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Everything We Learned About BTS’ Jimin From His Elle Korea Interview

Jimin

In a recent conversation with Elle Korea, BTS’ Jimin pulled back the curtain on his personality, his passion for what he does, and his camaraderie with the other BTS members. The interview, conducted by Bang Ho-kwang, offers fans an intimate look into the life of this icon.

Park Jong-ha/Elle Korea

On confidence and perfectionism

The “Like Crazy” hitmaker isn’t usually a perfectionist—except when he’s performing. He believes that while other things can be imperfect, the stage must always be flawless. This belief has been a driving force in his career, making Jimin go beyond his limits and grow as an artist and an individual. While promoting his debut solo album, FACE, he confronted one of these limits. 

“Doing so much on my own, I realized once again how shy I am,” he confessed. “I realized how much more I need to grow beyond myself. You have to be prepared to act with confidence. I’m ashamed. I’m really ashamed that I’m still at this level. But I don’t want to run away, I want to prove that I can do well too.”

That’s why he released FACE even if part of him didn’t want to. “FACE was an album I made when I was under a lot of personal stress, so I was scared to even release it. I can’t forget the feeling of relief after finishing the songs. I’m always working on songs and I really want to try various genres. I would be happiest if you enjoyed my music.”

Park Jong-ha/Elle Korea

Jimin exists because of the team

Reflecting on BTS‘ decade-long journey, he reminisced, “No one knew who we were back then. Still, I wondered, ‘How do these people know and support us?’ I remember giving my best on stage for them. The pandemic was a time when we felt the preciousness of interacting with the audience on stage and on-site. Thanks to that, we realized that performers exist because of them.”

Jimin’s bond with his members is unbreakable. Whether it’s supporting their individual activities or sharing a friendship tattoo, he emphasized, “We often talk among ourselves. I exist because of the team. Now I’m more comfortable with the members than ever.”

He feels most at home in a concert hall with the other six members and the fans. When asked about his favorite stage performance, Jimin didn’t hesitate, “Personally, I really love and cherish the stages we’ve shown as a team. There are many memorable stages, but if I had to choose one, it would be ‘ON.’ Especially the ‘ON’ stage, which was the opening song of the concert, I think was cool.”

Park Jong-ha/Elle Korea

A singer who does well

He also touched on his stint as a Tiffany & Co. ambassador, which took him to New York and the reopening of The Landmark. Jimin described the experience as surreal. “I was very nervous. It was my first time attending a big event alone. There was beautiful jewelry and numerous celebrities. Looking back, everything was so new and amazing; it felt like I was in a scene from a movie.”

Finally, he left his fans a heartfelt message: “Please wait. I will become a singer who does well.” 

This in-depth interview with Jimin offers a profound understanding of the artist behind the superstar, making it a must-read for every ARMY member and K-pop enthusiast. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Adorned in Givenchy, Gucci, and Tiffany & Co.’s finest jewels, Jimin is elegance redefined. Source: Elle Korea.

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Dang Hong Hai of ‘Boys Planet’ Signs with Dongyo Entertainment

Dang Hong Hai, who captured hearts on the survival show Boys Planet, has signed an exclusive contract with Dongyo Entertainment. Recognizing his immense potential and the promise he holds for the future, the agency committed to giving him unwavering support and the resources he needs to flourish. In a statement, Dongyo Entertainment said, “We are excited to confirm that we have formalized an exclusive contract with Dang Hong Hai. Our decision was influenced by his infectious energy and raw passion.”

@danghonghai_k3

Đặng Hồng Hải trực thuộc công ty Dongyo Entertainment #DANGHONGHAI #당홍하이 #fy #xh #fpy #kpop

♬ nhạc nền – 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗧 – NEWT MUSIC GROUP

The agency also unveiled a fresh profile picture of Dang Hong Hai. It showed him in a casual white T-shirt and jeans. He exuded confidence with a captivating gaze and a warm smile. Born on October 26, 2003, Dang Hong Hai is a Scorpio with diverse talents. He has an impressive academic record, having secured a high admission score of 45.75 out of 50 at one of Vietnam‘s top high schools. Fluent in Vietnamese, Korean, and English, the 19-year-old stands tall at 180 cm.

