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Bitter Sweet Hell Stars’ Farewell Messages Reflect Drama’s Impact on Their Lives

As the curtains close on MBC’s “Bitter Sweet Hell,” the stars of this black comedy-thriller have expressed their heartfelt farewells, reflecting on their journey and the drama’s impact on their lives.

The cast of the MBC drama “Bitter Sweet Hell” shares their heartfelt farewells as the series comes to an end

Kim Hee Sun, who played the role of family psychiatrist Noh Young Won, shared her deep connection with the character and the meaningful experiences she gained. ‘Bitter Sweet Hell’ was a truly meaningful project for me,” she said. “I experienced many emotions during filming, and it was a time during which I was able to grow while empathizing with many different characters. Noh Young Won was a learning opportunity for me. Young Won is not just a character who solves conflicts between family, but a character who grows by reflecting on her own emotions and life through that process.”

Lee Hye Young, who portrayed the mystery novelist Hong Sa Gang, shared her initial apprehension and subsequent joy in the project. “I was nervous and scared when I started ‘Bitter Sweet Hell,’ but as we began filming, I developed confidence and a feeling of accomplishment, so I filmed the drama happily and really enjoyed the experience. Everyone who participated in this drama was very intelligent, and I think it was a team full of respect and trust. I really think this was my first time being part of such an intellectual production.”

Kim Nam Hee, who played Choi Jae Jin, reminisced about the joyous filming experience. “Everything about filming the drama was happy and joyful, to the extent where I still feel sad about having to say goodbye to the rest of the cast and crew. I’m so sad about it ending that I wish they’d make a sequel because the drama did so well. Thank you for hating and loving the character of Jae Jin. I hope that ‘Bitter Sweet Hell’ was able to make you even briefly happy during these hot summer days, and I hope that you will always be happy and healthy.”

Yeonwoo expressed her honor and gratitude for being part of the cast. “It was an honor to be a part of this great drama and work together with actors whom I respect. I learned a lot on the filming set, and I’d like to work hard to become an actress whose acting has depth, just like my senior actors in the cast.”

2PM’s Chansung also shared his appreciation for the experience. “Being able to work together with such amazing actors, I really learned and felt a lot. I gained so much from the drama ‘Bitter Sweet Hell,’ which is both sincere and fun at the same time. Thank you to everyone who gave the drama love, and I’ll greet you with better projects in the future as well.”

Finally, DKZ’s Jaechan reflected on his growth and gratitude. “Starting from the beginning of filming, just being able to appear on screen together with these amazing actors was an honor in and of itself. I think this is a memory and experience of growth that I will never be able to forget. Even though Do Hyun lied and made others worry in the drama, thank you to the viewers for giving Do Hyun so much love. I’ll work hard to try to show you better things in the future as well.”

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ENHYPEN Dorm Reveal in MBC’s “The Manager”

ENHYPEN will be appearing as guests on the famous reality show “The Manager.” The anticipation for the new episode is building as “The Manager” has released an intriguing preview, offering a sneak peek into ENHYPEN’s dorm, which will be revealed for the first time.

ENHYPEN gives fans an exclusive look into their personal living space

On June 30, 2024, “The Manager,” a popular reality show on MBC, revealed a preview of their upcoming episode. The preview announced that the next guests would be the spectacular boy group ENHYPEN. This episode is set to be special, as it will mark the first time ENHYPEN shows their dorm to the public, giving fans an exclusive look into their personal space and daily routines.

Viewers will get to see ENHYPEN members going about their busy schedules, including their travels from the Philippines to China. The episode also includes behind-the-scenes moments from the recent 2024 Weverse Con Festival, where the group chatted with HYBE founder Bang Si Hyuk. A highlight of the festival was when Bang Si Hyuk surprised fans by joining Park Jin Young on stage as a guitarist.

