Category: KPOP NEWS

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

S.Coups Donates 300M KRW to Animal Rescue Organization

S.Coups

SEVENTEEN‘s leader, S.Coups (real name: Choi Seungcheol), showed off his compassionate side by making a significant donation to aid dogs suffering in breeding farms. On September 12, S.Coups generously donated 30 million KRW to the animal rescue group WEACT. A known animal lover, he felt compelled to support abandoned dogs and did so after much contemplation.

@17cherrys

S.coups loves Kkuma so much 🍠🫶🏻 #17cherrys #scoups #seventeen17_official #seventeen세븐틴 #세븐틴 #seventeen #seventeen17official #seventeenedit #svt #svtcarat @SEVENTEEN

♬ Super – SEVENTEEN

WEACT, a non-profit organization, is staffed by dedicated volunteers who pour their love, talent, and time into rescuing dogs. Their mission is to find abused dogs, comfort them, and help them thrive in new homes. Registered in Korea and the U.S., WEACT focuses on rescuing and rehoming abused dogs in Korea. The organization is entirely volunteer-run, with crew members overseeing all rescue operations.

The organization’s efforts span from rescuing dogs from dog meat farms, slaughterhouses, puppy mills and even during natural disasters. Once rescued, the dogs undergo medical examinations and treatments. Afterward, they are prepared for a new life in foster homes, shelters, or training facilities. Since its inception in 2018, WEACT has successfully rehomed over 1089 dogs.

Animal lovers commend S.Coups’ gesture

In a recent collaborative effort with 22 other animal rescue organizations, WEACT played a pivotal role in rescuing 1,426 dogs subjected to abuse at a breeding farm in Hwaseong. The harrowing tales of these dogs, who endured due to various illicit activities, have deeply moved many.

@lilyluvsvt

❤️❤️❤️ #seventeen #carat #svtcarat #svt #saythename_17 #scoups #에스쿱스 #choiseungcheol #scoupseventeen #svtleader #bestleadercheol #leaderscoups #alphaleader #charismaticleader #weact #weactkorea #aprilshower #fyp #foryoupage

♬ April shower – SEVENTEEN

After his donation, S.Coups was introduced to a dog rescued from the Hwaseong breeding farm. This dog, found in poor health during the rescue, had evoked immense sympathy from activists. A representative from WEACT shared, “We suggested naming the dog either ‘S.Coups’ or ‘Carat,’ which is the name of SEVENTEEN‘s fandom. We wanted to spread the positive influence of S.Coups.” Embracing the idea, S.Coups chose to name the dog “Carat.”

The funds donated by S.Coups will be utilized for the medical expenses of the dogs rescued from the Hwaseong breeding farm. As fans and animal lovers alike commend S.Coups for his noble gesture, it’s evident that his influence extends beyond music. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: S.Coups dotes on his dog Kkuma, so making this big donation wasn’t out of character for him. Source: X/@pledis_17jp.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Lotte Well Food Launches BTS x ‘Crunky’ Collaboration

Lotte Well Food, the confectionary arm of the renowned South Korean conglomerate Lotte, unveiled a new version of Crunky. The new edition of this popular chocolate treat comes with special covers featuring images of BTS. The Crunky x BTS collaboration seamlessly merges the image of Crunky with the personalities of all seven BTS members.

Crunky is immensely popular in Japan and Korea. Lotte, a major player in the chocolate industry, considers Crunky Crunch Chocolate one of its flagship products. Its widespread appeal is due to its contrasting textures of hearty rice puffs and smooth milk chocolate. Crunky made its Japanese debut in 1974 and began its South Korean journey a decade later, in 1984. Over the years, Lotte has collaborated with various K-pop acts to promote this snack. In 2014, the brand joined forces with boyband EXO, and in 2018, they partnered with MAMAMOO’s Hwasa.

