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ENHYPEN Stole the Show at Milan Fashion Week

ENHYPEN

On September 19, the world watched ENHYPEN leave Korea to attend Prada’s Spring/Summer 2024 show in Milan. After checking into their hotel, the members teased the event on social media, heightening fans’ anticipation.

Carefully chosen clothes

Before the show, they spent some time exploring the city, turning the streets of Milan into their own runway. Heeseung, Jake, Jay, Jungwon, Ni-ki, Sunghoon, and Sunoo looked like models as they headed to Milan’s Prada store. They remained calm, cool, and collected even as the crowd behind them grew larger. A video that captured them greeting ENGENEs went viral on social media.

@jakeilmaranza

Milan fashion week #milanfashionweek #enhypen #enhypenedit #milan

♬ Sweet Venom – ENHYPEN

Two days later, the fashion show was in full swing. ENHYPEN, dressed in Prada’s Fall/Winter collection, drew plenty of attention. Their entrance was grand, with the cheers of fans heralding their arrival. Their star power was palpable, and they looked regal in their carefully chosen clothes as they took their front-row seats. While Heeseung chose a cream coat with a green color-blocking border detail, the others opted for more comfortable looks. Sunoo, for instance, donned a brown sweater featuring a stylish peekaboo sharp lapel collar. 

For footwear, the boys sported Prada’s Diapason brushed leather lace-up shoes in an all-black or black and burnt sienna colorway.

ENHYPEN stole the show

The show was as much about connections as it was about fashion. ENHYPEN mingled with other Prada brand ambassadors, such as  Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Hunter Schafer, and Scarlett Johansson. They also chatted with Miuccia Prada, the fashion house’s head designer and founder of its subsidiary, Miu Miu.

@arvmintch

The way Miuccia Prada looking at Ni-Ki… they’re smiling so precious #ni_ki #nishimurariki #enhypen #ni_kienhypen #enhypenxprada #miucciaprada #arvmintch #추천 #milanfashionweek #trending

♬ Everyday – Ariana Grande

There were many important people there, but ENHYPEN stole the show. That they did so isn’t very surprising. Earlier this year, during the Prada Fall/Winter 2023 Menswear show, they set a record in terms of MIV® (Media Impact Value). They generated an astounding 11.2 million USD, previously unheard of at Prada events.

Beyond Milan, ENHYPEN‘s influence in the fashion scene is growing. They were named ambassadors for Prada during the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of Seoul Fashion Week. In the worlds of K-pop and fashion, ENHYPEN‘s rise is meteoric, and their presence at these events is a testament to their global appeal and unmatched charisma. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The boys could easily be on the catwalk. Source: Twitter/@enhypenupdates.

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BTS’ SUGA Visited Weverse Before Joining the Military

BTS‘s SUGA took a moment to connect with his fans right before his enlistment. “Hi, it’s SUGA. I came by to say hi,” he shared in a Weverse post early Friday morning. Weverse, for the uninitiated, is HYBE’s fan community platform.

Twitter/@miiniyoongs

SUGA addressed ARMY

SUGA’s message was filled with gratitude and love for his fans, known as the ARMY. “I’m here safe and sound, thanks to ARMY,” he wrote. “And the time has come. I will return after diligently serving my mandatory service. Please be mindful of the change of seasons as we transition to a chilly season of fall. Stay healthy, and see you all in 2025. ARMY, I thank you so much, and I love you.”

Despite the significance of the day, no official events were scheduled for Friday, as confirmed by HYBE earlier in the week. SUGA will be serving as a social service agent due to a past shoulder injury. In Korea, all eligible men are mandated to serve approximately one and a half years in the military. Those who receive a lower grade on their physical evaluation have the option to serve as a social service agent at a public institution for 21 months. This role also requires a three-week basic training at a military boot camp.

The commitment of BTS members to their fans and their craft was further highlighted when it was announced on Wednesday that all seven members will renew their exclusive contracts with BigHit Music. This renewal ensures that BTS will stay together in 2025 and beyond, even as members fulfill their military obligations.

https://twitter.com/SugasWhisper1/status/1704879727939358726

BigHit Music speaks

SUGA is not the first from BTS to embark on this journey. He follows in the footsteps of Jin, who began his service in December, and j-hope, who started in April. BigHit Music had previously announced SUGA‘s enlistment, emphasizing that he would be working in an office and officially enlisting on September 22. The company also asked fans to respect SUGA‘s privacy as he serves and to avoid any unauthorized visits.

