Categories
K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Jisoo and Rosé Invade Paris Fashion Week; Will Jennie and Lisa Follow?

The month of September has been all about our beloved lovesick girls BLACKPINK. First, on Sept. 10, Lisa finally made her highly-anticipated solo debut with her single Lalisa, breaking records left and right like it’s nobody’s business. Just days after, September 15 to be exact, our main vocal Rosé made headlines by being the first member of the group to appear at the Met Gala and being one of the first two female K-pop idols to grace the ceremony overall (with 2NE1’s CL). But even before the two girls gave us much-needed BLACKPINK developments, it was actually Jennie that ushered in the month with some eye-popping photos of her in the Calvin Klein Fall 2021 campaign, wearing nothing but her Calvins… underwear.  How’s that for the group reminding us they’re in everyone’s area? 

And before the month ends, BLACKPINK strikes again with more of the group’s fashion-related activities. All the members are reported to attend one of the fashion industry’s most awaited events: the Paris Fashion Week. It seems that BLINKs haven‘t been disappointed that the usually frugal (when it comes to giving their idols activities) YG is keeping the girls busy by giving the girls a packed schedule by letting them attend high-profile events even without a group comeback on the horizon yet!

It was only last week when news about BLACKPINK’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week started circulating when a number of Korean media outlets reported the group would be flying to the City of Love soon. Some sources claimed that Rosé and Jisoo were scheduled to leave for Paris via Incheon International Airport on Sept. 25, while Jennie and Lisa, who still have items in their Korean schedule, would be taking their flights at a later time. The rumors seemed to make sense with fans, especially since all the four girls are current global ambassadors for French fashion brands – with Dior having Jisoo, Celine having Lisa, Saint Laurent having Rosé, and Chanel having Jennie.

Also read: K-pop’s Massive Influence Threads High Fashion

Alas, the reports came true when indeed, Jisoo and Rosé departed Incheon and went to Paris on September 25. Blinks rejoiced when the two shared selfies of themselves in front of the Eiffel Tower on Instagram. 

After the IG updates, the two girls have gone to work, and by work, we mean appearing in the fashion shows of their respective brands. The Dior Collection show at Paris Fashion Week was scheduled to take place on September 28 at 2:30 PM, and Jisoo did not disappoint by attending the event wearing a black-and-white mini dress from the brand’s Resort 2022 collection. The group’s visual paired her attire with a tiny Lady Dior bag and open-toed platform heels, and with long straight hair, Jisoo gave high fashion vibes through and through. 

But the day didn’t end there, as the Yves Saint Laurent Collection show was held that evening at 8 PM. It was our On The Ground singer’s turn, and she continued her penchant for black YSL outfits by wearing a sheer mini dress with knee-high boots, which she glammed up with a gold chunky necklace with pearl detailing.

So now, you may ask, when are Jennie and Lisa joining Jisoo and Rosé? The Paris Fashion Week will be until October 6, so there are still a good number of days for the two left in Seoul to take that Paris-bound flight. The Chanel Collection show will take place on October 5 at 10:30 AM, while there are no scheduled shows for Celine. Would that mean only Jennie would be off to Paris while Lisa would continue her Lalisa promotions in Seoul? Stay tuned for developments in the coming days. 

BLACKPINK members Jisoo and Rose take a selfie at the iconic Eiffel Tower ahead of their schedule for Paris Fashion Week 2021. Photo: sooyaaa__/Instagram
Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Former IZ*ONE Member Jo Yu Ri Drops Stunning Concept Poster For Solo Debut  “Glassy”

Jo Yu Ri is channelling her inner Cinderella! The former IZ*ONE member has just dropped a stunning concept poster for her debut solo album, Glassy.

The official Jo Yuri Twitter account shared the gorgeous concept poster for Glassy. It features Yuri in a dreamy blue dress holding a glass slipper.

It’s an ethereal look at Jo Yuri’s upcoming solo debut. New fans and WIZ*ONEs who have been supporting Yuri since she was a member of IZ*ONE simply can’t get enough of it.

https://twitter.com/wizoneiiizone/status/1441239848346525700

Hopefully, a video teaser will offer a taste of the new music she will be releasing this October.

Jo Yuri was one of the competitors on Produce 48 and was ranked #3, confirming her place as a member of IZ*ONE. She debuted with the 11 other members as IZ*ONE in October 2018. Unfortunately, the group officially disbanded in April this year.

