Two years after her first album XOXO, which contained the viral single Dumb Dumb, Jeon Somi is finally back with a new EP: Game Plan. The EP was released on the 7th of August and contains five tracks, including the title track Fast Forward, which has already gained much attention with its catchy rhythm and intoxicating choreography.
Let's take a better look at each track, but first, a brief introduction to Somi's career and life. If you want to know more about Jeon Somi's career, keep reading this article, and if you want to be updated about your favorite K-pop idols or K-dramas, check out the other articles on Daebak.co! If you cannot travel to Korea this year but want to have a piece of Korea with you, check out the Daebak Shop!
Jeon Somi holds three different citizenships: Canadian, Korean, and Dutch, since she is the daughter of a mixed couple. She was even playfully nicknamed "Power Passport Girl" since she could use any of her three passports depending on what country she will go to.
Somi is well known for participating in reality survival shows, including Sixteen and Produce 101. Sixteen's final lineup debuted as the well-known group TWICE, and unfortunately, Somi was eliminated in the final round. Fortunately, on her second try on Produce 101, she ranked first and became a part of the final lineup of the group IOI. The group activities lasted around one year between 2016 and 2017.
She was supposed to debut under JYP and be part of ITZY, but she decided to sign with The Black Label, and her spot was allegedly given to Yuna. She debuted under The Black Label in 2019 with the single Birthday and has since steadily secured a place for herself in the K-pop industry, becoming one of the most-known solo artists on the scene.
The first track on the album is a simple rap track in which Jeon Somi shows off not only her rapping skills but also her wealth:
In my pocket, small change is dancing
Mouth full of gold, my smile is dazzling
THE BLACK is what I rep, the check is what I get
My exes are in the rearview mirror of 964
Zoom, zoom, start the engine
Cross the line, cut it like a knife
This wealth fortune is endless, making endless
I want it all, I'm out of line
A great rap track that flows easily on your tongue!
In the title track, Jeon Somi talks to her future lover, lamenting how much effort and how many struggles she had to go through just to meet them:
How many lovers do I go through to find you?
How many heartbreaks I take just to get to you?
How many lovers do I go through to find you?
How many? (One), How many? (Two), How many?
What makes this track special is not only the electro rhythm or Jeon Somi's unique voice. Its best feature is, for sure, the choreography, which mixes voguing and waacking among various dance genres.
Trust me this song will get stuck in your head!
The third track's lyrics are very different from those of the title track, here Somi, in fact, is cursing her ex-lover who betrayed her:
Don't you dare to dream of me anymore
'Cause you really fucked up
Don't be mistaken for me as a loner
'Cause I'm with your friend
What have you been up to now?
Steal a look into my account?
I've never seen you, even if you lie
It's obvious to her
For the fourth track, Jeon Somi once again switches to a sweet love song whose bit is perfect to listen to during these last few weeks of summer.
Here are some of the lyrics:
I'm patiently glaring at you
Give me a bursting hug, baby, right now
Take me to the sky where you live
Don't leave at my side even for a bit
I'm your ocean, baby, you're my sky
The fish in my heart flies towards you
Don't narrow the distance
Let's meet near our haze
This track closes the album perfectly with its melancholic vibe and sad heartbreak lyrics:
If I had known that sunrise would've turned rain in the afternoon
I would've never showed up
If I had known the blue skies would have turned gray
Then the honeymoon would have never meant so much
Jeon Somi's voice also fits this vibe perfectly since she has a raspy soft voice. The Way is another perfect song for a too-short album!
Game Plan, with its five tracks, offers a great variety to those who listen to it, starting with a rap hip-hop vibe and finishing off with a melancholic pop ballad perfect for your Karaoke night at a Norebang! If you like the album, check it out on our website, and if you are a fan of Jeon Somi, let us know in the comments what is your favorite song among her releases so far.
Welcome to the enchanted realm of Korean celebrity sightings – the ultimate guide to rubbing shoulders with your favorite stars!
If you've ever dreamed of catching a glimpse of K-drama heartthrobs or K-pop idols, you've come to the right place. Korea, a bustling hub of entertainment, offers a treasure trove of locations where the magic of stardom comes to life.
From trendy cafes to hip neighborhoods that buzz with celebrity charm, we're about to spill the beans on the most coveted spots for celeb spotting. So, grab your binoculars as we reveal the ultimate guide to K-celeb spotting! 🌟🕶️
MBC, short for Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, stands tall as the leading broadcaster in South Korea, boasting its headquarters in the vibrant and bustling Digital Media City (DMC) located in Mapo District, Seoul. This thriving media hub serves as the epicenter of the nation's entertainment industry, hosting a myriad of state-of-the-art broadcast production facilities that easily outshine any others in the country.
The fame of MBC extends far beyond its exceptional broadcasting capabilities, for within its premises lies a captivating allure that attracts a multitude of fans and enthusiasts. As numerous recordings, shows, and events unfold within the walls of MBC, it has earned a reputation as an extraordinary hotspot for celebrity sightings. It is not uncommon to spot some of Korea's most beloved entertainers, comedians, and even the dazzling Kpop idol groups that have captured the hearts of millions.
The address to this location is MBC Building, 267 Seongam-ro, Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Cheongdam-dong, located in the southern part of Seoul, is an upscale and chic district renowned for its luxurious boutiques, high-end fashion stores, and upscale entertainment companies. The area exudes an air of sophistication and wealth, attracting affluent residents and visitors alike. Many celebrities live in this area, and you might spot them while shopping or dining.
As you stroll amidst the boutiques and dine in the finest eateries, you have a fair chance to spot a beloved celebrity, adding an air of excitement and allure to the district. It's not uncommon for passersby to find themselves rubbing shoulders with famous actors, musicians, or idols as they go about their daily activities.
The address to this location is Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
If you're a K-pop fan, you might want to visit the SMTOWN Coex Artium in Gangnam. It's a complex dedicated to SM Entertainment artists, and you might catch a glimpse of some K-pop stars there. As you step into this K-pop paradise, you'll find yourself surrounded by a plethora of exhibits, installations, and memorabilia, all paying homage to the sensational performers who have captured hearts across the globe. But the real allure lies not only in the captivating displays but also in the prospect of encountering K-pop stars in the flesh.
For lucky visitors, the SMTOWN Coex Artium occasionally hosts thrilling fan meetings, autograph sessions, and exclusive special events. These rare occasions grant passionate fans the extraordinary opportunity to witness their favorite idols up close and personal, making for unforgettable memories that will be cherished forever.
The address to this location is 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06164 South Korea.
Soul Cup Cafe is located on the first floor of the JYP building and often attracts gatherings of fans eagerly anticipating a glimpse of their beloved idols when they visit the training center for practice. The cafe has become a popular spot for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite JYP K-Pop stars. As the cafe doors swing open, the atmosphere brims with a sense of community, with fans bonding over their shared adoration for the talented artists nurtured by JYP Entertainment.
Additionally, Soul Cup Cafe occasionally welcomes Korean celebrities who drop by for collaborations, making it an even more exciting place for potential celebrity sightings.For devoted fans, a visit to this enchanting cafe becomes a quest for that magical moment when they lock eyes with their cherished JYP K-pop idol, exchanging smiles or perhaps even sharing a brief conversation. IIf you're keen on spotting your cherished JYP K-Pop idol, paying a visit to Soul Cup Cafe could offer you a promising opportunity.
The address to this location is 29 Sincheon-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Situated in Jorye-dong, Suncheon, this expansive location stands as South Korea's largest film set. It boasts three villages, each showcasing distinct architectural styles from different eras spanning the 1950s to the 1970s, totaling around 200 houses. Visitors are granted the freedom to explore the film set, eagerly searching for spots where iconic scenes from their beloved shows were once shot. Movies such as "A Werewolf Boy" and "Gangnam Blues” were filmed in this location. Even the popular variety show "Running Man" has ventured to this location to record an episode.
The address to this location is 24 Biryegol-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
One Million Dance studio is another iconic place to see your kpop idols. This acclaimed dance studio holds a special place in the hearts of K-pop idols, as many of them partake in individual lessons with esteemed choreographers and dancers and there are many instances where idols just drop by to join classes with students from time to time.
The studio's reputation for excellence in dance has drawn the attention of several renowned idol groups, further enhancing its status as a hotspot for celebrity sightings. Famous groups such as Purple Kiss, WJSN The Black, MAMAMOO, and EVERGLOW, have all graced the floors of One Million Dance Studio for dance practices.
For those who yearn to catch a glimpse of their cherished Korean celebrities, this dance studio offers a unique and captivating opportunity. As you immerse yourself in the world of dance, you might just find yourself sharing the same space as your idols, learning new choreography side by side with the very stars who have inspired you.
The address to this location is 33 Ttukseom-ro 13-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Nonetheless, it is essential to bear in mind that celebrities are entitled to their personal space and should not be approached or bothered inappropriately. Therefore, visitors are strongly encouraged to maintain a respectful distance and appreciate the experience accordingly.
BT21 characters have captured the hearts of millions worldwide with their adorable designs and unique personalities. Created by the popular South Korean boy band BTS in collaboration with LINE Friends, these lovable characters represent the seven BTS members, each with distinctive traits. Together we’ll explore the delightful world of RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, KOYA, CHIMMY, TATA, COOKY, and VAN, shedding light on their personalities and the inspiration behind their creation.
Personality Trait: Empathetic
RJ, the soft and fluffy alpaca, represents BTS's Jin. With his big round eyes and warm smile, RJ embodies empathy and kindness. RJ's gentle nature and soothing presence make him the perfect comforter and listener. His ability to understand and connect with others helps ease tensions and foster strong bonds among his friends. RJ teaches us the importance of compassion and being a good friend.
Jin is known for his kind and caring personality within BTS, often called the "eomma" (mom) due to his nurturing nature. This is perfectly mirrored in the character RJ, the kind-hearted alpaca. Both Jin and RJ share a sense of empathy and compassion, always looking out for their friends and making sure everyone is comfortable and happy. Jin's comforting presence and wise advice make him an essential pillar of support for BTS, just as RJ provides warmth and comfort to the BT21 universe.
Personality Trait: Playful
SHOOKY, the mischievous and feisty cookie, symbolizes BTS's Suga. This energetic character may appear small and innocent, but beneath that cute facade lies a playful trickster. SHOOKY enjoys pranks and embraces the joy of mischief, adding humor and excitement to any situation. With a devilish grin, SHOOKY teaches us to find delight in the little things and never take life too seriously.
Suga may have a challenging and stoic exterior, but a mischievous and playful side lies beneath it. SHOOKY, the mischievous cookie, brilliantly represents this aspect of his personality. Suga's witty humor and sharp tongue often lead to humorous moments within BTS, much like SHOOKY's playful and devilish antics in the BT21 universe. Both Suga and SHOOKY demonstrate that there's more to them than meets the eye, adding complexity to their characters.
Personality Trait: Ambitious
MANG, the dancing horse passionate about music, represents BTS's J-Hope. With his vibrant moves and lively spirit, MANG symbolizes ambition and determination. MANG is always ready to dance to the rhythm of life and encourages others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. His infectious enthusiasm uplifts everyone around him, inspiring him to pursue one's passions.
J-Hope is the sunshine of BTS, always radiating positivity and energy. His love for dance and music is evident in his performances, which MANG, the ambitious dancing horse, symbolizes perfectly. J-Hope's passionate and ambitious nature aligns well with MANG's energetic and lively spirit. J-Hope and MANG encourage others to chase their dreams and find joy in pursuing their passions.
Personality Trait: Wise
KOYA, the wise and gentle koala, embodies the wisdom of BTS's RM. KOYA symbolizes intelligence and deep insight with his sleepy demeanor and thoughtful eyes. KOYA encourages contemplation and introspection, reminding us of the significance of learning and growing as individuals. His calm and collected presence makes him an excellent problem-solver and a beacon of knowledge.
As the leader of BTS, RM exudes wisdom and intelligence, qualities that are mirrored in the character KOYA, the wise koala. RM's deep thoughts and philosophical insights resemble KOYA's contemplative nature. Both RM and KOYA embody the spirit of learning and self-improvement, inspiring others to seek knowledge and grow.
Personality Trait: Energetic
CHIMMY, the lively and spirited puppy, represents BTS's Jimin. Bursting with boundless energy, CHIMMY never fails to spread happiness and enthusiasm wherever he goes. His bright smile and playful nature make him an instant mood lifter.
Jimin's adorable and playful personality is epitomized in CHIMMY, the energetic puppy. Jimin brightens any room with his infectious smile and boundless energy, just like CHIMMY does in the BT21 universe. Jimin and CHIMMY are known for bringing joy and happiness to those around them, making them beloved members of their respective worlds
Personality Trait: Curious
TATA, the curious alien with a heart-shaped face, symbolizes BTS's V (Taehyung). As a visitor from outer space, TATA represents boundless curiosity and wonder about the world. Always exploring and seeking new experiences, TATA teaches us to stay curious and open-minded. With his unique perspective, he encourages us to appreciate the beauty of diversity and embrace our individuality.
V's unique and artistic personality is beautifully portrayed in TATA, the curious alien with a heart-shaped face. V's creativity and appreciation for art align with TATA's curiosity about the world. Both V and TATA encourage embracing individuality and appreciating the beauty of diversity, reminding others to stay open-minded and see the world from different perspectives.
Personality Trait: Determined
COOKY, the rigid yet adorable bunny, represents BTS's Jungkook. With a never-give-up attitude and a strong will, COOKY symbolizes determination and resilience. Despite his cute appearance, COOKY is a force to be reckoned with, never backing down from challenges. He inspires us to face obstacles head-on and strive for personal growth.
Jungkook's determination and competitive nature are perfectly reflected in COOKY, the tough yet adorable bunny. Jungkook's drive to overcome challenges and improve himself resonates with COOKY's never-give-up attitude. Both Jungkook and COOKY remind us of the importance of perseverance and personal growth, inspiring others to chase their dreams fearlessly.
Personality Trait: Nurturing
VAN, the mysterious robot character, represents the BTS ARMY (the fans). As a guardian and protector, VAN watches over the BT21 universe, emphasizing the nurturing and caring nature of the BTS fandom. VAN reminds us of the strong bond between BTS and their fans, illustrating the power of love and support in overcoming obstacles.
As the guardian and protector of the BT21 universe, VAN symbolizes the nurturing and caring nature of the BTS ARMY, the devoted fans of BTS. The BTS ARMY plays a significant role in supporting and uplifting the members, just as VAN looks after the BT21 characters. The strong bond between BTS and their fans is beautifully depicted through the character VAN, showcasing the power of love and support in this special relationship.
BT21 characters have transcended their roles as mere merchandise to become symbols of inspiration and positivity for fans worldwide. Each character reflects the unique personality traits of the BTS members they represent, bringing joy and meaning to the lives of many. RJ's empathy, SHOOKY's playfulness, MANG's ambition, KOYA's wisdom, CHIMMY's energy, TATA's curiosity, COOKY's determination, and VAN's nurturing nature all contribute to the charm of BT21. The BTS ARMY grows stronger as the adorable creations continue to capture hearts and spread happiness, united by the shared love for these endearing characters.
If you’re even remotely into K-pop, you know of him. Either you stan him or your favorite idols do (or you all do!).
This 18th July marks K-pop legend Lee Taemin’s thirtieth birthday! We’re celebrating his special day with thirty facts about the K-pop legend!
1. Taemin was born in Seoul, the capital of South Korea.
2. Taemin has one brother named Taesun, who is two years older than him.
3. Taemin enlisted for his mandatory military service on May 31, 2021, intending to serve as an army band member.
4. On January 14, 2022, SM Entertainment announced that Taemin would be completing his service as a public service worker due to his anxiety and depression worsening.
5. Taemin was discharged earlier this year on April 4 after nearly two years (one year, ten months, and four days).
6. Before they were grouped to become SHINee, Lee Jin-Ki (who'd later become our dubu leader) gave Taemin his first vocal lessons during their early trainee days.
7. In his signature adorable naughty Taemin style, he revealed that he could “forge” the autographs of all four other SHINee members. He then gleefully demonstrated his skills during SHINee’s 12th anniversary live (when Onew, Key, and Minho were still serving).
8. Taemin is part of the ‘Friendship Parkas’ squad - a close-knit group of friends that include HOTSHOT’s Timoteo, EXO’s Kai, HOTSHOT and Wanna One’s Ha Sung Woon, BTS’s Jimin, VIXX’s RAVI and their non-celebrity friend Kwon Ho. Fans so named the group of friends for the self-designed parkas Taemin gave all of them.
9. He’s been friends with EXO’s Kai and HOTSHOT’s Timoteo since their trainee days, and as Kai explained the trio’s dynamics - he and Timoteo are the father and mother of the group while Taemin’s their baby.
10. Taemin is fascinated by quantum mechanics and passionate about the environment.
11. In 2021, he received the honor of ‘Exemplary Taxpayer Commendation,’ making him one of the few idols to receive this honor while still in his twenties.
12. In 2016, Taemin and fellow SM artists endorsed UNICEF X Louis Vuitton’s #MakeAPromise campaign, which aimed to “support children that are exposed to conflicts, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being.”
13. In 2013, Taemin appeared on Korean reality variety show “We Got Married” partnering with A Pink's Na-Eun.
14. He debuted on May 25, 2008, as the youngest member of SHINee at the age of fourteen.
15. Taemin made his official solo debut on August 18, 2014 with the extended play “ACE”.
16. Taemin is one of the few idols to have debuted across multiple generations - as SHINee debuted in 2nd generation, solo debuted in 3rd generation, and in SuperM debuted in 4th generation.
17. Taemin’s first OST appearance was for the 2012 K-drama “To the Beautiful You” in the track “U” (btw, the drama co-starred bandmate Choi Minho, and also featured Onew on another OST).
18. In the summer of 2016, Taemin released his Japanese debut extended play “Sayonara Hitori”.
19. Taemin’s first Japanese solo album, self-titled “Taemin”, released in 2018,
20. Prior to his enlistment, Taemin recorded his contribution to “Colorful”, the official song for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics & Paralympic Games.
21. Taemin's songs’ lyrics explore themes of the complexities of relationships with self and others, love, lust, faith and philosophies.
22. Taemin frequently tries to breakdown gender stereotypes through his choices in fashion and choreography. Speaking to Billboard on the subject and his album “MOVE”, he said -
" I always want to be the person that’s able to try something new. I want to experiment more and challenge myself more on different musical styles and elements, and bring things that others don’t into the industry. I want to make a good impact on the K-pop music world. (...) My aim was to find a middle ground, mixing both masculine and feminine movements into the choreography together. (...) I wanted to break the idea of what male performers are supposed to show, what performances girl groups are supposed to show. I really wanted to break those labels, showing that dance is a form of art. (...) A lot of K-pop fans tend to react to what is shown on the outside due to appearances… I wanted my fans to see that what I bring on the inside is more important than the outside. ”
23. One of Taemin’s many epithets is “Idol’s Idol”, having been cited by innumerable idols as a role model and source of inspiration.
24. Taemin has said that draws on the feelings inspired in him for inspiration.
25. Speaking of how he sees himself as an artist he tells HypeBae -
“I’m not an artist that’s limited by genre. I’m not just an R&B or K-pop artist, but I’m one who likes to experiment with different genres and styles to diversify my portfolio.”
26. 5HINee members named their solo debut albums/EPs going off of Taemin’s solo debut extended place “ACE” - “BASE” (Jonghyun’s 2015 debut EP), “FACE” (KEY’s 2018 debut studio album), “VOICE” (Onew’s 2018 debut EP), and “CHASE” (Minho’s 2022 debut EP).
27. Taemin has named Sia as one of his favourite musicians, drawing inspiration from her ‘faceless’ performances for the masked scenes in the music video for “MOVE”.
28. Taemin made his acting debut in the 2009 MBC sitcom “TaeHee, HaeGyo, JiHyun.”
29. He made his Japanese acting debut in the Amazon Prime Video crime series “Final Life – Even If You Disappear Tomorrow” which aired in September of 2017.
30. In 2014, Taemin was part of the Korean cast performing musical “Goong” in Japan.
From his memorable performances and ever-evolving artistry to his odorable heartwarming down to earth interactions, Taemin continues to shine brightly in the K-pop universe and make an impact. Here's to many more years of success, happiness, and mind-blowing music from the one and only Lee Taemn!
Happy birthday, Taeminnie!
To keep the celebrations going, check out our Taemin and SHINee merch on the Daebak Shop while you discover his artistic stylings on our Spotify playlist.
Many K-pop songs are released during the summer with “heavy summer vibes,” songs that are cheerful, easy to remember, and whose choreography is usually as simple as their lyrics, all fundamental elements to making a song go viral during this season.
Despite that, only some of these K-pop songs have immaculate summer vibes, and only five made it to the list!
If you want to know what songs I’ve chosen, then keep reading this article, and if you want to be updated about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups, check out the other articles on Daebak.co! Also, if you want to have the chance to dress like the K-pop idols on the list, or other idols, check out our Shop!