In a statement, BigHit Music said, “We ask for your continued love and support for SUGA until he completes his service and returns. Our company will also strive to provide all the support he needs during this time. Thank you.”

As SUGA prepares for this new chapter, fans worldwide send their best wishes and eagerly await the 2025 reunion. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA couldn’t join the military without saying goodbye to ARMY. Source: Twitter/@pm5_twt.

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A Band Session, ‘DayDay,’ and More: BTS V’s Recent Activities

With the release of his six-track collection, Layover, BTS’ V is the talk of the town. He celebrated the occasion by performing for Tiny Desk Korea. An eight-member live band backed V for the performance video. It was filmed in Seoul and released on YouTube last September 15.

뷔 (V) : Tiny Desk Korea

A journey of self-discovery

He began with a heartfelt rendition of “Love Me Again,” supported by a full band and three talented backup singers. “I’m sure you guys have been waiting for so long. Thank you so much for waiting,” V said. After expressing his gratitude, he moved on to “Slow Dancing.” The set concluded with his first live performance of “For Us.”

V’s performance is part of the Korean version of Tiny Desk, a collaboration between NPR and LG U+. The first three episodes—featuring the Kim Chang Wan Band, Sunwoo Jung-a, and the Yun Seok Cheol trio—are available on the Tiny Desk Korea YouTube channel. It releases new content every Thursday. 

A few days after the Tiny Desk performance dropped, V appeared on the interview show DayDay. He talked about the meaning of Layover, saying it refers to pausing before embarking on a journey. “I made it with the intention of self-reflecting by taking a break, to find out what I want to do and what I’m good at,” V revealed, emphasizing the album’s significance in his life. “I’ve run through my life working non-stop. So, for once, I need to look back and think about the paths I’ve taken. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a journey of self-discovery. It resembles me a lot, so please show interest.”

V shared personal stories and more

Later in the DayDay interview, V shared some personal stories. He confessed his love for indoor activities like playing video games and watching movies. When asked about the difference between his songs and BTS’ tracks, he described them as “polar opposites.” He said, “Most of our group’s songs are strong, whereas songs from my first album are slow.” Throughout the interview, V’s charisma and genuine nature were on display, earning him praise from fans.

Finally, V surprised fans with two videos on the BANGTANTV YouTube channel on September 21. These videos featured performances of “Love Me Again” and “Slow Dancing” with the same band he performed with for Tiny Desk Korea. Notably, V showcased his saxophone skills during “Slow Dancing.” He took up the instrument in middle school, and fans were excited to see him play it for the first time in years.

뷔(V) ‘Love Me Again’ Band Session

뷔(V) ‘Slow Dancing’ Band Session

V’s recent activities, from his candid interviews to wonderful performances, left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’ V impressed many with his honesty and performances. Source: YouTube/@BANGTANTV.

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EXO’s Suho in Negotiations For Historical Drama ‘The Crown Prince Has Disappeared’

EXO member Suho could be set for his first historical drama role

Suho could be gearing up for his next dramatic role. The EXO member is reportedly in negotiations to appear in a new historical drama. If Kim Jun-myeon accepts the role, he is set to play a missing Crown Prince from the Joseon era!

EXO Member Suho in Talks To Take on Lead Role in New Historical Drama

EXO’s Suho has reportedly received an enticing offer for a new role in a fictional historical romance drama. The show’s working title is “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” and it is going to be set in the Joseon era.

The new series is penned by the acclaimed duo Kim Ji Soo and Park Chul who are known for their work on MBN’s “Bossam: Steal the Fate.” It will also explore the serendipitous encounter between a crown prince and a young woman who was originally intended to be his bride. “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” is set against the backdrop of the traditional Joseon era marriage custom known as “bossam”.

This practice involves the clandestine abduction of brides or grooms by wrapping them in a blanket and spiriting them away in the dead of night. Considering that the title refers to the prince, there is a good chance that the future ruler will be the one who is kidnapped.

