Category: KPOP NEWS

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BTS K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jungkook of BTS Mesmerizes with Live Performance on “Live Lounge”

Jungkook, a member of the global K-pop sensation BTS, recently graced the UK’s BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge with a captivating live performance. He was introduced as a “global pop star” and performed his debut solo single, “Seven.” Jungkook also covered Oasis’s “Let There Be Love,” leaving listeners in awe of his vocal prowess.

This appearance on Live Lounge marked Jungkook‘s return to the station after approximately two years, albeit as a soloist. (His last appearance was with BTS in 2021.) During an interview with the host, Jungkook expressed his excitement about his solo single “Seven,” saying, “I’ve been waiting to meet fans with good music, and finally, I could do it.”

The singer also shared his fond memories of the UK, particularly BTS‘s Wembley concert, which he described as “a great time.” However, Jungkook cleverly added that the present moment, his return to the Live Lounge, is his new “best moment.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L-bnDophkw&pp=ygUeSnVuZ2tvb2sgTGl2ZSBMb3VuZ2UgaW50ZXJ2aWV3

Jungkook on BTS

“Seven” has been making waves since its release. The song won first place on Mnet’s M Countdown and held the top spot on Spotify’s Daily Top Song Global chart for six consecutive days, racking up over 11.84 million streams daily. Remarkably, it surpassed 100 million streams within six days of its release.

In addition to his solo work, Jungkook also talked about BTS‘s current activities and future plans. He said that through their solo activities, each member is expressing their individuality and colors, continuously growing. “Based on this, when we come together as a complete group, BTS‘s appearance will be amazing, and there will be incredible synergy. I hope to see it happen soon,” he said.

Jungkook’s words come when BTS isn’t doing any group projects. Jin and j-hope are still serving in the military, and the remaining members will soon follow suit.

Despite the temporary hiatus of BTS as a group, the members continue shining individually, with Jungkook‘s performance on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge being a testament to their success. Even so, ARMY worldwide eagerly await the group’s reunion, which, as Jungkook predicts, will bring about an extraordinary synergy. —K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungkook’s English has improved greatly, as evidenced by his Live Lounge interview. Source: YouTube/BBC Radio 1’s official YouTube channel.

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BLACKPINK and Starbucks Brew Up a Storm with New Collaboration

BLACKPINK, the world-renowned K-pop group, will team up with Starbucks one more time to launch limited-edition merchandise and a themed drink. The collection will be available starting July 25 and sparked excitement and controversy among fans.

The YG Entertainment girl group‘s “bright and bold style” inspires the collection, which includes a range of drinkware and lifestyle merchandise. The highlight of the collection is the BLACKPINK Strawberry Choco Cream Frappuccino, a blend of strawberry syrup and dark chocolate sauce with oat milk and chocolate curls, topped with light pink whipped cream and heart-shaped chocolate.

Aside from the themed drink, the collection has 11 types of drinkware and six lifestyle accessories. They all showcase BLACKPINK‘s signature pink and black palette. The limited-edition merchandise includes reusable cups, mugs, tumblers, tote bags, yoga mats, passport holders, and key chains.

The controversial BLACKPINK tumbler

However, one item in the collection has caused a stir among fans. The collection features a pink rhinestone tumbler, labeled Lisa’s Pick, which has a price of 95,000 KRW (approximately 74.30 USD), making it the most expensive item in the collection. The price of this tumbler has sparked discussions on online forums, with some fans questioning whether the price was a typo.

Despite the controversy surrounding the rhinestone tumbler, many expressed excitement about the collection. BLACKPINK fans can find the merchandise in select Starbucks stores. These stores are in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Starbucks has a history of collaborating with K-pop stars like BTS and BLACKPINK to maximize its reach. The first collaboration between Starbucks and BLACKPINK in 2021 was exclusively launched in Thailand and sold out within minutes.

Emmy Kan, Starbucks Asia Pacific’s senior vice president and president, spoke with the media about the collaboration. “BLACKPINK is synonymous with an authenticity that’s bold and confident, making them an inspiring force that transcends geographies and cultures,” she said. She further promised an “unforgettable Starbucks Experience” to customers.

As the launch date approaches, fans are eager to get their hands on the merchandise. Despite the mixed reactions, this new collaboration between BLACKPINK and Starbucks is expected to be a hit among fans of the K-pop group. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The BLACKPINK x Starbucks goods are inspired by the girl group’s bright and bold style. Source: Starbucks Stories Asia.

