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BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Ahn Bo-Hyun Break Up

Several months after going public with their relationship, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and actor Ahn Bo-hyun have parted ways due to “busy schedules.”

According to a Soompi report on Tuesday, October 24, an industry representative claimed that the two “naturally became distant due to their busy schedules” which resulted in their split. Additionally, said report claimed that the break up only happened recently. 

In response, BLACKPINK’s agency YG Entertainment confirmed the news. “It is true that Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun broke up,” they said. 

To recall, Jisoo and Bo-hyun’s relationship was confirmed by their respective agencies in August 2023. Entertainment news website Dispatch was the first outlet to break the news, sharing photos of the couple spending time at Jisoo’s home. Both reportedly bond over their similar interests in acting, singing, and fashion. Moreover, the relationship garnered a lot of attention as it was the first time for a BLACKPINK member to admit that she’s dating. 

Following the news of their split, some fans took to social media to express their surprise and reaction to the breakup. Nevertheless, some remain hopeful that the two will continue to be good colleagues instead. 

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Ahn Bo-hyuns individual careers

Another reason why the relationship between Jisoo and Bo-hyun left fans surprised was because the two haven’t worked with each other before. Some even thought that it was Jisoo’s Snowdrop co-actor Jung Hae-in who served as a matchmaker between the two as Hae-in is a same-age friend to Bo-hyun. But Hae-in explained that he only found out that the two were dating through the news. 

 Ahn Bo Hyun, 35, starred in shows See You In My 19th Life, Yumi’s Cells, Military Prosecutor Doberman, My Name, and Itaewon Class. 

Meanwhile, Jisoo made her debut as a member of BLACKPINK in August 2016. She also ventured into acting through the Disney+ series Snowdrop. Recently, she made a cameo appearance in the film Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman. As a solo artist, she made her debut in March with the EP ME. 

Currently, fans are eagerly awaiting for Jisoo and BLACKPINK’s contract renewal status with YG Entertainment.

Featured image: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and Ahn Bo-hyun update fans with new photos. Credit: Instagram/Jisoo and Ahn Bo-hyun

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Wow! BLACKPINK’s Lisa earns 8th Guinness World Record with ‘Money’

There’s no doubt that BLACKPINK’s Lisa remains to be one of the leading names in the K-pop industry. A proof of that is how her solo debut single, LALISA, released in September 2021, has continued to bring her a wave of international acclaim.

And now, the Thai rapper-dancer has achieved her eight Guinness World Record with her sensational B-side track, “MONEY.”

According to Guinness World Records, “MONEY” stands as the first K-pop track by a solo artist to reach an astounding 1 billion streams on Spotify. What makes this feat more remarkable is that it was initially a B-side track. However, given its immense popularity, the song was released as a second solo single on November 9, 2021. 

In September, Spotify first noted  that “MONEY” has amassed over 1 billion streams on their platform. Which makes Lisa the first and only South Korean singer to join the Billions club. Aside from the BLACKPINK member, other female artists to achieve this feat include Adele, Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, and Gayle

But that’s not all; the accompanying performance video for “MONEYhas also become one of the most-watched videos. As of writing, it boasts a staggering 919 million views. 

A record-breaking year for Lisa

The milestone achieved by “Moneyis the latest addition to Lisa’s incredible achievements for 2023 alone.

To recall, her solo EP, Lalisa, also secured two remarkable Guinness World Records titles. As per GWR, the EP Lalisa reached over 1 billion streams on Spotify, making Lisa the fastest solo K-pop artist to achieve this milestone on the platform.

In 2022, she wrote down her name in history as the first K-Pop soloist to win the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) Best K-pop video award. Moreover, she also holds the title for the most Guinness World Records for a K-pop singer having a total of seven feats under her name.

In 2023, Lisa’s reach expanded further, as she secured the Guinness World Record for having the most followers on Instagram among K-pop artists. Aside from that, the multi-talented rapper and dancer is the only K-pop idol to be part of Instagram’s Rich List of 2023.

