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Jungkook Drops ‘Standing Next to You’ Remix Album

Jungkook

Jungkook unveiled new material, Standing Next to You: The Remixes, on November 6 at 2:00 PM KST. This album is entirely dedicated to remixes of his new single “Standing Next to You,” from his debut solo album GOLDEN. The remix album not only includes the original version; it also has band and instrumental versions, along with a “Future Funk Remix,” “Holiday Remix,” “Latin Trap Remix,” “PBR&B Remix,” and “Slow Jam Remix.”

BTS’s maknae reunited with songwriter-producer duo Andrew Watt and Cirkut for “Standing Next to You.” This time, they embraced retro funk sounds to highlight Jungkook‘s dynamic and powerful vocals. The album also boasts songwriting credits from Ali Tamposi, known for co-writing Camila Cabello‘s “Havana,” and Jon Bellion, co-writer and co-producer of Justin Bieber‘s “Justice.”

The remix album is available on streaming services. BigHit Music also dropped visualizers for all the tracks on YouTube. Check out one of them below.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Standing Next to You – Future Funk Remix’ Visualizer

Jungkook scores with ‘Standing Next to You’

In related news, “Standing Next to You” just set an impressive record on Spotify. On November 7, the track climbed to No. 1 on Spotify’s daily Global Top Songs chart for the first time, becoming his third solo song to achieve this milestone. Jungkook previously reached No. 1 with his singles “Seven feat. Latto)” and “3D (feat. Jack Harlow)” earlier this year.

Remarkably, Jungkook has become the first K-pop artist in history to top Spotify’s global chart with three different songs. With this latest achievement, he has surpassed his own group BTS and BLACKPINK—both of whom have two No. 1 songs each—becoming the K-pop artist with the most No. 1 songs to date on Spotify’s Global Top Songs chart. Jungkook also extended his reign as the K-pop artist with the most days at No. 1 on Spotify’s global chart, now totaling a combined 73 days across all of his solo songs.

Moreover, Jungkook’s “Seven (feat. Latto),” his first collaboration with Andrew Watt and Cirkut, recently became the fastest song in Spotify history to hit 1 billion streams, shattering the record set by Miley Cyrus’s “Flowers.” To add to his list of accolades, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) officially announced that “Seven (feat. Latto)” had been awarded a platinum certification for over 1 million units sold. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s remix album proves ‘Standing Next to You’ is a bop, no matter its sound. Source: Weverse.

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Jungkook and TXT Win Big at MTV Europe Music Awards

BTS’s Jungkook and his dongsaengs TOMORROW X TOGETHER, also known as TXT, stood out as the sole Korean representatives to win trophies at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs). On November 6, MTV unveiled the recipients of this year’s Europe Music Awards. The award ceremony scheduled for November 5 in Paris, France. MTV canceled it due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

K-pop artists win 3 trophies at 2023 MTV EMA

Jungkook’s global musical impact

Leading the winners was Jungkook. He received three nominations and won two awards. First, he won Best Song for his hit “Seven (feat. Latto),” released in July. The song has been an international success, topping the Billboard Hot 100, breaking the one billion streaming mark on Spotify in the shortest time, and maintaining the number one spot on the Daily Top Songs Global chart for 70 days, enjoying immense popularity.

This marks the first time a K-pop soloist won this category. The only K-pop group to have received this award was BTS in 2020 with “Dynamite.” Jungkook beat notable artists like Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, and Taylor Swift.

The accolades for the golden maknae didn’t end there—Jungkook was also honored with the Best K-Pop award, further cementing his global musical impact. The Best K-Pop category, introduced in 2019, saw BTS win three times until 2021.

MTV celebrates talent

Meanwhile, the rising stars TXT garnered recognition in the Best Push Artist category, illustrating the dynamic presence of K-pop on the global music stage. Having won the Best Asia Act award last year this means they won awards two years in a row.

The Best Push Artist category highlights notable artists in the global music market, selected for the MTV PUSH campaign. This year, musicians from various genres who attempted differentiation and set new trends, were nominated, with TXT taking the win. They also took the PUSH Performance of the Year at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards held in the U.S. this past September. 

The 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards had to forgo its offline ceremony this year, but the spirit of celebrating talent remains undiminished, with the winners reflecting the diverse, dynamic landscape of today’s scene. Fans of Jungkook and TXT took to social media to celebrate these historic wins, demonstrating the passionate support that carries these artists to new heights. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BigHit Music artists Jungkook and TXT did very well at the MTV EMAs this year. Source: X/@BIGHIT_MUSIC.

