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SNSD’s Kwon Yuri to Star in Her First Horror Film ‘Mist’

SNSD's Yuri is confirmed to lead the horror film 'Mist.' Credit: Twitter/Girls' Generation

Actress Yuri is back on the big screens! On Tuesday, December 12, South Korean media outlets reported that idol-actress Kwon Yuri of K-pop group Girls’ Generation is finally making her acting comeback. According to reports, she’ll be starring in the upcoming horror film Mist. 

Although this is her first attempt at a dark genre, Yuri has expressed her enthusiasm for the role. “I am excited to show you a new side of myself because it is fresh work,” she said. The idol-actress also added: “I will work hard to finish it healthily and happily, so please give us a lot of interest!”

Notably, this will be Yuri’s movie comeback following her lead role in the 2013 film No Breathing, raising anticipation among fans.

What we know so far about ‘Mist’

According to the film’s production team, Mist will depict people’s fear as they desperately struggle to resolve the cracks in their ordinary lives.

Yuri will play the role of Kim Min, an employee of a special cleaning company who is in charge of handling scenes of lonely deaths. Furthermore, Kim Min is expected to be a complex character as she shows off a bright personality on the outside and bears an emotional flaw on the inside. 

Aside from Yuri, Hospital Playlist actress Kwak Sun Young will also star in the film. She’s reported to take on her first-ever maternal role as Lee Young Eun.

Other celebrities included in the star-studded lineup are Less Than Evil actress Lee Seol, veteran actress Gil Hae Yeon, child actor Ki So You, among others. 

Although there is no confirmed date yet, Mist is expected to have its official release in 2024.

Meanwhile, fans can watch Yuri in the second season of the TVN reality food program Business Genius. In this variety show, the actress shows off her culinary skills as an assistant of celebrity chef Paik Jong Won.

Featured image: SNSD’s Yuri is confirmed to lead the horror film ‘Mist.’ Credit: Twitter/Girls’ Generation

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS, BLACKPINK Hailed as Google’s Most Searched Bands in Its 25-Year History

BTS poses for FESTA 2022. Credit: Facebook/BTS

Rejoice, ARMYs and BLINKs! South Korean groups BTS and BLACKPINK achieve another historic feat in their careers.

In an almost-four minute recap video posted by Google on Monday, December 11, it was announced that BTS and BLACKPINK are the most searched boy and girl groups, respectively. 

According to the report, the K-pop sensations were among the top searched acts in the search engine’s 25 year history. Both bands clinched a spot in the list alongside 2023 Time Person of the Year Taylor Swift, who was revealed to be the most searched singer-songwriter, and Beyonce for the most searched performance. 

Undoubtedly, this achievement marks K-pop’s growing global influence in the music scene. What makes these achievements more impressive is that both BTS and BLACKPINK weren’t that active in the recent months. 

As for BTS, the members have been preparing for their mandatory military service enlistments. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s contract was in limbo since August before they recently renewed with YG Entertainment for group activities. 

 

Looking back through milestones of BTS and BLACKPINK

Consisting of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, BTS debuted in 2013 under the then-small company BigHit Music. Through their heartfelt lyrics and stellar performances, the seven-member group rose to global success and achieved numerous historical records. Currently, they’re dominating both local and international music charts.

In 2019, BTS became the first Korean act to be nominated at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2020, the “Blood, Sweat and Tears” singers were named as TIME’s Entertainer of the Year. Notably, they were also the first Korean group to perform at the Grammys in the same year. 

Furthermore, BTS is also known for their unrivaled Daesang Sweep, where they garnered a total of 65 trophies throughout their career — the most number of grand prizes in the Korean entertainment industry. 

On the other hand, BLACKPINK, composed of Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa, debuted in 2016 under YG Entertainment. 

Despite having released only two full-length studio albums, the quartet took the world by storm. Since their debut, they have also become one of the most successful female acts in the K-pop industry.

Moreover, BLACKPINK became the first K-pop act to headline the Coachella music festival. Recently, they were also granted honorary membership in the Order of the British Empire.

Featured image: BTS poses for FESTA 2022. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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ZEROBASEONE’s Ricky Draws New Fans With Satoru Gojo Cosplay

ZEROBASEONE’s Ricky has captivated fans and gone viral once again, showcasing his versatility and charm. Known for his “tall and handsome” image and charisma, Ricky has continually impressed fans with his evolving visuals and styling choices. Interestingly, his latest fashion hit is all about a Satoru Gojo cosplay and the new look has also sparked widespread excitement and admiration.

