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Look: IU Drops Teaser for Upcoming Single ‘Love Wins All’

Gather up, Uaenas as IU‘s new track will be out soon! On Friday, January 19, the singer-actress announced that she will be releasing her pre-single track “Love Wins All.

Notably, V or Kim Tae Hyung of the popular boy group BTS will be making an appearance on the track’s music video. In the first released poster for the song, the two are seen sitting across a dining table with IU taking a photo of V. Moreover, the poster’s concept also appeared to be vintage.

Aside from the teaser, the agency also released the still cuts, track sampler, and the MV leaflet of the song. In these promotional materials, dramatic snippets of IU and V were shown.

As per the teaser, the two singers will be playing the roles of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world in the song’s music video. 

Shortly after the first teaser dropped, fans of both IU and expressed their excitement for the release. Aside from seeing the team up of two huge stars, many are also intrigued by the theme of the song.

‘Love Wins All’ faces backlash prior to its release

Although highly-anticipated, Love Wins All has already made headlines even before making its official release. However, some of these were for negative remarks.

Initially called “Love Wins,” several K-pop fans expressed their conflicting opinions about the title. For those who don’t know, the slogan is widely used by the LGBTQ community as a way to celebrate same-sex couples. Several online users have pointed out that it is inappropriate for the singer-actress to use the slogan associated with the said community.

After receiving backlash, EDAM Entertainment announced changes for the upcoming track. Instead of its original title, IU’s upcoming song will now be called “Love Wins All.”  The agency explained that changes were made to show respect and support everyone who loves in various ways.

“We accept the opinions of those who express concerns that precious messages might be blurred due to the title,” EDAM Entertainment said. “We deeply hope that the original message of the song is delivered without leaving any scars on anyone, as every love wins all in the world with no hatred,” they added.

Love Wins All will be officially out on music platforms on January 24. After this, IU will kick off her H.E.R. world concert tour in Seoul starting in March. The singer, whose real name is Lee Ji Eun, is known for songs “eight,” “blueming,” andGood Day,” among others. 

https://twitter.com/_IUofficial/status/1747272553947922847

Featured image: IU releases teaser for her single ‘Love Wins All.’ Credit: Twitter/IU

 

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Look: BTS’ RM and V Graduate as Elite Trainees

RM and V of K-pop powerhouse BTS shared photos of themselves in military uniform as they completed their military training on January 16.

According to several media outlets, RM, whose real name is Kim Nam Joon, and V, whose real name is Kim Tae Hyung, graduated as two of the only six elite trainees in the 27th Recruit Training Regiment in Nonsan Training Center. A few clips of the singers receiving their respective awards also circulated on social media.

To recall, the BTS members started their enlistment on December 11, 2023. Now that they have completed the five-week basic training with honors, RM and V will now proceed to undergo regular mandatory service.

Several South Korean reports also shared that RM learned about comradeship in his experience. “I was able to naturally find the fun, fulfillment, and meaning of military life,” the septet’s leader said.

On the other hand, Jimin and Jungkook, who were the last two members to enlist, have also completed their basic military service this week.

ARMYs congratulate the BTS members

With the news of RM and V’s achievement, BTS’s fanbase, ARMYs, shared their congratulatory comments for the singers on social media. 

A number of ARMYs expressed that they are proud of their idols. Meanwhile, others also took the time to wish the members good health while doing their service. 

While the fans are celebrating RM and V’s milestone, ARMYs are also patiently waiting for the group’s reunion in the future. Currently, all seven members are undergoing their mandatory services.

Notably, the big fanbase is welcomed by some good news this 2024 as members Jin and J-Hope are set to be discharged in the latter half of the year. To recall, Jin became the first member to enlist in December 2022. Meanwhile, J-Hope followed the eldest member in April 2023.

After announcing their hiatus in 2022 and focusing on their solo careers, BTS promised to be back as a full group once all the members are discharged from the military in 2025. 

