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‘Single’s Inferno’ Season 3 to Premiere in December

Love is in the air, and so is the anticipation for the return of the scorching hot dating reality show Single’s Inferno.

Netflix has officially announced that the third season of Single’s Inferno Season 3 is set to premiere on December 12. Alongside the date announcement, the new season also hints at new rules, new locations, and a star-studded panel of hosts.

For those unfamiliar with the show, Single’s Inferno revolves around singles in search of love, living together on a remote island named “Inferno.” The catch? The only ticket out of this fiery abode and into the luxurious “Paradise” is to form a couple successfully. Additionally, matching and pairing off with another contestant is the key to escaping the challenges of “Inferno” and enjoying the comforts of lavish suites in luxury hotels.

In a teaser trailer released on November 15, viewers were treated to tantalizing close-ups of the hot-bodied new contestants, accompanied by voiceovers teasing scandals and sexy moments. Notably, the trailer also hinted at “new rules and new locations” that are set to spice up the search for love, further piquing the interest of fans.

In a press release, the production team also teased that there are significant changes in store for the new season. However, specifics about the new rules, as well as information about the contestants, have yet to be announced. 

Dex joins the panel of ‘Single’s Inferno’ 3

Adding to the excitement, the show has also revealed its star-studded panelists for the upcoming season. Returning to guide contestants through the journey are original hosts Hong Jin Kyung, Lee Da Hee, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, and Hanhae

Joining them is the thrilling addition of former contestant Dex, who gained fame in Season 2. Dex, now known as Kim Jin-young, will offer his insights and commentary on the contestants’ shenanigans, bringing a fresh perspective to the hosting team.

In an interview with Netflix, Dex expressed his anticipation for the upcoming season. “I am looking forward to seeing the level of genuine-ness the cast of Single’s Inferno 3 will bring,” he said. 

As to what advice he can give to the new contestants, Dex emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself. “I hope everyone is true to themselves, which is the most confident and cool way to appeal to their love interest rather than being someone you’re not,” he said.

Featured image: Netflix reveals the panel for ‘Single’s Inferno’ 3. Credit: Twitter/Netflix

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Production Staff of ‘Unexpected Business 3’ Apologized For Poor Sanitary Conditions

The production staff of tvN’s Unexpected Business 3 recently issued a formal apology in response to the controversy surrounding the sanitary conditions at the show’s restaurant. 

Unexpected Business is a popular variety show where actors Cha Tae Hyun and Jo In Sung manage a small supermarket in a quiet countryside town. This season, filming took place in the seaside town of Monterey, California. It saw a local grocery store transformed into an Asian supermarket for the show.

In a surprising twist, fans of Disney+’s latest worldwide hit Moving were delighted to see actor Han Hyo Joo reunited with Jo In Sung in the first episode of Unexpected Business 3. The duo played a married couple with superpowers in the action-packed series.

Unexpected Business in California | Official Trailer | CJ ENM

The Unexpected Business 3 controversy

Recently, viewers criticized the show for airing scenes where the cast made Korean dishes without masks. On November 10, the staff responded with a statement. They admitted they didn’t always follow hygiene practices, which alarmed viewers. The staff also regretted not airing enough scenes when the actors did their best to keep the set clean.

They said this season was filmed in the U.S. and they tried to comply with local health and safety protocols. But they admitted they might have overlooked some basic practices while doing so. Unexpected Business 3 is in the post-editing and broadcasting stages, having completed all filming. The production team promised to try and reflect viewers’ opinions in editing and production as much as possible going forward.

The apology from the staff of Unexpected Business 3 highlights the importance of maintaining high sanitary standards, especially in a time when health and safety are paramount. The worst of the pandemic may be behind us, but COVID-19 is still very much a thing, so people still need to be careful. The team’s commitment to improving their practices is a step towards regaining the trust of their audience. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The staff regretted not airing more scenes where the cast did follow hygiene protocols. Source: X/@ddu_kyungsoo.

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Netflix’s ‘The Devil’s Plan’ to Return for Season 2

A more intense game awaits as Netflix has officially greenlit the second season of The Devil’s Plan!  

