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KPOP ALBUMS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Everything We Know About ENHYPEN’s ‘ORANGE BLOOD’

ENHYPEN is preparing to release their fifth EP, ORANGE BLOOD, which promises to be a sensory delight. BELIFT LAB recently hosted a listening session for the album, attended by select members of the entertainment press. They reported that three of the agency’s in-house producers, Pdogg, Slow Rabbit, and Wonderkid, have worked on ORANGE BLOOD. The album reportedly features tracks ideal for festivals and live performances.

ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ Concept Trailer

The concept trailer for ORANGE BLOOD picks up where the concept trailer of their last EP, DARK BLOOD, left off. Filming took place on Jeju Island. ENHYPEN worked with director Yu Kwang-kwon again to put together a video with striking direction and vivid colors.

 

ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ Concept Trailer Shoot Sketch

The concept trailer begins with the members washing ashore on a beach, followed by scenes of them enjoying nature. The mood shifts when Sunoo discovers a girl they were hanging out with trapped in a burning house, leaving the members in a state of helplessness and shock.

ENHYPEN piqued fans’ curiosity

ENHYPEN has also released mood films for the “KSANA” and “KALPA” versions of the album, both of which piqued fans’ curiosity about ORANGE BLOOD’s concept. “KSANA,” meaning “momentary” in Sanskrit, features a car under a cloudy, red-tinted sky with a heart-shaped lightning bolt. It evoked a sense of mystery. The “KALPA” version features orange flowers bathed in warm sunlight, hinting at a connection to the flower featured in an ORANGE WEEK spoiler video.

https://www.tiktok.com/@en_miaaa/video/7295059901162720518?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

Phrases like “LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE NOTHING IN IT IS EVERLASTING” and “WE WILL BE REMEMBERED IN FATE BECAUSE THERE IS TO BE AN END” in the mood films hint at deeper meanings. Finally, the “ENGENE” mood film, made especially for the fans, opens on a serene lake in sunlight, with the phrase “WE ARE BEAUTIFUL WITHIN MORTALITY.”

#ENHYPEN (#엔하이픈) ORANGE BLOOD (ENGENE Ver.)

ORANGE BLOOD is set to drop at 2:00 PM on November 17. It’s expected to be a significant addition to ENHYPEN‘s discography. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is one of the ENGENE Ver. concept photos. Source: X/@BELIFTLAB.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ENGENEs React to ENHYPEN’s Dr. Jart+ Endorsement

ENHYPEN, the chart-topping K-pop group, has been named the first global ambassador for the skincare brand Dr. Jart+. This collaboration brings together two Korean-born global favorites: Dr. Jart+, known for its innovative skincare solutions, and ENHYPEN, celebrated for their musical hits.

@drjart_kr

#Guesswho 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗘𝗡𝗛𝗬𝗣𝗘𝗡! 7명의 엔하이픈 멤버들이 추천하는 닥터자르트 시카페어™💚 ​ 각 멤버별로 추천하는 제품이 궁금하다면? Stay Tuned😉​ #닥터자르트 #엔하이픈 #시카페어 #drjart #drjartcicapair #Drjart_with_ENHYPEN #ENHYPEN #kpop #kpopfan #JUNGWON #HEESEUNG #JAY #JAKE #SUNGHOON #SUNOO #NI_KI #cicapair #cicacream #skinrepair #틱톡뷰티 #tiktokbeauty #kbeauty #koreanskin

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – drjart_kr – drjart_kr

“We are so excited to welcome ENHYPEN and their fans into the world of Dr.Jart+,” said Christopher K. Wood, Dr.Jart+’s Global Brand President. “Dr.Jart+ brings joy to its community through its high performance skincare and whimsical, engaging campaigns. ENHYPEN is the ideal inaugural global ambassador for Dr.Jart+. Together we share passion for art, creativity, innovation, and great skin.”

ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon said, “I was very surprised when I first heard of our collaboration with such a renowned brand. Even now, it’s somewhat surreal that we are the brand’s first global ambassador—I’m more than thrilled for this collaboration.”

