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BamBam Reveals How GOT7 Stays United Despite Signing to Different Agencies

BamBam

In a recent episode of his YouTube show BamHouse, GOT7‘s BamBam opened up about the group’s efforts to stay united despite each member signing with a different agency. This came during a conversation with Sandara Park, where BamBam delved into the inner workings of GOT7‘s teamwork and unity.

GOT7, a boy group that debuted under JYP Entertainment in January 2014, saw their contract with the agency expire on January 19, 2021. After thoughtful discussions, all members decided not to renew their contracts, leading to their departure from JYP Entertainment. Despite this, the group, consisting of BamBam, Jackson, Jay B, Jinyoung, Mark, Youngjae, and Yugyeom, did not disband and expressed a collective desire to continue making music together.

True to their word, GOT7 released the single “Encore” shortly after leaving JYP Entertainment. In May 2022, they unveiled a new logo and social media accounts. Soon after, they held a fan meeting and released their self-titled EP under Warner Music Korea. This comeback was bannered by the title track “Nanana” and its music video.

[SUB]다라다라 밝은 다라 ♥ 이런 은혜로운 누나 또 없습니다(ENG/TH)Ep.8

Insights from BamBam

During the eighth episode of BamHouse, BamBam admitted that maintaining the group’s unity can be challenging because of their schedules. He said having a good point person really helps.

BamBam explained, “We’re in seven different companies, too. It was really difficult. It’s good to have someone act as the main person. Honestly for us, the main people who move are me and Jay B. When there are people who move like this, it works.” He added that Jay B, as the group’s leader, and himself, being one of the youngest members, have a strong pride in GOT7. Jay B played a key role in ensuring the group’s first comeback outside their previous company. He personally visited all the members to have them sign the contract. For his part, BamBam handled smaller yet equally important matters, such as gathering opinions on their lightstick design.

This insight from BamBam not only sheds light on the complexities of managing a group like GOT7 but also highlights their dedication to their music and fans. GOT7‘s story continues to inspire, showing how commitment and teamwork can overcome the challenges of change and separation in K-pop. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The topic of GOT7’s unity came up during Sandara Park’s appearance on BamHouse. Source: X/@thebbmoments.

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NewJeans Perform ‘GODS’ at 2023 League of Legends World Championship Opening Ceremony

NewJeans League of Legends World Championship

NewJeans made history with a captivating performance of the theme song “GODS” at the grand opening ceremony of the 2023 League of Legends World Championship. The groundbreaking event took place on November 19 at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome, kicking off the global spectacle of esports at 5 PM KST.

NewJeans Performs ‘GODS’ at 2023 League of Legends World Championship Opening Ceremony

As the first-ever full K-pop group to take the stage at this monumental championship, NewJeans left a lasting impression on the worldwide audience of League of Legends enthusiasts. Their electrifying performance was a testament to their talent and the global appeal of K-pop.

The theme song “GODS” holds significance as the anthem for the 2023 Worlds, encapsulating the indomitable spirit shared by gamers worldwide. The song conveys a message of relentless determination, symbolizing the gamers’ commitment to overcoming challenges by tapping into their inner strength.

NewJeans also proved to be a good luck charm for the team T1, who are representing League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK). Notably, member Keria, who is a fan of the group, expressed his excitement over meeting NewJeans after the team made it to the finals.

The 2023 League of Legends World Championship, also known as LoL Worlds 2023, stands as the pinnacle event in the esports calendar for the year. With the participation of 22 teams representing all regions of the game, the championship promises intense competition and a months-long race for the coveted Summoner’s Cup. NewJeans’ stellar performance at the grand opening ceremony added a layer of excitement and cultural significance to this prestigious esports event.

On November 19, 2023, the League of Legends World Championship finals took place at the Gocheok Sky Dome. The championship match featured Weibo Gaming from the League of Legends Pro League and T1 from the League of Legends Champions Korea. In a decisive final showdown, T1 emerged victorious with a dominant 3–0 win over Weibo Gaming.

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BLACKPINK Confirms Takashi Murakami Limited Edition Collection Collaboration

BLACKPINK is gearing up for a new collaboration! The girl group has just been confirmed to be working on a limited edition collection with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

BLACKPINK Confirms Limited Edition Collection Collaboration With Takashi Murakami

An exciting announcement on November 17 revealed that BLACKPINK is gearing up to launch a limited edition collection, featuring a diverse range of items associated with the globally renowned K-pop group. The collection has also quickly captured international attention and sparked excitement among fans, primarily due to the involvement of the acclaimed Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami.