Despite IZ*ONE’s disbandment, the members are determined to pursue their own careers. Jo Yuri is proof that these idols can continue making music for their fans.

Jo Yuri previously ​​released her first collaboration single Autumn Box, a duet with SG Wannabe’s Lee Suk Hoon.

Jo Yu Ri’s solo debut single album Glassy drops on October 7, 2021.

Former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu Ri’s solo album, Glassy. Photo: JOYURI_offcl/Twitter
Categories
K-POP STYLE KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BLACKPINK to Attend Paris Fashion Week and YT’s Dear Earth

Looks like October is going to be a busy month for BLACKPINK: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa are reportedly attending Paris Fashion Week 2021, and have been invited to participate in the “Dear Earth” campaign for climate change.

Blackpink in Paris Fashion Week 2021

There are speculations that all Blackpink girls—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—will attend Paris Fashion Week next week. Several reports have pointed out that some of them have left for Paris on September 25. However, it was also reported that Jennie will not leave with the other members due to changes in schedules.

It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if all four were invited to Paris Fashion Week. After all, all BLACKPINK members are global ambassadors for a few French luxury brands. Jisoo is the ambassador for Dior while Jennie is the Chanel ambassador. Rosé and Lisa are the ambassadors for Yves Saint Laurent and Celine, respectively.

Blackpink for Dear Earth

It has also been confirmed that Blackpink will participate in the YouTube Originals special Dear Earth event on October 23, 2021. The campaign for climate change will also be attended by leaders such as Pope Francis, former U.S. President Barack Obama, and Google/Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.

Other artists Billie Eilish, Anitta, Jaden Smith, Lil Dicky and GaTa, Tinashe, and Marsai Martin are also attending Dear Earth. It is unclear, though, if Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa will only perform or will also give a speech. As of publishing time, BLACKPINK is the only K-pop act participating.

Stay tuned for more updates on both stories.

Paris Fashion Week takes place from September 28 to October 5, 2021, while “Dear Earth” will premiere on YouTube on October 23, 2021.

Featured image: BLACKPINK to participate on the YouTube Originals “Dear Earth” campaign; Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa reportedly attending Paris Fashion Week. Photo: BLACKPINK/Twitter
Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Min Hyorin and BIGBANG’s Taeyang Expecting First Child

It looks like Big Bang is finally getting a real Fantastic Baby! Horin’s agency, PLUM A&C, has confirmed that Taeyang and Min Hyorin are currently expecting their first child.

A new report from Hankook Ilbo shared the news, stating that Hyorin is already in the third trimester of her pregnancy. The report points out that the Sunny actress and her husband Dong Youngbae are joyfully waiting for their first child’s birth.

Hyorin’s pregnancy was reportedly noticed by local Hannam residents as the couple was seen walking around the neighborhood. However, there were no previous reports about the pregnancy.

Just a few hours after the report was dropped, Hyorin’s agency PLUM A&C decided to share an official statement.

“It’s true that Min Hyo Rin is currently expecting. They are currently waiting for the baby with happy hearts,” the statement reads. It was also revealed that the “Twenty” actress wanted to go through the pregnancy quietly so the agency didn’t share any further comments.

Taeyang and Hyorin met in 2013 and have been in a relationship ever since. The couple tied the knot in February 2018.

In related news, Taeyang’s YG Entertainment labelmate Bobby has just welcomed his first child. The iKON rapper had previously announced in August that he is getting married and that he and his fiancee are already expecting a baby in September.

After three years of marriage, Taeyang and Min Hyorin are now expecting their first chid. Photo: KBS KBS WORLD TV/YouTube
Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

AleXa to Sing the National Anthem at LA Dodgers Game

As part of Dodgers’ Korean Heritage Night, K-pop star AleXa will sing The Star-Spangled Banner at the September 29 Dodgers vs Padres game. Check out the cute poster AleXa posted on her official Twitter account:

This is truly great news for A.I TROOPERs who are eager to see AleXa’s performance at the baseball game.

AleXa who was born in the US and moved to South Korea to pursue a career in K-pop. The idea that she will be singing at a major baseball game means that the soloist is now one of the most notable idols in the industry.

On July 1, AleXa released a new single album ReviveR with the title track “Xtra”. She later released a rock version of the song which served as a collaboration with the rock band Rolling Quartz.

