Category: KPOP NEWS

In an essay penned before his demise, the iconic Japanese art-rock maestro Sakamoto Ryuichi unveiled a private rendezvous with BTS‘ SUGA during the latter’s Tokyo trip. Despite the brevity of their meeting, they shared profound insights that bridged gaps of age, generation, and nationality. “SUGA thinks so much about music that one could think he has no other hobbies,” Sakamoto remarked.

Tragically, in April 2023, Sakamoto succumbed to cancer, leaving behind a legacy of collaborations with artists. Among his final works was a collaboration with SUGA on a track titled “Snooze,” a dramatic rap-rock ballad from SUGA‘s third release under his Agust D persona. This song also features Woosung, the frontman of the South Korean rock band, the Rose.

BTS (방탄소년단) Agust D Ft. Ryuichi Sakamoto & WOOSUNG ‘Snooze’ MV

The allure of BTS

Sakamoto Miu, his daughter, opened up in a recent interview about her father, BTS, and the solace she found in SUGA‘s music. “I got hooked on BTS during the pandemic. Being obsessed with an idol is a first for me. I lived in the U.S. from the age of nine, and my first love was David Sylvian, the vocalist of the British band Japan. I never imagined I’d be squealing over idols in my forties. But many mature women in their forties, fifties, and sixties, not just in Japan but worldwide, are deep into the BTS fandom.”

When asked by interviewer Nakano Nobuko about the allure of BTS, Miu responded, “The entry point might be their faces or their songs. But beyond their music, the messages in their lyrics and their personalities play a significant role. What’s especially noteworthy is the wonderfulness of the fandom. The ARMY invested money, time, and effort to push them to the top. Having observed this industry since I was young, I’m aware that artists and fans are inseparable and mutually dependent. But I’ve never seen such unity, such mutual love between an artist and their fans.”

Reflecting on her father’s collaboration with SUGA, Miu shared, “A few years ago, I lectured him several times saying how SUGA-san started to like his songs since he saw Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and The Last Emperor. Last year, he visited my father and they made a song together called ‘Snooze.’ It was released right after my father passed away. I feel like he’ll carry the spirit of Ryuichi Sakamoto.”

Miu’s work of mourning

She added, “During SUGA-san’s concert, there was a memorial message after the video, before he sang ‘Snooze,’ and seeing that made me feel that my father is still living in the song. I was truly comforted by that. I went to the concert in Japan and Thailand, but if I hadn’t gone through this process, I might still be stuck in deep sadness of losing my father.”

The interviewer then introduced the Freudian concept of “work of mourning.” She described it as a mental process to overcome grief and sorrow. By keeping oneself occupied, individuals can effectively navigate the emotional tumult of bereavement, allowing for a healthier and more adaptive grieving process. Miu responded, “If I think that way, I believe keeping up with SUGA-san’s solo activity was my work of mourning. It was physically hard, but something that was necessary for me.”

Music, as they say, has the power to heal. For Sakamoto Miu, the melodies of BTS and SUGA became her refuge during her darkest hours. Thank God for SUGA! – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA definitely lives up to BigHit Music’s old tagline, ‘Music for healing.’ Source: X/@061313purple.

In anticipation of BTS’ Jimin‘s birthday on October 13th, Sevit Island is set to undergo a spectacular transformation into a themed park named “JIMIN SEOM.” The announcement came from Jimin‘s Chinese fanbase, MOONRISING CHINA, via social media, stating that they are organizing a large-scale event on the island to commemorate Jimin‘s special day.

Located downstream of the Banpo Bridge in Seoul is Sevit Island, an artificial island complex. Fans will decorate it in celebration of Jimin’s birthday on October 13 and 14. From 10:13 AM to 10:13 PM on both days, visitors can expect a plethora of activities and attractions.

 To kick off the festivities, a towering six-meter balloon cake will greet fans at the entrance. Additionally, a 40-meter-long banner highlighting Jimin‘s journey and song lyrics will be displayed alongside 24 bridge flags, allowing fans to reminisce about his illustrious 10-year career. They’ll also set up a photo booth, an inflatable, and a balloon moon at the center of the bridge. As fans cross the bridge to the island, a massive 20 by 10-meter banner awaits, welcoming them with open arms.

