Tag: ENHYPEN

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ENHYPEN’s Jay Cherishes a Birthday Gift He Got From Jungwon in 2022

Jay

In 2021, ENHYPEN’s Jay and Jungwon began a tradition that brought the two of them closer together. Jay gave Jungwon a jacket as a gift, and in return, Jungwon gave Jay an air fryer for his birthday that year.

In his 2024 B-DAY Paper Interview, Jay shared his affection for the unique present. He wrote, “The air fryer that Jungwonie gave me as a gift is the most memorable. Actually, I haven’t had the chance to use it properly yet, but it was memorable because it was my first time to get such a unique gift. Air fryers aren’t usually given as birthday gifts. I need to try cooking with that air fryer right away. Jungwon, thank you!”

@sunwonfilms

#jungwon and jay’s air fryer journey [ #fyp #enhypen #jaywon ]

♬ Some – BOL4

Jay must really be special to Jungwon

Jungwon’s thoughtful approach to gifting didn’t stop there. Over the years, he has tried very hard to come up with creative and personal gifts for his friend. He even asked ENGENEs for suggestions in 2022. That same year, his mother expressed interest in helping him choose a gift for Jay. (It’s possible she helped her son decide on the air fryer.) Jungwon has considered giving Jay a wide variety of things, from perfume to homemade cake to guitar supplies.

Such efforts are notable within ENHYPEN, as member Ni-Ki revealed in a recent live broadcast that the boys generally don’t exchange gifts. He explained, “We celebrate, but that’s how we are since debut.” This makes Jungwon’s persistent gift-giving particularly meaningful. But that’s not all he does for Jay. This year, he made sure to be the first to wish his hyung a happy birthday.

Jay must really be special to Jungwon, otherwise why would he go to such lengths to make the former happy?

@enhypen

꽁꽁 얼어붙은 한강위로 🐈 🐈‍⬛ 가 귀엽습니다. #JUNGWON #JAY #ENHYPEN

♬ 한강 고양이 리믹스 – 행복한피자빵 HappyPizzaBread

ENHYPEN is on tour right now

In other news, Jay and his fellow ENHYPEN members Heeseung and Ni-Ki will make a special appearance at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on April 29. They will throw the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game against the Atlanta Braves, coinciding with the U.S. leg of their ‘FATE PLUS’ IN U.S. world tour. This show will mark the American-born idol’s first performance in his birthplace of Seattle, Washington. 

The tour, promoting their 2023 mini-album ORANGE BLOOD, includes stops across several U.S. cities, culminating in a performance in New York at the UBS Arena on May 3. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungwon’s penchant for giving Jay gifts says a lot about their bond. Source: X/@jaywoncore_.

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ENHYPEN Endorses Dunkin’ PH, Sets Bench Fan Meeting in Manila

ENHYPEN surprised their Filipino fans once again, this time by becoming the new faces of Dunkin’ Philippines. 

ENHYPEN Dunkin’ Pasalubong Ng Bayan | Dunkin’ PH

The brand celebrated this new partnership with the BELIFT LAB act by dressing up select stores in orange, reminiscent of the septet’s latest mini-album, ORANGE BLOOD. They also set up ENHYPEN-themed photo areas and invited fans to take photos there. Finally, they launched a new promo: Get an ENHYPEN photo strip with every purchase of the Famous or Delights bundles.

This partnership places ENHYPEN alongside other esteemed Korean stars like Kim Soo Hyun and Cha Eun Woo, who have previously served as ambassadors for the brand.

@dunkin.ph

D’Day with ENHYPEN! 🧡 #ENHYPEN_DunkinPH #ENHYPEN #DunkinPH

♬ original sound – Dunkin’ Philippines – Dunkin’ Philippines

Dunkin’, originally named Dunkin’ Donuts, was founded in 1950 by William Rosenberg in Quincy, Massachusetts. It started as a coffee and doughnut shop and quickly became known for its high-quality coffee and baked goods. Over the years, Dunkin’ evolved into a leading global bakery-cafe chain, emphasizing speed and convenience while expanding its menu to include a wide range of beverages and food items.

Dunkin’ first entered the Philippines in 1981 through its local franchisee, Golden Donuts, Inc., with the opening of its first store in Makati City. It recently opened its 800th store in the Philippines, marking it as the largest coffee operator in the country. This milestone was achieved after the opening of 13 new stores in one weekend in August 2023.