Outside of her idol activities, the BLACKPINK member also made waves for her participation at the Crazy Horse Cabaret in Paris. 

Featured image: BLACKPINK shares photo from ‘Lalisa’ music video. Credit: Facebook/BLACKPINK

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BLACKPINK’s Rosé Shares New Instagram Story Featuring Adorable Hank

The adorable Hank is back! Rosé has shared a series of Instagram Stories and the BLACKPINK member made sure to include her cute pup. Not surprisingly, BLINKs are loving the latest update on the celebrity pooch!

Rosé Brings Back Adorable Hank in New Instagram Story Series

On October 17, Rosé delighted her followers with an Instagram story update. The BLACKPINK member shared her unboxing of an Apple Mac Studio and expressed some doubts about the installation process. Luckily, the adorable Hank made special appearances throughout the series of stories, playing a special role in the entire process.

As the idol begins to unbox the package, she becomes distracted by the pup who clearly wants a treat. Naturally, Rosé had to take a break, cooking some chicken for Hank and showing off some of his tricks. The series of Instagram stories immediately won the hearts of fans worldwide.

Since adopting Hank in 2020, the pup has become a regular feature on Rosé’s personal social media accounts. His endearing canine charm has captured the hearts of millions of BLACKPINK fans worldwide, resulting in Hank’s Instagram account amassing a substantial following. Not surprisingly, Hank is now one of the most popular pets on Instagram.

Interestingly, Rosé recently clarified rumors about herself and a fellow animal lover. It was previously believed that the BLACKPINK member was involved in Taylor Swift’s upcoming album. Since then, Rosé spoke to a BLINK about the issue, confirming she had simply attended a party.

“I think it was just a party that we had amongst ourselves. But the wrong news got out,” Rosé said.

It’s an interesting confirmation and we’re certainly happy to Rosé being able to attend the listening party. In the meantime, Taylor Swift is currently set to release ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ which was a re-recording of her 2014 album.  The album is set to contain five previously unreleased “From the Vault” tracks and will be released on October 27, 2023.

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JINI Says BLACKPINK is The Idol Group She Admires The Most

JINI is well on her way to starting a solo career but the former NMIXX member is still like the rest of us. Choi Yun-jin has just admitted she looks up to BLACKPINK and continues to be amazed by their performances!

Former NMIXX Member JINI Admits To Being a BLINK

BLACKPINK’s global success has not only contributed to the prominence of South Korea on the world stage but has also garnered a massive and unwavering fan base. Their dedicated fandom, known as BLINKs, stands by the group through every high and low. This loyalty has transcended ordinary fans and has also attracted fellow celebrities and idols, many of whom proudly declare their BLINK status.

In a recent interview with MAPS, Jini, a former member of NMIXX, openly discussed her admiration and respect for BLACKPINK. Her appreciation for the quartet signifies yet another idol who is not shy about expressing her affinity for the idol group.

“Well, there is a lot to learn from all the figures who have years of experience, so it’s hard to say just one person, but I definitely choose BLACKPINK sunbaenim! I think their charismatic stage appearances are really cool,” Jini said.

“One of the things that makes them special to me is their ability to put on a perfect performance while never missing an opportunity to communicate with their fans. When I see BLACKPINK’s performances I am really amazed, personally I am also a big fan,” she admitted.

BLACKPINK as Global Superstars

This growing list of idols who publicly declare themselves as BLINKs continues to expand. It has become a trend of sorts, leading fans and online communities to speculate about which celebrities or idols might be the next to fall under the charm and musical influence of BLACKPINK.

These public endorsements from fellow celebrities underscore the broad appeal and magnetic charisma of BLACKPINK. The music of the idol group transcends borders and genres, resonating with a diverse range of artists and fans, both in South Korea and worldwide. This phenomenon not only solidifies their global influence but also strengthens their reputation as trendsetters in the K-Pop industry.

