Go Jun Hee addresses long-standing rumors while reflecting on the personal toll they have taken
Go Jun Hee recently opened up about the long-standing rumors connecting her to the infamous “Burning Sun” scandal during an appearance on the YouTube show Don’t Forget Your Breakfast 2. The actress expressed frustration over a photo that sparked false allegations, stating, “I don’t even know where Burning Sun is and have never been there.” She shared that despite repeatedly denying the claims, her explanations were often edited out, leading the rumors to persist for years.
The scandal had a serious impact on both her career and personal life. Go Jun Hee revealed that she lost out on projects, and the stress even caused her mother to develop vertigo. Fighting back tears, she shared that while she coped with the situation, the constant inquiries about her mother’s well-being took a toll on her family. “I’m fine, but people keep asking my mom, ‘Are you okay?’” she explained, highlighting how the rumors affected those closest to her.
As she prepares to make her stage debut in Angels in America, fans are curious to see how Go Jun Hee will move forward after overcoming this challenging chapter in her life. Her candid reflections shed light on the emotional burden that public figures often endure due to baseless allegations and how it affects not just them but their loved ones as well.
The Burning Sun scandal, which erupted in 2019, centered around a nightclub in Seoul and involved serious allegations of drug use, sexual assault, police corruption, and illegal filming. The scandal implicated several high-profile figures in the K-pop industry, including Seungri from BIGBANG, who was accused of facilitating prostitution and embezzlement.
The case highlighted the dark side of fame and power in South Korea’s entertainment world.
SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu has been selected as the new Dior global ambassador. The prestigious appointment marks a significant milestone in Mingyu’s career, reflecting his rising influence and appeal in the fashion industry.
SEVENTEEN Member Mingyu is the New Dior Global Ambassador
On June 25, it was confirmed that the idol will serve as the global ambassador for the renowned French luxury brand. Previously, the global ambassador for Dior was Cha Eun-woo, who recently ended his contract with the brand and signed a new deal with another luxury giant Saint Laurent. Cha Eun-woo’s departure from Dior left a notable vacancy, which will now be filled by Mingyu.
Mingyu’s selection as the new face of Dior is not surprising to those who have followed his fashion journey. He showcased his impeccable style and striking visuals by attending the Dior 2024 Fall-Winter Women’s Collection show in February. Despite the overwhelming crowd of fans at the fashion show venue, Mingyu remained composed and gracious, greeting his fans warmly and displaying his characteristic charm and elegance.
As the global ambassador for Dior, Mingyu will participate in various promotional activities, campaigns, and events, representing the brand’s sophisticated and luxurious image. His collaboration with Dior is expected to attract considerable attention, further solidifying his status as a fashion icon.
New Career Highs for SEVENTEEN
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN, the group to which Mingyu belongs, is set to headline at ‘Lollapalooza Berlin’ on September 8 at Olympiastadion Berlin, Germany. This performance will not only highlight SEVENTEEN’s musical talents but also showcase Mingyu’s dual role as both a K-pop star and a fashion ambassador.
Mingyu’s appointment as Dior’s global ambassador underscores the growing recognition of K-pop artists in the global fashion industry. His unique blend of talent, charisma, and style makes him an ideal representative for Dior, and fans eagerly anticipate his future endeavors with the brand.
In addition to his new role with Dior, Mingyu’s involvement in high-profile events like Lollapalooza Berlin further demonstrates his versatility and widespread appeal. This combination of musical and fashion prowess positions Mingyu as a leading figure in both industries, inspiring fans and setting new standards for global ambassadors.
Hoshi from SEVENTEEN has been announced as the new face of Diesel! The renowned Italian lifestyle brand made the announcement official by sharing new images of the idol.
SEVENTEEN Member Hoshi Announced as New Face of DIESEL
On July 16, the brand’s social media accounts unveiled three striking images of Hoshi, marking his debut as Diesel’s brand ambassador.