Featured image: BTS’ RM shares photo from his military training with member V. Credit: Instagram/RM

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UMI Releases BTS V Collaboration Single “wherever u r” On His Birthday

BTS’s V marked his birthday with a special release, delighting fans worldwide. American singer-songwriter UMI collaborated with V on the new song titled “wherever u r,” which was released on December 30 at 2 p.m. KST. The timing of the release added to the excitement, aligning with V’s birthday celebration.

BTS V Surprises Fans With Collab Single ‘wherever u r’ with UMI

The collaboration between V and UMI was met with enthusiasm from ARMYs, who expressed their joy over the special music video dropping on V’s birthday. In addition to the official lyric video for “wherever u r,” UMI shared a delightful video featuring herself and V singing along to the new single, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the collaboration process.

BIGHIT MUSIC, BTS’s management company, commented on the collaboration, stating, “V and UMI enjoyed listening to one another’s music [before working together on this song]. Through this collaboration, the two of them conveyed the messages they wanted to tell their fans through music.”

How BTS V Prepared Fans For His Military Enlistment

V, who released his debut solo album “Layover” on September 8, 2023, has continued to make waves in the music industry. “Layover” also recorded the highest first-week sales by a K-pop solo artist in history, with 2.1 million copies sold, and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in the US. This accomplishment also solidified V’s status as one of the highest-charting Korean solo artists in Billboard chart history, alongside his BTS bandmates Jimin and Suga.

In recent news, V addressed speculations about his military service, particularly regarding joining the “Special Duty Team.” He acknowledged it as a personal challenge and also reassured fans that he would take care of himself during the enlistment period. Alongside BTS leader RM, V officially began his mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, marking a significant chapter in his journey.

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Watch: BTS Shares Rm, V, Jimin and Jungkook’s Military Entrance Ceremony

In an almost four-minute Bangtan Bomb clip, BTS shared the last moments of RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook before officially starting their mandatory military service. 

The heartwarming video showed the group’s leader and the maknae (youngest) line saying their goodbyes at the entrance ceremony. To recall, RM and V first entered the military on December 11th, while Jimin and Jungkook followed on December 12th. 

ARMYs, the group’s fanbase, were even more emotional seeing the older members Jin, Suga and J-Hope, who have already started their service, send off the remaining members. 

On their official X account, the members were seen striking a pose in an OT7 photo.  “Have a nice trip. Fighting,” the caption read. 

Moreover, Jin also shared photos in his personal Instagram account. Together with RM and V, the singer wrote: “Go and come back safely without getting hurt, my babies.” Meanwhile, for his photo with Jimin and Jungkook, Jin wrote: “I thought it’d be funny. But tears are…”

Furthermore, the footage also showed HYBE Chairman and producer Bang Si Hyuk preparing the necessary essentials for the idols. In a father-like gesture, Bang PD gifted the boys some face cream and hot packs before their departure.

As promised by the “Dynamite” singers, the group will return with complete members in 2025.

ARMYs’ promise to wait for BTS

With all the seven members now fulfilling their duties, ARMYs, overwhelmed with emotions, express their promise to wait for the K-pop powerhouse. The dedicated fandom trended the phrase “See you in 2025” after the members’ last content. 

On social media, fans showered the boys with well wishes and a healthy service. “Our paths will cross again. Until then, take care of yourself, serve well and come back safely!, one fan said.

https://twitter.com/ChartObsessed7/status/1734148042570514699

 

While some fans are saddened with the maknae line enlisting, some ARMYs remain optimistic especially with Jin’s nearing dischargment. Since he started his service in December 2022, the eldest member will finally be back in June 2024.

Featured image: All seven members of BTS reunite before the enlistment of RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook. Credit: Twitter/BTS

 

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Look: Wooga Squad Sends off BTS’ V for His Military Enlistment

With Kim Taehyung also known as BTS’ V’s military enlistment, his friend group Wooga Squad made sure to send him off before his service.

