Category: KPOP NEWS

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Restaurant Employee Fired For Mocking NCT Dream’s Chenle

Aewol Restaurant has fired the employee who shared photos of the NCT members
Aewol Restaurant has fired the employee who shared photos of the NCT members

A Seoul restaurant located in the prestigious Apgujeong district issued a formal apology following an incident involving derogatory language used by its employee in an Instagram story. The target of this offensive language was Chenle, a member of the popular group NCT Dream. Since then, the restaurant has confirmed that the staff member has been fired for their actions.

Chenle Gets Disrespected at a Restaurant

Chenle had visited Aewol Sikdang, a renowned establishment known for its expertise in preparing barbecued black pork from Jeju. The NCT member was joined by “EXchange” cast member Kim Tae Yi and the two set down to enjoy a meal together. However, an employee quickly recognized the celebrities and began posting their images on their Instagram story.

The invasion of privacy itself was already worrying but the employee made things worse by mocking Tae Yi. They also wrote derogatory terms about Chenle in one post, calling the Chinese idol “jjangkkae,” a rude Korean term similar to calling someone a “chink”.

Since then, the restaurant’s management expressed deep regret for the incident. In a statement posted on a new X account, they issued an apology to Chenle and Tae Yi. It was also confirmed that the staff member had been fired.

“This is Aewol Sikdang Apgujeong. We are deeply sorry to Chenle, Tae Yi, and their fans,” the statement read. “We believe that the mistake of one employee is the mistake of the entire restaurant. But we are firing the staff due to their unforgivable actions, and we have also personally directly apologized to Chenle, and have asked for his forgiveness. We are really sorry.”

It is unfortunate that Chenle and Tae Yi were disrespected during their visit to the restaurant. However, it is assuring that the restaurant has promised to take corrective action. Hopefully, they will foster a more respectful environment for all patrons, regardless of background or celebrity status.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ITZY’s Lia Bows Out of Latest Schedules Due to Health Reasons

Lia is still dealing with some health issues. The ITZY member was unable to join the rest of the girl group during their latest schedules which included an appearance at a music show. Not surprisingly, MIDZYs are getting concerned about the “Always Be Your Star” singer.

Lia Absent For ITZY’s Most Recent Scheduled Activities

On September 2, JYP Entertainment issued a statement regarding Lia’s health status. According to the agency, the ITZY member will not join Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna in the group’s latest schedules. This would include an appearance at MBC’s “Music Core” and the in-person and video fan sign/fan call events scheduled for the day. However, the company assured that they are considering Lia’s health as a major priority.

“We made the decision for [Lia] to not participate because we considered our artist’s health our top priority. We ask for the generous understanding of the fans,” the statement read.

This isn’t the first time that Lia had to bow out for ITZY’s schedules due to health issues this year. In August, she was unable to join her bandmates on stage at the World Scout Jamboree “K-Pop Super Live.” The group performed with the remaining four members at the concert that took place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

In related news, Lia recently stunned audiences when she participated in “The King of Mask Singer”. After performing Park Hwayobi’s ballad “A night like this” and The Black Skirts’ “Antifreeze,” it was revealed that “Aloha” was actually ITZY’s main vocalist. When asked about the group’s stable singing, Lia admitted that it wasn’t always that way.

“To be honest, when we first debuted, my voice shook a lot when I sang live because my style of singing includes a lot of air. So that was a big concern for me,” she said. “But after practicing a lot, I think I’m now better at singing those songs when I’m dancing.”

ITZY recently released their new album ‘KILL MY DOUBT’ with the title track “Cake.”

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin is New M Countdown MC

Sung Hanbin, the charismatic leader of the K-pop sensation ZEROBASEONE, has been announced as the new MC for the renowned music show M Countdown. This exciting news was confirmed ahead of the broadcast set for September 7. That one will be Hanbin’s first episode as MC, and he’ll be joining (G)I-DLE Miyeon.

From a young age, Hanbin has been an ardent fan of M Countdown. Now, he’s not just a viewer but an integral part of the show. He shared his feelings through his agency, WAKEONE, stating, “Since I was young, I’ve watched M Countdown and dreamt of being a part of it. It’s an honor and a joy to meet viewers as an MC. I look forward to learning and growing by meeting seniors and colleagues up close. I hope the fans, known as ZEROSE, look forward to seeing a different side of me.”

https://twitter.com/MnetMcountdown/status/1697444283652157689

However, this isn’t the only feather in Hanbin‘s cap. ZEROBASEONE, the group he leads, recently made waves in the music industry. They set a new record by selling a staggering 1,822,028 copies of their first mini album YOUTH IN THE SHADE within its first week. This monumental achievement propelled them to become the first K-pop group to earn the “Million Seller” nickname with a debut album.