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BB Girls, Formerly Brave Girls, Announce Comeback with New Album

The K-pop scene is buzzing with anticipation as BB Girls, the group formerly known as Brave Girls, announced their return with a new album slated for release on August 3. Warner Music Korea, their new agency, retweeted their announcement on social media, sparking excitement among fans.

The promotional photos released with the announcement showcased the BB Girls members in a new light. They radiated charisma and confidence in the photos, a stark contrast to the refreshing vibe of their fifth mini-album, 2021’s Summer Queen. This change in image marks a significant shift for the group, as this will be their first album release under their new name and agency.

BB Girls, not Brave Girls

The group, consisting of Minyoung, Yujeong, Yuna, and Eunji, rose to fame as Brave Girls in 2021. Their 2017 single “Rollin’” surprised them by climbing back up the charts four years after its initial release, catapulting the group into stardom. However, Brave Girls disbanded earlier this year after the members parted with their label, Brave Entertainment, at the end of their seven-year exclusive contracts.

In a surprising turn of events, all four members signed with Warner Music Korea in late April and rebranded themselves as BB Girls. The group expressed their gratitude for the continued support from their fans during this transition. “We’re grateful to be able to continue our journey with our fans, as we’ve joined a new agency. We hope to make good memories together. We exist because of our fans,” Minyoung shared in an interview with PMK magazine.

The upcoming album from BB Girls is not just a comeback but a new beginning for the girl group. As they enter a new career phase, fans eagerly await BB Girls’ new music and fresh direction. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The girls didn’t just change agencies; they also changed their look. Will they also change their sound? Let’s see. Source: Twitter/BB Girls’ official Twitter account.

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Look: Yerin to Release “Ready, Set, Love” in August

Mark your calendars because K-pop idol Yerin is gearing up for her highly-anticipated comeback. 

The soloist released on Friday, July 21, an arcade-inspired illustrated teaser that showed the details of her upcoming album. 

Yerin’s second EP will be titled Read, Set, LOVE, and will be released on August 23. 

 

This will serve as Yerin’s first comeback in more than a year, following her debut EP Aria that was released in May 2022. It will also be her first music release under her agency Bill Entertainment. 

Yerin made her debut in 2015 as a member of girl group GFriend under the agency Source Music. The six-piece act was known for their hits “Me Gustas Tu,” “Navillera,” and “Mago.” 

In 2021, all six members of GFriend left Source Music and signed with different agencies, with three members forming the group Viviz. Yerin first joined Sublime Artist Agency after their departure from Source Music. 

She transferred to Bill Entertainment in April. 

 Featured image: Yerin’s Twitter

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Ikon’s Jay Begins Military Service

Kim Jinhwan, or also known as Jay, of K-pop boy group iKON has started his mandatory military service on Thursday, July 20. 

After entering the training center, Jay will undergo basic military training for several weeks, before he can serve as an alternative social worker. 

The vocalist first announced his plans to enlist in early July, taking to Instagram to pen a message to his fans. 

“I will diligently fulfill my duty and return quickly, so let’s find strength while thinking of each other, and please be well,” he promised them, according to a translation by Soompi. 

Days before his enlistment, Jay also shared a photo of him with a shaved head. 

Born in 1994, Jay is the first member of iKON to enlist in the military. 

Prior to his enlistment, Jay also made his debut as a solo artist in June by releasing his album Paradise Pt. 1. Meanwhile, the second part of the album, titled Blue Moon, was released on July 18 — two days before Jay’s enlistment. 

Composed of Bobby, DK, Chan, Ju-ne, Jay, and Song, iKON debuted in September 2015 under YG Entertainment. They left the agency in December 2022 and signed with 143 Entertainment. 

iKON made their group comeback in January with the album TAKE OFF. It’s also the title of their upcoming world tour, which will include shows around Asia, Europe, and the United States. 

Jay was able to take part in the TAKE OFF concert in Osaka, Japan that happened on July 8 and 9, but would be missing the rest of the shows because of military service. 

Featured image: iKON Jay’s Twitter

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Newjean’s “Get Up” Album Is Here!

After weeks of anticipation, K-pop monster rookies NewJeans have finally released their sophomore EP GET UP on Friday, July 21. 

