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Sandara Park, Gikwang, Lee Dae Hwi to Host ‘DNAcers: Global K-Dance Project’

On February 19, it was confirmed that K-pop stars Sandara Park, Gikwang, and Lee Dae Hwi will be the hosts for the newest dance competition program DNAcers: Global K-Dance Project.

According to a report by KoreaJoongAngDaily, the show will “oversee top K-pop dancers duking it out in dance battles and street performances in Las Vegas.” 

Apart from being the hosts of the show, the three K-pop idols will also play as the dancers’ managers. For those unaware, Sandara was a former member of the now-disbanded girl group 2NE1, Gikwang is a member of the boy group Highlight, while Daehwi is from the boy group AB6IX.

What we know about DNAcers: Global K-Dance Project

Bringing the South Korean talent in a global scale, the DNAcers show will feature the finest dancers from the industry to compete against international dancers. Moreover, the competition will only span 10 days.

In their teaser, the show gave a glimpse of the numerous performances showcased by the participants. Notably, renowned choreographers and dancers in the likes of Aiki, Lip J, Ri.hey and Harimu will battle against the local dance groups and street performers in the city. Previously, they all gained recognition for their participation in the hit reality program Street Woman Fighter

Moreover, what makes the show even more exciting is the surprise appearance of BTS’s J-Hope, who’s widely recognized for his outstanding dance skills. In DNAcers, the K-pop superstar will be participating as a special messenger who will give out the missions to the contestants.

Furthermore, the show will also be composed of a talented production team led by veteran music program producer Song Gwang Jong. Throughout his career, Song produced a number of hit shows including the third and fourth season of Hidden Singer, and the reality series Begin Again.

The first two episodes of  DNAcers will be released on Monday, February 26, via the streaming service TVing. 

Featured image: Sandara Park, Gikwang, and Lee Daehwi are the hosts of ‘DNAcers.’ Credit: YouTube/DNAcers

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DARA Says 2NE1 Fans Transferred to New Fandoms Following Disbandment

Sandara Park has opened up about the state of her group’s fandom, revealing that BLACKJACKs started supporting other groups. According to Dara, 2NE1 fans began turning their support for other idol group’s after her own group was disbanded in 2016.

Dara Discusses 2NE1 Fans Moving To New Fandoms

On November 10, Dara made a special appearance on BamBam’s YouTube talk show “Bam House” where they engaged in a heart-to-heart conversation. During their discussion, Dara openly shared her thoughts about her fanbase and the changes it has undergone over the years.

She reflected on the size of her fandom today compared to her time with 2NE1. This led to her expressing concerns, particularly because all the former 2NE1 members now belong to different entertainment labels. Dara was worried about the challenges this diversity posed to the group’s fanbase.

The fandom has significantly diminished,” she said. “Because our group parted away and there are fans who moved to other groups’ (fandoms).

However, BamBam, who recently reunited with his fellow GOT7 members despite their different labels, provided encouragement. He explained that while it was challenging, he and JB took the initiative to bring the group back together and suggested a similar approach for Dara. He proposed the idea of creating a group chat room and leading the reformation, believing it would be a fantastic and enjoyable endeavor.

Dara acknowledged that some fans had indeed transferred their support to other groups, with many moving to BLACKPINK. She explained that fans who appreciated 2NE1’s style found a similar vibe in BLACKPINK’s music and performances.

Despite this, BamBam offered comforting words. He expressed his belief that if 2NE1 were to make a comeback, regardless of how many fans had transferred or the current state of fan activity, their dedicated supporters would reunite and rally around the group once more.

Sandara Park has since signed with Abyss Company and recently released her self-titled album.

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Gugudan’s Mimi and MBLAQ’s Thunder Look Lovely in Pre-wedding Photos

Wedding bells are soon to ring for celebrity couple, former Gugudan member Mimi and former MBLAQ member Thunder

In their respective social media accounts, both idols gave a glimpse of their pre-wedding photoshoot. Additionally, the couple also expressed their joy and gratitude for the immense support they’ve received for their relationship. 

“After publicly revealing our relationship on TV this summer, we’ve been receiving many congratulations and words of support. We are truly grateful and have been living each day with happiness,” she said. 

Mimi also extended her thanks to Thunder’s older sisters, who also participated in the photoshoot, for their unwavering support, even amidst their busy schedules. She then fondly referred to herself as the “maknae” (the youngest sibling) of the Park family. 

