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BTS’s Jin Sends His Hyung to Visit a Birthday Exhibition

Jin

An exhibit in honor of BTS member Jin took place over three days, from December 1 to 3, 2023. His fans held the event at the HiKR Ground in the Korea Tourism Organization’s Seoul office. It’s located at 40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. It was one of the biggest fan-organized events in the world, befitting Jin’s superstar status. 

The exhibit took up three floors. Fans received free entry and special gifts at the door. It featured tall electronic panels that bore a Christmas theme, as well as images of the BTS member affectionately known as “Worldwide Handsome.” Fans could take photos with these panels and explore a space-themed room, a nod to Jin’s love for space.

His hyung (older brother) attended the event, revealing that Jin, who is still serving in the military, had asked him to do so in his stead. “Came back from visiting the exhibition event the fans arranged for my dongsaeng‘s birthday. On behalf of our family, I’d like to say thank you to the people who have put together this amazing place with a lot of effort. My dongsaeng, who is currently in the military base and would have difficulty traveling, asked me to attend and convey thanks on his behalf. So I’m relaying it through this post. Thank you,” Jin’s brother wrote on Instagram.

@taetaekosmos

Seokjin knows about this beautiful exhibition – i am going to cry 😭😭😭 #HappyBirthdayJin #JinDay2023 #kimseokjin #jinbts #jin #seokjin #btsedit #bts_official_bighit #bangtanboys #bangtansonyeondan방탄소년단 #btsforyoupage #bangtan #bts

♬ Moon – BTS

Jin thanked fans on Weverse

Jin, who just celebrated his first birthday as a soldier, expressed his gratitude to fans in a message. “Thank you very much to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I usually do live streams with ARMY on my birthday, but I can’t this year. That breaks my heart,” he shared on Weverse. He reassured fans that although he can’t be with them right now, he’s thinking of them.

Reflecting on his time in the South Korean military, Jin conveyed his excitement to reunite with fans when he’s discharged next year. “There’s still a lot of time left, but I’m already excited to be with you,” Jin continued in his note to fans. “Oh, and our members are going to join the army. I hope that time passes quickly and I can have a good time with the members and the ARMYs.”

His mandatory military service began on December 13, 2022 and he’s due to return in June 2024. This news has sent the group’s devoted followers into an online frenzy, eagerly awaiting his return. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: If Jin could’ve gone himself, he would’ve. Sources: X/@Elizabe68310078 and @jinnieslamp.

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ATEEZ Concludes First Chapter With ‘The World Ep. Fin: Will’

ATEEZ recently released their second full-length album, The World Ep. Fin: Will. It’s special to the members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho, as they helped write some of its 12 tracks. During a press conference in Seoul, leader Hongjoong reflected on the album, saying, “It took us four years to release our second studio album. This album wraps up our five years as ATEEZ and previews what’s to come in the following years.”

The album includes standout tracks like “Arriba,” “Crazy Form,” “Emergency,” “Silver Light,” and “We Know,” each adding a unique flavor to the overall sound. Commercially, The World Ep. Fin: Will set new records for ATEEZ, selling 1,707,870 copies in its first week and debuting at No. 1 on the Circle weekly album chart. This marks the group’s eighth number-one hit on the Circle chart.

The title track, “Crazy Form,” is an afrobeat dancehall tune that earned significant attention. Its music video was viewed 19.2 million times in the first 24 hours of its release. “Crazy Form” also won first place on the December 6 episode of Show Champion. Hongjoong explained their choice of the title track, saying, “We thought that our title track could be too simple. But at the same time, we thought it was a great track to emphasize our performance.”

ATEEZ announces world tour

The album also has three unit tracks and one solo track. “Matz,” a hip-hop number by Hongjoong and Seonghwa, showcases their energy. “It’s You,” featuring San, Wooyoung, and Yeosang, offers a groovy rhythm and mystical melody. “Youth,” an alternative pop song by Mingi and Yunho, addresses the concerns of people in their 20s. Lastly, “Everything,” a solo track by Jongho, highlights his vocal talent.

Looking ahead, Hongjoong elaborated on the group’s aspirations. “I think this is an album that can make the public look forward to our releases in the years to come. This year marks our fifth debut anniversary and so far, our greatest achievement has been establishing a strong relationship with our fans around the world. We hope to continue presenting music that can make our fans proud of us.”

In other news, ATEEZ has announced a new world tour in 2024. The tour’s title is TOWARDS THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ATEEZ ends their first chapter to begin a promising new one! Source: X/@zhouang.