@drjart_kr

닥터자르트 첫 글로벌 앰배서더 엔하이픈의 단체 인터뷰 공개🎤​ 어떤 이야기를 들려줄지 같이 한번 볼까요?🎬​ #닥터자르트 #엔하이픈 #시카페어 #drjart #drjartcicapair #Drjart_with_ENHYPEN #ENHYPEN #kpop #kpopfan #JUNGWON #HEESEUNG #JAY #JAKE #SUNGHOON #SUNOO #NI_KI #cicapair #cicaserum #cicacream #skinrepair #틱톡뷰티 #tiktokbeauty #kbeauty #koreanskin

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – drjart_kr – drjart_kr

ENHYPEN is leading the charge

However, the announcement has met with mixed reactions from ENGENEs, ENHYPEN‘s fanbase. Some fans have expressed concerns over Dr. Jart+’s affiliation with Estée Lauder Companies Inc. The latter acquired the former in November 2019. Estée Lauder’s reported support for Israel in the Israel-Palestine conflict has led to discontent among fans.

Twitter/@AsiaEnhypen

Despite the controversy, Dr. Jart+ is set to debut its partnership with ENHYPEN in a new campaign titled “Supercharged repair, Cicapair™.” The campaign will feature the members tackling challenges that align with the skincare benefits of the Cicapair™ line. Fans and skincare enthusiasts can catch a first glimpse of the campaign at www.drjart.com/global-ambassador.

The new Dr. Jart+ Cicapair™ line, enhanced with a potent Cica Complex and ingredients like Allantoin and R-Protector, aims to improve the skin barrier and reduce irritation. The products, infused with Centella Asiatica Extract and CoolSonic Technology, have a powerful soothing effect. The updated Cicapair™ line will be available in South Korea in November 2023, in China in December 2023, and across Europe and the U.S. in the first half of 2024. While some fans may not approve, the collaboration is poised to bring Dr. Jart+’s products to a broader audience, with ENHYPEN leading the charge. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This new feather in ENHYPEN’s cap ruffled some fans’ feathers. Source: X/@en77_pen.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

SEVENTEEN to Deliver Special Address at 13th UNESCO Youth Forum

K-pop group SEVENTEEN is set to make history. S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino will attend the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum. This event will be held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, at 3:00 AM KST on November 14. SEVENTEEN will perform and speak for an hour in a special session.

@rappler

#SEVENTEEN named 1st-ever #Kpop act to speak at #UNESCO Youth Forum #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #tiktokph #newsph #rappler

♬ original sound – Rappler – Rappler

Educational transformation

UNESCO holds the Youth Forum every two years. It serves as a platform for young leaders from around the world to discuss pressing international issues. These include climate change, education, and world peace. Representatives from 194 member countries, various groups, and youth-related agencies of the UN will attend this year’s forum, which coincides with the 42nd UNESCO General Conference.

In preparation for this speech, PLEDIS Entertainment signed a tripartite agreement with the UNESCO headquarters and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO. They decided to make the ‘Going Together’ education campaign bigger and take it worldwide. SEVENTEEN started this campaign last year to encourage the youth to participate in educational transformation. As part of it, SEVENTEEN donated a portion of the proceeds from their last tour to support education in Malawi, Africa. They’ve also used their fan events to promote the campaign.

At the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum, the group plans to talk about the role education and solidarity play in shaping the future of the planet and the youth. They’ll draw from their own experiences to suggest things young people can do to work towards sustainable development. In a statement, the group’s agency said, “SEVENTEEN will solidify their position as the leading K-pop group, expanding their influence not just as singers but as global speakers representing the youth.”

@cheolseokgyu

soo proud of them #OT13 #seventeen #세븐틴 #svt #scoups #jeonghan #shua #jun #hoshi #wonwoo #uji #the8 #mingyu #dk #seungkwan #vernon #dino #fyp #fypシ #foryou #4upage

♬ IF you leave me – SEVENTEEN

About UNESCO

Since their 2015 debut, SEVENTEEN has consistently addressed the struggles and uncertainties of youth in their music. Their latest album SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN set a new record for the most pre-ordered K-pop album ever, showing they’re still at the top of their game after nine years.