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Final 10 Girls Chosen for ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’

The competition is heating up in The Debut: Dream Academy. On Sunday, November 5, the top 10 finalists were unveiled. The latest eliminations occurred after the third mission, which focused on showcasing the girls’ artistry through various concepts. One group did Demi Lovato’s “Confident,” another tackled The Pussycat Dolls’ “Buttons,” and a third took on the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.”

Mission 3 Result Announcement: Reveal of the 10 Finalists

In the end, Celeste (Argentina), Nayoung (South Korea), and Ua (Japan), were eliminated. The 10 contestants who advanced to the live finale are Daniela (USA), Emily (USA), Ezrela (Australia), Lara (USA), Manon (Switzerland), Marquise (Thailand), Megan (USA), Samara (Brazil), Sophia (Philippines), and Yoonchae (South Korea).

Sophia from the Philippines secured the No. 1 spot, with Lara from the USA at No. 2. Sophia clinched first place for the second straight time. She was part of the “Buttons” group alongside Celeste, Daniela, Manon, and Nayoung. Meanwhile, Lara, who started off at No. 5 in the first mission, showed consistent improvement and secured second place in the third mission.

The Debut: Dream Academy – Mission 3 Epilogue

‘The Debut’ found tremendous talent

Lara and Sophia earned “tickets” to perform on the live finale, with their results determined entirely by fan votes. The live finale will take place in Los Angeles, California on Nov. 17. HYBE’s YouTube channel, Japan’s OTT platform ABEMA, and fan community platform Weverse will air it.

The Debut: Dream Academy is the agency’s first audition program produced in partnership with a U.S. company. HYBE and Geffen Records (HxG), a joint venture between the K-pop powerhouse and the Universal Music Group (UMG) subsidiary, are hosting the project. They will reveal the name of the group and its final members after the finale.

“I’ve wanted to form an international group based on K-pop methodology for a while,” HYBE Labels Chairman Bang Si-Hyuk said at a press conference for The Debut: Dream Academy. “To do this, I believed we needed a capable partner. When I met Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman and CEO John Janick, from the first moment, we instantly felt we had a connection. I’m proud of the rich history we’ve made and the tremendous talent we’ve found. I’m proud of the opportunities we have created within the K-pop universe.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ is heating up ahead of the live finale on November 17. Source: YouTube/@HYBELABELS.

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ASTRO’s MJ Officially Completes Military Service

MJ is officially back! The cherished member of the renowned boy group ASTRO marked his triumphant return to civilian life on November 8, 2023, following the completion of his military service. The long-awaited reunion between MJ and his fervent fanbase unfolded through a captivating live broadcast on ASTRO’s official YouTube channel, a platform ablaze with excitement.

ASTRO Member MJ Celebrates Military Service Discharge With Special Live Broadcast for AROHAs

In the eagerly anticipated live broadcast, MJ unveiled facets of his personality that had been veiled during his military tenure. The broadcast, a melange of spontaneity and heartfelt exchanges, featured a delightful Q&A session where fans could delve into the enigmatic world of their idol. MJ also regaled his audience with insights into his recent activities, creating an intimate atmosphere that bridged the gap between artist and admirer.

The broadcast also featured an awesome reunion for MJ and his fellow ASTRO members. Leader JinJin and maknae Sanha later joined MJ during the broadcast. Although this isn’t the first time that the members of the idol group have been together since MJ’s enlistment, it is a great treat to see them together again.

Having embarked on his military journey as an active duty soldier in May 2022, MJ spent approximately 1 year and 6 months as a vital part of the military band. The discharge ceremony, devoid of grandiosity, was replaced by a sincere live broadcast that underscored MJ’s eagerness to reconnect with his supporters. The absence of fanfare only served to heighten anticipation for the unfolding of MJ’s post-military endeavors.

As the curtain lifted on this new chapter, fans were left in suspense, eagerly anticipating the evolution of MJ’s image. With military service behind him, MJ now stands poised to navigate the next phase of his career, promising a more mature and refined artistic expression that is bound to captivate hearts anew.

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ENHYPEN’s ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ Tracklist Includes Bella Poarch Collab

ENHYPEN continues to build anticipation for its forthcoming album ORANGE BLOOD. The septet shared the album’s tracklist on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday, November 5. 

The set will contain a total of five new tracks—“Mortal,” “Sweet Venom,” “Still Monster,” “Far,” and “Orange Flower (You Complete Me).” The release will also include an English version of “Sweet Venom” and a digital-only remix of “Sweet Venom” feat.  Bella Poarch, known for her single “Build a B***h.”