In a touching interaction, ENHYPEN’s Jay praised Bang Si Hyuk for his guitar skills, to which the founder responded with a laugh, saying his heart felt like it would explode. The episode will also feature the members returning to their dorm, noting how long it had been since they were last there, and gathering in the living room for a meal and conversation.

Fans are eagerly awaiting this episode to see ENHYPEN’s personal space and gain a deeper understanding of their lives behind the scenes.

The group will revive their ‘vampire romance’ concept in their comeback this July 12

Currently, the group is gearing up for their comeback on July 12, 2024. This exciting news is accompanied by the group’s plan to elevate their vampire romance concept.

In this comeback, the boy group will collaborate with Ballerina director Lee Chung Hyun, who will helm their upcoming short film-style comeback. Sources indicate that this film will advance ENHYPEN’s popular vampire romance theme with an even more captivating storyline.

The group first introduced the vampire concept in the music video for “Drunk-Dazed,” the lead single from their second EP, BORDER: CARNIVAL. They further developed this theme in their albums DARK BLOOD and ORANGE BLOOD. The vampire storyline has received widespread acclaim, praised for its originality and impact within the K-pop scene.

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NewJeans Pop-Up Store Attracts Fans in Tokyo

Despite heavy rain, long lines of fans formed at the NewJeans ‘Super Natural’ pop-up store in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, on the 28th. The store opened on the 26th of last month and saw its pre-reservations fill up in just five minutes. Only those who successfully made pre-reservations could access the basement level, allowing fans to enjoy the experience comfortably with timed entries.

@shibuyanews

🐰ニュージーンズPOP UP渋谷公園通り LINE FRIENDS SQUARE 「NewJeans Supernatural POP-UP」渋谷公園通りは朝から大混雑！ #ニュージーンズ #뉴진스 #newjeans #渋谷 #shibuya

♬ Supernatural – NewJeans

NewJeans fans eagerly lined up to experience the exclusive NewJeans pop-up in Shibuya

In the basement level, there’s a haven for “true NewJeans fans”. It features an approximately 40-pyeong (around 3.33 square meters) interactive media space with characters created in collaboration with Takashi Murakami. In the background, NewJeans’ song “Right Now” is playing. Hani’s voice saying, “Bunnies, have a great day today,” elicited constant exclamations of “Kawaii (cute)” from visitors. Although the space was not as big as other pop-ups, the layout was impressively efficient and accessible.

At the entrance, fans were welcomed with collaboration goods by Takashi Murakami, members’ autographs, and charming photo zones. According to the pop-up store staff, the most popular items were NewJeans T-shirts and hats, with the T-shirts selling out on the first day. The second basement level of the store was accessible without reservations. It offered practical goods like indoor slippers, eye masks, stationery, and pouches. It indicates that the store caters to a broader audience beyond just fan merchandise.

@my_dy_re

NewJeans Supernatural pop-up store in Shibuya Japan! ニュージーンズ ポップアップ　 6/30の14時の回の在庫 アパレル以外は結構ありました✨ B1のphoto booth は目立たないので、入場したら忘れずにcheck! 뉴진스 팝업 스토어 갔다 왔어요✨ Newjeans NJ X MURAKAMI 村上隆 #supernatural #newjeans #popup #kpopalbum #kpopunboxing #albumunboxing #howsweet #newjeansbunnies #kpop #kpopfyp #japantravel

♬ Supernatural – NewJeans

The prices were affordable, with NewJeans character T-shirts costing about 2,700 yen each and smaller items like pens and pouches often priced under 1,000 yen. On average, the prices of goods were around 20,000 won in Korean currency.

Even NewJeans’ fanbase in Korea and other neighboring countries booked flights just to buy goods from the pop-up store. Many of them noted that even non-fans will find cutesy items. One Korean tourist, in an online forum, said she bought bunny-themed products as gifts for her colleagues. Only one item per person per product was allowed to ensure as many people as possible could purchase NewJeans’ merchandise.

