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Kim Jaejoong Set for First Variety Show Appearance in 15 Years

It has been a long time but 2024 is the year we’ll get to see Kim Jaejoong make a long-anticipated variety show appearance. The former TVXQ member has just been confirmed to appear in an upcoming episode of “Fun-staurant”!

Kim Jaejoong Confirms First Variety Show Appearance in 15 Years

Kim Jaejoong’s upcoming appearance on KBS2’s reality show “Fun-staurant” marks a significant milestone in his career, as it will be his first variety show appearance on a public broadcasting station in 15 years. The news has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, eager to see the multifaceted entertainer showcase his talents in a new setting.

Having recently completed filming for an episode of “Fun-staurant” on February 22, Kim Jaejoong’s participation in the show also signals a new chapter in his career trajectory. While details regarding the broadcast schedule are yet to be finalized, the confirmation of his involvement has already generated buzz and anticipation.

A Long Awaited Comeback to TV

Kim Jaejoong’s decision to join “Fun-staurant” underscores his commitment to diversifying his portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the entertainment industry. Despite facing challenges earlier in his career, including legal disputes with his former agency, he has also persevered and continued to pursue his passion for acting and music. His appearance on a public broadcasting variety program represents a significant step forward in reintegrating into the mainstream entertainment scene.

In a heartfelt message to his fans on the fan communication platform Fromm, Kim Jaejoong expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support, acknowledging their anticipation for his return to the public broadcasting arena. His dedication to making “smiley days filled with good memories” also reflects his sincere desire to connect with his audience and create meaningful experiences through his work.

“Fun-staurant” provides an ideal platform for Kim Jaejoong to showcase his culinary skills and creativity, as contestants introduce their special recipes to the judges. The competitive nature of the show, coupled with the opportunity for nationwide recognition of the winning recipe, also adds an exciting dimension to his participation.

As fans eagerly await the broadcast of Kim Jaejoong’s episode on “Fun-staurant,” anticipation continues to build surrounding his return to public broadcasting variety programs. With his talent, charisma, and determination, Kim Jaejoong is also poised to captivate audiences once again and leave a lasting impression on viewers across the country.

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Kim Jaejoong Calls Out Sasaengs, Asks Them to Stop the Obsessive Behavior

On Monday, January 22, Kim Jaejoong vented out about his sasaeng fans’ persistent stalking.

Through his personal Instagram account, the singer expressed his frustration about the obsessive behavior of these so-called stalker fans. For those who don’t know, sasaeng is a K-pop slang term used to refer to hardcore supporters who invade the artists’ personal space and private lives.

In a series of posts, the veteran idol exposed clips of “sasaeng taxis” fans’ use to stalk him. In his translated caption, Jaejoong wrote: “The drivers follow me relentlessly, saying that they do have to do what the passengers tell them to do.” 

In a detailed explanation, Jaejoong disclosed that these drivers profit off him by causing him emotional distress. He said that these “sasaeng taxis” wait at every section and coordinate with one another through radio, as if it was a mission to know his whereabouts.

According to the 37-year old singer, he still vividly recalls the frightening words of these sasaengs claiming that they will visit the wedding venue once Jaejoong gets married.

Furthermore, the former TVXQ member also revealed that it has been 20 years since he had these stalker fans. Since making his debut in 2004, Jaejoong shared that he had several unfortunate experiences with sasaengs. At one point, he disclosed, he even had to check the people behind him when eating, to ensure no one was trailing him.

After having enough of the emotional distress brought upon by these incidents, the idol asked the stalkers to stop this disturbing behavior.  “It’s been 20 years. Let’s put an end to this,” he said. 

Moreover, the singer also sent a warning to these sasaengs that he has obtained “footage” of their activities and will let law punish these offenders.

Aside from Jaejoong, other celebrities speak out against stalker fans

Aside from his personal experience, the idol also lamented on how it can be a common behavior among fans in the K-pop industry. With this, Jaejoong wished that none of his hoobaes or juniors would get to experience the disturbing practices of these obsessive fans.

Although Jaejoong courageously spoke against his stalkers and hoped no other celebrity goes through the same trouble, the sasaeng behavior is apparently a common problem within the Korean entertainment community. 

