Category: VARIETY

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MAMA Awards 2024 Announced for Japan and LA

The 2024 MAMA Awards, renowned as the world’s No. 1 K-pop awards show, will make a historic debut in the United States this year before continuing in Japan. CJ ENM, the leading entertainment company behind the event, announced that the ceremony will kick off at Hollywood’s iconic Dolby Theatre on November 21 before moving to Japan’s KYOCERA DOME OSAKA for two days from November 22 to 23.

The prestigious K-pop awards will kick off in Los Angeles and then continue in Japan this November

With a 25-year legacy, the MAMA Awards have consistently pushed the boundaries of K-pop’s global reach. This year’s event aims to further this mission by starting in Los Angeles and connecting K-pop fans across different continents. The awards have previously been hosted in Asian cities, including Macao, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Japan. This showcases its commitment to celebrating K-pop on a global scale.

The MAMA Awards began in 1999 as Korea’s first music video awards ceremony under CJ ENM’s music channel Mnet. Over the years, it evolved into the Mnet Asian Music Awards or MAMA. Then, it rebranded itself in 2022 as the MAMA Awards, which aims to reflect its broader international ambition. The event is dedicated to honoring musical artistry and the power of music to unite people.

This year’s ceremony will center around the theme “BIG BLUR: What is Real?” This concept highlights the increasingly blurred boundaries between industries, cultures, music genres, and technology. The MAMA Awards will present a series of surreal yet real experiences. Global fans will witness a blend of art and technology to create visually stunning performances. Continuing its legacy, the event aims to serve as a bridge between global fans with the message “Music Makes ONE.”

Harry H.K. Shin, Head of Music Entertainment at CJ ENM, shared his excitement about the upcoming event, saying, “The 2024 edition of the MAMA AWARDS will feature a wide array of K-pop performances with visuals and sounds that will make you feel as if you’re in another reality beyond space and time. We hope that fans around the world will look forward to this festive awards ceremony, knowing that it will deliver an unmatched scale and iconic moments that only MAMA Awards can present.”

The 2024 MAMA Awards will be broadcast worldwide, including on various global digital platforms. Further details about the event will be released in the coming months.

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“EXchange 3” Couple Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung Gets Back Together

Another couple from the TVING original series “EXchange 3” has gotten back together after the show, Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung. On July 17, Lee Joo Won uploaded a new video on his YouTube channel, holding a Q&A session with fans. In response to numerous questions about his ex, Lee Seo Kyung, Lee Joo Won shared their journey.

Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung rekindle their relationship after resolving misunderstandings post-filming

Lee Joo Won revealed, “After the filming wrapped up, we returned home and talked out our misunderstandings. We went to a barbecue restaurant that we used to go to together, and we talked.” This candid conversation allowed them to address issues that had arisen during the show.

He continued, “We used to rely on each other, but while filming the program, a lot happened, and some misunderstandings arose, so there was a point when we grew distant. But in the end, we now see each other more often and try to help each other out when we can, and we are doing well while being cautious. There were a lot of ups and downs, but we are seeing each other with good feelings. The three weeks that we spent on the show weren’t everything. We learned a lot even after the show, and we each reflected on our mistakes. I would be grateful if everyone cheered us on.”

As of now, four couples have reunited either through or after “EXchange 3.” Lee Yoo Jung and Choi Chang Jin, as well as Seo Min Hyung and Gong Sang Jung, got back together at the end of the program. Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin announced their new relationship status on July 4. These reunions highlight the show’s impact on rekindling relationships and resolving past misunderstandings.

The journey of Lee Joo Won and Lee Seo Kyung, in particular, showcases the power of communication and reflection. Their decision to address their issues head-on and support each other moving forward is a testament to their commitment. Fans of the show and the couple are eagerly cheering them on as they navigate this renewed chapter in their relationship.