The BTS x Crunky collaboration offers a total of eight unique designs: seven featuring individual BTS members and one featuring the whole group. The packaging’s design is a visual treat, with the product’s name superimposed on a backdrop resembling a dazzling stage. Each BTS member’s photo is at the center. Collecting and stacking all eight varieties in order will reveal a hidden image featuring the BTS logo. But that’s not all. Lotte Well Food has big plans for this collaboration. Later this month, they intend to launch the Crunky Double Crunch Bar featuring BTS.

@emi.1118_

BTSパッケージの「CRUNKY」発売決定！ LOTTEの定番チョコレートにBTSが初登場✨デザイン8種類！ 「CRUNKY‪✕✖︎BTS」 2023年10月24日（火）より全国で数量限定販売🍫✨ 絶対GETせねば✊💖 #LOTTE #CRUNKY #チョコレート #BTS

♬ Butter – 방탄소년단 (BTS)

Lotte has worked with BTS before

This collaboration marks Lotte Well Food’s first chocolate product partnership with BTS. However, their association with the group isn’t new. Since 2021, Lotte Well Food has been running a global brand campaign with BTS using Xylitol gum. Its goal was to spread joy in tough times, with its theme song being BTS‘ hit track “Butter.” 

In July 2021, Lotte Xylitol released a commercial for the Smile to Smile Project campaign starring BTS. They released a special movie on their YouTube channel the day after. Fast forward to July 3, 2023, when Lotte unveiled their latest Xylitol commercials featuring BTS, where they shared insights about the filming.

In other news, the septet is currently on hiatus and plans to resume group activities in 2025 after completing their mandatory military service. So far, three members—Jin, SUGA, and j-hope—have enlisted. Stay tuned for more updates on this collaboration and BTS’ future. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is one of BTS’ most delicious collabs yet! Source: Instagram/@a.rm.y_ot7bts.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Here’s What a World-Renowned Dancer Thinks of BTS’ Jimin’s Skills

In 2019, contemporary dancer Kim Seon-hee gained attention when she shared her analysis of BTS’ Jimin‘s dancing on her blog, expressing deep admiration for his skills. With Jimin’s recent dance videos circulating on social media, her post has resurfaced and is gaining traction once more.

Kim Seon-hee achieved international fame in 2000. She graced the covers of France’s Le Monde and the esteemed dance magazine DANSE. She was celebrated as the “genius contemporary dancer from the East.” Interestingly, Kim Seon-hee admitted that she wasn’t initially familiar with BTS‘ Jimin.  It wasn’t until she used some of their hits in her work that she learned more about the group and its main dancer.

“I wasn’t familiar with Jimin due to my habit of not watching TV,” she confessed in her post. “I first learned about BTS’ songs in 2014, when I choreographed a scene for acting students using the song ‘Spine Breaker.’ My interest in them grew in 2018 when I directed a duet to ‘Serendipity’ for a specialized program. At first, seeing Jimin’s dance, I thought of him as an idol star with delicate movements and expressiveness. However, my student found his style too delicate and feminine. This led me to analyze his movements in greater detail.”

@qazxsweecrfv

Comment for Pt. 2 #kpop #bts #jimin #army#parkjimin #dance #ballet #xyzbca

♬ All I Wanna Do – Jay Park

Kim Seon-hee praised Jimin

She delved into the intricacies of the choreography, stating, “The duet aimed to compress the delicate original dance into a faster beat, blending with the improvised movements of the female and the original choreography of the male.” Replicating Jimin‘s style proved difficult, as his movements “dissect the song’s beat and melody, expressing its intricacies with his entire body.” She believes he didn’t develop this finesse through practice but from his ability to create a rhythm that flows from fingertips to toes.

Kim Seon-hee underscored the significance of the body in dance. According to her, a dancer’s true skill might lie in their individuality, with the best dancers effectively communicating a piece’s meaning through their body language. She believes Jimin does this effectively.

She wrote, “Jimin‘s body is multifaceted. His movements, even the smallest ones, use abundant trajectories to encompass space with an inexplicable delicacy.” She was particularly moved by his performances in tracks like ‘Lie’ and ‘Serendipity,’ noting that “his movements, using extra breath to cut through the air, gave me chills.” For her, Jimin fully immerses himself in the song’s story, making him a standout performer.