His MBTI personality type is INFJ. In his downtime, he enjoys taking leisurely walks, keeping up with the news, and of course, singing. In fact, he can sing exceptionally well without closing his eyes. He considers TOMORROW X TOGETHER his role models and he loves the song “Good Parts (when the quality is bad but I am)” by LE SSERAFIM. When he participated in Boys Planet, his slogan was, “I will shatter the stage with my skills and passion, so please follow me!”

#DANGHONGHAI ♬LOVE ME RIGHT – EXO(엑소) @K vs G 그룹 배틀

The sky’s the limit for Dang Hong Hai

Dang Hong Hai‘s journey in the entertainment industry has been noteworthy. He passed the Cube Entertainment audition and trained under Fantagio for three years. Although many fans anticipated his debut with the agency’s new boy group, Lun8, he was not included in the final lineup. Before that, he was on a competition for young boys called Tiny Hero in 2015. A year later, he competed in The Voice Kids Vietnam.

https://www.tiktok.com/@danghonghai_k3/video/7230032623895137541?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6908322787502065153

To Vietnamese fans, Dang Hong Hai is a household name. Many fan pages dedicated to him garnered tens of thousands of likes, reflecting all the love and support he receives. His arrival at the agency marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. He joins Semantic Error star Park Jaechan, who is also one-fifth of the boy group DKZ. The other members are Giseok, Jonghyeong, Mingyu, and Sehyeon.

Now that he has the backing of a major entertainment company and the love of countless fans, the sky’s the limit for this young talent. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This ‘Boys Planet’ alum may not have made it into ZEROBASEONE, but he hasn’t given up on his dream. Source: X/@aboutdhhai.

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SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Gives CARATs Impromptu Hi-Touch Event

Hoshi recently set fans abuzz with excitement during an SBS “Inkigayo” recording. The SEVENTEEN member instigated an unexpected hi-touch event that got CARATs totally excited!

Hoshi Gives Surprise Hi-Touch Event After SEVENTEEN Recording

On October 29th, SEVENTEEN took to the stage to perform and record their captivating performance of “God Of Music” at the SBS “Inkigayo” studio. What made this moment particularly memorable was a delightful surprise from Hoshi himself.

In the midst of their performance, a choreographic sequence led Hoshi to the side of the stage. It was at this moment that Hoshi chose to steal even more hearts by spontaneously organizing a mini hi-touch event for the fans present.

As captured in a fan cam video, around the 1:40 mark, Hoshi made his way to the side of the stage, reaching out to the fans and sharing high fives with them. The unexpected and intimate interaction undoubtedly created unforgettable memories for the fortunate fans who were present to witness this spontaneous gesture of affection from Hoshi. With that in mind, CARATs can’t get enough of the fun and exciting possibilities when Hoshi is involved.

In other related news, Hoshi recently offered fans a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes at HYBE building, sharing some interesting insights about the company’s artist-exclusive elevator. In a recent appearance in the latest episode of “Salon Drip”, the SEVENTEEN member shared how the elevator setup led to an endearing encounter with members of a younger group NewJeans.

Despite Hoshi’s confident reputation, he candidly described himself as an “introvert” and admitted to feeling a touch of shyness during the unplanned meeting with the younger girl group. Even when reassured by the NewJeans members that he was welcome to join them in the elevator, Hoshi chose to wait separately, showcasing the genuine and relatable sides of his personality.

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HYBE And MBC Finally Resolve Four-Year Conflict

It has been a long time but HYBE and MBC have finally resolved their four-year conflict. The renowned record label and the broadcasting company have settled their differences in a recent meeting.

Four-Year Conflict Between HYBE and MBC Finally Resolved

On October 30, HYBE Label’s chairman Bang Si Hyuk made a visit to MBC for an open and candid discussion with MBC president Ahn Hyeong Joon. The meeting was made possible after Ahn extended an invitation as a gesture of regret. During this meeting, Ahn expressed his regret for MBC’s past wrong and outdated practices that had caused harm and hurt to HYBE’s artists.