The five-piece rising girl group also released the music video for their track “ETA,” which sees the NewJeans members reaching out to their female friend to tell her that they’ve discovered her boyfriend cheating on her at a pool party. 

 

The “GET UP” EP features a total of six songs, with “ETA,” “Super Shy,” and “Cool With You” as its triple title tracks. 

All six songs have their own music videos, but the earlier released ones already boast impressive collaborations. 

The “New Jeans” music video, for example, saw the group transform into superheroes as it was a collaboration with the 25th anniversary of the hit American cartoon series THE POWERPUFF GIRLS.

Meanwhile, the two music videos for “Cool With You,” meanwhile, featured Asian superstars Tony Leung and Jung Ho Yeon. THE “ETA” music video is also in collaboration with Apple as the whole video was entirely shot on iPhone 14 Pro. 

GET UP is NewJeans’ second EP following their self-titled EP, which was released in July 2022.

Composed of Minji, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle, NewJeans is a group under ADOR, the HYBE sub-label headed by Min Hee-jin, 

Featured image: NewJeans’ Twitter

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Jin of BTS “Saves Fan” from Robbery + Military Updates

BTS member Jin is a beloved figure in the music industry. He’s known for his charming personality, fan dedication, and soulful voice. Recently, Jin’s been in the news for his heroic deeds, both in and out of the military.

In a remarkable incident, Jin reportedly “saved” a Brazilian fan named Natali Vitoria Ramos Reis from a robbery. The 21-year-old ARMY was waiting at a bus stop in São José dos Pinhais, in the Curitiba Metropolitan Region, when a robber approached her. The robber managed to take her phone, which had a photo of Jin in his military uniform as the wallpaper.

When he saw the photo, the robber immediately returned the phone and fled, presumably assuming that the man in the picture was Natali’s boyfriend and a member of the armed forces. This incident sparked a wave of reactions from BTS ARMY worldwide. They praised Jin’s indirect role in Natali’s rescue and joked about changing their phone wallpapers to pictures of Jin in his military uniform for protection.

Jin’s off-stage heroism is commendable, and his military achievements are also impressive. Despite being a world-renowned singer, he has dedicated himself to his mandatory military service in South Korea. Jin enlisted in the recruit training center in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, on December 13, 2022. His expected discharge date is June 12, 2024.

Jin the “elite soldier”

Recently, Jin was given the rank of Corporal in the military earlier than scheduled. This came after he received the title of “elite soldier,” a prestigious title given to those who excel in various areas of training. These include first aid, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological training, individual combat, shooting, a three-kilometer race, and vigilance. To earn the elite soldier title, one must meet strict conditions like having a 90% shooting hit rate and completing over 72 push-ups in two minutes. This promotion underscores Jin’s dedication, discipline, and hard work.

The title comes with perks. These include extra leaves of up to five days, early promotion, and the privilege of wearing a special emblem on their uniforms. Additionally, outstanding shooting scores can earn them more rewards.

Jin’s military achievements give ARMY immense pride and joy. Despite his absence from the music scene due to his military service, his influence continues to resonate worldwide. This story reminds us that heroes can appear in the most unexpected places, even on a smartphone’s home screen. As fans eagerly await his return to the stage, they continue to celebrate his achievements and the inspiring individual he has proven to be. –K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jin posted some selfies on Weverse during a lull in his training. Source: Weverse’s BTS Community.

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BREAKING: Haneul Leaves K-Pop Girl Group Saturday

K-pop idol Haneul has exited the group SATURDAY due to “personal circumstances.”

The group’s manager announced the news on Thursday, July 20, saying that SATURDAY will now continue as a four-member group consisting of Juyeon, Yuki, Ayeon, and Minseo. 

While SATURDAY had gone through a series of member lineup changes since they made their debut in 2018, Haneul was one of the original members, alongside Yuki and Ayeon. 

“We apologize to the fans who feel upset about this disappointing news,” the statement continued. 

The manager also asked fans for their continued love and support to the remaining members as they’re gearing up for a new album. 

On Tuesday, July 18, SATURDAY released a schedule for their upcoming sixth single album “Find Summer,” which will be released on July 25. 

 

This would serve as the group’s first comeback in almost two years, following the release of “D.B.DB. DIB” in August 2020. 