Takashi Murakami, celebrated for his pioneering role in the “superflat” artistic movement, is also known for seamlessly blending high art elements with consumer culture. His distinctive style draws inspiration from traditional Japanese painting and contemporary anime, creating a unique fusion that bridges cultural gaps and facilitates cross-cultural communication. The collaboration with BLACKPINK is highly anticipated as it also promises to bring together art and pop culture in an extraordinary manner.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of this limited edition collection, expecting a visually striking and culturally rich assortment of items that showcase the intersection of BLACKPINK’s influence and Takashi Murakami’s artistic prowess. The collaboration also holds the promise of delivering a unique and memorable collection that resonates with fans of both BLACKPINK and Murakami alike.

In related news, BLACKPINK is set to break new ground in the entertainment industry. On Thursday, November 16, the girl group announced their first-ever virtual concert, BLACKPINK: A VR Encore, in collaboration with Meta and the Emmy Award-winning production company The Diamond Bros.

The virtual concert will also be a recreation of the group’s special finale show from the Born Pink world tour held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome last September 17. Moreover, the 70-minute virtual experience also promises to transport fans into the heart of BLACKPINK’s music.

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BLACKPINK’s Rosé Delivers Emotional Speech About Mental Health For APEC Leaders’ Week

Rosé is speaking out about mental health awareness. The BLACKPINK member delivered an emotional speech about the ongoing issue during the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leader’s Week.

Rosé Delivers Emotional Speech on Mental Health Awareness

BLACKPINK’s Rosé was honored with an invitation to San Francisco, USA, where she delivered a speech at the APEC Leaders’ Week. Specifically, she participated in the APEC Mental Health Talk segment hosted by US First Lady Jill Biden, who praised Rosé as a woman of “incredible talent and courage.”

In her speech, Rosé candidly shared her experiences of feeling inadequate, emphasizing that mental health issues can impact anyone, even those whose lives may seem perfect externally. Despite her global popularity, she admitted to struggling with loneliness due to the daily onslaught of hate comments.

“I do feel like some of the things I do are just never enough, and no matter how hard I work on something, there’s always going to be somebody who has their own opinion or who enjoy taking control of the narrative. And so that comes to me as a sense of loneliness,” she said. Rosé went on to stress the importance of self-worth.

“No matter what the world may otherwise tell us, our self-worth is not determined by where we are now but is to be determined by what keeps us close to the ground which is a message that a very special song of mine holds and is what I try to remind myself every day,” she said.

Rosé Emphasizes The Importance of Positive Communication

“I don’t think it’s normalized too much or enough that we speak about how we feel from time to time and that it’s normal to not always be okay…communication is key, sometimes I feel like I can’t speak out about certain issues where I’d like to be honest but I do think that communication and being more open about our mental health will help everyone in the future,” Rosé added.

Rosé also underscored the importance of speaking openly about personal challenges, emphasizing that addressing such issues is crucial for improving global mental health. Her ultimate goal is to be an artist whom people can turn to for inspiration and comfort, using her influence positively in the world.

“It is my sincere hope that my music can be a source of inspiration and comfort to my listeners,” she said. “I will continue to do my best to contribute to the collective well-being of our global community.”

The APEC Leader’s Week was held in San Francisco, California, on November 16 to 17, 2023

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B.I. and iKON Share The Stage After Almost 5 Years

It has been a long time but B.I. and iKON finally managed to share a stage in a recent event. This would mark the first time that all seven idols were onstage together since B.I. left the group back in 2019.

B.I. and iKON Share The Stage in Thailand

B.I. and iKON finally shared the stage at the Supersounds Festival in Thailand, leaving fans with mixed emotions. The group originally debuted in 2015 with seven members, including B.I. However, in 2019, B.I. left the group following controversies, and iKON continued promoting as a six-member group. Fans have held onto hope for reconciliation, but recent statements from Bobby had cast doubt on the possibility.

At the recent Supersounds Festival, a fan-shared clip from the concert’s ending showed B.I. standing on the extended stage as other artists exited. As iKON made their way down the stage, B.I. faced towards them, watching until they reached the extended stage. Once out of sight, B.I. turned around, seemingly with a small smile on his face.

During the group’s final speaking moments, B.I. turned to watch iKON, and as he spoke, iKON members politely listened, with some facing him directly. These moments left fans with mixed feelings, happy to see them on the same stage again but saddened by the circumstances surrounding their past.

The reunion on stage, even if brief, sparked emotions among fans who have longed for the possibility of iKON’s original lineup coming together once more. The conflicting feelings reflect the complex dynamics and history of the group’s journey over the years.