Hoshi x Diesel. #HoshiKwon of Seventeen has been named Diesel’s brand ambassador. A global K-POP icon known for his charisma, self-confidence and the freedom of expression he brings to the stage, Hoshi is perfectly aligned with Diesel’s ethos. "I am happy to be part of Diesel's… pic.twitter.com/NxXarJoP2R
Hoshi has already been actively involved in various global events for Diesel. He made notable appearances at the brand’s Fall-Winter 2024 show in Milan last February, showcasing his keen fashion sense and aligning himself with Diesel’s innovative spirit. Additionally, Hoshi participated in the Shibuya store opening in May, further solidifying his relationship with the brand on an international stage.
A New Venture
Expressing his enthusiasm about his new role, Hoshi shared, “I’m really happy to be part of the Diesel family as their brand ambassador. I can’t wait to show different sides of myself through Diesel.” His excitement reflects a mutual eagerness between Hoshi and Diesel, promising a dynamic collaboration that will explore new creative directions.
Diesel is also preparing for a significant milestone in Korea with the launch of its third and largest store. Set to open on July 20 KST, this store is designed by the brand’s Creative Director, Glenn Martens. The grand opening event will feature Hoshi, who will be present to celebrate this special occasion. His presence at the event also underscores his integral role in Diesel’s brand strategy and highlights the brand’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Korean market.
As Diesel’s new brand ambassador, Hoshi is also poised to bring a fresh, vibrant energy to the brand. His involvement is expected to attract a broader audience, bridging the worlds of fashion and K-pop in a unique and exciting way. Fans of both Diesel and SEVENTEEN can also look forward to seeing more of Hoshi’s influence in upcoming Diesel campaigns and events.
Maison Fred has unveiled South Korean singer and songwriter Kim Seok-jin, better known as Jin of BTS, as its first global ambassador. The announcement was accompanied by stunning photos of Jin in stylish outfits, each showcasing different jewelry pieces from the Parisian brand.
Founded in 1936 by Fred Samuel in Paris, the brand established itself as a prestigious jeweler. It gained popularity among celebrities and high society figures. Originally from Argentina, Samuel was inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur, which influenced his designs. Maison Fred became known for creations like the “Pretty Woman” necklace worn by Julia Roberts in the 1990 film and the Force 10 bracelet, which Jin wore for his photoshoot.
In 1995, Maison Fred was acquired by the LVMH Group. Valérie Samuel, Fred Samuel’s granddaughter, currently serves as its artistic director and vice president.
On its official website, Maison Fred stated, “Maison Fred is pleased to announce its new Global Brand Ambassador: Jin of 21st-century emblematic pop icons BTS. As a true generational symbol, he has made a global impact with his talent and personality, continuing to inspire millions of fans worldwide. Both considerate and committed, with a perpetual smile and a great sense of humor, the eternal lover of life perfectly embodies the spirit of Maison Fred.”
The brand added, “Jin’s radiant personality and contemporary, casual chic style chimes with the modernity and individuality of Maison Fred creations. His collaboration with The Sunshine Jeweler promises to shine with a unique sparkle.”
Valérie Samuel added, “His artistic qualities, values and high standards constantly push him to excel, strongly resonating with those of our maison and our founder Fred Samuel, with whom he shares an unwavering optimism and joie de vivre.”
Mindless consumers
Jin himself expressed enthusiasm for the partnership on Instagram. “Grateful to be part of the Fred family as the Global Brand Ambassador,” he wrote. Expect a lot of new and varied looks that we will be showing with Fred in the future.”
Within hours of the announcement, fans noticed that the pieces featured in Jin’s photoshoot for the brand were going fast. A yellow gold bracelet he wore, priced at 375,000 KRW (about 273 USD), sold out quickly. So did the Force 10 Iconic Necklace, which Jin paired with an all-black outfit. Some fans criticized others for buying such expensive jewelry instead of focusing on more pressing issues, with one person calling them “mindless consumers.”
Another fan hit back on X, writing, “People who’re buying $27k jewelry aren’t on Twitter arguing with y’all.” Someone else noted, “Should we tell her that even the 97k necklace is also sold out?” Meanwhile, another fan tried to bring the conversation back to Jin by pointing out that the brand’s website crashed and its Instagram following surged to over 200,000.