In response to Mimi’s post, Sandara Park, Thunder’s sister, playfully embraced her new role as a sister-in-law and wished for a close sisterly bond with Mimi in the future.

Meanwhile, Thunder couldn’t help but be captivated by Mimi‘s beauty during their shoot. “Mimi looked so beautiful in her dress that I couldn’t focus on the shoot because I was busy looking at her. It was a happy day,” he said.

In the comments section of Thunder‘s post, Sandara also expressed her joy at witnessing her little brother fall in love and conveyed her best wishes for the couple to build a happy family together.

Thunder and Mimi’s Relationship

In July, the former MBLAQ rapper and former Gugudan singer revealed that they had been in a relationship for four years. At the time, both penned heartfelt letters on their respective Instagram accounts to announce their commitment to spend their lives together.

Moreover, Thunder proposed to Mimi during an episode of the variety show Second House 2, sealing the heartfelt moment with a kiss.

Thunder debuted as an MBLAQ member in 2009 but later left the group in 2014. Since then, he has pursued a solo career, releasing multiple albums and a hip-hop single. Meanwhile, Mimi made her debut as a Gugudan member in 2016. But the group became inactive in 2019 and officially disbanded in December 2020. 

Featured image: MBLAQ’s Thunder and Gugudan’s Mimi during their pre-wedding shoot. Credit: Instagram/Mimi

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GOT7’s BamBam Convinced Sandara Park To Sign With Abyss Company

BamBam and Sandara Park have been really great friends for some time now. After all, the GOT7 member and the 2NE1 rapper have both signed to ABYSS Company since 2021. However, it looks like BamBam made DARA’s move to the agency possible. The Thai idol revealed that he was the reason why the “Festival” singer joined the company in the first place!

Sandara Park Confirms BamBam Influenced Her Into Signing With His New Company

BamBam and Sandara Park made a delightful appearance on the September 8, 2023 episode of SBS Power FM’s “Cultwo Show” where they shared an intriguing anecdote about their friendship and collaboration. During the episode, Sandara recounted the pivotal moment when she decided to sign with ABYSS Company.

When Sandara met with ABYSS Company’s CEO to discuss the contract, she was pleasantly surprised by his companion, BamBam. In a playful and influencer-like manner, BamBam enthusiastically encouraged Sandara to sign, exclaiming, “It’s great. [Sign] it!” His support and conviction played a pivotal role in reassuring Sandara as she put pen to paper.

Their camaraderie has since blossomed into a close friendship. As MCs and guests on various occasions, they grew even closer, sharing moments like enjoying Chinese liquor together. BamBam and Sandara’s connection serves as a testament to the bonds that can form within the entertainment industry, transcending labels and fostering genuine friendships.

Dara debuted with 2NE1 in May 2009. She was the first member of the group to release a solo single “Kiss” (feat. CL) which was used for a Cass Beer promotional campaign. After 2NE1 disbanded in November 2016, Dara signed a solo contract with YG Entertainment. However, she did not release any solo music and later joined ABYSS Company in 2021.

In January 2021, BamBam left JYP Entertainment following the expiration of his contract. He later signed with ABYSS Company, releasing his first solo album ‘Sour & Sweet’ in March 2023.

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Sandara Park and More K-Pop Stars Wear Traditional Filipino Clothing in ‘Idol Truck’

Sandara Park might be a global K-pop star, but her popularity knows no bounds in the Philippines. And her fame in the country was again proven in the variety show Idol Truck. 

For starters, Sandara was already a household name in the Philippines before she was even launched as a member of girl group 2NE1. 

Her showbiz career started in 2004 after joining the talent competition show Star Circle Quest. Despite finishing as a runner-up, Sandara pursued an acting career in the Philippines. She also starred in numerous Filipino films and TV projects. 

 

Eventually, she moved back to South Korea and debuted under YG Entertainment in 2009. 

Even though she’s been primarily based in South Korea, Sandara continues to visit the Philippines and even showcased how fluent she is in Tagalog. 

 

Filipinos’ love for Sandara 

For Idol Truck, Sandara and other Korean celebrities are tasked to sell products from small and medium-sized businesses in the area they visit. 

Joining Sandara in the team Philippines were WINNER’s Jinu, NU’EST’s Aron and JR, and DINDIN. 

