2PM member Nichkhun's first Hollywood film to hit theaters A scene from the upcoming movie, “The Modelizer” / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment, Berton Chang By Dong Sun-hwa“The Modelizer,” a rom-com marking the Hollywood debut of Thai K-pop star Nichkhun, will be released in North America, July 14. Set in Hong Kong, the upcoming film follows a young Hong Kong tycoon named Shawn Koo (Byron Mann) and a Brazilian model named Camila Oliveira (Rayssa Bratillieri), who fall for each other despite their polar opposite personalities. In the movie, Nichkhun, a member of K-pop boy group 2PM, assumes the role of Bucky, a close friend of Shawn. Bucky and Shawn almost end their friendship because of Camila, but they later manage to mend things. “The Modelizer” is helmed by American director Keoni Waxman, who was behind the success of the 2009 movie, “The Keeper.” It is produced and written by Hong Kong-American actor Byron Mann, best known for his role in the Netflix series, “Wu Assassins.” Nichkhun, whose full name is Nichkhun Buck HorvejJul 5, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
Fifty Fifty's 'Barbie Dreams' music video canceled amid court battle ATTRAKT has released a statement regarding the cancellation of Fifty Fifty's planned music video for the song “Barbie Dreams” which features in the soundtrack of the forthcoming film “Barbie.” Courtesy of ATTRAKTBy Jung Han-byulFifty Fifty's agency has opened up about the cancellation of producing a music video for the girl group's song “Barbie Dreams” which features in the soundtrack of the soon-to-be-released film “Barbie.”On Tuesday, a representative from ATTRAKT told the Hankook Ilbo, “It is true that Fifty Fifty hasn't filmed the music video for the new “Barbie” film's soundtrack. Aran was ill and underwent surgery recently, so we weren't able to work out a schedule given her two-month timetable for recovery.”Fifty Fifty has been on break since May as Aran continues to recover from her operation. Regardless, an announcement from ATTRAKT in late May that Fifty Fifty would be releasing the track “Barbie Dreams” for the popular doll-themed movie had many fans buzzing over the group's return.However,Jul 5, 2023
PSY's Summer Swag show kicks off with a bang Singer PSY performs during the Summer Swag 2023 show at Jamsil Olympic Main Stadium in southern Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of P NATIONSome 30,000 fans flock to PSY's Friday show By Dong Sun-hwaMost global audiences associate PSY with his 2012 viral hit, “Gangnam Style.” But for his Korean followers, the 45-year-old is not just Gangnam Style's singer, but a born performer with tireless energy who cools them off with his Summer Swag show every summer. Launched in 2011, the Summer Swag concert is one of the most popular and crowded summer events in Korea, which draws some 30,000 people per day. It is a water-drench party where the audience can enjoy PSY's performances to the fullest without being bothered by the sweltering heat. Clad in blue outfits and accessories, people of all ages enthusiastically sing and dance along with the veteran singer, who has dropped a string of hits like “Entertainer” (2006) and “That That” (2022) since his debut in 1999. Some 30,000 people pack Jamsil Olympic Main Stadium in southern Seoul, Friday, to attend PSY's Summer SwJul 2, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
BTS ARMY most loyal fandom in US: survey BTS fans gather during the group's 10th Anniversary Festa at Seoul's Yeouido Hangang Park on June 17. AP-YonhapBy Dong Sun-hwaK-pop titan BTS' global fan base, ARMY, is the most devoted fandom in the U.S., according to a recent survey conducted by local travel information provider Upgraded Points. It asked 3,192 Americans how far they would travel to see their favorite stars and how much they would pay to attend their concerts. Upgraded Points revealed that ARMY garnered a loyalty score of 88.4 out of 100, edging out the fandoms of the late singer Michael Jackson (76.8 percent) and singer-songwriter Elton John (66.4), among others. It also outperformed the fan bases of pop stars Lady Gaga (63.3 percent) and Taylor Swift (60.0). BTS followers are also willing to travel an average of 2,040 miles to attend a concert performed by the septet, Upgraded Points added. “This is the farthest of any fan base,” it explained. “BTS fans are also the most likely to follow them from city to city (62.5 percent), compared to just 32.2 percent of fans who would go to multiple cities tJul 2, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
K-pop group XG kicks off comeback with 'GRL GVNG' single pre-release Album cover of XG's first mini-album “GRL GVNG” / Courtesy of XGALXBy Jung Han-byulK-pop group XG has kick-started their much-anticipated comeback with the pre-release of their single “GRL GVNG.” The track is set to be a part of their first mini-album, marking a notable step forward in their musical journey.“GRL GVNG” was unveiled on Friday, stirring high hopes and excitement among fans for their upcoming mini-album.XG members chose “GRL GVNG” as the title of their debut mini-album for the resonance it creates with the group's unique persona. As trendsetters in the hip-hop R&B scene, “GRL GVNG” is a prime example of the group's incomparable and uncompromising musical style. It is a reflection of XG's evolving identity, demonstrating its commitment to originality and creative independence.“GRL GVNG” offers a distinctive auditory experience, characterized by the sounds of an intense siren that echoes the howling of a wolf, paying homage to XG's fan club, ALPHAZ. This sonic element seamlessly harmonizes with a mJun 30, 2023