Both the ‘Force 10 winch bracelet ($27,127) AND the Force 10 iconic necklace ($97,398) that Seokjin was wearing in the pictures are out of stock now!! THIS IS INSANE!! #Jin#bts#fredjewelry
This deal with Maison Fred is Jin’s first solo endorsement for a luxury brand. In 2021, Louis Vuitton tapped all seven members of BTS to be brand ambassadors. This was back when Virgil Abloh was artistic director for menswear. Before enlisting in the South Korean military 18 months ago, Jin signed a deal with Ottogi to endorse Jin Ramen noodles.
The 31-year-old is the first BTS member to complete his mandatory service, and he quickly reconnected with fans through a “hugathon” event to mark BTS’s 11th anniversary. He also dropped a limited-edition collab with outdoors specialist Kolon, featuring the Wootteo cartoon character from one of his singles.
In a recent Q&A on the fan platform Weverse, Jin revealed that he’s filming variety shows and recording new music. Although he didn’t provide release dates or other details, rumor has it that fans can expect him to drop an album in the second half of the year. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Jin’s star power caused the brand’s website to crash within hours of the announcement. Source: X/@seokjinism1.
Fans of ATEEZ member San recently accused fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana of racism after pictures of the K-pop singer at a fashion show went viral. Last July 2, San attended the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda event in Sardinia, Italy, attracting much attention for his unique outfit.
San wore a chestplate shirt paired with sleek satin brown pants. The harness-style plate, designed to resemble ornate molding, shone under the fashion show lights with its patent chocolate-brown finish. He mingled comfortably with other high-profile attendees, posing for photos with NaomiCampbell and sitting next to HalleBailey and AlessandraAmbrosio in the front row. The latter even followed him back on Instagram after the event.
Despite his front-row seat, San was photographed squeezed between two people without a cushion to sit on, unlike others around him. This led fans to accuse the event’s organizers of racism, with ATINYs expressing frustration over San’s apparent discomfort and his outfit, which they felt was too revealing. They were worried that it was uncomfortable compared to the other attendees’ outfits.
Dolce & Gabbana accused of racially discriminating ATEEZ San
San addressed these concerns
Days later, San addressed these concerns during a POP! Livestream, saying, “It’s sad to see misunderstandings happening.” He added that he didn’t experience any racism at the show. “It was a great experience for me. As for the cushion, it was my doing. The people around me—myself included—were big, and sometimes they had to sit on the edge as well. The seat wasn’t large enough.”
Regarding his shirt, San said, “It was my favorite among the ten outfits prepared by the brand. I wanted to be recognized in the fashion world through that daring outfit.”
He also shared that he had a positive interaction with the designers, including a dinner with Italian designer Domenico Dolce, who he affectionately dubbed “Grandpa Dolce.” According to San, the designer was very kind to him. “We talked about various things. He even said, ‘Italians love you.’ I had a great time!”
San considered his experience at the show an early birthday present, as he turned another year older the week after returning from Italy. He posted a heartfelt message thanking ATINYs for their birthday wishes and expressing his gratitude for their support. “I feel like I received a precious gift from you, so I feel good, and I want to come closer to you with a cooler side of me in the future,” he wrote.
He added, “I hope that you guys who are next to me are the happiest today. I also hope your work, meals, and daily routine are filled with things that make you smile. I always wonder how I should repay the love I receive, but I’ll do everything I can to show it to you with my heart and my performances. Thank you for always being by my side. I hope in the days ahead, that happiness and I will be there for you. Fighting! I love you 3000.”
Meanwhile, ATEEZ will be embarking on their ATEEZ WORLD TOUR [TOWARD THE LIGHT: WILL TO POWER] in North America from July 14 to August 11, with stops in cities like Oakland, Los Angeles, and New York. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Contrary to fans’ speculations, San chose this outfit himself because he wanted to stand out at the Dolce & Gabbana event. Source: W Magazine.