Jimin enjoys unwavering support

MOONRISING CHINA’s celebrations don’t stop there. They’ve also collaborated with leading beauty brand Olive Young. This collaboration yielded screen advertisements in 2,500 stores nationwide from October 2 to 15. Moreover, a cafe near HYBE will display a large banner from October 7 to 15. Bus stop advertisements will run from October 12 to November 11.

Fans, having eagerly awaited Jimin‘s birthday for a year, have painted towns across the nation in “Jimtober” hues. Through global voting sites, they swept all ten categories in the October birthday polls. This further amplified the festive atmosphere with these unprecedented events.

Releasing his debut solo album FACE a decade after BTS‘ debut and achieving unparalleled success domestically and internationally, Jimin continues to enjoy unwavering support from fans worldwide. This grand “Jimtober” celebration is a testament to his enduring impact and the deep bond he shares with his fans. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This year, Jimin’s Chinese fans will go all-out for his 28th birthday. Source: Weverse.

BTS, the global K-pop sensation, clinched five top honors at The Fact Music Awards (TFMA) on October 2, reinforcing their dominance in the music industry. These achievements were announced ahead of the grand award ceremony set for October 10. The group’s wins underscore their global appeal and the unwavering dedication of their fans.

Jimin and V, two of BTS‘ members, also received individual accolades. Jimin secured the Idol Plus Popularity Award with a staggering 36% of the votes. This victory made him the first Korean soloist to achieve such a feat in K-pop history. Given that the Idol Plus Popularity Award is determined entirely by fan votes, Jimin‘s triumph speaks volumes about his immense popularity. Fans reportedly created multiple accounts to cast more votes for their favorite artist, with 200 lucky individuals set to receive invitations to the award show.

V‘s R&B track “Slow Dancing” from his debut solo album Layover was recognized as the Best Fall Music. BTS’ Min Yoongi, also known as Agust D or SUGA, was nominated for the Idol Plus Popularity Award as well. The group’s other wins include Best Music Summer for “Take Two,” Fan N Star Choice Group, and Most Voted Artist.

BTS’ bond and legacy remain strong

The Fact Music Awards 2023 will take place at the Incheon Namdong Gymnasium in Seoul. While it remains uncertain which BTS members will grace the event, fans are buzzing with anticipation. Organized by Fan N Star and The Fact, this award-giving body celebrates Korean artists’ contributions to the Hallyu wave. Winners are chosen based on data from Circle (formerly Gaon), fan votes, and a panel of experts. Several categories are under the Fan N Star banner, with winners primarily determined by fan votes.

International fans have multiple platforms to watch the awards show. It will be broadcast on IdolPlus in Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and the Philippines. In Japan, viewers can tune in to dTV or MusicOn!. KOOKY will air it in both Latin and North America. Meanwhile, European and Middle Eastern audiences can catch it on TMA’s YouTube channel.

Although three members—j-hope, Jin, and SUGA—are currently serving in the military while the rest are pursuing solo endeavors, the group’s bond and legacy remain strong. The fact that they’re still winning awards despite being on hiatus is a testament to their enduring impact and the love of their fans. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: When BTS sang ‘the best is yet to come,’ they weren’t kidding. Congrats, boys! Source: X/@bts_bighit.

BTS‘ Kim Taehyung, also known as V, sat down for an interview with Melon Radio, South Korea’s premier music and streaming platform, on October 1. Throughout the conversation, V touched upon various facets of his life, from his illustrious career to personal reflections, shedding light on how his choices have shaped and inspired him over the years.

V‘s thoughts on the value of taking things slow were a highlight of the interview. He said, “Slowness does not mean laziness or the inability to accelerate at a fast pace. It’s about having the ability not to rush through time, not to be pushed around by the rush of time, and not to lose yourself.” Drawing inspiration from French philosopher Pierre Sansot’s Principles on Slow Life, V emphasized the importance of savoring moments. He shared personal anecdotes of leisurely walks, saying, “I walked leisurely on the path I usually tread. Looking at the sky, staring at familiar places with fresh eyes, observing the ceiling while lying down before sleep, and taking long, deep breaths.”