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Nominees Announced for the 3rd Blue Dragon Awards

The nominations for the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards 2024 have been announced. Presented by Sports Chosun, this ceremony is South Korea’s premier award event dedicated to streaming platforms. Since its inception in 2022, the Blue Dragon Series Awards have highlighted outstanding achievements in K-dramas, variety shows, and other streaming content. This year’s ceremony promises to be an exciting event, celebrating many talented actors, actresses, and entertainers.

Among the nominated K-dramas for the 2024 awards are popular titles such as “Mask Girl,” “Moving,” and “A Killer Paradox.” Renowned actors like Ryu Seung-Ryong and Ryu Jun-Yeol have secured nominations for their impressive performances. The actresses category features notable names such as Park Bo-Young and Ahn Eun-Jin. The ceremony will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 8:50 p.m. KST on KBS2.

Complete list of nominees for the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards 2024

Best Drama

  • Mask Girl
  • Moving
  • A Killer Paradox
  • LTNS
  • Daily Dose of Sunshine

Best Actor

  • Ryu Seung Ryong – Moving
  • Ryu Jun Yeol – The 8 Show
  • Byun Yo Han – Uncle Samsik
  • Im Siwan – Boyhood
  • Choi Woo Shik – A Killer Paradox

Best Actress

  • Park Bo Young – Daily Dose of Sunshine
  • Ahn Eun Jin – Goodbye Earth
  • Esom – LTNS
  • Chun Woo Hee – The 8 Show
  • Han Hyo Joo – Moving

Best Supporting Actor

  • Kim Sung Kyun – Moving
  • Seo Hyun Woo – A Shop for Killers
  • Ahn Jae Hong – Mask Girl
  • Lee Kyu Hyung – Uncle Samsik
  • Lee Hee Joon – A Killer Paradox

Best Supporting Actress

  • Kwak Sun Young – Moving
  • Geum Hae Na – A Shop for Killers
  • Yeom Hye Ran – Mask Girl
  • Lee Joo Young – The 8 Show
  • Tiffany Young – Uncle Samsik

Best New Actor

  • Kim Woo Seok – Night Has Come
  • Noh Jae Won – Daily Dose of Sunshine
  • Lee Si Woo – Boyhood
  • Lee Jung Ha – Moving
  • Choi Hyun Wook – High Cookie

Best New Actress

  • Go Youn Jung – Moving
  • Kim Hye Joon – A Shop for Killers
  • Lee Yul Eum – The 8 Show
  • Jang Da Ah – Pyramid Game
  • Jeon So Nee – Parasyte: The Grey

Best Variety Show

  • The Devil’s Plan
  • The Community
  • SNL Korea Season 5
  • My Sibling’s Romance
  • Crime Scene Returns

Best Male Entertainer

  • Dex – Zombieverse
  • Shin Dong Yup – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Cho Sae Ho – Super Rich in Korea
  • Ji Suk Jin – Bro & Marble in Dubai
  • Code Kunst – My Sibling’s Romance

Best Female Entertainer

  • Park Ji Yoon – Crime Scene Returns
  • Lee Soo Ji – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Jang Do Yeon – High School Mystery Club 3
  • Joo Hyun Young – Crime Scene Returns
  • Pungja – Be My Side 3

Best New Male Entertainer

  • Kwak Joon Bin – The Devil’s Plan
  • Ahn Do Gyu – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Jeong Sewoon – 19/20
  • Jonathan – Zombieverse
  • Joo Woo Jae – Witch Hunt 2023

Best New Female Entertainer

  • Miyeon – My Sibling’s Romance
  • Uhm Ji Yoon – Comedy Royale
  • Yoon Gai – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Ji Ye Eun – SNL Korea Season 5
  • Patricia – My Sibling’s Romance

The nominees were selected through online voting between June 10 and June 25, with evaluations by Sports Chosun entertainment news reporters and industry experts. All original streaming shows, series, and dramas aired between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, were eligible for nominations.

