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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Jimin Reveals What Inspired ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band’

BTS’s Jimin recently released a behind-the-scenes video on the BANGTANTV YouTube channel detailing what went into the filming of the track video for “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band.” The single, which debuted on June 28, is the first taste ARMYs got of Jimin’s upcoming second solo album, MUSE, which is scheduled to drop on July 19. In the Track Video Behind, the K-pop phenomenon opened up about what inspired “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (featuring Loco).” 

“It’s actually the first song we worked on,” he revealed. “It came together effortlessly while I had the time of my life in America. We started it because we wanted to capture the happy feeling after we finished the FACE album. It’s the song I liked the most and this is exactly how I wanted you to see it. I’m so happy that it came out exactly as I imagined.”

“From the beginning, I made this song thinking about things you’d like,” he added, addressing the fans. “How can I show you the sides of us that you love the most? This dance, set, and song are the product of that. I hope you can love us exactly as we are. Please love and enjoy it.”

지민 (Jimin) ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco)’ Official Track Video

Jimin brought laughter to the set

During the shoot, Jimin went to great lengths to keep the atmosphere joyful and playful, just like the song. He encouraged the young dancers they cast in the video, telling them they were the most important part of the shoot and that they should feel free to joke around. He wanted them to relax and have fun on set. Later, Jimin expressed delight when he found out one of them was from his hometown of Busan as well.

Jimin brought laughter to the set when he mimicked bandmate Jungkook’s choreography for “Standing Next to You” while filming scenes for the “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” Track Video.

지민 (Jimin) ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (feat. Loco)’ Track Video Behind

The Track Video for “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” sees Loco dancing alongside Jimin and the rest of the crew towards the end. In the Track Video Behind, Jimin revealed that it was his idea to bring Loco out during the last chorus. The shoot ended with Loco giving him a bouquet of flowers while everyone present applauded. Jimin then leaves a heartfelt message for his fans, promising to return safely from his military service. 

Jimin recorded the entire MUSE album and its associated content before enlisting in the South Korean military. He did so under the dongbanipdae or buddy system alongside Jungkook. The seven-song LP is a follow up to his first solo album FACE, and it contains seven tracks: “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band (featuring Loco),” the intro song “Rebirth,” “Interlude: Showtime,” “Slow Dance (featuring Sofia Carson),” “Be Mine,” “Who,” and “Closer Than This,” which dropped in December. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin filmed the track video and its behind video before enlisting. Source: Weverse.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

tripleS Fan Apologizes for Throwing Object and Striking Members at Concert

A tripleS fan is facing backlash after throwing an object on stage during the idol group’s recent concert. The incident has sparked widespread discussions online, and the fan has since apologized and faced repercussions for their actions.

tripleS Fan Hurts Group Members with Thrown Object

The incident occurred during tripleS’s ‘Girls Never Stop’ fan concert on July 7, while the members were interacting with fans from a distance. Suddenly, a large round hand fan was hurled onto the stage, striking two members with unexpected force. One member was hit directly in the face, while another had the fan brush against her shoulder. Netizens speculate that the affected members were Xinyu and Lynn.

In response to the incident, the fan who threw the object posted an apology letter on X, expressing deep remorse and stating that they were “sorry a hundred times.” They admitted to throwing the fan, knowing it was prohibited, because they saw others throwing slogans and proceeded to throw the fan on stage “in an angered state.” The account has since been deleted, but screenshots of the apology have circulated widely.

The Consequences

The fan’s actions have had further consequences. It was revealed that the individual has been blacklisted and will be unable to attend any of the group’s offline events in the future. This decision was met with approval by many fans, who emphasized the importance of maintaining safety and respect at concerts.