“The devil will return, more devious and cunning than ever,” Netflix announced on Tuesday, November 7. 

To recall, The Devil’s Plan is an intellectual gaming reality show wherein players compete in a series of games that test their wit and strategy. 

Producer Jung Jong Yeon will also be in charge for season two. Among his other known survival shows include The Genius, The Great Escape, and Girls’ High School Mystery Class.

During the announcement of the first season, Jung shared that he’s “long wanted to create a brain survival format in the most reasonable and fun way.” 

As for the second season, Jung teased that fans can expect a “completely new version” of The Devil’s Plan. Other details regarding the second season, such as the release date and list of contestants, have yet to be disclosed. 

What is ‘The Devil’s Plan’ 

Described as a “whole new chapter of brain competition,” The Devil’s Plan saw 12 participants from different backgrounds outwit each other and demonstrate their exceptional intellect.

In the first season of The Devil’s Plan, the participants include a professional gamer, a K-pop artist, a YouTuber, actors, a lawyer, gamers, a comedian, and even two non-showbiz personalities. One was a student and the other was an orthopedic surgeon. Both were chosen through an open recruitment that the show held. 

Throughout the duration of the game, the participants convene for a week-long retreat, entirely isolated from the outside world. Here, they immerse themselves in fierce competitions and mind-boggling games. At the finale, the brainiest player who will survive all games will be declared the winner and win a prize of P500 million Korean won. 

Aside from the actual challenges, the participants also devised strategies, forged alliances, and, in some cases, betrayed one another to gain an edge in the competition. 

According to Netflix, the series’s first season, which was released in September, gained global popularity. In South Korea, it soared to the top of the TV series rankings in South Korea. Meanwhile, it also landed in the top 10 lists in 23 other countries. Additionally, The Devil’s Plan secured an impressive third place in the Top 10 TV Shows of the non-English  category.

Featured image: Netflix confirms that season 2 of ‘The Devil’s Plan’ is in production. Credit: Twitter/NETFLIX

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MNET Unveils Host, Mentors for ‘Street Dance Girls Fighter 2’

Following the conclusion of Street Woman Fighter 2, Mnet has announced that Street Dance Girls Fighter will make its triumphant return for a new season. It is slated for a November 21 premiere.

To note, Street Dance Girls Fighter is a spin-off of the popular Street Woman Fighter series. Here, the remarkable talents of female high school students are being showcased as  they vie for the coveted title of the top teenage dance crew.

In November 2021, the first season premiered which featured 32 teenage girl dance crews. Even though the participants were young, they were able to captivate the audience with their impressive dance skills.

However, it was the five member crew Turns from YGX that emerged as the victors. With that, they were able to claim the title of the best crew in the inaugural season of Street Dance Girls Fighter.

What we know so far about ‘Street Dance Girls Fighter 2’ 

On Thursday, November 2, Mnet officially confirmed that Kang Daniel will be reprising his role as the show’s host. 

Moreover, six accomplished “master leaders” have also been introduced as mentors for the participants.

Returning to mentor the new generation of dancers are Aiki from Hook and Gabee of La Chica. Both are known for their invaluable participation to Street Woman Fighter 1.

Furthermore, the four leaders from the Top 4 crews of Street Woman Fighter 2 have also been confirmed to take on mentoring and judging duties in the upcoming season. These esteemed leaders include Bada of BEBE, Kirsten of JAM REPUBLIC, Lia Kim of 1MILLION, and Funky_Y of MANNEQUEEN

 

 “We anticipate that the collaboration between the Season 1 and Season 2 crews will result in fresh synergy,” the production team said about the mentors. “We carefully considered factors such as the chemistry with the teenage dancers and the distinctive characteristics of each crew during the selection process.” 

To recall, it was Team BEBE who clinched the championship. While JAM REPUBLIC, 1 MILLION, and MANNEQUEEN finished as second to fourth places, respectively. 

Additionally, the teenage crews will have the unique opportunity to select their own mentor. 

