Category: KPOP NEWS

In a delightful twist of fate, S. Coups, the charismatic, talented general leader of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN, started his birthday live broadcast at exactly 10:10 PM. S. Coups humorously dubbed it “Hoshi o’clock” after his bandmate. (Hoshi has said he was given the nickname “10:10” because his eyes are slanted so that they look like the hands of a clock set to that time.) That candid moment set the tone for a session filled with heartwarming revelations and surprises.

S. Coups said he spent his birthday happily because he received a lot of love from family, fans, and friends. He was surprised when Hoshi called to ask him what he wanted for his birthday present. He confessed his longing for the Nike Air Force x Louis Vuitton collaboration, a luxury he hesitated to indulge in due to its hefty price tag. His members were astonished by how much it cost. That said, it seems they chipped in to buy him some items from the collaboration because S. Coups promised to flex his gifts soon.

A special gift

Moreover, Mingyu‘s unexpected call to convey birthday wishes and the cozy hat and shirt gifted by his brother, which he proudly wore during the broadcast, showcased the close-knit bonds he shares with everyone around him. The only fly in his soup, so to speak, was the fact that his plan of working on a new episode of cookscoups fell through. (For the uninitiated, cookscoups is a combination of S. Coups’ stage name and the word “cook.”)

The first and so far only episode of his passion project was posted on his birthday last year, and he wanted to do a follow-up. Unfortunately, there were some issues with the filming location so he had to change his plans.

S. Coups also took the time to unveil a really special gift for his fans. Acknowledging that he rarely does solo photoshoots, he did one for his birthday this year. Everyone watching his broadcast was thrilled. After all, not many K-pop idols would celebrate their birthdays by giving fans a gift. But he did because that’s how much he cares about CARATs. Anyway, his birthday photoshoot for Marie Claire will be released in September. S. Coups teased fans by saying, “I think CARATs will like it. I wore clothes that I never thought I’d wear in my life.” 

The rest of the rapper’s live broadcast was packed with candid moments, from his bemusement at how many photos SEVENTEEN’s DK had of him to his heartfelt gratitude toward those who helped make sure his birthday would be a happy one. Although traditional seaweed soup wasn’t on the menu, he assured fans that his taste buds were treated to a delectable feast anyway.

Looking back on S.Coups’ journey

For those unfamiliar with the dynamo that is S. Coups, a brief introduction is in order. He was born Choi Seungcheol and he has been the backbone of SEVENTEEN since they debuted in 2015. As the group’s eldest member and leader, he’s also affectionately known as their “father,” a testament to his nurturing nature and unwavering patience.

His leadership style has evolved over the years, as he revealed in a chat with Weverse Magazine a few years ago. When S. Coups was younger (and not as wise as he is today), he used to think being a leader meant being in charge of everything all the time. Now he knows the importance of sharing responsibilities, and he often leans on the group’s younger members because he respects and values their emotional intelligence.

Reflecting on SEVENTEEN‘s journey, his hopes for the future are simple yet profound. 

“We make the music we want to make, the staff is so helpful, and we’ve been able to put on so many performances, so my goal is simply to live happily with the other members and make music with them for a long time,” S. Coups told Weverse Magazine. “The wider you set your sights, the less you look up at the sky. I ended up seeing all the things around me. I think it’s the same for the others too. A love that isn’t boiling over or going cold—a warm love. I want a love that keeps on going like that.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: One of S.Coups’ fan accounts posted a ton of cute photos for his birthday. Source: Twitter/@Stunning_COUPS.

Love always comes with unexpected twists and turns, even if you’re a celebrity. One such twist came to light during an Instagram live stream celebrating BLACKPINK‘s seventh anniversary. A renowned young Filipino actress, Andrea Brillantes, had a candid exchange with Rosé. Andrea updated the girl group member on her recent breakup with athlete-model Ricci Rivero.

The backstory is as intriguing as the update itself. Andrea had previously sought Rosé’s assistance for her promposal to Ricci Rivero. This event occurred during BLACKPINK‘s March concert at the Philippine Arena. Between songs, Rosé and Lisa paused to acknowledge a “promposal” sign held up by Andrea. The result? A beaming Ricci, present at the concert, accepted Andrea‘s proposal, and they attended the Star Magical Prom on March 30th together.