Ahn also issued a statement regarding their meeting. “We firmly agree that there’s a need to establish a relationship between artists and broadcasting companies that befits the respectable status of K-pop,” he said. “Additionally, we also agreed to improve the long-standing flawed production culture between broadcasting and entertainment companies and to create an environment for content production with mutual respect and consideration.”

Bang’s statement reflected his appreciation for the gesture. “I’d like to express my deep gratitude to MBC for their sincere apology and their commitment to improving the rights of K-pop artists,” he said. “I hope this meeting will serve as a starting point for a new era where a healthy content production environment is established across the entire domestic entertainment industry, transcending the boundaries of our two companies.”

HYBE’s Plans for the Future

During the meeting, Bang Si Hyuk underscored the paramount importance of prioritizing artists’ rights to ensure the sustainable growth of K-pop. He highlighted specific areas requiring improvement, such as the practice where artists have to endure prolonged waiting times to interact with the production team even after a program has concluded. HYBE further revealed that both parties expressed their intention to engage in further discussions aimed at establishing a healthy content production environment and striving for tangible outcomes in the near future.

The four-year conflict between HYBE and MBC originated in 2019 when BTS performed at a significant year-end music show in the United States, resulting in their inability to participate in MBC’s annual year-end event, “MBC Music Festival,” on the same day. Consequently, all artists affiliated with HYBE have been restricted from appearing on MBC’s “Music Core” since that incident. This protracted dispute has been a source of contention in the K-pop industry, and the recent meeting signifies a potential turning point in resolving these issues and fostering a more collaborative and artist-friendly environment.

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NCT NEW TEAM Possibly Getting A New Name

Over the years, SM Entertainment‘s ambitious NCT project has unfurled, resulting in the creation of various sub-units that showcase a diverse range of musical and cultural dynamics. The most recent addition, and reportedly the final chapter of this undertaking, is NCT NEW TEAM, initially known as NCT Tokyo. However, it looks like the group is set for a fitting new name before their official debut!

SM Entertainment Possibly Revealed NCT NEW TEAM’s New Name

The anticipation surrounding the emerging group has been steadily growing, especially after they unveiled their pre-debut single “Hands Up” on October 8, 2023. The ensemble not only represents a new facet of the NCT universe but also carries the aspiration of bridging the musical landscapes between South Korea and Japan. It appears they may now have a new name.

SM Entertainment’s recent trademark filings have unveiled a catchy potential name: NCT WISH.

https://twitter.com/SionCherry/status/1718499001836925003

The prospective name not only reflects the dreams and ambitions of the young artists but also harmonizes with the overarching narrative of the NCT project. NCT fans have warmly embraced this name, filling social media with heartfelt messages and theories about how NCT WISH beautifully aligns with the journey of these talented individuals.

As the excitement for NCT NEW TEAM’s official debut continues to build, the potential new name adds a layer of emotional and symbolic depth to their narrative. Whether they debut as NCT NEW TEAM, NCT WISH, or under any other name, the anticipation surrounding these young talents is undeniably indicative of the remarkable journey that lies ahead, not just for the group but for the NCT project as a whole.

The journey toward the formation of NCT NEW TEAM has been a captivating and intricate one. SM Entertainment, in partnership with Avex Trax, envisioned a group that could resonate with the Japanese audience while staying true to the NCT ethos. The meticulous planning brought together a mix of experienced performers and fresh faces, including Sion, Riku, Yushi, Daeyoung, Ryo, and Sakuya, to create an exciting blend of talents poised to make their mark. They are set to debut in 2024.

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Cube Entertainment Confirms New Boy Group

CUBE Entertainment has confirmed that they are preparing for the debut of a new boy group! The upcoming idol group will be the agency’s first since they launched PENTAGON in 2016.

New Boy Group Confirmed by CUBE Entertainment

CUBE Entertainment is gearing up for the much-anticipated debut of a new boy group tentatively named nowadays in early 2024. The exciting development comes as per an exclusive report by JTBC, and it has sparked significant buzz among K-pop enthusiasts.

The group is slated to consist of five members, and they’ve been diligently preparing for their debut since mid-October. Notably, the members selected for the venture encompass a mix of talents, including those who have already made a name for themselves through prior activities and fresh, unrevealed trainees. The combination of experience and new talent hints at an intriguing dynamic for the upcoming group.