The songs are not ordered based on how much I like them but on what order they came to my mind.
The first song on the list may not exactly seem like the most creative choice ever, but this is not only a song I enjoy (not exclusively during the summer but especially when the temperature starts getting hotter) but also a song I feel very attached to since it features on TXT's debut Album, The Dream Chapter: Star, which was released on March 4, 2019.
This song does not talk about the season per se but compares someone to the summer, someone who came to save TXT's five members, Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Kai, from the heat and the stress of the city.
Underneath the blazing sun
Where it's muddy and melting
The gray forest of buildings
A never-ending final exam
Toss and turning
Sleepless noise of the grey city
(…)
Your fresh fragrance
Your sparkling eyes
Makes me feel better
Reality loses its power
Even the Earth dies
The moment is eternal
Here are the full lyrics of the song:
While here is the only released music video:
10/10 one of the most perfect summer K-pop songs!
Sadly not as famous as Oh My Girl’s Nonstop or Dun Dun Dance, Dolphin is a K-pop song I discovered through Arin’s performance with TXT’s Soobin on Music Bank:
And I immediately got obsessed with it! It is a great summer song and, generally, cheerful, excellent music to listen to when you feel down.
Oh My Girl is a talented group, but sadly, often overlooked.
All the members, Arin, YooA, Mimi, Jiho, Yubin, Seounghee, and Hyojung, are great vocalists and, overall, great performers!
Dolphin, in particular, talks about having a crush on someone who keeps taking us by surprise, arising feelings of confusion and amusement simultaneously.
On this wave, all day long
The feeling of surfing, dizzy feeling.
Honestly, I'm really into it, but that's a secret.
I get splashed once again.
Here is the music video:
And here is one of Oh My Girl’s performances:
Twice is THE girl group, especially when creating cute, funny songs.
In recent years their style has matured without losing its core, and Dance the Night Away, is the perfect example of that process!
This K-pop song has immaculate summer vibes; the lyrics are lighthearted, the rhythm reminds you of a summer night spent with friends, and the choreography is easy to remember and dance along with!
All nine members, Jihyo, Jeongyeon, Momo, Mina, Sana, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, Tzuyu, and Nayeon, performed it flawlessly, making you feel, through the video, as a part of their friend's group:
From the first verse the song, in fact, invites us, “the spectator” to join them and simply “have some fun”:
You and me in the moonlight
On this festive night of shining stars
The moment we start dancing
To the sound of waves
This feeling is just so right
Hello sea, play with us
Hello wind, come on over
Under the moonlight
Yyou and me and the world
Together we party all night long
Yeah, it's good
Here is also one of their live performances:
If you like Dance The Night Away you should also check out Alcohol-Free!
This is not only one of my favorite summer K-pop songs on the list, but also one of my favorite songs from Seventeen, mostly because of its great music video:
Despite looking quite simple, the video was released to celebrate Carat's 1000-day anniversary and is directed by Wonwoo.
Furthermore, having all the simplicity of a summer vacation video tape, it features all the members, S.Coups, Jeonghan, Woozi, Mingyu, Hoshi, The8, Jun, DK, Wonwoo, Joshua, Vernon, and Seungkwan, bare-faced, just having fun and vibing to their music.
The pretty playful lyrics refer to someone who is always by their side, improving their days and making them happy, words that seem both to apply to the members themselves and carats:
With both hands and with you
Paradise anywhere
Here are the full lyrics:
Despite the title, which may confuse those of you who don’t know the song (if any of you don’t), Icy was released during the summer and is, by any means, a great summer K-pop song.
Icy doesn’t refer to the temperature but to how COOL Itzy is, and you might as well learn a thing or two from them about confidence before wearing your swimsuit and showing it off to everyone!
Icy but I’m on fire
A dream inside me, I’m confident
Look at me, I’m not a liar
I don’t want to be put in your box
Everybody blah blah
Talks a lot but I don’t care
Y’all can keep blah blah
They keep talkin’,
I keep walkin’ (...)
In the music video we see Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryong and Yuna walk through the streets of Los Angeles, looking fabulous and confident:
Here is also one of their live performances of this great K-pop summer song:
As usual I couldn’t keep out some K-pop songs that almost made it to the top 5:
This is not a song that refers directly to summer (or that was released during summer), but one with great summer vibes! If you don’t know Crazy, Sexy, Cool by Astro, listen to it immediately!
Not only a summer release but also a great summer song, super catchy and with easy and funny choreography, (G)-idle never disappoints!
Since Summer has arrived, having some great K-pop songs to listen to with friends is a must. I hope some of these titles will make it to your playlists!
Let us know if you have any other K-pop songs that should have made it to this article!
After organizing a fantastic cup sleeve event in Leuven, Belgium, we were left intrigued and wondering what Beyond The Dance Belgium is. If you haven’t read the cup sleeve event post, check it out here.
The energetic dance group Beyond The Dance Belgium, also known as BTD, is based in Leuven and was founded in the fall of 2018 by a group of friends who love K-pop music, especially BTS.
The group of friends met online in a Facebook chat for Flemish Army's. After a couple of online conversations, they decided to meet up and grab a meal when one suggested starting a K-pop cover dance group. They were so excited to begin during the first meeting that they immediately decided on the name and logo. The group started with seven members, out of which three worked together to manage things. Between the 3 of them, they split the admin work and their socials and taught the classes.
Due to it mainly starting as a BTS dance cover group, their name was a variant of that. When you look at it closely, you'll also realize that it aligns with their mission: "Dance for the fun of it and don't stress about a mistake here or there, for enjoying the music with friends is what Beyond The Dance is all about!"
Even though back then, they couldn't have dreamt of what it is today, they manifested it.
At the core of the dance group is inclusivity. They want people of all dance backgrounds, or lack thereof, to feel welcome in their group. If you've always wanted to join, but you have mobility issues? No worries, they are considerate and will help you make moves that work best for your body personally. BTD believes showing up and giving your best rather than always trying to be perfect is more important.
Initially, the group's main focus was mastering the complete choreographies of BTS songs, of which 21st-century Girl was the first dance cover learned. By learning full choreographies, they developed their dance skills over time and deepened their appreciation for the group. In the first two years, they discovered four full choreographies and filmed a Go Go video. You can find the cover video here.
Due to Covid19, BTD had to take a break, just like the rest of the world, and that's when the approach started changing, from having BTS as their primary focus to being more flexible and offering dance classes for all K-Pop fans and around Leuven. They occasionally take on special projects, such as full choreography music videos, depending on the availability of their members. If you want to see their latest one, watch it here.
Meet Marie-Lou Obdeijn, the driving force behind Beyond The Dance, also known as my roomie. As the current manager, Marie-Lou orchestrates all aspects of the group, from organizing classes and managing social media to leading promotions and organizing events.
With a bachelor's degree in Film & TV Production from the RITCS (Royal Institute of Theater, Cinema & Sounds) in Brussels, Marie-Lou brings a wealth of experience in event planning and organization.
Marie-Lou's passion for event planning began when she co-founded an event organization called The RT in Oslo, Norway. The company specialized in fan conventions for the popular TV show 'SKAM' and its remakes.
With her help, The RT successfully brought two events to life, including the wildly popular 'High on Skam 2,' which drew 450 guests over a weekend in Rome.
In addition to her work with Beyond The Dance and The RT, Marie-Lou is also a passionate filmmaker. She produced and directed her short film 'Labeled' in 2022. She was also the production assistant for the popular tv-show 'Liefdestips aan Mezelf' that aired this January.
With a passion and a vision for Beyond The Dance Belgium, she is looking forward to the things yet to come.
In the future, the goal is to grow the dance group and create a community of K-pop fans in and around Leuven. To keep up with the classes that are there right now while expanding by adding full choreography dances and hosting meet-ups and events. There will also be occasional movies, concerts, and hangouts to grow the community of K-pop fans, and in the summer, there will be a picnic to get to know each other better.
If you're ever in the neighborhood, check out the BTD website and sign up for a dance class! If you want to stay updated with future events that Beyond The Dance will organize, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Hi you! My name is Joy, and I'm the founder of the blog called dailydoseofjoy.com, A faith-based lifestyle blog on which I enjoy sharing all my life experiences, tips, and favorite shows. I am a vast K-Drama lover and K-culture enthusiast. I love documenting new things that I do in my life, and this cup sleeve event wasn't any different. It was my first-ever cup sleeve event, so I wanted to write about it and had the honor of posting it on the Daebak Daily! I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you want to read more of my posts, check out my website.
Big love,
Joy
Two weeks ago, Tuesday the 13th of June was the 10th debut anniversary of BTS, one of the most prominent K-pop groups worldwide at this moment. If you want to know more about the group, read the article A Guide to BTS Members (2023). To celebrate that special occasion, my roommate, who happens to be the manager of Beyond The Dance Belgium, organized the first cup sleeve event in and around Leuven to commemorate this huge milestone for the Belgian Army’s.
Beyond The Dance Belgium, or BTD, is an energetic dance group based in Leuven, Belgium. The group was founded in the fall of 2018 by friends who share a love for K-pop, especially BTS. This year they changed their focus and started offering KPOP Dance classes for Kpop fans in and around Leuven at an affordable price.
The cup sleeve event was hosted at Sibz, a charming café and lunch spot located in the center of Leuven.
As soon as you walked in, Jana welcomed you, one of the volunteers, who had some fun surprises prepared for them and gave each and everyone a short introduction about the event. After you were brought up to speed about everything the event offered, you could explore the various activities or, if you bought a donation package, come to my stand to pick up their cup sleeve and goodies.
The first activity was a lovely photo wall. You would create meaningful memories in front of these beautiful whales showing BTS through the years.
After taking a picture with friends or other Army’s, you had a chance to get their favorite images at the photocard lucky draw. Every card featuring art by its_a_me_morgane on the back had a different BTS picture. You could take a solo shot of one of the members or a group picture. At this lucky draw, people could pick out photo cards without knowing which member/members were featured on the front of the cards. The joy on the people’s faces was unforgettable when they chose their favorite members. There were also some handmade keychains that they could purchase with different pictures of the members on them.
After they got their lucky draw cards, they had an opportunity to go to the Toploader Deco Station to get one or multiple top loaders to protect their cards with and decorate them with many fun stickers.
You could also join the raffle, at which you had a chance at winning amazing prizes such as a free Daebak subscription box or gift cards, BT21 or Tiny Tan plushies, BTS Albums, Korean skincare, and much more.
Following this, visitors could test their BTS knowledge by taking a BTS Quiz. The quiz made all the fans wonder how much they knew about BTS. The quiz had 20 questions about BTS and a bonus question about ARMY. Not all of them were easy, but they brought out the true fans and made many fans want to get to know BTS better.
One of the biggest things I noticed at the event is the vast difference between cup sleeve events in Asia and internationally. While Asia cup sleeve events are mainly used to promote the artist internationally, it’s a place where fans come together and gets to know their community, make new friends, and show their love and support for their favorite groups.
Seeing behind the scenes how a cup sleeve event is organized made me realize how in this part of the world, cup sleeve events are genuinely created out of love for both the members and the fandom. They love to watch others enjoy themselves while bonding over their biases, and it is a captivating experience for someone who isn’t actively following K-pop.
So much hard work was done behind the scenes to make this event a success. The doubt, nervousness, negotiations, and debates surrounding all that needed to be done and whether people would show up were the more challenging moments, but seeing the event come together and having over 90 people show up that day made it all worth it!
All in all, the event was a huge success. People from all over Belgium and the Netherlands came, making many new friends and having a great experience. No person left the event without a smile.
If you want to know more or are in the neighborhood, visit the BTD website and sign up for a dance class! If you want to stay updated with future events that Beyond The Dance will organize, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
A little about the writer:
Hi you! My name is Joy, and I’m the founder of the blog called dailydoseofjoy.com, A faith-based lifestyle blog on which I enjoy sharing all my life experiences, tips, and favorite shows. I am a vast K-Drama lover and K-culture enthusiast. I love documenting the new things I do in my life, and this cup sleeve event wasn’t any different. It was my first-ever cup sleeve event, so I wanted to write about it and had the honor of posting it on the Daebak Daily! I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you want to read more of my posts, check out my website.
Big love,
Joy
On May 22nd, Enhypen had their comeback after ten months, a comeback that, as the title may suggest, has sparked quite a controversy online.
This is the group’s fifth comeback after their debut in 2020 with Border: Day One, whose title track Given-Taken has become iconic.
The album, called DARK BLOOD, consists of six songs, Fate, the title track Bite Me, Sacrifice (Eat Me Up), Chaconne, Bills, and Karma.
If you want to know more about Enhypen’s new album, keep reading this article. If you want to be updated about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups, check out the other articles on Daebak.co, and if you want to dress like Enhypen, look at our shop!
Enhypen was created through a survival show, I-LAND, and consists of seven members:
Not only the oldest member of the group but also the one who trained for the longest time, Heeseung is a great vocalist and a talented dancer!
He also has perfect pitch and is working on composing his music, which he will hopefully have the chance to include in one of Enhypen’s future albums.
Despite being very serious about his job, he is also hilarious and likes to ridicule himself to make others laugh!
Jungwon is the leader of Enhypen, despite being part of the maknae line, a role bestowed upon him through a vote.
He is very mature for his age, an outstanding singer, and a great dancer!
He used to practice Taekwondo until he discovered an interest in dancing. Members and Engenes often compare him to a cat.
He grew up in the States but speaks great Korean and great Japanese!
He is often considered the “mom” of the group since he is the one who cooks and cleans more often.
He is also a great dancer and vocalist with a unique vocal color among those in Enhypen who trained the longest.
Like Jay, he didn’t grow up in Korea, and members often tease him for how he speaks, as he infamously has a solid Australian accent.
He was among the members who trained the least, and through I-LAND and after the program, he improved his skills a lot, becoming well-versed both in singing and dancing!
Other Enhypen members often praise him for always being positive and kind.
Besides being well-known for his looks, Sunghoon, before debuting in Enhypen, was already a famous ice skater, which originated in his nickname, Ice Prince.
Despite being very introverted, he worked as an MC for Music Bank with IVE’s Woonyoung.
He is also very skilled in dancing and singing.
Among the youngest members of Enhypen and the one who got the least training, Sunoo immediately showed incredible vocal skills and, through I-LAND, also managed to polish his dance skills.
His members often tease him because “he is the cutest when angry,” he is also well-known among fans for being sweet but sassy.
Ni-Ki, born in Japan, is the youngest member of the group. He started dancing at the age of 3 and, still very young, joined SHINee Kids; for all these reasons, he is the group's main dancer.
Through I-LAND, and since Enhypen's debut, his vocal skills have much improved, giving him more confidence in his voice.
Members often complain about his liveliness, but he is also timid.
DARK BLOOD is an album with a very nocturnal vampiresque vibe, as the concept suggests. The songs are all very cohesive, except for Karma, the closing track, which surprises the listeners with its pop-rock instrumental.
Overall, if you enjoy songs while driving at night, this new Enhypen album is everything you want and even more!
Here is the concept trailer, which explains part of the story:
Now let’s dive a bit more into each song.
Not one of the usual narrated intro that Enhypen used in many of their previous albums but a really addictive opening track, enriched with Heeseung mermaid-like background vocals.
The track introduces the listeners to the themes of this album: love, torment, being cursed.
As the seasons crumble, the green
Love became greed and erased itself
Erase even your selfishness
They trapped me in ruins like the deep sea
Oblivion
Where did that terrible curse come from?
Who inflicted this cruel punishment?
Now I realized
The fate that I devoted my life to
How could I forget?
A great title track, in my opinion, which perfectly encapsulates the concept of being vampires, by emphasizing their sexiness and capturing the audience's attention with an alluring choreography and a very upbeat rhythm.
The choreography, and more precisely the fact that members perform it with female back-up dancers, is what sparked heated discussions especially among Korean and Chinese fans, who even sent trucks in front of the HYBE building requesting to remove the female dancers.
International fans, on the contrary, showed their support to Enhypen and luckily the company did not make any changes in the choreography, which Ni-Ki also contributed in creating.
It’s you and me in this world
Again, come to me, tie me
If you are goin' to save me
Just come kiss me and bite me (Oh, babe)
It's you and me in this world
In this darkness, light me
If you'll give me a chance
Just come kiss me and bite me
Here is one of Enhypen live performances:
Here is the STUDIO CHOOM version:
The music video for this track was released on the 7th of June and it surprised every Engene in a very pleasant way, not only the choreography is very sexy but the video is really entertaining and the performance is amazing!
The song, as one might guess from the title, deals with Enhypen’s sins and their decision to sacrifice themselves for a love who gives them back nothing.
This endless agony and thirst
Punishment that defied fate
My arrogant oblivion and illusion
Swallow the river of Lethe
So dangerous
Full of darkness like a criminal
But here you are
Full of brightness and light
I beg you to kill me (Kill me)
Heal me (Heal me) deeper
My endless fallin' (Fallin') deeper (Deeper)
Oh, take my hand
Here is Enhypen live performance:
My favorite track on the album together with Bills, Chaconne is a song with a “trappy” R&B vibe whose name “Chaconne” literally comes from a type of Spanish dance style, which was born in the XVII century, that later became a whole music genre.
The song, here, uses the idea of chaconne, a dance, as a metaphor for something sinful that Enhypen cannot stop, they are now trapped in their sins and do not intend to escape.
Dance for me forever
Look at me in the broken mirror
And tune it with the feet
This beautiful moment I don't stop
Woah, again, chaconne now
Dance for mе, like you're drunk and fascinated by mе
I just wanna dance on, can't stop it
This is my world in the dark
Woah, again, chaconne now
Bills is an heartbreak song conceptually connected to Enhypen's previous track, Not for Sale, which is, in complete contrast, a song which talks about falling in love with someone.
Not only the lyrics,
Sign on top of bills that are suddenly surging
The right price, I only learned through tears
I don't wanna let you go
Can we turn back, no time
The time piles on top of the love that needs to be repaid
The price of parting keeps getting more and more expensive
I just wanna let it go
Why don't you just let me go, me go?
but also some parts of the choreography refer to Not for Sale:
Here is the Band Live Version of Bills:
The last song on tha album and a great way to close it by disrupting everyone's expectations. This song not only has a strong rock component but its lyrics lose the melancholy of the previous tracks to substitute it with a very confident attitude, Enhypen “don’t give a what” about their destiny anymore.
Whatever they call fate
I don't give a what
The karma of blood that connects us
So I don't give a what
Across time and space
Beyond probability
From the day you were tied to your fangs
I don't, don't, don't give a what
Enhypen’s new album managed to show an entirely new facet of the group, not only because of its mature and sexy concept but because, musically, despite maintaining Enhypen’s distinctive style, they experimented with new genres and challenged themselves on a performance level.
As a fan of Enhypen and as a fan of music, this will be their turning point as a group, not only because the album sold very well but because, in my opinion, this comeback helped them mature a lot as artists.
As I anticipated in my May 2023 New Comebacks and Debuts, this month has been one full of excitement for K-pop fans!
Many groups dropped new albums or singles, and many more announced their new releases for the following month.
Enhypen just surprised everyone with the Bite Me choreography, which caused much uproar, especially in South Korea. Ateez announced their new album, The World Pt.2: Outlaw, which will be released on the 17th of June, and NCT Taeyong’s solo album will come out in just a few days!
But these are only some exciting new products you can order or pre-order on the Daebak Shop. If you want to know more about these new releases, keep reading this article. If you want to be updated about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups, check out the other articles on Daebak.co, and if you can’t wait to buy your favorite K-pop group albums, check out the Daebak Shop!
Debuted in 2015 under Starship Entertainment as a member of iconic boy group MONSTA X, I.M started his solo activities in 2021 with his first EP, “Duality.”
I.M is the lead rapper and maknae of MONSTA X. He also participated in writing lyrics for most of the group’s discography and his solo projects and collaborations.
The group consists of six members, Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney and I.M, who is also the maknae.
Among his songs, one of my favorites is his collaboration with SOULBYSEL, nvrmnd:
While this is his latest comeback with MONSTA X, Beautiful Liar:
Overdrive will be his first solo album released under Sony Music, containing six new songs: Blame, Dumb, Habit, More, Not Sorry, and the title track Overdrive.
The album will officially be released on the 23 of June. Pre-order it immediately at Daebak Shop!
Probably some of the best performers among fourth-generation boy groups, ATEEZ has many iconic songs like HALA HALA or Say My Name.
Debuted under KQ Entertainment in 2018, the group comprises eight members, Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yeosang, Yunho, San, Wooyoung, Mingi, and the maknae, Jongho.
Hongjoong and Mingi are the main lyricists for ATEEZ discography, and Hongjoong also actively participates in the storyline behind ATEEZ's complicated concept.
Their new mini album, THE WORLD EP.2: OUTLAW, a sequel to THE WORLD EP.1: MOVEMENT, will be released on the 16 of June.
Here is their latest trailer:
Here is their latest comeback, Halazia, a great song that I really enjoy:
If you like ATEEZ go pre-order the album at Daebak Shop!