@qazxsweecrfv

#jimin #parkjimin #btsarmy #bts_official_bighit #army #fypシ #xyzbca #kpop

♬ original sound – Olivanders⁷ – 🍃

Jimin stands out

“Different dance genres use different muscle groups. Transitioning from b-boying or street dance to contemporary dance requires physical and mental effort. Training the body is intense, almost like physical labor. Jimin‘s ambition to master various dance genres is commendable,” she wrote.

She also highlighted the uniqueness of BTS‘ group dance. “Compared to other idol groups, BTS‘ dance stands out with its unique choreography, but each member’s energy is special. While group dances typically involve synchronized movements, BTS expresses them with individual energy while performing the same moves, making their group dance visually rich and captivating. Jimin, in particular, stands out with his movements, instinctively knowing how to use effort (force, time, space, flow) to eliminate unnecessary tension in the upper body, grounding the lower body, making him a clever dancer.”

Kim Seon-hee’s thorough analysis of Jimin‘s dance has resonated with many netizens. While Jimin has been keeping a low profile lately, her analysis of his skills has reignited fans’ interest in seeing Jimin back on stage. They await his return to the stage, hoping to witness his talent again. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin impressed Kim Seon-hee because he spends a lot of time in practice rooms, honing his craft. Source: Naver.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ENHYPEN to Make Comeback Immediately After U.S. Tour

ENHYPEN is gearing up for a thrilling comeback. On October 5, news outlet Newsen broke the news that the boy group is slated to drop a new album in November. Dispatch subsequently confirmed this report through a conversation with the group’s agency, BELIFT LAB. The agency commented, “ENHYPEN will release a new album next month. The detailed comeback schedule will be unveiled in due course.”

@skyyhigh_

ANOTHER COMEBACK IS COMINGGG 🔥🔥 #enhypen

♬ CRIMINAL LOVE – ENHYPEN

While the exact comeback date remains under wraps, some are worried it may coincide with other highly-anticipated K-pop comebacks, including that of BTS member Jungkook. However, others are confident BELIFT LAB will make sure ENHYPEN won’t get lost in the shuffle. This comeback will be ENHYPEN‘s first in roughly six months, following the release of their fourth mini-album DARK BLOOD in May, which featured the hit title track “Bite Me.” 

Fans are eagerly awaiting the new album’s concept. Since their debut in November 2020 with the mini-album BORDER: DAY ONE, ENHYPEN has consistently showcased their unique musical world through distinctive album concepts. As with their DARK BLOOD promotions, the boy group plans to release a series of concept trailers to be helmed by acclaimed director Yoo Kwang-kyung.

ENHYPEN joined an elite club

ENHYPEN‘s journey since their 2020 debut has been nothing short of spectacular. They topped the debut artist album sales for the year and clinched four rookie awards. In just two and a half years, they joined the elite club of million-sellers, with three of their releases selling over a million copies each. They also made a significant impact in the U.S., where they charted at Nos. 18, 11, 6, and 4 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart.

@enhypensimpp

ENHYPEN’S NEW ALBUM WILL BE THE CONTINUATION OF DARK BLOOD~ jungwon once said “Dark Blood” acts as the first album in the series, which depicts the boy and the love of his life. The story revolves around a guy being punished for his arrogance with oblivion, suffering from loneliness, and eventually finding out his destiny. MY GUESS ARE: 1. YOUNG BLOOD 2. RED BLOOD (in given-taken lyrics) 3. dark blood + dark moon = Moon blood NO MATTER WHAT IT IS WE’LL FOR SURE GET AN ALBUM BLOOD SERIES YA’LL! “this album was specifically made for enhypen’s next album “____ blood”. #enhypencomeback #ENHYPENYOUNGBLOOD #youngblood #enhypen #engene #fyp #foryou #kpop #kpopfyp #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypシ #kpopfypシ #xyzbca #zyxcba

♬ she knows – slowed + reverb – slō & twilight & Tazzy

Their concert scale is a testament to their soaring popularity. In 2022, ENHYPEN embarked on their first world tour, MANIFESTO. This year, as part of their second world tour, FATE, they held a solo concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. In a significant milestone, they became the fastest K-pop boy group to perform at Japan’s Tokyo Dome since their debut.