In an Instagram story shared by actor Park Seo Joon on Monday, December 11, the Wooga Squad were seen hanging out for the last time as they bid farewell to the idol. 

As seen in the black-and-white photo, actors Seo Joon, Choi Woo Shik, Park Hyung Sik, and rapper Peakboy were admiring Taehyung in his new buzz haircut. The squad also wished for V’s safety as they wrote “Our youngest, take care!” in the caption. 

Known as one of the famous friend groups in the Korean Entertainment industry, Wooga Squad has shown their strong friendship through numerous appearances. It was in the 2016 series Hwarang, which marked V’s acting debut, that the group first met. 

Since then, the five members developed a close bond. In 2022, the Wooga Squad even participated in the reality show In the Soop: Friendcation, where they spent time together on a getaway.

BTS’ V pens heartfelt message for ARMYs

While V’s friends bid him farewell, the idol also made sure to say goodbye to ARMYs, BTS’ fanbase, before starting off his mandatory service.

 V gifted ARMYs a heartfelt message which he shared on Weverse, alongside a couple of solo and group photos of the band. The “Slow Dancing singer began his post by saying, “I think I’ll miss you too much. Actually, I’m really sad to not see ARMYs for the time being”.

Then, V reassured the fans that he will have a healthy return after 18 months as he encouraged ARMYs to take care of their health too. Furthermore, he also mentioned that he prepared a lot of things for that period and asked ARMYs to look forward to it in the future.

“Let’s make another special memory like we always did. You have to wait until then, I’ll be right back,” the singer said as he sweetly ended his post.

With BTS leader RM enlisting alongside V on December 11, and Jimin and Jungkook following the next day, all BTS members are now serving in the military. As the seven members promised their fans, the sensational K-pop group will be back and complete in 2025

Featured image: Wooga Squad poses with BTS V ahead of his enlistment. Credit: Instagram/Park Seo Joon

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These Are the K-Pop Songs That Made It to Rolling Stone’s ‘Best Songs of 2023’

Several K-pop tracks have earned a place on Rolling Stone‘s prestigious list of “Best Songs of 2023,” underscoring the genre’s growing influence on the global music scene.

Of particular significance is NewJeans‘ exceptional achievement as the sole K-pop group featured in both the “Best Albums of 2023” and “Best Songs of 2023” categories by Rolling Stone. 

On December 1, the authoritative music media outlet unveiled its highly-anticipated list for “The 100 Best Songs of 2023.” For the first time, a total of nine K-pop releases were featured in the list. 

NewJeans‘ pre-released track and title song, “Super Shy, from their 2nd mini-album Get Up, secured an impressive 6th position. Notably this marked the highest-ranking K-pop song on the list. According to Rolling Stone, the particular track was a “breakthrough” for the girl group. “The song is one of the purest pop thrills of the year, with a dreamy melody,” they added. “In true K-pop fashion, the accompanying music video is just as captivating.” 

Prior to this ranking, NewJeans’ Get Up also secured the 33rd position in Rolling Stones “The 100 Best Album of 2023.” 

Other K-pop songs that made it to Rolling Stone’s list

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN‘s “Super” claimed the 47th position. The title track from their 10th mini-album FML is the second-highest among K-pop songs. In their list, Rolling Stone praised the group’s inspiration drawn from Chinese mythological creature Sun Wukong. As well as using this as a metaphor for their impressive growth in their eight-year journey. 

Next K-pop songs that made it to the list are TWICE’s pre-released English single “Moonlight Sunrise,” from their 12th mini-album Ready to Be, which secured the 55th spot. 

Meanwhile, V of BTS earned the 58th position with his pre-released track Rainy Days” from his first solo album Layover. With this, Min Hee-jin, the producer of NewJeans and CEO of Ador, is the only Korean producer with two songs on the chart. To note, she also helped produce V’s solo debut album. 