JINI has just released her first EP ‘An Iron Hand In A Velvet Glove’ and the lead single C’mon (Feat. Aminé) on October 11, 2023.

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie Has A Special Message For BLINKs On MelOn

Jennie has a special message for her fans. The BLACKPINK member has released a new single and as an additional gift, she wrote a playful note for BLINKs on MelOn.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Drops Sweet Message on MelOn

To celebrate the release of her single “You & Me,” Jennie shared a personal and playful message with her fans on the Korean streaming platform MelOn. The platform had previously introduced an “Artist Note” feature where musicians can leave messages. Idols usually use it to promote their new releases and for the BLACKPINK member’s latest single, it was something perfectly Jennie.

In her special message for the release of “You & Me”, Jennie kept it short but incredibly cute. She wrote, “I picked this up on the way. Here! It’s a gift.”

The phrase “I picked this up on the way” is known for its cheeky connotation in Korean culture. It signifies playfulness and suggests that someone has put in effort to prepare something for another person but is too shy or humble to make a big deal out of it. Instead of straightforwardly saying, “I got this for you,” Koreans humorously claim that they “found it on the floor, so take it or whatever.”

In addition to that, the expression “Here you go!” adds an extra layer of good-natured silliness. Although it can be used sarcastically, it also allows for liberal use and is akin to the English or French equivalent of “voilà.” In her “Artist Note”, Jennie whimsically pretends to “throw” the song at her fans, as if it’s a small favor. However, given the context, cultural nuances, and Jennie’s playful tone, Korean fans understand that she is keeping things light, fun, and endearing.

It’s a delightful way for Jennie to connect with her audience and share her appreciation for their support. Not surprisingly, BLINKs are loving the short but sweet message and are truly grateful for the new song.

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Crazy Horse Paris Shares Official Photos of BLACKPINK’s Lisa

BLACKPINK’s Lisa has successfully concluded her captivating performances at the renowned Crazy Horse Paris cabaret from September 28 to September 30, leaving an indelible mark on the audience.

Crazy Horse Paris Shares Official Photos of BLACKPINK Lisa From Cabaret Show

The news of Lisa’s participation in the cabaret generated significant anticipation and intrigue, particularly regarding the nature of her performances. Fans who were fortunate to witness her shows in Paris promptly shared their experiences across various social media platforms.

To satiate the growing curiosity surrounding Lisa’s performances, Crazy Horse Paris has released official photos of the BLACKPINK member in action.

During her five special shows at Crazy Horse Paris, Lisa showcased her talents through a combination of solo acts and collaborative group performances with the cast.

Due to the cabaret’s strict no-recording policy, only those in attendance had the privilege of witnessing Lisa’s mesmerizing performances firsthand. However, Lisa has generously offered glimpses of her sultry acts at the cabaret on her Instagram, giving fans around the world a taste of her remarkable talents and the electrifying atmosphere of Crazy Horse Paris.

“Such an amazing experience at Crazy Horse Paris. Thank you everyone for making this happen. Call me whenever you need someone to fill a spot,” Lisa wrote.

https://twitter.com/crazyhorseparis/status/1709629051973833034

Lisa clearly enjoyed performing at the cabaret and it might have a lot to do with the support she received. BLACKPINK members Jisoo, Jennie, and Rosé reportedly attended her performances along with Lisa’s family and friends. With that in mind, it’s clear that the Thai idol has all the support she needs in all her endeavors.

In related news, fellow BLACKPINK member Jennie may have confirmed that she is currently preparing for a solo album. Interestingly, the star of “The Idol” may have revealed her solo effort during a conversation with legendary R&B artist Usher.

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BLACKPINK Jennie Seemingly Confirms Solo Album in Recent Usher Interaction

BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently engaged in a conversation with global superstar Usher at a Chanel event in Paris, and their exchange has ignited excitement and speculation about Jennie’s future in music, especially in light of discussions surrounding the group’s contract renewal with YG Entertainment. Could Jennie Kim release a solo album in the near future?