Fast forward to the live stream, where Rosé engaged with fans, reminiscing about their cherished memories as BLINKs (BLACKPINK fans). Andrea chimed in, mentioning the unforgettable promposal moment. Rosé remembered her and said, “Oh, was that you? I think it was somewhere in Southeast Asia. I don’t remember, but I do remember [your promposal], I do.”

However, the conversation took a surprising turn when Andrea updated Rosé about her relationship status, typing, “We broke up now.” Rosé‘s reaction was genuine and spontaneous. She covered her mouth, laughing at the unforeseen revelation, and remarked, “You broke up now? Oh no, I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.”

Andrea reassured the K-pop star quickly, emphasizing that she’s in a good place and remains happy post-breakup. Rosé, the supportive figure, gave Andrea a thumbs-up, saying, “I’m happy that you’re happy.”

Andrea has moved on and Rosé supports her

The relationship timeline of Andrea and Ricci is noteworthy. The two officially became a couple on April 9 of the previous year. The romantic gesture was made by Ricci, a collegiate basketball player, who proposed to Andrea after the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons won against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. 

Unfortunately, the rumor mill was abuzz with speculations about their breakup by May. Some even believed beauty pageant titleholder-turned-politician Leren Bautista played a role in their split. For his part, Ricci refuted claims of a third party causing their breakup. Reflecting on the past, Andrea said she has moved on and holds no grudges against her ex-boyfriend.

In conclusion, the world of celebrities is glamorous yet unpredictable. Relationships begin and end, but what remains constant is the support and love from fans and fellow artists. Rosé‘s reaction to Andrea‘s news is a testament to the genuine bonds formed between artists, transcending borders and cultures. 

As fans continue to support Andrea and Rosé, one can only hope to see them interact more in the future. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Two worlds collided when Andrea and Rose interacted on Instagram Live. Sources: Instagram/@blythe and Twitter/@Metroscene Mag.

Recently, rumors about EXO‘s Baekhyun and his alleged involvement in shady business dealings have been circulating. These rumors gained traction when a netizen posted about Baekhyun‘s move to the UN Village in Seoul’s prestigious Hannam district. The netizen highlighted the connection between Baekhyun and a company named One Signature, suggesting potential financial foul play.

The netizen revealed that the CEO of the construction company that built Baekhyun‘s new home is his landlord. Interestingly, the records showed One Signature took out a 13 billion KRW mortgage. Further investigations into One Signature’s public records unveiled Baekhyun‘s position as a board executive. Another executive, Cha Dae Young, was identified as the father of Cha Ga Won, the CEO of the construction company and Baekhyun‘s landlord.

This discovery led to another revelation. Cha Ga Won is an executive at Big Planet Made, an agency previously accused by SM Entertainment of trying to recruit the EXO-CBX members. The timing of these events raised eyebrows, as EXO-CBX had requested contract termination a day after One Signature’s incorporation.

As these findings spread, many netizens started believing that Baekhyun‘s publicized dispute with SM Entertainment was premeditated. Some speculated that he planned to take his company public and profit from selling his shares during the IPO.

In response to the growing criticism, Baekhyun took to a live stream on August 7th to address the controversy. “Seeing how the misunderstandings and misinformation were being taken as truths, I worried for my fans,” Baekhyun said. “That’s why I decided to live stream my story.”

Baekhyun speaks up

Baekhyun clarified his reasons for the legal dispute with SM Entertainment during the live stream. He said, “I’ve always wanted to inquire about accounting. There were incidents during Lee Soo Man’s absence that piqued my curiosity. But we reached an amicable compromise, and now SM and I have a good relationship.”

Baekhyun also talked about One Signature, revealing his intention behind putting up the company. “I started One Signature with my good friend Kasper to produce good choreographers and dancers,” he said. He further clarified that the company might undergo a name change.

Addressing the loan on his home, Baekhyun explained, “The reason I borrowed the money was for a promise I made to myself. I plan to start my own company while staying with SM Entertainment as a member of EXO. The loan serves as a reminder to always strive for better.”

He also spoke about his relationship with Cha Ga Won and her father, emphasizing their close bond. “They came to know my parents, and we’ve gotten along like family ever since,” Baekhyun added.

Concluding his live stream, Baekhyun revealed that SM Entertainment is aware of and supports his ambitions. “SM knows about my plans to start my own company and positively supports my decision,” he affirmed.