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aespa Joins The New York Times Music Critic’s “Best Songs Of 2023” List

It looks like aespa is truly set on taking over the world. The girl group just made it into The New York Times’ list of the “Best Songs of 2023”. They also happened to be the only K-pop act on the list!

aespa Joins The New York Times’ Prestigious ‘Best Songs of 2023’ List

aespa’s impact continues to resonate globally as the group earned a spot on The New York Times’ prestigious list of the “Best Songs of 2023.” Critic Jon Pareles acknowledged aespa’s single “Better Things” at No. 13 on the list, praising its distinctive elements.

The inclusion of aespa on The New York Times’ year-end list is a significant achievement, highlighting the group’s ability to captivate international audiences and garner recognition from esteemed critics. Being the only K-pop artist featured alongside renowned musicians like Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Lana Del Rey, and Dolly Parton is a testament to aespa’s global influence.

The critic described “Better Things” as a “K-pop kiss-off” driven by cowbells, handclaps, and piano chords. He commended the song’s ingeniously cascading vocal harmonies and noted its overall upbeat and regret-free vibe. The minimalist up-tempo dance track, released in August, also features refreshing rhythmic percussion sounds and unique rhythm patterns, contributing to its distinctiveness.

The positive message embedded in the lyrics of “Better Things,” encouraging listeners to focus their time on more valuable pursuits, resonated with fans. The bright chords, melodic composition, and aespa’s rich vocals collectively contributed to the song’s popularity.

This recognition from The New York Times comes after aespa’s recent acknowledgment as one of the ’25 Most Influential Women of 2023′ by the British Financial Times. These accolades also underscore aespa’s impact not only in the realm of K-pop but also on the global music landscape.

aespa’s success extends beyond their musical achievements, encompassing their influence on pop culture, fashion, and overall cultural trends. As they continue to break new ground and receive acclaim from esteemed publications, aespa also solidifies their status as trailblazers in the K-pop industry with a lasting impact on the global music scene.

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BOYNEXTDOOR’s Riwoo Unable to Attend 2023 Music Bank Global Festival

KOZ Entertainment revealed on December 7 that BOYNEXTDOOR’s Riwoo will be unable to attend KBS’s 2023 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan due to passport and visa issues, preventing him from entering the country. The announcement was made just ahead of the group’s scheduled performance on December 9.

Riwoo Unable To Join BOYNEXTDOOR’s Upcoming Japan Performance

KOZ Entertainment confirmed the news in a statement.

“Due to personal issues with his passport and visa, Riwoo is unable to enter Japan, and so he will not be able to fulfill his schedule [in the country]. We tried to solve the problem through many different methods, but because it was difficult to resolve the issue before the concert, he is currently unable to enter the country,” the statement read.

The 2023 Music Bank Global Festival is a highly anticipated event that showcases a diverse lineup of K-pop artists, attracting fans from around the world. The festival is divided into two parts, with Part 1 airing live from Korea and Part 2 being a pre-recorded show in Japan.

Despite Riwoo’s absence, BOYNEXTDOOR continues to be part of the lineup for the festival, participating in Part 2 alongside other prominent K-pop acts. The group’s participation in the festival highlights their popularity and recognition in the industry.

What to Expect in ‘2023 Music Bank Global Festival’ Japan Leg

The festival will be hosted by MCs Rowoon, Go Min Si, and Lee Young Ji, and it features a star-studded lineup of performers, including ATEEZ, THE BOYZ, ENHYPEN, ITZY, Stray Kids, SHINee, and many more. The festival aims to celebrate the diversity and global appeal of K-pop, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talent to a wider audience.

KBS’s Music Bank Global Festival is a significant event in the K-pop calendar, bringing together top-tier artists for spectacular performances and memorable moments. The festival’s inclusion of both live and pre-recorded segments adds to the excitement, allowing fans to experience the energy and creativity of K-pop acts in different settings.

While Riwoo’s absence is a disappointment for fans, the resilience of BOYNEXTDOOR and their continued participation in such a prestigious event underscores the group’s commitment to their craft and their dedication to connecting with fans worldwide. As the festival unfolds, fans can also look forward to an unforgettable showcase of K-pop excellence and unity.

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WOODZ Unveils “AMNESIA” Concept Photos

WOODZ, also known as Cho Seung Youn, has delighted fans with the unexpected announcement of his new digital single “AMNESIA.” The surprise release was officially revealed on December 8 at midnight KST, creating a buzz of excitement among WOODZ’s dedicated fanbase.

WOODZ Confirms ‘AMNESIA’ Release With New Concept Photos

“AMNESIA” made its debut during WOODZ’s ongoing “OO-LI and” world tour, where he showcased the song’s captivating sound and performance. The positive reception from the live performances also heightened anticipation for the official release of the digital single.

To build further excitement, WOODZ unveiled the first set of concept photos for “AMNESIA,” offering fans a glimpse into the artistic direction and visual aesthetics of the upcoming release. The new single is set to be fully released online on December 18 at 6 p.m. KST, adding to the anticipation surrounding the single.