@dunkin.ph

Receive a special gift with every purchase of Famous or Delights Bundle. #ENHYPEN_DunkinPH #ENHYPEN

♬ original sound – Dunkin’ Philippines – Dunkin’ Philippines

ENHYPEN’s ‘sweet experience’

Beyond their endorsement deal with Dunkin’ Philippines, ENHYPEN is exciting Filipino fans by planning a return to Manila for a fan meeting named “A Sweet Experience.” Bench, a Philippine retail brand that ENHYPEN endorses, is organizing this event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 28.

Bench has a long history of collaborating with Korean artists. They started with Choi Siwon and Lee Donghae of Super Junior in 2012. Over the years, Bench has expanded its roster of Korean endorsers to include a wide range of personalities from the world of K-drama and K-pop. This reflects the brand’s commitment to engaging with the Hallyu wave and its fans in the Philippines.

It’s Q&A time with ENHYPEN!

Some notable Korean celebrities who have endorsed Bench include Ji Chang Wook, Hyun Bin, Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Park Hyung Sik, Park Seo Joon, and Park Shin Hye. K-pop groups like ITZY, Stray Kids, and TWICE have also joined the brand’s lineup of Korean endorsers. These collaborations have not only helped Bench solidify its fashion-forward brand but also created buzz and excitement, drawing fans closer through exclusive content and other special promotions featuring Korean celebrities.

As ENHYPEN prepares to meet their fans in Manila, the anticipation builds not just for the event itself but also for the impact it will have. 

Elevate Your Style Game with ENHYPEN’s Iconic Jacket!

With these activities, ENHYPEN continues to bridge the gap between K-pop and the Philippines. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki are the latest Hallyu stars to sign with Dunkin’ Philippines. Source: X/@dunkinph.

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ENHYPEN’s Jake Posts Cover of Bazzi’s ‘I Don’t Think I’m Okay’ on YouTube

ENHYPEN’s Jake took to YouTube to share his heartfelt rendition of Bazzi’s “I Don’t Think I’m Okay.” This cover marks his first solo outing. Released on March 5, 2024, this cover not only showcases Jake‘s vocal prowess but also his deep emotional connection to the song’s themes.

[Cover] ENHYPEN JAKE – I Don’t Think I’m Okay (원곡 : Bazzi)

“I Don’t Think I’m Okay” is a poignant reflection on the importance of mental health awareness and the power of being open about one’s feelings. The song, part of a larger project by Bazzi that includes songs like “I Got You,” “Renee’s Song,” and “Young & Alive,” encourages listeners to talk openly about their mental health.

Jake initially planned to film the video for his cover outdoors, but he had only one day available for filming, and it turned out to be way too cold. That’s why he ended up filming it indoors. This, however, proved to be a blessing in disguise. The homey setting he went with made the video feel much more personal. Jake mentioned that Heeseung was the first to listen to the cover because he sought feedback from him. Heeseung, who always likes Jake’s voice, gave him numerous compliments, significantly boosting Jake’s confidence.

[Cover BEHIND] #ENHYPEN #JAKE 🎵 I Don’t Think I’m Okay (원곡 : Bazzi)

Jake’s cover quickly caught the attention of Bazzi himself, who praised the rendition on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. He loved Jake’s unique interpretation of the song.

Jake wants fans to take the song’s message to heart

Jake opened up about his reasons for covering the song on Weverse Live. “So before I chose this song, there were a couple of other options, right? And you know, I sang all of those other songs. The reason why I landed on this one is because, compared to the other songs, I felt like I could relate to it a little bit more.”

Jake, who told GQ Korea that he once opened up to his parents about going through a hard time mentally two or three years ago, said he wanted fans to take the song’s message to heart. “But you gotta listen to the last lyrics, which is ‘I don’t think I’m okay, but that’s okay.’ I think that’s a really important line because, you know, we all go through hard times. But it’s okay to sometimes not be okay. You gotta speak out loud; you gotta tell people about your feelings. That’s what I learned. You gotta talk about your feelings to people you trust.”

[MULTI SUB] ENHYPEN WEVERSE LIVE (2024.03.05) | JAKE LIVE

He ended the broadcast by thanking every single fan out there for their continued support. “Anyways, thank you guys for always supporting me. I’m so glad that I have someone like you guys to share things with, to talk about anything, really, even if it’s bad or good. You know, I’m so happy to have someone like you guys in my life, genuinely. Like, thank you guys for always being here.”

As of this writing, the video has earned 1,338,727 views. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Kudos to Jake for choosing a song about an important topic. Source: X/@baekwoniee.