All the remaining members of iKON left YG Entertainment in December 2022 before signing with 143 Entertainment in January of the following year. Since then, they have released their third studio album ‘Take Off’ in May 2023. Meanwhile, B.I. released his second EP ‘Love or Loved Part. 2’ on November 10, 2023 and is currently promoting the single “Loved”.

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BTS’ Jungkook Extends Video Fan Call to Learn ARMY’s Cocktail

BTS’s Jungkook surprised an ARMY during a video fan call event by extending their time, citing an “important reason.” The event, held on November 18, allowed 60 lucky fans to talk to Jungkook for one minute through a raffle.

BTS’ Jungkook Shares Virtual Drink with ARMY in Video Fan Call

During the call, fans worldwide shared special moments with Jungkook, expressing their love and admiration. One ARMY took the opportunity to share a drink recipe with the artist, showcasing the process during the video fan call.

In the past, Jungkook has repeatedly stated that he wants to share a drink with his fans and would often fix a drink during his livestreams. Not surprisingly, one ARMY decided to take her chance and virtually share a drink with the BTS maknae. In a clip shared on social media, the fan can be seen mixing the drink which she revealed to be a Milkis cocktail as Jungkook watches with amusement.

As the one-minute mark approached, the monitor instructed the fan to end the call, even though her drink demonstration was not yet finished. Jungkook, holding up an imaginary drink, interrupted and stated, “Hold on, this is really important.” He patiently waited for the fan to complete making the drink, and the two shared a virtual cheers before saying goodbye.

Fans have appreciated the heartwarming interaction, and many are looking forward to the possibility of Jungkook recreating the drink during a future livestream. The moment further showcases Jungkook’s connection with ARMY and his willingness to engage in unique and memorable interactions with fans.

Jungkook is currently promoting his solo album ‘GOLDEN’ and the title track “Standing Next to You”, which has reached the top ten in Lithuania, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Latvia, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States. In the United Kingdom, it also became Jungkook’s fourth consecutive top ten entry on the UK Singles Chart.

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Chung Ha Says Jay Park Helped Her When She Was ‘Burnt Out’

Chung Ha might be focusing on her career right now, but there was a time when the former I.O.I member considered leaving it all behind. The soloist admitted that she was so “burnt out” that she was planning to leave South Korea and focus on her studies. However, Chungha revealed that Jay Park managed to convince her to reconsider.

Chung Ha Admits Being ‘Burnt Out’ Before Signing with Jay Park’s MORE VISION Label

Chung Ha, also known as Kim Chung Ha, revealed on the November 18th episode of MBC’s “Omniscient Point of View” that she was feeling so “burnt out” that she had contemplated going abroad to study. However, it was Jay Park who played a crucial role in changing her perspective.

Chung Ha opened up about her struggles with burnout and expressed gratitude to Jay Park for helping her navigate through this challenging period. She credited Jay Park for being a significant influence in her decision not to go abroad for studies, highlighting the supportive relationship between the two artists.

“I was actually so burnt out,” she told Jay Park. “If it wasn’t for you, I would be studying in abroad right now.” Chung Ha added, “He was the one who contacted me the most after hearing about my concerns.”

During the episode, Jay Park, who was a guest, discussed various aspects of his life, including his interactions with his artists. He mentioned Chung Ha’s recent profile picture, which had garnered attention due to a significant change in her style.

“Chung Ha is a strong performer as an artist,” Park said. “I thought we could have a synergistic effect, so I suggested that we work together.”

Kim Chung Ha previously left MNH Entertainment in March, deciding not to renew her contract with the agency. By October, it was confirmed that she had signed with Jay Park’s label MORE VISION.

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ENHYPEN Tops Worldwide iTunes Charts With ‘ORANGE BLOOD’

There is little doubt that ENHYPEN is well on their way to becoming one of the most successful groups in K-pop. The idol group’s latest album ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ is currently dominating the iTunes charts all over the world!

ENHYPEN’s New Album ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ Tops iTunes Charts All Over The World

ENHYPEN has once again proven their global popularity as their latest release, the mini album ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ and its title track “Sweet Venom,” soared to the top of iTunes charts in numerous countries.

Upon its release on November 17 at 2 p.m. KST, both the mini album and the title track quickly claimed the No. 1 spot on iTunes charts in various regions across the world. By 10 a.m. KST on November 18, ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ had secured the No. 1 position on iTunes Top Albums charts in at least 16 different regions, including Indonesia, Egypt, and the Philippines. Simultaneously, “Sweet Venom” achieved the top spot on iTunes Top Songs charts in at least 12 different regions, including Thailand, Poland, and India.

