Photo by JYPAudition
Stray Kids: Rising Stars in the Global Music Scene
It's an exciting time for K-pop enthusiasts, especially fans of the powerhouse group, Stray Kids! This young band, straight out of South Korea, has proven yet again that music knows no boundaries. On September 4th, JYP Entertainment proudly announced a monumental achievement: Stray Kids' third studio album, aptly titled 'Five Star', which was released on June 2nd, has soared to become the best-selling K-pop album in the United States for 2023 (based on records up to August 28th).
In the vast world of American music, where local talents like Taylor Swift dominate the charts, this K-pop sensation managed to snag the 4th spot in overall album sales. They proudly stand behind Swift’s albums 'Midnights' and 'Speak Now (Taylor's Version)' and Travis Scott’s 'UTOPIA'. Not just a brief flash in the pan, their previous mini-album 'MAXIDENT', released in October of the previous year, is still riding high, marking its spot in the top 10 best-selling K-pop albums in the U.S. for 2023.
These accomplishments are not just digits or mere records; they are a testament to Stray Kids' growing global appeal and the undying passion of their fanbase. As of now, they are the second highest-selling artist in the U.S. for this year, trailing only behind the musical juggernaut that is Taylor Swift. It's clear: Stray Kids isn't just a K-pop trend; they're a global music phenomenon.
All these milestones beckon a question – what is it about Stray Kids that captivates the hearts of so many across the globe? Well, for one, it's their raw talent, their genuine lyrics, and their unique sound. But it's also their authenticity, their bond with fans, and the heartfelt stories they tell through their music. So, here's to Stray Kids, who have shone brightly as global music's rising stars and have further bridged the gap between K-pop and international audiences. Cheers to many more melodies, milestones, and memories with them!
Source: SE Daily (KOREAN)
A Bumpy Ride for K-pop in France: BLACKPINK's Performance Gets Mixed Reviews
The world of music is ever-evolving, and while K-pop has been making waves globally, not every performance can always strike the right chord with audiences everywhere. This summer in France, BLACKPINK, the global K-pop sensation, had a bit of a rocky reception.
According to 'Le Parisien', a prominent French daily, among the series of concerts by world-famous artists held from May till the end of the summer at the iconic Stade De France and Paris La Défense Arena, BLACKPINK's July encore performance was not particularly well-received. The newspaper even went as far as to rank it as the least impressive concert of the season.
Now, before we jump to conclusions, it's essential to set the stage (no pun intended). On July 15th, BLACKPINK brought their 'BORN PINK' world tour to the monumental Stade De France. The stadium was buzzing, with over 55,000 enthusiastic fans eagerly awaiting their performance. With such an enormous turnout, the expectations were sky-high.
While this feedback from 'Le Parisien' might raise a few eyebrows, especially given BLACKPINK's enormous global fan base and usually stellar reviews, it's a reminder that music and performances are subjective. What may resonate with one audience might not have the same impact on another.
Still, this single review is but a drop in the vast ocean of BLACKPINK's successes. The group has consistently showcased their talent, breaking records and captivating hearts worldwide. And as with all artists, there will always be highs and lows. After all, it's these experiences that often shape their journey, pushing them to adapt, evolve, and grow.
Source: Kukminilbo (Korean)
Rising Stars Even Before Their Debut: Meet K-pop's New Sensation!
Picture this: It's 3 pm at the Blue Square MasterCard Hall in Itaewon, Seoul. A bustling crowd of over 150 journalists from both domestic and international outlets is buzzing with excitement. And the name on everyone's lips? RIIZE – a soon-to-debut, 7-member boy group!
The anticipation surrounding RIIZE's debut is electrifying. This is the first boy group that SM Entertainment is unveiling after a whole seven years since the debut of NCT. If that wasn't intriguing enough, there's also some celebrity lineage in the mix! Yoon Sang's son, Lee Chan Young, has joined the group under the stage name 'Anton', adding an extra layer of fascination.
Reflecting the sky-high expectations, RIIZE's debut album has already smashed records, garnering an impressive 1.03 million pre-orders (as of the 3rd). The group is set to drop their debut single "Get A Guitar" at 6 pm. Alongside this track, fans are also eagerly awaiting "Memorize", a song they've teased through an early music video release.