Ricky Impresses Locals with Satoru Gojo Cosplay

Ricky, who is recognized for his signature blond hair, recently surprised fans by flaunting dark hair. After all, it was a transformation that gained attention and showcased his ability to rock different looks. The idol’s diverse styling choices have also contributed to his growing popularity.

In a recent fan sign event, Ricky took fan interaction to a new level by fulfilling a dream for many. A fan brought a costume, and Ricky embraced the opportunity to cosplay as Satoru Gojo, a popular character from the anime “Jujutsu Kaisen”. The transformation also included donning Gojo’s student jacket and iconic circular sunglasses, capturing the essence of the beloved character.

https://twitter.com/qnuarui/status/1733120134414536821

Satoru Gojo is known for his playful demeanor and striking appearance and holds a special place in the hearts of “Jujutsu Kaisen” fans. Ricky’s commitment to the Gojo cosplay, complete with the character’s signature hand pose, delighted fans and showcased his appreciation for anime culture.

The excitement didn’t end there. A TikTok video featuring Ricky’s Gojo cosplay quickly gained traction, amassing over 1 million views and 43.8 thousand bookmarks. The video, posted by an anime and manga-focused account, also sparked interest from viewers who expressed a newfound interest in K-Pop and ZEROBASEONE after witnessing Ricky’s captivating transformation.

@seanstama

The one time bro doesn’t wear blue contacts 😭 #gojousatoru #gojo #jjk #ricky #zerobaseone #zb1 #kpop #fyppp #anime

♬ original sound – ✮ rin – ✮ rin

Ricky’s ability to connect with fans through unique experiences like cosplay demonstrates his willingness to embrace diverse aspects of fan culture. The viral success of his Gojo cosplay highlights the impact of crossover fandoms and the potential to introduce new audiences to K-Pop through shared interests in anime and manga.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Former Romeo Member Hyunkyung Joins KNK

Hyunkyung, formerly of the boy group ROMEO, has joined KNK, marking a significant shift in his musical career. Fans of both groups have expressed excitement and curiosity about how Hyunkyung will influence KNK’s musical direction moving forward. He was known for being quite a talented performer during his time with ROMEO, and he’s expected to shine in KNK as well.

ROMEO Teaser _ Hyunkyung

KNK, a South Korean boy band formed by YNB Entertainment, debuted on March 3, 2016. Their name stands for “K-pop kNocK,” signifying their intention to “knock on the door of K-pop with their music.” KNK has released several albums and singles, including KNK AIRLINE in 2020, KNK S/S COLLECTION in 2019, LONELY NIGHT in 2019, and their first album KNOCK in 2016. They’ve also done various promotional activities and concerts, including their first solo concert in 2017, which was part of their Asian tour.

The group has undergone several changes since their debut, including changes in their lineup and management companies. They were initially under YNB Entertainment until September 10, 2018, and since January 2, 2019, they have been with 220 Entertainment. As of now, the group consists of four members: Dongwon, Inseong, Jihun, and Hyunjong (Hyunkyung’s real name) himself.

All about Hyunkyung aka Hyunjong

Hyunjong joined the K-pop group KNK as the youngest member, or maknae, on December 4, 2023. He went by the stage name Hyunkyung when he was with ROMEO. He was inspired to become a performer after watching South Korean soloist Rain on TV. His journey in the entertainment industry includes his participation in the reality show MIXNINE, where he showcased his talents and placed 17th. Educationally, he is an alumnus of the Hanlim Multi Art School, known for nurturing artistic individuals. Hyunjong also briefly trained with Fantagio. He looks up to Doojoon from HIGHLIGHT.

[ENG SUB] ROMEO Can Do Anything EP 02 Ask ROMEO -Hyunkyung-

In his personal life, Hyunjong finds that engaging in physical activities like push-ups, sit-ups, and playing sports like badminton, soccer, and jokgu helps him relieve stress. In addition to his athletic pursuits, he also enjoys reading, which adds to his well-rounded personality. When it comes to his ideal type, Hyunjong has expressed a preference for someone who is devoted and affectionate, seeking a partner who would be fully committed to him.