Moreover, Hanbin‘s musical prowess isn’t limited to group performances. Last month, he showcased his vocal talents by releasing the fifth OST “Luv Luv Luv” for the tvN drama It’s Useless to Lie. He collaborated with Jo Yuri on this track. The song captures the fluttering feelings of lovers. It received widespread acclaim and a positive response from fans worldwide.

The future of Hanbin and his group

ZEROBASEONE also made headlines with their first major show. 2023 ZEROBASEONE FAN-CON the event took place at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul’s Guro District. Remarkably, this happened just 37 days post their debut, allowing them to connect with over 18,000 fans in a grand celebration of music.

But the excitement doesn’t stop here. Their fans have one more reason to rejoice. ZEROBASEONE has teased a super-fast comeback slated for November, only four months after their debut album’s release. This announcement heightened the expectations of ZEROSE worldwide.

Hanbin’s journey from being a fan of M Countdown to its new MC, combined with ZEROBASEONE‘s rapid rise in the K-pop world, is nothing short of inspirational. As he takes on this new role, fans are eager to see what the future holds for Hanbin and his group. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Hanbin’s M Countdown fancams earn plenty of views. Source: YouTube/@MnetM2.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

GCOVA: The Fried Chicken Brand Favored by BTS’ Jungkook

On August 30, a brief live session on TikTok featured none other than BTS‘ Jungkook. Amidst his interactions, he expressed a sudden hunger and mentioned his intention to order food from a fried chicken brand named GCOVA. He promised to return after his chicken feast.

Originating in Jungkook’s hometown of Busan, this barbecue-style chicken restaurant rapidly gained popularity, leading to the opening of many branches. It primarily operates as a delivery service. But recognizing the challenges tourists might face with the Korean delivery system, GCOVA inaugurated a branch at Hongik University, a prime tourist destination in Seoul, with a dine-in space.

The brand provides two variations of chicken: bone-in and boneless. Customers have the liberty to select between spicy seasoned chicken or the simply salted variant. Their chicken pieces are grilled to perfection with a distinctive sauce. The spicy seasoned chicken stands out because it has much more kick than its counterparts. The rice cake that accompanies it is an added delight.

GCOVA isn’t just another chicken brand

For those who can’t handle spicy food, never fear: GCOVA has got you covered. It allows customers to choose from three spice levels: Less Spicy, Normal, or Very Spicy. Given the flavorful and unique seasoning GCOVA employs, many love to mix some rice with the sauce, creating a dish commonly and fondly referred to as “Chi-bob,” a delightful combination of chicken and rice.

@happychildyeji

#korea #seoullife #korealife #seoulkorea #seoultravel #visitkorea #korean #lifeinkorea #지코바 #치밥 #koreanchicken #chibap

♬ Traveling On – Andy Gabrys

For those unfamiliar with the term “Chi-bob,” it’s a relatively new phrase compared to “Chi-maek.” While “Chi-maek” refers to enjoying chicken with beer, “Chi-bob” translates to eating chicken with spicy or soy sauce accompanied by rice. The term “Bob” denotes rice in Korean.

GCOVA isn’t just another chicken brand. It’s an experience, a culinary journey that resonates with both locals and celebrities like Jungkook. Whether you’re in Seoul or elsewhere, GCOVA promises a taste that’s hard to forget. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook talked about his fried chicken cravings in a short TikTok live broadcast. Source: Twitter/@BTSJKHEY.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Lotte Unveils First Look at NewJeans x Pepero Collab

Lotte Wellfood Co. made waves in the snack industry by announcing NewJeans as the latest brand ambassador for the internationally adored snack, Pepero. On September 1, fans got a sneak peek of the much-anticipated NewJeans x Pepero campaign. Set to launch in 17 countries, the collaboration will coincide with the celebration of Pepero Day on November 11.

For those unfamiliar with this particular South Korean tradition, Pepero Day is like Valentine’s Day. Celebrated annually, it’s a day where couples, friends, and even strangers exchange treats, with Pepero being the star of the show. While Valentine’s Day is also observed, this holiday has a special place in the hearts of many. The choice of November 11 as the date is no accident. The date, 11/11, resembles the snack’s sticks. Some have suggested that to become as slim as the sticks, one should consume 11 packets at 11:11 AM and 11:11 PM, all within 11 seconds.

The origins of Pepero Day

The origins of Pepero Day are quite mysterious. A popular tale attributes the day’s popularity to two middle school girls who exchanged boxes of the snack hoping to become tall and slender, much like the treat. Embracing this narrative, Lotte began promoting Pepero Day in 1997. Their efforts bore fruit as, from 2012 onwards, they reported making 50% of their annual sales on this day.