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Netflix Teases New Reality Show “The Influencer”

Netflix announced on July 9 that the new survival reality show “The Influencer,” created by Lee Jae-seok and Son Soo-jeong, will premiere on August 6. The show will feature 77 South Korean influencers competing to see who can wield the most influence.

“The Influencer” gives viewers a sneak peek into the newest, most thrilling reality show

The recently released trailer showcases celebrities like Jang Geun-seok and influencers Risabae, Pani Bottle, Jin Yong-jin, Shim Euddeum, and Daedo Library. TikToker Xiajiu, with 27.5 million followers, also appears. The success of other Korean reality shows, such as “Physical: 100” and “Siren: Survive the Island,” prompted Netflix to introduce this new concept.

The concept hints at exciting and surprising challenges. The trailer reveals contestants displaying their follower counts on headbands and engaging in intense tasks like shaving their eyebrows, wearing costumes, and shedding tears.

Producer Lee Jae-seok commented on the show’s unique concept: “I thought it would be interesting to bring together influencers in one place divided based on algorithms. In addition to meeting Korea’s biggest influencers, you’ll participate in never-before-seen social survival missions and unique entertainment thanks to Netflix’s scale and stunning visuals.”

More details about the the upcoming survival show

The show will feature first-generation producers and Gen Z TikTokers followed by millions worldwide. Although all 77 influencers’ names are not yet revealed, notable participants include actor and singer Jang Geun-seok, makeup YouTuber Risabae, travel YouTuber Pani Bottle, director and rapper Jin Yong-jin, pilates instructor Shim Euddeum from “Physical: 100” season 1, and TikToker Xiajiu.

Now more than ever, global viewers crave and lean more into reality TV. Not too long ago, viewers were just as obsessed with too-good-to-be-true tropes and tales set in distant worlds. Back then, this was the only heart of the Hallyu wave, along with the K-Pop industry.

The demand for reality shows like this significantly increased after the success of other shows like Single’s Inferno, Physical: 100, and Siren: The Survival Island. Even the series Squid Game was adopted into a UK reality show. “The Influencer” promises to be an intense and engaging competition, reflecting the diverse talents and personalities of South Korea’s top influencers.

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“My Sibling’s Romance” Takes Legal Action Against Rumors

The production team of “My Sibling’s Romance” has announced that they will be taking legal action against malicious online rumors and posts about their participants. On July 9, JTBC and Wavve shared a joint statement on their official accounts.

In a statement, they shared:

“Although our program has recently ended,
malicious comments and slander against ordinary actors.
False facts are still being found in large numbers online.

These actions are more than just criticism, they seriously humiliate the honor of the actors.
Furthermore, they seriously affect their daily lives and mental health.

We will strongly respond to any acts that degrade the honor of the participants.
We are currently working with the legal team to thoroughly collect all evidence of these malicious comments and defamation acts.
Please be informed that all legal measures will be taken by the Civil and Criminal Investigation.

Asking for your understanding and cooperation,
Please refrain from unfair criticism and spreading false information towards the actors.

Thank you.”

Malicious posts circulating even after a month of ‘My Sibling’s Romance’ finale

“My Sibling’s Romance” is a unique family-involved dating show where siblings come together in the quest for love. Directed by Lee Jin Joo, known for her work on “EXchange,” the program concluded on June 14. However, even after the show’s end, malicious posts targeting the contestants’ actions and personalities have persisted.

One contestant, Yongwoo, has been heavily criticized on platforms like Reddit. Some users label him as narcissistic and manipulative. These discussions have also delved into how the portrayal of contestants’ family backgrounds may contribute to negative perceptions and increased scrutiny. Viewers have suggested that detailed family histories and personal stories could lead to misjudgments, fueling harsh online commentary.

This situation has sparked broader conversations about the impact of reality TV on participants and their families. Both producers and viewers are called upon to foster a more respectful and supportive environment, avoiding unnecessary harm to those involved in such shows.