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Zack Tabudlo Reacts After ENHYPEN’s Ni-Ki Praises One of His Songs

ENHYPEN‘s Ni-Ki has openly expressed his admiration for Filipino artist Zack Tabudlo, particularly for the latter’s cover of “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You.” 

During a recent live broadcast, the Japanese K-pop star sang “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” for ENGENEs. He added, “I like the original version too, but there’s a cover by an artist that I like. I really like that cover, I listen to it every day.” This revelation sent waves of excitement through both artists’ fanbases, especially after it was pointed out that Ni-Ki was referring to Zack’s version, which boasts nine million views on TikTok.

Reacting to Ni-Ki‘s comments, Zack expressed his astonishment and appreciation on X (formerly Twitter). He described the shoutout as “crazy” and shared his gratitude with a heart emoji. 

A growing list of acknowledgments

The connection between Zack and ENHYPEN doesn’t end there. Another ENHYPEN member, Heeseung, also engaged with Zack’s music by covering the Filipino singer-songwriter’s hit “Give Me Your Forever” on TikTok. Zack reposted that cover on Instagram, expressing how honored he was that Heeseung sang his song.

Ni-Ki’s comments about Zack add to a growing list of acknowledgements the latter has received from high-profile figures. BTS’s Jungkook also played “Give Me Your Forever” during one of his live broadcasts. He said he would add the song to his playlist. This growing admiration has helped introduce Zack’s work to international audiences. In fact, it has led to a collaboration between Zack and Thai actor-singer Billkin.

@news5everywhere

Maraming napa-sana all nang patugtugin ni #BTS #JungKook ang kanta ng Pinoy artist na si #ZackTabudlo . #News5 #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH #FrontlinePilipinas

♬ original sound – News5 – News5

Who is Zack Tabudlo?

Zack first gained attention as a contestant on the first season of The Voice Kids Philippines. He was under the mentorship of Filipino rock icon Bamboo Mañalac. Despite being eliminated in the competition’s second round, his music career has flourished.

His breakthrough came in early 2021 with the release of his hit “Binibini.” The song has garnered over 156 million streams, marking a significant milestone in his career. He later released his first full-length album, Episode. The album features songs that connected with both Filipino and international audiences.

Over his career, Zack has released several successful singles and albums. His latest album, 3rd Time’s A Charm, was released on November 17, 2023. He calls it his “most personal, vulnerable, and honest” work. His latest music video, “Pulso,” premiered on February 24. It starred Filipino vlogger CongTV and his partner Viy Cortez. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This proves that music really is the universal language. Sources: X/@nrkcheolso and X/@OFCSparkZArmyPH.

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ENHYPEN’s Jake Buys Perfume for Fan He Met at Prada Store

ENHYPEN member Jake recently made headlines when he turned a chance encounter at a Prada store into a memorable moment for a fan. On the 29th, a story shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a netizen titled “Today, an Idol Gave a Prada Perfume to a Fan” quickly captured the attention of the K-pop community. The post revealed, “Jake told us to share this story with other ENGENEs, so here I am.”

The fan detailed their unexpected meeting with Jake, saying, “We bumped into each other at a Prada store. When I hesitantly said, ‘I’m an ENGENE,’ we were both surprised. Jake said he wanted to buy something for us but wasn’t sure if he could, then gave us his autograph and left.” However, Jake later returned to the store and bought the fan a bottle of perfume. The fan noted that he used his Minion’s print check card to pay for his purchase.

The perfume in question, Prada Paradoxe, was launched by the luxury brand in 2022 with an ad campaign featuring British actress Emma Watson. In a review of the perfume, Glamour UK described it as, “For Prada Paradoxe, the brand went for that ultimate sexy but sweet, flower power scent. Sitting comfortably in the floral ambery olfactive family, it taps into that sensual feminine energy with only a few spritz. The top notes feature dearly loved bergamot, a citrusy tangerine and pear accord, with the heart of the scent heavy on the neroli and flower blossom, and a vanilla and amber base.”

@strawberlliee

Jake really keeps his promise 😭😭 cr. @cl0ver4j on x #jake #enhypen #fyp

♬ Daddys Home – Hans

The ENHYPEN members love their fans

Netizens’ response to Jake’s gesture was overwhelmingly positive. Many looked back on a live broadcast he did when he revealed his intention to buy an ENGENE something if they ever met in a Prada store—a promise he obviously kept. While some fans expressed concerns over the possibility of unscrupulous individuals taking advantage of his generosity, the incident showcased how much the ENHYPEN members love their fans.