"Get A Guitar" is already creating a stir, capturing hearts with its retro synthesizer beats and funky guitar rhythms. But it's not just the sound that's striking a chord. The lyrics beautifully narrate the journey of the members coming together, understanding, and empathizing with each other through music, gradually forming a cohesive and unified team.
So, if you're looking for the next big thing in K-pop, RIIZE might just be your answer. Set your alarms and get ready for a musical treat!
Source: The Hankyoreh (Korean)
I'LL-IT Steps into the K-pop Spotlight: A New Journey Begins with Fans
Meet the latest sensation in the K-pop world: I'LL-IT!
Just a few days ago, on the thrilling finale of the survival show 'R U Next?', the formation of I'LL-IT was officially announced. And on the 4th, through their agency BelieveLab, they shared their heartfelt emotions and ambitious aspirations with the world.
For those who have been following the show, you'd know the suspense that the contestants went through. YoonA, one of the members of I'LL-IT, vividly described her journey, saying, "Throughout the show, we were all on edge, not knowing who would make the final debut. Every time a name was announced, my heart would skip a beat. It felt like a miracle when, finally, they called out my name. It was an overwhelming rush of emotions."
She went on, her words tinged with gratitude and determination, "I'm going back to the mindset I had when I first started as a trainee. I'll work diligently to prepare for our debut, and even after we launch, I promise to continue growing and showcasing our evolution. Thank you to everyone who has supported and cheered for us."
And so, a new chapter begins for I'LL-IT. As they gear up for their official debut, they are not just launching their music but starting a genuine dialogue with their fans. It's this beautiful bond between artists and fans that often forms the backbone of an enduring K-pop group. And if their initial sentiments are any indication, I'LL-IT is set on the path of passion, growth, and connection.
Source: Hankyung (Korean)
Unveiling the Exciting Missions of 'The Debut: Dream Academy'
Get ready, K-pop enthusiasts! The buzz is building around the globally anticipated show 'The Debut: Dream Academy', a collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records. The ultimate goal? To discover the next top global girl group!
In a recent update, just as the clock struck midnight (KST) on the 2nd, the official SNS channel of 'The Debut: Dream Academy' released a riveting video. It wasn’t just any clip—it featured a candid conversation between HYBE's Chairman Bang Si-hyuk and Geffen Records' Chairman John Janick. But that's not all; the video also unveiled the three major challenges that the contestants will have to face.
It's all about individual prowess here. The first mission challenges the participants to elevate their skills and truly shine in their own right.
Accompanied by a group poster that gives a sneak-peek into the intense vibe of this mission, Chairman Bang Si-hyuk explained its essence. He said, "It's paramount for the contestants to have a profound love for music. Regardless of the type of artist they aspire to be, success eludes those who lack a genuine passion for music." As for what awaits in this mission? The contestants will be pouring their heart out, expressing their musical fervor through both dance and vocals. Hold your breath, though - two contestants will be leaving the show post this mission.
As for the second challenge, well, it’s set to take place in none other than K-pop's homeland: Korea! Now, doesn't that sound thrilling?
The journey of these budding stars in 'The Debut: Dream Academy' is sure to be filled with adrenaline-pumping moments, heartfelt performances, and unforgettable memories. And with Korea in the picture, we can only imagine the magic that awaits. Stay tuned, and let the adventure begin!
Source: Newstap (Korean)
BTS's Jimin Breaks Records with 'Like Crazy': Platinum in the US, and that’s Just the Start!
Hey music aficionados! Have you caught the K-pop wave yet? If not, it's high time, because BTS's Jimin is taking the world by storm with his hit single 'Like Crazy'.
In recent news that’s making fans go, well, crazy, Jimin's 'Like Crazy' has been crowned the top K-pop solo track of 2023 in the United States. What's even more groundbreaking? This sensation of a song didn't just achieve a run-of-the-mill success—it smashed records by becoming the first Korean solo track released in 2023 to cross the million-unit sales mark in the US. As a cherry on top, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) honored it with a Platinum certification.
Hold on; the plot thickens. Achieving this milestone in just 155 days, without the backing of massive advertising, radio promotions, or featuring on global music playlists, makes this feat truly awe-inspiring. It’s a testament to the organic love and adoration fans worldwide have for Jimin's music. It's sheer speed and efficiency!