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Kim Go Eun Will Appear as the First Guest of “Three Meals a Day”

Actress Kim Go Eun is set to appear as the first guest on the highly anticipated tvN variety show “Three Meals A Day: Fishing Village Edition 6,” which will air in the second half of this year. Kim Go Eun recently joined the cast for the recording, where she met with Cha Seung Won, Yoo Hae Jin, and other show members.

After four long years, ‘Three Meals A Day’ will come back for a new edition with exciting guest stars

This season of “Three Meals A Day: Fishing Village Edition” will feature a rotating lineup of new guests in each episode. But unfortunately, the youngest member, Son Ho Jun, will not return. Notably, singer Lim Young Woong has also been confirmed as a guest, although his recording is scheduled for later in July.

Both tvN and Kim Go Eun’s agency remain quiet about the details, and urged fans to tune in for the broadcast.

“Three Meals A Day” is an outdoor variety program that challenges its cast to live a self-sufficient, organic lifestyle by preparing simple meals in a remote fishing village, a contrast to the convenience of city life. Since its Jeongseon edition in 2014, the show has explored various locations, including fishing villages, sea ranches, and mountain villages, with celebrities taking on the challenge of preparing three meals a day.

The new season marks the return of the series after a four-year hiatus, following the conclusion of season 5 in July 2020. Fans eagerly anticipate the dynamic combination of “Chef Cha” Cha Seung Won, “Fishing Expert” Yoo Hae Jin, and the weekly celebrity guests.

In addition to her upcoming variety show appearance, Kim Go Eun recently impressed audiences with her performance as shaman Lee Hwa Rim in the movie “Exhuma,” released last February. The film attracted 11.91 million viewers, earning Kim Go Eun the prestigious title of a “ten-million” actress for the first time in her career.

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‘EXchange 3’ Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin Back Together

The couple confirmed their rekindled romance, delighting fans with the news on social media

TVING-original reality series “EXchange” season 3 cast members Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin are officially back together. The couple, known for their long history and Song Da Hye’s time in the girl group BESTie, delighted fans with their announcement on social media.

On July 4th, Seo Dong Jin shared the news on his Instagram, saying, “It took us a while, but we will love each other more as it took longer!”

Song Da Hye echoed her sentiments in her post, stating, “Hello! This is Dahye. There were many thoughts about our relationship right after the show, and it was difficult to confirm until recently, but now I can gladly announce that we are in a happy relationship. (We aren’t getting married yet, haha) Please continue to show support and love <3”

The couple’s reunion comes three months after the show ended, surprising viewers who had been invested in their previous 13-year-long relationship. Despite not rekindling their romance on the show, their bond remained strong.

How did the couple start their 13-year-long romance?

Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin met as teens aspiring to be K-pop idols. They were trainees at the same company but were let go after their relationship was discovered. Song Da Hye later joined a different company and debuted with BESTie, while Seo Dong Jin supported her by acting as a manager during some of the group’s schedules.

Their relationship experienced several short breakups: from February 2010 through July 2014, August 2014 through September 2018, and December 2018 through June 2023. Their journey has been a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Fans are thrilled to see Song Da Hye and Seo Dong Jin back together and look forward to their future endeavors, both personally and professionally.

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ALL(H)OURS Debuts Drift Phonk In “WITNESS”

ALL(H)OURS is poised to captivate the K-pop scene with their first comeback, demonstrating remarkable growth and creativity. After overcoming challenges, the group feels confident to reveal their full potential. On July 2nd at Ilji Art Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, ALL(H)OURS unveiled their second mini-album, “WITNESS,” describing it as an album that “witnesses their possibilities.”

The rising K-pop group ALL(H)OURS makes a bold statement with their new album and innovative sound

Since their debut in January, ALL(H)OURS has shown a passion for becoming the next generation’s performance idols. Their debut album “ALL HOURS” showcased their fresh energy, but “WITNESS” highlights their artistic evolution and maturity.

The title track, “SHOCK”, is a bold venture into drift phone, a genre gaining traction in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) club scene. This track stands out with its captivating cowbell synth lead, merging the unique sound of drift phonk with K-pop, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.