Meanwhile, ENHYPEN recently held an encore concert, FATE+,  at Olympic Park in Seoul’s Songpa-gu on February 23. On February 21, their song “Bite Me” from their fourth mini album DARK BLOOD reached over 100 million views on YouTube. This achievement marks the third music video by ENHYPEN to surpass 100 million views, after “Drunk-Dazed” and “FEVER” from their second mini album BORDER: CARNIVAL.

Jake’s gesture was a real-life plot twist, turning a run-of-the-mill Prada store visit into a fan’s epic tale. It wasn’t just about the perfume; it was about breaking the invisible barrier between idol and fan, proving that sometimes, reality can be as sweet (or should we say “sweet-smelling” instead?) as fiction. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This proves Jake is the kind of guy who keeps his promises. Source: X/@enhypenupdates.

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ENHYPEN’s Ni-Ki Criticized for Comments on Independence Movement Day

ENHYPEN’s Ni-Ki recently found himself at the center of a controversy due to his comments about an important holiday in South Korea. 

The March 1st Movement, also known as Independence Movement Day, is an important part of the country’s history. It commemorates Koreans’ valiant efforts against Japanese colonial rule, which lasted in South Korea from 1910 to 1945. The movement began on March 1, 1919, as a peaceful demonstration. It was a response to Japan’s repressive colonial policies, including forced assimilation and suppression of Korean identity. Despite the peaceful nature of the protests, Japanese soldiers responded with violence. These clashes resulted in approximately 7,500 deaths, 16,000 injuries, and 46,000 arrests.

While the movement did not immediately liberate South Korea from Japan, it united Koreans and drew global attention to their struggle for freedom. It also led to the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai. The movement significantly contributed to South Korea’s liberation in 1945 after Japan’s World War II surrender. Today, March 1st is a day of pride and remembrance in South Korea, honoring those who fought for the country’s independence.

@kpopandtea

Niki’s comment is harmless and unintentional, but History is a difficult topic to touch so let us all be mindful. #niki #enhypen #controversy #unintentional

♬ jealousy jealousy x pacify her – ‍r7ptor

Ni-ki needs to think before he clicks

The controversy began when Ni-Ki wrote to fans via Weverse on January 29, 2024, encouraging them to “hang in there” for the upcoming weekend. When an ENGENE mentioned that the next day, March 1, was a public holiday for rest, Ni-Ki responded with “I’m jealous,” sparking immediate backlash. Given the historical sensitivity around Japanese occupation, South Koreans found his comments extremely inappropriate, especially because he’s Japanese.

When he realized how upset his comments had made people, ENHYPEN’s maknae quickly issued an apology. Returning to Weverse, he wrote, “Hello. This is Ni-ki. I apologize for my careless words regarding the March 1st Independence Movement Day, an important day of national commemoration. I’ve realized my mistake and immediately deleted the said post. I will be more careful in the future.”

Fans hope that in the future, Ni-ki will think before he clicks. That said, while many believe that he probably didn’t mean any harm, they still want him and other idols to understand and respect the historical and cultural contexts of the countries where they operate. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Ni-ki inadvertently kicked up a firestorm with a single comment. Source: X/@NikiMalaysia.

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ENHYPEN Drops Studio Version of One Direction Cover

It’s an exciting time for boy band stans around the globe as ENHYPEN recently unveiled a cover of One Direction’s hit single, “What Makes You Beautiful.” The septet first performed this song on The Seasons: Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet. It’s a new South Korean talk show that’s capturing international audiences on various platforms like Viki, KOCOWA+, and Apple TV+.

What Makes You Beautiful

The show, hosted by K-pop legend Lee Hyori, has quickly become a must-watch. It has already featured plenty of stars, including AKMU’s Lee Chanhyuk and BLACKPINK’s Jennie. ENHYPEN appeared on the show’s eighth episode, sharing the spotlight with ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo and LE SSERAFIM.

Before the episode aired, ENHYPEN dropped their version of “What Makes You Beautiful” on major streaming platforms. Their rendition clocks in at a concise 2:18 minutes, trimming the original by a minute by skipping the second verse and chorus. Even so, it shows off the group’s vocals to full effect.