Debuted under SM in 2016, NCT is a truly unique group consisting of twenty members, Taeyong, Taeil, Johnny, Yuta, Kun, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, WinWin, Jungwoo, Mark, Xiaojun, Hendery, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, YangYang, Chenle, and Jisung, and five subunits, NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT DoJaeJung.
Their concept is based on the idea of having an unlimited number of members, which, united with their distinctive sound, rap focus, and incredible dance skills, made NCT an iconic group.
Taeyong, in particular, is the leader, rapper, vocalist, dancer, and visual of the group, and thanks to his many talents, he was also chosen to be part of the SM project group SUPERM.
One of his songs that I especially like is Baby Don’t Stop:
The mini album SHALALA, which has been released on the 5th of June, marks Taeyong's solo debut.
The tracklist consists of seven songs, 샤랄라 (SHALALA), the title track, 관둬 (GWANDO), Move Mood Mode (Feat. WENDY), Virtual Insanity, RUBY, 404 File Not Found and Back to the Past, which Taeyong participated in writing.
Here is the the title track SHALALA:
If you, like us, are already in love with SHALALA, order it on Daebak Shop!
Debuted just two years ago with the iconic song Eleven, IVE is a group that immediately gained a lot of attention and managed to never lose it thanks to their incredibly catchy songs and iconic dance moves!
The group consists of six members, An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, considered the IT girl of the fourth generation, Liz, and the maknae Leeseo.
The song from IVE, which is my personal favorite, is LOVE DIVE:
Their latest comeback I’ve IVE, their first studio album, also draw a lot of attention both thanks to the pre-release single Kitsch:
And to the title track I AM:
The album was released on the 10th of April, while the Kitsch music video was released on the 27th of March.
I’ve IVE contains eleven tracks, Blue Blood, I AM, Kitsch, Lips, Heroine, Mine, Hypnosis (섬찢), Not Your Girl, Next Page (궁금해), Cherish and Shine with Me and the girls participated in writing the lyrics for all the songs.
This album is a must-have. What are you waiting for? Order it at the Daebak Shop!
Debuted under HYBE in 2020, Enhypen is a group of seven members, Heeseung, Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and the maknae Ni-Ki.
Their dark concept, revolving around a vampire-filled romance, is enriched even more by their excellent performances and catchy songs!
Here is one of my favorite songs from Enhypen which is actually on this new album, Chaconne:
After Manifesto, which took a completely different turn from their usual vibe drifting towards a 90’s mood, DARK BLOOD is, instead, fully immersed in vampire lore.
A dark-nocturnal mini album perfect for listening to when you are driving at night, full of beautiful songs, my favorite being Bills, that came out on the 22nd of May.
Here is the music video for Bite Me, which caused many heated discussions online:
What are you waiting for? Order immediately Enhypen’s new album Dark Blood on the Daebak Shop!
Debuted under CUBE Entertainment in 2018, (G)I-DLE consists of five members, Soyeon, Minnie, Miyeon, Yuqi, and the maknae Shuhua.
The group is not only known for Soyeon's excellent rap skills and powerful lyrics, but for their outstanding performances, and exciting concepts!
In fact, while (G)-I-DLE's concept is, overall, a girl-crush strong one, they always find ways to vary this idea, and, for I Feel, for example, they managed to change it in a very refreshing 90s concept.
Before going a bit more into detail about I Feel, the song from (G)I-DLE which is my personal favorite is:
Released on May 15, I Feel is an EP containing six songs, the title track Queencard (퀸카), the pre-released single Allergy, Lucid, All Night, Paradise, and Peter Pan (어린 어른).
Besides Soyeon, also Minnie and Yuqi participated in writing the lyrics for this album which revolves around the theme of confidence and self-esteem.
The pre-release single Allergy:
The title track Queencard:
If you want to feel like a Queen, order I Feel immediately at the Daebak Shop!
Many new releases to listen to or to wait for!
Some intense weeks to experience as a K-pop fan, and the only way to overcome them is by buying at least one of these great releases on the Daebak Shop because, as Oscar Wilde used to say, “the only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.”
K-pop’s biggest boy group, BTS, is celebrating its 10th anniversary since its debut! The 7-member group has paved the way to success these last ten years and has played a massive role in changing the industry for other groups! BTS wouldn’t be the group it is today without its members, specifically its golden maknae, Jeon Jungkook. Keep reading to learn more about the life and career of BTS’ youngest member Jungkook!
Born on September 1st, 1997, in Mandeok-dong, Busan, Jeon Jungkook comes from a family of four, including himself, his mother, his father, and his older brother making him the youngest in his family and BTS.
As many ARMYs know, Jungkook has been recognized for his vocal abilities, performing talent, and visuals. While he didn't always dream of being a singer, he changed his mind when Jungkook became a fan of G-Dragon's music in his first year of high school and decided that's what he wanted to do!
He auditioned for Superstar K in 2011, singing IU's 'Lost Child,' despite not passing the elimination round, he was offered to join eight different agencies on his way home! After being impressed by RM's performance, he decided to join Big Hit Entertainment and became the fifth member to join BTS, coming after Jin, RM, Suga, and J-Hope!
Since he debuted so young, Jungkook attended the Seoul School of Performing Arts for high school and graduated in February 2017. Like many of his older members, he also attended Global Cyber University!
As some of the group’s members have enlisted for their mandatory military service, they have each participated in solo activities since releasing their anthology album Proof last year. While Jungkook has yet to release his solo album, which will come out this July, he hasn’t shied away from collaborations with other artists and talking with fans live and performing for them!
Below you will find Jungkook’s solo releases under his group name and his songs and collaborations with other artists, many of which have broken records!
Jungkook’s first solo song, ‘Begin,’ was released in 2016 on the group’s Wings album. The track is arguably the most meaningful of the member’s solo songs on the album since it is about his hyungs and how they have helped him become who he is.
Euphoria is one of BTS’ most popular solo songs, becoming the first and only K-pop idol solo song to chart for 85 weeks on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, which is the longest-charting K-pop solo song ever!
The track was first released under the ‘Love Yourself: Answer’ album in 2018. It is an upbeat song with heavenly vocals, which explains why it is so popular, not to mention the performance of Jungkook flying above thousands of ARMYs in sold-out stadiums!
Coming after Euphoria is My Time, released in 2020 under the album ‘Map of the Soul: 7.’ The song has an R&B sound, showing the group’s versatility in song production and writing! This song also had immense success, ranking 84th on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart after being released, which was BTS’ highest-charting solo song then!
‘My Time’ also achieved #1 on US iTunes and Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, and taking after ‘Euphoria,’ spent over 70 weeks on the chart!
In addition to these three solo releases under the group’s name, Jungkook has also collaborated with his bandmates and other artists and shared his unreleased songs with ARMYs!
This unreleased song was shared initially with ARMY via SoundCloud as a gift from Jungkook for BTS’ 2020 Festa, their debut anniversary celebration!
The song was later added to the 2022 album Proof, but only on the physical CD version, and was released as an acapella track, showcasing Jungkook’s insane vocals.
Similar to ‘Still With You,’ this track was released by Jungkook for BTS’ 2022 Festa as another song dedicated to ARMYs! Check out the video below to listen!
Stay Alive was released on February 11th, 2022, as a soundtrack for HYBE’s Webtoon Series 7FATES: CHAKHO, which is based on the members of BTS! Each member has a character that represents them in the series, making it a hit among ARMYs, and the song even earned Jungkook his first spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as a soloist!
Left and Right were released on June 24th, 2022, by Charlie Puth for his album, ‘CHARLIE.’ This song is not the first time the pair have collaborated, as Jungkook performed his song ‘We Don’t Talk Anymore’ with him in 2018 at the Genie Music Awards after covering the piece with BTS member Jimin for 2017 Festa!
This past November, Jungkook traveled to Qatar to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2022 Opening Ceremony with the song ‘Dreamers,’ making him the first kpop idol to do so! Check out the opening ceremony performance below!
With all members of BTS having released their solo albums besides V, Jungkook’s highly anticipated solo debut is up next, with his album set to be released on July 14th, 2023!
Jungkook is known for being off the grid compared to his members but has kept fans entertained with lives on Weverse, especially the ones where he has fallen asleep in front of the camera!
He is also known for having friendships with the many members of the 97 line in the K-pop industry, including Seventeen’s Mingyu, The8, and DK, Astro’s Cha Eunwoo, GOT7’s Bambam and Yugyeom, and NCT’s Jaehyun to name a few. Most recently, Jungkook teamed up with Seveteen’s Mingyu to do the ‘Super’ challenge after sharing his love for the song!
As we wrap up our celebration of BTS’s 10th Anniversary, it is time to highlight their achievements and impact on the music industry. We’ve shed light on the members and their successes with solo activities. Today, let’s celebrate BTS as a whole in celebration not only of the talented group but also of Army!
In 2005, Big Hit Entertainment was founded by producer Bang Si-Hyuk to create a successful K-Pop group. Despite previous attempts, the company faced challenges promoting collaborative groups with other entertainment companies such as JYP Entertainment and Source Music. However, Bang Si-Hyuk remained determined to find their breakthrough and decided to start a boy group. With the first member, RM, already signed, the company faced financial struggles, and the new group had to overcome obstacles and make sacrifices to achieve success, much like other groups in the K-Pop industry.
BTS is a renowned South Korean boy group that helped grow HYBE–formerly known as Big Hit Entertainment–into one of the top 3 entertainment companies in the country. Debuting in 2013, the group is composed of 7 members. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. BTS is the acronym for 방탄소년단 or Bangtan Sonyeondan, which translates to “Bulletproof Boy Scouts.” In recent years, the group decided that BTS stands for “Beyond The Scene,” bringing the group into its new era. No longer the young Bangtan Boys, they started writing lyrics showing their adulthood growth.
Music often serves as a reflection of an artist's life journey. Through their songs, listeners can witness the range of emotions and experiences that have shaped their story. This year marks BTS and ARMY's 10th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates the group's growth and the memories and moments shared with everyone who has supported them. Let's take this opportunity to explore BTS's discography together and commemorate their remarkable journey.
Starting with the School trilogy, we begin exploring the emotions and feelings that come with going to school. Love, schoolwork, and finding one's way in the competitive school environment encapsulate the message of the multiple albums.
2 COOL 4 SKOOL is the first single album that marks the debut of BTS. With the title track “No More Dream,” ARMYs can look back on the musical growth of the members.
O!RUL8,2? goes over the issues of navigating what your passions are and if what you are studying makes you happy or fulfilling the expectations society places upon you.
The album SKOOL LUV AFFAIR stands out in the "Skool Trilogy" and remains a fan favorite. BTS and Hitman Bang worked tirelessly to perfect their sound during the album's production and the track "One Day" was a significant step toward the style that would eventually make them famous.
After the trilogy, BTS released their 1st full-length album, DARK & WILD. Despite having previously released several songs, BTS had yet to gain much traction. Some members even considered giving up, but they persevered through it all.
Upon the release of their 3rd Mini Album titled The most beautiful moment in life pt. 1 in 2015, the group started gaining well-deserved recognition from South Korean fans. The single "I NEED U" became a huge success, following their first full-length album DARK & WILD, which was the beginning of their adventures outside of the student life depicted in the School trilogy. Another fan favorite from The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt.1 was the hit song "DOPE."
Continuing the BTS storyline, the group portrays the life of 20-year-olds trying to navigate the uncertainty of life. The members realize that growing up can be bittersweet. The 4th Mini Album The most beautiful moment in life pt. 2 was released the same year and proved relatable to youth all around the world. The tracklist included “RUN," “Butterfly,” “Whalien 52,” and “Ma City.” The success of both mini albums led up to the finale of The most beautiful moment in life story, their first special album.
The Most Beautiful Moment in Life: Young Forever, a special album that included both previous albums and some new tracks, such as the widely popular "Fire" and "Save Me." To promote this work, BTS embarked on The Most Beautiful Moment in Life On Stage Tour, which sold more than 182,500 tickets. Although this number may not seem significant compared to their current sold-out tours, this tour marked the end of an era and the start of their international success.
Released in 2016, the group's second studio album includes the title track that everyone knows and loves, “피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears).” The song list has other great and extremely underrated songs “Lost,” “Lie,” and “Stigma” amongst others. No longer in the previous eras, the members now confront life and temptation facing the trials and tribulations that life has to offer.
“As the seven boys experience pain and bliss, they bring forth the image of birds that break out of their shells and try to take flight for the first time.”
YOU NEVER WALK ALONE, BTS' second special album, serves as a fitting conclusion to their previous work, WINGS. The album touches upon the struggles faced by today's youth, but it also aims to provide comfort and warmth to its listeners. One of the newer additions to the album is the beautiful track "Spring Day," which showcases the vocal talents of all members and a soothing rap flow. The lyrics offer hope, stating that despite the current chill, spring will come again.
On the other hand, "Not Today" is a powerful and uplifting song that can motivate listeners who are feeling down. With its energizing beats and strong vocals from all members, it instills hope and a sense of support to the listener. It reminds us that we can overcome any obstacle if we persevere, just like BTS and their ARMY.
BTS' LOVE YOURSELF Era marks a significant turning point in their journey in adulthood. It showcases the importance of self-love and highlights the thrills and pains of falling in and out of love. The various album titles represent the different facets of love.
The 5th mini-album, LOVE YOURSELF承 ‘HER’, depicts the joy of falling in love. Its title track, "DNA," is an upbeat K-Pop song that captures the essence of the album. Other popular tracks like "Best of Me," "Pied Piper," and "Dimple" continue to charm fans with their exceptional vocals. The collaboration between BTS members and renowned DJ Steve Aoki, "MIC DROP," also features in this album.
In contrast, BTS' third full-length album, LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘TEAR,’ explores the pain that comes with love. Its hit title track, "FAKE LOVE," is a departure from the youthful essence of their previous albums. The 11-song tracklist includes "So What," "Love Maze," "Magic Shop," and "The Truth Untold (featuring Steve Aoki)," among others.
The final album of the LOVE YOURSELF Series, LOVE YOURSELF結 ‘ANSWER,’ is a repackaged studio album that emphasizes self-love. Its title track, "IDOL," is a clever play on words, as the members are quite literally K-Pop idols. This album features all the previous songs from the series along with new tracks that showcase the individual talents of the members like Jungkook's "Euphoria," J-Hope's "Trivia 起: Just Dance," Jimin's "Serendipity," Jin's "Epiphany," RM's "Trivia 承: Love," V's "Singularity," and Suga's "Trivia 轉: Seesaw." The album includes subunit performances from both the vocal and rap lines.
BTS's 6th Mini Album, MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA, gained widespread attention during their Love Yourself World Tour in 2019. The title track "Boy With Luv (Feat. Halsey)" paved the way for more collaborations between K-Pop idols and Western artists. This album represents the band's journey as artists and the immense love and support they have received from fans around the globe. Other notable tracks include "Make it Right (Feat. Lauv)," "HOME," and "Mikrokosmos."
MAP OF THE SOUL: 7 gives BTS members the opportunity to shine as individual artists with new solos and subunits such as “Filter,” “Moon,” “My Time,” “UGH,” and “Inner Child” to name a few. The album delves into the darker aspects of their career and the struggles they have faced both personally and professionally. However, it also connects with their previous mini-album, PERSONA, and emphasizes the band's perseverance to become their most authentic selves and nurture a love for what they do.
In 2020, BTS celebrated its 7th debut anniversary by gifting ARMY members with "We are Bulletproof: the Eternal" as part of the 2020 BTS FESTA. This song brings all the members together after their solo pieces, potentially hinting at what's to come in the future.
Released in 2020, "Dynamite" marks the entry of BTS into the Western music market. It is the group's first track fully in English. The melodic Pop track is reminiscent of Disco, not only in the sound but the M/V and stage outfits as well. It continues the story of MAP OF THE SOUL as they talk about their perspective as artists and the connection they have with the community: energizing listeners all over during the pandemic.
In the wake of the pandemic, the world experienced a shared sense of apprehension about the future. BTS' 2020 album BE, serves to convey their personal sentiments regarding the crisis and their aspirations for overcoming it with resilience. The lead track, "Life Goes On," offers reassurance that despite the challenges, life goes on and everything will eventually be alright. The album serves as a bridge between BTS and its global audience, connecting with those who share similar emotions during these difficult times.
Last year, Big Hit Music released a new all-English CD Single that includes "Permission to Dance," following the launch of their second English single, "BUTTER" in 2021.
"BUTTER" is a Synthetic Pop song with clear, powerful vocals and impressive choreography that is sure to boost your confidence.
On the other hand, "Permission to Dance" was created to lift the spirits of our global community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dance challenge attracted millions of people who have uploaded YouTube Shorts of themselves dancing to the song.
In honor of their devoted fanbase, PROOF is a collection of their greatest hits and the title track “Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)." This three-CD set includes a total of 48 tracks and was released along with the announcement of BTS' temporary break. The title track, "Yet To Come," combines calming vocals with upbeat pop beats, offering fans a reassuring sense of comfort. While the hiatus may give the impression of a farewell, it's important to note that the group members remain active and engaged.
One of the reasons for their immense success lies in their vocal prowess, intricate choreography, creativity, and passion. BTS's songs and music videos depict the characters' growth within the storyline, which the group has carefully curated. Just like Taylor Swift's fans who enjoy analyzing the meanings behind her songs, ARMY members dedicate their time to understanding the world of BTS. This has resulted in BTS WORLD, a video game based on the world and reportedly, a drama based on the story.
Apart from their impressive talents, the messages conveyed through their music make BTS relatable to fans. As previously stated, earlier discography resonated with fans going through the ups and downs of young life, as their songs touch upon the pressures and expectations that weigh heavily on the youth. From academic studies to societal issues that Korean youth face in their work life, BTS's music reflects real-life struggles.
It's no surprise that many fans describe their music as a beacon of hope amid darkness. Music has the power to heal and support listeners during both the happiest and saddest moments of life.
It's impressive how BTS has shattered world records and broken barriers in the Western music industry. As the first K-Pop group nominated for a Grammy, BTS paved the way for Asian artists and created a ripple effect for global music to be included in a Western-centric industry. Today, we see K-Pop groups performing at Coachella, Latin artists being recognized at American award shows, and global genres gaining widespread acceptance in the US.
Additionally, the Bangtan Boys played a pivotal role in the rise of Big Hit Entertainment. Under the leadership of Bang Si-Hyuk, the company acquired several South Korean entertainment firms like Source Music, KOZ Entertainment, and Pledis while expanding its reach into Japanese and Western markets. HYBE America, a company division, even acquired Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings, which includes Big Machine Records and high-profile artists like Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, and Justin Bieber.
HYBE is also reportedly looking to acquire Quality Control, the Atlanta rap label behind Migos and Lil Baby, to expand its presence in the American music market. In addition to BTS, HYBE is now home to a rising roster of talented groups, including SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, New Jeans, LE SSERAFIM, ENHYPEN, and many others. BTS and HYBE have become significant contributors to the music industry.
The 2023 FESTA, a beloved tradition between BTS and ARMY, is in progress. This 2-week celebration leads to the group's debut anniversary, and HYBE has released a schedule of all the content that BTS will release in anticipation of the concert for ARMY's. This year's theme is "BTS Presents Everywhere," the countdown will occur from June 2 to June 17.
On June 8, BTS released their most recent single, "Take Two," as a part of the FESTA celebration. Adding to their accomplishments, the newest single has already topped American charts and debuted as number 1 on Spotify's Global Chart. This is just a taste of what's to come! The finale will be a festival at Yeouido Park on June 17, commemorating the day it started. The event will likely be live-streamed so the BTS community worldwide can join in the celebration.
BTS fans were initially worried when the announcement came out that the group would be on hiatus as all members were serving their military duties. However, this "hiatus" has been filled with successful solo activities for many members, which has kept fans entertained. All members have worked on solo music, with Jin, Suga, RM, J-Hope, and Jimin already debuting successfully. With Jin and J-Hope currently completing their military service and the rest of the members to follow, BTS will still be active. V and Jungkook are expected to debut solo later this year. With all seven members expected to reunite soon, ARMYs can continue to enjoy their music and support the group as a whole. It's exciting to anticipate the day when BTS will perform together again.
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Taehyung Kim, also known as V, has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the globe with his enchanting vocals, mesmerizing stage presence, and unique personality. His voice weaves a tapestry of emotions, leaving an indelible imprint on listeners. He effortlessly draws the audience into his world with magnetic energy, transcending language barriers. Tae's playful nature and infectious laughter bring joy and lightheartedness, while his profound sensitivity adds depth to his artistry. He becomes a source of inspiration and comfort, leaving a lasting legacy as an artist deeply loved by his devoted followers.
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Taehyung Kim, born on December 30, 1995, in Daegu, South Korea, discovered his passion for music at a young age. He nurtured his love for performing arts by participating in school plays and dance competitions, where his natural talent and charisma shone through.
Growing up, he took saxophone lessons during his middle school years, further perfecting his musical abilities. Taehyung's early exposure to a wide range of musical styles would later contribute to his unique artistry within BTS.