Initially recognized as the “cousin group of Stray Kids,” ALL(H)OURS benefits from strong industry connections. Eden Entertainment’s CEO Jo Hae-sung, formerly a vice president at JYP Entertainment, managed successful groups such as 2PM, TWICE, Stray Kids, and ITZY. JYP Entertainment invested around 3 billion KRW in Eden Entertainment, and JYP’s producer and singer Park Jin-young sent a congratulatory video for their showcase.

Park Jin-young also provided valuable guidance. Member On shared, “CEO Jo and producer Park Jin-young are longtime friends who supported us immensely during our debut and this comeback. As a live performance-focused group, they taught us how to express ourselves better on stage.”

With Stray Kids’ comeback on the horizon, fans are eager for potential collaborations. On expressed, “It’s an honor to be associated with Stray Kids. We’ve admired them since our debut. A collaborative challenge would be a dream come true.”

The group reflects on their professional journey

ALL(H)OURS’ journey has been surreal. Masami reflected, “Visiting a broadcast station for the first time was incredible. Taking photos at iconic spots like the ‘Music Bank’ stairs made our debut feel real.” On added, “Performing with Taemin of SHINee, my role model, was a highlight. His words, ‘I need to work harder too,’ were inspiring.”

The second album aims to showcase their professional growth. On emphasized, “We want to be recognized for our live performance skills.” Yumin added, “We hope our performances and vocals will capture the public’s attention, proving that only ALL(H)OURS can deliver this unique experience.”

ALL(H)OURS’ rookie spirit drives their determination to succeed. Jaden stated, “We’ve committed to live performances since our debut, practicing tirelessly. This sets us apart.”

Hyunbin confidently noted, “Our live skills have improved significantly. We’re ready to prove it with this comeback.”

Gunho concluded, “We’ve dedicated ourselves day and night to prepare. Please look forward to our performance.”

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Red Velvet’s ‘Cosmic’ MV: Mixed Reactions to ‘Midsommar’ Aesthetic

On the 24th, SM Entertainment’s official YouTube channel premiered the music video for Red Velvet’s latest song ‘Cosmic’. Prior to its release, fans had speculated that the video’s concept drew inspiration from the film ‘Midsommar’, based on teaser photos and comeback schedules.

‘Midsommar’, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ari Aster, is known for blending unsettling themes with a bright and cheerful visual palette, a departure from conventional horror cinema. Some online users even compiled comparisons between scenes from ‘Midsommar’ and segments of the Red Velvet music video, sharing their observations with fellow fans.

However, reactions to the ‘Cosmic’ music video have been mixed among netizens. Criticism centered around what some perceived as a lack of originality from Red Velvet, noting concerns about the clarity of the connection between the song’s lyrics, the album artwork, and the overall video concept.

Conversely, there were voices of support and excitement for the fresh approach taken by Red Velvet. Positive feedback highlighted the unique and enchanting vibe characteristic of the group, with comments praising their transformation into forest-like fairies and embracing a novel concept.

Red Velvet’s previous music videos have often integrated references to iconic artworks and films, showcasing their penchant for artistic homage. Examples include ‘Psycho’ (2019), inspired by ‘Black Swan’, and ‘Feel My Rhythm’ (2022), which incorporated references to paintings such as ‘The Finding of Ophelia’ and ‘The Swing’, alongside a sample of Bach’s ‘Air on the G String’. These creative interpretations have generally been well-received, reinforcing Red Velvet’s distinct musical and visual identity.

‘Cosmic’, released on the 24th, is a collaborative effort between renowned composer KENZIE and the Swedish songwriting team Moonshine. The song’s fairy-tale lyrics depict a love that spans the cosmos, describing a meeting with a traveler who unexpectedly lands on a solitary star.