Online forums have been filled with discussions about the incident, with many fans expressing their disappointment and anger towards the individual’s reckless behavior. Concertgoers and netizens alike stressed the need for strict measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The consensus is clear: while fans’ enthusiasm and support are appreciated, it must not come at the expense of the artists’ safety and well-being.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of concert etiquette and the responsibility of fans to create a safe and respectful environment for both performers and fellow attendees. The swift action taken against the fan underscores the commitment of tripleS’s management to protect their artists and ensure that future events are enjoyed without disruptions.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

PSY Fans Collapse During Summer Swag 2024 Concert

Several fans were understandably hyped about PSY’s performance at Summer Swag 2024, Unfortunately, some of them ended up collapsing due to the heat at the concert.

Fans Collapse During Summer Swag 2024

Four attendees were hospitalized after exhibiting symptoms of heat-related illnesses during PSY’s Summer Swag 2024 concert in Gwangju. Known for its high-energy atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds, PSY’s signature summer concert took place on July 6 at the World Cup Stadium. The Gwangju Fire Department reported that 78 concertgoers suffered from heat exhaustion. While most were treated on-site, four individuals required hospitalization.

The temperature in Gwangju on the day of the concert was sweltering, with a perceived temperature of 31.3 degrees Celsius. Despite a heatwave warning issued on July 5, it was downgraded to a heat advisory by 10 AM on the concert day. However, the intense heat still took its toll on the attendees.

PSY’s concerts are known for their lively and vigorous performances, which can be especially taxing in hot weather. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a PSY concert has been impacted by extreme heat. In June of the previous year, a performance at Seoul’s Jamsil Sports Complex was briefly halted when a spectator collapsed due to heat exhaustion.

Concert organizers and authorities are now likely to review safety measures to better handle such situations in the future, ensuring the well-being of attendees. Fans and health officials alike are calling for increased precautions, such as providing more shaded areas, ensuring ample water supplies, and possibly adjusting the timing of outdoor events during extreme weather conditions.

The incident highlights the importance of taking heat warnings seriously and preparing adequately for outdoor events in high temperatures. It serves as a reminder for concertgoers to stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and be mindful of their physical limits during such events.

As PSY’s Summer Swag concert series continues, fans are hopeful that these experiences will lead to improved safety measures, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the performances without risking their health.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ASH ISLAND and CHANMINA Announce Marriage and Pregnancy

ASH ISLAND is officially married! The rapper confirmed his marriage to girlfriend CHANMINA along with more surprises!

ASH ISLAND and CHANMINA Confirm Marriage and Pregnancy

On June 7, the rappers announced their marriage and pregnancy, bringing joy to their fans. The couple shared their heartfelt sentiments and future plans in a joint statement.

ASH ISLAND expressed deep gratitude, calling CHANMINA his “pillar of strength in every way.” He also conveyed his excitement about becoming a father, saying his “heart is overflowing with joy.” CHANMINA echoed his sentiments, stating that their upcoming parenthood makes them feel “so blessed and overwhelmed.”

Despite their personal life changes, both artists addressed their professional commitments. CHANMINA reassured fans that there would be no schedule changes for her shows and festival appearances, as she is receiving ample support.

The Last Surprise

ASH ISLAND also announced that his exclusive contract with Ambition Musik had ended, but he remains dedicated to his music career and will continue to work hard as an artist. For their part, Ambition Musik confirmed the news and expressed their support for the rapper.

ASH ISLAND, born in 1999, gained fame after finishing 4th in the second season of the Korean rap competition Mnet’s ‘High School Rapper.’ He has since been actively releasing music, carving out a notable career in the Korean rap scene. CHANMINA, born in 1998, rose to prominence through her appearance in a Japanese high school rap competition in 2016. Since then, she has maintained a consistent and successful rap career.

The couple’s announcement has been met with widespread congratulations and well-wishes from fans and fellow artists alike. Their ability to balance their burgeoning personal life with their professional commitments is a testament to their dedication and passion for their craft.

Congratulations to the young newlyweds, ASH ISLAND and CHANMINA, on their marriage and the exciting news of their impending parenthood. Fans eagerly await the next chapters in both their personal and professional lives.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

NewJeans Earns Platinum Certifications For Streaming In Japan

NewJeans has achieved platinum certifications in Japan, marking a significant milestone in their career. Two of their singles have surpassed 100 million streams in the country, a testament to their growing popularity and success.