In the midst of this rich tradition, the collaboration between NewJeans and Pepero is generating immense excitement. A TV commercial featuring the girl group is set for a mid-September release. Moreover, there’s buzz about a pop-up store and special edition merchandise in the pipeline. This collaboration marks a significant milestone. It’s the first time in a while that the brand partnered with a K-pop idol group, the last being EXO-K from 2014 to 2017.

With the fusion of pop culture and tradition, this collaboration promises to be a treat for the girls’ fans and the general public alike. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This is NewJeans’ latest in a long line of collabs. Source: Twitter/@newjeans_loop.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

V Meets Army: BTS Member Surprises Fan Hayoung

BTS member V spent the day with the lucky fan Hayoung. Credit: YouTube/Dingo Story

Just when we thought we couldn’t adore BTS’ V anymore, he proved to ARMYs once again how much of a gentle and kindhearted person he is. And now, supporters all over the world couldn’t help but wish they’re in the shoes of their co-fan Kim Hayoung. 

 

On the Thursday, August 31 episode of Dingo Story, V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, surprised the fan Hayoung, who is preparing to become a military officer. 

While she initially thought that she was being interviewed about her struggles at school, Hayoung was shocked when the BTS member called her name. 

Hayoung and V’s unforgettable day 

First, the idol tried to get to know Hayoung better by asking her why she dreams of becoming an army officer. To which she said that it’s because she wanted to do something for her parents and that it’s also a good opportunity overall. 

 

Then, the student started opening up about her school concerns, disclosing that she previously failed exams. She said that it even reached the point where she almost lost contact with other people. 

As way of coping up, she found strength by listening to BTS songs. In turn, V consoled her as he revealed that he also didn’t had many friends.

One of his advice was to just give it time, assuring her that she’ll get along with someone in the future. 

 

To cheer Hayoung up, V spent the whole day with her. They ate delicious meal, played video games, competed at the arcade, and took pictures at the photobooth. 

 

“You really smiled a lot today,” the idol told his fan. “It makes me really feel good too.”

When it was time for them to part ways, Hayoung couldn’t help but shed some tears. Upon seeing her tear up, the singer hugged her and consoled her.

“See you again later,” he promised her. 

 

During the show, V also gave sweet messages for Hayoung. “Thank you for loving me. Don’t have a hard time, stay healthy, and don’t get sick. I hope you always have good things and have good days,” he said. 

Praises for V 

Following the airing of the episode, fans couldn’t help but praise V for this heartwarming moment with Hayoung. 

Several were pointing out how the interaction showed how genuine and caring he is as an idol. 

Meanwhile, other fans were jokingly expressing their envy at how lucky Hayoung is. 

 

But the bond between the idol and the fan didn’t stop when the filming for the episode ended. 

After the episode aired, V took to his own personal social media account to share an update about Hayoung. Based on his post, the student passed her exams successfully, joking that she’s a real ARMY now. 

 

The Dingo Story guesting is just one of V’s promotional activities for his upcoming solo album Layover. 

Set for a September 8 release, Layover will have a total of six songs, with“Slow Dancing” being the title track.  

Ahead of the album’s release, V already dropped the music videos for tracks “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days.” Additionally, V also released his three older solo songs on streaming platforms.

Aside from Dingo Story, V is also confirmed to guest on You Quiz on the Block, Running Man, among others. 

Featured image: BTS member V spent the day with the lucky fan Hayoung. Credit: YouTube/Dingo Story

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin Breaks the Internet With a Birthday Greeting for Jungkook

September 1 is eagerly anticipated by ARMYs worldwide, because it’s the natal day of BTS‘ golden maknae, Jungkook. This year, the celebrations took an unexpected turn when Jimin, another beloved member of BTS, decided to gift fans with a rather cheeky birthday post for Jungkook.

Fans from all corners of the globe flooded SNS with birthday wishes for Jungkook. But amidst the sea of greetings, Jimin‘s Instagram post stood out. The black-and-white photo showcased the duo shirtless, flaunting their chiseled physiques. Jimin, with a playful attempt to appear taller, stood on his toes beside Jungkook. Their tattoos, including Jimin‘s full moon and Jungkook‘s full sleeve, were on full display. The caption? A simple yet sweet “Happy birthday jk” accompanied by a winking emoji with its tongue out.

Fans were taken aback by the unexpected nature of the post. Given Jimin‘s infrequent activity on Instagram, this particular update was all the more shocking. Many fans humorously commented that the picture was “practically illegal,” expressing their overwhelming surprise and delight.