And, for those who have been following Jimin's musical journey, this might not come as a complete surprise. Remember his solo tracks 'Lie', 'Serendipity Full Length', and 'Filter' from the BTS albums? Each of these gems has bagged the RIAA Gold certification in the past. And with 'Like Crazy' achieving Gold in just 33 days post its release and swiftly moving to Platinum, it's undeniable—Jimin's solo power is absolutely electrifying.
So, to all the fans out there, let's keep jamming to 'Like Crazy', and if you haven’t heard it yet, well, you're in for a treat!
Source: The Viewers (Korean)
NewJeans Pop-Up Store: A Sensational Hit with Over 100,000 Visitors!
Have you heard the buzz around town? The sensational girl group, NewJeans, didn’t just stop at ruling the music charts—they’ve now taken over the world of retail too! Their recent pop-up store became an instant hit, proving once again their undying popularity.
According to their agency, Adore, on the 4th, the pop-up store was part of their promotional campaign for NewJeans’ (comprising the talented Minji, Hani, Daniel, Haerin, and Hyein) second mini-album 'Get Up'. And guess what? The store recorded over 100,000 visitors! The pop-up was a unique collaboration with global music streaming giant Spotify and IPX (formerly known as Line Friends).
But what made this pop-up such a raging success? Adore proudly shared that the store was carefully curated to reflect the team's identity, providing fans not just with a shopping experience, but an immersive one filled with delightful attractions. Fans didn't just get to see official merchandise, they got to feel the essence of NewJeans and even left with a few keepsakes, further fueling the K-pop pop-up store phenomenon. So, if you missed out on this one, keep an eye out for their next venture. Given NewJeans’ track record, it promises to be nothing short of amazing!
Source: MK (Korean)
Fantasy Boys Gearing Up to Rock K-pop with 'New Tomorrow'!
Fasten your seatbelts, K-pop fans! The highly-anticipated group, Fantasy Boys, just turned up the heat with their debut teasers!
On the 4th, Fantasy Boys dropped their individual concept photos for their debut album 'New Tomorrow' on their official social media. And let's just say, these photos are not just any ordinary snaps - they've taken things to another dimension! Dressed in astronaut-inspired outfits, the group hints at a mysterious cosmic theme that has everyone talking. One look at these photos, and you can feel the otherworldly vibes they're bringing.
It's clear that Fantasy Boys is not just about the music; they're giving us a full-on visual feast that's sure to captivate fans worldwide. So, if you're not already on the Fantasy Boys bandwagon, now's the time to hop on. With their debut just around the corner, the future of K-pop looks incredibly bright, and it's all thanks to our newest cosmic adventurers!
Source: Daily Sports (Korean)
The Unsung 'Ramen Angel' of Busan: BTS Jimin's Father
While the world adores Jimin from the global K-pop sensation, BTS, there's another heartwarming story emerging from his hometown in Busan that's capturing hearts. For the past three years, unbeknownst to many, Jimin's father has been quietly and consistently giving back to the community. And it's not just any gift – it's the comforting, warm embrace of ramen!
According to sources in Busan's Nam-gu district, since September 2020, Jimin's dad has generously donated a whopping 5,250 boxes of ramen and 100 gift sets of canned tuna to the less fortunate families in the area. When you crunch the numbers, that's a heart-melting donation equivalent to around 76 million won!
It's a gentle reminder that sometimes the most impactful acts of kindness come from the most unexpected places. And in this case, Busan's very own 'Ramen Angel' was right under our noses all along!
The K-Wave Sweeps Across Mongolia Like Never Before!
Imagine walking through the streets of Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital of Mongolia, and stumbling upon not one, not two, but over 80 Korean restaurants! If that's not a testament to the love for Korean culture, I don't know what is. And it doesn't stop with food. Thousands of Mongolian students, from elementary to college level, are diving into the beauty of the Korean language, immersing themselves in its melodious tones and intricate script.
With each passing day, Mongolia's love for Korean culture is growing exponentially. So much so that the Korean Week event has now become one of the top three cultural events in Mongolia. That's pretty epic if you ask me!
The Korean community in Mongolia isn't just resting on its laurels, though. They're keen on making the Korean Week more than just an introduction to Korean culture. The vision? To transform it into a flagship event for cultural exchange between the two nations. They're actively encouraging locals to participate and are planning to foster even more vibrant interactions with the Mongolian community.
It's heartwarming to see two cultures come together with so much enthusiasm. The K-wave in Mongolia? It's more like a K-tsunami, and we're here for it!
Source: YTN (Korean)
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