Tag: BTS

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BTS, BLACKPINK Hailed as Google’s Most Searched Bands in Its 25-Year History

BTS poses for FESTA 2022. Credit: Facebook/BTS

Rejoice, ARMYs and BLINKs! South Korean groups BTS and BLACKPINK achieve another historic feat in their careers.

In an almost-four minute recap video posted by Google on Monday, December 11, it was announced that BTS and BLACKPINK are the most searched boy and girl groups, respectively. 

According to the report, the K-pop sensations were among the top searched acts in the search engine’s 25 year history. Both bands clinched a spot in the list alongside 2023 Time Person of the Year Taylor Swift, who was revealed to be the most searched singer-songwriter, and Beyonce for the most searched performance. 

Undoubtedly, this achievement marks K-pop’s growing global influence in the music scene. What makes these achievements more impressive is that both BTS and BLACKPINK weren’t that active in the recent months. 

As for BTS, the members have been preparing for their mandatory military service enlistments. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s contract was in limbo since August before they recently renewed with YG Entertainment for group activities. 

 

Looking back through milestones of BTS and BLACKPINK

Consisting of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, BTS debuted in 2013 under the then-small company BigHit Music. Through their heartfelt lyrics and stellar performances, the seven-member group rose to global success and achieved numerous historical records. Currently, they’re dominating both local and international music charts.

In 2019, BTS became the first Korean act to be nominated at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2020, the “Blood, Sweat and Tears” singers were named as TIME’s Entertainer of the Year. Notably, they were also the first Korean group to perform at the Grammys in the same year. 

Furthermore, BTS is also known for their unrivaled Daesang Sweep, where they garnered a total of 65 trophies throughout their career — the most number of grand prizes in the Korean entertainment industry. 

On the other hand, BLACKPINK, composed of Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa, debuted in 2016 under YG Entertainment. 

Despite having released only two full-length studio albums, the quartet took the world by storm. Since their debut, they have also become one of the most successful female acts in the K-pop industry.

Moreover, BLACKPINK became the first K-pop act to headline the Coachella music festival. Recently, they were also granted honorary membership in the Order of the British Empire.

Featured image: BTS poses for FESTA 2022. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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

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

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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BTS’ RM Bids Farewell to Fans in a Heartfelt Letter Prior to Military Service

BTS' RM poses for his solo album 'Indigo.' Credit: Facebook/BTS

Ahead of his impending military enlistment, RM from BTS has conveyed a heartfelt message to his fans. On Sunday, December 10, the leader took to Weverse to share a touching letter expressing his sentiments with ARMY.

Initially, the rapper revealed that he wanted to convey a lot to his fans. But as he’s writing the letter, he’s struggling to find the right words to express his thoughts. “I feel like there were so many things I wanted to say to you. But now that it’s here, I can’t seem to find the right words,” he wrote, according to a translation by Soompi. 

RM, or Kim Nam-joon in real life, also looked back at his idol journey, saying that the past decade as a member of BTS has been an immense source of joy for him. “I have faith and I have no doubt that after this passes, new good things will be waiting for us,” he told fans. 

As he starts talking about the military, the BTS leader also acknowledged how hard it must have been for members Seokjin and Hoseok, who enlisted ahead of the rest of the group. Although his realization may come belatedly, RM complimented how his older members faced those difficult challenges. “But seeing them gallantly doing such a great job gives me unparalleled courage,” he said. 

RM assures ARMY 

As military services, in general, can be an uncertain time for both artists and fans, the “Wild Flower”  singer implored to find inspiration instead in the new and unfamiliar circumstances. “Though I’m scared and fearful as well, what could be more comforting than the fact that there is something to anticipate and look forward to during this uncertain time,” he said. 

And the BTS leader declared that it’s the fans’ love who will help him navigate this unfamiliar situation. “Even though there may be times when I feel lonely and melancholy, I think I already feel replete inside with that love,” he said. Additionally, he also hopes that he’ll be able to reciprocate that love by being a constant presence for his supporters. 

Furthermore, instead of parting words, RM said that it’s the “time and love and sincerity” shared between BTS and ARMY that will shape their future. “I wanted to be someone who is always by your side, even when I’m not by your side,” he shared. 