After wrapping up their Japan concert, ENHYPEN began the U.S. leg of their tour. They performed in Los Angeles on October 6 and will grace stages in Glendale, Houston, Dallas, Newark, and Chicago. With such an action-packed schedule, fans worldwide eagerly await ENHYPEN’s return to the music scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ENHYPEN’s U.S. tour got off to a strong start, setting the tone for their upcoming comeback. Source: X/@ENHYPEN.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

#ThisIsJimin: What’s with BTS’ Jimin’s Dance Videos?

BTS‘ Jimin recently showcased his impeccable dance skills in two videos he shared on Instagram. The first, released on September 23, saw the star grooving to his song “Face-off.” Accompanied by the hashtag #ThisIsJimin, the video is a testament to Jimin‘s talent in contemporary dance.

However, Jimin’s dancing wasn’t the only thing on full display in the video. Dressed in indigo cargo pants—with one leg stylishly rolled up—and a loose white shirt with full sleeves and a blue print on the front, his sense of style was hard to miss. 

The video began with the “Like Crazy” singer stepping out from the shadows into a dimly lit room, setting an intense ambiance for his performance. He executed every move precisely, reminiscent of his iconic performance in BTS‘ hit “Black Swan.” Fans eagerly anticipated Jimin‘s return to this type of dancing, and he didn’t disappoint. This video highlighted his exceptional skills and renewed fans’ appreciation for “Face-off,” a track that had previously gone under the radar. 

On October 1, Jimin took the internet by storm again by posting another dance video on Instagram. This time, he danced to “Phone Number” by Dominic Fike and Kenny Beats. The video quickly went viral, amassing over five million likes. Fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their admiration, making #ThisIsJimin trend. His profound ability to convey emotions through dance and interpret music left them spellbound.

Jimin is a standout performer

Jimin has consistently been a standout performer during BTS‘ dance breaks. His precise execution, fluid movements, and emotional delivery have earned him widespread recognition. His rendition of buchaechum, a traditional Korean dance, at the 2018 Melon Music Awards (MMA) was so impactful that the Cultural Society honored him with a plaque. The following year, he returned to the MMA stage with a riveting dance set to a remix of “I Need U.”

While the 27-year-old artist often collaborates with other talents for dance challenges, it’s his solo performances that truly mesmerize. And fans have even more to look forward to with his birthday and solo documentary coming up later this month. 

BTS Jimin Solo Performance – I NEED U (@2019 MMA)

Earlier this year, fans rejoiced when Jimin released his solo album, FACE, on March 24. It features tracks like “Like Crazy” (in Korean and English), “Interlude: Dive,” “Alone,” “Set Me Free,” and a hidden track, “Letter.” On April 3, Jimin made history by becoming the first K-pop soloist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Like Crazy.” By October 2, he hit two billion streams on Spotify.

Jimin is expected to enlist in the military around June 2024 and will return by December 2025. HYBE, the entertainment company behind BTS, hopes the septet can resume group activities by then. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin comes alive when he dances. Source: Naver.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Has A Special Message For BLINKs On MelOn

Jennie has a special message for her fans. The BLACKPINK member has released a new single and as an additional gift, she wrote a playful note for BLINKs on MelOn.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Drops Sweet Message on MelOn

To celebrate the release of her single “You & Me,” Jennie shared a personal and playful message with her fans on the Korean streaming platform MelOn. The platform had previously introduced an “Artist Note” feature where musicians can leave messages. Idols usually use it to promote their new releases and for the BLACKPINK member’s latest single, it was something perfectly Jennie.

In her special message for the release of “You & Me”, Jennie kept it short but incredibly cute. She wrote, “I picked this up on the way. Here! It’s a gift.”