As such, the harassed idols and actors are then prompted to take the necessary legal measures

Recently, the notorious stalker of Apink’s Jeong Eunji was sentenced to prison after creeping up on the singer-actress since 2020.

Moreover, EXO members Baekhyun and Sehun also conveyed their annoyance towards these sasaeng acts. For instance, Baekhyun revealed that he was once visited by a sasaeng in his vocal lesson classes. Meanwhile, Sehun said that he approximately gets about 100 calls per day.

Following the numerous instances of celebrities getting stalked, agencies have promised to take the appropriate actions to protect their artists without showing leniency to the perpetrators.

Featured image: INKODE Entertainment releases new company profile photos of Jaejoong. Credit: Twitter/Kim Jaejoong

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SEVENTEEN’s Dino Reacts to Unexpected Dating Question

Dino had a hilarious reaction to being asked an unexpected dating question. The SEVENTEEN maknae was recently asked if he is seeing anyone and Lee Chan’s reaction endeared him even more to his fans!

Dino Reacts to Unexpected Dating Question

SEVENTEEN’s Dino recently appeared on Kim Jaejoong’s show “Jaefriends” where he became the center of attention for his candid response to a question about dating. Known for his exceptional skills as an all-around idol, Dino has captured the hearts of fans with his talents in vocals, rap, dance, visuals, and charisma since his debut.

During the episode, Kim Jaejoong playfully asked Dino about his dating experiences, a topic that often sparks curiosity and speculation in the K-pop industry. The question seemed to catch Dino off guard, evident in his confused reaction. With a seasoned approach gained from years in the industry, Dino diplomatically explained that he understands the feeling of “liking someone” without delving into specific details.

Jaejoong continued the light-hearted banter by revealing, “I’m currently dating someone. But my fans know.” The statement, a common trope in the K-pop world where idols humorously claim to be in a relationship with their fans, momentarily left Dino surprised. He quickly caught on and responded with a touch of humor, saying, “There was an answer you wanted to hear?” and then playfully shared that he is dating CARATs, SEVENTEEN’s dedicated fanbase.

Dating in the K-pop Industry

Dino’s adorable and genuine reaction to the unexpected dating question endeared him to fans even more. The lighthearted exchange showcased Dino’s down-to-earth personality and ability to navigate playful moments on variety shows. Netizens appreciated his sincerity and found the interaction between Dino and Jaejoong amusing, highlighting the human side of idols when faced with an unexpected dating question.

As SEVENTEEN continues to engage with fans through various media appearances, moments like these contribute to the group’s connection with audiences. Dino’s endearing response on “Jaefriends” adds to the list of memorable and relatable moments that fans cherish, further solidifying his status as an idol loved for both his talent and personality.

Dino is currently promoting his first solo mixtape ‘Wait’ and the single of the same name.

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JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong Shares Terrifying Sasaeng Stories From TVXQ! Days

Kim Jaejoong is one idol who has experienced the best and the worst in the K-pop industry. After all, the former TVXQ! member has been making music for over 12 years. So it’s no surprise that the JYJ member has some shocking tales to tell. Kim recently shared terrifying sasaeng stories from his time with TVXQ!

Former TVXQ! Member Kim Jaejoong Shares Horrifying Sasaeng Stories

In an episode of his online podcast, Kim Jaejoong shared some chilling experiences with sasaengs, the obsessive and invasive fans known for their extreme behavior in the world of K-Pop. During the broadcast, Kim read an alarming story from a listener who had returned home one day, only to find that their door was unlocked, causing panic. The listener couldn’t recall if they had locked it that morning. Upon hearing this story, the JYJ member instantly connected with the listener’s fear, as he had his own share of disturbing sasaeng stories.

Jaejoong revealed that he had received photo text messages featuring images of his living room, kitchen, and bedroom, with an unsettling detail: he was present in every photo. The sasaengs had somehow entered his home, snapped the pictures, and then left. The mystery of how they obtained his phone number only added to the terror he experienced. Following this incident, Jaejoong changed the locks on his doors to ensure his safety.