Hyunjong‘s joining KNK is seen as an exciting and positive change for the group. He brings new experiences from his previous group and his time on the reality show circuit. His lively personality and wide range of interests fit well with KNK‘s energetic style. Fans are looking forward to how he will add to the group’s success, influenced by his role models and passion for the music industry. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The news took fans by surprise. Nonetheless, they were happy to hear about this new development in Hyunjong’s career. Source: X/@KNKOfficial220.

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ZEROBASEONE Member Ricky to Be Absent From Asia Artist Awards 2023 Due to Visa Issues

Ricky poses for the group's profile photos. Credit: Facebook/ZEROBASEONE

Ricky from the K-pop boy group ZEROBASEONE will unfortunately be absent from the upcoming 2023 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) in the Philippines due to visa-related complications.

On Monday, December 11, WAKEONE Entertainment revealed that Ricky will not be able to attend the award ceremony. The agency representing the group explained that there’s “unforeseen” issues with passport and visa processing. 

“Despite efforts internally and externally and exploring various solutions to facilitate Ricky’s participation in the event, it has been conclusively determined that he cannot depart,” the agency said, according to a translation by Soompi. 

As a result, only eight members of ZEROBASEONE will be present at the AAA 2023.  Additionally, Sung Han Bin, one of the group members, was earlier confirmed to be an MC for the event.

Furthermore, WAKEONE Entertainment expressed their sincere apologies for any confusion caused among fans eagerly anticipating Ricky’s attendance in the show. As the agency requested understanding from fans, they also assured them that they’d provide unwavering support to ensure the group’s smooth participation in all upcoming international events and schedules.

Despite this, some fans still called out WAKEONE Entertainment as this isn’t the first time for Ricky to experience visa-related issues. Some fans also raised several instances of the company’s alleged mistreatment of the idol. Meanwhile, others are also lamenting at the missed opportunity of not having the full group in the said prestigious event. 

 

https://twitter.com/riknyang/status/1734087483934339294

The AAA 2023 is scheduled for December 14 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.  Over 45 acts are confirmed to grace the event. Most of the artists in the lineup are from South Korea, while there’s also representatives from Japan, China, and the Philippines.

More about ZEROBASEONE

ZEROBASEONE, a nine-member boy group formed through the talent reality show Boys Planet, officially debuted in July. Their debut album, YOUTH IN THE SHADE, achieved significant success by breaking several sales records. 

In November, the group made a highly-anticipated comeback with their second album, MELTING POINT. 

Recently, the rookie group has been receiving acclaim by winning in year-end awards. In MAMA Awards 2023, they were named the Best New Male Artist. Meanwhile, they tied with fellow rookie boy group RIIZE for New Artist of the Year at Melon Music Awards. 

Featured image: Ricky poses for the group’s profile photos. Credit: Facebook/ZEROBASEONE

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WOODZ Announces Enlistment Date for January 2024

EDAM Entertainment shares photo of the idol from a pictorial shoot. Credit: Twitter/WOODZ

South Korean singer-songwriter WOODZ, also known as Cho Seung Youn, has shared the news of his upcoming military enlistment. 

On Sunday, December 10, the former X1 and UNIQ member disclosed that he is scheduled to commence his military service on January 22, 2024. In a personal message to his devoted fanbase, MOODZ, the idol expressed his sentiments about the approaching enlistment. 

“My military enlistment, which had always seemed so far away, has now arrived. And it feels like I’ve been thinking about my enlistment since last year,” he shared, according to a translation by Soompi. 

In his letter, the singer acknowledged the inevitability of this chapter. Despite this, he emphasized his commitment to fulfill his duties as Cho Seung Youn, distancing himself temporarily from the WOODZ persona.

Reflecting on nearly a decade in the entertainment industry since his debut, WOODZ expressed gratitude for the invaluable memories created with MOODZ. With this, he left a promise to his fans. 

“I’ll come back even healthier, so please stay happy and healthy without getting sick, wherever you are. Once again, thank you to MOODZ for always giving me strength and giving me more love than I deserve,” he said. 

Moreover, South Korean media is reporting that he’ll be serving in the military band. 

Serve well, WOODZ! 

Notably, the enlistment announcement coincided with WOODZ’s ongoing “OO-LI and” world tour.

Despite his imminent departure, he has also confirmed the release of a new digital single titled “AMNESIA,” a song he debuted during his concerts. The single is slated for online release on December 18, adding a poignant note to his musical journey before his military service begins.