Viewers can look forward to an evening of celebration and entertainment as the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards honors the best in South Korean streaming content. 

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aespa Members Debut Solo Songs at ‘SYNK: PARALLEL LINE’ Seoul Leg

All four aespa members took their fans by surprise with outstanding performances of their new solo songs at the Seoul concert ‘2024 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK: PARALLEL LINE’. Demonstrating their multifaceted talents, each member actively participated in the songwriting process, adding a personal touch to their performances.

All aespa Members Introduce Solo Songs at Seoul Concert

Fans who attended the two-night Seoul concerts for ‘2024 aespa LIVE TOUR – SYNK: PARALLEL LINE’ were in for a treat. Karina, Winter, Giselle, and NingNing each had solo songs demonstrating their unique appeal.

Giselle delivered a graceful yet powerful performance of “Dopamine,” an R&B track that highlights her compositional skills and lyrical prowess. Her involvement in both the song’s composition and lyrics writing showcases her artistic depth and creativity.

Karina captivated the audience with “Up,” a bold Hip-Hop song that accentuates her girl-crush vibe. With lyrics entirely penned by her, Karina’s performance was a testament to her strong, independent persona and musical capabilities.

Ningning‘s rendition of “Bored” brought a sensual and groovy R&B flair to the stage. Her participation in writing the lyrics added an intimate touch to the performance, allowing her to connect deeply with the audience through her expressive delivery.

Winter enchanted the crowd with “Spark,” an ethereal EDM song. Her dual role in the song’s composition and lyrics writing highlighted her versatility and ability to create a captivating musical experience.

SM Artists Support aespa

Adding to the excitement of the Seoul concerts, aespa received full support from their fellow SM Entertainment artists. EXO’s Chanyeol was seen cheering for his juniors at the concert, while his bandmate Suho and Red Velvet’s Irene also showed their unwavering support by attending the event. Their presence underscored the camaraderie within the SM Entertainment family and the shared commitment to each other’s success.

aespa’s ‘SYNK : PARALLEL LINE’ tour is poised to be a grand journey, with scheduled performances in nine different countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Australia. The tour kicked off with a spectacular two-night event at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium on June 29th and 30th, setting a high standard for the upcoming concerts.

With each member showcasing their unique talents and contributions to their solo songs, aespa continues to solidify their position as one of the most dynamic and versatile groups in the K-pop industry.

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BABYMONSTER Take on Fame in ‘FOREVER’ MV

BABYMONSTER has just released the glamourous ‘FOREVER’ MV! The girl group is clearly embracing their fame and success with the new digital single.

BABYMONSTER Embraces Glamour in ‘FOREVER’ MV

The ‘FOREVER’ MV was dropped at midnight on July 1, 2024. The upbeat song features a powerful concept, showcasing the group members embracing their newfound fame and success. Fans are treated to BABYMONSTER’s excellent vocals and stunning visuals, making the music video a visual and auditory delight.

‘FOREVER’ marks the beginning of an exciting year for BABYMONSTER. YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun Suk previously confirmed that the girl group plans to release a full-length album around October.

A Busy Year for BABYMONSTER

Interestingly, while Yang Hyun Suk mentioned October, the English subtitles translated his statement to “either September or October,” adding an element of anticipation and speculation. The upcoming album will be BABYMONSTER’s first full-length project, representing a significant milestone in their career. It promises to be a comprehensive showcase of their musical range and growth, solidifying their place in the K-pop industry.

Ahead of the full album release, BABYMONSTER will build excitement with a pre-release single from the album. This strategy aims to maintain momentum and keep fans engaged as they eagerly await the full album. The pre-release single will provide an early glimpse into the new music, setting the tone for the album and giving fans something to look forward to.

BABYMONSTER’s journey to this point has been marked by impressive achievements and a growing fan base. With ‘FOREVER,’ they continue to demonstrate their talent and potential, captivating audiences with their dynamic performances and charismatic presence. The upcoming album and pre-release single are highly anticipated, as fans are eager to see how the group evolves and what new musical directions they will explore.

