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Kim Jaejoong Calls Out Sasaengs, Asks Them to Stop the Obsessive Behavior

INKODE Entertainment releases new company profile photos of Jaejoong. Credit: Twitter/Kim Jaejoong

On Monday, January 22, Kim Jaejoong vented out about his sasaeng fans’ persistent stalking.

Through his personal Instagram account, the singer expressed his frustration about the obsessive behavior of these so-called stalker fans. For those who don’t know, sasaeng is a K-pop slang term used to refer to hardcore supporters who invade the artists’ personal space and private lives.

In a series of posts, the veteran idol exposed clips of “sasaeng taxis” fans’ use to stalk him. In his translated caption, Jaejoong wrote: “The drivers follow me relentlessly, saying that they do have to do what the passengers tell them to do.” 

In a detailed explanation, Jaejoong disclosed that these drivers profit off him by causing him emotional distress. He said that these “sasaeng taxis” wait at every section and coordinate with one another through radio, as if it was a mission to know his whereabouts.

According to the 37-year old singer, he still vividly recalls the frightening words of these sasaengs claiming that they will visit the wedding venue once Jaejoong gets married.

Furthermore, the former TVXQ member also revealed that it has been 20 years since he had these stalker fans. Since making his debut in 2004, Jaejoong shared that he had several unfortunate experiences with sasaengs. At one point, he disclosed, he even had to check the people behind him when eating, to ensure no one was trailing him.

After having enough of the emotional distress brought upon by these incidents, the idol asked the stalkers to stop this disturbing behavior.  “It’s been 20 years. Let’s put an end to this,” he said. 

Moreover, the singer also sent a warning to these sasaengs that he has obtained “footage” of their activities and will let law punish these offenders.

Aside from Jaejoong, other celebrities speak out against stalker fans

Aside from his personal experience, the idol also lamented on how it can be a common behavior among fans in the K-pop industry. With this, Jaejoong wished that none of his hoobaes or juniors would get to experience the disturbing practices of these obsessive fans.

Although Jaejoong courageously spoke against his stalkers and hoped no other celebrity goes through the same trouble, the sasaeng behavior is apparently a common problem within the Korean entertainment community. 

As such, the harassed idols and actors are then prompted to take the necessary legal measures

Recently, the notorious stalker of Apink’s Jeong Eunji was sentenced to prison after creeping up on the singer-actress since 2020.

Moreover, EXO members Baekhyun and Sehun also conveyed their annoyance towards these sasaeng acts. For instance, Baekhyun revealed that he was once visited by a sasaeng in his vocal lesson classes. Meanwhile, Sehun said that he approximately gets about 100 calls per day.

Following the numerous instances of celebrities getting stalked, agencies have promised to take the appropriate actions to protect their artists without showing leniency to the perpetrators.

Featured image: INKODE Entertainment releases new company profile photos of Jaejoong. Credit: Twitter/Kim Jaejoong

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Awww! IOI Members Reunite to Celebrate the Holidays

Jeon Somi shares through a vlog her recent reunion with fellow IOI members. Credit: YouTube/Jeon Somi

Here’s a lovely treat for you, IOI fans! On Monday, January 22, soloist Jeon Somi surprised the K-pop world with a video of her mini-reunion with disbanded project girl group IOI. 

In her Youtube vlog titled “2023 MAMA Behind & Merry Mungchismas,” the members were seen celebrating the holidays together.

In a series of clips, the “Fast Forward” singer shared fun clips from their gathering that proved their close bond. Moreover, members Kim Sejeong, Chung Ha, Lim Nayoung, Mina, Doyeon, Yoojung and Yeonjung were seen coming together to celebrate the Christmas party hosted by Somi.

As this is their first reunion in a while, the idols shared that they took extra time and effort to meet up. Although it was a difficult task, Somi said that she prepared the dishes the members wanted to try. On the other hand, Chung Ha brought gifts for everyone. 

At the end of the video, the IOI members all sent their holiday greetings for the viewers. “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let’s be happy!”, the girls said in unison.