But will Suho work on the show? The EXO member is currently in the stage of “positive consideration” for the lead role of the story. Should he accept the role of the crown prince of Joseon, it will also mark Suho’s debut in a historical drama series.

In the meantime, Suho is actively engaged with viewers in his portrayal of Kim Seon Woo in the JTBC drama “Behind Your Touch”. He has also been confirmed to attend the Asia Artist Awards 2023, which will be held in the Philippines at the Philippine Arena on December 14, 2023.

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GHOST9 Officially Confirms October Comeback

GHOST9 is finally set for a comeback in October after a lengthy hiatus

GHOST9 is finally ready for a comeback. The boy group have been confirmed to release new music in October. It’s a highly anticipated comeback following the idols’ hiatus that lasted over a year and a half!

GHOST9 Finally Confirms October Comeback

On September 22, MAROO Entertainment issued a statement confirming that the idol group will release new music very soon. “GHOST9 is preparing a new mini album with the goal of a comeback at the end of October,” the statement read.

It’s certainly a comeback that took a long time. After all, the group’s latest release was their sixth EP ‘Arcade: V’ which was released in April 2022. Nevertheless, MAROO Entertainment assures that their new music will be well worth the wait.

“This preparation period of a year and six months was a valuable time to create a more complete and high-quality album. Please show a lot of support and interest for GHOST9,” the company’s statement read.

Ghost9 was formed under MAROO Entertainment in 2020. They marked their debut on September 23, 2020, with their first EP titled ‘Pre Episode 1: Door.’ Presently, the group comprises seven members: Shin, Son Jung-hyun, Choi Jun-seong, Lee Kang-sung, Prince, Lee Woo-jin, and Lee Jin-woo. On September 5, 2021, Hwang Dong-jun and Lee Taeseung decided to depart from the group.

Recently, GHOST9 successfully wrapped up their first Japanese fan meeting ‘Beyond The Illusion’. The events were held in Tokyo and Osaka, showcasing their burgeoning global fanbase.

Expectations are high regarding GHOST9’s forthcoming album, and fans are eager to witness the group’s growth and development after actively engaging with domestic and international audiences during their hiatus. With that in mind, GHOSTIEs are eager to see the group in action all over again in late October.

For now, MAROO Entertainment has not yet announced GHOST9’s October comeback date. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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First Look: Blackpink’s Jisoo in the Film ‘Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman’

BLACKPINK's Jisoo will portray a fairy in 'Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman' movie. Credit: Article/Naver

Watch out, BLINKs! Jisoo of the global girl group BLACKPINK attracts attention once again but this time, for her special appearance in the film Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman. 

Directed by Kim Sung Sik, the film will tell the story of Dr. Cheon, played by actor Kang Dong Won, and his fake exorcism rituals. Here, Jisoo appears as a traditional fairy, captivating the viewers with her exceptional beauty.

During the film’s press conference, the director shared that while looking for an actress who would fit the image of a fairy, he thought of Jisoo after watching her in Snowdrop. Notably, the action-romance series marked Jisoo’s acting debut. There, she gained recognition for her performance in her first ever main role.

Meanwhile, her cameo appearance in Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman would serve as her first participating in a movie. Despite it only being a brief stint, fans are eager to see Jisoo  for her acting comeback. 

The Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman  is set to hit theaters on September 27.

All praises for actress Jisoo in Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman

Since the news of Jisoo’s cameo was revealed, she has since earned praises from numerous big names in the industry.

Upon watching the special premiere, award-winning director Park Chan Wook gained attention for his remarks on Jisoo. The director was quite impressed with the singer. He is known to have created the masterpieces Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave,

According to Park Chan Wook, he was shocked by the singer’s appearance. “Since it’s a small role, I thought a minor actor would take on the role. But while watching, I thought, “Was there such a beautiful minor actor?” and was shocked for a second, he said.

Meanwhile, Esom, Jisoo’s fellow co-star in the Snowdrop drama,  also expressed approval of the idol. “I wondered who could portray the fairy character if it were not Jisoo. That’s how beautiful she was,” the actress said in an interview. 

Other reviews from several Korean media outlets also showered Jisoo with positive comments.