Did BLACKPINK Member Jennie Tell Usher She Is Currently Working on A Solo Album?

Jennie is set to release a special single titled “You & Me” following her captivating performance of the song at the BORN PINK shows, which resonated deeply with the audience. However, it appears that this single may not be the only surprise in store for fans.

Amidst the anticipation of her new single and ongoing contract negotiations, Jennie seems to have future plans already in motion. The intriguing revelation emerged during her attendance at the Chanel fashion show on October 3, where she interacted with various celebrities, including Usher.

A video clip capturing their conversation has sparked enthusiasm for Jennie’s upcoming endeavors. In the video, Usher discusses the possibility of the idol’s future album and expresses his interest in collaborating with Jennie. While it’s not uncommon for stars to express a desire to collaborate with idols, it was Jennie’s response that stirred excitement. She shared, “Right now, I’ve started working on mine…” Although she didn’t explicitly mention an album, her response strongly suggested that she is indeed working on a musical project, aligning with Usher’s earlier remarks.

Jennie’s potential collaboration with Usher and her ongoing musical pursuits are generating anticipation and curiosity among fans, who eagerly await further updates on her exciting journey in the music industry.

For now, YG Entertainment has not yet confirmed whether Jennie is releasing any new music other than “You & Me”. However, BLINKs are already anticipating an official announcement in the next few weeks.

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Look: Here Are the K-pop Acts Nominated for the 2023 MTV EMAs

K-pop has once again proved its global influence in the music industry. After numerous recognitions at the recently held 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), K-pop acts are now set to bag a new set of awards at the 2023 MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs).

On Tuesday, October 3, Billboard Brazil unveiled the list of nominations for the upcoming EMAs. 

According to MTV, the EMAs will be an event to celebrate the work of global artists with awards and legendary performances from international music icons. Notably, several K-pop acts made it to the record.

Who are nominated for 2023 MTV EMAs?

Topping the list are BTSJungkook and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Both HYBE artists garnered a total of three nominations each.

Jungkook, the youngest member of the sensational group BTS, has been nominated for the Best K-pop and Biggest fans categories. He will also compete for the Song of the Year category for his digital single “Seven featuring Latto. Furthermore, this is Jungkook’s first EMA nomination as a solo artist. 

Just last month, Jungkook took home the MTV VMAs Song of the Summer award for the said track.

Meanwhile, boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER also earned nominations for the following categories: Best K-pop, Best Push Artist, and Best Group. At the MTV VMAs, the Sugar Rush Ride” singers bagged the Push Performance of the Year award.

Meanwhile, “Super” hitmakers SEVENTEEN and monster rookies NewJeans took two nods each, both for the Best K-pop and Best Group categories.

In addition, “Next Level singers aespa also earned a nod for Best Group, while BLACKPINK is nominated for Biggest Fans category. Moreover, groups FIFTY FIFTY and Stray Kids will also compete for the Best K-Pop category.

Meanwhile, boy group TREASURE has been nominated in the Best Asia Act category as South Korea’s sole representative.

The 2023 MTV EMAs will take place in Paris, France on November 5. Fans can vote for their favorite acts on the MTV EMAs official website until October 31, 11:59 pm. Who are you rooting for among these nominees? 

Featured image: BTS’ Jungkook during filming of his digital single ‘Seven.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie to Release ‘You & Me’ on October 6

It’s finally happening, BLINKs! Jennie of K-pop girl group BLACKPINK is officially releasing her digital single “You & Meon Friday, October 6. 

YG Entertainment made the announcement on Wednesday, October 4, by sharing a teaser for the special single. In the photo, Jennie is seen sporting a red dress while posing against a moon backdrop. 

For those unfamiliar, Jennie first performed “You & Me” in October 2022 during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink world concert tour. Since then, she’s been performing it as her solo stage for all the other concert stops. Interestingly, the teaser gave off similar vibes from her performance on the Born Pink stage. 