Fans’ reaction over the mini-gathering of IOI

After seeing clips of the girls’ mini-reunion, fans couldn’t help but become emotional. On social media, many supporters expressed their delight in seeing the members’ closeness. Others are also moved that they remain to be supportive of each other despite no longer being part of a group. 

One fan wrote: “Y’all don’t know how much this makes me happy. Some fans also pointed out that the vlog was probably IOI’s first time making a public appearance in recent years. In 2021, the group reunited for a live broadcast during their fifth debut anniversary. 

Furthermore, several fans also became hopeful for the possibility of a reunion comeback in the future. Another stated that she can’t wait for an OT11 reunion as members Chaeyeon, Sohye, and Kyulyung were unable to attend Somi’s holiday party for the group.

https://twitter.com/Rinaaaa47590236/status/1749321171794026712

 

For those who don’t know, IOI was a project girl group formed through the survival show Produce 101. After making their official debut in May 2016, the group had to disband in January 2017. Notably, they only had around eight months of promotions.

Throughout their career, IOI received a lot of support from both local and international fans. Among their best known tracks are “Very Very Very,” “Pick Me,” and“Downpour.”

As of writing, the IOI members are embarking on their respective careers. Some have pursued careers as solo artists, while others entered the world of acting.

Featured image: Jeon Somi shares through a vlog her recent reunion with fellow IOI members. Credit: YouTube/Jeon Somi

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GOT7’s Bambam to Host New Netflix Show ‘Super Rich in Korea’

Netflix Korea announces the new show 'Super Rich in Korea.' Credit: Twitter/Netflix Korea

Mark your calendars! A new variety show that will be hosted by BamBam is on the way!

On Tuesday, January 23, Netflix Korea announced that GOT7’s BamBam will be hosting Super Rich in Korea. Moreover, he will be joined by Oh My Girl member Mimi and comedian Jo Se Ho in the upcoming reality program.

In the teasers, viewers are given a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthiest people residing in South Korea. 

According to a press release, the show will feature prominent figures from different fields. Some of which are luxury brand ambassador Yoo Hee Ra, who has been dubbed as South Korea’s Paris Hilton, Singaporean billionaire David Yong, Arab’s social media sensation Noor Naim, and many more.

As teased by the streaming platform, Super Rich in Korea will show the glamorous reality of these people’s astonishing wealth. From extravagant parties, luxury cars, and haute coutures, the program will treat viewers with an exclusive insight of the super rich’s norm.

 Super Rich in Korea is slated to premiere this April. As of writing, a final premiere date has yet to be announced.

BamBam exhibiting his talent in hosting

Aside from Super Rich in Korea, the “Sour & Sweet” singer is set to host another upcoming show titled Siblings’ Relationship.

To note, Siblings’ Relationship, which will be out in March, is a dating reality show where siblings try to find romantic relationships for each other. Moreover, BamBam will be joined by (G)I-DLE’s Miyeon, and music producer Code Kunst. Also part of the hosting panel are TV personality Han Hye Jin and famous siblings Jonathan and Patricia.

Aside from the host lineup, Siblings’ Relationship has also raised viewers’ expectations as it is revealed to be led by producer Lee Jin Joo. Prior to this new show, Lee has already left a milestone in handling dating programs as she’s been in charge of the successful series Transit Love.

In Siblings’ Relationship, BamBam got the chance to work with producer Lee as one of the main hosts in its second season. 

Aside from variety programs, BamBam has also exhibited his hosting skills through other opportunities such as music shows and awarding ceremonies. Moreover, the GOT7 member also hosts his own Youtube program Bam’s House, where he invites friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry for a small talk.

Featured image: Netflix Korea announces the new show ‘Super Rich in Korea.’ Credit: Twitter/Netflix Korea

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BIBI Confirms February Comeback

It looks like BIBI is already preparing for a February comeback and her new track appears to be a reference to a yummy South Korean snack!