WOODZ’s ability to surprise and engage his audience reflects his versatility as an artist and his commitment to delivering fresh and innovative music experiences. The “AMNESIA” release is also another example of WOODZ’s dedication to his craft and his desire to connect with fans through compelling and meaningful musical content.

As fans eagerly await the full release of “AMNESIA” and the accompanying concept photos, WOODZ continues to demonstrate his growth and impact in the music industry. His ability to seamlessly navigate various genres and deliver memorable performances also contributes to his standing as a dynamic and influential artist in the K-pop scene.

WOODZ’s journey, from his early days as a contestant on a survival show to his solo career and achievements, resonates with fans who appreciate his authenticity, talent, and continuous artistic evolution. With “AMNESIA,” WOODZ also adds another chapter to his musical narrative, inviting fans to join him on a captivating and immersive musical experience.

“AMNESIA” will be released on December 18, 2023, at 6 p.m. KST.

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ATEEZ’s New Album “THE WORLD EP.FIN : WILL” Achieves Group’s Highest 1st-Week Sales

ATEEZ has achieved remarkable success with their latest album ‘THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL’, breaking personal records and setting new milestones. The album, released last week, has proven to be a massive hit among fans, leading to unprecedented sales figures.

ATEEZ Achieves Major Group Milestone With ‘THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL’

According to Hanteo Chart’s report on December 8, ‘THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL’ sold an astounding total of 1,707,870 copies in its first week of release, covering the period from December 1 to 7. This remarkable feat shattered ATEEZ’s previous first-week sales record of 1,521,275 copies, achieved with their mini album ‘THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW’ earlier in the same year.

The overwhelming success of the album speaks to the dedicated and growing fanbase of ATEEZ, showcasing the group’s popularity and influence in the music industry. Fans eagerly embraced the new release, contributing to the impressive sales figures that surpassed even the group’s high standards.

In addition to the extraordinary album sales, ATEEZ also set a new record on YouTube with the music video for their title track “Crazy Form”. The video garnered over 19.2 million views within its first 24 hours, marking a new milestone for fourth-generation boy groups. This accomplishment reflects the global impact of ATEEZ’s music, drawing attention and support from fans worldwide.

ATEEZ’s ability to consistently break their own records underscores their upward trajectory in the K-pop industry. The group’s unique sound, powerful performances, and engaging concepts have resonated with fans, creating a strong bond that continues to strengthen with each release.

As ATEEZ celebrates the success of ‘THE WORLD EP.FIN: WILL’, the achievements reflect not only the group’s talent but also the unwavering support of their dedicated fanbase. The record-breaking sales and views also attest to ATEEZ’s position as a major player in the K-pop landscape, with fans eagerly anticipating the group’s future endeavors and milestones.

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GOT7 BamBam Confirms First US Tour Dates and Cities

GOT7’s BamBam has exciting news for his fans as he officially announced the U.S. leg of his first world tour “AREA 52.” The tour, which is set to kick off in Oakland on February 10, 2024, will take BamBam to various cities across the United States.

BamBam Reveals Official ‘AREA 52’ US Tour Dates and Cities

BamBam shared the new poster for the “AREA 52” world tour on his official Twitter account. The U.S. tour dates and cities include Los Angeles on February 12, Dallas on February 16, Chicago on February 19, Washington, D.C. on February 22, and New York on February 24. This marks a significant moment for BamBam as he embarks on a solo journey, showcasing his talents and connecting with fans around the world.

BamBam’s decision to venture into the U.S. for his world tour reflects the global appeal and recognition he has gained as an artist. The tour provides an opportunity for fans in different cities to experience his performances live and share the excitement of his solo endeavors.

As a member of GOT7, BamBam has already left a lasting impact on the K-pop scene, and his solo activities further contribute to his artistic growth and individual identity. The “AREA 52” world tour serves as a platform for BamBam to express his unique style and connect with fans on a more personal level.

Fans in the United States can anticipate an immersive experience as BamBam brings his energy, charisma, and musical prowess to the stage. The tour not only celebrates BamBam’s solo achievements but also strengthens the bond between him and his dedicated fanbase.

With dates set for major cities in the U.S., BamBam’s “AREA 52” tour promises to be a memorable and thrilling experience for fans, showcasing the artist’s versatility and captivating stage presence. As he embarks on this tour, BamBam continues to make strides in his solo career, solidifying his status as an influential and dynamic performer in the global music industry.

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EXO Lay Joins Viral ‘The First Snow’ TikTok Challenge

EXO-Ls have a reason to celebrate this holiday season. Lay Zhang‘s recent participation in a TikTok challenge for EXO’s “The First Snow” has provided fans with a positive update on his status within the group.

EXO Member Lay Joins ‘The First Snow’ TikTok Challenge

Lay, who officially left SM Entertainment in 2022, has occasionally left fans wondering about his standing with EXO, especially with his absence from recent music videos.