ENHYPEN’s music video for “Sweet Venom” contributed to their global success by accumulating over 10 million views within the first 21 hours of its release, showcasing the group’s strong visual appeal and fan engagement. The MV continues to gain more views every day and is now expected to become one of the most-viewed music videos on YouTube before the end of the year.

In addition to their chart-topping success, ENHYPEN set a new personal record for first-week sales. ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ achieved over 1.38 million copies in sales on November 17 alone, according to data from Hanteo Chart. This impressive milestone reflects the group’s immense popularity and the enthusiasm of their dedicated fanbase.

ENHYPEN continues to make waves in the music industry, and their global achievements with ‘ORANGE BLOOD’ highlight the group’s international impact and widespread fan support. Congratulations to ENHYPEN on their successful comeback!

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BLACKPINK’s Lisa Causes Omelet Rice Sales to Soar

BLACKPINK’s Lisa continues to showcase her influence, especially in her home country of Thailand. In a recent interview with Spotify celebrating her one billion streams for “MONEY,” Lisa demonstrated her cooking skills by preparing her favorite Thai dish, khai jiao (Thai-style omelet). The video was unique and garnered attention not only for the celebration but also for Lisa’s culinary talents.

Lisa’s Omelet Rice Causes Khai Jiao Sales to Rise

Following the release of the video, khai jiao quickly became a trending topic on Thai social media platforms. Local news outlets reported a noticeable increase in sales of the dish, showcasing Lisa’s significant impact on consumer behavior.

As part of their coverage, news outlets visited a local shop known for selling khai jiao. The owner, who used to be the sole person handling the cooking and sales, revealed that Lisa’s video led to a surge in demand. The shop had to adapt quickly by hiring an assistant and procuring additional raw materials to meet the newfound popularity of the dish.

Expressing gratitude for the rise in customers attributed to Lisa’s video, the owner hopes that the BLACKPINK singer will one day visit the stall in Khon Kaen and have the opportunity to taste her khai jiao for free.

Lisa’s influence extends beyond the music industry, and her impact on local businesses, like the omelet rice stall, highlights the global reach and cultural influence that K-pop idols can have on various aspects of society, including culinary trends and local economies.

The BLACKPINK member officially received a plaque from Spotify after achieving a billion streams of her solo track ‘Money’. Lisa also shared her sentiments on receiving the plaque and becoming a member of Spotify’s Billions Club, speaking in her mother tongue.

“I feel like it’s something unbelievable that my songs have this many people who have listened to them,” she told Spotify. “It makes me proud of myself and makes me want to keep making music.”

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BTS V’s Sasaeng Stalker Faces Legal Prosecution

V’s sasaeng stalker is facing the consequences of her actions. The so-called fan is the latest individual who will need to face legal prosecution for stalking the BTS member.

V’s Sasaeng Stalker Slapped with Legal Prosecution

The BTS members have recently faced distressing situations caused by sasaeng fans, with some members publicly expressing their distress due to various forms of harassment. On November 17, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station issued a non-arrest summon to a woman in her 20s, identified as ‘A,’ who is suspected of violating the Stalking Prevention Act and trespassing.

The alleged incidents involve ‘A’ engaging in stalking behavior, such as waiting in front of V’s house on October 28, taking the elevator, conversing with him, and even asking him to sign a marriage registration form. ‘A’ left the scene, but the police initiated an investigation after receiving a report from a security guard, revealing that ‘A’ had visited V’s residence on multiple occasions before.

In response to these incidents, the police decided to impose an ’emergency restraining order’ on the sasaeng stalker prohibiting her from approaching within 100 meters of V’s vicinity and using phone calls or messages to contact him.

BIGHIT Music Moves to Protect Its Artists

BTS’s label, BIGHIT Music, has consistently issued strong responses to such incidents. They have submitted numerous complaints to law enforcement agencies, providing evidence gathered through reports and monitoring. The complaints focus on defamation, slander, and violations of the Stalking Prevention Act that infringe upon the artists’ rights.

BIGHIT Music mentioned their ongoing efforts in collecting evidence of individuals sending mail and parcels to the artists’ homes, causing harm to their families. In the second quarter of 2022, some suspects among the overall complainants received decisions to suspend investigations and non-indictments. In response, BIGHIT Music lodged objections and requested a re-investigation to address the concerning issue of sasaeng fans’ harassment.

Although the new policy is certainly strict, BTS fans are happy to know that their idols will no longer have to deal with harassment and abuse. With that in mind, BIGHIT Music is doing the right thing to protect its artists.

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