Continuing on the theme of slowness, V believes that a relaxed approach allows one to appreciate life’s nuances and discover hidden gems. “Being a bit more relaxed helps you observe your daily life more closely, where previously you might have felt anxious about being left behind. Simultaneously, it aids in discovering the unnoticed sparkling moments. Some things are beautiful because they are slow,” he added.

On a more personal note, V expressed his gratitude towards the ARMY for supporting him through the years. “I’m truly grateful that you’re there. We support each other, laugh and cry together, cheer together, and get moved together. We even party together. We’ve shared all these moments, right? If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be here now.”

World domination, V style

In related news, Hanteo Chart unveiled its September standings at 10 AM on October 1. The results highlighted V‘s prominence as he clinched the top position in the September World Chart, amassing a score of 15,793.62 points.

This World Chart, an important part of the Hanteo Chart, aggregates global metrics for K-pop acts. It encompasses aspects like album sales, streaming counts, certifications, social media engagement, media coverage, and more. V‘s album Layover made significant strides, especially in the album and media segments. Living up to his distinction as the first Korean soloist to surpass 2.1 million in initial sales, V‘s performance in the album segment was commendable. IVE and BLACKPINK followed suit, securing the second and third positions in the World Chart.

Furthermore, V dominated the September album rankings. Achieving a score of 2,507,002.80 points, which translates to sales of 2,141,557 units, V not only established a new benchmark for a Korean solo artist’s initial sales but also reigned supreme in the monthly tally. RIIZE and Boy Next Door trailed behind, securing the second and third positions. They scored 1,041,771.00 (sales of 1,041,771 units) and 566,764.06 points (sales of 489,044 units) respectively.

V‘s ascent to the pinnacle of the music world is a testament to the adage “slow and steady wins the race.” His introspective approach to life and music proves that taking time to savor every step can lead to unparalleled success. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: V has been busy. He recently made several appearances on Melon Radio Talks, including this one. Source: X/@bts_bighit.

Jungkook, BTS‘ golden maknae, recently had fans in stitches with his playful banter on Stationhead. The singer, celebrated for his mesmerizing stage presence and soaring vocals, didn’t hold back when ARMYs, his dedicated fandom, made a cheeky request.

When fans playfully asked him to film a TikTok video without a shirt, Jungkook‘s witty comeback had everyone laughing. “Can you film a TikTok shirtless?” they inquired. To which he replied, “Wouldn’t that be kind of difficult? Anyway, I was not wearing a shirt in the music video. Let me wear one when I’m home. Let’s not be like that.” 

He then jokingly added, “There’re a lot of pervs among ARMYs too, I see. ARMYs also have evil minds inside them. I’ve never seen ARMYs say such things so confidently, it’s the first time seeing this.” This amusing exchange quickly made its way to various social media platforms, with fans sharing the voice clip on TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Jungkook rolled out more new material

In other news, Jungkook continued the rollout of new solo material with the release of “3D (feat. Jack Harlow)” and its remix EP titled 3D: The Remixes. This project contains four new renditions of the K-pop star’s single, including sped-up and slowed-down versions. The “A.G. Cook” remix, featuring the British DJ of the same name, stands out with its trendy feel, combining an electro-house base with a distinctive beat and incorporating EDM elements. The varied tempos of the “Sped Up” and “Slowed Down” versions offer a different atmosphere from the original, allowing listeners to experience the multi-dimensional charm of “3D.”

“3D” serves as the follow-up to Jungkook’s first solo single, “Seven.” The track, which features Latto, made a splash on the Billboard charts, crowning the Billboard Hot 100 following its release and spending 10 weeks so far on the all-genre chart. The single additionally gave Jungkook his first solo No. 1 on the tally and marked Latto’s first No. 1 on the chart. Her previous and only top five charting single was “Big Energy,” which hit No. 3 on the Hot 100.

Stay tuned for more updates on BTS and Jungkook‘s musical journey. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s response left fans in stitches. Source: Weverse.