UNESCO was set up in 1945 to help the world recover from World War II by promoting culture, education, and science. It’s a key part of the UN because it works directly with countries through National Commissions. There are 199 of these commissions in the world. South Korea became a member in 1950 and started its own commission in 1954.

South Korea has been a big success story for UNESCO, especially after the Korean War when it was very poor. With UNESCO’s help, South Korea was able to give more kids a chance to learn by providing textbooks. A South Korean science textbook from 1956 is even on display at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. It symbolizes the long-standing ties between South Korea and UNESCO’s educational missions. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SEVENTEEN has always used their platform for social change. Source: Naver.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jungkook Channels Michael Jackson in ‘Standing Next to You’ Teaser

In a stunning tribute to Michael Jackson, BTSJungkook has released a teaser for “Standing Next to You,” the title track of his upcoming solo album Golden. The teaser, which dropped at midnight on November 1 KST, features Jungkook sporting a military-style jacket adorned with metallic embellishments and tassels, reminiscent of the late pop legend’s iconic style.

The short clip is a visual feast, with Jungkook executing dance moves that echo Jackson‘s, including the legendary crotch grab. In another scene from the teaser, a pair of majestic black angel wings can be seen on Jungkook’s back. Some ARMY believe this is a callback to BTS’s 2019 hit “Black Swan.”

Fans also noticed that choreographers Brian Puspos and Ian Eastwood were dancing alongside Jungkook in the teaser. Brian is a familiar face to ARMY by now, but for the uninitiated, Ian is a former member of the dance group Most Wanted Crew. He has also worked with Taemin and VIXX.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Standing Next to You’ Official Teaser

What else does Jungkook have in store?

This teaser is the latest reveal from Jungkook‘s solo album. Previously, he dropped a highlight medley and two batches of track posters. Golden is an 11-song collection that includes “3D (feat. Jack Harlow,” “Seven (feat. Latto),” “Standing Next to You” and collaborations with artists like DJ Snake (“Please Don’t Change”) and Major Lazer (“Closer to You”).

Ed Sheeran (“Yes or No”) and Shawn Mendes (“Hate You”) also contributed to the album. The other tracks are “Shot Glass of Tears,” “Somebody,” and “Too Sad to Dance.” All told, Golden celebrates the golden maknae’s golden career. He helped choose and produce all the tracks.

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘GOLDEN’ Preview

Beyond the album, Jungkook is preparing to engage with his fans through various activities. He’s set to do a showcase titled Golden Live on Stage at the Jangchung Arena in Seoul, promising an up-close experience with fans on November 20.

The teaser for “Standing Next to You” not only stirs excitement for the upcoming album but also solidifies Jungkook‘s place as an artist capable of bridging generations and genres. His nod to Michael Jackson is a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of pop legends on today’s music scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s ‘Standing Next to You’ teaser stirred excitement for the album. Source: X/@charts_k.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Busan City Government to Implement Safety Protocols for Jimin’s Next Birthday

Busan, famous for its beautiful views and culture, is also where BTS member Jimin was born. Every year, as Jimin‘s October 13 birthday approaches, the city becomes a place of celebration, with fans starting the party in September, calling it “Jimtober.” Fans from Korea and all over the world plan birthday events for Jimin.

@kendicutes

#BANGTANFORVER #JIMIN #OT7

♬ Like Crazy – Jimin

ARMY have also made it a tradition to visit Jimin‘s father’s café, Magnate. Located in Busan’s Nam district, they go there to offer birthday greetings and leave gifts. As BTS’s popularity grows, the number of attendees increases. In fact, this year’s turnout was so large that the local fire and police departments were called upon to assist with safety measures.

In light of this, the Busan city government is forming a special task force for next year’s events. This team will include trained police and officials who will look after the crowds and make sure everything goes well. Their goal is to keep Jimin‘s fans safe and make sure the celebrations are successful and safe for everyone. The “Like Crazy” singer is probably the only K-pop star whose birthday led to such a major safety effort.

Jimin is Busan’s pride

Busan’s task force will probably ramp up security measures, including an increased police presence, security checks, and surveillance. Traffic control measures will be implemented to manage the influx of visitors, with designated parking, rerouting, and maybe even shuttle services. The task force will also work to prevent overcrowding and ensure that medical services are on standby for any emergencies.