Taehyung's journey toward becoming a professional singer started when he auditioned for Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE. His distinct vocals and magnetic presence caught the attention of the agency's executive, who recognized his potential. With his undeniable talent, Taehyung secured his place as a trainee, setting the stage for his incredible rise to fame as a member of BTS.
Taehyung's journey to stardom began when he auditioned for Big Hit Entertainment. He was initially at the audition to support his friend who wanted to be a trainee, but an executive at the audition encouraged V also to audition, but he first asked his father for permission before taking on the opportunity. After making it past the first round, he became the only passing auditionee from Daegu. Tae later debuted as a member of BTS in 2013, embarking on a groundbreaking career that would shape the landscape of K-pop.
With his exceptional vocal range, he adds a unique dimension to the group's music, seamlessly transitioning between soulful melodies and powerful high notes. His ability to convey raw emotions through his performances has made him a standout member, leaving fans spellbound.
As BTS gained global recognition, Taehyung's impact as an artist became increasingly prominent. With each new release, Taehyung's contributions to BTS's music and performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his place as a key member of the record-breaking boy band.
Taehyung's vocal prowess and ability to convey emotions through his performances have made him an indispensable asset to BTS. His rich, deep voice adds a unique dimension to the group's music, captivating listeners and leaving a lasting impact.
"Singularity," released as the trailer for BTS's album "Love Yourself: Tear," is a hauntingly beautiful track showcasing his ability to convey a sense of longing and vulnerability.
Likewise, Taehyung's self-composed "Winter Bear" track is a remarkable testament to his talent for crafting profound and reflective music. He co-wrote this captivating song while also taking on the director role for the music video. Through his lens, he provides a glimpse into his unique perspective, allowing fans to see the world through his eyes.
Taehyung's contributions to BTS's songwriting and composition demonstrate his multifaceted artistry. He has been involved in creating music for the group, co-writing and co-producing tracks such as "Hold Me Tight," and contributing to the lyrics of "Boyz with Fun." Tae's involvement in the creative process showcases his versatility and highlights his dedication to expressing himself authentically through music.
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Taehyung captivated audiences as a member of the global sensation BTS and his memorable performance in the popular Korean drama "Hwarang." In this historical series, he showcased his versatility as an entertainer by taking on the role of Han-Sung, a cheerful and compassionate character.
V's portrayal of Han-Sung in "Hwarang" was praised for his natural acting skills and ability to bring the character to life. Despite being his first major acting role, he effortlessly displayed a range of emotions, capturing the essence of Han-sung's innocence, loyalty, and determination. His on-screen presence added a layer of charm to the character, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
One of the defining traits that set Taehyung apart is his infectious personality. With a penchant for mischief and contagious laughter, he brings joy to those around him. Tae's endearing sense of humor has made him a beloved figure, both within BTS and among their fans. His genuine and playful nature shines through during interviews, variety show appearances, and behind-the-scenes content, creating unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact.
Taehyung's interactions with fans have further solidified his charismatic persona. He regularly communicates with fans through social media platforms such as Instagram and Weverse, expressing gratitude, sharing updates, and offering encouragement. Taehyung's genuine connection with fans and his efforts to make them feel appreciated have fostered a strong bond between him and ARMY, creating a sense of unity and support within the fandom.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) June 2, 2013
V created the heartfelt phrase "Borahae." This expression, "I purple you," holds a deep and special meaning within the BTS fandom. He aimed to convey his genuine affection and gratitude towards the dedicated ARMY by gifting fans this beautiful phrase. "Borahae" has since become a powerful way for fans to connect with V, symbolizing “cherish, trust, rely on and love each other until the end.”
Yeontan, also known as Tannie, is an adorable Pomeranian dog that belongs to Tae. This furry companion has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his irresistible charm and lovable antics. Yeontan became an instant sensation after Tae introduced him to the world through social media.
With his fluffy fur and expressive eyes, Yeontan quickly became a beloved member of the BTS family. Tae often shares adorable photos and videos of their adventures, creating a special bond between them and their fans. Yeontan's playful nature and adorable personality shine through in these glimpses into their daily lives.
Fans have embraced Yeontan with open arms, creating dedicated fan accounts and showering him with love and admiration. His presence has brought joy and warmth to ARMY, symbolizing comfort and companionship. Yeontan has become an integral part of V's public image, adding charm to his charismatic persona.
From discovering his passion for music to his rise as a member of BTS, Taehyung's unique vocal abilities, stage presence, and magnetic personality have made him an integral part of the group's success. His impact extends beyond the music industry, as he utilizes his platform to promote positive change and inspire others. As Taehyung continues to captivate audiences worldwide, his influence as an artist and humanitarian will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in K-pop and beyond.
Thank you for making these past 10 years beautiful!
The 10th anniversary of the world phenomenon boy group BTS is finally knocking at the door, and it feels unreal for the ARMY. They have outshined as a group and made the country proud and known. Though all the members are exceptional in their way and are uniquely special however, today, all the mochi fans should get excited because we will be digging deep into the life, career, and lifestyle of the cutie, lovely, and sexy Park Jimin, aka Jimin or Jimin BTS.
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Born on October 13, 1995, in the Geumjeong District of Busan, Park Jimin comes from a family of three consisting of his father, mother, and younger brother. Since his childhood days, he popularly called Jimin BTS or Jiminie has been a talented dancer and performer which is very much prominent on stage while he performs taking millions of hearts away. While in middle school he learned popping and locking from Just Dance Academy and later studied contemporary dance at Busan High School of Arts where he was first exposed to the idea of becoming an idol or entering the entertainment industry. He was a top student of the school and was suggested by his teacher to try his luck and join an entertainment agency.
The charming dancer was then recognized by Big Hit Entertainment where he auditioned for being a part of the group and competed against many to become Jimin BTS. He learned signing in order to become eligible for the audition and finally passed the audition. The Busan pride then came to Seoul and graduated from the Korean Arts School with flying colors and also met Kim Taehyung aka V as he studied there too. And just like this, he made the OT7 complete by becoming the last member to join the band and to be called as Jimin BTS.
The ARMY knows it all that how the boy group trained intensively before their debut and Jimin being the last one to join had less time to practice than the others but he didn’t leave any chance to be at par and the best. Post their debut in 2013, Jimin has never spared a moment to be his best and look perfect for his fans who admire him as Jimin BTS by practicing constantly which certainly shows up in his performance making him one of the best vocalists and performers.
Jimin in the group is known to be one of the most caring, warm, and sweet personalities which also proves his concern during the infamous fiasco between Jungkook and him during their training days. He is also sentimental and is a big fan of the movie The Notebook. Jimin has always been a star behind the stage as well, this means that he has been a top student since his childhood days and has an MBA degree in Advertising and Media under his name. He likes to be loved and believes to be kind and caring for others.
Jimin has an inspiration who is none other than Usher who has pushed him to do his best and become Jimin BTS. The artist inspires him a lot to create his music. But did you know that maybe today we might not have a member named Jimin in BTS? In Suchwita Jimin shared that it was Suga who made him change his mind and be ambitious to be in the team during their trainee days and it was revealed that Jimin was being trained as a rapper but then destiny had other plans Suga asked the agency to train Jimin as singer. With that decision, training and hard work today the world gets to listen to his melodious and unique voice that can swoon anyone away.
As the group has set off for their solo endeavors, everyone has been giving major updates and surprising sides to the fans and Jimin is no exception. Jimin in fact has been shining all over the world with his creations and releases.
Park Jimin following his debut with BTS released his 3 solos under the band name which went on to be pretty popular and are still growing and grabbing listenership and breaking records followed by his collaborations and albums.
Lie
BTS Lie, Jimin’s first solo was released in 2016 under the band’s popular album named Wings. The song has a dramatic feel with dark undertones and emotions which are in tandem with the theme of the album.
Serendipity
Serendipity is completely opposite of Lie. This song was released under the band’s album Love Yourself: Her (2017). It is a soft song with sensual feelings expressing joy, curiosity, and love with a video that will make you fall in love with Jimin all over again.
Filter
Following Serendipity is Filter which was released under the album named Map of the Soul: 7. The pop song has a Latin touch to it exposing different sides of Jimin that he has been showing to the world and everyone around him. This song also gave Jimin his first-ever entry to Billboard Hot 100.
Apart from these, he has also collaborated with bandmates and made covers of various songs like We Don’t Talk Anymore by Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez covered by him and Jungkook, and Christmas Day which is a Korean rendition of Mistletoe by Justin Bieber.
With You
Park Jimin’s first-ever OST and the most awaited as well garnered so many listeners all over the world making it one of the most streamed most of 2022. With You is a duet that he sang with Ha Sung Woon for the TvN drama Our Blues.
Vibe
Jimin’s first solo project with one of his favorite artists Taeyang. Vibe really became the vibe and life of every party and an anthem for dance in 2023. This got him not only his first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 but he also showed a new side of his singing and versatility that he has.
Promise and Christmas Love
These songs were first released on Soundcloud but then were made available in March 2023. worldwide on streaming platforms as official singles by Jimin.
Face
Park Jimin’s debut album which is still doing wonders and breaking records of the season rapidly. It was released on March 24 consisting of songs in genres ranging from pop, hip hop, and R&B, and immediately set records being number one in Korea and Japan and number 2 in the US. Set Me Free pt.2 and Like Crazy singles from the album entered the Hot 100. Like Crazy ranked at number 1 making Jimin the first South Korean solo artist in history to reach there. The album reflects the experiences that he had during the Pandemic and about who he really is which might be shadowed by joys.
Angel Pt.1
Recently in May, his new collaboration was released for the most awaited movie, Fast X. He appeared as a featured artist alongside Jvke, Muni Long in the song which is by Kodak Black and NLE Choppa.
BTS members are not restricted to just singing and performing but are now taking over the fashion and lifestyle industry too both as a group and individually. Jimin as well has under his belt the Tiffany and Co. and Dior and for both, he has become the Brand Ambassador and Global Ambassador respectively.
He has been keeping all the fans pretty occupied with his dance shorts on TikTok and on Insta both alone and with other artists.
Jimin is not just a perfectionist or a performer who would strictly go on diets for giving his best or keep on practicing to be perfect and satisfactory for ARMY because one mistake makes him feel guilty and stressed. He is a human being with all the charms, humbleness, and gratitude for his band members who he believes are his everything.
I can fall short of words while talking about Jimin or can go on and on and still find that something might be missing because the no words are enough for the charmer that he is. He has the ability to not just smile with his eyes but to also make others smile and laugh and fall for him with one flip of his hair and his voice.
Continuing our celebration of BTS’s 10th debut anniversary, today we’re putting the spotlight on arguably one of the best rapper-producer-songwriters out there, Daegu’s very own - Min Yoon-gi (민윤기), more popularly known as Suga, stylized as SUGA, but also going by Agust D and less commonly Gloss.
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Yoongi’s journey in releasing music started at thirteen when he started writing lyrics and learning about MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). By the age of seventeen, he worked part-time in a recording studio and began rapping, performing, composing, and arranging music. It was during this time, before joining Big Hit Entertainment, that he was active in the underground hip-hop scene going by the name Gloss.
Being the very definition of versatility, Suga’s involved in writing, composing, mixing, arranging, and mastering music. Suga has over a hundred songs credited to him by the Korea Music Copyright Association. He has cited Epik High as a significant musical inspiration, particularly their reggae-hip-hop hybrid album Ragga Muffin (2005), for drawing his attention to the genre.
He released music under the monikers of BTS SUGA and Agust D. His better-known stage name, SUGA, comes from the basketball term ‘shooting guard,’ the position he played as a student. August D is the combination of SUGA and the initials of his hometown - Daegu Town, spelled backward.
Suga has often said that under either name, he tries to make music without thinking of charts and critics but rather with his fans and love for music in mind. There remain differences in the songs he releases under his different monikers since, understandably, when he produces under BTS SUGA’s name, he must consider his other members and the artists he works with.
Speaking on IU’s Pallete about why he created the alter ego Agust D, he said,
“... at first, I was so fed up back then ‘why would people look down on me? Because I'm an idol?’ When normally as an idol, there are a lot of things I can't say out loud. I needed a means to let my feelings out. I created another self called Agust D.”
In a recent interview with Billboard he said about the music he releases under the two names,
“... they’re all music made by the person called Min Yoongi. So, I don’t actually have a very different mindset for each moniker — but I would say that the purposes could be somewhat different.”
As he notes in his interview with Spotify, under his persona of Agust D, he can create more personal music that focuses more on his personal stories. The lyrics, which deal with his emotions, experiences, and trauma, are raw, uncensored, aim straight for the heart, and seldom, if ever, miss.
Promoting his documentary Road to D-DAY you can catch Agust D and BTS SUGA interview each other.
Watch the recap of BTS SUGA vs August D’s secret playlist interview with Spotify.
From his very first self-titled mixtape released in 2016, this song is what I listen to on days when I need that extra push to keep going. The lyrics are beautiful. They aren’t mindlessly optimistic but encouraging because they acknowledge rather dark, often shunned, and hushed-up truths. The contrast between Suran’s soothing vocals and Agust D’s strong rap comes harmoniously together in this R&B track.
Appearing on Agust D’s second mixtape, D-2, the track features English and Korean lyrics that speak of facing one’s demons and burning the past and one’s past self to move on and toward the future. The song also features what is personally a significant line in Yoongi’s Korean rap verses -
“과감한 포기 또한 용기임을 잊지 말기를”
"(I hope you don’t forget that giving up decisively also counts as courage)"
Featuring fellow bandmate, close friend, and BTS leader RM, the track is another heavy one (lyric-wise at least) laying forth their observations of all that’s wrong with modern work-life and slavery. You don’t need to go down the rabbit hole of philosophizing about the meaning of what you’re doing in life to enjoy this rap track, and you can sit back and lean into the ebbs and flows of this masterpiece by one of K-pop’s greatest rapper-producer duos.
Appearing in his official debut solo album, D-Day, this tour de force is a collaboration with The Rose’s Woosung and the late Japanese composer, record producer, and actor Ryuichi Sakamoto. In his Weverse D-DAY live, Suga states that his initial intention with the song was for it to
“...exude the scent of music that comforted me when I was young”
and goes on to wonder
“if it would have been less painful if somebody told me these things and that’s what I had in mind as I worked on this.”
While this song is longer, coming in at around four minutes and thirty seconds, I have this loop for the "nice emotions" (Suga's words) it invokes - something nostalgic yet energizing and comforting.
This pop-focused song is another one from the recent D-Day album, marking the duo’s second collaboration after their chart-topping venture titled “Eight” back in 2020, and is, in a way, an extension of the song “People” from his second mixtape D-2.
Fun fact, this song was initially titled “Sara (사라),” a play on the words “saram (사람),” meaning people, and “Sarang (사랑),” meaning love in Korean, depending on which consonant was placed at the end. The title was finalized to be “People/ Saram (사람)” because apparently, his initial listeners heard it as “sal-ah (살아),” which means “live,” and that didn’t fit his vision for the track.
Though not his first collab with Suran, the song was SUGA's first project as a producer for an artist other than BTS. The track combines R&B, hip-hop, and electro-pop notes as Suran's vocals and Changmo's rap serenade us with their drunken reminisces of bygone romances. The way has a refreshingly mellow yet sprightly overall vibe, so you won't bawl over 'the one who got away.'
This track is one of those that one feels has to be good, given the brains and talent behind it. In this case, Epik High’s Tablo composed and co-wrote it with SUGA, whose soft raps punctuate Lee Sora’s serene, almost lulling vocals. This sentimental track is what I think is the musical representation of a reflective but not quite depressing rainy day, whether you’re curling up with your tenth steaming cup of coffee or driving off into the horizon with the radio on full blast.
Released earlier this week on June 5th and marking their third collab, Halsey and SUGA released this single for Blizzard Entertainment’s new open-world role-playing video game - Diablo IV. While his part is relatively short in this track, his voice singing in English adds an undeniable charm to the song.
From Max Schneider’s third studio album - Colour Vision - this pop music collab comes after “Burn it” and also features both English and Korean lyrics (the latter are lip-synced in the music video by Max and his wife, much to many fans’ delight). The lyrics express the singers’ love - Max for his wife and SUGA for ARMY.
Co-written and produced by SUGA, “Stay Alive” is sung by fellow bandmate and close friend Jungkook. This hit single was recorded as the soundtrack for 7Fates: Chakho, a webtoon born of a collaboration between Naver Webtoon and Hybe. Jungkook’s mesmerizing vocals, seamlessly blending with the gently dramatic slow-tempo melodies, never fail to trap me in a trance which is why what was meant to be a two to three-and-a-half minute song ends up being nearer to an hour long for me.
Here’s our Spotify playlist with all these songs and more by BTS SUGA & Agust D because who could stop listening to just 10 of his songs, given the man’s talent and repertoire?
Check out more SUGA BTS merch in the Daebak shop and don’t forget to use the code BTSY10 for 10% OFF on all BTS merch and code CSHBCK for cashback on our Daebak Box subscriptions!
BTS started their career as a group in 2013 under BigHit Entertainment, now part of HYBE Labels.
At the time the company was not only completely unknown but also on the verge of economic disaster due to their girl group GLAM's scandal.
Despite the grim situation Bang SiHyuk decided to create a “new group” with an hip-hop and rap focus, something that, in his opinion, was lacking at the time in the K-pop industry.
After many auditions he firstly selected RM as the leader and core of the group, he was also given the choice between debuting alone or with the group, but fortunately he decided to debut with the others.
After a few years the members were selected, each of them for their unique talent and contribution to the group, BTS were born and the group soon debuted with: RM, SUGA, J-HOPE, JIN, V, JIMIN and JUNGKOOK.
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Jin was selected by a scouter because of his looks, something that may feel extremely superficial to non K-pop fans but that is, indeed, part of the industry.
This is how many times talents are discovered and how Visuals are born, for Jin it was the same.
He was scouted on the street and only later, during training years, did he actually find out an impressive vocal talent.
In fact, at the beginning, he was actually interested in having a career as an actor, he was also actively studying Film at University, from which he also graduated, but BighHit convinced him to become part of the group they were creating.
Jin is the oldest member of BTS, born on the 4th of December 1992 in Anyang, close to Seoul, and from a wealthy family.
Used to being the youngest child of his family, he soon had to learn how to be the oldest, more mature brother for the other BTS members.
While Namjoon indeed has the most significant responsibility as the leader of the group Jin, although he might seem like a prankster, Jin has to become a reliable shoulder to lean on for all his new younger brothers.
At their humble beginnings, he cared for the youngest members and cooked for them every day, as Jimin and Jungkook often recall.
Jin's personality is often misunderstood.
Since he is pretty introverted, even more, when he was younger, fans at first could only notice his more caring and calm side, the one he preferred to show.
People would often not notice him because he also had more difficulties feeling comfortable on stage, which is understandable since he started training late.
As time progressed, though, he increasingly started to show his funny and quirky side. Jin is not only hilarious but also a knowledgeable person who likes to play video games and who is among the most hardworking members of the group.
As other members have often said, Jin has spent much time practicing his vocals, which have improved immensely through the years, and his dancing skills, which have also significantly improved with time.
Jin doesn't like to open up about his problems, and often, he is the one who lightens up the mood when things get heavier.
This doesn't mean that he has no concerns or is incapable of talking about his feelings, as his solos have proven time after time.
As of now, Jin has released a total of 8 singles.
Let's dive a bit more in each of them!
Jin's first solo, like the rest of the vocal line, was for the album Wings.
He did not write the lyrics, even though he tried, but like the rest of the vocal line, Jin worked closely with Namjoon, expressing his feelings and what he wanted to portray with the song.
As of now, Wings is still one of my favorite albums, and each solo is, in my opinion, a masterpiece.
Despite BTS's claim that every solo follows the lore connected to their characters, the lyrics also seem related to their personality, and Jin's solo is very moving to me.
In the song, he talks about how he feels his role in the group is that of support, more than shining himself. He feels his most significant value is shining light on the other members' values.
Besides being sad, the song highlights how much he loves the others.
Maybe I, I can never fly
I can't fly like the flower petals over there
Or as though I have wings, yeah
Maybe I, I can't touch the sky
Still, I want to stretch my hand out
I want to run, just a bit more
Here is the live version of the song, which in may opinion is even better than the studio version:
Epiphany is the second official solo song of his career, released as part of Love Yourself: Answer.
Epiphany came two years after Awake, and here, finally, Jin (and his character in the lore) realizes that the answer he was looking for was loving himself more.
As Jin has shown us through the years, he not only decided to show us more of himself but learned to appreciate more sides of his personality.
His attitude, always confident on the outside but humble and hardworking to its core, made him a point of reference for people who, like him, struggle to love themselves.
I'm the one I should love in this world
The shining me, the precious soul of mine
I realize only now, so I love me
Even if it's a little lacking, it's so beautiful
Here is the live version of the song:
Starting 2019 with Tonight (이밤), Jin released a series of very emotional songs, whose meaning is even emphasized by Jin's powerful and sweet vocals.
