

Tao and Yiyang met at SM Entertainment back in 2014 when she was a trainee and he had already debuted in EXO. After a short career in Korea, they moved back to China, where they launched successful careers in the local entertainment industry.

Huang Zitao has since established himself as a successful solo artist and actor, while Xu Yiyang has also been making a name for herself in both music and acting. Their relationship has been a source of speculation for some time, and fans are thrilled to finally see them confirm it publicly.

The couple’s announcement marks a significant moment for both of them as they continue to build their careers and personal lives. Fans are also eagerly looking forward to seeing more of their journey together and supporting them in their future endeavors.

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NOWADAYS to Change Fan Club Name

NOWADAYS has decided to change fan club name. The news comes less than a week since the rookie boy group made an announcement about their fandom name.

NOWADAYS Announces Intent to Change Fan Club Name

Earlier this week, the rookie boy group from Cube Entertainment revealed that the name of their official fan club would be “D-DAY.” However, on July 13, Cube Entertainment issued a statement explaining that NOWADAYS would no longer be using the name “D-DAY.”

The decision came after the agency discovered that “D-DAY” was already in use by another artist’s fan club. To avoid confusion and respect the pre-existing fandom, the group also decided to change their fan club name.

Cube Entertainment expressed their regret over the oversight and assured fans that a new, unique name would be chosen. The agency stated, “We apologize for any confusion caused and appreciate the understanding and patience of the fans. We are currently in the process of selecting a new fan club name and will announce it next week.”

The announcement of the new fan club name is highly anticipated by NOWADAYS‘ fans, who are eager to continue supporting the group under a new, distinctive banner. Despite the minor setback, the group also remains focused on their activities and looks forward to building a strong and unique identity for their fandom.

Fans have also shown their support and understanding, eagerly awaiting the new announcement and continuing to show their love for NOWADAYS. This incident also highlights the importance of thorough research and consideration when establishing elements of fan engagement in the highly competitive world of K-pop.

For now, Cube Entertainment has not yet shared any details about the new fandom name. Stay tuned for more details about this story.

NOWADAYS debuted on April 2, 2024 with their self-titled single album. They released the lead single “OoWee” on the same day.

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RED VELVET Seulgi Issues Apology for High Heel Incident

Red Velvet’s Seulgi has shared a personal apology following controversy over a recent high heel incident at the airport.

Seulgi Addresses High Heel Incident at the Airport

On July 13, Seulgi took to her Instagram stories to address the situation and offer her sincere apologies.

“At the time, I had recently developed blisters and wounds on my feet while practicing. But because the heels I wore at the airport [in Incheon] weren’t that high, I thought they’d be okay, so I carelessly failed to prepare a spare set of sneakers just in case.

“While walking, my feet shifted [inside the shoes], causing new wounds to gradually form, and when my manager saw that I was having a hard time walking after arriving in Kaohsiung, she thought that it might be difficult for me to perform later [if I kept wearing them], so she suggested that we swap shoes only until we left the airport.

“With my feet hurting, I was unable to think of another solution and made a poor decision in the moment, and I apologize to the people I must have disappointed. I also feel nothing but apologetic towards my manager, who must have been upset by this incident.” – Red Velvet’s Seulgi

The incident occurred on July 12 when Red Velvet flew to Taiwan to perform at the K-Mega Concert in Kaohsiung. Initially, Seulgi was seen wearing a pair of sponsored high heels at Incheon International Airport. However, upon arriving at Kaohsiung International Airport, observant fans and netizens noticed that Seulgi had swapped her high heels for sneakers, and her manager was now wearing the high heels.

This change of footwear led to some backlash online, with critics accusing Seulgi of causing her manager discomfort by making them wear shoes that were likely too big. The incident sparked a discussion about the dynamics between idols and their staff, and whether Seulgi’s actions were inconsiderate.

In her apology, Seulgi expressed deep regret over the situation, acknowledging that her actions had unintentionally caused distress. She stated, “I sincerely apologize for the discomfort caused by the recent incident. It was never my intention to cause any harm or inconvenience to my manager, who always works hard for us. I will be more mindful of my actions in the future.”

Seulgi’s heartfelt apology aimed to address the concerns raised by fans and the public, demonstrating her awareness of the impact of her actions and her commitment to being more considerate. Fans have responded with mixed reactions, some appreciating her prompt acknowledgment and apology, while others continue to discuss the broader implications of such incidents within the entertainment industry.

Despite the controversy, many fans continue to support Seulgi and Red Velvet, looking forward to their performances and activities in Taiwan and beyond.

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KARA Park Gyuri Halts Comeback Activities After Suffering Facial Fractures

Park Gyuri has temporarily halted all activities due to a severe facial injury. The accident happened just two weeks before KARA’s highly anticipated comeback!

Park Gyuri Suffers Facial Fractures Ahead of KARA Comeback

On July 13, Park Gyuri’s agency, Big Boss Entertainment, announced that the singer had recently suffered both a cheekbone fracture and an orbital fracture. The agency revealed that Park Gyuri requires surgery for her injuries and, following her doctor’s recommendation, she has cancelled her entire schedule for the month of July to focus on her recovery.

“After careful discussion between the actress and our agency, we decided to have her avoid strenuous activity during the treatment period and focus fully on her recovery. Therefore, we are letting you know that Gyuri will not be carrying out her activities scheduled for the month of July,” the statement read.

This sudden halt in activities is a significant concern for fans, especially given KARA’s highly anticipated comeback. The group is set to release their new single album, “I DO I DO,” on July 24, marking their first comeback in nearly two years. Despite the excitement surrounding the release, Park Gyuri’s health and well-being are the utmost priority, and fans have expressed their support and wishes for her swift recovery.

The KARA Comeback

Park Gyuri’s injury and subsequent surgery highlight the physical toll that the demanding schedules and activities can take on artists. It also underscores the importance of prioritizing health over professional commitments. Big Boss Entertainment’s prompt and transparent communication about the situation has been appreciated by fans, who are now rallying behind Park Gyuri during this challenging time.

As Park Gyuri takes the necessary time to heal, fans are hopeful for her full recovery and eventual return to the stage. The upcoming release of “I DO I DO” will undoubtedly be bittersweet for both the group and their supporters, who will miss seeing Park Gyuri participate in the promotions. Nonetheless, her health remains the top concern, and the focus is now on her complete and thorough recovery.

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