BIBI Set for February Comeback with “Bam Yang Gaeng”

Popular singer BIBI is gearing up for a comeback next month, according to reports on January 23. The new track, titled “Bam Yang Gaeng,” is scheduled for release after the Lunar New Year holiday. This announcement comes just three months after BIBI’s collaboration with Becky G in the track “Amigos.”

“Bam Yang Gaeng” takes its name from a traditional snack made by boiling and shaping ingredients such as chestnuts, red bean paste, vegetable gelatin, sugar, and taffy. The choice of a culturally significant title hints at the artist’s exploration of diverse themes in her music.

BIBI has been consistently delivering a variety of musical styles, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Fans are eager to see what unique sound and concept she will bring to “Bam Yang Gaeng.”

In related news, BIBI revealed she knows some of the industry’s biggest names. In a recent interview with Glamour magazine, BIBI shared insights into her connections within the entertainment industry, revealing that she has the phone numbers of two BTS members—RM and Jungkook.

While she acknowledged having RM’s number and jokingly mentioned the uncertainty of their closeness, she added a playful note that they might not be that connected. BIBI then disclosed that she also has Jungkook’s contact in her phone but humorously insisted that they are not close either, addressing BTS’s fanbase, ARMY, and requesting not to receive any backlash. She concluded by expressing her love for ARMY.

This intriguing revelation about BIBI’s interactions with BTS members has stirred excitement among fans. The upcoming comeback and her unique connections with RM and Jungkook have added to the anticipation surrounding BIBI’s musical journey in 2024.

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Mnet Unveils Contestant Photos for ‘Build Up’ Vocal Survival Show

Forty contestants will participate in Mnet’s upcoming survival show, Build Up. Among them are current and former idols, idol trainees, and some musical actors. They’re all competing for a spot in a vocals-focused boy group. Build Up, set to premiere this Friday, is Mnet’s first survival show of 2024. Its goal is to form a quartet whose main strength is their combined vocal ability.

The show features a distinguished panel of judges, including Baekho, BTOB’s Seo Eun-kwang, Kim Jae-hwan, MAMAMOO’s Solar, Red Velvet’s Wendy, and vocal group SG Wannabe’s Lee Seok-hoon, with model and actress Lee Da-hee hosting.

“There are countless K-pop survival programs, so the show has differentiated itself by focusing on vocals,” said producer Ma Doo-sik. “Build Up is different in that we focus 100 percent on the vocal abilities of the contestants.”

Instagram/@mnet_official

The host and judges speak

Wendy shared her thoughts on the show’s focus: “A group focused on the vocal aspect needs members who cannot only sing well on their own but also harmonize well with others and know how to work as a group. I felt that each performance by the contestants was different with each stage, so I am a bit worried about how my judging skills will appear to viewers.”

Seo Eun-kwang, known for giving tough critiques, said this of his approach to judging: “I think I became more sensitive, and my standards were higher because a lot of the contestants I was judging were colleagues I’ve performed on stage with. Some contestants lacked vocal skills when we began shooting Build Up, but as we continued filming, there were so many cases where I got goosebumps from the singing.”

Survival show veterans Baekho and Kim Jae-hwan agreed that stern feedback is necessary to help all the contestants grow. Baekho reflected on his own experience, stating, “I understand what the contestants are going through. That makes me more sincere and leaves me giving harsher pointers, because I want them to do well in the end.”

Lee Da-hee, the host, highlighted the allure of survival programs.  She teased the exceptional talent pool that Build Up has, sparking curiosity about the hidden gems among the contestants. “You get immersed in the show when the contestants are very talented.”

[#빌드업/1회 선공개] 두 귀👂를 의심하고 또 의심하게 만드는 무대

The ‘Build Up’ contestants

The 40 contestants, announced on Monday, boast a mix of impressive backgrounds. This includes Boys Planet alums Jay Chang from boy band ONEPACT, Lee Hwan-hee from UP10TION, and Wumuti. Joining them are Woong from AB6IX, Seunghun from CIX, Kang Seok-hwa from WEi, Lee Dong-hun from A.C.E, and Bain from JUST B. 