Jihyo, a member of the popular girl group TWICE, recently showcased her fashionable summer style on social media. On July 6th, she treated fans to behind-the-scenes glimpses from her appearance on the OTT variety show “Tenant: Entering All the Guesthouses in the World.” In these photos shared on her Instagram, Jihyo confidently sported a trendy crop tube top that elegantly highlighted her shoulders and waist, paired with fashionable wide-leg denim pants. Her ensemble was complemented by stylish sunglasses, embodying a chic and modern MZ fashion aesthetic.
The final episode of “Tenant” Season 1, which aired on July 2nd, featured Jihyo exploring a guesthouse in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. This marked the show’s inaugural venture abroad, and Jihyo captivated viewers with her impressive Japanese language skills. She effortlessly engaged with locals, leaving a positive impression with her ability to communicate fluently and naturally.
Jihyo’s appearance on “Tenant” not only showcased her fashion sense but also highlighted her versatility and charisma on screen. Fans praised her for seamlessly adapting to different environments and cultures, making her exploration of the Japanese guesthouse a memorable and enjoyable experience for viewers. Her participation in the show further solidifies her status as a talented entertainer capable of connecting with audiences both domestically and internationally.
As Jihyo continues to pursue various activities beyond her music career with TWICE, including television appearances and fashion endorsements, she continues to garner attention for her talent and charm. Her journey on “Tenant” underscores her growing presence in the entertainment industry and her ability to shine in diverse roles and settings. Fans eagerly anticipate what new endeavors and achievements Jihyo will pursue next as she continues to make her mark in the world of K-pop and beyond.
On the 25th, G-Dragon took to Instagramto share captivating snapshots from a recent photoshoot. The images reveal the K-pop icon adorned in haute couture garments from prestigious brands, showcasing a range of poses. G-Dragon effortlessly embodies an androgynous fashion aesthetic, blending traditional masculine and feminine elements with his signature flair. His distinctive style shines through in each meticulously curated outfit, highlighting his innate ability to redefine contemporary fashion norms.
In the released photos, G-Dragon exudes confidence and charisma, captivating viewers with his bold fashion choices and impeccable presentation. From sleek tailored suits to avant-garde ensembles, he effortlessly navigates between different styles, leaving a lasting impression with his unique charm and flamboyant demeanor.
Born on August 18, 1988, in Seoul, South Korea, G-Dragon embarked on his entertainment journey from a young age, making his debut on MBC’s children’s program Bbo Bbo Bbo at just 7 years old. Initially part of the group Little Roo’Ra, he later transitioned into the spotlight as a pivotal member. In 2006, G-Dragon emerged as the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking K-Pop sensation, Big Bang, which left an indelible mark on the Korean music landscape.
G-Dragon has played a pivotal role in propelling BIGBANG to unprecedented success, crafting numerous chart-topping hits and significantly boosting the group’s international acclaim. His solo work delves into themes ranging from self-empowerment and love to poignant social commentary, striking a chord with audiences across the globe.
Fans and fashion enthusiasts alike are drawn to G-Dragon’s ability to push boundaries and set trends, solidifying his status as a global style icon. His Instagram update not only delights followers but also sparks admiration for his ongoing influence in the fashion industry.
Billie Eilish made her third trip to Korea recently, appearing on the popular tvN variety show ‘You Quiz on the Block’ on June 19 KST. During her visit, she joined hosts Yoo Jae Suk and Jo Se Ho in a lively and memorable encounter, as captured in photos shared by the show’s team on social media. Eilish showcased her signature style, sporting a bandana and horn-rimmed glasses, while Jo Se Ho amused fans by sporting a replication of her iconic green hair, sparking amusement and surprise among netizens.
— Billie Eilish Tours (@billieeilishtrs) June 19, 2024
Eilish’s visit to Korea coincided with promotions for her latest album, ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft,’ with a listening session held on June 18, hosted by BLACKPINK’s Jennie. Apart from ‘You Quiz on the Block,’ Eilish also participated in filming for KBS 2TV’s ‘The Seasons – Zico’s Artist,‘ further cementing her presence in the Korean entertainment scene and deepening her connection with fans in the region. Her activities have generated significant buzz, highlighting her influence and popularity across global audiences.