“This goodbye is just a goodbye for a little while. When I return, I will say hello again as I greet you,” he ended the post. “Whenever and wherever we are, here’s hoping that we will be us. Let’s meet in the future. I love you a lot.” 

Will wait for you in 2025, BTS! 

Together with Jimin, V, and Jungkook, they’re the only remaining members of the K-pop powerhouse who have yet to fulfill their respective 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 November, BigHit Music announced that the four remaining members have already initiated the military enlistment process.

Consequently, 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. 

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: BTS’ RM poses for his solo album ‘Indigo.’ Credit: Facebook/BTS

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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 Jungkook Reveals Cha Eun Woo’s Thoughtful Parting Gift

BTS’s Jungkook has received a special parting gift from his close friend ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo, as he prepares for his upcoming military enlistment. The two idols, known for their close friendship, have often been seen supporting each other over the years.

Jungkook Reveals Sweet and Useful Parting Gift from Cha Eun Woo

During a surprise live broadcast on Weverse, Jungkook spent over an hour engaging with fans and discussing various topics, including his imminent military service. While talking about items he still needed to purchase before enlistment, Jungkook shared that Cha Eun Woo had given him a thoughtful parting gift. According to the BTS maknae, the ASTRO member gave him a watch that is commonly used by soldiers. The present was also accompanied by a letter, adding a personal touch to the gesture.

Although Jungkook didn’t disclose the brand name, it was suggested that the watch might be a G-Shock, a type of rugged watch produced by the Japanese brand Casio. G-Shock watches are known for their durability and ability to withstand mechanical stress, shock, and vibration, making them suitable for military use.

Fans have expressed their admiration for the warm friendship between Jungkook and Cha Eun Woo, highlighting the genuine and supportive bond they share. The personalized gift from Eun Woo demonstrates the depth of their connection and has resonated positively with fans, who appreciate the sincerity and thoughtfulness behind the gesture.

As Jungkook prepares for his military service, the supportive gestures from friends like Cha Eun Woo serve as a touching reminder of the strong camaraderie within the K-pop industry. Fans are eager to see how their favorite idols continue to support and uplift each other throughout various milestones in their careers and personal lives.

Jungkook recently surprised fans by dropping an emotional visualizer for his song “Hate You”. The video was also released ahead of his upcoming mandatory military enlistment.

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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 members—RM, 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

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

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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BTS and BLACKPINK Are the Most Streamed K-Pop Groups on Spotify in 2023

BTS during their 'Permission to Dance' concert. Credit: Facebook/BTS

Did you make it to the Top 1% listeners of your favorite K-pop acts? On Thursday, November 29, Spotify unveiled its compilation of the most streamed K-pop artists and songs for the year 2023. 

For those unfamiliar, the Spotify Wrapped feature is an annual end-of-the-year event wherein the music giant showcases the top artists, songs, albums, and podcasts in their streaming platform. 

As for the most streamed K-pop artists, BTS reigned supreme, securing the coveted top spot again. Within the same category, Jungkook and Jimin claimed the third and sixth positions, respectively. Both BTS members released their solo debut albums this year—Jungkook with Golden and Jimin with Face—and set Guinness World Records for their individual releases. 

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK earned the title of the most streamed girl group of the year, and ranked second to BTS in the top 10. Overall, the Top 10 most streamed K-pop artists include four boy groups, four girl groups, and two solo artists. 

In terms of the most streamed K-pop songs, Jungkook clinched the top spot with his debut solo track “Seven (feat. Latto).” Additionally, Jimin’s “Like Crazy” secured the third position on the list. Interestingly, they’re the only entries in the Top 10 that came from a male act. Other entries in the Top 10 were mainly from female acts, with NewJeans securing four entries out of 10. 

Furthermore, Jungkook’s “Seven” also dominated the worldwide charts, ranking fourth at the most streamed song globally. According to Spotify, the only songs that racked up more Spotify streams in 2023 were Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers,” SZA’s “Kill Bill,” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was.”  What makes this achievement even more impressive is that “Seven” was only released in mid-July. 