Other K-pop songs on the list include BLACKPINK Jisoo’s solo debut song “Flower” at 67th spot and FIFTY FIFTY’s viral song “Cupid at the 75th spot. Also part of the roundup are XG at 77th with their title track “Left Right” from their third single Shooting Star. 

Placing 95 and 99, respectively, are aespa’s Spicyand BTS Jungkook’s “Sevenfeat. Latto. 

How do you feel about this ranking? Should there be more K-pop songs included in the list? 

Featured image: NewJeans poses for their 2024 Season’s Greetings. Credit: Twitter/NewJeans

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BTS V Let Park Seo Joon Stay in His House For Several Months

BTS’s V and actor Park Seo Joon’s deep friendship recently came to light in a heartwarming revelation. As it turns out, Kim Taehyung once invited the star of “The Marvels” to stay in his house for several weeks!

Park Seo Joon Discusses Close Bond with BTS’ V

The bond between the two close friends was showcased in a surprise advanced birthday celebration for V, who is set to embark on his military enlistment. The celebration, organized by TV producer Na Yeon Seok (Na PD) and Park Seo Joon, featured heartfelt moments and shared anecdotes about their friendship.

During the celebration, Park Seo Joon revealed a surprising detail about their closeness. He disclosed that when he needed a place to stay during home remodeling that took around four months, he ended up living in V’s house for several weeks.

Initially planning the remodeling while he was away for an overseas project, Park Seo Joon returned to South Korea earlier than expected, finding himself without accommodation. Being practically neighbors, he approached V and asked if he could stay at his house for a while. V, who is known for his warm personality, readily agreed, jokingly mentioning that the extra room was meant for Park Seo Joon.

The actor humorously acknowledged that staying at V’s place helped him “save a bit of money,” highlighting the ease and comfort in their friendship. The revelation of such an intimate and supportive connection between the two stars resonated with fans, showcasing the depth of their bond beyond professional collaborations.

The friendship between V, Park Seo Joon, and another co-star from the 2016 K-Drama “Hwarang,” Park Hyung Sik, remains strong. The camaraderie developed during the filming of “Hwarang” has endured, leading to genuine connections and shared celebrations. As V prepares for his military enlistment, the heartwarming stories of friendship provide fans with a glimpse into the strong and lasting relationships that have developed within the entertainment industry.

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BTS V Addresses ‘Special Duty Team’ Military Enlistment

BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, recently addressed speculations about him joining the “Special Duty Team” during his mandatory military service.

V Confirms Decision to Join ‘Special Duty Team’ for Mandatory Military Enlistment

BIGHIT MUSIC had previously informed fans, known as ARMYs, about the enlistment of the remaining four BTS membersRM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—in November. However, specific details about the enlistment process were not provided, except for the information that Jimin and Jungkook would enlist through a companion system, allowing them to be together during training.

Recent reports from Korean media outlets suggested that V might join the Special Duty Team, an anti-terrorism unit directly supervised by the Blue House. This news led to a mix of skepticism and concern among ARMYs, as this unit is known for its strict training program and involvement in high-risk operations.

On December 5, during a live broadcast on Weverse, V confirmed the news about joining the Special Duty Team. He described it as a personal challenge and directly addressed the concerns of fans, assuring them that he would take care of himself during the enlistment period.

“There were articles coming out about the unit I will be enlisting. ARMYs were worried, but honestly, I just wanted to challenge myself by going there and because I have goals. So please do not worry too much. I am challenging myself, but I also know how to deflect when needed.”

V’s acknowledgment of the situation and his determination to face the challenge positively resonated with ARMYs, who expressed pride in his attitude. Fans continue to support V and wish for his health and safety during his mandatory military service.

The confirmation from V provides a glimpse into the members’ mindset as they prepare for this significant phase of their careers. The support from ARMYs remains unwavering as they stand by each BTS member during their individual journeys.

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BigHit Music Shares Update on Military Enlistment of Remaining BTS Members

BigHit Music, the agency of K-pop juggernaut BTS, has unveiled additional details about the impending military enlistment of RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook.