Jimin also has reasons to celebrate

In other news, Jimin also has reasons to celebrate. His solo album, FACE, achieved a staggering 1 billion streams on Spotify. This monumental achievement came only 153 days after release, making Jimin the first Korean soloist to hit this milestone. To put this into perspective, in 2023, only global sensations BTS and BLACKPINK had previously reached the 1 billion stream mark from Korea.

FACE isn’t just a fleeting sensation. As of the 27th, the album has 1.021 billion streams on Spotify. The title track “Like Crazy” alone garnered 677.2 million streams, spanning its Korean and English versions. Other tracks like “Set Me Free Pt.2,” “Face-off,” and “Alone” received love from fans as well. They amassed 190 million, 60 million, and 50 million streams respectively.,Moreover, Jimin‘s FACE remains the only Korean solo album to feature on Billboard’s World Albums chart, marking its 21st consecutive week on the list.

While September 1 began as a celebration for Jungkook, it evolved into a day highlighting Jimin‘s bond with him and his unparalleled solo achievements. The K-pop world continues to be enriched by their contributions, and fans eagerly await their next surprises. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin posted this for Jungkook’s birthday in 2020. Source: Twitter/@bts_twt.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jungkook Interacts With ARMY Outside a Restaurant

On the eve of his 26th birthday, BTS‘ Jungkook became the talk of the town. Photos of him chilling outside a restaurant in South Korea made the rounds on social media. They weren’t just any photos; they depicted genuine moments of the singer engaging with fans, sharing smiles and taking selfies.

Among the lucky fans was a young woman whose Instagram username is @ka_young2000. She shares a birthday with Jungkook, and she ran into him at the restaurant while celebrating her own special day. She posted photos with him and expressed her joy in the caption, describing the encounter as a dream come true. Later, two other fans also shared their own delightful run-ins with the idol at the same spot.

The ARMY, BTS‘ global fanbase, was abuzz with excitement. Many were happy for them, while some playfully wished they could fly to Seoul for a similar serendipitous encounter. These events further highlighted Jungkook‘s down-to-earth nature, with fans noting how friendly and warm he was. 

Later that day, he posted a message on Weverse. “Hi, everyone, It’s my birthday,” Jungkook began. As time passes, it feels more and more as if my birthday doesn’t feel like much. But since the time that all of you guys prepared for is precious, I’m making sure to clearly write these words.”

Jungkook is ‘always thankful’

He expressed his gratitude for the time fans devote to him, acknowledging the love he receives and reciprocates. “I’m just always thankful, and as precious as all of your time is, I want to tell you that I’m receiving your love and also that I love you,” he continued. “Lately, I’ve been happily spending my day by day. I have confidence that I’m doing well these days, but I’m certain that if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t know how things would’ve turned out. Moving forward, let’s just trust each other, and I want to trust myself and walk alongside all of you. Thank you always! Let’s be happy.”

After posting that message, he did a short live broadcast where he opened up some more. Dressed in the same outfit from earlier—a notable t-shirt from ENFANTS RICHES DÉPRIMÉS—he sounded off on certain topics and said goodbye with signature warmth and charm.

“I feel good. Today I’ll keep this happy heart and sleep well. Recently, my insomnia has gotten a bit worse. On one occasion, I only had five hours to sleep, and it was like I just closed my eyes for five hours and then I had to go out. But today, I’ll put everything down and go to sleep happily. Anyway, today, I wanted to say hello. I’ll go now. Thank you, thank you always! Love you! Have a good time and take your meals. Bye!”

Such interactions between BTS and their fans underscore the strong bond they share, a testament to the mutual love and respect that defines their relationship. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: In honor of Jungkook’s birthday, his agency BigHit Music shared a photo album on their fan community platform. Source: Weverse.

Categories
BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS’ Jimin Gives Back, Inspires Fans Worldwide to Do the Same

BTS‘s Jimin isn’t just famous for his musical prowess; he’s also making waves with his philanthropic endeavors. His recent donation of 100 million KRW to the Chungbuk Provincial Office of Education has become a topic of discussion among ARMY and the general public. 

An official “Public Disclosure Document” revealed that Jimin‘s donation will benefit 10 educational institutions in the province, with each receiving 10 million KRW. The fund targets reading education programs.

Interestingly, Jimin’s father had asked that the donation remain private, emphasizing the genuine intent behind the superstar’s gesture. An official from the Chungbuk Provincial Office of Education said, “We’ll strive to cultivate upright character in students through reading various books so that the donor’s warm heart can be conveyed well.”