In addition to the tracklist’s release, track mood samplers with members Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki were shared to YouTube on Monday, November 6. The videos feature instrumental versions of the songs on ORANGE BLOOD and the guys posing amid hazy, bright lighting in matching white outfits.

X/@BELIFTLAB

ENHYPEN will present a new musical color

In ORANGE BLOOD, the basic narrative of ENHYPEN‘s albums is combined with the emotions the members felt during their activities, as well as elements from the webtoon DARK MOON: Altar of the Moon. According to the South Korean entertainment press, ENHYPEN is expected to lead the way to a new path in “next entertainment” with this album, which comes with different content, not just songs.

The title track “Sweet Venom” is a continuation of DARK BLOOD’s title track “Bite Me.” It tells the story of wanting to stay by our lover’s side even if poison spreads through your body. Jay, who plays guitar, co-wrote the lyrics. What’s more, the English version isn’t just a simple translation of the Korean lyrics. Its lyrics are entirely new.

Some talented producers also worked on ORANGE BLOOD. Hitmaker Slow Rabbit, who created representative songs for BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER, participated in “Sweet Venom.”  Pdogg, an award-winning musician, participated in ‘Still Monster.’ They are collaborating with ENHYPEN to help the group present a new musical color.

@enhypen

Swee wee weet Venom preview🧡  #JAY #SUNGHOON #SUNOO #NI_KI #ORANGEBLOOD

♬ Sweet Venom Preview – ENHYPEN – ENHYPEN

The Bella Poarch controversy

However, the Bella Poarch collab has been met with backlash from fans. Many are claiming that she is racist and Zionist. First, a couple of years ago, Bella received backlash for a tattoo of hers. She got a tattoo of Japan’s Rising Sun flag with a heart replacing the sun at the center. The Rising Sun is offensive to Koreans as it’s associated with Japanese imperialism. Bella apologized, writing, “At that time, I didn’t know the history. But when I found out, I immediately had it covered and scheduled for removal. I am ashamed of myself for not doing my research. I sincerely apologize.” She has also since professed her love for Korea on many occasions.

The most common criticism against Bella is that she is allegedly Zionist. Once, she was asked, “Do you love Israel?” on one of her videos on TikTok. The resurfaced screenshot shows that she replied, ‘Yes.’ However, Bella has been silent regarding the Israel-Palestine war, so many netizens are calling for a boycott of her version of “Sweet Venom.” But some fans also came to Bella’s defense, citing apologies and her history of traumas and abuse.

Backlash notwithstanding, ENGENEs will have more to look forward to leading up to ORANGE BLOOD’s arrival. The album preview and music video teasers will roll out between November 11-16, concluding with the video and album release on November 17 and a special showcase, EN-CONNECT Night, on November 18. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Not everyone is happy with ENHYPEN’s new collab. Source: X/@BELIFTLAB.

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NCT DREAM Will Run Their Own Food Truck In New Reality Show

Prepare for an exciting new reality show featuring NCT DREAM! The idol group is set to run their own food truck in Los Angeles in the upcoming series “STARSTRUCK”!

NCT DREAM Runs a Food Truck in Los Angeles in New Reality Series

On November 8, SM Entertainment unveiled that NCT DREAM is set to star in their own reality program titled “STARSTRUCK”. The title is a clever play on words, combining “Starstruck” and “Star’s Truck.”

“STARSTRUCK” was filmed during NCT DREAM’s “THE DREAM SHOW2” world tour earlier this year. The show will revolve around the members as they embark on a special venture to open a food truck in Los Angeles as an expression of gratitude to their fans. In the series, Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Chenle, Jaemin and Jisung will also encounter people from different walks of life.

To get their food truck up and running, the NCT DREAM members will embark on various entertaining quests and missions. The show will also accompany them on their adventures, including visits to Santa Monica Beach and other locations in the Los Angeles area, such as a college campus. Needless to say, “STARSTRUCK” is also set to be an entertaining look at how the idols tackle the challenges of running a food truck.

“STARSTRUCK” will be composed of five episodes and is scheduled to debut on December 1 at 6 p.m. KST exclusively on Weverse. New episodes will be released every Friday at 6 p.m. KST. Fans can also look forward to a special preview, which will be posted on NCT DREAM’s official YouTube channel on December 1 at 12 p.m. KST. Get ready for an entertaining journey with NCT DREAM in “STARSTRUCK.”