Furthermore, there’s an interesting twist to their debut, as they have been shooting their debut content in the United Kingdom. This choice of location adds a layer of mystique to their upcoming release and raises questions about the creative direction and international appeal of nowadays.

This highly-anticipated debut represents a significant milestone for CUBE Entertainment. It marks their first boy group debut since the introduction of PENTAGON back in 2016, underscoring the importance and excitement surrounding the new group.

CUBE Entertainment has yet to officially comment on JTBC’s report, leaving fans eager to hear more about the group’s concept, music style, and the individual members who will comprise nowadays.

As 2024 approaches, K-pop fans around the world are sure to keep a close eye on CUBE Entertainment and the burgeoning boy group’s journey towards their debut. The fusion of experienced talent and fresh faces, coupled with international influences, suggests that nowadays has the potential to make a significant impact on the K-pop scene.

In related news, CUBE Entertainment confirmed that Yeo One, Yan An, Yuto, Kino, and Wooseok decided against renewing their contracts with the company.

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TXT Soobin’s Breakfast Date with Bebe Rexha Sparks Collab Speculations

Is it time for an awesome K-pop collaboration? Soobin from the popular K-pop group TXT and the internationally acclaimed pop sensation Bebe Rexha recently enjoyed a delightful breakfast date in South Korea. Their friendship has been a long-standing one, and every time they reunite, it serves as a touching reminder of the deep and authentic bond they share, making them the epitome of friendship goals. But did it also confirm that the two are working on a new project?

TXT’s Soobin Reunites with Bebe Rexha on Breakfast Date

Soobin’s admiration for Bebe Rexha dates back to his early debut days, and he hasn’t hesitated to express his desire to meet her. His fanboy moments over the years have endeared him to fans, making him relatable and endearing in the eyes of many. In a fortunate turn of events, 2022 brought them together during a livestream, an event that sent ripples of excitement through Soobin and his fellow bandmates.

Fast forward to the present, and it’s evident that their friendship has blossomed beautifully. Bebe Rexha took to her TikTok to share glimpses of their most recent get-together, and she couldn’t help but sing praises for the breakfast date. Who wouldn’t want to brag about such a cool hangout with a friend? The photos they shared are nothing short of adorable, capturing the essence of their genuinely charming friendship.

The internet is now abuzz with love and admiration for both these stars. Fans of TXT, known as MOAs, and Bebe Rexha’s loyal supporters are overflowing with joy over the wholesome posts shared by the singer. It’s no secret that Soobin is a massive Bebe Rexha fan, and this meet-up undeniably means the world to him. The pictures and posts shared by Bebe Rexha stand as a testament to the humble and down-to-earth nature of these stars, who, despite their demanding schedules, carved out time to celebrate their friendship.

As the news of the heartwarming breakfast date spreads, the happiness it has brought to fans is immeasurable. But could it also mean that TXT and Bebe Rexha are working on a collaboration? For now, neither have confirmed a new project but fans are happy to see a true and meaningful friendship between the artists.

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aespa’s Karina Seemingly Shades Other Girl Groups for Infighting

Karina recently spoke about the relationship she shares with the three other members of aespa in a high-profile interview. However, netizens believe that the idol’s comments threw some shade at other girl groups!

Karina Discusses Her Relationship with Other Aespa Members

In the latest episode of Rolling Stone‘s “Musicians on Musicians” video series, aespa and international artist Grimes interviewed each other. At one point, Grimes asked Karina about working with three other members.

“How is it like working with all four of you and negotiating and all that?” the Canadian singer asked. “In many ways, it’s great but every time I do have a creative partner, it is so fulfilling, but sometimes you fight.”

Interestingly, Karina pointed out that she considers the other aespa members as family and that they naturally get along well.

“Even though all four of us have different personalities, I think we come together well. And we just get along well as people,” she said. “And because we understand each other well, even without saying anything, we also work well together.”

Karina then continued by sharing how other idols tend to fight with their members. Although she didn’t specify any names, many believe she was referring to other girl groups.

