LE SSERAFIM, TWICE, BABYMONSTER, And HUNTR/X Earn RIAJ Platinum Certifications For Streaming In Japan
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Red Velvet's Irene To Make 1st-Ever Solo Comeback In March
BTS Jungkook Makes Obscene Gesture During Live Stream… "I'm Going to Live the Way I Want"
Watch: IVE Takes 1st Win For "BANG BANG" On "M Countdown"; Performances By NCT JNJM, Hearts2Hearts, And More
Kian84, Kim Yeon Koung, Lee Junho, And LE SSERAFIM’s Kazuha Confirmed For “Kian’s Bizarre B&B” Season 2
February Rising Singer Brand Reputation Rankings Announced
5 K-Pop Idols Whose Recent Renaissance Proves It’s Never Too Late To Find Your It Girl Era
More K-POP News
Red Velvet's Irene To Make 1st-Ever Solo Comeback In March
It’s official: Red Velvet’s Irene is making her first solo comeback! On February 27, SM Entertainment confirmed reports that Irene was gearing up for a return next month. “Irene is currently preparing with the goal of a comeback in late March,” said the agency. “Please give [her comeback] lots of interest.” According to an unconfirmed report by Xportsnews, Irene—who made her solo debut in November 2024—is planning to return with her first full-length album. Stay tuned for more details about Irene’s comeback!
BTS Jungkook Makes Obscene Gesture During Live Stream… "I'm Going to Live the Way I Want"
On the 26th, Jungkook conducted a live broadcast of approximately one hour and 30 minutes in the early morning hours via the fan communication platform Weverse. During the broadcast, Jungkook appeared more relaxed than usual, drinking with his older brother and acquaintances and singing songs.Jungkook said, "I'm a person too — I'm going to be comfortable. It seems like they're walking on eggshells… I'm just going to live the way I want."He also revealed that he used to smoke in the past but has since quit, adding, "By tomorrow, the members will probably talk about it, and the company will have something to say." He went on to emphasize, "I'm just someone who wants to be honest. If I've done something wrong, I want to own up to it."During the broadcast, Jungkook was also seen flipping off an acquaintance and uttering English profanity toward the camera.As the video spread online, reactions were mixed. Many supportive comments read, "It was an honest and human side of Jungkook. Everyone knows he's a good person," while others noted, "The swearing was a bit disappointing."Fans were particularly concerned that Jungkook, who had recently been embroiled in dating rumors, may have been under stress while preparing for BTS's full-group comeback album.After ending the live stream, Jungkook posted on Weverse: "The album is really almost done. Please wait just a little longer. When we come back, I'll give it my absolute all. I love you."BTS is set to release their fifth studio album, Arirang, on March 20.
Watch: IVE Takes 1st Win For "BANG BANG" On "M Countdown"; Performances By NCT JNJM, Hearts2Hearts, And More
IVE has won their first music show trophy for their pre-release track “BANG BANG”! On the February 26 episode of M Countdown, the candidates for first place were IVE’s “BANG BANG” and KiiiKiii’s “404 (New Era).” IVE ultimately took the prize with a total of 7,985 points. Performers on today’s show included IVE, NCT JNJM (Jeno and Jaemin), Hearts2Hearts, Hwang Minhyun, ONE PACT, MADEIN, DAILY:DIRECTION, ChoCo1 X ChoCo2, QWER, NAVILLERA, LAVIN, ASC2NT, X:IN, and CHASER. IVE – “BLACKHOLE” NCT JNJM – “BOTH SIDES” Hearts2Hearts – “RUDE!” Hwang Minhyun – “Truth” ONE PACT– “SANE” MADEIN – “Super Obvious” DAILY:DIRECTION – “ROOMBADOOMBA” ChoCo1 X ChoCo2 – “GIMME” QWER – “Be Happy” NAVILLERA – “NO LIMIT” LAVIN – “Junk Love” ASC2NT – “Still Rose” X:IN – “Dazzle Flash” CHASER – “INVINCIBLE”
Kian84, Kim Yeon Koung, Lee Junho, And LE SSERAFIM’s Kazuha Confirmed For “Kian’s Bizarre B&B” Season 2
“Kian’s Bizarre B&B” Season 2 has officially unveiled its cast lineup! “Kian’s Bizarre B&B” is a Netflix variety show in which Kian84 and his castmates run a one-of-a-kind guesthouse. Season 1 featured Kian84, BTS’s Jin, and Ji Ye Eun operating a unique lodging on the scenic island of Ulleungdo, offering guests an unforgettable hospitality experience. The newly announced Season 2 will relocate to Daegwallyeong in winter. Unlike Season 1, which unfolded against the summer seas of Ulleungdo, the new season will present a completely different atmosphere, showcasing another version of the imaginative guesthouse “Kian’s Bizarre B&B” brought to life from Kian84’s ideas. Joining him as new staff members are Kim Yeon Koung, Lee Junho, and LE SSERAFIM’s Kazuha. World-class volleyball star Kim Yeon Koung is expected to lead the atmosphere with her signature charisma and lively energy, while global all-rounder artist Lee Junho will add warmth and sharp wit with his keen empathy and charm. Lastly, Kazuha will bring fresh, youthful energy as the youngest member of the team. “Kian’s Bizarre B&B” Season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix in the third quarter of this year. Stay tuned!