@maylibuna

sooo kind ..jimin dad give free drink to army..sooo much army. came to magnate in Busan. to send messages fro jimin bday..

♬ original sound – May Libuna – May Libuna

The task force will collaborate with local businesses, event organizers, and community leaders to support the local economy while ensuring everything runs smoothly. They’ll keep everyone updated on event details and safety measures. They’ll also ensure Busan is ready to welcome ARMY from all over the world.

Jimin is Busan’s pride, and the city government’s efforts show how much the idol’s birthday means to them. When next year’s “Jimtober” begins, the safety of all attendees will be a top priority, ensuring that the occasion is marked with festivity and peace of mind for everyone involved. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BigHit Music posted this in honor of his birthday this year. Source: X/@BIGHIT_INFO.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

HYBE’s Merch Team on Being ‘Dope’ at Work

In a recent LinkedIn post, HYBE unveiled the inner workings of their Merch Business Team, a group that has revolutionized the way fans express their admiration for artists. Gone are the days when fan-made light sticks and bromides were the primary means of fan expression. Today, HYBE, through its Merch Business Team, crafts merchandise that mirrors the lifestyles of artists and fans, deeply rooted in an appreciation and understanding of the industry.

ARTIST-MADE COLLECTION BY BTS/LinkedIn

Commitment and enthusiasm

The team oversees a broad range of tasks that include coordinating budgeting, photography, product design, and production with other departments. They also manage online product sales, determining the methods, timing, and policies for each initiative. They work with retailers to set up sales pages and oversee the timing and process of product launches. After a project ends, they take care of sales analysis and financial reconciliations. 

The team’s diverse expertise in sales, sports marketing, and online merchandising drives their success and synergy. They thrive on a collaborative culture where each member brings their ideas and expertise to the table, driving innovation. “If there’s one thing we all have in common, it’s our deep passion and love for the entertainment industry,” shares a team member.

The team’s standout project was the ARTIST-MADE COLLECTION BY BTS, where BTS members were hands-on in creating products they’d want to share with their fans, ARMY. This two-year endeavor was their most involved project. They’ve also worked on projects for ENHYPEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and more, each with its own set of challenges and triumphs. The team’s commitment and enthusiasm were evident in every single one.

EN-CONNECT merch (left) and PTD TOUR-LA concert merch (right)/LinkedIn

Creating merchandise fans will adore

In the team, there’s a strong sense of friendship and a positive work culture. They see each other as friends and focus on teamwork to make their work environment enjoyable. They bond over activities like Secret Santa and friendly wagers. To better collaborate, they’ve even taken personality tests to understand each member’s working style and personality. “Our team is always filled with laughter, even during late nights and challenging tasks,” a team member remarks.

The team’s top priority is taking full responsibility for their projects, striving to make them the best possible. Clear communication is vital, as they work closely with other departments and companies. They emphasize the importance of open and proactive communication and the need to understand fan culture deeply. “When working, our primary concern is, ‘What would the fans love?’ Only then can we create merchandise that fans will adore,” they share.

The Merch Business Team identifies with the energy and pride of BTS‘s song “Dope.” They share a similar work ethic, passionately diving into their tasks and striving to excel. “The song resembles our team’s attitude of being ‘dope’ at work and wanting to do our job even more ‘awesomely,’” they say happily. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Every single member of this team puts ‘blood, sweat, and tears’ into their work. (Get it?) Source: LinkedIn/@HYBE.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ENHYPEN on Recording Their New Japanese Track ‘BLOSSOM’

ENHYPEN‘s latest Japanese single album, 結 -YOU-, released on September 5, 2023, has made waves in the music industry. The album, which boasts ten distinct versions, provides ENGENEs with a treasure trove of content. One of the standout features is the MAKING VIDEO in the Limited Edition B (CD+DVD), which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the recording sessions for “BLOSSOM,” their latest Japanese original track.

The song holds a special place in the hearts of the ENHYPEN members. Ni-ki says, “When I first listened to it, the song had a melody that felt reminiscent of the past. Everyone praised it as a great song, even during our recording sessions. I’m really looking forward to singing it in Japan in the future; it’s something we’re all excited about.”