This isn’t Jimin‘s first act of generosity. Last year, he made a donation to the Gangwon Education Scholarship Foundation. Recently, he contributed 5 million KRW to Busan‘s Nam District as part of the Hometown Love Donation initiative. It encourages people to donate to local governments, even if they live and work elsewhere. In exchange, donors can avail of tax deductions and get local specialty products. The funds collected go to projects that benefit residents, like those that revitalize local communities and support vulnerable populations.

Jimin sparked a global movement

Jimin‘s consistent philanthropy, including previous donations to the Busan and Jeonnam Offices of Education, the Green Umbrella Child Fund and polio patients, solidified his reputation as a prominent celebrity who leverages his platform for the greater good. His actions have not only made headlines but have also inspired fans worldwide to follow in his footsteps.

For instance, Jimin’s Swiss fanbase was really moved by his commitment to children’s welfare. They gave to UNICEF and expressed their goal to “help children around the world enjoy a better future and protect them from harm.” Indonesian fans were similarly inspired and contributed to the SOS Children’s Villages in their country. On Twitter, fans used the #ShareYourHeartLikeJimin hashtag.

Furthermore, Jimin Nation of the Asia-Pacific region, celebrated Jimin‘s Spotify achievement of 1 billion streams by donating to UNICEF in his honor. Their message was clear: “Inspired by the role model that is Jimin, we wanted to give back to society and help children.”

Jimin‘s acts of kindness sparked a global movement. Fans from all corners of the world are coming forward to support children in war zones, endangered animals, and victims of COVID-19 and natural disasters, as well as people from vulnerable communities. This ripple effect of generosity, initiated by Jimin, showcases the power of positive influence and the potential of a global community united by compassion and empathy. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin truly has a giving heart. Source: Twitter/@_BTSMoments_.

Categories
K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

‘IU Concert: The Golden Hour’ Film to Premiere in September

IU during her 'The Golden Hour' concert in September 2022. Credit: Twitter/IU

Uaenas, it’s your chance to relive the magic of attending IU’s concert! The singer-songwriter is releasing her first concert film titled IU Concert: The Golden Hour globally. 

According to the AMC Theaters’ website, the film will feature IU’s  The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun concert. Held in September 17-18, 2022, the two-day concert served as the singer’s first solo concert in three years following her Love, Poem show. 

Additionally, it was also the concert that made IU the first Korean female singer to perform at the iconic Olympic Main Stadium in Seoul, the largest stadium in South Korea. 

In that concert, the K-pop superstar drew a total of 85,000 attendees. Even celebrities like BTS’ Jungkook, TWICE’s Nayeon, and actors Kim-Soo-hyun, Lee Joon-Gi and Kang Han-na, didn’t miss the chance to watch the remarkable show.

What to expect in ‘IU Concert: The Golden Hour’ film 

Based on the trailer, the film will highlight the concert’s magical scenes. During the show, it featured a huge production, including a hot air balloon act, a live orchestra performance, a drone show, fireworks, and enormous stage set-ups.

The singer was also seen leaving a heartwarming message to her fans; “Later on when you reminisce about me, I hope you can remember this moment as the brightest moment,” IU said. 

 

Given that the concert spanned for four hours each day and featured around 25 songs, attendees were treated with hits from IU’s long-spanning career. However, the concert film will only have a total running time of 2 hours and 51 minutes.

But what makes IU Concert: The Golden Hour even more special is that its release falls under the celebration of the singer-songwriter’s 15th anniversary in the industry.

The film will have its initial release in South Korea this September 13. It will be released across 38 countries around the world on September 28 and 30. 

On her social media, IU also left a message for her global fans who’d like to watch the concert film. “Global UAENA can also watch this movie. I’ll go see you in person next time. Love you, thank you always.” 

 

As per EDAM Entertainment, the film will be available in IMAX theaters worldwide. “The big screen and surround sound from cinemas will recreate the concert experience from last year.”, the company said in a press release. 

IU’s 15th year in the industry

Dubbed as the “Nation’s Little Sister”, IU debuted at the age of 15 with her song “Lost Child.” Since then, she has continually created masterpieces such as “Celebrity”, “Palette”, and “Good Day”, more popularly known for its three octave high note trademark.

Aside from a successful career as a soloist, IU excels in the world of acting as well. She has starred in numerous beloved dramas including Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and Hotel del Luna.

The 2011 series Dream High marked her debut as an actress. Meanwhile, her most recent work is Dream with Park Seo Joon.

In December 2022, it was confirmed that she’s dating actor Lee Jong Suk. 

Featured image: IU during her ‘The Golden Hour’ concert in September 2022. Credit: Twitter/IU

Exit mobile version