NewJeans 2023 Singles Earn Platinum Certifications

The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) recently announced its latest batch of official certifications. In 2020, the RIAJ introduced a new certification system for online streaming of songs, adding to its existing systems for physical album shipments and digital download sales. Under this system, songs are certified silver once they reach 30 million streams, gold at 50 million streams, and platinum at 100 million streams.

This past month, NewJeans earned two separate RIAJ platinum certifications for streaming. Their pre-release single “Super Shy” and their title track “ETA” from their 2023 Korean mini album “Get Up” both achieved platinum status after surpassing 100 million streams each. This achievement underscores the widespread appeal and strong fanbase of NewJeans in Japan.

“Super Shy” was released on July 7, 2023, while “ETA” followed on July 21 of the same year. Both songs are featured on NewJeans’ second EP ‘Get Up,’ which was also released on July 21, 2023. The tracks have quickly gained traction, resonating with audiences and solidifying the group’s presence in the competitive music landscape.

The platinum certifications not only highlight the commercial success of “Super Shy” and “ETA” but also reflect NewJeans’ ability to connect with listeners across different regions. Their music, characterized by catchy melodies and engaging performances, also continues to captivate fans globally.

For NewJeans, this achievement is also a significant milestone, showcasing their rapid rise in the music industry. The group’s dedication to their craft and their ability to produce hit songs have also earned them recognition and acclaim. As they continue to grow their discography and fanbase, fans can also look forward to more exciting releases and achievements from NewJeans.

These platinum certifications are also a promising indicator of the group’s future potential and their capacity to influence the global music scene. Congratulations to NewJeans on their remarkable accomplishment!

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Lee Young Ji And EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo Take 2nd Win For ‘Small Girl’ On ‘Music Core’

Lee Young Ji and EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo have secured a 2nd win! The collaborators have taken their second music show trophy for their song “Small Girl”!

‘Small Girl’ Takes 2nd Win on ‘Music Core’

On the July 6 episode of MBC’s “Music Core,” the competition for first place was between Red Velvet’s “Cosmic,” Lee Young Ji’s “Small Girl” (featuring Doh Kyung Soo), and TWS’s “If I’m S, Can You Be My N?” Ultimately, Lee Young Ji clinched the win with a total of 6,286 points.

“Small Girl” is a heartfelt track that has already garnered significant attention, thanks to its whimsical fantasy theme and the involvement of Doh Kyung Soo. Fans of the EXO member are thrilled with the collaboration, which highlights Doh’s vocal talent and complements Lee Young Ji’s unique style. The music video (MV) for “Small Girl” is refreshingly cute, adding a visual charm that enhances the song’s appeal.

A Welcome Collaboration

Building anticipation for the release, Lee Young Ji revealed the featured artist in a playful video shared on her Twitter. In the behind-the-scenes clip, she teased fans by saying, “This is the person featuring on ‘Small Girl’,” before the camera panned to reveal EXO’s D.O. as her collaborator. This surprise collaboration added an extra layer of excitement for fans of both artists, amplifying the song’s reception upon release.

The success of “Small Girl” reflects the effective synergy between Lee Young Ji and Doh Kyung Soo. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, combined with the charming MV, have resonated well with listeners. The second music show trophy is a testament to the song’s popularity and the duo’s strong performance.

This win also signifies an important milestone for Lee Young Ji, further establishing her as a formidable artist in the music industry. For Doh Kyung Soo, it reinforces his versatility and appeal as an artist beyond his work with EXO.

Congratulations to Lee Young Ji and Doh Kyung Soo on their well-deserved win! Fans can look forward to more exciting collaborations and performances from both artists in the future.