Aside from their concert, Jennie has also performed a remix version of “You & Me” during BLACKPINK’s performance in Coachella. 

In a press release, YG Entertainment revealed that they decided to officially release the single as a way to show their gratitude to fans who supported the group’s historic Born Pink concert. 

“We hope it will serve as a special memento, rekindling the emotion of that time,” they added. 

Prior to the official announcement, eagle-eyed fans have noticed that the remix version of the track has been registered in ASCAP or the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. 

Jennie’s career as a solo artist

Since the announcement, fans took to social media to express their excitement in finally having “You & Me” as an official release. 

It will serve as Jennie’s first official solo release since she made her solo debut in 2018 with Solo. 

Outside of her activities as BLACKPINK, Jennie also collaborated with The Weeknd and Lily Rose-Depp for a soundtrack for the HBO series THE IDOL. Titled One of the Girls,” the track was released in June.

Notably, said track entered Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart at No. 11 for the week of July 6 to 12. Which led to Jennie being the first South Korean female soloist to hit one of Billboard’s music charts. 

Moreover, fans are considering this as a sign for more solo releases from Jennie. In September, the BLACKPINK member said in an interview that she’s working on a new, “unique” solo album. 

What’s next for Jennie? 

Another reason why fans are looking forward to Jennie’s release of “You & Me” is because it’s the latest project between YG Entertainment and a BLACKPINK member amidst discussions about contract renewal. 

Since the group’s seven-year contract with the agency ended in August, fans and media have been anticipating whether all BLACKPINK members will renew with the agency. Recently, there’s been reports that only Rosé will renew, while the rest of the members will continue their career elsewhere.

Moreover, other reports claimed that Jennie is planning to establish her own agency. However, YG Entertainment reiterated that no final decision has been made yet. 

Currently, Jennie also appears to be focusing on other ventures as she attends several fashion events. As proof of her global influence, she also was recently included in the Top 50 Most Influential Women list of 2023.

Featured image: YG Entertainment shares teaser for Jennie’s ‘You and Me’ single. Credit: Twitter/BLACKPINK

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BLACKPINK Jennie Attends Balenciaga Afterparty in Paris

BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently found herself at the center of intrigue when fans spotted her at a designer brand event in Paris, a brand she isn’t officially affiliated with. Known for her status as an ambassador for prestigious brands like Calvin Klein and Chanel, it was a surprising sight for netizens to see Jennie allegedly attending a Balenciaga afterparty in the City of Lights.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie Makes an Appearance At Balenciaga Afterparty

Jennie’s presence in Paris was associated with Fashion Week, where she appeared to be thoroughly enjoying her time. She even attended fellow BLACKPINK member Lisa’s electrifying Crazy Horse performance. On October 2, photos surfaced, leaving BLINKs buzzing with speculation. Though the snapshots were not crystal clear, many keen-eyed fans identified Jennie by her distinctive hairstyle and outfit.

Further confirmation seemed to emerge when BLINKs traced the original source of the photos, which indicated that indeed Jennie had graced the Balenciaga afterparty following the brand’s October 1 show.

The surprise of Jennie’s attendance at the event prompted widespread curiosity, especially given her existing affiliations with various designer labels. However, astute observers began to connect the dots. Notably, Jennie’s circle of friends, including Haze, Fai Khadra (who had a noteworthy model debut), and Rachel Senott, were also present. This led fans to deduce that Jennie was there, not as a brand ambassador, but as a loyal friend and supporter.

While the idea of Jennie collaborating with Balenciaga would undoubtedly excite many, it appears that her motive was simply to stand by her friends. It’s a testament to Jennie’s genuine and steadfast character, where she consistently finds ways to lend her support to those close to her. BLINKs, the dedicated fans of BLACKPINK, continue to admire Jennie not only for her fashion-forward style but also for her unwavering loyalty to her friends in the fashion world.

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