February Rising Singer Brand Reputation Rankings Announced
The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for rising singers! The rankings were determined through an analysis of various rising singers’ media coverage, consumer participation, interaction, and community awareness indexes, using big data collected from January 20 to February 20. WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn) shot to the top of the list this month after seeing a staggering 128.60 percent increase in his brand reputation index since January, bringing his score to a total of 2,611,148. Trot singer Kim Yong Bin took second place for the month with a brand reputation index of 2,447,678. Meanwhile, Stray Kids ranked third for February with a brand reputation index of 2,124,514. RIIZE came in at a close fourth with a brand reputation index of 2,097,119, marking a whopping 153.46 percent rise in their score since last month. Finally, Car, the garden rounded out the top five with a brand reputation index of 1,848,230, marking an impressive 136.65 percent increase in his score since January. WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn) Kim Yong Bin Stray Kids RIIZE Car, the garden KiiiKiii ALPHA DRIVE ONE TWS DAY6 BIBI Park Ji Hyeon Park Seo Jin ENHYPEN Rowoon HANRORO BABYMONSTER EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo (D.O.) Son Tae Jin ZO ZAZZ BTOB’s Changsub QWER KATSEYE XLOV Jung Seung Hwan Lee Mujin Hearts2Hearts Kim Hee Jae Woody Ahn Sung Hoon WJSN’s Dayoung
5 K-Pop Idols Whose Recent Renaissance Proves It’s Never Too Late To Find Your It Girl Era
Not every idol finds their peak popularity right at debut. For some idols, it takes K-pop fans a bit of time to recognize just how incredible they are! As long as they stay true to themselves, their renaissance is on the horizon. Here’s proof that patience builds an It Girl even stronger! IVE’s Gaeul The oldest member of IVE, Gaeul is the group’s main dancer. However, she’s been garnering attention recently with her It Girl energy—thanks in part to her incredible visuals! Her soft features make her look ethereal, and she’s shining in IVE’s latest comeback. It’s good to see her getting the love she deserves! NMIXX’s Jiwoo NMIXX’s Jiwoo packs some serious dance and rap skills. However, she’s recently blossomed as NMIXX’s up-and-coming It Girl with her confidence and visuals! Her wide eyes and small face make her look like a fairy, and fans love her heart-shaped smile. She deserves every ounce of the popularity that she’s gained! ILLIT’s Yunah Yunah, ILLIT’s oldest member, has a chic and refined look that can be at odds with ILLIT’s bouncy, bright concept. In the group’s most recent era, Yunah’s flawless visuals really shine! She’s become a new It Girl on the scene with her sharp eyes and femme fatale charm. Not everyone can be as cool as Yunah! aespa’s Giselle aespa’s main rapper, Giselle, has garnered a global fanbase for her charms both onstage and off. Not only is she a great performer, but she’s the epitome of cool girl! Her Instagram posts speak to a personal style that just can’t be recreated. She really shines with aespa’s recent concepts and shot into stardom! TWICE’s Jihyo TWICE’s leader, a vocal queen, and a dance queen—not everyone is doing it like Jihyo! Her tanned skin and muscular figure have amassed her a massive following. She’s casually cool but also shows endless passion for performing on the stage. Jihyo has been putting in the work since day one, and It Girl status has been achieved!