This song, in particular, gets me every time since it is dedicated to his pets, Jjangu, Odenggie, and Eumuk, who Jin has lost.
In the lyrics, he expresses his fear of losing the ones he loves:
When that moon sets
and the sun rises
You, who had been with me
Will you be gone?
Only a year later he released Abyss, another very emotional song which revolves around his struggles with his insecurities and burn out.
The song is even more special since it was a birthday present from Jin to his fans.
Still, I remain with myself
My voice doesn't come out, I just circle around
That dark place that I wanted to be lost in, I want to go there
I'll be there
Today again, I circle around you
Here is a short live clip:
Released as part of the album Map of the Soul: 7, Moon is a song dedicated to fans, where Jin portrays himself as the moon orbiting around ARMY, the earth.
The performance for the song is heavily based on the well-known story of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince, Jin in the role of the Moon, but also of the little prince, is now profoundly enamored with the earth, who gave him purpose and a name.
Though they say I’m beautiful,
my sea is all black
A star where flowers bloom and the sky is blue
the one who is truly beautiful is you
Here is the live performance of this song:
He also sang the OST for the 2021 K-drama Mount Jiri, Yours.
The series revolves around mount Jiri and its mysteries, with a focus on the rangers who work there.
The song delves particularly on the themes of longing and feeling lost.
Every day you seem too far away
Every time you do, I tell myself
I'm waiting right here
Every night I see you in my heart
Every time I do, I end up crying
When I call you in the darkness
As always everything is even improved by Jin’s beautiful voice:
Released on the day of his birthday, Super Tuna couldn’t be more different than Abyss. The song is, in fact, a funny short celebration of fishing, one of the many passions Jin shares with SUGA:
윤기랑 휴가에 낚시 pic.twitter.com/lqwZErvHlP
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) November 26, 2018
The song soon became a meme online and Jin himself was shocked at how much people loved it!
Many of his juniors also expressed their love for Super Tuna by often singing and dancing to it:
Last but definitely not least, Astronaut, the single Jin released before enlisting.
If you are an ARMY, like me, this song must make you cry!
I, for sure, cannot listen to it without getting emotional; the song is, in fact, an ode to Jin’s immense love both for ARMY and BTS members.
The lyrics, as well as the video, portray Jin as somebody who was lonely and lost who finds his ultimate purpose in his loving others.
You and me
Like a star that doesn't shatter
Becomin' your dream
To travel throughout the universe
Just as the Milky Way shines upon the darkest roads
You were shinin' towards me
The only light found in the darkness
On my path to you
Here is the official video:
Here is the video of the only live performance we have of Astronaut, which Jin performed during Coldplay’s concert in Buenos Aires:
Jin enlisted on the 13th of December, not that long after his birthday.
Despite knowing that he would have been the first to enlist still ARMY were quite sad and also worried since he was dispatched in a very cold area during the winter.
A video was shared, for fans to feel closer to him, of his enlistment day:
Jin has also left a video message for ARMY, one for each month he will spend in the military.
This is the latest one:
Just a few days ago it was announced his participation on Yoongi's talkshow SUCHWITA:
Before enlisting Jin actually participated in many talk shows and Korean programs, as a plus he also took the time to shoot these other contents for ARMY.
This, as much as Astronaut, is a testament to how much he loves ARMY and being part of BTS.
Among them my favorite is his interview with Youngji:
Funny, intelligent, caring, resilient, hardworking, shy, talented, with an angelic voice, whose lyrics will only keep surprising us in the future: Jin is all of this and much more!
I could keep talking about Jin for hours, not only because he is part of my favorite group but because I firmly believe he is an incredible person and I think he helped me, and all other ARMY, to learn how to truly love ourselves day by day.
In global music, few names carry the same weight and impact as BTS. Among the seven immensely talented members of BTS, Namjoon Kim, better known as RM, stands out as a multifaceted artist and a true symbol of inspiration. In this article, we delve into the life and career of RM, exploring his remarkable journey from an aspiring rapper to a global icon and leader of the world's biggest boy band.
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Namjoon Kim, or RM, was born on September 12, 1994, in Ilsan, South Korea. From a young age, he exhibited a deep passion for music and literature, eventually shaping his artistic path. Growing up, RM was influenced by various musical genres, particularly hip-hop, and R&B, which resonated with him and ignited his interest in pursuing a music career.
As a teenager, RM began writing his lyrics and immersing himself in the world of poetry and rap. He saw music as a powerful medium for self-expression and an avenue to connect with others. His dedication to honing his skills as a rapper led him to participate in local rap battles and underground music scenes, where he showcased his talent and garnered attention from those in the industry.
During one of these underground rap battles, RM caught the eye of representatives from Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE. Impressed by his skill and potential, they approached RM with an offer to become a trainee under their agency. Recognizing this as a golden opportunity to pursue his dreams, RM accepted the offer and embarked on a life-changing journey in 2010.
As RM sharpened his skills and prepared for his debut, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles. He experienced moments of self-doubt and uncertainty, questioning whether he had what it took to succeed in the fiercely competitive music industry. However, with the support of his fellow trainees and the guidance of his mentors at Big Hit Entertainment, RM persevered and remained committed to his artistic journey.
RM's early beginnings as a passionate teenager with dreams of becoming a rapper laid the foundation for his remarkable journey. His love for music and his relentless pursuit of self-improvement led him to the doors of Big Hit Entertainment and ultimately set him on the path to international stardom. The challenges he faced and overcame during his formative years shaped him into the resilient and talented artist he is today, inspiring countless individuals to follow their dreams and embrace their true passions.
In 2013, RM and six other members were introduced as a part of BTS, an acronym for "Bangtan Sonyeondan," which translates to "Bulletproof Boy Scouts." The group's formation began an extraordinary journey redefining the global music scene.
One of RM's most distinctive roles in BTS is his group leader position. His leadership qualities, exceptional talent, and vision have been instrumental in BTS's success. RM's ability to communicate effectively with the members and guide them through various challenges has helped solidify BTS's unity and purpose.
Furthermore, RM is renowned for his lyrical prowess. He has contributed significantly to the songwriting process, penning heartfelt and introspective verses that resonate deeply with the audience. His lyrics often tackle self-acceptance, mental health, and pursuing dreams, fostering a powerful connection with fans worldwide.
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Throughout his career, RM has achieved numerous milestones and collaborations that have further solidified his position as a respected artist. As a trainee, he trained alongside fellow rapper Min Yoon-gi, known as SUGA, and dancer Jung Ho-seok, known as j-hope. Together, they developed their skills and laid the foundation for their future endeavors.
As a solo artist, RM released his first solo mixtape, "RM," in 2015. The mixtape showcased his personal growth and artistic expression, with tracks delving into his past, personal beliefs, and emotions. RM's subsequent collaborations with artists like Warren G, Wale, and Fall Out Boy further demonstrated his ability to blend different musical styles and connect with diverse listeners seamlessly.
In 2018, RM released his second mixtape, "mono.," which received critical acclaim and topped the iTunes charts in over 88 countries. The mixtape showcased his maturity as an artist and addressed youth, loneliness, and self-discovery themes. With introspective tracks like "Tokyo" and "forever rain," RM solidified his reputation as a thoughtful lyricist and reflective artist.
RM's influence extends beyond the realm of music. As the leader of BTS, he has used his platform to promote positive social change and advocate for various causes. BTS's philanthropic efforts have included partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF and their "Love Myself" campaign, aimed at ending violence against children and teenagers.
His speech emphasized the importance of self-love, understanding, and pursuing one's dreams. RM's words resonated with people worldwide, transcending language barriers and inspiring individuals to embrace their true selves.
Moreover, RM's impact on the global music industry is undeniable. BTS's success has helped break down barriers for Korean artists, paving the way for the international recognition of K-pop as a genre. RM's dedication, hard work, and talent have inspired countless aspiring musicians and artists, proving that language is not a barrier to achieving one's dreams.
In addition to his achievements as an artist, RM has been officially appointed as the Public Relations Ambassador for the Ministry of National Defense in South Korea. Representing the Killed in Action Recovery & Identification organization (MAKRI), RM aims to raise awareness about fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives to serve their country. The news of his appointment has delighted BTS fans worldwide, who eagerly celebrated this milestone. Official pictures from the appointment ceremony have surfaced online, capturing RM's proud and determined demeanor as he took on this critical role.
RM (@BTS_twt) has been appointed as the Public Relations Ambassador for South Korea's Ministry of National Defense Agency for 'KIA Recovery & Identification' pic.twitter.com/FRyPDQcQNI
— BTS Charts & Translations (@charts_k) June 1, 2023
With his global influence and genuine passion for making a difference, RM is well-positioned to fulfill his duties as the Public Relations Ambassador for the Ministry of National Defense. As he uses his platform to raise awareness and honor the sacrifices of military personnel, RM continues to inspire his fans and the broader BTS Army community.
Namjoon Kim, known as RM, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration and a symbol of hope. From his humble beginnings as a trainee at Big Hit Entertainment to his role as the leader of BTS, RM's journey is a testament to perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of music.
김캉골 pic.twitter.com/1NCoI7NNiE
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) December 30, 2013
Through his introspective lyrics and dynamic performances, RM has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. His influence reaches beyond music; he uses his platform to advocate for positive change and inspire individuals to embrace their true selves.
As BTS continues to break records and captivate audiences globally, RM's contributions remain integral to its success. His talents as a rapper, songwriter, and leader have played a pivotal role in shaping the group's identity and connecting with fans profoundly.
RM's remarkable journey reminds us that anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness with passion, determination, and a commitment to authenticity. As the music industry continues to evolve, RM's impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and inspiring future generations of artists.
Cheers to 10 extraordinary years and countless more to come! Together, we'll continue to support and cherish our beloved BTS.
- Your Fellow ARMY
Does this happen to you, too, that after watching a K-Drama rom-com, you go into a zone where you want to listen to all the romantic and dedicated-to-love OSTs? Or sometimes you are just in the mood for love and want to hear OSTs around that mood?
If yes, and if you are feeling the same right now or recently have been feeling the same but do not have a playlist, then we are here to the rescue. Get the list of must-have OSTs from the renowned and best K-dramas you need to add to your playlist right now, especially when you want to feel loved or happy and good. P.S. These songs will make your day bright and happy, so even if you are not in love, give these songs a go.
K-dramas have their charm and feel that if once watched, will get you addicted to them, but K-Dramas are nothing without the songs that give the scenes and the whole drama that extra depth and emotion, and butterflies in our stomachs. The drama makers know the exact ingredients to make the entire meal that is the drama so wholesome for the audience, and one of them is hands down their OST. Therefore, it was the right time to create a playlist with the best OST of K- Dramas you might have seen or heard of.
1. Love Me Like That - Nevertheless - Love songs without the songs of Nevertheless is just incomplete. Love Me Like That by Sam Kim is one of that songs that you can listen to on a loop and not get tired of it. The light music with Sam’s voice and if seen on the video, then Song Kang and Han So Hee’s chemistry on this song is to die for without fail.
2. Nevertheless - Nevertheless - the title track of Nevertheless by Night Off is another song that deserves a place in the list because, let’s say, ‘nevertheless,’ the OST is a feeling.
3. Whisper - Nevertheless - Whisper from Nevertheless is another song that would flutter your heart. Listen once and never stop again.
4. Something In Your Eyes - One song you would like someone to dedicate to you. The beautiful voice of Gang Haein for My Id is Gangnam Beauty gives you a perfect melody and music you can hear while traveling or sitting in the cafe by the window or dedicated to someone if you like.
5. Fall In You - True Beauty has actual melodic songs, and Ha Sung Woon’s song Fall in You is one of them that can never get too old to listen to.
6. With You - I am sure you all must have heard this song, and I must say much. The first OST of Jimin and the most trending song of the season with Ha Sung Woon from Our Blues is the much-required song without which this list will be incomplete.
7. Our Beloved Summer - Our Beloved Summer’s title track by Kim Kyung Hee is a song for this summer and the beloved. The music and the lyrics are just beautiful at their best.
8. Love So Fine - it is no secret that Cha Eun Woo’s voice is impressive, which is why his OST for True Beauty has to be on the list. Love will seem fine if you tune in to this song, and for a more pleasant experience, do not forget to watch the video.
9. Summer Rain - Sam Kim’s voice is just a heart stealer, especially when it comes to slow songs, and this OST from Our Beloved Summer is yet again one of his beautiful songs that makes you feel nice and loved.
10. Give You My Heart - One of the best romance K-Dramas we can’t stop gushing about, Crash Landing On You’s OST has to be on the list, and this one by IU is just the right pick for the list.
11. Stay With Me - Guardian and this iconic song which is still trending on Insta reels and tik tok videos, especially for romantic videos, will never go old. All of you have already heard this song, and it is not a bad idea to give it another go, right?
Christmas Tree By V from Our Beloved Summer
Say Yes by Loco and Punch from Moonlovers
It’s Definitely You by V and Jin from Hwarang
Orbit by Hwasa from The King: Eternal Monarch
Melting by Cheeze from Forecasting Love and Weather
And it’s a wrap with our list of OSTs and the Best OST K-Drama that everyone must listen to at least once because once you give it a go, there is no turning back. This list is not exhaustive, and in all honesty, any OST in any K-Drama, particularly in romantic K-Drama, is just a mood and a vibe that elevates the show, the chemistry, and our interest in the show, and the couple.
So, if you are in the mood for love or are feeling romantic, you know which songs to add and what playlist to play. Love yourself and everyone around you with the playlist we have curated for you that will melt your heart and the one with you for sure!
The recent death of ASTRO’s Moonbin shocked everyone, me included.
Moonbin was well known to anyone who listened to K-pop and was also very young, almost my age, which made his sudden departure even more appalling.
Only in the last six years SHINee’s Jonghyun, f(x)’s Sulli, Kara’s Goo Hara, and many other K-pop idols have passed away, mostly in tragic circumstances.
The sudden departure of these K-pop idols has caused much sadness to all the people close to them, family, group members, and friends, but also to all their fans.
Fans may appear to have exaggerated reactions to this news; they grieve in ways very similar to those who ‘really knew’ these people, but why? Why do we, as fans, firmly attach to celebrities?
While to some may feel superficial almost, it is not strange for people to feel a strong bond with K-pop idols who marked essential moments of their life, significantly if they helped them, with their works, get over challenging times.
Music, books, movies, and paintings are all messages equally powerful, even if very different from one another, directed toward their viewers.
When a K-pop song resonates with you deep within your soul, for its lyrics, for its music, or even because it is from K-pop idols you find great comfort in, it is only normal to form an emotional attachment to it.
If over the year you find yourself waiting for new songs and new content from those K-pop idols, if their photos, messages, or buying their merch starts to become one of your little daily happiness, how can you be indifferent when something happens to those people?
This may fit what psychologists call a parasocial relationship, a one-sided relationship where all the commitment comes from one person and the other doesn’t even know about their existence, but it is nevertheless a relationship.
More than ever, K-pop idols, who create stronger bonds with their fandom through the constant content released, may become a ray of hope in someone’s life.
I often struggle to explain to my family or friends why I feel such a strong attachment to BTS, but there are no better words than love because I love them like a dear friend I can rarely meet, and I’m sad whenever something terrible happens to them.
Even though I cannot say I know them in person, I feel like I do, and I know many people everywhere feel the same and always wish their favorite K-pop idols the best.
This sense of belonging gets even more vital when these K-pop idols have the same struggles we do, and many of them have talked, through the years, about their efforts, not only with their music but also during their lives with their fans.
For example, Jonghyun advocated for mental health, lgbtq+ rights and, in general, showed his support for many causes.
It was only one of the many reasons Shawols loved and still love him.
His lyrics, both the ones he composed for SHINee or his solos and the ones he produced for other artists, touch on many different topics and are a legacy of his great heart.
Two songs, in particular, have been among my favorites for years, and the first was one he composed for his friend Lee Hi, Breathe:
The second song is 하루만이라도 (Just for One Day), part of his solo album Poet | Artist:
She was often praised and criticized for her outspoken persona. Sulli was, indeed, one of a kind in the K-pop idols industry.
Debuted under SM’s group f(x), she also took part in many films and K-dramas and was a 360 degrees artist interested in almost every field of art, including painting.
She often expressed her support for feminist discussions and topics and tried herself to redefine the strict model of femininity present in South Korea; in fact, she supported the no bra movement as well as Comfort Women Day (a day to commemorate women forced to sexual slavery during World War II by Japanese soldiers).
She also was quite vocal about the harmful effects of cyberbullying, which affected her personally for most of her life.
Among her songs, one of my favorites is 하루살이 (Dayfly):
And the iconic f(x)’s Electric Shock:
Debuted in the iconic group KARA in 2015, she became a solo artist; like Sulli, Goo Hara was also an actress.
She struggled a lot to become a K-pop idol, not only because her parents didn’t support her choice but also because she had to do multiple jobs to support her dream.
She was an incredible performer and was notoriously known among her fans for being a performer who wouldn’t stop even when sick.
She also never allowed people to stump on her; when cyberbullies started targeting her due to her scandals, she didn’t back up and confronted them directly.
She also courageously confronted her ex-boyfriend, who tried to blackmail her with intimate videos.
She was close to Sulli and, like her, didn’t fear speaking up about uncomfortable topics; indeed, she was a kind soul to admire.
Among her songs, my favorites are KARA’s Mister:
And her solo song Choco Chip Cookie:
I’ve recently written an article on Moonbin, a K-pop idol I’ve known for a long time. While writing that piece, I tried to process what had just happened, but I have to admit that it is not easy to write about him even after a month.
Moonbin was an incredible person and Artist; he was incredibly charming and a great performer.
For all these reasons, he touched many people with his words, and many fans are grieving his loss.
He started his career young and was both a singer and an actor. Like Jonghyun, he also wrote some of Astro’s song lyrics.
Among his songs, some of my faves are Crazy Sexy Cool, the first Astro song I’ve ever listened to:
And Merry-Go-Round, which he participated in writing:
Moonbin, Sulli, Jonghyun, and Goo Hara are often put together because they left us relatively early, and I too, when thinking of this article, automatically thought about them.
It saddens me to think that we might remember them only as the K-pop idols who died young, and that’s why, despite recognizing that that’s how many may think of them, I hope those reading the article will look at the words I wrote only as a brief reminder of the many other incredible things these four achieved.
For those who are also, justifiably, still grieving, I hope you know you are not alone and that it is right to feel sad even if it’s “just about a K-pop idol you don’t know” because I know and you know these people are much more than that.
Remember always to spread positivity, listen to good music and be kind!
K-Pop groups are ruling over the world with their music, dance, and their other endeavors side by side and expanding their fandom to an unimaginable level. Their spotlight position, however, is not just determined by their songs and performance but also through the things they are associated with or through which they connect with their fans, and one of the most important and popular of all is the K-Pop lightsticks.
K-Pop Lightsticks are not just beautiful sticks with light and of some shape but are an identity for the K-pop group and their fans who want to be associated with or feel close to the group in some way. They are a way of communication between both, and thanks to the era of technology, these K-pop lightsticks have connected fans with their idols while being at home in any part of the world.
The music industry has evolved with the changing time, and so has the K-pop lightsticks. Be it in terms of shapes, color, meanings, technology, and so forth, these K-Pop lightsticks have become a symbol for the group that tells a lot about them. All the groups, be it BTS, EXO, BlackPink, TXT, or any K-pop group, have their trademark- the K-Pop lightsticks. Though all the lightsticks are unique and beautiful for the fans, their favorite groups have the prettiest K-pop lightsticks, and we cannot agree more because that is what love for the idol and the group means.
Talking along the lines of K-pop lightsticks and their evolution and changes, the agencies of the K-pop groups have always tried to bring something unique in these K-Pop lightsticks that resonate with the idols and their differences, stand out in the crowd, and have something special that it becomes the spotlight. And in doing so, one of the K-Pop groups has undoubtedly taken the spotlight for coming up with an all-inclusive lightstick. The group to develop one of the most innovative K-Pop lightsticks is the most renowned, versatile, and loved AYA girls; you guessed right, it is none other than Mamamoo.
Mamamoo comprising of Hwasa, Solar, Moonbyul, and Wheein, is a girl K-Pop group in Korea known for their power-packed performance and confident songs, some of the popular being Mr. Ambiguous, Hip, Aya, Gogobebe and the newly released Illella. The group was formed by Rainbow Bridge World in 2014. And since then, the members have been unstoppable both as a group and as an individual artists garnering a huge fan following worldwide.
Mamamoo, just like various other music groups, has also been famous for their lightstick among the various K-pop lightsticks. Their K-Pop lightsticks come in the shape of a radish called a moo in Korea, translating to radish in English. They come in a green and white adornment top that is shaped like a radish. The fun design is not the only thing it has been famous for since its release in 2015, making it prominent and easily recognizable.
Still, with some additional modifications and a relaunch in 2017, it gained even more attention. Though the improvements were all internal and did not change its look and included 256 options of colors for users as a change, one change, in these K-Pop lightsticks in particular, gained a lot of attention. The reason was that it became the first K-Pop lightsticks to be inclusive.