To recall, WOODZ gained prominence as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band UNIQ, formed under Yuehua Entertainment in 2014. Following the group’s hiatus in 2018, WOODZ ventured into the solo arena. In 2019, he participated in the survival show Produce X 101, where he finished as fifth place. Said show formed the short-lived boy group X1, which disbanded in early 2020 due to vote-rigging allegations.

In a significant career move in October 2022, WOODZ transitioned from Yuehua to EDAM Entertainment.

Throughout his career, the singer-songwriter has demonstrated artistic exploration, experimenting with diverse musical styles and concepts. With his distinctive versatility, fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of his future endeavors.

Featured image: EDAM Entertainment shares photo of the idol from a pictorial shoot. Credit: Twitter/WOODZ

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s V Confirmed to Star in IU’s Upcoming Music Video

The K-pop community is abuzz with excitement as BTS member V is confirmed to appear in IU‘s upcoming music video. This collaboration is part of the female soloist’s new album, her first release in two years since Pieces in late 2021. Her previous releases were all well-received, setting high expectations for this new project.

While the exact release date of IU‘s album remains under wraps, the music video was filmed ahead of time to accommodate V‘s schedule. V began his military service on December 11 KST. Recently, it was announced that BTS members RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook would be enlisting in the military. This music video is one of his last projects before his enlistment.

It was previously reported that he signed up to join the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Army’s Capital Defense Command for his military service. The SDT is an elite military police unit involved in counter-terrorism.

[IU’s Palette🎨] ‘V’egin Again (With V) Ep.24

V and IU blended well together

V and IU showed off their close friendship when V appeared on the YouTube show IU’s Palette. He  appeared on the show to promote his debut solo album Layover, released on September 8. At first, both artists addressed each other formally while filming the episode. Eventually, they transitioned to a more casual manner of speaking.

The episode featured musical performances. They sang each other’s songs, with V singing his track “Slow Dancing” and both doing a duet of IU‘s track “Ending Switch.” V also danced along to IU‘s rendition of his track “Love Me Again.” Fans of both IU and V were delighted with the episode. They praised the two for blending well on their duet, their candid interactions, and their energy.

This marks IU‘s second collaboration with a BTS member, following her previous work with SUGA, another member of BTS. They worked on tracks like “Eight” and SUGA‘s “People Pt. 2.” The combination of IU‘s musical prowess and V‘s charismatic presence is set to make this music video a notable event in the K-pop world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Fans can’t wait to see what IU and the BTS member have come up with. Source: YouTube/@dlwlrma.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Jin Earns Early Promotion to Sergeant

BTS‘s Jin has recently been recognized for his outstanding military service with an early promotion to the rank of Sergeant. On December 4, Jin shared a heartfelt message on the fan community platform Weverse, expressing his gratitude to BTS‘s loyal fandom, the ARMY, for their birthday wishes. He conveyed his sadness at being unable to celebrate with a live broadcast as usual. Jin stated, “Even though we can’t be together, I hope you’re having a good time in your hearts.”

Jin reflected on his military journey, noting, “Already one year has passed since I joined the military. Although there’s still more time left until I return, I’m already excited thinking that I will return soon, since only 1/3 of the military service is left for me.” He ended by thanking everyone for their birthday wishes and proudly announcing his promotion. “With outstanding military service, I’ve been promoted again, and I’m currently Sergeant Kim Seokjin (important).”

@jessielove1131

So happy that finally you made ypur dream come through, to be Sgt. Kim Seok-Jin. #btsjin #btsarmy #happybirthdayjin

♬ The Astronaut – Jin

His first promotion was to the rank of Corporal. He achieved it two months earlier than expected, in recognition of his diligence and athleticism. Jin also earned the “Special Class Warrior” title, given to those who demonstrate exceptional physical endurance and mental fortitude. It’s also given to those who excel in various military training aspects, including shooting and physical fitness.

Later, Jin was promoted again, this time to the rank of Sergeant. Again, he achieved this earlier than expected. A sergeant in the 5th Infantry Division of the South Korean army has specific  responsibilities within this unit. 

Sergeant Jin in the 5th Infantry Division

The 5th Infantry Division, also known as “The Key Division,” is an integral part of the Republic of Korea Army and has been active since April 29, 1948. Stationed in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, it forms part of the V Corps of the Republic of Korea Army.

As a frontline division, the 5th Infantry Division is responsible for guarding the General Outpost (GOP) and Guard Post (GP) of Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province. It’s an important area, considering its proximity to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. A sergeant’s role in this division blends leadership, operational management, training, administrative responsibilities, and the maintenance of discipline and standards. This position involves leading and supervising lower-ranked soldiers, ensuring that they effectively execute their tasks while adhering to military protocols.