“Jisoo is a character that cannot help but catch your attention, and the moment you meet her, the atmosphere in the theater is buzzing, raising expectations”, television network JTBC mentioned.

 

To no surprise, BLINKs, BLACKPINK’s fandom, also complimented Jisoo for her work as well. 

While the group is in the midst of their contract renewal process, fans are speculating that Jisoo will sign with an acting agency. As of writing,YG Entertainment reiterates that there’s still no final details about the group’s contract renewal.

Featured image: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo will portray a fairy in ‘Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman’ movie. Credit: Article/Naver

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WAKE ONE Entertainment Wants To Extend Kep1er Group Contract

The agency is already working to ensure that Kep1er's group contract will be extended

WAKE ONE Entertainment, the agency behind Kep1er is in the midst of negotiations with the member’s respective agencies. Interestingly, the company is pushing for the extension of each idol’s promotional contract. These discussions come as the project group contract term approaches its conclusion.

Kep1er’s Company Already Preparing for Group Contract Extension

Reports indicate that WAKE ONE Entertainment held meetings with representatives from the agencies of Kep1er’s members to explore the potential for extending the activities of the group. This offer was extended uniformly to all member agencies, although no formal agreement was reached during the initial discussions. Nonetheless, the agency has expressed its keen interest in continuing these conversations, indicating a willingness to collaborate further on the project.

“As Kep1er’s project group time has passed the midway point, it was time for us to have a meeting with the agencies to establish the roadmap for the future and the strategy for the long-term activities of the artist. We made the same proposal to all of the agencies,” the company said in a statement.

It was also confirmed that negotiations are still underway. However, WAKE ONE Entertainment is not giving up on the hope that the group contract will be extended.

“We did our best to reach an agreement with all of the agencies but no agreement was made yet. There is still time for their activities, so we will continue to hold these discussions,” the statement read.

Kep1er’s members include Kim Chae-hyun, Huening Bahiyyih, Choi Yu-jin, Kim Da-yeon, Seo Young-eun, Kang Ye-seo, Hikaru Ezaki, Mashiro Sakamoto, and Shen Xiaoting. The group was formed through “Girls Planet 999” in January 2022 and was initially planned activities for two and a half years. The contract involving all nine members will conclude in July 2024. Potential discussions about extending their activities suggest the possibility of becoming the first audition program group to successfully surpass their originally planned tenure.

In the meantime, Kep1er is preparing for their fifth EP ‘Magic Hour’ which will be released on September 25, 2023

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‘Single’s Inferno’ Star Kim Jin Young Finally Meets TWICE’s Sana

Kim Jin Young has openly admitted to being a fan of TWICE!

Kim Jin Young finally got the chance of a lifetime. The “Single’s Inferno” star, who repeatedly admitted to being a fan of TWICE, ultimately got to meet Sana. Not surprisingly, “Dex” was flustered during his conversation with the idol.

TWICE’s Sana Gets Kim Jin Young All Flustered In His Own Interview Program

In a recent appearance on Kim Jin Young’s YouTube program “Dex’s Fridge Interview”, TWICE’s Sana had a delightful and somewhat flustering impact on the host throughout the episode. Kim, who is a self-proclaimed TWICE fan who has often shared his admiration for Sana and his crush on her, couldn’t contain his excitement when she appeared on his show.

From the moment Sana joined the interview, it was evident that Kim was starstruck and overwhelmed by her presence. He even described it as the best moment of his life and marveled at her beauty, suggesting it transcended the capabilities of even the most advanced cameras to capture.

During their conversation, Kim mustered the courage to ask Sana about her ideal type. Sana playfully revealed that she is attracted to a manly person who may appear cold but has an endearing smile when he laughs. Kim couldn’t help but blush and smile, making the TWICE member notice his reaction and teasing him about it.

Sana went on to describe her preference for sharp features, whether it’s in the eyes, nose, or jawline. Kim took this as an opportunity to showcase his jawline, which elicited laughter from Sana.

Playfully, Kim Jin-young tried to win her over by highlighting his sense of humor and ability to joke with others. Sana, in good spirits, pointed out how he had previously flirted with Kwon Eun Bi and seemingly flirts with all the guests on his show. The lighthearted banter added charm to their interaction, leaving fans entertained by their chemistry.