“Honestly, if you look at other K-pop groups, people fight a lot, and there are a lot of teams that don’t work well together. But even from the beginning, we didn’t have those issues,” she said. “And if a conflict arises, we try to resolve it immediately. So I think we’re able to work well without any issues.”

It’s an interesting comment but not exactly fresh news. After all, disagreements are natural in any group of people who must work together to achieve a goal. If anything, Karina’s comments confirmed that the members of aespa learned to accept each other’s personalities and worked out their differences.

aespa is currently preparing for their fourth EP ‘Drama’ which is set for release on November 10, 2023.

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Former EXO Member Kris Wu Reportedly Writing Songs in Prison

It looks like Kris Wu is staying active musically amidst his current incarceration. A panelist on a Chinese television program has sparked controversy by claiming that the former EXO member is composing music and participating in talent competitions while in prison.

Kris Wu’s Alleged Prison Activities Revealed

The update regarding Kris Wu’s activities came to light through screen captures from the television show that were shared on Twitter. According to the post, the former EXO member “is writing songs with positive vibes and participating in prison talent shows.”

Kris Wu’s legal issues began when a 19-year-old Chinese college student made allegations against him on July 8, 2021. The student accused Wu of engaging in a pattern of sexual assault involving multiple women and girls, some of whom were underage, while they were unconscious and under the influence of alcohol. According to the victim, she was sexually assaulted while intoxicated in December 2020 when she was 18 and claimed to speak on behalf of at least seven other victims. Two of the victims were reportedly minors at the time of the alleged crimes.

The Fall of Kris Wu

Wu vehemently denied the allegations, leading to investigations by the Beijing Public Security Bureau and other authorities. The scandal resulted in various companies, including Porsche, Bulgari, and Lancôme, severing ties with the artist. They either dropped him as a brand ambassador or suspended existing endorsement deals.

Wu was subsequently detained by police in July 2021 and was formally arrested the following month. The legal proceedings surrounding the case continued, ultimately resulting in a verdict. On November 25, 2022, the Chaoyang District People’s Court in Beijing sentenced Kris Wu to a total of 13 years in prison, with additional deportation from China upon completing his sentence. He faced charges related to rape and group lewdness and was also fined ¥600 million yuan (approximately US$84 million) for tax evasion.

The recent television program’s claim about Kris Wu’s involvement in music and talent competitions during his incarceration has stirred public debate and raised questions about the accuracy of the information. It remains to be seen how this situation will develop and whether further details about Kris Wu’s activities will emerge.

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Stray Kids Earn 2nd US Gold RIAA Certification For ‘5-STAR’

Stray Kids has achieved a remarkable feat in the United States, as their latest album has been officially certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This prestigious certification is granted when an album reaches over 500,000 units sold in the U.S. Amazingly, this is the second time that the idol group has earned gold RIAA certification in the span of three years!

Stray Kids Confirms Gold RIAA Certification for ‘5-STAR’

The album in question is “★★★★★ (5-STAR)” and it holds a special place in Stray Kids’ discography. Notably, this marks the group’s first album to receive the gold RIAA certification, signifying a significant milestone in their international success. Not surprisingly, they excitedly posted about the certification on social media.

The latest accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because it adds to Stray Kids’ previous RIAA certification for their 2020 hit song “God’s Menu” which achieved gold status earlier in the same month.

By achieving this latest certification, Stray Kids joins an exclusive club of K-pop artists who have received recognition from the RIAA. They are only the second K-pop act, following the immense global success of BTS, to earn gold RIAA certifications for both an album and a single. This achievement underscores Stray Kids’ growing influence in the U.S. music market.

Furthermore, Stray Kids’ gold RIAA certification for “★★★★★ (5-STAR)” places them among the elite K-pop acts that have achieved this distinction. Prior to Stray Kids, only BTS and TXT had albums certified as gold in the United States. This accomplishment solidifies Stray Kids’ position as a major player in the international music scene.

The remarkable achievement is a testament to Stray Kids’ talent and the dedicated support of their global fanbase. The group has made substantial strides in the U.S. music industry, and their success continues to reach new heights. Congratulations to Stray Kids for this well-deserved recognition and their exciting accomplishment in the United States!

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