But when can fans expect new music from AleXa? The solo artist has not yet confirmed whether she is currently working on her next comeback. However, A.I TROOPERs are hoping that AleXa will finally release a new album before the end of the year. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Featured image: AleXa to sing Star-Spangled Banner at the LA Dodgers vs San Diego Padres game, happening on September 29, 2021 at the Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium. Photo: AleXa_ZB/Twitter

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

STRAY KIDS’ Han Misses KCON: TACT HI 5 Activities

STRAY KIDS was one of the main performers at KCON:TACT HI 5 – Live From The USA. However, the idol group had to perform with seven members as rapper Han bowed out of activities due to poor health.

On September 19, JYP Entertainment posted an official statement regarding Han’s health on the STRAY KIDS official Twitter account.

Today, during rehearsals for KCON: TACT HI 5, Stray Kids member Han suddenly felt his health take a turn for the worse and it has been determined that he will not attend the scheduled event,” the statement read.

JYPE also assured fans that Han Jisung will get enough rest so he can continue promoting with the rest of STRAY KIDS soon.

Since this was a decision made on behalf of the artist’s health, we ask for your understanding despite this sudden announcement. We will do our best to help our artist regain full health as fast as possible,” the statement read.

STAYS were understandably excited about KCON but they were also quick to wish for Han’s speedy recovery.

It’s unfortunate that Han had to miss out on the activities at KCON: TACT HI 5. Despite missing a member, Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. still managed to turn in a great performance at the fan convention.

Han’s recovery is even more important since STRAY KIDS are set for their next Japanese comeback in October. Here’s hoping that the 3RACHA member will feel better by then.

STRAY KIDS will release the Japanese single “Scars” along with “Thunderous (JPN ver)” on October 13, 2021.

Featured image: VIDEO CALL EVENT Photo: Stray Kids/Twitter
Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

ITZY to Perform on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”

ITZY is taking its stage across the pond: Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna have been confirmed to perform on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” this September!

The official ITZY Twitter account tweeted a poster featuring the idol group, revealing that Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna will appear in the September 27, 2021 episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

It’s awesome news considering that ITZY did a comeback on Friday, September 24. The performance will reach the international general public and hopefully turn more people into MIDZYs. Although it is not yet confirmed, there is a huge chance that the girl group will perform their new single LOCO from the upcoming album Crazy in Love.

The idea of an American promotion is truly exciting for fans and MIDZYs clearly can’t wait to see ITZY’s performance. In addition to that, MIDZYs are already looking forward to meeting new fans of the girl group this week.

https://twitter.com/cuddlyasshole/status/1439968834996211718

https://twitter.com/uMad9803/status/1439968148065767427

ITZY is set to be the fourth major K-pop act to perform on The Kelly Clarkson Show. Previous idols groups who have appeared on the show include MONSTA X, SEVENTEEN, and ITZY’s labelmate TWICE. It’s proof that ITZY is truly one of the artists to watch out for this year.

ITZY released its first full album Crazy in Love on September 24, 2021, debuting the MV of track “LOCO” on the same day.

Stay tuned as they perform on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on September 27, 2021!

 ITZY’s Crazy in Love. Photo: ITZYofficial/Twitter
Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Wonho Confirms Next Comeback

Wonho’s new single, Blue, is finally out and WENEEs are loving the second mini-album Blue Letter. But what’s with the obsession with the color blue? The former Monsta X member revealed that blue is an important color for him that is connected to his fans. In addition to that, Lee Hoseok has confirmed that he’s already hard at work on his next comeback.

Back in August, Wonho announced his second mini-album Blue Letter will be released in September. Like the previous two-part EP Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me and Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us, the new album has a blue theme.

So why is there so much blue? Wonho told NME that the color holds a special place in his heart since it reminds him of WENEEs.

When I look at my fans, they remind me of the color blue. I can see the color blue when I see my fans. That’s how I started using the color blue [in my concepts]. It’s since become my signature color… and my fans love it too. Blue is also a color that’s able to best represent the emotions that I feel, so that’s why I keep using it,” Wonho said.

He further explained that blue is usually associated with being sad but Wonho was determined to change that.

“I wanted ‘blue’ to serve a double meaning of ‘feeling blue’ and… to flip the meaning of feeling blue to ‘feeling loved’, in context of the album,” he said.


This is especially true with Blue Letter, which Wonho says is a gift for WENEEs who are going through some hardships.