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VARIETY

NewJeans Surprises Fans in ‘Boss in the Mirror’ Teaser

At the conclusion of the July 30th episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘Boss in the Mirror,’ viewers were treated to an intriguing teaser featuring Park Myung Soo meeting some unexpected guests. Park Myung Soo’s first encounter was with Zico, where he humorously proposed appearing on ‘The Seasons – Zico’s Artist’ and even tried to persuade Zico to become a regular guest on his radio show.

In the following scene, Park Myung Soo was seen at what seemed to be an event venue, where he was pleasantly surprised by the sudden appearance of NewJeans. As NewJeans entered the waiting area, Park Myung Soo warmly welcomed them, highlighting their close relationship fostered through previous collaborations on Park Myung Soo’s YouTube channel, ‘Hal Myung Soo.’

The unexpected appearance of NewJeans on a terrestrial variety show sparked excitement among netizens, given its rarity for the group. NewJeans made their debut on terrestrial television on the July 9th episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘2 Days & 1 Night Season 4.’ Their participation had generated considerable anticipation ahead of the broadcast and captivated viewers with their youthful energy and vibrant presence.

During their stint on ‘2 Days & 1 Night,’ NewJeans engaged in various games with the show’s cast, competing for the chance to finish work early. Their dynamic performance of ‘Hype Boy’ upon winning was a standout moment, particularly Yoo Seon-ho’s impressive synchronized dance with NewJeans, which delighted everyone and contributed to a notable boost in the show’s viewership rating to 9.2%.

Furthermore, NewJeans showcased their global appeal by hosting their inaugural solo fan meeting, titled ‘Bunnies Camp 2024 Tokyo Dome,’ on July 26th and 27th. This event followed closely after their debut in Japan with the single ‘Supernatural’ on July 21st, further solidifying their expanding international fanbase.

Fans are eagerly tracking NewJeans’ expanding activities and international ventures, eagerly anticipating their future endeavors both in South Korea and beyond.

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“Jinny’s Kitchen 2” Excites Viewers For 3 Reasons

“Jinny’s Kitchen 2” is set to return with a fresh season that promises more excitement and heartwarming moments. This show will explore the inner workings of a Korean restaurant led by a dedicated boss and passionate employees. Here are three reasons to look forward to the new season:

An exciting taste of Korea in Iceland

This season, the restaurant opens its doors in the chilly climes of Iceland. Boss Lee Seo Jin, accompanied by Jung Yu Mi, Park Seo Joon, Choi Woo Shik, and new staff member Go Min Si, will serve up steaming hot gomtang, a traditional Korean beef bone soup. The aim is to not only warm the cold but also melt the hearts of their customers. Despite concerns about slow business due to the cold weather, the restaurant experiences a surprising influx of guests. The continuous flow of customers and long waiting lines astonish the staff, creating an impressive scene and setting the stage for record-breaking sales.

The cast welcomes Go Min Si as an intern

This season introduces major changes in employee roles. CEO Lee Seo Jin makes bold decisions, promoting Jung Yu Mi to managing director, Park Seo Joon to director, and longtime intern Choi Woo Shik to assistant manager. These changes spark curiosity about how they will adapt to their new roles. Additionally, a new intern, Go Min Si, adds to the excitement. Known for her diverse background and professional experience, Go Min Si quickly earns the respect of her colleagues with her proactive attitude and efficient work. Her interactions with the existing team promise to heighten viewer enjoyment with their fresh chemistry.

“Customer is King” is their new philosophy

Lee Seo Jin’s management approach undergoes a complete transformation in Iceland. Shifting from a “sales are king” philosophy to a “customer-first” approach, he treats guests with the utmost respect. This new management style is a key highlight of the season, showcasing his dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience. The rotating head chef system adds to the excitement, where Jung Yu Mi, Park Seo Joon, and Choi Woo Shik take turns leading the kitchen. Each chef brings unique style and secret culinary delights, ensuring a diverse and delightful dining experience.

“Jinny’s Kitchen 2” has new locations, roles, and flavors, promising a delightful viewing experience. Don’t miss out on the heartwarming and delicious adventures this season offers.

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