Also participating is soloist Choi Su-hwan, known for his appearance on Produce X 101 in 2019. Additionally, Taehwan from VANNER, the winner of JTBC’s Peak Time, is a contestant. The show also features musical actors Jo Hwan-ji, Kim Seo-hyung, and Choi Ha-ram, alongside non-celebrity contestants.

In a preview for the first episode, Lee Da-hee talked about the show’s format. She explained that each of the 40 contestants assigned his own voice to one of four categories. There’s “Allround” with 12 contestants, “Soul” with 10, “Power” with 7, and “Unique” with 11. This categorization highlights the diverse styles present in the competition, setting the stage for a dynamic and varied showcase of skills.

Mnet’s Build Up is poised to be a groundbreaking addition to the K-Pop survival show genre. Its premiere is set for January 26 at 10:00 PM KST. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This show is set to be a singing showdown for the ages! Source: YouTube/@Mnet.

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An Chanwon Will NOT Join The Wind Comeback Due To Health Issues

The Wind is currently preparing for a comeback but it looks like one member will not be joining them. It has just been confirmed that An Chanwon will not participate due to health issues.

The Wind’s An Chanwon Takes Hiatus for Health Reasons; February Comeback Confirmed

An Chanwon, a member of the boy band The Wind, is taking a hiatus from the group’s activities due to health issues, as announced by With US Entertainment on January 23. The agency revealed that An Chanwon would be temporarily absent from The Wind’s upcoming comeback. Despite this setback, fans can anticipate The Wind’s return with a comeback scheduled for February.

“An Chanwon has been absent from The Wind’s new album activities in order to take time to recover his stamina and condition. We apologize for causing any concern to our fans with this sudden news,” the statement read.

The Wind is set to release its second EP, titled “Our : YouthTeen,” on February 14, marking the band’s first album release in six months since their previous single album, “Ready : Summer Vacation,” dropped on August 2, 2023. The agency, With US Entertainment, has indicated that the upcoming album will highlight the band’s distinctive musical identity, described as a fusion of “Youth + Teen” as a genre.

Temporary Hiatuses in the K-Pop Industry

An Chanwon’s temporary hiatus comes as a health precaution, underlining the importance of prioritizing the well-being of artists in the demanding K-pop industry. The agency did not disclose specific details about An Chanwon’s health condition but emphasized their commitment to supporting the member’s recovery.

This announcement follows The Wind’s last release, “Ready: Summer Vacation,” in August of the previous year. The forthcoming comeback holds significance as it will be the first without former member Shin Jae Won, who concluded his tenure with the group after the aforementioned release.

The news of An Chanwon’s hiatus has drawn attention from fans, who are undoubtedly concerned about his health. The K-pop industry is increasingly recognizing the significance of mental and physical well-being, and fans are hopeful for a swift and full recovery for An Chanwon, anticipating The Wind’s return with a fresh perspective in their upcoming “Our : YouthTeen” album.

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TWS Lands Endorsement Deal With Beverage Brand Milkis

PLEDIS Entertainment’s new boy group marked a major milestone three days before their official debut. On January 19, the agency announced that TWS—composed of leader Shinyu and members Dohoon, Hanjin, Jihoon, Kyungmin, and Youngjae—secured a high-profile endorsement deal for the beverage brand Milkis.

Fizzy Drink Milky Twist | Lotte Milkis

Milkis is a unique soft drink produced by Lotte Chilsung, a well-known beverage company in South Korea. Launched in 1989, Milkis stands out because it combines traditional elements of carbonated beverages with milk to create a distinctive creamy taste. One of the most notable aspects of Milkis is its wide range of flavors. It comes in apple, banana, grape, mango, muskmelon, orange, peach, pineapple, strawberry, and of course, regular.

Its primary target market is the youth, especially students looking for something refreshing to drink during a study break. Even so, Milkis has become popular with various age groups. Its appeal has transcended South Korean borders, attracting fans in countries like Hong Kong, Russia, and the US. This is most likely due to its caffeine-free and preservative-free nature, which makes it a healthier alternative to ordinary sodas.