In the ‘FOREVER’ music video, BABYMONSTER not only celebrates their current success but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and impactful year ahead. Fans can look forward to a series of releases that will undoubtedly further elevate the group’s profile and showcase their exceptional abilities.

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KISS OF LIFE Celebrates Summer Fun with ‘Sticky’ MV

KISS OF LIFE has just released the ‘Sticky’ MV! The digital single is a fun celebration of summer, and the members of the idol group are clearly enjoying themselves in the sun!

‘Sticky’ MV Features KISS OF LIFE Celebrating Summer’s Arrival

The ‘Sticky’ MV features a refreshing summer vibe that perfectly complements KISS OF LIFE’s gorgeous vocals. The music video is shot in a one-take style, adding an engaging and dynamic element that keeps viewers captivated. Fans will enjoy spotting the fun details and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the video, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The release of ‘Sticky’ marks a highly anticipated return for KISS OF LIFE, following the success of their previous single, ‘MIDAS TOUCH,’ released just three months ago. With “Sticky,” the group aims to build on their momentum and further establish their presence in the music industry. Fans are eagerly expecting another hit that will showcase the group’s evolving style and musical prowess.

An Exciting Comeback

KISS OF LIFE had previously hinted at the arrival of ‘Sticky’ with a creatively designed teaser video. The teaser featured luggage boarding an airplane, and a cleverly placed passport inside the luggage gave fans a sneak peek at the upcoming track. The innovative approach generated significant buzz among fans, who were thrilled by the announcement of the new digital single.

The teaser’s clever concept and the group’s engaging promotional strategy heightened anticipation for the release of ‘Sticky.’ The announcement was particularly exciting as it came less than three months after the release of ‘Midas Touch’ on April 3. This quick turnaround demonstrates the group’s dedication to their craft and their eagerness to share new music with their audience.

The energetic and summery vibe of ‘Sticky,’ combined with its one-take music video style, promises to be a standout addition to KISS OF LIFE’s discography. Fans are excited to see the new themes and musical directions the group will explore in this latest release. As KISS OF LIFE continues to captivate audiences with their creativity and talent, ‘Sticky’ is set to be another milestone in their burgeoning career.

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HAN Drops Surprise Solo Track ‘Maybe’ Ahead of STRAY KIDS Comeback

HAN has just released his solo song “Maybe” ahead of the upcoming STRAY KIDS comeback.

HAN Drops New Song Before STRAY KIDS Comeback

On June 29, HAN released his latest solo track “Maybe” as part of SKZ-RECORD. The song was dropped about three weeks before STRAY KIDS’ scheduled comeback in July. The surprise release has greatly impressed fans, who are thoroughly enjoying the new track and appreciating HAN’s exceptional vocal performance.

HAN, known for his musical talent, is credited with both composing and writing the lyrics for ‘Maybe.’ His ability to create and perform music has solidified his reputation as one of the most prolific members of STRAY KIDS when it comes to producing solo music.

Previously, HAN released “1,2,3,4,5” featuring NMIXX member Bae, which was part of the SKZ-RECORD series. This series is an ongoing project that showcases original compositions and covers outside of the group’s official discography, allowing members to explore and express their individual artistic styles.

In “1,2,3,4,5,” HAN took on the role of lyricist, pouring his heart and soul into the poignant verses. He collaborated with Vendors’ Helixx for the composition, resulting in a captivating melody brimming with emotive depth. The track is accentuated by HAN’s soulful vocals and masterfully crafted lyrics, making it a standout piece in his solo repertoire.

As HAN continues to deliver high-quality solo projects, his contributions add to the anticipation surrounding STRAY KIDS’ upcoming comeback with ‘ATE.’ The group’s return is set for July 19 at 1 PM KST, and fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another dynamic and innovative addition to STRAY KIDS’ discography.