Top songs, artists for 2023 according to Spotify Korea

Spotify’s Top 10 Most Streamed K-pop Artists are:

  1. BTS
  2. BLACKPINK
  3. Jungkook
  4.  NewJeans
  5. Stray Kids
  6. Jimin
  7. TWICE
  8.  SEVENTEEN
  9. TOMORROW X TOGETHER
  10. LE SSERAFIM

Meanwhile, the Top 10 Most Streamed K-pop Songs are:

  1. Jungkook “Seven“
  2. FIFTY FIFTY “Cupid“
  3. Jimin “Like Crazy“
  4. NewJeans “OMG“
  5. NewJeans “Ditto“
  6. NewJeans “Super Shy”
  7. Lisa “Money“
  8. Jisoo “Flower“
  9.  BLACKPINK “Shut Down”
  10. NewJeans “Hype Boy”

Featured image: BTS during their ‘Permission to Dance’ concert. Credit: Facebook/BTS

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HYBE Artists Win Big at Mama Awards 2023

NewJeans poses for their 2024 Season's Greetings. Credit: Twitter/NewJeans

HYBE-affiliated artists dominated the 2023 MAMA Awards, with K-pop groups BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans taking home the big prizes for the prestigious two-day event held in Japan. 

For those unfamiliar, the MAMA Awards, which is organized by CJ ENM, primarily celebrate outstanding achievements in the music industry, and put the spotlight on K-pop talents. 

During the ceremonies on November 28 and 29 at the Tokyo Dome, rookie girl group NewJeans took home two coveted Daesang” (grand prizes). These are for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year with their hit single “Ditto.” 

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN secured the Album of the Year award for their April release, FML. Notably, this is the 13-member group’s first Daesang for MAMA Awards in their career.

In a groundbreaking milestone, the global sensation BTS claimed the Worldwide Icon of the Year award, marking their sixth consecutive win in this category. With their recent wins, the septet made history as the first artist to amass 50 MAMA trophies.

Despite the absence of BTS members at the event, Jungkook, the group’s youngest member, expressed gratitude in a pre-recorded video message. “We are immensely grateful for our ARMYs’ steadfast love,” he said. “Although we are not all here today, we will reunite as a stronger one soon. Until then, stay healthy and joyful at every moment.” 

Given these, all three Daesang recipients—BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans—emerge from HYBE, the entertainment conglomerate encompassing diverse sub-labels. To note, BTS is under Big Hit Music, SEVENTEEN is under Pledis Entertainment, and NewJeans under ADOR. 

With the HYBE family sweeping the 2023 MAMA Awards, it underscores their collective dominance and influence in the dynamic realm of Asian music.

MAMA Awards 2023 Winners

Meanwhile, the rest of the winners are: 

  • Best Male Group: SEVENTEEN 
  • Best Female Group:  NewJeans
  • Best Male Artist: BTS’ Jimin 
  • Best Female Artist: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
  • Best Dance Performance (Male Group): SEVENTEEN
  • Best Dance Performance (Female Group): NewJeans 
  • Best Dance Performance (Male Solo): BTS’ Jungkook
  • Best Dance Performance (Female Solo): BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
  • Best Vocal Performance (Group): AKMU
  • Best Vocal Performance (Solo): Parc Jae Jung 
  • Favorite Dance Performance (Male Group): TREASURE
  • Favorite Dance Performance (Female Group):  LE SSERAFIM
  • Favorite Global Performer (Male Group): ATEEZ
  • Favorite Global Performer (Female Group): (G)I-DLE
  • Best New Male Artist:  ZEROBASEONE
  • Best New Female Artist: TripleS
  • Best Music Video: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo (“Flower“)
  • Best OST: BTS (“The Planet“)
  • Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance: Agust D (“People Pt.2” feat. IU)
  • Best Collaboration:  BTS’ Jungkook (“Seven” feat. Latto)
  • Favorite New Artist – RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE
  • Favorite International Artist: Yoshiki
  • Favorite Asian Girl Group: Kep1er
  • Favorite Asian Boy Group: INI 
  • Inspiring Achievement: TVXQ
  • Galaxy Neo Flip Artist: TREASURE

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

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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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