Milkis and TWS are aligned

Like Milkis, TWS aims to bring something new to the music scene with its unique genre of “boyhood pop.” Their goal is to evoke pleasant emotions through music characterized by sparkling, refreshing melodies. This makes TWS the perfect endorsers for Milkis. As the brand said in a statement, “We selected TWS as our representative model because their identity aligns with the product’s pursuit of a thrilling and smooth image.” 

[TWS DEBUT SHOW] TWS 이렇게 만나서 반가워 (ENG SUB)

Soon after announcing their Milkis endorsement, TWS dropped their first EP and celebrated the release with a media showcase, a global debut show, and a fan showcase.

In other news, TWS will be featured in the March and April issues of the Japanese fashion and lifestyle magazine, ViVi. The March issue was made available starting January 23, and the April issue will be on sale from February 22. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The brand put faith in the group before their official debut. Sources: Facebook/Milkis PH, X/@TWS_PLEDIS.

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S.Coups Blocks SEVENTEEN’s Access to His Credit Card on ‘NANA Tour’

On January 5, the first episode of NANA Tour with SEVENTEEN finally aired, bringing excitement to the group’s fans with its unique concept. The show is a spin-off of the Korean travel reality show Youth Over Flowers, which is known for its unique format where the production team surprises the cast with spontaneous trips, often with little to no prior notice. It has featured locations like Peru, Zimbabwe, and more. The trips involve the cast completing tasks and winning games to ensure their survival in an unfamiliar environment.

https://www.tiktok.com/@always_svt13/video/7320625610269707525?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

In SEVENTEEN’s case, the members were whisked away to Italy after playing two shows in Tokyo, Japan last September as part of their FOLLOW Tour. Unfortunately, their leader S.Coups couldn’t join the tour or the Italy trip due to a knee injury. Instead, he sent the members a letter through Na Young-seok, the producer behind NANA Tour with SEVENTEEN. 

Jeonghan read the letter out loud in the first episode. It said, “Thank you for picking up my letter. I feel so sorry for you guys going without any preparation. You can use this card however you want. I’ll be waiting for you well in Korea. Have fun. I love you!”

S.Coups’s love for SEVENTEEN knows no bounds

The members were both surprised and touched to find that S.Coups had sent his credit card along with the letter, giving them the freedom to use it however they liked. Dino, the group’s youngest member, was put in charge of the card. But after watching his members’ enthusiastic spending, S.Coups blocked their access to the card mid-show. 

@jeonrin_25

la lu semua apa-apa di beli haigo wkwkwk #seungcheol #seventeen

♬ the psycho intro gone wrong ㅠㅠ – Arielle

Fans and the members alike thought what S.Coups did was amusing. Some thought Seungkwan’s purchase of a funny t-shirt was the last straw. (For the record, the shirt featured the Mona Lisa doing the “dabbing” dance move, which involves dropping the head and raising one arm while bending the other at the elbow.) Others felt S.Coups stopped overseas payments on his credit card after seeing Mingyu showing off a long receipt for all the groceries he bought on the trip. Apparently, S.Coups’s love for SEVENTEEN knows no bounds—except maybe when it comes to money.

Fans can catch the NANA Tour with SEVENTEEN every Friday on tvN Asia at 8.40 PM KST. More exclusive footage from the show is available for fans on Weverse. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: It seems S.Coups instantly regretted his decision. Sources: X/@minghaocheol_, X/@moonhuiwons.

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LE SSERAFIM Announces Comeback With Third Mini Album ‘Easy’

After a nine-month hiatus, LE SSERAFIM is poised for a grand return on February 19 with their third mini-album EASY. Their agency Source Music made the announcement via the fan community platform Weverse at midnight on January 22.

EASY marks the girl group’s first Korean release since their first full-length album UNFORGIVEN in May last year. This comeback signifies a new chapter for LE SSERAFIM, in which they’ll venture into uncharted territory. Their previous releases focused on themes of confidence and strength. This time, their new material will be “an honest exploration of the uncertainties and concerns beneath LE SSERAFIM’s confident exterior.”