It’s my message to those who are feeling lost, depressed or having a hard time,” he said. “I hope they get good vibes and positive energy from listening to my album and gain strength to overcome what they’re going through.

If it sounds like WENEEs are a truly spoiled fandom, that’s because Wonho is determined to keep making his fans happy. The soloist stated that he is now working on new music for his supporters and even revealed some details about the next album.

I’m actually already planning for my next album at the moment,” Wonho said. “I’m exploring a stronger, hip-hop sound, and I can’t wait for my fans to listen to it.

There’s a good reason why Wonho is all about his fans. The former MONSTA X member had previously admitted that it was the support from his fans that helped him get through his own troubles. This is why he wants to give back all the love he has received during those dark times in his life.

Wonho’s second mini-album Blue Letter was released on September 14.

Blue teaser #1. Photo: WONHO Official/Twitter
Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

aespa Confirms First Mini-Album “Savage” for October Release

AESPA is ready for a comeback and this time, they’re releasing a mini-album! Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning have announced Savage, their first EP that’s dropping in October.

The official aespa Twitter account had previously teased the comeback with a visual teaser. MYs were mystified by the video which showed a floating Savage avatar and fans were hoping it meant another comeback this year.

Luckily, aespa made it official as it was confirmed that Savage will be the girl group’s first mini-album, to be released on October 5, 2021.

It will be the girl group’s first EP since they debuted with Black Mamba in November 2020.

aespa’s first physical album will have six songs, and SM Entertainment has confirmed that pre-orders for SAVAGE are now available.

That gives MYs a lot of time to prepare for the comeback and the fans are thrilled that Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning will be back this October.

Aespa debuted on November 17, 2020 with their hit single Black Mamba. They followed it up with Next Level in May this year, and have dropped the Habstrakt Remix on September 14.

Aespa’s first physical album Savage and its title track of the same name will be out on October 5, 2021.

aespa 에스파 ‘Next Level (Habstrakt Remix)’ MV Teaser. Photo:SMTOWNGLOBAL/Twitter
Categories
BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS at the United Nations General Assembly 2021

BTS made history once again as they carried out their first official duty as “Special Presidential Envoy for Future Generations and Culture,” as appointed by South Korean President Moon Jae In. They stood in front of world leaders at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York, and talked about the younger generation’s experiences during the pandemic.

https://twitter.com/BTSupdate_7/status/1439942344665706496?s=20

Serving as the youth’s representative, BTS presented #YouthToday stories through their own creative collages.

Giving more perspective on what the pandemic “took away” from the youth, Jungkook mentioned the canceled important events such as graduations and concert tours, leaving a hole in our hearts and a gap in our lives.

They went on to discuss other pressing matters, such as taking the environment for granted. Suga and Namjoon explained that despite everyone mourning for the earth, the youth is out here looking for ways to extend its life for future generations.

Refusing to call the youth as the lost generation, Jimin and Jin talked how the “welcome generation” adapts to the lockdowns and quarantines. They showed the UN that young people are finding new ways to get the most out of this new normal.

The group also highlighted the importance of getting vaccinated, with J-Hope announcing that all the members got their shots while V/Kim Tae Hyung explained that vaccines can help in making face-to-face events happen again. A reassuring message for the vaccine-hesitant population.

Ending the speech, the group showed a special video of “Permission to Dance,” where they performed the song at the UN Headquarters.


BTS performs Permission to Dance at the UN Headquarters

And the internet went wild, of course.

Not wavering in their support for BTS, ARMYs have flooded the speech’s livestream. Just check out the live chat replay from the UN’s channel.

Everyone applauded and felt proud of the group’s words.

Even the world leaders, apparently…

Maybe they felt proud of themselves, too.

Bonus feels for letting them speak their powerful voice in their mother tongue!

This isn’t the group’s first time at the United Nations Headquarters. Back in 2018, they went in front of world leaders (and the whole world, tbh) to speak about self-love and bullying within the youth. BTS broke barriers by being the first K-Pop idols to be at the UN and by being vocal about these very relevant topics in South Korea.

BTS isn’t a stranger to speaking up and supporting advocacies. Since their 2013 debut, the group stood out by pouring their hearts and sending strong social messages in their lyrics. Off-stage, the boys never stopped in showing support and generosity to causes like Black Lives Matter, Anti-Asian Hate, and their Love Myself campaign.

Featured image: BTS at the 76th United Nations General Assembly. Photo: United Nations/YouTube.
Exit mobile version