“It’s a love story that sounds very familiar to people around, but precisely because of that, I believe many listeners can relate to it. I think it’s a classic song with a slightly old-fashioned feel, which makes it very enjoyable to listen to,” Heeseung adds.

https://www.tiktok.com/@heesoo_2/video/7284221449059994886?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

The members on ‘BLOSSOM’ 

Leader Jungwon likes that the song’s lyrics are a departure from what the group usually does. He notes, “Actually, a lot of ENHYPEN‘s songs tend to have metaphoric expressions, like thorns, fangs and such, but this song is very straightforward in expressing love.”

He also reflected on their other Japanese tracks, saying, “There has been a fixed perception that ENHYPEN‘s Japanese original songs are generally bright in nature. However, with this song, there’s a more emotional and heartfelt vibe. I’m excited to be able to showcase a side of us that we haven’t had the chance to reveal until now.”

Sunghoon found the melody soothing. “Because it’s a ballad, I personally found the melody to be easy to listen to. Every part has its own unique charm, and interestingly, when we created the song in Japanese instead of Korean, it also felt really good to sing.”

@yoiii_101

Blossom – ENHYPEN 제이 Behind cut 🌸 #enhypen #jay #blossomenhypen

♬ nhạc nền – lhang 🫶🐧 – ᰔᩚ Hoon iu ơi là iuuu ᥫᩣ ᵕ̈

The recording process

The recording process wasn’t without its challenges. Jake and Sunoo sought to improve their pronunciation. Jake said, “I used to find Japanese pronunciation difficult. So we had someone who could speak Japanese helping with the recording direction. They provided a lot of feedback. My goal was to make it as natural as possible, so it doesn’t sound forced when Japanese speakers listen to it.” 

Ni-ki highlighted the collaborative effort that goes into recording. “When I sing in Korean, there is always a Japanese version that comes along, and when recording the Japanese version, there are indeed some differences in intonation and pronunciation aspects that can be a bit challenging. Occasionally, such moments can be difficult. Similarly, when recording in Korean, there are still some challenging aspects, just like when other members record in Japanese. So, when it comes to recording in Korean, we learn from each other while observing what the other members are doing, and when it’s in Japanese, I sometimes help with pronunciation, and it’s a collaborative effort.”

As the ENHYPEN members continue to push their boundaries, one thing remains constant: their passion for music and their commitment to delivering their best to their fans. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ENHYPEN performed ‘Blossom’ at the ‘結 -YOU-’ offline showcase. Source: X/@enhypen_phi.

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s ‘Map of the Soul: 7’ Hits 1M Pure Sales in the U.S.

The BTS fandom recently celebrated a major milestone as Map of the Soul: 7, the album by the world-renowned boy group, has achieved a million pure sales in the United States as of October 26, 2023. This accomplishment marks BTS as the first Asian act and the first K-pop group to reach this level of sales on American soil.

It’s particularly noteworthy considering BTS‘s current hiatus from group activities due to their military service obligations. In the music industry, “pure sales” refers to the actual number of physical copies of an album or single sold. With Map of the Soul: 7, BTS has not only set a new benchmark for themselves but also for K-pop as a whole, being the first in the genre to register over a million physical sales in the U.S.

Released on February 21, 2020, by BigHit Entertainment, Map of the Soul: 7 is BTS‘s fourth studio album. It serves as a sequel to their 2019 EP, MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA. The album has five songs and draws on the group’s growth and experiences since their 2013 debut. It blends pop, R&B, and hip-hop, incorporating elements of urban genres including rock, trap, and EDM. The lyrics delve deep into themes of contemplation, introspection, and self-acceptance.

BTS Global Press Conference ‘MAP OF THE SOUL : 7’

Fans heaped praise on BTS

The album clinched top honors from several award-giving bodies in 2020. These included the Genie Music Awards, Melon Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and the People’s Choice Awards. Before it dropped in February 2020, the album’s stock pre-orders skyrocketed, surpassing 3.42 million copies in six days. This broke the record set by the septert’s own MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA, which had 2.68 million pre-orders. A Forbes report from February 6, 2020, highlighted that Map of the Soul: 7 received more than 4 million pre-orders globally, with over 4.02 million album pre-orders placed by February 18, 2020.