The phrase “I picked this up on the way” is known for its cheeky connotation in Korean culture. It signifies playfulness and suggests that someone has put in effort to prepare something for another person but is too shy or humble to make a big deal out of it. Instead of straightforwardly saying, “I got this for you,” Koreans humorously claim that they “found it on the floor, so take it or whatever.”

In addition to that, the expression “Here you go!” adds an extra layer of good-natured silliness. Although it can be used sarcastically, it also allows for liberal use and is akin to the English or French equivalent of “voilà.” In her “Artist Note”, Jennie whimsically pretends to “throw” the song at her fans, as if it’s a small favor. However, given the context, cultural nuances, and Jennie’s playful tone, Korean fans understand that she is keeping things light, fun, and endearing.

It’s a delightful way for Jennie to connect with her audience and share her appreciation for their support. Not surprisingly, BLINKs are loving the short but sweet message and are truly grateful for the new song.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

LABOUM’s Haein Announces Pregnancy and Upcoming Marriage

Haein is getting married! The LABOUM member has confirmed that she is tying the knot with her non-celebrity fiancé next month. In addition to that, Youm Hae-in is already expecting a little bundle of joy soon!

LABOUM Member Haein Confirms Pregnancy with First Child

On October 7, Haein’s agency RND Company shared the news. The agency revealed that the LABOUM member is getting married in November.

“Haein has met the companion with whom she’ll be spending the rest of her life, and they will be getting married in November,” the agency wrote. “Her groom-to-be is not a celebrity. We ask that you give your fond support and warm blessings to Haein, who is making a new start.”

But that’s not the only big news that Haein had for her fans. The LABOUM member penned a handwritten letter confirming that she and her fiancé are expecting their first child.

“As we were gratefully preparing for our marriage, a blessing came to us in the form of a child,” she wrote. “Hearing our child’s heartbeat, I was moved in a way that I can’t express in words. It was a moment in which I felt a strengthening sense of responsibility together with a touching joy.”

She continued, “I think no congratulations would be more moving than if LATTEs, who always give me boundless love, support, and encouragement despite my shortcomings, would give me their blessings together in this happy and overwhelming moment. I’m still lacking in many ways, so even now, as I convey this news, I think there may be feelings that I haven’t thought of or considered. I’d be grateful if you looked kindly upon the apologetic feelings, feelings of gratitude, and feelings of love that I have sincerely tried to capture in this letter.”

Not surprisingly, fans loved the news and were truly happy for the idol. With that in mind, we are also wishing Haein and her family all the best.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Former Hello Venus Member Alice Announces Marriage Plans

Former Hello Venus member Alice is set to embark on a new journey as she prepares to tie the knot! The idol, whose real name is Song Ju Hee, wrote a heartfelt letter announcing her marriage. She also shared the gorgeous images from her wedding photoshoot.

Hello Venus Member Alice Confirms Wedding Plans With New Photos

On October 6, Alice took to Instagram to reveal that she will be getting married later this month. Alongside her announcement, she shared a series of stunning photos from her wedding photoshoot, adding a touch of joy and romance to the exciting news.

In a heartfelt letter, Alice personally conveyed her happiness and the news of her upcoming marriage to her devoted fans. She also admitted that her soon-to-be husband truly makes her happy.

“I, who used to always have a lot of worries and fears, am currently feeling peaceful and secure as I spend my days happily. I think this is only possible because there is someone who is spending my days together with me,” Alice wrote. “That’s why I’ve promised to marry that person, and we will be holding a wedding with our families this month. That person is someone warm and sensitive who is always a positive influence as he remains by my side, so I am very grateful to him, and he is very precious to me.”

She then expressed her gratitude to her fans for always supporting her in her decisions.

“Because I know that you have always supported my every moment and decision, I’m mustering up the courage to tell you this news with feelings of excitement. I pray that the rest of this year, in which there aren’t many months left, will be full of only happy things for all of you. And I ask that you give lots of support and blessings as I make a new start. Thank you!” Alice wrote.

The announcement marks a significant moment in her life, and her fans are undoubtedly thrilled to celebrate this special occasion with her. With that in mind, we are wishing Alice and her future husband all the best!