Being counted as one of the prettiest K-Pop lightsticks among many now, it stood out above all, becoming inclusive. Now you must be thinking that in what sense did it become inclusive? Well, we are here to give you all the details. Fans, be it anyone, has the right to enjoy the performance and concerts of their favorite groups, and K-Pop lightsticks are a part of the fun. Keeping this in mind, the group came up with the feature of vibration in the lightstick as a step to show love and care for people with disabilities. The feature helps the fans with hearing or eyesight impairment to get notified when they will have to cheer for the group, as the lightstick has a vibrating motor that will vibrate, signaling the fans to cheer. This way, the group has not just extended its love to all its fans but has also become a group with unique inclusive K-pop lightsticks for its fans.
This, coming from Mamamoo, can be seen as a great attempt but not a surprise for the fans as they have always been very open in showing their love for people with disabilities in any way they can, like Wheein once communicated with a fan through sign language. They even incorporated sign language in the choreography of the song Starry Night. Including a vibration feature in a simple thing like a K-Pop lightstick has been their effort to show support but, at the same time, comes as a positive way to raise awareness towards disability. It has even addressed discrimination through a simple improvement and has spread the message of equality.
Addressing these things and spreading awareness can be done in the slightest way possible, which is what Mamamoo as a group has proved. Love, care, and support from their side had all been addressed and shared through simple acts like inclusivity in K-pop lightsticks which has brought smiles to many faces. This act, in turn, has brought Mamamoo into the spotlight without words.
Many might need to pay more attention to intricacies, but for some, they can change a lot of things and make them feel happy and included, be it in the form of a vibration feature in the K-Pop lightsticks, for that matter. Mamamoo, through this, has also proved that they never had or will fail to appreciate their fans and all the support and love they shower on the group that has brought them to such heights.
Outfits may seem secondary to people who have never watched a K-pop music video, but fans know very well that outfits are, in fact, a vital element of K-pop.
They not only help define the concept chosen for a group or a specific comeback, but they also help enhance idols' qualities and express their personalities.
Some K-pop fashion moments, in particular, managed to leave their mark on K-pop history, some in a positive manner, others in a less favorable light. The response may also vary depending on the nationality of the fans and their overall cultural background or fashion taste.
If you want to know more about K-pop fashion, keep reading this article. If you want to be updated about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups, check out the other articles on Daebak.co, and if you're going to dress like a K-pop idol, look at our shop!
Probably THE most iconic K-pop fashion moment on the list, 2018 MAMAMOO's performance was incredible, and all the girls looked stunning, but this outfit is still discussed after five years!
This tight and sexy bodysuit was considered too sexy by many netizens, who heavily criticized Hwasa for her choice. Still, many, on the contrary, really appreciated her bold move.
Especially considering how harsh body standards are in Korea, the fact that Hwasa confidently wore something so sexy without fitting those standards encouraged many viewers.
She was perfect, don't you agree?
When knetz criticized Hwasa at MAMA 2018 because of the red bodysuit and days later she appeared with a corset and garter belt at Gayo Daejun 💅👑 pic.twitter.com/oJ75OZVytw
— Ceci (@Cecilia09Ceci) October 16, 2020
Go to min 1.07 to see her solo stage or take the chance to also enjoy Moonbyul and Chaewon’s performance:
Kai is well known for his bold outfits, but the ones he wore for the Love Shot music video and the subsequent performances left an indelible mark on EXO-L and everyone else.
Despite finding it hard to choose one among those he wore, I finally picked this iconic K-pop fashion moment:
#KAI | LOVE SHOT ERA KAI
— TBC ★ (@T0BECOUTURE) December 7, 2021
Love shot was definitely one for the books. We got leather jacket EXO back, this time with graffiti printing and a more put together bad boy persona. KAI became the hottest topic, dominating every social media with his infamous red suit. pic.twitter.com/DWrcTPSN2c
As a plus, Kai is one of the best dancers in Kpop, so let us all bathe our eyes in this beautiful fancam of him wearing it:
And of course here it is the full music video:
TXT’s Blue Hour was an, indeed, iconic comeback for the group, where they styled cowboys-meet-fairies kind of outfits.
The song in itself is incredibly catchy, but the music video brings it to the next level:
What took the internet by storm, even before the release of the full music video, was, however, Yeonjun’s pink Balenciaga crop top. Not only was the styling particularly intriguing, but it perfectly fitted Yeonjun’s aura.
Often, he likes experimenting with his style, so this was the first time anyone else could pull it off as well as he did.
yeonjun and his pink crop top pic.twitter.com/sNUxZ1m8i1
— junie thinker (@yjunthoughts) April 6, 2021
Surely an iconic K-pop fashion moment!
If you have never heard before in your life about Red Velvet, then you must be living under a rock!
They are undeniably one of the most iconic girl groups of K-pop. Their concept (red for the cute comebacks and velvet for the more mature ones) is united with their vocal talent, and their excellent music production is a must-known!
As a plus, Peek-a-Boo is one of their best comebacks! Each of the members’ outfits was unique.
peek-a-boo by red velvet:
— cYa ☆ (@soobuji) May 10, 2018
- THAT KPOP GIRL™️
- THE DANCE IS SO CATCHY HOW CAN YOU NOT DANCE ALONG
- THE RAINBOW OUTFITS WERE EVERYTHING pic.twitter.com/Dm1vdd2NYY
but Joy in particular was stunning in her rainbow dress!
No words, just #RedVelvet's #Joy in her iconic rainbow dress. pic.twitter.com/3MkZnMV9Qu
— Affinity Magazine (@TheAffinityMag) July 7, 2021
Indeed an iconic K-pop fashion moment!
If you haven’t listened to the song before, what are you waiting for?
Choosing just one among the many iconic outfits J-hope wore during the Dynamite era was hard, but this suit sent the internet into complete chaos, so I had to put it on the list.
J-hope has always enjoyed bright colors and risky fashion, but this K-pop fashion moment was unforgettable!
Dance leader Hoseok in the purple suit and a clip in his hair
— j-hope videos (@jhopevideos) June 26, 2021
#JHOPE #제이홉 pic.twitter.com/MRHN7AtLzy
Here you can watch the entire performance and bathe your eyes with BTS’ talent and beauty.
During the dance break in particular, J-hope, as usual, has a chance to show us his incredible dance skills:
2019 marked Blackpink's first Coachella performance, here, they had a chance to show their incredible talent to both K-pop fans and non-K-pop fans, and indeed they did not disappoint!
Their performances and outfits were on fire so we couldn't miss this iconic K-pop fashion moment!
In particular, this outfit worn by Lisa left everyone speechless; she looked incredible!
190413 (3 years ago today)
— ᓚᘏᗢ (@timetolili) April 12, 2022
Lisa at Coachella 2019 Day 1 pic.twitter.com/Q8hXJ36UVs
Here you can watch their performance of DDU-DU-DDU-DU, where Lisa wore this iconic dress. They all looked stunning!
Since we are talking about Lisa, I also want to include another of her iconic K-pop fashion moments! Her outfit for the DDU-DU-DDU-DU music video:
Lisa looks like she just finished washing the dishes and forgot to take her rubber gloves off but she still look amazing as always
— 유나비🦋✨ (@not_your_nunna) June 22, 2018
-
[ song: blackpink - ddu du ddu du ] pic.twitter.com/ZtLC3V52yI
This one sparked controversy since the gloves reminded many people of dishwashing gloves!
Despite that, she still looks fantastic, don’t you agree?
As a song, Fancy functions almost as a splitter in TWICE’s discography; it marks their new, more mature rendition of their concept. Before the song, TWICE’s concept was adorable; now, despite not losing its core, their music fits more their maturity and has a hint of sexiness.
Chaeyoung, in particular, had an iconic K-pop fashion moment during the FANCY MV; not only was the outfit iconic, but also her haircut.
chaeyoung has it all!! she really has it all!
— unforgiven 🍓 (@nextlevelchaeng) April 22, 2019
-birthday comeback
-blonde hair (mv)/ pink hair (promos)
-RAP LINES RAP LINES RAP LINES!!!!!
-wrote strawberry
-serving LOOKS
-stage presence and confidence
this era is already hitting so different#TWICE_FANCY #chaeyoung pic.twitter.com/ryMZdtcVJD
This outfit fits her perfectly!
Here is also the music video, if you haven’t heard FANCY before you will not be disappointed!
For the ones who don’t know Jessi, she is an incredible solo artist whose talent spans from rap to singing to host.
She has been in the K-pop industry for more than a decade, and despite many finding her highly controversial, she managed, in time, to consolidate a faithful group of fans who love her also, if not especially, for her honesty and confidence.
She often speaks about taboo topics in Korea, such as her plastic surgeries, which are usually themes K-pop idols avoid. She was never afraid to talk about what she decided to change, and, in many interviews, Jessie spoke about her “fake boobs,” something she was teased for a lot.
In her Who Dat B MV, she wore an outfit containing hate words directed at her; in particular, her top recites “FAKE,” an apparent reference to her “fake boobs.”
278 . Jessi - Hate Tweet Outfit : pic.twitter.com/h8V0VqWLBH
— Legendary Kpop Outfits (@iconickpopfits) May 25, 2021
This was, without any doubt, an iconic K-pop fashion moment!
Itzy is a 4th generation girl group that debuted under JYP, which, from their debut DALLA DALLA, took the world of K-pop by storm thanks to their catchy music and incredible performances!
Their comeback WANNABE, in particular, became viral thanks to Ryujin’s iconic shoulders dance move, which invaded TikTok and other social media platforms!
In the video, they all wear beautiful outfits, but Ryujin’s one, thanks to the success of her fancams, became an iconic K-pop fashion moment!
The song is super catchy and their dance moves are incredible! Here is the video:
SHINee is iconic, probably one of the most known boy groups in K-pop music, with incredible vocalists, outstanding performers, and K-pop fashion icons!
Their music has defined the industry for over a decade, and their comebacks never disappoint!
I could not not include these incredible white military-style outfits, which KEY himself designed for the group tour!
Superior outfit for superior boys.
— ℕ𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕒Who♥️𝕊ℍ𝕀ℕ𝕖𝕖🌸💎 (@shinin_omma) April 23, 2020
My most fav outfit. Iconic.#SHINee #샤이니 pic.twitter.com/oR8idfbW4E
Undeniably an iconic K-pop fashion look!
Here are some of their amazing performances while wearing these outfits:
Last but not least, one of SEVENTEEN’s most recent comebacks, HOT, is a song that is catchy and full of K-pop fashion moments.
Every outfit in the video is unique and eye-catching, but it is undeniable that Minghao stole everyone’s attention in his red-yellow top!
An unmissable K-pop fashion moment!
Exactly!!!pic.twitter.com/ELxImiFvOU
— 𝑵𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐 𝐀𝐉 🦄🐈 (@DojaCatJuicy) May 16, 2023
The song is a literal ear-worm, you can never stop listening to it after the first time:
Compiling a list of all the most iconic K-pop fashion moments was hard since there were so many great outfits to remember, but I tried to add as much variety as possible.
I hope this article will be an excellent way to find style inspiration, discover or re-discover new music, or reminisce about the good times connected to these outfits.
If you have other iconic K-pop fashion moments, let us know in the comments!
K-pop has been taking the world by storm in recent years, with its catchy tunes, high-energy dance moves, and colorful visuals captivating fans all over the globe. Among the many talented groups emerging from the genre, one that has recently caught the attention of fans is FIFTY FIFTY, a four-member girl group that debuted in November 2022 with their hit song "Cupid."
Since their debut, FIFTY FIFTY has been steadily building their fan base, thanks to their impressive vocals, dance skills, and charming personalities. While they may be a new group on the scene, their unique sound and style set them apart from other K-pop groups, and they have already made a lasting impression with "Cupid."
At first listen, "Cupid" may come across as a typical love song, with its upbeat tempo and catchy hook. But there's more to it than meets the eye. The song's message of sharing love equally between two people implies that love is a mutual exchange rather than something one person can give or take. The lyrics also assert the protagonist's self-worth and demand to be loved for who they are rather than being played by someone who doesn't appreciate them.
The music video for "Cupid" further reinforces the song's message of self-love and empowerment. It features the members of FIFTY FIFTY performing in a dark, moody setting, surrounded by shadowy figures representing the protagonist's doubts and fears. As the song progresses, the members gain confidence and break free from the shadows, culminating in a powerful dance sequence that showcases their talents and teamwork.
FIFTY FIFTY's unique sound and style set them apart from other K-pop groups. Rather than relying solely on electronic beats and flashy choreography, they focus on harmonies and emotional resonance. The members' voices blend together seamlessly, creating a sense of unity and warmth.
Another notable aspect of FIFTY FIFTY's music is its use of English lyrics, making it more accessible to a global audience. For example, the chorus of "Cupid" features the repeated line, "I'm feeling lonely," emphasizing the song's universal themes of longing and heartbreak.
While many talented K-pop groups exist, FIFTY FIFTY stands out for their unique sound and style. They focus on harmonies and emotional resonance. The members' voices blend seamlessly, creating a rare sense of unity and warmth in the genre.
Self-love is evident in the lyrics of "Cupid" and how they interact with their fans. Whether on stage or on social media, the members of FIFTY FIFTY exude confidence and positivity, inspiring their fans to embrace their unique qualities and pursue their dreams.
As the global popularity of K-pop continues to rise, FIFTY FIFTY is poised for even greater success in the years to come. While they may be a new group on the scene, they have already made a lasting impression with "Cupid," Their unique sound and style will surely attract even more fans.
With their electrifying stage presence and uplifting social media presence, the members of FIFTY FIFTY exude unwavering confidence and infectious positivity, serving as inspiring role models for their fans to embrace their individuality, unlock their true potential, and fearlessly pursue their dreams.
FIFTY FIFTY's commitment to self-love and empowerment is also significant in their potential for continued success. In an industry that often prioritizes image and perfection, FIFTY FIFTY's members are refreshingly authentic and unapologetically themselves. These lyrics promote self-confidence and embracing one's flaws, and their interactions with fans on social media showcase their genuine personalities and approachability.
FIFTY FIFTY is a rising star in the K-pop scene, thanks to its unique sound, heartfelt lyrics, and commitment to self-love and empowerment. Their hit song "Cupid" has already made a lasting impression on fans worldwide, and their future looks bright as they continue to evolve and grow as artists.
Whether you are a longtime K-pop fan or a newcomer to the genre, FIFTY FIFTY is definitely a group to keep an eye on. Their unique sound and style, engaging personalities, and impressive live performances have helped them stand out in a crowded industry.
Looking forward to the future, seeing what FIFTY FIFTY has in store for its fans will be exciting. With each new release, they continue to evolve and grow as artists, exploring new sounds and themes while staying true to their core values of self-love, empowerment, and connection with their fans.
As the global popularity of K-pop continues to rise, it is clear that FIFTY FIFTY is poised for even greater success in the years to come. Whether performing on stage or connecting with fans through social media, they remain a shining example of what makes K-pop a vibrant and exciting genre.
BTS must have been on a hiatus, but they have succeeded in keeping the ARMY on their feet with their solo music and fashion ventures. They must have taken a break to focus on their individual projects and fulfill their duties, but that has kept fans energized, as the group has kept everyone busy from wherever they are.
Bangtan Sonyeondan, aka BTS, never fails to surprise ARMY or send them into a frenzy, whether as a group or when they go solo. This does not just apply to their singing career but also to the ventures they are entering besides singing, which includes them becoming models and brand ambassadors of the world’s renowned brands.
Jimin became Dior's ambassador, J-Hope became Louis Vuitton's ambassador, V represented Celine, Suga joined the NBA, and Valentino or Namjoon became the face of Bottega Veneta. The members have been all over the internet and industries, and the expansion has continued as another BTS member bags a brand and becomes its face. We are talking about none other than the Golden Maknae Jeon Jungkook, who has been appointed as the global ambassador of Calvin Klein, and honestly, we can't keep calm at all!
Calvin Klein is known to partner with the most trending faces of the time, including Micahel B Jordan, and it has maintained its legacy by joining hands with BTS Jungkook. The collaboration and the news were first announced unofficially on 27th March when the brand posted a teaser video with close-up shots of the ambassador but not ultimately revealing him.
But ARMY was quick enough to recognize the maknae and awaited the final announcement. The buzz was finally confirmed when the luxury brand released the campaign with Jungkook on 28th March, leaving the fans all gaga over all the posts and pictures, and it was all worth the hype.
Even though Jungkook is not the first K-Pop artist to become the face of Calvin Klein, the buzz is more than before. The brand has revealed that Jungkook has chosen to be the ambassador of CK Jeans and Underwear. In the recent campaign and photoshoot, Jungkook can be seen sporting the iconic tees of the brand along with the 90s straight denim and body jeans, relaxed fit denim shirt, and oversized denim jacket.
Jungkook photoshoot for the brand was lensed by photographer Park Jong Ha, and both the singer and the photographer have gone all out when it comes to the pictures, not leaving any ounce of handsomeness and charm to put forth in the frame. In the series of photos that are no less sultry, Jungkook can be seen flaunting his tattoos, long hair, his toned body, and looks, and to top it off, the black and white theme takes the whole vibe to the next level with the colored ones which are excellent too.
This partnership has not just been unique for the brand or the artist’s fans. Still, Jungkook seemed excited and glad to partner with the brand as he shared in the press release that “ I have been a fan of Calvin Klein for a long time, and I’m thrilled to be their newest global ambassador. This partnership is exceptional, as Calvin Klein’s heritage and brand values resonate with me”.
He added, “ My music is how I communicate with my fans around the world, and I see this partnership as an opportunity to connect with them in a new way. I’m incredibly excited for people to see a new side of me in this first campaign of the brand”. And with all honesty, I guess that all of us can agree to the fact that we are more than excited, and he has connected with all of us in a new way, and his new side is something we all have been waiting for.
Calvin Klein has been successful with their strategy to trigger the shoppers' pulse with precisely what they want, which also included Jungkook-wearing Calvins, and guess what? It worked perfectly for them. Leaving the fans screaming with teasers and photos has worked to their advantage.
If you think this was between Calvin and Jungkook or Jungkook’s partnership and fans, let me give you some more deets. Jeon Jungkook was also seen attending the event arranged by Calvin Klein for their new collection with BlackPink Jennie. On May 10, he surprised all the fans with his unexpected appearance at the special pop-up store event.
It would not be wrong to say that the moment he arrived at the event, he became the talk of the town as all the cameras were covering him, and the attendees also went gaga. And all the crazy reaction was understandable because it was a surprise; secondly, he rocked his half-ponytail with bangs and a relaxed black-on-black look effortlessly.
With several videos going viral, fans understood that he attended the event briefly but left a mark with his features, looks, and style. Even more, What attracted the attention was his polite manners toward all the people, which he and the whole group are known for. If you still need to check out the collection and the campaign #MyCalvins that Jungkook is promoting, do it before it goes out of stock.
On the work front, the BTS members are busy with their albums, shoots, music tours, and fashion tours or simply spending time on themselves. Jin is serving in the military, and J-Hope has recently followed him and joined the army after completing his albums and all work commitments.
K-Pop has become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans worldwide tuning in to watch their favorite groups perform on stage. From the colorful costumes to the synchronized dance moves, K-Pop concerts are known for their high energy and electrifying atmosphere. One key element that adds to the excitement is the use of lightsticks, which have become an essential accessory for fans attending K-Pop concerts.
Lightsticks have become a defining feature of K-Pop concerts, and their popularity has grown exponentially in recent years. These handheld devices emit light and are used by fans to show their support for their favorite K-Pop groups. Many fans may assume that lightsticks have always been a part of the K-Pop experience, but the credit for inventing this trend goes to the legendary K-Pop group Big Bang and their leader, G-Dragon.
Big Bang is a South Korean boy band that debuted in 2006 under YG Entertainment. The group comprises five members: G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri. They are considered one of the most successful and influential K-pop groups of all time.
G-Dragon, born Kwon Ji-yong, is a multi-talented South Korean artist known for his exceptional skills as a rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and fashion icon. He is credited with being the mastermind behind Big Bang's use of lightsticks.
Big Bang's success can be attributed to their unique sound and style, as well as their exceptional performances and music videos. They have been credited with helping to bring K-pop to the international stage and are considered one of the most influential groups in the genre.
Some of their most popular songs include "Fantastic Baby," "Lies," "Haru Haru," "Bang Bang Bang," and "FXXK IT." They have also released successful albums such as "ALIVE," "MADE," and "Remember."
Big Bang has won numerous awards over the years, including multiple Mnet Asian Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Melon Music Awards. They have also been nominated for and won international awards, such as the World Music Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.
The first lightstick was introduced in 2006, and fans can be seen using the Bang Bong, Big Bang's signature lightstick, at their second concert, The G.R.E.A.T, in 2007. This was a revolutionary departure from the simple glowsticks used at shows in the past and created a new standard for the design and use of lightsticks in K-Pop. The crown-shaped lightstick became an instant hit among fans and quickly became a must-have item for anyone attending a Big Bang concert.