Upon release, Map of the Soul: 7 debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 422,000 album-equivalent units, of which 347,000 were pure album sales. This marked BTS‘s fourth number-one album in the U.S. and boasted the most significant first-week sales of any of their albums to date. Before the release of The Weeknd‘s After Hours on March 20, it also set a record for the highest album debut week sales in 2020. The album sold more copies overall than the next six top-ranking albums on the Billboard 200 combined.

As news of the group’s latest achievement spread online, fans took to social media to heap praise on BTS. The success of Map of the Soul: 7 is a testament to BTS‘s appeal and their output’s stellar quality. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: They sold this much somewhere other than their homeland. Source: Variety.

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Billboard Music Awards 2023: K-Pop Acts That Made the Cut

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards nominations have been announced, and K-pop continues to shine brightly on the global stage. Among the nominees, BTS‘s Jimin stands out, highlighting both his individual prowess and the group’s lasting influence. This is especially impressive considering some BTS members are currently serving in the South Korean military.

BTS’s Jimin, NewJeans nominated for 4 Billboard awards each

The Billboard nominations

The eligibility dates for this year’s awards align with Billboard’s year-end tracking period, measuring music consumption from the charts dated November 19, 2022, to October 21, 2023.

Jimin‘s solo track “Like Crazy” is contending for the Top Selling Song, a significant achievement for the artist. His journey as a soloist has been meteoric, from dominating both domestic and international charts to setting and shattering records. His accomplishments have garnered him accolades in major music award shows, both in South Korea and abroad. Notably, he was the most nominated artist at the 2023 MAMA Awards. Now, with the Billboard nominations, he further cements his status as a global icon.

There are new K-pop categories this year. The Top Global K-Pop Artist category features heavyweights like Jimin, NewJeans, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and TWICE. The Top K-Pop Touring Artist category includes BLACKPINK, BTS’s SUGA, and TWICE

A bright future for K-pop

For the Top Global K-Pop Song, contenders include Fifty Fifty’s “Cupid,” Jimin’s “Like Crazy,” Jungkook’s “Seven (feat. Latto),” and NewJeans“Ditto” and “OMG.” The Top K-Pop Album category showcases albums such as Jimin‘s FACE, NewJeans‘ second EP Get Up, Stray Kids ‘★★★★★’ (Five Star), TOMORROW X TOGETHER‘s The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION, and TWICE‘s READY TO BE: 12th Mini Album.

Beyond the K-pop categories, Jimin‘s “Like Crazy” is competing against tracks from artists like Jason Aldean, Miley Cyrus, Oliver Anthony Music, and Taylor Swift for the Top Selling Song. NewJeans has been nominated for the Top Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) Artist category, alongside global stars like Bad Bunny, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd. FIFTY FIFTY is vying for the Top Duo/Group title, contending with Eslabon Armado, Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera, and Metallica.

The 2023 Billboard Music Awards are set to air live on Sunday, November 19. As the event nears, anticipation builds for the K-pop nominees. Their inclusion in these prestigious categories underscores K-pop’s global impact and its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The nominations alone mark a significant shift in the global music landscape, promising a bright future for K-pop on the world stage. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: These nominations are a sign of K-pop’s growing popularity. Source: Billboard.

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K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

TXT’s Yeonjun Tells Weverse Magazine How Much He’s Changed

In a recent sit-down with Weverse Magazine, Yeonjun of TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) delved deep into his personal evolution. The candid conversation revealed facets of his life that many might find surprising.