In conjunction with the announcement, their record label HYBE and Source Music released a logo motion video for the new album on their official SNS accounts and YouTube channel. The video features LE SSERAFIM’s logo and ends with the phrase “MAKE IT LOOK EASY.” Seconds later, the words “IT LOOK” are crossed out, leaving fans to wonder what that could mean.

(르세라핌) MAKE IT LOOK EASY

LE SSERAFIM demonstrated consistent growth

LE SSERAFIM has demonstrated consistent growth with each release. ANTIFRAGILE sold over 400,000 copies on release day and 567,000 copies in its first week. This was an improvement from FEARLESS, which recorded first-week sales of 307,450 copies. UNFORGIVEN demonstrated their increasing popularity by selling over 1 million copies on its first day. By the end of its first week, the album sold a remarkable total of 1,258,001 copies, setting a new record for the group’s first-week sales​​​​. It also made a mark in the US, entering the Billboard 200 at No. 6.

Their first English digital single “Perfect Night,” released in October last year, remained on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart for two straight weeks. It also broke records on Spotify’s Weekly Top Song USA chart. It was the first English song by a female K-pop artist to sweep the top spot in major music charts in Korea, such as Circle Chart and Melon, a career high for LE SSERAFIM.

Additionally, LE SSERAFIM is scheduled to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 13 and 20.  The group’s journey continues to be remarkable, and their upcoming album is poised to add another impressive chapter to their story. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This girl group just keeps growing with every comeback. Source: X/@Fim_mies.

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ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao Releases First OST Since Debut

Zhang Hao of the rookie group ZEROBASEONE recently ventured into the world of original soundtracks. His first OST, titled “I WANNA KNOW,” was featured in the third season of the TVING series Transit Love, also known as EXchange. This song dropped at 6:00 PM KST on January 19, marking a significant step in Zhang Hao’s musical journey.

Set to a mid-tempo melody, “I WANNA KNOW” beautifully captures the thrill of falling for someone and the desire to learn every little detail about them. The gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar, along with the delicate tinkling of a piano, creates a vibrant and refreshing background for Zhang Hao’s first OST. His vocals are soothing yet powerful, injecting just the right amount of emotion into the song. In the music video, the Chinese K-pop idol performs the track inside a recording studio, interspersed with scenes from the show.

[환승연애3 OST Part 4] 장하오 (ZEROBASEONE) – I WANNA KNOW MV

About ‘Transit Love’

Transit Love is a Korean reality show that began airing in 2021. It features exes who live under the same roof. Together, they explore their past relationships and the possibility of forming new ones. The show is known for its realistic portrayal of the interactions between former partners. It includes people from various backgrounds, including some from the entertainment industry, which adds to its diversity and appeal. The show’s format, involving group activities and discussions, helps the participants talk about matters of the heart openly.

The first season of Transit Love, directed by Lee Jin Joo, aired from June to October 2021. The latest installment of the series premiered on December 29, 2023, under the direction of Kim In-Ha. It’s exclusively available on the streaming platform TVING. Zhang Hao’s involvement in the OST has stirred excitement among fans in Korea and elsewhere. His contribution will significantly enhance the viewing experience of the series.

[EN/CN] [🌹발매 인사 영상] 장하오 (ZEROBASEONE) – I WANNA KNOW

What else Zhang Hao is up to

In related news, ZEROBASEONE is set to release its first Japanese single “yurayura-unmei no hana-” on March 20. This release will include Japanese versions of their earlier tracks “In Bloom” and “Crush.” The group also plans to hold a fan meet and greet following their Japanese debut. Their previous EPs have achieved notable success on Japan’s Oricon Albums chart.

Zhang Hao rose to prominence as the center of ZEROBASEONE after winning first place in the survival show Boys Planet, which led to the formation of the group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Viewers can fall in love with Zhang Hao’s voice while watching the ‘Transit Love’ cast navigate their relationships. Source: YouTube/@stonemusicent.

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