In the lead-up to their upcoming greatest hits album, 17 IS RIGHT HERE, K-pop powerhouse SEVENTEEN is breaking new ground, not only in their music but also in fashion and societal norms. The boys have created quite a stir by incorporating skirts into their concept photos. By doing so, SEVENTEEN is challenging traditional ideas about what is appropriate or expected for men to wear. That’s no small feat in a conservative country like South Korea.
The members who opted to wear skirts are Jeonghan, Jun, Mingyu, and The8. The concept photos for the new album involve SEVENTEEN revisiting iconic concepts and songs they did in the past. Jeonghan, the group’s second-eldest member, chose to embody “Super” from their SEVENTEEN 10th Mini Album FML. He wore a suit and varsity jacket to go with the skirt.
Jun went for a skirt that matched his statement shirt and the texture of his blazer, while Mingyu sported a skirt that matched the pattern and texture of his tartan suit. Finally, The8 portrayed their 2023 hit “God of Music.” He paired his skirt with a suit and jacket. Their sartorial choices has been met with enthusiasm from fans and netizens alike, who appreciate the group’s efforts to push the boundaries of gender-specific fashion.
SEVENTEEN‘s decision to incorporate skirts into their wardrobe aligns with a growing trend in fashion where lines are becoming more and more blurry.
In a country known for its conservatism, especially regarding gender norms and presentation, SEVENTEEN’s approach can be seen as a progressive move that sparks discussions about gender identity and expression. This choice not only sets the group apart from their peers, but it also aligns with global conversations on diversity and inclusivity. It may even increase their appeal to international audiences who value such qualities.
By adopting such styles, the 13-member boy group not only showcases their unique artistic vision but also prompts a wider conversation within South Korea itself, potentially influencing perceptions and acceptance of non-traditional gender presentations in broader culture. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Talk about pushing the envelope! Nice work, boys. Source: X/@ShinAlthea96.
Estée Lauder has namedSouth Korean celebrity IU as their first Korean global brand ambassador. Starting this month, IU will feature prominently in campaigns for Estée Lauder’s hero franchises. These include Advanced Night Repair and Double Wear.
IU joins the brand’s current roster of global ambassadors. This roster includes big names like Ana de Armas, Amanda Gorman, Bianca Brandolini D’Adda, Carolyn Murphy, Grace Elizabeth, Imaan Hammam, Karlie Kloss, Manushi Chhillar, and Yang Mi. The addition of IU to this list indicates Estée Lauder’s desire to strategically expand the brand’s reach into the Asian market and beyond.
Justin Boxford, Global Brand President of Estée Lauder, expressed his enthusiasm in a statement. He praised the “Love Wins All” hitmaker as one of the most influential artists of her era. “We’re excited to collaborate with such a talented and inspiring artist. Her popularity will allow us to connect with a new generation of consumers in Asia and around the world.”
Estee Lauder X IU | 밤은 끝이 아닌, 또 다른 시작
IU is the perfect brand ambassador
Kyumoon Lee, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Estée Lauder Asia Pacific, noted that IU is the perfectbrand ambassador. “Over the past 16 years, IU has been a pioneer in every aspect of her career, inspiring fans around the world with her talent, passion, and dedication,” he said. He added that beyond her entertainment career, she’s a philanthropist who has a deep connection with her fans. These qualities resonate with what Estée Lauder is all about.
With a career spanning over 16 years, is one of the most popular and beloved artists in South Korea and across Asia. She has released six studio albums, nine EPs, and over 30 singles. Her influence extends far beyond her music career. The multi-hyphenate is also known for her roles in various movies and TV shows, such as Broker, Hotel del Luna, and My Mister.– K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Doesn’t she look stunning in the brand’s new campaign? Source: X/@IUteamstarcandy.