@jkvesor

Our Sergeant Seokjin is bullying the trainee💜😂✌💜 #kimseokjin #btsjin #seokjinie #jhope #bts #ot7 ❤💖❤

♬ Abyss – Jin

The division has various specialized battalions and companies. These include an Engineer Battalion, Maintenance Battalion, Supply & Transport Battalion, Reconnaissance Battalion, Armored Battalion, and others. This implies that sergeants could serve in a variety of roles depending on their specific assignment. Given the strategic importance and history of the 5th Infantry Division, sergeants serving in this unit play a crucial role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of the South Korean Army in a key defensive region of the country.

These promotions reflect Jin‘s commitment and hard work during his military service, as well as his ability to meet and exceed the rigorous standards of the South Korean military. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’s eldest member is killing it in the South Korean military. Sources: X/@Larasati004 and X/@UniverSeokJINie.

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EXO Shares Reunion Pictures From Manager’s Wedding

It has been a long time but EXO finally got together again. All eight Korean members of the idol group recently attended their manager’s wedding. This was proven after the idols shared reunion pictures on social media.

EXO Posed for Reunion Pictures at Wedding

Fans of EXO were treated to a delightful surprise as eight members of the group reunited to attend the wedding of their manager Yong Min. The gathering marked a special occasion, and the members commemorated the event by sharing photos on their social media accounts. Not surprisingly, the reunion pictures brought joy and nostalgia to fans who have missed seeing the idols together.

Baekhyun, one of the EXO members, took to his Instagram story to post a photo from the wedding. It captured a moment of togetherness as the members sat at a table during the celebration. The glimpse into their reunion sparked emotions among fans who have eagerly awaited such moments.

Leader Suho shared another photo, offering a candid look at the group enjoying the wedding festivities. Chanyeol contributed to the excitement by uploading the last of the group photos, accompanied by a close-up shot, further enhancing the sentiment of the reunion. Although Chinese member Lay was not present at the event, he recently made it clear he is still a member of EXO.

The members’ presence at the manager’s wedding not only celebrated the joyous occasion but also provided a rare opportunity for fans to witness the camaraderie and bond that exists within EXO. The reunion generated a buzz on social media, with the hashtag “MY EXO” trending on Twitter as fans expressed their emotions and appreciation for the long-awaited gathering.

The photos from the wedding sparked hope and anticipation among fans, leaving them eager for more opportunities to see the complete EXO group together in the future. The reunion not only celebrated a wedding but also rekindled the excitement surrounding the possibility of future group activities and comebacks.

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fromis_9 Announces ‘From Now’ Concerts in January 2024

fromis_9 is gearing up to kick off the new year with a solo concert. The upcoming events, which will be held in Seoul, will be the girl group’s first major endeavor for January 2024!

fromis_9 Confirms First Major Concert for January 2024

On December 9, fromis_9 announced their upcoming concerts titled ‘2024 fromis_9 concert-FROM NOW.’ The concert is scheduled to take place on January 27th and 28th, 2024, at the Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul. The announcement was made by their agency Pledis Entertainment via fromis_9’s official social media channels, along with the release of a vibrant concert poster.

The poster, adorned with bright-colored oil paints, prominently features the fromis_9 logo and a lock symbol, representing their first full album ‘Unlock My World.’ The visually striking poster has also sparked curiosity and anticipation among fans, hinting at the concert’s conceptual theme.

fromis_9 had an eventful 2023, marked by the release of their first full album ‘Unlock My World’ in June. Throughout the year, they earned the title of ‘Festival Queens’ for their active participation in various festivals, showcasing their versatility and talent.

Known for their hidden gem songs, fromis_9 plans to enchant the audience at the solo concert with not only the title tracks from their albums but also a diverse selection of songs. The upcoming concert also serves as a platform for the group to connect with their fans. Likewise, they aim to showcase the depth and breadth of their musical prowess. As fromis_9 prepares to usher in the new year, fans can also look forward to an electrifying and memorable experience. The ‘FROM NOW.’ concerts will be held in January 2024.

In related news, fromis_9 member Park Ji Won collaborated with NU’EST member Baekho on a new single. The idols, who are both represented by Pledis Entertainment, released the digital single “What Are We” on December 7, 2023. It is also the first time Baekho and Jiwon collaborated on new music.

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