As of writing, Mnet has yet to introduce the participating dance crews for the upcoming season. 

Featured image: Mnet announces the host and mentors for ‘Street Dance Girls Fighter 2’. Credit: Twitter/Mnet

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Watch: Netflix Releases Teaser for ‘Sweet Home’ 2

Get ready to dive back into a world overrun by monsters! Because the hit fantasy-horror series, Sweet Home, is set to return for its highly-anticipated second season. 

On Wednesday, November 1, Netflix released a teaser video that not only confirmed the second season’s premiere date but also gave viewers a snippet of what’s to come.

According to the platform, the second season of Sweet Home is scheduled to premiere on December 1.

Notably, the second season will come nearly three years after the series’ first season initially graced our screens. The first season, which originally premiered in 2020, garnered international acclaim, including awards at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) and the 3rd Asia Contents Awards.

For those unfamiliar with the series, Sweet Home revolved around the residents of apartment complex Green Home as they fought for survival in a world where humans transformed into grotesque monsters driven by their innermost desires.

What to expect in ‘Sweet Home’ 2

In the sneak peek for the second season, fans are given a glimpse of the upcoming challenges that Cha Hyun-su, portrayed by the actor Song Kang, will face.

In the first season, his character discovered the ability to control the monster within himself. But for the second season, it appears that he finds himself taken to a mysterious facility where he’s subjected to an experiment.

As the teaser unfolds, it becomes evident that the characters will face new and formidable challenges in the outside world. Moreover, the characters are seen battling not only external threats but also their inner monstrous identities.

In a press release, actor Lee Jin-uk said: “This season will present a world that diverges from the original webtoon. As the world expands, there will be more to think about.” Additionally, Lee Si-young, another member of the cast, shared: “A vastly sprawling world awaits the characters after they leave Green Home. Everyone will go through major changes.”

Aside from Song Kang, Lee Jin-uk, and Lee Si-young, other returning cast members who will reprise their roles are Go Min-si and Park Kyu-young. Also joining them will be new cast members Yoo Oh-seong, Oh Jung-se, Kim Moo-yeol, and Jung Jin-young. 

Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, Sweet Home is directed by Lee Eung-bok, known for his work on acclaimed series like Descendants of the Sun and Mr. Sunshine.

In June 2022, Netflix officially confirmed the renewal of Sweet Home for a third season, hinting at even more terror and suspense in store for the future.

Featured image: Song Kang in the teaser for Netflix’s ‘Sweet Home’ 2. Credit: YouTube/Netflix

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Dance Crew BEBE Wins ‘Street Woman Fighter 2’

Dance competition series Street Woman Fighter Season 2 came to a thrilling conclusion on Tuesday, October 31. And audiences were on the edge of their seats as they witnessed the seven-member dance crew BEBE emerge victorious. 

As the winner, BEBE will take home a substantial cash prize of 50 million Korean won, equivalent to approximately $36,830. In addition to the prize money, each member also received a symbolic victory ring. 

The Ultimate Showdown in ‘Street Woman Fighter 2’ 

During its finale episode, audiences witnessed an exhilarating showdown between four exceptional dance crews: 1MILLION, BEBE, JAM REPUBLIC, and MANNEQUEEN. For their ultimate challenge, each crew had to take on two missions: the Global Artist Mission and the Ending Credit Mission.

For the Global Artist Mission, the teams had to reinterpret songs by global pop icons. 1MILLION took on Ariana Grande‘s hits, BEBE delivered a sizzling mashup of Rihanna’s songs, JAM REPUBLIC breathed new life into Beyoncé‘s iconic performances, and MANNEQUEEN presented an enthralling performance of Lady Gaga’s tracks. 

Then the Ending Credit Mission was a chance for the crews to showcase their respective style, color, and identity. Each crew aimed to leave a lasting impression with their concept, choreography, and overall execution of their performances.

For the final scores, 20% of the total would be from the performance video votes collected over the entire span of the show. Meanwhile, the remaining 80% will come from the live vote count taken through text messages during the live finale episode. 