With this live stream, Baekhyun hoped to clear the air and address the concerns of his fans. Only time will tell how these revelations will shape his future endeavors. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Baekhyun was so troubled by the rumors that he went live to address them quickly. Source: Twitter/@xunhuas.

ENHYPEN‘s Jay recently treated ENGENEs to a live broadcast on Weverse, where he seamlessly blended his guitar skills with candid interactions, making it a memorable experience for all.

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The broadcast began with Jay listening to Cean Jr.’s “YK.” This choice was particularly interesting, as fellow ENHYPEN member Jake had previously expressed his fondness for the same track during his own broadcast. As Jay listened, his facial expressions reflected his genuine appreciation for it. He praised Cean Jr., emphasizing that the artist deserved a wider audience.

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As his broadcast progressed, Jay‘s musical talents took center stage. Filipino ENGENEs asked him to play “Raining in Manila” by Lola Amour on his guitar. Other ENHYPEN members had listened to and loved it, so the fans were curious about what the group’s resident guitar god would make of the song. Jay obliged them, even if he had never played it before. He tried to master it on the spot, and he succeeded. He impressed fans with how quickly he picked up the chords and rhythm. 

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688480257391964160

Jay didn’t stop there. He played several other songs, including “Gravity” by John Mayer, “SEVEN” by Jungkook feat. Latto, “Maps” by Maroon 5, and ENHYPEN’s “Attention, Please.”

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688481615704670208

Jay used the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster Electric Guitar for most of his broadcast. Inspired by American blues-rock icon Eric Clapton, it combines classic style and easy-to-use features. Its unique neck shape is perfect for those with large hands, and its sound can be adjusted from bright to deep tones. All told, it’s a top-tier guitar that’s built to stay in tune and look amazing for decades.

Jay gave in to Jungwon’s request

The session took an exciting turn when fellow ENHYPEN member Jungwon chimed in. Jungwon, who was watching the live stream, called Jay on the phone and asked him to play “TFW.” Their banter was a testament to their bond. Jungwon revealed that he had stumbled upon Jay‘s broadcast while browsing Weverse and decided to join in upon seeing Jay‘s guitar playing. Giving in to the ENHYPEN leader’s request, Jay switched to his “Tongtongie” guitar, which he used during their recent Seoul concerts.

Later, Jay displayed his playful side by showing his guitar off to viewers. He mimicked a vlogger by placing his palm before the guitar to help the camera focus on it. His antics had fans chuckling.

https://twitter.com/teamjayco/status/1688489318086807552

However, not every moment of the broadcast was filled with music and laughter. Jay encountered a technical problem when he couldn’t rotate the Weverse app horizontally. In a candid moment, Jay shared his confusion with ENGENEs, seeking their help. That showcased his humility and willingness to engage with his fans on even the smallest matters.

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As the broadcast neared its end, Jay left fans with warm wishes. His musical showcase, heartfelt message, and genuine interactions made the broadcast a memorable experience for ENHYPEN fans worldwide. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jay treated fans to acoustic versions of hit songs. Source: Twitter/@teamjayco.

The world of K-pop is often abuzz with rumors, and the latest artist to find himself at the center of such speculations is SEVENTEEN‘s Joshua. Recent whispers suggested a romance between the “SUPER” singer and Instagram model Mi Young. However, CARATs, SEVENTEEN‘s dedicated fans, took it upon themselves to investigate and debunk these rumors.

The rumors were fueled by netizens who noticed similarities in Joshua and Mi Young‘s Instagram activities. They highlighted pictures both posted showcasing the same things, suggesting they were “couple items.” These items ranged from accessories to bags, jackets to phone cases. The volume of these shared items led many to believe in a possible relationship.

A deep dive into the claims

Diving deeper into the claims, fans found that the denim CK jacket both Joshua and Mi Young wore in their photos were promotional. Joshua expressed gratitude to CK for his jacket, while Mi Young’s was bought by the photographer who took her photo. Moreover, the times of their posts didn’t line up or match. They were notably different.

Another point of contention was their photos from Seoul Forest Park. While Mi Young was spotted at a pub near Han River on the night of July 6th, Joshua‘s photo from the park was posted at 3:00 PM on the same day, suggesting they weren’t together at the time.