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FEATURES K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

‘The Auditors’ Debuts Pilot Episode at Top of Ratings

On July 6, the highly anticipated drama “The Auditors,” starring Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha, premiered to top ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode scored an average nationwide rating of 3.5%, placing it first in its time slot across all cable channels.

This success comes as SBS’s “Connection” concluded with its highest viewership ratings ever, achieving an average nationwide rating of 14.2%. “Connection” also became the most-watched program of the week among viewers aged 20 to 49, earning an average rating of 4.8%. Meanwhile, MBC’s two-part drama “The Pork Cutlets,” airing at the same time, ended with a respectable nationwide average of 3.3%. JTBC’s “Miss Night and Day,” which hit a peak last Sunday, saw a dip to an average nationwide rating of 5.7% for its latest episode.

Episode 1 recap

The pilot episode of “The Auditors” captivated audiences with a gripping storyline. Shin Cha Il, played by Shin Ha Kyun, begins as the new audit team leader at JU Construction and immediately investigates a tower crane accident at the company’s construction site. The episode concluded with a tense encounter between Shin Cha Il and JU Construction’s vice president, Hwang Dae Woong, portrayed by Jin Goo.

Hwang Dae Woong tries to cover up the accident by labelling it a natural disaster, knowing that any corruption uncovered would implicate him. Undeterred, Shin Cha Il proceeds with his investigation despite Hwang Dae Woong’s attempts to thwart him. Newly released stills for the second episode hint at further confrontations as Shin Cha Il meets with JU Construction president Hwang Se Woong, a displeased Hwang Dae Woong, and Seo Gil Pyo to discuss his findings.

The promising debut of “The Auditors” has set the stage for a thrilling series, drawing viewers into its complex narrative and strong performances. It airs every Saturday and Sunday, 9:20 PM KST on tvN, and is expected to conclude at 12 episodes.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Baekho Shows off Physique at Waterbomb Seoul 2024

Baekho impresses fans with his performance and sculpted physique at the Waterbomb Seoul 2024

Baekho recently made a splash at the Waterbomb Seoul 2024, capturing attention with his stunning appearance and electrifying performance. The former NU’EST member showcased his impressive physique while delivering an energetic set alongside his backup dancers, leaving fans and netizens in awe.

Photos and videos of Baekho’s performance quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and numerous compliments. Fans took to social media to express their admiration, with comments like, “It’s crazy how much you must have to take care of your body to look like that” and “He’s the perfect guest performer for Waterbomb.” One fan even remarked, “He looks more like a sculpture than a human body.”

@tora3701

240705 워터밤 서울 워터밤 안에서♥️ #백호 #강동호 #BAEKHO #KANGDONGHO #WATERBOMBSEOUL

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – 하얀호랑이 – 하얀호랑이

Baekho’s presence wasn’t the only highlight of the festival. Day 1 of Waterbomb Seoul 2024 featured captivating performances from ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa. Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman made surprise appearances, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Day 2 continued the momentum with performances by Choi Min Ho, Jay Park, GOT7’s Yugyeom, and KISS OF LIFE. They set the stage on fire with some of their hit songs. The festival concluded on Day 3 with performances from K-pop stars like Nayeon, WayV, BIBI, and SHINee’s Taemin.

Despite the event’s overall success, it sparked a debate among fans about existing double standards in the industry. Nevertheless, Baekho’s memorable appearance at the Waterbomb Seoul Festival has solidified his status as a top performer, earning him admiration and respect from fans worldwide.

What is the Waterbomb Festival?

The Waterbomb Festival in Seoul is one of the city’s most anticipated summer events, blending high-energy music performances with thrilling water fights. Held annually, the festival attracts massive crowds eager to see top K-pop artists and DJs.

Participants come armed with water guns and cannons, ready for exhilarating battles that provide a much-needed respite from the summer heat. The combination of live music and water activities creates a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere, making it a standout event on Seoul’s summer calendar.