As for BEBE, their crew video accumulated an impressive 2.47 million views, 195,782 likes, and 845,026 votes. During the live episode, they also received an astonishing 75,357 votes, ultimately securing their victory.

Meanwhile, international sensation Jam Republic, led by Kirsten Dodgen, captured the second spot with 4.04 million views on their crew video, 288,529 likes, and 745,843 votes. During the live finale, they received an additional 62,034 votes.

Moreover, dance crews 1MILLION and MANNEQUEEN took the third and fourth positions, respectively.

More about SWF and BEBE

After their remarkable win, BEBE’s leader, Bada Lee, expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the competition and the fellow contestants.  

“We poured in our all, and we are so thankful for having been able to successfully complete our final performances. It was an honor to have performed alongside all the other teams, and I love you all,” according to a translation by KoreaJoongAngDaily. 

For those unfamiliar, Street Woman Fighter 2 is a survival dance show that featured eight talented dance crews.The competition featured six Korean crews, including 1MILLION, BEBE, Deep N Dap, MANNEQUEEN, Ladybounce, and Wolf’Lo. Jam Republic, a multinational crew composed of members from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States, added an international flavor to the mix, along with the Japanese crew Tsubakill.

BEBE, the champions of Street Woman Fighter 2, is composed of seven highly-skilled members: Bada Lee, Kyma, Lusher, Tatter, Minah, Sowoen, and Cheche. The crew was founded by Bada Lee in 2022. 

Before joining the competition, Bada Lee is already known to be a versatile dancer. Currently, she’s associated with the JustJerk Academy, where she was once a student, she serves as the Performance Director at SM Entertainment. Additionally, she is a respected dance instructor at the Only Forward Studio in South Korea.

Moreover, Bada Lee has already choreographed for several well-known groups and idols. Among them includes 2NE1′s CL, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, aespa, NCT, WayV, Super M, EXO’s Kai, and more.

Featured image: BEBE’s Bada Lee shares photo from live finale of ‘Street Woman Fighter 2.’ Credit: Instagram/BADA LEE

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SEVENTEEN to Appear in Na PD’s ‘Waggle Waggle’

CARATs are in for a treat as K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN is collaborating anew with  Na Young Seok, aka Na PD, for the upcoming variety show Waggle Waggle. 

On Wednesday, October 25, a teaser for the episode was released. In the video, SEVENTEEN’s Wonwoo is seen inviting the rest of the members to have a one-on-one drinking session with him.

As seen in the exchanges, members DK, Minghao, and Woozi rejected the offer, while Vernon didn’t pick up his call. But Seungkwan, one of the members who is active in variety shows, was quick to point out that Wonwoo is inviting them because he’s filming a show. 

“I need to contact a few people on a regular basis,” the rapper noted. 

Prior to the teaser, Na PD has first revealed that he filmed a new variety show with SEVENTEEN through a YouTube live.

During the live session, it was disclosed that he had dinner with the group and exchanged stories while drinking beer. At one point, he even hinted that fans should anticipate a face-off between members Seungkwan and Hoshi in Waggle Waggle. 

To the fans’ delight, Na PD also assured fans that leader S.coups, who’s on a break due to health concerns, appeared in Waggle Waggle. 

Other details about the show are still kept under wraps but the Waggle Waggle episode featuring SEVENTEEN is set to premiere on Saturday, October 28. 

‘Waggle Waggle’ and more: SEVENTEEN x Na PD’s collab

Following the news, K-pop fans and entertainment show enthusiasts can’t help but be excited as both SEVENTEEN and Na PD are known for their variety chops.

For instance, the K-pop group’s own web series Going Seventeen has gained a fandom of its own. Meanwhile, Na PD is already a known figure in South Korean entertainment. Notably, he’s the one behind successful variety programs such as 2 Days & 1 Night, Grandpas Over Flowers, New Journey to the West, and Three Meals a Day.  

Moreover, this marks another collaboration between SEVENTEEN and Na PD for 2023 alone. A proof that the two parties have formed a tight bond. 