Even before they left South Korea, Sandara was already assuring her teammates that they only had to trust her for their mission. She even joked that she was the third most popular person in the Philippines, following former president Rodrigo Duterte and athlete Manny Pacquiao.  

 

In the episode, the Korean stars were shocked that many Filipino fans were already waiting for Sandara when they arrived at the airport. 

The show was filmed in Clark, Pampanga in June. Videos of the celebrities visiting local fast food chains, cafes, and markets also circulated on social media. 

 

But what many Filipino fans find endearing is that the Korean stars also wore Filipino traditional clothing. 

 

Many of the comments under Instagram’s post wrote their admiration for the group and how much they enjoyed the show. 

Featured image: Several K-pop stars went to the Philippines for ‘Idol Truck.’ Credit: Instagram/DARA

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Sandara Park Confirms Solo Album For July Release

Sandara Park is finally ready for her next solo album. The former 2NE1 member confirmed she is releasing a new album in July. This will be Dara’s first music release since leaving YG Entertainment in 2021.

ABYSS Company Announces Sandara Park Solo Debut Set For July

Abyss Company confirmed the news. “Sandara Park is preparing for a new album [aiming to be released] in July,” the agency said in a statement.

The company also revealed that the schedule has not yet been finalized. “We will inform you later when [the details] are decided,” they stated.

This is welcome news for BLACKJACKs. Sandara Park is the only member of 2NE1 who has not released solo music since leaving YG Entertainment. Needless to say, it’s a solo album that fans have been waiting for since 2021.

Dara debuted with 2NE1 in May 2009. She was the first member of the group to release a solo single “Kiss” (feat. CL) which was used for a Cass Beer promotional campaign. After 2NE1 disbanded in November 2016, Dara signed a solo contract with YG Entertainment. However, she did not release any solo music.

In May 2021, YG Entertainment confirmed that Dara did not renew her contract with the company. Dara had been working as a solo artist appearing in variety shows and musicals. In September 2021, Abyss Company announced that Sandara Park has signed an exclusive contract with the agency.

But what can we expect in Dara’s solo album? The details have not yet been revealed. However, the “Love Love Love” singer had previously teased the concept.

“I will give big spoiler!!! The concept of my album will be ‘Sandara Park’,” Dara tweeted.

When a fan asked if the album will have “tropical vibes”, Dara played coy.

Hmmm maybe?! But different tropical vibes with winner babies,” she wrote, referring to WINNER’s summery concept for their album ‘Everyday’.

“They got this tropical vibe that I love!!! like island! but i’ll do it Sandara style hehe,” Dara added.

Abyss Company has not yet announced Sandara Park’s solo album release date. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Sandara Park Shows Off BIGBANG G-Dragon’s Limited-Edition Gift

Sandara Park got an awesome gift from her good friend G-Dragon. The 2NE1 member showed off the cool present she received from the BIGBANG leader. However, she also hilariously confirmed a major mistake in the limited-edition merchandise.

Sandara Park Pokes Fun At Major Error in G-Dragon’s Expensive Gift

Back in March, G-Dragon dropped some new merchandise in his ongoing PEACEMINUSONE x Nike partnership. The Nike Kwondo 1 takes inspiration from the BIGBANG leader’s legal name, taekwondo, and the brand’s “Just Do It” slogan.

Since the release, G-Dragon had sent Sandara Park a pair of Nike Kwondo 1 as well as related merchandise. Sandara recently snapped photos of the gifts from her favorite dongsaeng and shared them with her fans on her social media accounts.

Dara was clearly happy with the gifts and proudly showed off the presents. However, she soon realized that there was a huge error in the clothes. The present had been personalized with the 2NE1 member’s name embroidered on the sash. However, it actually reads “Sandari Park”.

Sandara Park immediately poked fun at her friend by sharing the mistake on her Instagram story. “Jiyong-ah … Sa … Sandari Park,” she wrote before adding the laughing emoji.

It’s great to see that the friendship between Dara and G-Dragon is still strong and they can easily laugh about little mistakes. With that in mind, both BLACKJACKs and VIPs were happy to see the cool interaction between the two.

In related news, G-Dragon also teased that he is preparing for a comeback.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you that I’m currently preparing for a project that makes my heart flutter in many ways. Although I can’t go into detail about the current status of the project… I can tell you that several things are underway. I’m working on it step by step,” Kwon Jiyong told Harper’s Bazaar in March.

Sandara Park recently confirmed she is working on new music and will release an album soon.

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