Categories
K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

KBS Apologizes for Culture Heritage Damage While Filming

KBS has issued a public apology following allegations of damage caused to a cultural heritage site during the filming of its upcoming drama “The First Night With the Duke” (working title).

KBS Issues Apology for Cultural Heritage Damage During Filming of ‘The First Night With the Duke’

On January 2, a netizen raised concerns on social media, revealing that nails had been driven into Andong Byeongsan Seowon, a historic Confucian academy designated as Historic Site No. 260 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This sparked widespread criticism over the preservation of Korea’s cultural heritage.

Later that day, Andong City Hall confirmed that filming permission had been granted for the site. However, they emphasized, “The conditions of the permit explicitly state, ‘The installation of additional structures and any actions that may damage the cultural heritage within the protected area are prohibited,’ and, ‘Filming must be conducted in a manner that does not affect the safety and preservation of the cultural heritage.’”

In response, KBS issued an official apology.

“The production team had obtained permission to film at Andong Byeongsan Seowon at the end of last year. However, during the process of setting up props, a visitor at the site raised objections, questioning how nails could be driven into a cultural heritage site to hang props,” the statement read.

“Regardless of the reasons, KBS recognizes the seriousness of the situation that occurred on-site and deeply regrets what has happened,” it continued. “We are currently working to fully understand the details of the incident and are discussing the best possible methods for restoration.”

“The First Night With the Duke” is a highly anticipated romance fantasy drama. It follows the story of an ordinary college student who finds her soul transported into a minor character within a romance novel, leading to an unexpected romantic entanglement with the obsessive male lead. The drama stars Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun and 2PM’s Taecyeon.

KBS pledged to address the issue and ensure better oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

EXO Xiumin Confirmed to Host New Idol Survival Show ‘MAKE MATE 1’

Fans of EXO and K-pop enthusiasts alike were thrilled to learn that Xiumin, a beloved member of the iconic group EXO, will take on the role of MC for KBS’s highly anticipated idol audition program, “MAKE MATE 1.”

INB100 Confirms Xiumin Will Host Survival Show ‘MAKE MATE 1’

This announcement, made by Xiumin’s new agency INB100 on March 29, sent waves of excitement through the K-pop community, sparking anticipation for the upcoming show.

“MAKE MATE 1” is poised to be a groundbreaking idol survival program, offering 36 talented contestants the opportunity to compete for a coveted spot in a new boy group. As the sole MC of the show, Xiumin will play a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring the contestants as they navigate the challenges and trials of the competition.

Xiumin’s journey from an ordinary high school student to a global K-pop star resonates deeply with many aspiring idols. His humble beginnings and hard work also serve as a source of inspiration for contestants who are embarking on their own paths to stardom. With his firsthand experience in the industry, Xiumin is also well-equipped to offer valuable insights and support to the aspiring idols, nurturing their growth and helping them realize their dreams.

In a statement, Xiumin expressed his dedication to supporting the contestants, also emphasizing his desire to provide guidance and encouragement to help them succeed. His commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment also reflects his genuine passion for mentoring and nurturing the next generation of idols.

The premiere of “MAKE MATE 1” in May promises to be a momentous occasion for fans and contestants alike. As viewers eagerly await the start of the show, they can also look forward to witnessing Xiumin’s warmth, charisma, and expertise in action as he leads the contestants on their journey to debut. With Xiumin at the helm, “MAKE MATE 1” is also poised to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling, dynamic performances, and unforgettable moments, shaping the future of K-pop for years to come.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

KBS and Makestar Collaborate on New Boy Group Survival Show

KBS is collaborating with Makestar on a new boy group survival show. According to Ilgan Sports, the show, tentatively titled MakeMateOne, is set to air as early as May 2024. Its goal is to create a new global boy group. This initiative is KBS’s first foray into the survival show genre since 2018’s The Unit, which formed a girl group called UNI.T.

MakeMateOne is expected to form a boy group consisting of six or seven members, though the final number has yet to be confirmed. The contestants have already moved into their dorms and are preparing for their performances. This indicates that production on the show is well underway.

Makestar isn’t new to managing artists, but their clients have all been actors, like Park Hae Il and Soo Ae. They first announced plans to launch a boy group in October 2023, saying they recruited top K-pop experts to help them in their goal. This partnership with KBS signifies that they’re serious about branching out into managing idol groups.

About the company behind ‘MakeMateOne’

Makestar began operating in 2015 as a crowdfunding platform. It bridged the gap between K-pop fans and their favorites, allowing fans to invest in albums and other projects. This innovative approach has  generated significant revenue from overseas markets. It also gave fans a more meaningful and personal connection to their biases.

With operations spanning 134 countries, including major markets such as China, Europe, Japan, and the US, Makestar’s sales increased by 175% in 2021 compared to the previous year. The company has executed over 1,560 projects involving more than 580 stars and maintains partnerships with over 400 agencies in Korea. The company is planning to expand its focus to include beauty, fashion, and more. Their ultimate goal is to contribute significantly to the spread of Korean culture worldwide. 

Now, with MakeMateOne, Makestar will take a turn at making its own idol group, promising to bring something new to the K-pop scene. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Production on ‘MakeMateOne’ has already started. Will you tune in? Source: X/@kpopplanetofc.

Categories
KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

Young K Will Return As DJ For ‘DAY6’s Kiss the Radio’

Young K is resuming his favorite day job. The DAY6 singer has been confirmed to return as the DJ of KBS Cool FM’s “Kiss the Radio” program.

Young K Confirmed To Return as DJ For KBS Cool FM’s ‘DAY6’s Kiss The Radio’

KBS made an official announcement about Young K’s return to the popular radio program. “DAY6’s Young K will be the DJ of ‘Kiss the Radio’ starting from Monday, June 19,” the broadcaster announced.

A representative from KBS further added that the broadcaster is eager to bring Young K back as soon as possible.

As a legendary DJ of ‘Kiss the Radio,’ Young K has shown stable hosting skills,” they said. “He is also a musician that is well recognized through his diverse works in music.”

“Likewise, with his solid hosting skills and wittiness, we’re confident that Young K will be able to show his unique charm by comfortably communicating with not only senior and junior musicians but also all the listeners.”

It’s clear that KBS Cool FM is eager to bring back Young K for “Kiss the Radio”. Although the DAY6 bassist is only one of several past DJs on the program, he proved to be the most popular. However, Young K had to leave the radio show when he enlisted for military service in 2021.

Kang Young Hyun’s first run as the “Kiss the Radio” DJ was from November 2020 to October 2021. He enlisted for mandatory military service by serving in the Korean Augmentation To the United States Army (KATUSA).

During his enlistment, BTOB’s Minhyuk and “Dream High 2” actor Jeong Jinwoon took over as the radio program’s DJ. Jinwoon will serve as the special DJ for the first week of June.

For now, DAY6 has not yet shared any plans for a comeback. Keyboardist Wonpil is still serving in the military and will not be discharged until November 27, 2023.

Exit mobile version