In related news, SM Entertainment previously alerted fans regarding TEDDY ISLAND’s unauthorized use of NCT DREAM for their upcoming events. The agency also stated that the clothing brand continued to use the idol group’s images for promotions after the partnership was terminated.

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DEAN Teases Comeback With ‘Missing’ Posters

After a long hiatus, DEAN, one of South Korea’s most popular R&B artists, has the music scene buzzing with anticipation. The artist, who has been absent since his last single dropped in 2019, has fans eagerly speculating about his return to the spotlight.

DEAN‘s rise to fame was meteoric after his 2016 debut with the 130 Mood: TRBLE EP, thanks to his unique voice and well-crafted songs. His biggest hit, “Instagram,” released in 2018, dominated South Korean streaming platforms and remains a defining track in the local scene. He released a few more singles after that, including “Dayfly” and “Howlin’ 404.” The latter was his last solo release before his musical silence.

DEAN – instagram

The four-year gap since “Howlin’ 404” has had fans concerned, with some attributing the break to DEAN‘s perfectionist approach to music production. Others speculated that he had enlisted in the South Korean military or retired from music altogether. But over the years, he has hinted at a new album. In September 2021, he teased his Instagram followers with a series of posts suggesting the title 130 Mood: RVNG.

In a heartfelt statement on SNS, he addressed his fans’ patience: “My team and I have built, destroyed, built again, only to destroy again. We rode this out so many times and went through so much trial and error since 2019. Dear fans, please hang in there just a little longer. Love you all. Let me show you how I’m different. I’m just a workaholic,” he shared.

Could DEAN be coming back?

The wait for updates stretched on until October this year, when DEAN‘s personal stylist posted Instagram stories alluding to the singer’s new album. The buzz intensified this month when DEAN updated his profile picture on the Korean streaming site MelOn, a move that fans interpreted as a sign of his return. 

On November 4 KST, the anticipation reached new heights as fans in Seoul found ‘missing’ posters featuring DEAN‘s face. The posters, which encourage finders to contact @jaahlink or call a given number that plays a mysterious audio snippet when you do.

As fans hold their breath for more news, the hope is that an official comeback announcement is on the horizon, ending the long wait for DEAN‘s return. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: DEAN’s comeback has been a long time coming. Source: HERO. 

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BLACKPINK’s JENNIE Confirms Upcoming Christmas Song Cover

It looks like Jennie has a special treat for BLINKs this season! The BLACKPINK member just announced that she is planning to cover a Christmas song as a gift for her fans. However, Jennie Kim also wants BLINKs to choose the song she would perform!

JENNIE Wants BLINKs Help on Upcoming Christmas Song Cover

Jennie recently gained international acclaim with her solo track “You & Me” and enjoyed success with her collaborative song “One Of The Girls.” However, the BLACKPINK member has more exciting news for her dedicated fanbase. She took to Weverse to reveal her upcoming surprise, promising a special gift for her fans.

“BLINK! It seems like the weather has suddenly turned very cold. How is everyone taking care of themselves? The colder weather seems to signal the beginning of winter.. If it’s winter, it’s Christmas, right?” Jennie wrote.

“To be honest, I was thinking of covering a song for this holiday, but I thought it would be more meaningful if BLINK chose the song together than if I chose it alone…,” she continued. “You all know that I miss you and I miss you a lot, right? Don’t get sick and don’t forget that I always think of you.”

It’s a sweet message and fans are understandably excited about the idea of JENNIE covering a Christmas song. However, it is important to note that the BLACKPINK member is open to the idea of covering any song and not necessarily one for the holidays.

With December on the horizon, Jennie has something magical in store for her followers. She plans to showcase her enchanting vocals in an epic cover, setting the stage for a delightful and melodious experience. As her fans eagerly await this special treat, the month of December is sure to be filled with even more joy and anticipation thanks to Jennie’s upcoming musical surprise.

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BTS Jungkook Impresses Jujutsu Kaisen Fans with Gojo Impersonation

Jungkook is proving yet again that he is just like the rest of us. The BTS member recently expressed his love for the shonen anime Jujutsu Kaisen. In addition to that, he impressed fans with a spot-on impersonation of beloved character Satoru Gojo!

Jungkook Declares Jujutsu Kaisen as Favorite Anime

Jujutsu Kaisen is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, and it recently received a noteworthy endorsement from BTS maknae Jungkook. The anime made its highly-anticipated return for its second season during the summer, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative. Jujutsu Kaisen is currently enthralling fans with its Shibuya Incident arc, and its widespread appeal continues to attract new viewers from around the globe. Not surprisingly, Jungkook has emerged as one of the anime’s newest enthusiasts.