The combination of HAN’s solo achievements and the group’s upcoming activities highlights the versatility and creative prowess within STRAY KIDS, further cementing their status in the K-pop industry. Fans can look forward to more music that showcases not only the group’s collective talent but also the individual artistry of its members.

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Taehyun Calls Out Sasaengs for Changing TXT’s In-Flight Meals

TXT’s Taehyun recently addressed sasaengs through a now-deleted Weverse post, which he made on June 29, 2024. According to the idol, someone had changed the group’s in-flight meals without their consent.

Taehyun Claims Someone Changed TXT’s In-Flight Meals Without Consent

In the Weverse post, Taehyun detailed an unsettling incident where his food order on a plane was altered by someone else, strongly suggesting the involvement of sasaengs, obsessive fans who invade the privacy of idols.

“I was about to go back to Korea after the fansign where I enjoyed my time with MOA,” he wrote. “But someone changed the members’ in-flight meal by booking it in advance through seating. It’s not a big deal as we can just not eat it, but I can’t fathom why they did that, and just what kind of system allows one to change someone else’s [meal] like that. We ate before boarding, so don’t worry.”

The post, though quickly deleted, was captured by fast-fingered fans. Taehyun did not provide further details, leaving the true nature of the incident ambiguous. This lack of clarity has led to fan speculation that sasaengs might be behind the food order change, though system errors cannot be completely ruled out. The swift deletion of the post raises questions among fans about whether Taehyun retracted his statement to avoid provoking sasaengs further or due to uncertainty about the incident’s cause.

This event has intensified concerns about the safety and privacy of K-pop idols, who often face extreme invasions of privacy from sasaengs. The fact that such an incident could occur on a plane highlights the persistent and pervasive nature of this issue.

Currently, TXT is gearing up for their TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR <ACT : PROMISE> IN ASIA, with confirmed stops in Macau, Singapore, Jakarta, and Taipei. The group’s busy schedule and the need for secure travel arrangements make the concerns raised by Taehyun’s post even more pressing. Fans hope for more protective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their favorite idols during such high-stakes tours.

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(G)I-DLE Shuhua and Miyeon Almost Get Into Major Car Crash

A new video featuring (G)I-DLE members Shuhua and Miyeon has shocked viewers as the idols were almost involved in a major car crash. Thankfully, neither of them was harmed.

(G)I-DLE’s Miyeon and Shuhua Narrowly Avoid Major Car Crash

The episode is part of a popular series called “WhoRide” where two stars travel together by car, with one of them driving. In the latest episode, it was Shuhua’s responsibility to drive and her calm demeanor may have saved both their lives.

During their trip, the duo’s car encountered a vehicle driving very fast in the opposite lane. The road they were on was narrow, with limited space to maneuver, making the situation even more precarious. The other car had just overtaken a big truck, adding to the complexity of the situation. If not for Shuhua’s careful and slow driving, this could have led to a catastrophic collision.

The other driver, upon spotting Shuhua’s car, hastily switched back to his own lane. Shuhua also managed to respond calmly by reducing her speed, averting what could have been a disastrous outcome. Miyeon, seated alongside her, was left in shock, questioning the other driver’s erratic behavior.

After the clip circulated on numerous community sites, netizens’ comments were filled with anger and disapproval of the other driver’s risky maneuvers. Many fans also expressed their relief that Shuhua was able to avoid a potential accident, praising her composure and quick thinking in such a stressful situation.

Netizens Take Action

Fans and netizens are all relieved that Shuhua was capable of avoiding the potential accident. Many have called on the 9700 STUDIO production team to take action against the reckless driver, urging them to report the incident to the authorities. This incident has also sparked a broader discussion about road safety and the importance of cautious driving.

While Shuhua and Miyeon were thankfully unharmed, the incident also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers on the road and the importance of staying alert and driving safely. The response from the fans and netizens also highlights the community’s concern for the well-being of their favorite idols and their disapproval of reckless driving behaviors.

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