Other K-Pop groups soon followed suit, designing their unique lightsticks that would become a defining feature of their concerts. Today, lightsticks have become an integral part of the K-Pop concert experience, with fans eagerly anticipating each new design released by their favorite groups.
Lightsticks are a way for fans to show their support and add an extra layer of excitement to live performances and concerts.
Lightsticks have become a defining feature of K-Pop concerts, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In addition to their use at concerts, lightsticks have become a collectible item for fans. Many K-Pop groups release limited-edition lightsticks that are highly sought after by fans worldwide. Some fans even display their collections in their homes to show their dedication to their favorite groups.
Thanks to Big Bang's innovative use of lightsticks and their iconic crown-shaped design, K-Pop fans worldwide have a new and exciting way to connect with their favorite artists and show their support in a fun and visually appealing way.
Lightsticks have become so prevalent in K-Pop that they are now considered an essential part of the concert experience. They are used as a way for fans to show their support for their favorite artists. Lightsticks are not just a visual accessory; they are also used as a tool for fans to interact with their favorite artists.
During concerts, artists often ask fans to turn on their lightsticks to create a sea of light that illuminates the entire venue.
Lightsticks have also become a way for fans to communicate with each other. Fans often cheer during songs using their lightsticks, creating a sense of community among fans. Lightsticks have also become a way for fans to identify with their favorite groups. Each group has its unique lightstick design, and fans proudly display them at concerts to show their dedication to their favorite artists.
Groups of fans who are dedicated to collecting lightsticks from various K-Pop groups. Lightstick fandoms have become a way for fans to connect with each other and share their love for K-Pop. They often hold events and meetups where fans can showcase their lightstick collections.
The popularity of lightsticks has also led to the creation of lightstick apps. These apps allow fans to control their lightsticks using their smartphones, creating a more immersive concert experience.
The design of lightsticks has evolved over the years, with each group trying to come up with a unique and eye-catching design. Some lightsticks have multiple colors, while others have a single color. Some lightsticks also have features such as sound and vibration, which add an extra layer of excitement to live performances.
As K-pop has continued to gain global popularity, the use of lightsticks has become a cultural phenomenon that transcends language barriers and unites fans from all over the world. The innovative use of lightsticks has evolved over the years. Some Bluetooth connectivity designs allow fans to sync their lightsticks with the music and even control the colors and patterns displayed.
Beyond their practical use, lightsticks have become a symbol of support and unity for K-pop fans. The sea of colorful lightsticks waving in unison at concerts is a powerful and emotional sight. It serves as a reminder that music can bring people together no matter where you come from.
The last chapter of Agust D’s trilogy has finally come out, and we have to talk about it! After Agust D and D-2, it is now the time for D-Day, plausibly the last chapter for SUGA’s alter ego, Agust D.
The album, as per usual, is highly personal, emotional, and raw, everything we wanted and waited for from SUGA!
The album came out on the 21st of April with the title track MV, Haegeum, and was followed, just three days later, by the MV for the b-side AMYGDALA. Both songs are powerful but in very different ways.
If you want to know more about SUGA's new album, D-Day, then keep reading this article! And if you want to know much more about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups, check out the other articles on Daebak.Co!
Let’s start by saying that if you want to hear Yoongi himself talk about Agust D's D-Day, the best way to do it is by watching both his interviews with IU, which came out a few days before the release of the album…
…and his interview with RM, who, for one episode, took control over the popular SUGA talk show Suchwita!
The album's opening track, which shares the same name, D-Day, is a great way to open this album.
The lyrics, in fact, are both directed to the listeners and to SUGA himself. In the song, he keeps repeating not only that D-Day is coming, which could be seen as a bad omen, but also that he and we must be ready for what it will bring.
Then, SUGA talks about various themes that he will, in fact, address later with other tracks, like letting go of the past, the fear of the future, and how to take on other people’s hate and get over it.
The song is an encouragement to the old Yoongi and, of course, to all the people who go through difficult periods in their life, but also a celebration for this new album.
Title track of the album and worthy heir of Daechwita, Haegeum’s title, as we already discussed in this article:
Plays on a double meaning; in fact, Haegeum in Korean means both a traditional instrument, the one we can clearly hear in the performance released for ROAD to D-Day (the documentary that was released on Disney+), and something that was, in the past prohibited, but it is now allowed.
The song, contrary to Daechwita, does not focus on haters but, more widely, on the concept of freedom we have nowadays, how it changed due to the internet, and how it is affecting people’s lives.
People in modern times have access to any information and can, at the same time, express their opinion on everything. However, what seems like an idyllic situation can be quite scary when so many people use this freedom to hurt others or get absorbed in fake news.
SUGA also points out the many things we are, in fact, slaves to and ultimately reflects on freedom and confinement in a vast and captivating way.
A powerful hip-hop song featuring BTS member J-hope, HUH?! is the diss track everyone thought Haegeum would be.
The song attacks both haters and the media for spreading false information, a topic particularly sensitive for BTS, especially in the aftermath of what happened after their Festa announcement in June 2022.
The most appealing aspects of the song are the two rappers' flow and the excellent production, a perfect piece for when you want to defeat your enemies!
AMYGDALA is the most personal song on the album, even though Yoongi himself admitted, in his interview with RM, that all his songs as Agust D are always quite emotional.
We already knew SUGA could talk about profound and painful memories of himself when he released the track The Last on his first CD, which left a long-lasting impression on many ARMY, and AMYGDALA shares that same powerfulness.
The song retraces very dark moments in SUGA's life, the infamous scooter incident that ruined his shoulder permanently and for which he recently had to undergo an operation, his mother's heart condition, and his father's cancer diagnosis.
These are all traumatic memories that heavily influenced both the present Yoongi and his past self, the one that, even more than his present alter ego, battled with depression and was also having a hard time following his dream of becoming a singer.
But why is the song called AMYGDALA? The song takes its title from a part of the brain, the amygdala, which is the one that deals with trauma and triggers trauma responses.
In the song, SUGA begs his amygdala to stop him from reliving his traumas and save him from his feelings. This idea was inspired to him by the famous Korean novel Almond, whose main character, the amygdala, doesn't work correctly.
The video for this song is available on Youtube but with some restrictions since it is quite a strong MV, so if you wanna watch the video, you can follow this link https://youtu.be/IX1dkYoLHVs.
If you, instead, prefer simply listening to it:
SDL or Somebody Does Love, is a song about reminiscing good times with an ex-lover, someone we haven't met for a long time but who we think about occasionally.
The song is not regretful or resentful; it is full of good sentiments for our old partners; even when things do not end up working out, why think badly about someone we mostly have good memories with?
As Yoongi says in the song: "I mean, nothing works out as you wish. Relationships are tough.
It wasn't right from the start," and probably, when rethinking about someone we still long for, sometimes, we tend to idealize the relationship, but love is hard for everyone, not only us, and it is not right to oppress the other, person, blaming only them for this "failure."
People pt. 2, as SUGA himself admitted, is deeply connected to its predecessor, People, one of the tracks from D-2 that are more popular among ARMY.
In fact, this song too delves into human relationships, their meaning, how they change over time, and how they affect our growth, "Wasn't loved enough as a kid, That's why I'm the cautious type."
People, in particular, focused on how this constant change in the human relationships we hold dear and how they affect our perception of ourselves can sometimes hurt us and make us doubt who we are. Still, we must accept it as a fundamental part of our lives.
People pt. 2 develops the theme even more deeply, adding to the idea of human relationships the concept of what love is to us, going over romantic love and focusing on many types of love, as well as human's fear of loneliness, something that could make us greedy and too rash in our affections, both when young and when we grow old, even if for different reasons.
The official MV:
The live clip from SUGA: ROAD to D-Day:
In Polar Night (극야), SUGA resumes a topic he also touched on during Haegeum, but in a different way.
The previous song focused on freedom and how "freedom of speech" has become a prison. Here, he delves a bit deeper into the effects of the internet on people's discourses.
In fact, in Polar Night, SUGA decided to talk about polarization, how everything is now black or white, how people oversimplify every problem and easily villainize other people for everything they do or did in the past, a concept quite familiar to those who spend a lot of time on the internet or for those, like BTS, or idols in general, who have their every move scrutinized.
"That interpretation only suits my mood. Truth and lies are up to your taste."
A (sadly too short) instrumental song used to connect, and divide, the album's first part, the darker side of D-Day, and its end, which is, in contrast, exceptionally bright and cheerful.
The production is extremely beautiful, and the song is both melancholy and powerful. SUGA created something almost reminiscent of a movie soundtrack, quite a great way to change the album's mood.
This song, as SUGA explained to RM, is dedicated to the idols coming after him, those who, like him in the past, are pursuing a dream which seems unattainable, especially for the ones who, like BTS, come from poor companies and have nothing.
The K-pop industry is changing for the better, or at least its is trying, but still so many groups debut each year that it’s incredibly hard to get noticed and become famous, so, acknowledging his current privilege, SUGA decided to encourage those after him and he did it by collaborating with one of his life-long idols, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and his friend, WOOSUNG.
The song is very beautiful, thanks to the music, the lyrics and WOOSUNG's incredible voice, currently my favorite track on SUGA’s album.
While BTS’s Life Goes On delves into the after-effects of the Quarantine, SUGA’s Life Goes On, similarly with the rest of D-Day, delves into human relationships, here, especially with a sense of peace.
The song, in fact, talks about drifting apart, not in a sad or disenchanted manner, but more in a mature consideration of how natural, while growing older, it is to stop talking to some people and “go on.”
“This moment when everyone stopped
The porch that looks far away today
Life goes on, life goes on
Life goes on, life goes on
This moment when everyone fell apart
Our relationship is getting farther than yesterday
Life goes on, life goes on
Life goes on, life goes on.”
Thematically and musically, this is the perfect closure for SUGA’s album.
Like every other album SUGA has released, this one is extremely personal and feels more, in some parts, like a diary we are casually rummaging through.
In response to this, with every album SUGA releases, we can feel an even closer connection with him, especially for the ones, like me, who are closer in age with Yoongi and can, even more, relate with the way he gradually let go of his harshness and embraced a new, more mature, calmness.
This does not mean that the anger is never there, as HUH?! has proven and, as it is only natural for people, but surely this SUGA is quite different from the one who created Agust D in 2016.
It is an immense honor witnessing this growth and growing with him, even more considering how healing and comforting SUGA's lyrics always are for ARMY, and everyone else who comes in contact with them, me included.
Surely an album worth listening to!
Korean Indie, often abbreviated as K-Indie, is a genre of music that has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. Combining Korean language and cultural influences with Western musical elements, K-Indie offers a unique sound that appeals to many audiences. As the K-pop wave continues to sweep across the globe, more and more people are discovering and embracing the diverse world of K-Indie.
The Black Skirts is a one-person band led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Brian Cho. Cho was born and raised in South Korea but spent several years living in the United States before returning to his home country to pursue his music career.
The Black Skirts' music is influenced by various genres, such as rock, folk, and electronic, often featuring dreamy and atmospheric melodies. Cho's unique voice and introspective lyrics have earned him a loyal following in Korea and beyond. Some of The Black Skirts' most popular songs include "Everything," "Who Do You Love," and "Hollywood."
"Who Do You Love" features a driving beat and powerful vocals. The song's chorus features a sense of confusion and uncertainty that can arise when a relationship ends. The lyrics describe the pain of unrequited love and the struggle to let go of someone who doesn't feel the same way.
"Who Do You Love" has a buoyant and infectious energy that makes it a popular choice for fans of K-Indie and indie rock.
Jannabi is a five-member band that hails from South Korea. The band debuted in 2014 with members Choi Jung-hoon (vocals, guitar), Kim Do-Hyun (bass), Yoon Kyul (guitar), Jang Kyung-Joon (drums), and Kim Young-sun (keyboard). Jannabi's music is often soulful and heartfelt, combining folk, rock, and blues influences. The band's lead vocalist, Choi Jung-hoon, has a unique voice that is both soothing and emotional, and his lyrics often touch on themes such as love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Some of Jannabi's most popular songs include "For Lovers Who Hesitate," "Summer," and "A Story I Couldn't See."
"For Lovers Who Hesitate" is another popular song by Jannabi, showcasing the band's unique blend of folk, rock, and pop music. The song features a mellow, acoustic sound with delicate guitar and piano instrumentation, perfectly complementing the introspective lyrics about the hesitation and fear that can come with falling in love.
Jannabi's ability to capture the complicated and often conflicting emotions that can come with love captivates audiences worldwide, and we can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Kyukoh is a four-member band that debuted in 2014. The band consists of members Oh Hyuk (vocals, guitar), Lim Hyun-Jae (guitar), Im Dong-geon (bass), and Lee In-woo (drums). Kyukoh's music is characterized by a mix of indie rock and punk, with lyrics that are often reflective and introspective. The band's lead vocalist, Oh Hyuk, has a powerful voice that perfectly complements the band's music. Kyukoh has released several successful releases, including "23," "20," and "22."
The song features a dreamy, atmospheric quality with a slow, melodic pace that builds to an emotional crescendo. The lyrics of "Comes and Goes" reflect on the ephemeral nature of life and the passage of time. The narrator muses that everything in life - from love to pain to joy - comes and goes and that we must learn to accept and embrace the temporariness of it all.
"Comes and Goes" is a standout track in Kyukoh's discography and a must-listen for fans of K-Indie and indie rock.
Car, the Garden is a one-person band led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Lee Jae-jin. Lee was born and raised in South Korea and began his music career as a street musician before eventually gaining recognition in the Korean music scene. Car, the Garden's music is characterized by its mellow and laid-back vibe, with Lee's smooth vocals and guitar melodies often taking center stage. Car, the Garden has featured songs in K-Dramas like True Beauty, Alchemy of Souls, and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
"Tree" is a perfect example of the band's signature style, with Lee Jae-jin's smooth vocals and gentle guitar strumming creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
The lyrics of "Tree" are both simple and profound, with the metaphor of a tree symbolizing the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The song's opening lines reflect on the passage of time and the changes that come with it.
"Tree" is a beautiful and contemplative song that universally speaks to the human experience.
Oohyo is a singer-songwriter who hails from South Korea. She began her music career in 2014 and has since released several successful albums. Oohyo's music is characterized by its dreamy and ethereal sound, with electronic and acoustic elements.
Oohyo's unique voice and poetic lyrics have earned her a following in Korea and internationally. Oohyo has featured songs in K-Dramas like Hospital Playlist and Call It Love. Some of her most popular songs include "Pizza," "Vineyard," and "Honey Tea."
"Honey Tea" is a sweet and playful song by Oohyo, a K-Indie artist known for her quirky and offbeat style. The song features a lively, upbeat tempo with a bright and cheerful melody, making it a perfect feel-good track for any occasion.
The lyrics of "Honey Tea" are equally charming, with Oohyo singing about the joys of spending time with a loved one and the simple pleasures of sharing a cup of tea. The chorus captures the song's carefree and romantic vibe.
"Honey Tea" is a delightful and charming song that showcases Oohyo's talent for creating quirky and heartfelt music.
Each of these K-Indie bands brings something unique and special to the Korean music scene. From Jannabi's soulful folk-rock to Kyukoh's introspective indie punk, and from The Black Skirts' dreamy atmospheres to Car, the Garden's mellow acoustic sound, and Oohyo's ethereal electronic music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The K-Indie scene constantly evolves, with new artists and bands emerging. Whether you're a fan of indie rock, folk, dream pop, or electronic music, there's no shortage of talented K-Indie artists to discover. So, explore the scene and let these amazing bands take you on a journey of musical discovery!
This May surely will be full of beautiful surprises for many K-pop fans, the perfect time to listen to the Kpop comebacks of your favorite groups or discover new ones to listen to!
ENHYPEN, TWICE, SHINee, and IVE are just some of the many K-pop comebacks and a new solo artist debut, Kim Doah!
I will list them in the order they are coming out. Hope you can find something interesting!
The month starts immediately on a positive note with LE SSERAFIM's first full album, Unforgiven! Despite their bumpy starting, the group has steadily conquered its position in the K-pop industry. It keeps surprising everyone with their every new comeback with great music and performance.
LE SSERAFIM is a group that debuted under HYBE, which consists of Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, Sakura, and the maknae, Eunchae.Their concept is strong and fearless, as their name states (le sserafim = I'm fearless), and they all have great personalities besides being great singers and dancers.
Here is the teaser of their new comeback, Unforgiven, which will also feature Nile Rodgers:
Exactly the day after, on the 2nd of May, BtoB, one of the most iconic 3rd generation groups, comes back with their 12th mini album, Wind and Wish!
Debuted in 2012 under CUBE Entertainment, BtoB (or Born to Beat) is a 6-members group after Ilhoon departed from the group in 2020, who has won numerous awards, including several Mnet Asian Music Awards and Golden Disc Awards.
The members are: Lee Minhyuk, Lee Changsub, Im Hyunsik, Seo Eunkwang, Peniel Shin and the maknae, Yook Sungjae. They recently also took part in Kingdom: Legendary War, where they placed 4th.
Here is an audio snippet of their next comeback, Wind and Wish:
+(KR)ystal Eyes is the second subunit of the girl group tripleS, which will debut on May 4, 2023, with the mini album +(KR)ystal Eyes <Aesthetic>.
Four are the members of this subunit, as it was the first subunit Acid Angel from Asia, and they were chosen through fans voting on the Cosmo App, Yoon Seoyeon, Kim Soomin, Kim Chaeyeon, and Lee Jiwoo.
The concept for tripleS, a 24 members group under MODHAUS, was to make the members rotate between the group, sub-unit, and solo activities, as chosen by fans, which will directly participate in deciding the members' activities, as they did for the first two subunits.
The innovative concept, as well as their talent, have not gone unnoticed!
Let's take a look at their Cherry Talk MV teaser:
Aespa debuted under SM just a few years ago but immediately gained a lot of success, especially with singles like Black Mamba and Next Level, which continued to occupy the tops of the ratings in Korea for weeks.
The group consists of four members, Karina, Giselle, Winter, and the maknae, Ningning, and their virtual counterparts, who help them fight against Black Mamba!
The group’s sound is quite innovative due to their futuristic sci-fi concept, and the members are all great performers.
Their latest comeback, My World, was introduced through this intro:
Nicole debuted in 2007 as part of the iconic girl group KARA with the album The First Blooming and, after spending 6 years under DSP Media, left them in 2013.
In 2014 she debuted as a soloist with First Romance, and in 2015 made her Japanese debut with Something Special then, in 2022, she rejoined the group KARA for their 15th anniversary.
Just two months after her single Mysterious, which came out in March, she will return with a new Japanese single, Selfish!
Here you can watch last comeback’s MV, Mysterious:
AIMERS debuted just a few months ago, in November 2022, under Hyper Rhythm, with the mini album Stage 0. Betting Starts.
The group has 6 members, Seunghyun, Eunjun, Doryun, Yoel, Seunghwan and the maknae, Wooyoung.
Despite being in the K-pop industry for not long, they are already attracting attention with their music!
Can't wait to see what they will do with their 1st single album, Bubbling, for now here is its teaser:
(G)I-DLE is a girl group that debuted under CUBE Entertainment in 2018, consisting of Soyeon, leader and former Unpretty Rapstar contestant where she placed second, Miyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, and the maknae, Shuhua.
(G)I-DLE gained immediate attention for many reasons, Soyeon’s rapping skills, the variety of their music as well as the themes they touched with it, and the huge involvement the girls have in the production of it, especially Soyeon, a plus they also are incredible performers, both vocally and dancing wise.
They also participated in Queendom in 2019, gaining new fans through their performances and positive attitudes.
For their new comeback, the mini album I Feel, they decided to release a “characters’ introduction”:
Billie, formerly Mystic Rookies, is a girl group that debuted in 2021 under Mystic Story Entertainment.
The group consists of seven members, Moon Sua (sister of ASTRO's Moonbin), Suhyeon, Haram, Tsuki, Sheon, Siyoon, and Haruna, the maknae.
They debuted with an EP called The Billage of Perception: Chapter One, featuring the lead single Ring X Ring.
The group got a lot of attention thanks to their outstanding performances on stage and their undeniable energy.
GingaMingaYo (the strange world) will mark their Japanese debut, and it will contain the Japanese version of Billlie's "GingaMingaYo (the strange world)," as well as the Japanese version of the b-side track "Everybody's Got a $ECRET."
Here is their latest comeback, Eunoia:
ENHYPEN is a boy group that debuted under BELIFT LAB, a joint venture between CJ ENM and Hybe Corporation, through the 2020 survival show I-Land.
The group comprises seven members, Heeseung, Jungwon, Jay, Sunghoon, Jake, Sunoo, and the maknae, Niki.
ENHYPEN’s dark “vampire”’s concept and their extraordinary performances immediately gained a lot of attention, especially from international fans.
They just announced their new comeback, The Dark Blood, their 4th mini album.