Further examination revealed that the white abrasion marks on their airport clothes, which some believed to be signs of shared clothing, were part of the items’ official tie-dye design. Additionally, while some netizens thought they had taken couple photos on Jeju Island, again, the timelines didn’t match. Mi Young went to Jeju Island in February 2021, while Joshua made his trip in March 2022. 

The brown jacket saga was another exciting twist. On December 2, Joshua was in Nagoya, while Mi Young was in Tokyo on December 1 and 3, indicating they were in different places wearing different jackets.

Their phone cases became another topic of debate. Joshua had been seen using his bunny case in 2021, while Mi Young used hers in March 2022. As for the beaded accessories, Joshua‘s necklace turned out to be a branded item, not a handmade couple’s necklace. Mi Young wore something like it only twice in September 2020.

Joshua deserves privacy and respect

One of the more intriguing revelations was that a group had been planning these rumors for months. They began on Chinese websites and later transitioned to Twitter, attempting to gain traction for their fabricated stories. Despite the swirling rumors, fans have rallied behind Joshua, emphasizing that he, like anyone else, deserves love and privacy. The overarching sentiment is clear: even if he were dating, it’s his personal life, and fans should respect that boundary. 

In the midst of all this, Joshua‘s contributions to SEVENTEEN and the K-pop industry in general shine through. Known for his incredible vocals, striking visuals, and politeness, he has been a beacon of talent and dedication since SEVENTEEN‘s debut in 2015.

While the K-pop world is no stranger to rumors, it’s nice to see fans rally in defense and support of their idols. The dedication of CARATs in debunking these speculations underscores the deep bond between them and all 13 members of SEVENTEEN. As always, it’s key to approach such rumors with skepticism and prioritize the well-being and privacy of the artists involved. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Joshua has, by turns, been bashed and defended since the rumors began. Source: Twitter/@pledis_17jp.

In a surprising turn of events, Kyoungyoon, a member of the popular K-pop group DKZ, has officially announced his departure. This decision comes roughly five months after a controversy surrounding his family’s alleged ties to the JMS cult.

Earlier this year, Kyoungyoon found himself at the center of a storm after the release of Netflix’s In The Name Of God: A Holy Betrayal. The documentary shone a light on the controversial JMS cult, revealing that Kyoungyoon‘s family had ties to it. They even operated a cafe associated with a church, Youngduk Ju Mideum (Youngduk Trust In God). While the initial response from DKZ‘s label, Dongyo Entertainment, was that Kyoungyoon‘s family was unaware of the church’s ties to the JMS cult, Kyoungyoon later opened up about his personal experiences. He shared harrowing details of being brainwashed and victimized by the cult. Despite being a victim, he faced significant backlash, leading him to issue a personal apology.

The controversy took a toll on Kyoungyoon‘s mental health, prompting him to take a hiatus in April to focus on his well-being. Fans hoped this break would be temporary, but recent developments suggest otherwise. On August 7, Dongyo Entertainment released an official statement on their fan community website. They informed fans that after a period of treatment and recovery, Kyoungyoon had engaged in extensive discussions with the agency about his future. The outcome? Kyoungyoon would be leaving DKZ to fulfill his mandatory military duties later this year.

Kyoungyoon penned a letter to fans

In a heartfelt and handwritten letter accompanying the announcement, Kyoungyoon expressed his feelings to fans. “For the past five months, I spent a lot of time contemplating,” he wrote. “After thinking about what would be the best option for the people I care about, I concluded that I should let go of DKZ’s Kyoungyoon. I hope fans will understand my decision.” He expressed his gratitude for the love and support he received during his time with DKZ.

The news of Kyoungyoon‘s departure has elicited a wave of reactions from fans and netizens. Many took to SNS to voice their feelings, sharing messages of support, love, and hope for Kyoungyoon‘s future. While some expressed their anger, sadness and shock, others understood his decision, given the circumstances.

As DKZ continues its journey with five members, Kyoungyoon‘s decision to go serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges artists face. His story underscores the importance of mental well-being and the courage to make tough decisions. As he embarks on this new chapter, fans worldwide send their best wishes, hoping to see him return in good health and high spirits. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: He decided to leave after contemplating it. Source: Instagram/@kyoungyoon_dkz.