In a recent audio stream promoting his album ‘GOLDEN’ with fans, Jungkook openly discussed his ongoing projects and personal interests. He also revealed that his current favorite anime is Jujutsu Kaisen, instantly piquing the interest of fans of the series.

Jungkook even showcased his talent by mimicking Satoru Gojo, one of the anime’s iconic characters. He quoted Gojo introducing his Domain Expansion: Infinite Void, which the sorcerer recently showcased in the second season of the anime. He would later confirm that Gojo is his favorite JJK character.

Jungkook’s endorsement has breathed fresh life into Jujutsu Kaisen at the perfect moment. The anime’s second season is still airing, and the Shibuya Incident arc is gearing up for its climax. With Jungkook’s ringing endorsement, the anime is also likely to see a substantial influx of new viewers eager to explore the captivating world of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Jungkook is currently promoting his solo album ‘GOLDEN’ which was released on November 3, 2023. In the meantime, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is on its 16th episode, which is also the 11th episode following the Shibuya Incident arc. The latest episode will be broadcast on November 9, 2023.

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BTS’s RM Sparks Viral Trend, Boosts ‘Funsumer’ Economy

In the context of South Korea’s economy, the term “funsumer” refers to a consumer trend that prioritizes the entertainment value of products over their cost-effectiveness or practicality. This shift towards enjoyment and fun is vividly illustrated by the success of Chimney Puppy. This company has captured the hearts of funsumers and achieved remarkable sales figures.

Chimney Puppy’s story began with the viral snow duck clip craze of 2020. Founded a year earlier by Representative Yoon Chang-gun, it was the exclusive seller of these snow duck clips in Korea. The clips, which allow for the easy creation of duck-shaped snow sculptures, skyrocketed in popularity thanks to RM, the leader of the internationally acclaimed K-pop group BTS.

RM and ‘Ducktan Sonyeondan’

In January 2021, RM took to Twitter to share a delightful gift with the ARMY (BTS‘s fanbase)—a set of seven snow ducks he made, which he affectionately called “DTS” or “Ducktan Sonyeondan.” This act wasn’t just a whimsical start to the year. It also held special meaning as the number seven represents the seven members of BTS, and 2020 marked their seventh year together as a group.

RM also shared a photo of these snow ducks on Weverse. He captioned it with, “Waited one year,” suggesting that he had been planning this cute surprise. The posts were made around midnight on January 7 KST. They caused a stir on social media, with “joonie” (a nickname derived from RM‘s birth name, Namjoon) trending as fans shared their joy and affection for RM’s creation.

Fans found the posts endearing. Some were in stitches because they couldn’t help imagining RM running around Seoul making his snow ducks. Others were simply overwhelmed by the cuteness of the gesture. Unfortunately, the snow ducks melted away with the change of seasons, and RM, also known as the “God of Destruction” due to his tendency to accidentally break things, reported that he had broken the snow duck clip he used to create DTS.

When winter returned, and snow once again covered Korea, the hope for DTS’s comeback was high, but RM reminded everyone that the snow duck mold was still broken. Try as he might, he could only produce disproportionate or half-made snow ducks. But fans were pleasantly surprised when later, RM posted an Instagram Story revealing the successful comeback of OT7 DTS, much to the joy of ARMYs worldwide.

Instagram/@rkive

DTS’s comeback

The behind-the-scenes hero of DTS’s comeback was none other than Jin, BTS’s eldest member. After RM admitted to breaking his snow duck clip, Jin offered to buy him a new one. Jin also sent a clip to his brother and sister-in-law, who shared their own creation on Instagram. RM‘s influence and the power of social media led to a dramatic increase in demand for Chimney Puppy’s product.

Representative Yoon’s understanding of the market was key. He stated, “Consumers have a need for fun products,” acknowledging the growing trend of exchanging ‘useless gifts’—those that prioritize amusement over practicality, often chosen for their humor or uniqueness. Chimney Puppy, with its young workforce, was perfectly positioned to engage with and respond to this cultural shift.

The story of Chimney Puppy and RM‘s “endorsement” shows how the funsumer trend is shaping the South Korean economy. Companies are succeeding by focusing on fun products that encourage social sharing, and add a playful element to life. This trend is redefining business strategies by focusing on developing products that resonate emotionally with consumers, especially the youth. It aims to foster a more experiential form of consumerism. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: A series of posts by BTS’s RM sparked a trend that had an impact on his country’s economy. Now that’s power! Source: X/@btspicstwt_.

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