@weverseofficial

[위버스 매거진] 연준 #Quotes | 투모로우바이투게더 위버스 매거진에서 투모로우바이투게더의 인터뷰를 확인하세요! 🔎 연준 “처음으로, 유일하게, 진심으로 사랑하게 된 일이에요” 🔗 KOR: bit.ly/3tLQZlQ ENG: bit.ly/46J0Vee JPN: bit.ly/46KHtOi CHN: bit.ly/3MexgBw – [Weverse Magazine] YEONJUN #Quotes | TOMORROW X TOGETHER Check out TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s interviews on Weverse Magazine! 🔎 YEONJUN: “It’s the one and only time I’ve ever truly been in love with something I’m doing” – [Weverse Magazine] YEONJUN #Quotes | TOMORROW X TOGETHER Weverse MagazineでTOMORROW X TOGETHERのインタビューをチェック! 🔎 YEONJUN「初めて、唯一、心から愛するようになった仕事です」 #TXT #투모로우바이투게더 #연준 #YEONJUN #컴백인터뷰 #위버스 #Weverse #위버스매거진 Weverse_Magazine

♬ 오리지널 사운드 – Weverse – Weverse

A journey inward

Since his debut in 2019, Yeonjun has been known for his vibrant social presence. However, the tides have shifted, and he now finds solace in solitude. “I used to always meet up with friends whenever I had some downtime, but now it’s like I keep looking for things I want to do alone,” he shared. 

This change was spurred by the demands of his career, which left him craving personal space. “My job requires that I’m constantly in front of other people. At some point I took a look and realized I didn’t have a single minute to myself. I felt like I needed some time exclusively for me. I never used to like eating alone, but at some point, it became something I felt comfortable doing, and I ended up with more time to recharge my batteries while quietly writing lyrics or cleaning up my room.”

Yeonjun‘s journey into solitude has also been a journey inward. He admits to being self-aware and recognizes the need for personal growth. “I know I have a lot of room for improvement, but I don’t really want to show that part of me to other people. I know just how much I still have left to work on. That’s why I have to work harder and why I’m so obsessed with the idea. It’s something that eats away at me sometimes, but I also know that it helps me grow, so I don’t shut it out.”

Jang Dukhwa/Weverse Magazine

Pride and confidence

His contributions to the group’s latest album, The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, reflect his unique lyrical style. But putting it to bed wasn’t easy. “The writing process didn’t go so smoothly this time around,” he shared. “I don’t think it’s easy to incorporate my writing style with the storytelling the label is after. I thought I had a good grasp of that before, but not that much of what I wrote fit the album. Bits and pieces of my lyrics made it in, but it feels like I wasn’t grasping the right feeling or like I wasn’t sure of myself when I wrote them.”

Be that as it may, he didn’t give up. In fact, he’s hard at work on a solo project. “I’ve been working on a mixtape, but I feel like I can’t get going—maybe because I’m too worried about being perfect. I used to write freely but now I have so many hang-ups that it’s like torture trying to write. Once again, it’s all because of the pressure I put on myself.”

Despite his internal struggles, Yeonjun‘s confidence in himself and his members remains intact. “I just feel confident,” he said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not good enough and I lose some of my self-esteem, but I don’t think I’ve ever lost my sense of pride in the group or in myself. While it’s true that we got help from so many people, we worked for everything we ever achieved. I have pride and confidence in that. Because, at the end of the day, we’re the ones who walked this road.”

Jang Dukhwa/Weverse Magazine

Yeonjun is on the right track

It’s been a long road for the eldest member of TXT. His journey from a dance academy novice to a celebrated idol was marked by incremental boosts in self-esteem, fueled by the support of friends and mentors. “When I first went to dance academy, I was so nervous that I couldn’t even sing. I couldn’t dance, either. But then, while I was there, I heard things like, ‘You have good facial expressions when you dance,’ and, ‘Your tone is good when you sing,’ and every time I was paid a compliment like that, it was a huge boost. I think that built up my self-confidence a bit, again and again, until I got to where I am today,” he recalled. 

He remains thankful for his transformative journey. “The life I’ve led, the people I’ve met along the way, my job—I’m just so grateful for everything. That’s why I’d want to be reborn as me again. Even if I had to go through the rough times again. Because I know I’d find happiness in all of it anyway.”

Yeonjun swears he’d never change a thing, because he’s happy with his lot in life. “I never wanted to do anything other than this, and that’s still true today. What would I do otherwise? It’s not because I’m not good at anything else but because there’s nothing else I love and put as much emotion and energy into. There’s plenty of times when this job gets hard, but I think I’d be having a much harder time if I weren’t doing it,” he concluded. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Yeonjun has changed for the better since he debuted. Source: X/@txtarchivee.

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