Another harrowing incident involved Jaejoong moving into a new apartment. To his shock, sasaeng fans managed to rent or purchase an apartment directly opposite his, even on the same floor. These individuals would watch him closely whenever he appeared on his terrace, invading his privacy and leaving him feeling trapped and vulnerable.

Jaejoong’s sasaeng stories spanned over 12 years before his life gradually returned to a sense of normalcy. While he is no longer tormented by sasaengs today, his ability to endure and overcome such invasive intrusions for more than a decade is a testament to his resilience and strength.

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‘Magic Lamp’ Featuring Seventeen’s Jeonghan and Dino Unveils Official Teaser

Get ready for another exciting show, CARATs! SEVENTEEN members Jeonghan and Dino are about to showcase their variety skills in the new travel series titled Magic Lamp.

But what makes the show even more exciting is they’ll be joined by several other Hallyu stars. Other cast members include Kim Jaejoong, Kanghee, Choi Seok Woon, Junpi, and Lee Joo Ahn. 

On Monday, September 18, the show unveiled the official teaser for Magic Lamp. In the 30-second teaser, fans are given a glimpse of how the seven celebrities bonded. 

For those unfamiliar, Magic Lamp is a travel reality program which follows the cast members on their “good-looking” drinking trip. The filming took place in Montpellier, France, which is known to be one of the best vacation spots in Europe. 

Moreover, Magic Lamp will have a total of 10 episodes and it will premiere on September 25. 

Meet the Magic Lamp cast

Prior to the trailer, the show has also been releasing individual posters for each character member. 

First is former TVXQ member Kim Jaejoong, who will lead his castmates as he’s the eldest in the group. In 2023, The 37-year old singer celebrated his 20th debut anniversary.

Another star who will take part in the show is actor Kanghee. He showed his charm in his appearances in the dramas Sky Castle, True Beauty, and Snowdrop. However, for Magic Lamp, he plans to showcase the entertainer side of him.

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan and Dino are already known for their humor in their own web series Going Seventeen. Unsurprisingly, the two idols are expected to showcase more of their skills in their first appearance in a travel reality program.

Also joining the team is singer-actor Choi Seok Won, who goes by the stage name Tan. In 2021, he debuted as a member of CIIPHER but left the group in August 2023. After that, he also kicked off his acting career with his guest appearance in the drama Ghost Doctor.

Lastly, musician and pianist Junpi and rising actor Lee Joo Ahn complete the cast.

With this unique lineup of cast, fans are already anticipating how the chemistry between the members will be in Magic Lamp. In Jaejoong’s Idol Radio appearance, he talked about how he got closer to Jeonghan and Dino while filming. Despite being awkward and unfamiliar at first, they said the cast members kept in touch even when the show wrapped up. 

As proof of their growing friendship, some of the Magic Lamp cast members also attended SEVENTEEN’s Follow concert in Seoul to support Jeonghan and Dino. 

Variety Gods SEVENTEEN

For CARATs, Magic Lamp is another addition to the growing list of variety shows they’ll have to keep track of in 2023. On top of the weekly Going Seventeen episodes. 

First was the already-concluded Bro Marble, which saw members Joshua and Hoshi. 

Then, Seungkwan is set to star in the Netflix survival show The Devil’s Plan. Its first episode will air on September 26.

Lastly, SEVENTEEN has also finished shooting Youth Over Flowers with the well-known producer Na Yeong-seok or Na PD. The 13-member group earned the opportunity to star in the travel variety show after winning a chance on Na PD’s Youtube program Game Caterers. As of writing, details about its release are yet to be announced.

Featured image: The cast members of Magic Lamp. Credit: Twitter/Magic Lamp

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Epik High’s Tablo Gets Real About Daughter Haru Collecting K-Pop Photocards, Albums

It seems like even veteran singer Tablo of Epik High can’t escape the K-pop collecting culture as he revealed that he almost got broke buying albums and photocards for his daughter Haru! 

Tablo was the guest in the July 28 episode of Jae Friends, a web show hosted by soloist Kim Jaejoong. In there, the two stars talked about how Hallyu wave grew over the years. 