Beyond the main attractions of water fights and live performances, the Waterbomb Festival offers a variety of other activities to keep attendees entertained. Numerous food stalls and beverage stands ensure festival-goers have plenty of options to stay refreshed and energized throughout the day. The festival’s mix of music, water games, and lively festival vibes has made it a must-attend event for locals and tourists. It’s one of the most highly anticipated summer events.

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K-POP ARTISTS LATEST STORIES VARIETY

‘EXchange 3’ Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin Back Together

The couple confirmed their rekindled romance, delighting fans with the news on social media

TVING-original reality series “EXchange” season 3 cast members Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin are officially back together. The couple, known for their long history and Song Da Hye’s time in the girl group BESTie, delighted fans with their announcement on social media.

On July 4th, Seo Dong Jin shared the news on his Instagram, saying, “It took us a while, but we will love each other more as it took longer!”

Song Da Hye echoed her sentiments in her post, stating, “Hello! This is Dahye. There were many thoughts about our relationship right after the show, and it was difficult to confirm until recently, but now I can gladly announce that we are in a happy relationship. (We aren’t getting married yet, haha) Please continue to show support and love <3”

The couple’s reunion comes three months after the show ended, surprising viewers who had been invested in their previous 13-year-long relationship. Despite not rekindling their romance on the show, their bond remained strong.

How did the couple start their 13-year-long romance?

Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin met as teens aspiring to be K-pop idols. They were trainees at the same company but were let go after their relationship was discovered. Song Da Hye later joined a different company and debuted with BESTie, while Seo Dong Jin supported her by acting as a manager during some of the group’s schedules.

Their relationship experienced several short breakups: from February 2010 through July 2014, August 2014 through September 2018, and December 2018 through June 2023. Their journey has been a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Fans are thrilled to see Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin back together and look forward to their future endeavors, both personally and professionally.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Oh My Girl Seunghee Comments on Current Idol Greeting Culture

Seunghee discusses the fading tradition of greeting seniors and her evolving experiences as an idol on ‘Radio Star’

Oh My Girl’s Seunghee recently shared her thoughts on the changing traditions within the K-pop industry, particularly focusing on the diminishing practice of idols greeting their seniors. Her insights were revealed during her appearance on the July 3 episode of MBC’s variety show ‘Radio Star.’

The episode featured notable guests like Ok Joo Hyun, Ahn Hyun Mo, Jo Hyun Ah, and Seunghee. During the show, Seunghee touched upon various topics, including her “friendly rivalry” with fellow group member Mimi. Addressing the comments about being overshadowed by Mimi’s rising popularity on variety shows, Seunghee stated, “I’m still doing well,” though she admitted, “I do feel like I’ve been overshadowed by Mimi. It’s my first time on ‘Radio Star’ in five years, but Mimi returned after just one year.”

Seunghee also humorously mentioned her ability to determine the change of seasons by observing her bank account. She explained, “Oh My Girl has many summer songs. I’ve been doing all the chorus work for Oh My Girl since I was 17, for 12 years. So I have some expertise.” She further elaborated, “I can tell which songs are popular because of the chorus work. ‘Dolphin’ is particularly popular. It became even more popular after senior IU covered it.”

Reflecting on her 10-year career, Seunghee noted significant changes at music shows. “In the past, there was a culture of (idol groups) going around to each of the waiting rooms to greet everyone. But nowadays, that culture has disappeared. Even when we meet in the hallways, we exchange eye contact,” she said. Seunghee expressed her fondness for the old way of greeting and admitted, “Sometimes, I’m curious about the newer idols.”

Ok Joo Hyun responded to Seunghee’s saying, “Sometimes it’s uncomfortable because they are too polite to me.” This prompted Kim Gu Ra to joke, “Isn’t it obvious why? You have a different (scarier) vibe than Seunghee,” bringing laughter to the set.

Additionally, Seunghee revealed her contribution to creating a popular photo zone on ‘Music Bank.’ She recounted, “There’s a handrail on the stairs where I once took a photo. It became a hot topic and turned into a popular photo zone.”

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