팬들을 위해 엔하이픈이 준비한 One Direction의 What Makes You Beautiful♪💕

ENHYPEN serenaded Lee Hyori and charmed viewers

Their performance of the song on The Seasons: Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet, albeit shorter than the studio version, was a memorable one. The septet serenaded Lee Hyori, presenting her with a rose mid-performance. That gesture undoubtedly charmed viewers and highlighted the group’s charismatic stage presence.

This cover arrives at a poignant time, as One Direction‘s Liam Payne recently reflected on the song’s journey towards a billion streams. Alongside a throwback photo of himself with former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, he wrote, “Never in the early stages of our career when we were making this song, did I imagine we would achieve such numbers. What an achievement, boys! I feel so fortunate not only to share this with you but also with our amazing fanbase.” Unfortunately, the post has since been archived or deleted by Liam himself, but the sentiment is touching nonetheless.

ENHYPEN‘s decision to cover “What Makes You Beautiful” follows their take on BTS’s “I Need U” for Spotify Singles, showcasing their ability to bridge generations of boy bands. As they continue to release new music, ENHYPEN continues to solidify their place in the industry, honoring the legacy of boy bands past while charting their own unique course. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The studio version dropped hours before the episode aired, heightening anticipation for their appearance on the show. Source: X/@heeseungcokr.

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Cha Eunwoo, ENHYPEN, and LE SSERAFIM to Guest on Lee Hyori’s Show

Cha Eunwoo, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, and Uhm Junghwa are all scheduled to grace the KBS2 music program Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet. Herald POP reports that all four acts participated in the recording on the same day, February 20, but not together. This indicates each act will appear on the show one after the other. During the recording, each act sat down with host Lee Hyori for games, interviews, and more.

@lovenunubear

Cha Eunwoo’s perfect visual at KBS “Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet” 🔥🫠❤️‍🔥💯 #차은우 #CHAEUNWOO #Eunwoo #leedongmin #dongmin #ASTRO #아스트로 #facegenius #visualking #Entity #entitybychaeunwoo #entitychaeunwoo #staybychaeunwoo #stay #chaeunwoosolodebut #leehyorisredcarpet #leehyoriredcarpetshow #leehyoriredcarpet #foryoupage #fyp

♬ Skz 충돌collision speedup – 찌송

Lee Hyori and Uhm Junghwa were members of Refund Sisters, a project girl group formed on MBC’s Hangout With Yoo. They also did tvN’s Dancing Queens on the Road together. Audiences were thrilled to see them work so well with each other. That’s why their fans were happy to hear about Uhm Junghwa‘s upcoming appearance on Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet.

Meanwhile, fans of ENHYPEN and LE SSERAFIM who attended the recording shared spoilers on social media. An ENGENE revealed that ENHYPEN performed several songs, starting with a reprise of “Come 2 Me” by Uhm Junghwa, a track they originally covered for the 2023 Weverse Con Festival. Their performance included a special appearance by Uhm Junghwa herself, with ENHYPEN’s Sunghoon escorting her onstage halfway through the group’s performance. 

@strawberry_wchocolate

#ENHYPEN KBS Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet. #fyp

♬ What Makes You Beautiful (Instrumental Version) – Wedding Reception & Instrumental Wedding Music Zone & Wedding

What else did they do for Lee Hyori?

After that, they segued into a rock version of “Bite Me.” They also covered One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful,” which is reportedly set to be released on streaming services at 6:00 PM KST on Friday. However, their label, BELIFT LAB, has yet to confirm this. Finally, ENHYPEN’s eldest member, Heeseung, reportedly showed off his perfect pitch ability in a game with the show’s house band, impressing their leader by acing all their tests.

The LE SSERAFIM girls also showed off their talents during their sit-down with Lee Hyori. Leader Chaewon performed an acoustic version of Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More,” and Huh Yunjin sang her original composition “I ≠ DOLL” live on the show.

@lil_fearnot

kim chaewon kiss me more cover!❣️ #lesserafim #chaewon #redcarpet #makeitlookeasy #smart

♬ nhạc nền – 🦋 – Bluuu🦋

Lee Hyori’s Red Carpet is a talk show filled with music and stories designed to eliminate viewers’ worries and concerns. It airs every Friday night at 10:00 PM KST. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This episode will be a star-studded one, to say the least! Source: Instagram/@theseasons2023.

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ENHYPEN’s Jungwon Goes Viral for Sweet Interaction With a Fan

ENHYPEN‘s leader Jungwon is making waves on social media for his treatment of fans.

A South Korean netizen posted about her encounter with Jungwon outside the HYBE Labels building recently. As proof of her story, she shared a photo of the photocard she asked him to sign on social media, along with her account of what happened.