Belift Lab just released their concept trailer, while the MV teaser will be released on the 19th of May:
Member of the girl group FANATICS, Kim Doah is a South Korean singer, rapper, and actress.
FANATICS is a six-member girl group under FENT which debuted in 2019 with the mini album The Six.
Kim Doah revealed that her solo debut will be an album consisting of seven songs, but as of now, only a little more is known.
KIM DOAH shared that her solo debut is expected to release in May & will contain 7 songs on the album pic.twitter.com/Qx0TjDvwwF
— nugu promoter (@nugupromoter) February 11, 2023
FANATICS latest release:
Yesung debuted in 2005 under the iconic 2nd generation SM group Super Junior.
Singer, songwriter, actor, radio personality, and television presenter, Yesung started his solo activities in 2016 with his first album, Here I Am.
Four years after his first full Japanese album, Story, he returns with a Japanese mini album whose title still needs to be discovered.
Here is Yesung latest song release:
DIAWINGS is a K-indie girl group with 3 members, Cheonghae, Yiyeon, and Nature. They are an independent group under their company, DIAWINGS Company, which debuted in 2018 with their single Round N Round.
The group will release their first mini album, on which only a little information is available now.
We can’t wait for this new release!
Here is their latest comeback:
TWICE is probably the most known Korean girl group, consisting of nine members, Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu, the maknae.
The group was vastly known for its successful cute concepts but, in recent years, showed a new side to their fans and gained even more success, balancing perfectly their iconic style and new, more mature concepts.
Their Japanese releases have always been highly anticipated, and while fans are still waiting to learn more about the Japanese subunit, JYP has announced a new Japanese Single Album, their 10th to be precise, called Hare Hare.
Last but not least, IVE, the new 4th generation girl group, is gaining incredible attention thanks to their great releases!
IVE is a 6-member girl group, which debuted under Starship Entertainment in 2021 with their iconic single Eleve.The group currently consists of six members, An Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz, and Leeseo, the group's maknae.
Their 2022 single "Love Dive" became the best-performing single of the year and won Song of the Year at the Asia Artist Awards, Golden Disc Awards, MAMA Awards, and Melon Music Awards.
Wave will be their first Japanese mini-album.
This is their latest comeback:
After a two-year-long hiatus due to the members' enlistment, the group will finally make a comeback in May, after TAEMIN's release on April 4th.
SHINee is one of the most iconic 2nd generation boy groups, debuted under SM in 2008. The group's releases have always been huge hits, and even people who don't listen to K-pop know at least Ring Ding Dong.
Famous also for their incredible vocals and incredible dance skills, SHINee will always be our five Shining Boys!
The group consists of Onew, KEY, Minho, Taemin, and our forever member, Jonghyun.
Here is their latest release:
Dreamcatcher is a girl group formed by Happyface Entertainment that debuted in 2017 with the single album Nightmare.
The group comprises seven members, JiU, SuA, Siyeon, Handong, Yoohyeon, Dami, and Gahyeon, the maknae. Each of the seven members represents a nightmare or fear.
Since the group always distinguished itself for its distinctive rock and metal sound, it has gained the name "The Face of Rock in K-pop."
The new album, whose name is still unknown and set for release sometime in mid-May, will signal the end of the 'Apocalypse' series, which began with 'Apocalypse: Follow Us' in October of last year.
Their latest release, Reason, was a celebration of their 6th anniversary; here is the MV:
Nature is a 9-member girl group that debuted under n.CH Entertainment in 2018 with the single “Girls and Flowers.”
The group members are Sohee , Saebom, Aurora , Lu, Chaebin , Haru , Loha , Uchae and Sunshine, the maknae.
Only a little about their future comeback is known, but we hope it will be a huge success!
Their latest release, Limbo, was released in June 2022:
This is a list of some of the many K-pop comebacks and debuts that will take place this May. We hope you will find it helpful to navigate the many surprises of the K-pop industry! If we miss any comeback you particularly care about and want us to talk about, let us know in the comments!
Wherever you look, she’s there! Whether on a music show, in an ad on TV, or while simply scrolling through your favorite social media platforms, her face is everywhere. Jang Wonyoung is THE rising star to follow, and we’re here to spread the word!
IVE Wonyoung might only be 18, but she's been collecting several impressive titles, the latest being the rising "IT GIRL of Kpop." Following the success of IVE's comeback earlier this month, the young K-pop idol has been attracting even more attention from the public, and it's no surprise considering the great hype built around the group's new concept. If you still haven't done it, we recommend watching the new MV for IVE I AM, where Wonyoung and her fellow members show exceptional musical skills.
Check down the official MV for IVE I AM down below!
You must probably already know about her by now, seeing how popular she has gotten, but why not look together at some of the reasons why Jang Wonyoung deserves her title as the rising IT GIRL of K-pop? Here is everything you need to know about Wonyoung and her brilliant career.
Jang Wonyoung first appeared as the youngest contestant in the famous Korean survival shows Produce48, and people could already tell she was born to shine. The then 13-year-old trainee immediately stole people’s hearts with her unique charms and talent and never took a break.
She is consistently praised for her incredible singing and dancing skills and stage presence. She has already proved it by ranking first place at the show's end, allowing her to later debut as a member of the girl group IZ*ONE in October 2018.
She eventually re-debuted in December 2021 as a member of IVE, where she is now shining at her brightest. Her fans are absolutely in love with her beautiful voice and skillful dance moves and always let her know they are here for the long run through their passion and firm support.
Her impressive skills can also be found as one of the loveliest personalities in the industry. With her bubbly and positive attitude, IVE Wonyoung never fails to brighten up her fans' world and put a smile on everyone's face.
She is also widely praised by brands she worked with, such as the famous Korean cosmetics brand Innisfree, who greatly appreciate her genuine personality and the image the idol reflects. That being said, how could we not fall for her?
She is talented, kind, and vibrant. This must probably be it. Wrong! How could we talk about Jang Wonyoung without mentioning her gorgeous looks? She sure has the brains, but not only.
Our rising star is also known for her natural beauty and incredible sense of fashion. With her natural charms and confidence, no wonder why she’s been one of the hottest demands in the advertising industry!
다이브랑 500일🖤 사랑해요🎀#IVE #아이브 #JANGWONYOUNG #장원영#IveIVE #아이해브아이브 #IAM #아이엠 pic.twitter.com/5LBBSUUWaY
— IVE (@IVE_twt) April 14, 2023
Being the center of one’s group and consistently put under the spotlight could easily go to one’s head and have them quickly feel a little too comfortable, but none of that for our lovely Wonyoung! The young idol doesn’t just rest on her laurels but is consistently improving herself and her work.
She is constantly pouring everything into her art, and her fans can feel it through each of her content. Her determined mind and energetic behavior clearly mark her motivation and passion for what she does; we love seeing them.
Jang Wonyoung is undoubtedly one of the most popular K-idols of the moment; it all just makes sense. From her incredible talent to how her personality shines, there is nothing she lacks. She is young, kind, and pretty and has a bright future ahead of her.
We will anticipate seeing more as she advances toward a great career. You are off to a great start Jang Won Young; we’ll keep rooting for you!
More Jang Wonyoung-related products you can browse through!
Did you enjoying reading about IVE Jang Wonyoung? Here are some more articles you might also want to check!
On the night of April 19, 8 pm KST, 25 years old ASTRO singer and dancer Moonbin was found dead in his apartment.
The sudden news shocked everyone, Aroha, K-Pop fans, and the general public worldwide.Moonbin's death was unexpected, and many are speculating about its cause, but there is no specific information as of today.
We want to write this article to remember some of his most outstanding achievements as an artist and share comforting words many have written about him these days. We express deep condolences, especially to his family, friends, and group members.
ASTRO is a K-Pop boy group that debuted on February 23, 2016, composed of MJ, Rocky, Cha Eunwoo, Yeon Sanha, Moonbin, and JinJin.
The group was created through the program "iTeen Boys," organized by Fantagio, and released their first EP, Spring Up, right after their debut.
Their second extended play Summer Vibes was released in the same year, in July, and just a month later, they held their first mini concert titled "ASTRO 2016 MINI LIVE".
In 2017, they released their special album Winter Dream to celebrate their debut. In the months after their EPs Dream Part.01 and Dream Part.02, containing their iconic songs Baby and Crazy Sexy Cool.
On January 16, 2019, after a long hiatus, Astro released their first studio album, All Light, and on January 29, they received their first music show win for "All Night."
In 2020 Fantagio announced Moonbin and Sanha subunit called Moonbin & Sanha, and they debuted with the EP In-Out and the lead single Bad Idea.
On December 31 of the same year, Astro released the single "We Still (Be With U)" as a special year-end gift to their fans.
In 2021 they released their second studio album, All Yours, and MJ debuted as a solo artist with his semi-trot single album, Happy Virus.
On December 28, 2021, Fantagio announced that Jinjin and Rocky would form Astro's second sub-unit, Jinjin & Rocky. The duo released their EP Restore and its lead single, "Just Breath," a month later.
In February 2023, it was sadly announced that Rocky had decided to leave the group.
Moonbin participated in writing the lyrics and composing many of the songs Aroha loves, among them:
A song dedicated to his fans, part of the album Winter Dream and released in 2017.
I'm your sunflower, you're my light
I'm happy because we're looking at the same place
I hope we'll be together and create our own story
Wanna walk together? On this flower road ahead?
This song is one of the latest Astro group releases, part of the album Drive to the Starry Road.
Candy sugar pop is an upbeat love song that became a significant success on Music Shows.
The cool breeze wraps around us
A light swaying in the waves and brilliant blue
Get off the path
This moment together
Drive to the paradise
Released in 2021 as part of the album Switch On, this was a song Moonbin was very proud of.
This Twitter post also contains many other beautiful songs written by Moonbin :
i hope we will all remember moonbin for the amazing artist that he was. here’s a thread of the songs moonbin has participated in writing lyrics and/or composed for 🤍
— ًًً (@TlNYROCKY) April 20, 2023
The 98 line consists of SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan, ASTRO's Moonbin, VIVIZ's SinB and Umji, and iKON's Chanwoo.
In particular, Moonbin, SinB, and Chanwoo were childhood friends, while Seungkwan was a later addition to the group. Besides that, as shown in the video below, the four were very close to a show they participated in together.
As a plus, there is this cute interaction between Moonbin and SEVENTEEN's members DK, Seungkwan, and Jeonghan:
Absolutely heartbroken seeing this video after reading the recent news 💔 Seungkwan just lost his very very close friend. I’m really sorry. I hope he stays strong 😢 Rest In Peace Moonbin… pic.twitter.com/Uk9GeYdy2M
— dilly ✨ (@staeberrycoups) April 19, 2023
Moon Sua, Moonbin's younger daughter, made her first TV appearance in 2015 in the famous program Unpretty Rapstar 2, where she came third on the podium.
Firstly under YG Entertainment, Sua later moved to MYSTIC §Story, where she debuted under the girl group Billie in 2020.
Moonbin has always been an inspiration and point of reference for his younger sister, and they share a really close bond.
Here is their exhibition together on stage:
Another sweet moment between the two, who appeared together on video various times:
"sua i hope you are always happy" ─ MOONBIN
— thinking about moon siblings (@dalsthinker) April 19, 2023
and it hits different now..... 😔 pic.twitter.com/fOC2K5V40p
Here are some edits, pictures, and art shared by Aroha online in the last few days.
This clip right here this is how I always want to remember him this is moonbin 💜 pic.twitter.com/11T4U1vPVB
— ♡Kandice Missing OOO😭 (@ly0nskyu) April 19, 2023
My kid moonbin was so fun and silly. I promise I'll remember you exactly like this. pic.twitter.com/FqP2jtMUZf
— ⁽⁽ଘ( ˊωˋ )ଓ⁾⁾ / Angel (aroha / shawol) (@6jinuwus) April 20, 2023
closed.
— ً (@MOONBINFILES) April 20, 2023
i hope we all remember moonbin as a person whose smile was emotionally healing. let's remember his warmth and the feelings/ emotions he made us feel.
so if u're reading this, aroha, i want you to remind yourself.
how did* moonbin make you feel?pic.twitter.com/B9wTIaXUBg
moonbin was my astro boy...i was planning to go see him at his concert but, my angel said goodbye early...this hurts like hell,i just hope he's okay now,wherever he is... It must have been difficult, but here I will always love you pic.twitter.com/uezKc3Pt3t
— vann ✧ (@vanndort_) April 19, 2023
Many expressed their condolences for Moonbin's family. In particular, SHINEE's members KEY and Taemin shared their thoughts and tried to comfort fans, ASTRO members, and his family with their wise words.
Many are still mourning privately, as they should have a right to do.
230420 Taemin Instagram Story Update
— ☆ (@iheartshinee_) April 20, 2023
“I remember how you shine on stage. As just how shining you are always, I hope for you to be happy at that place.”#TAEMIN #SHINee @SHINee pic.twitter.com/gHYXi1vsQ3
here’s a full translation of key’s comment on moonbin’s post. such beautiful, comforting words 🤍 https://t.co/QjGchRKrdo pic.twitter.com/Hlmp8QMvBF
— mia (@NE0PEARL) April 20, 2023
Moonbin was very talented and bright, and his words comforted many people. These words and the things he created will stay even after his sudden departure to comfort us.
As everyone knows, both K-pop fans and heathens, BTS, will enlist in the military, not all together but still in a short time, as they have made quite clear their intention of being back together in 2025.
Jin has already enlisted in December, and J-Hope has recently revealed that he will be the second member to enlist, even though the date is not precise.
He has started the process and showed us his new haircut in a recent Instagram post.
For what concerns SUGA, the date of his enlistment still seems a bit far, considering he will tour around Asia and USA this summer, but let's go more in-depth about D-Day and everything else surrounding this project.
If you want to know more about SUGA's D-Day and its pre-release, keep reading this article. If you want to continuously be updated about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups, check out the other articles on Daebak.co!
Firstly, D-Day is the closing album of the trilogy started in 2016 by Min Yoongi under his alter-ego name Agust D, with the album of the same name.
The album was released on Soundcloud as a mixtape and solo project and was quite different from the music BTS produced, not only for its aggressiveness but also for its rawness.
In particular, Agust D shows off not only SUGA's incredible rapping skills but his undeniable rage towards the many haters BTS had, as well as the critiques BTS's rap line, and in particular, he and RM faced as former underground rappers.
In The Last, instead, what shocked the listeners at the time was the openness with which SUGA spoke about his mental health struggles, a general theme very dear to BTS but a vast taboo in South Korea.
Four years later, Min Yoongi released his second album as Agust D, D-2, a more mature and quite less angry album, except for its infamous title track, Daechwita, a full-on dissing track in which SUGA shames, once again, BTS haters, this time focusing on the ones who prefer to blame their lack of success on them rather than actually recognizing their shortages.
SUGA D-2 album is full of exciting and beautiful songs, some of which caused quite an uproar, like What Do You Think?, which sparked heated arguments due to its Jimmy Jones' sample, later removed, but despite everything, the album still became a staple in ARMY's hearts.
Among the most appreciated songs are Honsool and People. SUGA decided to make a part 2, released on March 7th.
As SUGA stated during his interview with IU on Palette, this album will probably, be the end of Agust D since this alter ego was mostly born to allow him to express all of his repressed feelings and to regain a sense of freedom from the restraints of his career, feelings that he doesn't hold anymore, SUGA is now comfortable in his own skin and ready to start a new chapter.
We currently know that SUGA's D-Day will contain 10 tracks, as announced on Weverse by Hybe.
SUGA's new album will be released on April 21st together with the Main Track's official MV, 해금 (Haegeum), a word which holds a double meaning. Haegeum means both a traditional Korean instrument and allowing something that was forbidden.
SUGA also revealed that the song will have similarities with his previous main track Daechwita, due to the use of traditional instruments and that, theme-wise, it will express his need to break free from any restriction in music as he did when he was younger and used to play rhythm games on his phone, in which reaching a new level means unlocking new forbidden music.
It was also revealed that on April 25th, another MV track will be released.
SUGA also announced that his journey in producing this album, his collaborations with other artists, and his travels, all the things that inspired him to create D-Day, will be narrated in this documentary, available on Disney+ from April 21st.
Released on March 7th, People pt. 2 had everyone's expectations high since the announcement of IU's participation in the song.
In fact, SUGA and IU's previous collaboration, Eight, was a huge success, and IU recently performed the song at her Seoul Stadium concerts.
People pt.2 has many similarities with Eight in its easy and calming sound, but while Eight is a much more melancholic song, People pt. 2, despite its similar themes, has a much more positive vibe overall.
People pt. 2 has, as SUGA himself admitted, a connection to his previous song, People. This song also revolves around human relationships and how they change and develop as we change ourselves.
People, in particular, focused on how this constant change and the perception of ourselves can sometimes hurt us, but we have to accept it as it is a fundamental part of our life.
SUGA's People pt. 2 develops the theme even more deeply, adding to the idea of human relationships, the concept of what love is to us, how much love shapes the person we become, and how much we fear loneliness and end up being greedy in love for this reason.
People pt.2 is a fantastic song, and ARMY surely were not disappointed by this SUGA release. In fact, it only increased their curiosity about D-Day!
If you want to know more about SUGA and other BTS members, check out also these other articles!
ITTA is a K-pop fan market platform dedicated, as you can imagine, to selling and buying K-pop-related items dedicated to fans.
ITTA also created its own Korean magazine, the ITTA BOOK magazine, centered around K-pop and is currently in its second publication.
You can follow them on Twitter to try your luck with their giveaways.
The first volume was dedicated to Younite, a K-pop group that debuted in 2022 under Brand New Music, consisting of Eunho, Steve, Hyunseung, Eunsang, Hyungseok, Woono, Dey, Kyungmun, and Sion.
Keep reading this article if you want to know more about Younite, AB6IX, and this ITTA BOOK magazine number. If you want to continuously be updated about your favorite K-Dramas and K-pop groups, check out the other articles on Daebak.co!
On March 18, 2022, Younite was announced by Brand New Music and debuted on April 20 with their EP Youni-Birth.
Their latest comeback is Youni-On.
Eunho, the group leader, is a former BigHit trainee and a close friend of TXT's Beomgyu.
Steve is also a former BigHit trainee and one of the group's leading vocalists.
Eunsang was part of group X1, following his participation to Produce X 101, and then became a solo artist with his album Beautiful Scar.
Hyunseung is the group's main dancer and used to do many K-pop covers in public.
Hyungseok is a former JYP trainee and is a close friend of CRAVITY's Allen.
Woono is the visual and vocalist of the group.
DEY is the group's main rapper and a former contestant in High School Rapper 4.
Kyungmun, instead, took part in Loud as a JYP trainee and is also close with all Xdinary Heroes members.
Finally, Sion is the youngest member of Younite as well as a rapper and a vocalist.
The second volume, which we will focus on, is about AB6IX or Absolute Six, another group that debuted under Brand New Music in 2019.
AB6IX has four members, Woong, Donghyun, Woojin, and Daehwi, since Youngmin left the group in 2020.
Almost all members of AB6IX (Young-min, Dong-hyun, Woo-jin, and Dae-hwi) participated in the Mnet survival series Produce 101 Season 2. Still, only Dae-hwi and Woo-jin debuted in Wanna One, a temporary group that disbanded in 2019.
Young-min and Dong-hyun, instead, debuted as the duo MXM with their EP Unmix.
Jeon Woong was a trainee under JYP, YG, and Wollim before debuting in AB6IX.
Notably, Dae-hwi also had many solo activities as an MC and producer, which allowed him to collaborate with many artists, including his future group members.
Before their actual debut, the group was introduced through BrandNewBoys, a reality show which premiered on April 18, 2019.
Jeon Woong is the lead dancer of AB6IX and one of the main vocalists, is born in Daejeon, like Dong-hyun, and has many friends in other companies like Pentagon's Kino and Stray Kids' Bang-chan.
He also participated in Stray Kids' Survival Show with the Silver Boys in YG.
Dong-hyun is the lead vocalist and visual of AB6IX. He trained for a year and a half under JYP before participating in Produce 101.
Besides MXM, he was also part of YDPP, a conjunct project between Starship Entertainment and Brand New Music.
Woo-jin is the main dancer, rapper, and vocalist of AB6IX and trained for a year and two months.
He was born in Busan and is also known for being good in many different dance styles, like locking and B-boy.
Last but not least, Dae-hwi, maknae of AB6IX, lead Dancer, lead Vocalist, center, the face of the group, and main producer.
He was born in Seoul but has also lived in the USA and Japan, so he is fluent in English.
He composed Airplane for IZ*ONE Young 20 for former Wanna One group member Park Ji-hoon.
The latest AB6IX comeback was the album Take a Chance, with the title track "Sugarcoat," released on October 4, 2022.
Of course, the ITTA BOOK magazine volume 2, consisting of 60 pages
1 Random Selfie Photocard (1 out of 8)
1 Random Postcard (1 out of 4)
1 Random Message Scratch Card (1 out of 4)
and finally 1 DIY Paper Stand
If you want to know more about AB6iX then check out also these other articles!