In a statement released on Tuesday, December 5, BigHit Music confirmed that the four members would be fulfilling their mandatory military service soon. According to the label, RM and V would follow their respective military enlistment procedures. Meanwhile, Jimin and Jungkook are scheduled to enlist simultaneously. 

Furthermore, the agency announced that there would be no official event on the day of their entry into the military. Additionally, BigHit Music emphasized that entrance ceremonies are private affairs that should only be attended solely by military personnel and the members’ families. With this, fans were strongly advised against visiting the site to prevent any potential issues like crowding. 

“Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts only,” the agency said. 

Moreover, BigHit Music  also cautioned fans against purchasing any tours or products that unlawfully utilized BTS intellectual property. As such, they also vowed to take necessary legal actions against any commercial activity involving these unauthorized use of IPs. 

At the end of their statement, the agency asked for the fans’ continued love and support for the BTS members until they return from finishing their respective military services. “Our company will also strive to provide all the support they need during this time,” they said. 

BTS to reconvene as a full group in 2025

In November, BigHit Music announced that members—RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook— have already initiated the military enlistment process. 

Notably, the  four are the only remaining members of the seven-piece act who are yet to commence their military service. Earlier enlistments saw Jin, the oldest member, start his enlistment in December 2022. Then, he’s followed by j-hope in April 2023 and Suga in September 2023. 

In their latest post, BigHit Music also didn’t disclose the enlistment dates and sites of the members. Although there are reports from South Korean media outlets that RM and V will enlist on December 11, while Jimin and Jungkook will follow on December 12. On top of that, there’s also speculation as to what divisions and which boot camps the members will enlist. But BigHit Music refused to confirm any reports. 

 

With all the BTS members enlisting before 2023 ends, there’s a high possibility that all seven will have finished their services by 2025. In a previous livestream, RM assured fans that the group will “be back for sure” in 2025.

In September 2023, all seven members of BTS renewed their contract with BIGHIT Music for the second time.

Featured image: RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook for the group’s 2022 Festa photos. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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Lee Jung Jae Shares New Photo With BTS’ V, Lee Min Ho, and Riccardo Tisci

The latest social media posts from Lee Jung Jae have garnered attention as they feature a star-studded gathering with BTS’s V, Lee Min Ho, and fashion designer Riccardo Tisci. The shared photos showcase the camaraderie among these influential figures from different fields, capturing moments of their time together.

Riccardo Tisci Spotted with Korean Celebrities

In the images, V, Lee Min Ho, Lee Jung Jae, and Riccardo Tisci are seen posing for the camera, creating a buzz among fans who appreciate seeing such prominent personalities coming together. The diverse group, consisting of a K-pop idol, actor, and fashion designer, also highlights the cross-cultural appeal and connections that exist in the entertainment and fashion industries.

Riccardo Tisci, known for his work as the former Chief Creative Officer of Burberry, shared pictures from his visit to various famous locations in South Korea, including the group photos with V, Lee Min Ho, and Lee Jung Jae. The Italian designer has also been associated with some of the biggest names in the fashion world and continues to make an impact globally.

The meeting of these influential figures has sparked interest and speculation about potential collaborations or projects in the future. Fans are also eager to see how these individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, might come together for creative endeavors or events.

It’s worth noting that BTS’s V is preparing for military enlistment, as announced by BIGHIT MUSIC. Lee Min Ho is gearing up for his upcoming drama “Ask the Stars” and considering a role in the film “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint.” Lee Jung Jae, known for his role in the mega-hit series “Squid Game” is also preparing for Season 2 of the show.

The social media posts serve as a glimpse into the personal and professional lives of these influential personalities, generating excitement and anticipation among their fans for future collaborations and projects. The convergence of talents from different spheres also underscores the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry and its ability to bring together diverse individuals for shared experiences and ventures.

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