In early 2023, SEVENTEEN appeared in Na PD’s Youtube series The Game Caterers 2. There, the group luckily won two wishes. One of which is making Na PD do a dance challenge for “Superwhile the other is starring in their Youth Over Flowers own episode. 

In September, the group was confirmed to have filmed for the series in Europe. For those unfamiliar, Youth Over Flowers is a travel variety show wherein the staff tricked the cast members into spontaneous trips. 

As of writing, Na PD has yet to announce a release date for SEVENTEEN’s Youth Over Flowers. 

Featured image: Na PD shares photo of SEVENTEEN for ‘Waggle Waggle.’ Credit: Instagram/Na PD

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Jeon So Min Steps Down From ‘Running Man’ After Six Years

Jeon So Min, the talented actress and cherished member of the Running Man family, has decided to step down from the show after six years. The announcement came from her agency, King Kong by Starship, confirming that she would be recording her last episode with the Running Man team on October 30. This marks the culmination of a 300-episode journey filled with challenges, heartwarming moments, and of course, laughter. 

The first day SECHAN & SOMIN join as members!

Official statements

The show’s cast, known for its camaraderie and on-screen chemistry, includes original members Haha, Ji Seok-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Song Ji-hyo, and Yoo Jae-suk. Jeon So Min joined the show in 2017 alongside Yang Se-chan. They added a fresh dynamic and humor to the ensemble.

In an official statement, her agency expressed, “She went through great contemplation as it is a program that she has maintained a relationship with for a long time, and after long discussion with the Running Man members and production team as well as the agency, we decided that she needs some time to recharge in order to impress even further through future activities including her acting. We sincerely express our gratitude to viewers who ran together while crying and laughing with Jeon So Min every weekend for six years since April 2017 through Running Man, and we ask for your warm affection and support for Jeon So Min going forward. Thank you.”

The producers also shared their sentiments. “Although Jeon So Min ran together with Running Man for the past six years with exceptional affection and sense of responsibility, she recently conveyed her intention that she needs the time to recharge for her acting activities. Although the members and production team discussed long-term with Jeon So Min to find a way to stay together until the end, we respected Jeon So Min’s wishes and decided on a sad farewell. We express our gratitude to Jeon So Min who made the program shine brighter as a member of Running Man for a long time. We ask for warm support and encouragement from all the viewers for Jeon So Min who made a difficult decision. The Running Man members and production team will support Jeon So Min who will forever be a member.”

Somin’s funniest moments💛

The journey of Jeon So Min

Born on April 7, 1988, So Min began her journey in the entertainment industry with the 2004 sitcom Miracle. She later made a mark with roles in films like Cinderella and TV dramas such as Princess Aurora. Her accolades include the Rookie Award at the 2017 SBS Entertainment Awards and the Golden Content Award in 2020 as part of the Running Man cast. Beyond acting, she has also been recognized as an author with her book, You Can Call Me After a Drink.

Running Man, which began airing in July 2010, has been a staple in Korean entertainment for over a decade. The show‘s format has evolved over the years, but its essence remains unchanged—a group of comedians and celebrities competing in a variety of challenges. The show’s enduring success is attributed to its innovative direction and the impeccable comedic timing of its cast members.

Jeon So Min‘s decision to leave follows the departure of Lee Kwang-soo, an original cast member, who exited the show in May 2021 after a decade-long association. As fans prepare to bid farewell to So Min, they eagerly await the remaining episodes, cherishing every moment before she takes her final bow. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This probably wasn’t an easy decision for her to make. Source: Naver.

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Watch: ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Releases Teaser

Attention players, the competition is about to begin! Netflix has released the teaser for the reality competition series Squid Game: The Challenge. 

In the one-minute teaser, fans are given a sneak peak on the challenges featured in the show. Interestingly, it appeared to be similar to the record-breaking South Korean series — from the sets, games, and outfits. In fact, there were snippets of the legendary game of Red Light, Green Light, as well as the famous doll Young-hee. 

“The biggest Netflix show ever becomes the biggest competition series,” the trailer said. 