It’s safe to say that Kim Jin Young managed to leave a lasting impression on Sana. With that in mind, he is truly living any ONCE’s dream life.

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aespa’s Karina Confirms Friendship With BLACKPINK’s Jisoo

It’s not unusual for idols to become friends with each other. After all, most of them start out as fans who want to become just like the person they look up to. However, Karina has achieved something that most BLINKs can only aspire to. The aespa member confirmed that BLACKPINK’s Jisoo initiated their friendship by contacting Karina first!

Karina Reveals Jisoo Contacted Her First

aespa might be an established idol group but the members still look up to successful artists. For instance, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning were recently spotted attending BLACKPINK’s finale concert for the BORN PINK World Tour in Seoul. As it turns out, the younger idols were invited by Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa to the concert. This led to some awesome interactions with aespa.

However, it looks like there was a good reason why aespa was invited in the first place. Karina has confirmed her close friendship with one of the BLACKPINK members.

“I got close to Jisoo unnie,” Karina recently revealed. “Unnie told me that she liked me and contacted me first.”

This is an awesome revelation confirming that Karina is one of the most successful fans of all time. With that in mind, BLINKs are loving how the members of aespa truly look up to and respect BLACKPINK.

The BORN PINK World Tour kicked off on October 15, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea, and concluded on September 17, 2023, also in Seoul. This extensive tour included 66 concerts held in 34 different cities across 22 countries worldwide. It proved to be a massive success, drawing a total attendance of 1.8 million fans, setting a remarkable record as the most-attended concert tour by a K-pop girl group. The tour not only showcased BLACKPINK’s immense popularity and global reach but also provided unforgettable experiences for fans from all corners of the globe.

In the meantime, aespa released “Better Things” on August 18. It is the group’s first original English single and their second release of 2023. To promote the song, aespa aired a web series of the same title.

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YG Entertainment: Blackpink Contract Renewal Still Ongoing

BLACKPINK posing for a photo from their 'Shut Down' promotions. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

BLINKs, it seems like there’s a few more days of uncertainties as YG Entertainment revealed that the discussion on the BLACKPINK members’ contract renewal is still underway. 

On Thursday, September 21, the agency responded to reports and rumors surrounding the possible departure of several BLACKPINK members from YG Entertainment. 

“Currently, BLACKPINK’s contract renewal has not been confirmed and is being discussed,” the label told Korean media. 

Rumors surrounding BLACKPINK’s move 

At first, it was only member Lisa who was initially rumored to be not renewing her contract. 

Several reports and “industry insiders” have claimed that the Thai rapper has rejected two offers from YG. One of the alleged contracts is reportedly worth 50 billion South Korean won. 

Furthermore, other reports are claiming that Lisa might sign with an American agency instead. Aside from the worth of the contract, the deal also promises business and promotional opportunities for the artist. 

However, recent circulating reports are claiming that only member Rosé will be re-signing with YG Entertainment. Which means that Jennie and Jisoo will also leave the agency, aside from Lisa. 

According to the Daily Sports Seoul, the three members are in the final negotiations with other agencies. In the report, it also claimed that Jisoo is planning to expand her acting career. 

In response to these rumors, YG Entertainment reiterated that nothing has been finalized yet regarding the members’ contract. 

What future awaits BLACKPINK? 

For months, the ongoing saga about BLACKPINK’s contract renewal has caught the attention of the media. Given that the group marked their seventh debut anniversary on August 8, those familiar with the industry know that BLACKPINK’s renewal news is just around the corner. 

With the group primarily focusing on wrapping up their BORN PINK world tour, industry insiders are expecting that the announcement might be delayed until September or October. 

While many are already keen that most of the members will leave YG Entertainment, several reports have also raised discussions about the chances of the group renewing with the agency. Some reports have even projected possible payouts that the BLACKPINK members will receive should they stay with the label. 

However, given the uncertainties, it’s undeniable that it will shake YG Entertainment, with some reports showing that the agency’s stocks have plummeted. 

Even fans are concerned as there’s still no assurance whether BLACKPINK will stay together,  disband, focus on solo projects, or continue with group activities despite being in different agencies. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK posing for a photo from their ‘Shut Down’ promotions. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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