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BIGBANG’s Daesung Confirmed To Judge New Trot Competition

BIGBANG’s Daesung is set to make his return to variety shows as a judge in the upcoming trot competition. This will mark the first time that the K-pop idol has returned to variety shows.

Daesung of BIGBANG Confirmed As New Judge on ‘Living Legend’

On October 6, it was confirmed that Daesung would serve as one of the judges on a new trot competition show. “Living Legend” is a survival music variety program that aims to identify the top 7 currently active female trot singers who will represent South Korea at the 2024 Korea-Japan Trot Legend Championship.

Even before its premiere, the show has garnered attention as it is created by the same team behind hit programs like “Miss Trot,” “Mr. Trot,” and “Burning Trotman.” Furthermore, Shin Dong Yup will serve as the show’s MC, marking his debut as a trot music variety show host.

In addition to his involvement in BIGBANG, Daesung has displayed his versatility as a solo artist, exploring various music genres, including rock, ballad, and trot. His trot songs, such as “Look at Me, Gwisoon” and “It’s a Big Hit,” have received immense affection in Korea. Furthermore, he has made appearances on popular variety shows like “Family Outing” and “Night After Night” as a fixed panel member.

Daesung Takes on Special Role in New Competition Show

Daesung will take on the role of a “special national producer” on the show, and fans are also eager to see the new and unique charms he will bring to the table. This appearance marks his first regular variety show appearance in 12 years.

Expressing his anticipation, Daesung stated, “I’m looking forward to this opportunity to gain valuable experience alongside exceptional mentors and senior artists. I also have big concerns about how I can contribute and provide assistance. I’ll approach this with the goal to offer my help as best as I can to as many people as possible.”

The production team also expressed their confidence in Daesung, stating, “We believe that ‘Living Legend’ gained even more credibility with the inclusion of Daesung, who possesses unparalleled expertise and dedication to music. Starting with Daesung, we will continue to unveil special national producers who are a perfect fit for the scale of ‘Living Legend.’ We kindly request your ongoing interest in the upcoming lineup for ‘Living Legend.'”

“Living Legend” is scheduled to air in the second half of 2023. Fans are also eagerly awaiting Daesung’s return to the variety show scene.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ASTRO’s Sanha Dedicates Emotional Cover Song to Moonbin

The ASTRO maknae performed an emotional cover of the song 'Neko' by DISH//

Sanha has released an emotional cover of a Japanese song that seems to express his true feelings. The ASTRO member also had a heartfelt message for everyone and may have chosen the song as a tribute to the late Moonbin.

Sanha Dedicates Emotional Cover of ‘Neko’ To Moonbin

In the early hours of October 7, ASTRO member Sanha shared a touching cover song that resonated deeply with fans. He chose to perform an acoustic rendition of “Neko” by the Japanese band DISH//, allowing fans to glimpse into his emotions and connect with him on a personal level.

“When I first heard this song, tears came to my eyes,” Sanha wrote. “I felt like the song had put my own feelings into words. So I wanted to sing a cover of it. Me, my family, our members, our Arohas, everyone. I’m sure that we will be happy one day. Definitely.”

What made this cover even more special was Sanha’s thoughtful gesture. He took the time to personally transcribe the Korean translation of the song’s lyrics, modifying them to convey a unique message. In the original lyrics, the song is dedicated to an unspecified “you.” However, Sanha made a poignant alteration by replacing “you” with “hyung.”

This change held a significant meaning for fans, as it was a nod to the late ASTRO member Moonbin, who was affectionately referred to as “pup-kitty.” Moonbin’s nickname captured his multifaceted personality, as he exhibited both playful puppy-like traits and enigmatic cat-like qualities.

Sanha’s heartfelt cover resonated deeply with fans, offering them solace and a sense of camaraderie. They appreciated his sincerity in using music as a medium to express his emotions and found comfort in the emotional connection they shared with him.

Through this touching gesture, the ASTRO maknae not only showcased his musical talent but also demonstrated his willingness to share his innermost feelings with those who support him, strengthening the bond between him and his fans.

Exit mobile version