To note, the Squid Game: The Challenge series isn’t a matter of life-and-death as the games won’t be fatal. Instead of survival, the 456 players are competing for a cash prize of $4.56 million. According to Netflix, it’s the largest cash prize in the history of reality television. 

Moreover, the streaming platform teased that each player in Squid Game: The Challenge will be “pushed to their limits.” “[The players will be] forced to ask themselves just how far they’ll go to win, with opportunistic alliances, cutthroat strategies and timely betrayals to follow,” Netflix added. 

It was in July 2022 when Netflix first confirmed that they’re creating a reality show based off the hit series Squid Game. Any individual around the world who can speak English was welcomed to apply to the competition. 

The 10-episode series will premiere on Netflix on November 22. 

More ‘Squid Game’ shows 

For those unfamiliar, Squid Game follows struggling contestants play childhood games with deadly consequences for a chance to win a hefty cash prize. Its first season, which premiered in September 2021, became Netflix’s biggest original series launch. 

In January 2022, Netflix confirmed that the hit series is returning for a second season. In June, they announced the cast members for season two.

 Only Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo are confirmed to reprise their roles for the second installment.

As for the new characters, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-guen were introduced as the new players. 

Meanwhile, Cho Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, and Jo Yuri are among the confirmed cast members. Additionally, the new additions include Park Gyu-young and Lee Jin-uk, Won Ji-an, Roh Jae-won, Lee David, and Kang Ae-shim

As for the second season of Squid Game, it is expected to premiere in 2024. But a final release date has yet to be announced.

Featured image: Netflix releases the poster for ‘Squid Game: The Challenge.’ Credit: Twitter/Netflix

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie, ‘Moving’ Actor Lee Jung Ha to Participate in ‘Apartment 404’

A new team-up of celebrities is gearing up to delight fans in a new variety show. TVN announced on Thursday October 5, that Jennie of girl group BLACKPINK and actor Lee Jung Ha from the drama Moving will appear in Apartment 404, alongside “Nation’s MC” Yoo Jae Suk and veteran actor Cha Tae Hyun.

According to the network, Apartment 404 will be a reality variety program that will take place in an apartment complex. The real-action show is created by PD Jeong Cheol Min, known for his popular programs Running Man, and Village Survival, the Eight, and Sixth Sense.

Interestingly, Apartment 404 will be a reunion program of Jennie and Yoo Jae Suk. In 2018, the two celebrities previously worked together in the first season of Village Survival, the Eight. Now that five years have passed, fans are thrilled to see the two stars interact again.

On the other hand, Apartment 404 will be Lee Jung Ha’s first variety show in his career. The breakthrough actor previously gained recognition for his portrayal of Kim Bong Seok in the hit superhero drama Movin. With the success of the series, the creators are now in talks for a second season. There, Jung ha starred alongside Cha Tae Hyun, who will also take part in the upcoming variety show. 

Along with the confirmation of Jennie and Jung Ha’s appearance, TVN also announced that the production team is currently in the process of recruiting guests. Though broadcast details are yet to be finalized, Apartment 404 is expected to premiere in the first half of 2024.

Jennie and Jung Ha’s current activities

While there are no official confirmations yet regarding Jennie’s contract, YG Entertainment has revealed that the singer will be making a solo comeback.

On October 6, Jennie returned with the official release of her track You & Me.” Said song was performed by the K-Pop idol during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink World Tour.

Actor Jung Ha, meanwhile, is set to star in the new drama One: High School Heroes. As per his agency, Namoo Actors, the filming for the show has already been completed and is now in its post-production process.

Apart from that, Jung Ha has been selected as the new MC of MBC’s Show! Music Core. He will be with The Boyz’s Younghoon and NMIXX’s Sullyoon in the program.

Even before the confirmation of their appearances in Apartment 404, Jennie and Jung Ha have already given a brief sneak peak of their friendship. The two previously posed in a photo together when the actor attended BLACKPINK’s Born Pink Finale in Seoul, giving a hint of their upcoming project.

Featured image: Lee Jung Ha shows support for Jennie during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink concert. Credit: Instagram Story/Jung Ha

 

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