 

The two started talking about how they first met, recalling how they both debuted in 2005. Tablo was with Epik High, while Jaejoong was under TVXQ, before he left the group and its agency SM Entertainment in 2009. 

 

Their conversation then transitioned to how K-pop is right now, wherein Tablo revealed that he knows a lot of recent songs. 

However, the rapper-songwriter couldn’t help but whine over one aspect: how expensive K-pop  is. 

Tablo on Haru’s fangirling 

The Epik High singer then joked that he almost went broke because he has spent a lot on buying K-pop merchandise for his daughter Haru. 

To be honest, I need to get something from this industry. The amount of money I’m spending on K-pop,” he said. 

Jaejoong then asked Tablo what K-pop groups Haru is a fan of. To which, he replied that she’s following BTS, Stray Kids, and SEVENTEEN. 

“She likes so many idol groups. Seriously, I’m not kidding. I have like a bunch of CDs. The employee selling the albums, that person could recognize who I am,” he shared. 

 

Additionally, Tablo pointed out the number of versions that albums have right now and their cost. He even teasingly blamed Jaejoong and TVXQ for making it a trend. 

“You guys have started that. You guys were the first one. But the stone you guys slightly rolled, it now became a huge rock. There are 20 versions just for one album,” he said. 

 

Meanwhile, Jaejoong was surprised at Tablo’s remarks, saying that fans could listen to the music on streaming platforms instead. “Is it necessary to buy a CD?” he asked. 

Tablo then quipped that it’s because he has to buy the photocards included in the album. “It’s also from you guys. Everything’s all because of you guys. With the amount of albums I’ve bought until now, I almost went bankrupt,” he said.  

The exchange quickly went viral on social media, with many fans agreeing to Tablo’s sentiments. Some also found it cute how supportive he is of Haru’s hobby, and shared that they’re curious about her K-pop merchandise collection. 

 

But in response to a tweet, Tablo jokingly implied that the merchandise might be for himself. “Funny that people think the photocards collection is for Haru,” he wrote. 

 

Haru is the 13- year-old daughter of Tablo with his wife Kang Hye Jung. Tablo previously appeared in the variety show The Return of Superman when Haru was still younger, but they left the show in 2014. 

Featured image: Epik High’s Tablo poses for a photo with daughter Haru. Credit: Instagram/Haru Lee

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Former TVXQ Member Kim Jaejoong Establishes New Agency

Kim Jaejoong is setting up his own agency. The former TVXQ member is establishing a new agency after leaving C-Jes Studios last April.

Kim Jaejoong Sets Up Own Agency After Departing From C-Jes Studios

Kim Jaejoong issued a statement confirming that he has set up a new agency. “I recently established the new agency iNKODE together with CEO Noh Hyun Tae, the former vice president of Cube Entertainment,” he said.

Jaejoong will serve as the head of iNKODE and will work on his own activities as an artist. However, he will also participate in the production of new artists as the CSO (Chief Strategy Officer) of the agency.

Kim Jaejoong intends to nurture rookie idols with iNKODE and he also plans to lead various businesses. This includes the management of K-pop artists and actors with great potential.

Kim’s business partner Noh Hyun Tae previously served as the vice president at Cube Entertainment. He is credited for the success of groups like BEAST and 4Minute. As CEO of iNKODE, Noh will focus on discovering and producing new artists who will lead the next generation of K-pop.

Kim Jaejoong is formerly known as Hero Jae-joong when he debuted with TVXQ in February 2004. In 2009, he and fellow band members Yoochun and Junsu left TVXQ to form their own group JYJ. They also signed with C-Jes Studios. Kim is also an established actor who is known for his work in “Heaven’s Postman”, “Protect the Boss”, and “Triangle”.

His most recent role was in the drama “Bad Memory Eraser” which also starred “Doctor Stranger” actress Jin Se-yeon. He left C-Jes Studios in April 2023 after 14 years of working under the agency.

Kim Jaejoong has not yet confirmed whether he will be releasing a new album soon. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Congratulations to Kim Jaejoong and Noh Hyun Tae on establishing their new agency iNKODE!

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