On X (formerly Twitter), the Jungwon fan account @jungwonglobal translated the netizen’s story. “OP said she met Jungwon in front of the HYBE building yesterday. When she called him and said she was an ENGENE, he came closer and gave her his autograph. He even greeted her with a fist bump.” This explains the signed photocard the netizen posted on her X account, which bore the username @wwxn28.

As if getting his autograph wasn’t a big enough coup, the fan was lucky enough to experience how sweet the “Sweet Venom” singer can really be. When the netizen handed Jungwon the photocard and a pen for him to sign it, their hands touched briefly. That’s when he offered to do something nice for her. “Jungwon said he would buy her a hot pack because her hands were cold. He even offered to buy her a meal because she had told him she hadn’t eaten. OP felt embarrassed, so she naturally said it was OK.”

Fans called Jungwon an ‘angel’

This act of kindness by the idol has impressed fans online, highlighting the reasons they adore him. Another X user commented, “This is the sweetest thing ever.” The story of this particular encounter has gone viral on social media, revealing Jungwon‘s true personality to the public. Fans were thrilled to hear about fellow ENGENEs meeting their favorite idol and expressed their joy at the kindness Jungwon showed.

With stories emerging from fans who have had chance encounters with him, the community praised him for treating them well. Many fans have also called him an “angel” for being kind to them, solidifying his reputation as a talented artist and a genuinely caring person. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: How can you not stan Jungwon after reading this story? Source: X/@honeywonietea.

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Bang Si-hyuk Arranged ENHYPEN’s ‘I Need U’ Cover for Spotify

For the 10th anniversary of Spotify’s K-Pop ON! (온) playlist, the BELIFT LAB boy group ENHYPEN recently unveiled their rendition of BTS’s “I Need U.” Their cover is markedly different from the original’s electronic synth sound. Instead, it’s an acoustic, almost serene take on the song, masterfully arranged by HYBE Labels’ chairman Bang Si-hyuk. This is notable because Bang PD had never granted any artist permission to release covers of BTS’s songs before. Therefore, ENHYPEN’s cover marks a first—and the significance of this milestone isn’t lost on the boys themselves. How can it be, when the song itself means a lot to them? 

In an interview released soon after the cover dropped, Heeseung, the group’s eldest member, shared his personal connection to the song. “I was much younger when I listened to this song for the first time, as you can imagine. My older brother would put this song on while he was preparing to go to school. I sort of woke up to this song every morning, so I grew up to be fond of it.”

“We decided to remake ‘I Need U’ for three reasons,” added ENHYPEN’s leader Jungwon. “It was meaningful because it marked the beginning of BTS sunbaenim’s The Most Beautiful Moment in Life series. We used to listen to it all the time. Some of us even performed this song on I-LAND. This was also the very first time HYBE chairman Bang PD-nim approved the recording and release of a cover. He even participated in the process. It was an honor for us to have him on board.”

ENHYPEN covers “I NEED U” by BTS | K-Pop ON! First Crush

ENHYPEN has learned a lot

ENHYPEN’s rendition of ‘I Need U’ is more mellow and incorporates elements of afrobeats. Sunghoon said this stylistic change is an opportunity for ENGENEs to see a new side of the septet. “Since this is a song that everybody knows and loves, I really want people to focus on what kind of spin we put on it.”

Jake revealed how they decided which member would sing which part. “What we usually do when we record is we go in one by one, sing the whole song, and the producer sort of chooses what lines would fit each member. When I went in to sing the whole thing, I was told that the second verse is going to be Ni-Ki’s so I didn’t get to sing that part.”

ENHYPEN tell us more about their cover of “I NEED U” by BTS | K-Pop ON! First Crush

This cover also presented a challenge for Sunoo, who sings a high-pitched note in the bridge. “I was concerned about it, but practiced a lot. Our own rendition is obviously meant to be different from the original, so I tried really hard to put my own style into it as well,” he shared.

ENHYPEN says they’ve learned a lot since coming together on the survival show I-LAND nearly four years ago. “We’ve done a lot of performances and we’ve become more professional. With this particular cover, we’ll be able to showcase how much we’ve grown,” declares Sunghoon.  Their take on ‘I Need U’ is now available for streaming on Spotify‘s K-Pop ON! (온) playlist. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ENHYPEN’s spin on the BTS classic is quite refreshing. Source: X/@kchartsmaster.

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