The confusion around Lay’s status heightened due to updates on the SM Entertainment website, leaving fans uncertain about his role within the group. However, Lay’s recent TikTok activity has helped alleviate concerns and clarify that he remains connected to EXO.

The TikTok challenge for “The First Snow” gained popularity, sparking a surge in streaming and charting on the Melon Daily Chart. Lay’s participation in the challenge, where he showcased the dance moves and added a personal touch by forming the signature E-X-O with his hands, delighted fans. This enthusiastic response from Lay and the subsequent trending of “E-X-O,” “EXO Lay,” and “First Snow” on social media platforms reassured fans that Lay continues to be involved with and supportive of EXO.

https://twitter.com/trulychanyeol/status/1732421506645496142

While Lay’s official participation in music videos may have been limited in recent years, his commitment to participating in album productions and engaging in fan activities demonstrates his ongoing connection to EXO. Fans can look forward to more collaborative moments and updates from Lay, showcasing his enduring bond with the group and its members. The TikTok challenge not only brought joy to fans but also reinforced Lay’s commitment to EXO, fostering excitement and unity within the fandom.

“The First Snow” was originally released in 2013 in the EXO album ‘Miracles in December’. The song was released when EXO still had its original 12 members before Luhan, Kris, and Tao left the group in the following year.

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The Wind’s Shin Jaewon Announces Sudden Departure

Just seven months after their debut, The Wind, a rookie boy group, has announced the departure of their leader Shin Jaewon. On December 6, With US Entertainment, the agency overseeing The Wind, revealed that Shin Jaewon would be leaving the group due to personal circumstances. Consequently, The Wind, who officially debuted in May, will also continue their journey as a six-member group.

With US Entertainment Confirms Shin Jaewon’s Departure From The Wind

With US Entertainment officially announced the news in a statement. It also included an apology to fans who were shocked by the sudden departure of The Wind’s leader.

“Due to personal circumstances, The Wind member Shin Jaewon will be leaving the group as of December 6, 2023,” the statement read. “As a result, we are informing you that The Wind will be carrying out their future scheduled activities as a six-member group.”

“We promise to do our utmost and work our hardest to give The Wind’s activities our unsparing support as they make a new start,” it continued. “We ask that you give your unchanging love and warm support to the six members of The Wind who will continue to grow and walk towards their dreams.”

The Wind is signed under With Us Entertainment, a subsidiary of Around Us Entertainment. The current lineup consists of members Thanatorn, Park Hayuchan, Kim Heesoo, Choi Hanbin, An Chanwon, and Jang Hyounjoon. They made their debut with the mini album ‘Beginning: The Wind Page’ and the title track “ISLAND” on May 15, 2023. Prior to their official debut, the group also released a pre-debut single titled ‘Sirius’ on April 23, 2023.

The departure of Shin Jaewon emphasizes the dynamic nature of K-pop groups and the challenges they may face. The remaining members of The Wind will also continue their activities as a six-member ensemble, and fans will likely be watching eagerly to see how the group evolves in the future.

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JESSI and JAY PARK Break Silence on Rumored Contract Termination

MORE VISION founder JAY PARK and JESSI have directly refuted reports regarding the potential termination of the latter’s exclusive contract with the label. On December 6, media outlets reported that MORE VISION had notified JESSI of its intention to terminate their contract, sparking discussions between the two parties.

JAY PARK Breaks Silence on Rumored JESSI Contract Termination

Responding to the reports, MORE VISION stated, “We’re checking [the facts],” offering a brief comment on the situation. However, both JAY PARK and JESSI decided to take to their Instagram Stories on December 7 to finally address the rumors and reassure fans who have been concerned.

Park shared a photo of himself with JESSI, writing, “Me and Jessi [are] good. No need to worry. There is no such thing as discord.”

For her part, JESSI also responded, saying, “Just arrived in NY… and woke up to this Nonsense… Y’all need to get a life for real. We all good over here. Happy Holidays Guys!”

The controversy arose when JESSI canceled her appearance on KBS2’s “Music Bank” on October 27, citing health issues. She subsequently missed appearances on MBC’s “Show! Music Core” and SBS’s “Inkigayo” due to health problems. The sudden cancellations and JESSI’s departure from her usual active participation during album promotions raised questions about the situation.

An industry insider previously suggested that disagreements between JESSI and MORE VISION occurred during her new song promotions, leading to ongoing issues. Ultimately, MORE VISION reportedly decided that parting ways would be in the best interest of both parties.

The direct responses from JAY PARK and JESSI aim to dispel concerns and clarify that there is no discord between them. The situation highlights the challenges and complexities that can arise in the entertainment industry, and the public statements from the artists provide a glimpse into their perspective on the matter.

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