Featured image: SATURDAY’s Twitter

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Legend Tony Leung and SAG Winner Jung Hoyeon Star in Newjeans’ “Cool With You” Music Video

Rising K-pop girl group NewJeans released on Thursday, July 20, two cinematic music videos for their song “Cool With You,” which stars Squid Game actress Jung Ho Yeon (for which she won the SAG Award for best performance by a female actor in a drama series in 2022) and a cameo appearance from veteran actor Tony Leung. 

In the first video for “Cool With You,” dubbed the “A side”, Ho Yeon was introduced as a cupid who appears to be completely invisible in life and prompts couples to fall in love through her glance. The latter part of the video saw the actress becoming interested in a man, with the members of NewJeans acting out as angels who are watching the forbidden love story unfold. 

 

Meanwhile, the “B side” video for “Cool With You” picks up from where the “A side” left off but Ho Yeon is now visible to the world. She’s then seen starting a relationship with her love interest. But as their budding romance starts to pick up, Ho Yeon comes across a mysterious man (played by Tony). From that moment, her lover can no longer see Ho Yeon. 

The “B side” video also saw the NewJeans members dancing to a snippet of their unreleased song “Get Up.” 

 

Aside from “Cool With You,” NewJeans has already released the music videos for “Super Shy” and “New Jeans.”

“Cool With You” and “Super Shy” are two of GET UP’s triple title songs, alongside the yet-to-be-released track “ETA.” 

NewJeans’ sophomore EP GET UP, which will be released on July 21, will have a total of six songs, with each track having accompanying music videos. 

GET UP will serve as the group’s second EP following their self-titled EP,  which was released in July 2022. 

Composed of Minji, Hanni, Hyein, Haerin, and Danielle, NewJeans is a five-member group under ADOR, the HYBE sub-label headed by Min Hee-jin. 

Featured image: HYBE Labels’ YouTube

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K-Pop Album Exports Surge, US Overtakes China as Second-Largest Market

K-pop album exports soared in the first six months of 2023, setting a new record high. Notably, the United States surpassed China to become the second-largest market for K-pop music exports after Japan. This indicates that K-pop has firmly established itself as a genre in North America.

According to the export and import trade statistics released by the Korea Customs Service on July 18, the export value of K-pop albums from January to June this year amounted to $132.934 million. That’s approximately 168.5 billion KRW, a 17.1% increase compared to the same period in 2022. This marks the highest total for the first half of 2023.

When examining the target countries for album exports in the first half of this year, Japan topped the list with $48.523 million (approximately 61.5 billion KRW), followed by the United States with $25.519 million (approximately 32.3 billion KRW), and China with $22.64 million (approximately 28.7 billion KRW). They were followed by Germany, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Canada, the UK, and France.

The fact that the United States, often considered the world’s largest music market, has surpassed China to become the second-largest market for album exports says a lot. On an annual basis, China has been the second largest export target country after Japan since 2012, except for 2020.

K-pop stars’ remarkable achievements

Despite the absence of group activities from BTS, K-pop stars have achieved remarkable results in the United States in the first half of this year. BTS member Jimin made history when he became the first K-pop solo artist to debut at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with his debut solo single “Like Crazy.”

Stray Kids and TOMORROW X TOGETHER topped the Billboard 200, the main album chart in the United States, with their recent drops. ATEEZ, BTS’s SUGA, SEVENTEEN, and TWICE also made waves. Lastly, FIFTY FIFTY achieved what others thought was impossible when they charted within the Hot 100 for 16 consecutive weeks with their easy-listening song “CUPID.”

As K-pop achieved these results, the U.S. music market analysis company Luminate announced in its mid-year report that Korean was the third most streamed language in the United States, following English and Spanish (based on the top 10,000 songs).

Room for growth

Choi Kwang-Ho, the Korea Music Content Association’s secretary-general, said, “K-pop, represented by BTS and BLACKPINK, established itself as a genre in the North American market. It takes time for content to hit in a specific region after a certain trigger. It took years for K-pop to settle down after BTS received their first award at the U.S. Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) in 2017.”

He believes K-pop can go even further. “There were concerns about the enlistment of BTS, but the solo activities of BTS members and the performance of junior singers SEVENTEEN and Stray Kids are good. The K-pop physical album market has grown, but as seen in the success of ‘CUPID,’ there’s still a lot of room for growth in the streaming market. The peak of K-pop is not yet here.”

— K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: With their Billboard chart success and performances at KCON USA, Stray Kids is actively leading the growth of K-pop in the US. Source: KCON USA/KCON USA’s official website.

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