BTS' Jungkook to make official solo debut next month This photo shows the online cover image for BTS member Jungkook's first official solo single, "Seven," set to arrive July 14. YonhapJungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS announced Friday he will drop his first official solo song next month.The track, titled "Seven," will arrive on July 14 at 1 p.m., the vocalist said on Weverse, Hybe's K-pop fan community platform. It is an invigorating, summery song that will make BTS fans feel the full breadth of the member's charm, according to the band's agency, BigHit Music.He also unveiled the cover image of the digital single featuring its title "Seven" and his English name overlapped with the number "7" on a white background.The upcoming release will make him the sixth BTS member of the septet to debut as a soloist, following J-Hope, Jin, RM, Jimin and Suga.Jungkook previously released his solo track "Dreamers," featuring Qatari artist Fahad Al Kubaisi, for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November. He performed the song during the international soccer tournament's opening ceremony. (Yonhap)Jun 30, 2023
INFINITE's Sungkyu returns with summer anthem 'Small Talk' Sungkyu, the leader of K-pop boy group INFINITE / Courtesy of DoubleH TNESungkyu rolls out 5th mini-album, '2023 S/S Collection'By Dong Sun-hwaIn the eyes of Sungkyu, the leader of the K-pop boy group INFINITE, many people today find themselves trapped in loneliness despite being surrounded by crowds. That is why he released "Small Talk," an ode to those who strive to overcome isolation and find someone with whom they can truly open their hearts.“People today do not seem to talk to each other a lot,” the 34-year-old said during a press event at a cafe in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Wednesday. “Although I frequently have heart-to-heart chats with my friends, I have noticed that many others do not. This breezy and cheerful song is for those who want to escape solitude and interact with others.” Characterized by addictive rhythms and Sungkyu's crystal-clear voice, “Small Talk” is the lead single off his fifth mini-album, “2023 S/S Collection,” which came out Wednesday afternoon. The EP also offers five other tracks, including the draJun 29, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
INTERVIEW K-pop act WEi goes into 'Overdrive' A teaser for K-pop boy group WEi's upcoming mini-album, “Love Pt.3 : Eternally” / Courtesy of OUI EntertainmentWEi returns with new summer anthem, 'Overdrive'By Dong Sun-hwaMusic streaming charts in June and July are often dominated by uplifting summer bangers. While many of them go unnoticed due to cutthroat competition, K-pop boy group WEi's 2021 release “Bye Bye Bye” recently gained belated recognition after being selected as the No. 1 song deserving public attention in a recent survey conducted by the fandom app StarPlay.For those who have been looking forward to WEi's new summer anthems, the group is slated to drop its sixth mini-album, “Love Pt.3 : Eternally,” June 29. Leading the EP is “Overdrive,” a breezy and feel-good dance track peppered with catchy guitar sounds. Through its lyrics, the six members ― Daehyun, Yongha, Yohan, Junseo, Donghan and Seokhwa ― impart a message of comfort, telling people that it is okay to let their minds wander. “We chose this bright song as our lead single because we wanted to give solace toJun 29, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
Are K-pop concerts too expensive? K-pop boy group SHINee held the “SHINee WORLD VI [PERFECT ILLUMINATION]” concert at the KSPO Dome in southern Seoul, Sunday. Courtesy of SM EntertainmentPricey pop concert tickets frustrate fansBy Dong Sun-hwaDo Hee-yeon, an ardent K-pop fan in her 20s, recently spent 471,000 won ($361) to attend three concerts held by boy band SHINee. It is common for K-pop lovers to purchase tickets for a series of concerts by the same group, as they can catch a rare glimpse of their favorite stars while enjoying their riveting performances.However, Do thinks these tickets are too expensive for a young student like her, who does not have a permanent job. A concert ticket used to cost about 120,000 won before the COVID-19 pandemic, but recently jumped nearly 30 percent to 157,000 won, she said.“One of my friends is considering starting a side hustle to buy tickets,” Do told The Korea Times. “We have to tolerate exorbitant prices because we are so eager to see our favorite singers on stage. But we often feel like our pure love of K-pop is being exploited … If the Jun 29, 2023By Dong Sun-hwa
Girl group Fifty Fifty in dispute with agency over exclusive contracts Korean girl group Fifty Fifty attends a showcase to promote the group's single album "The Beginning: Cupid" in Seoul, April 13. YonhapK-pop girl group Fifty Fifty has become entangled in a legal dispute with its agency over the members' exclusive contracts just seven months after its debut.The four members of the quartet said through their lawyer Wednesday they filed for an injunction on June 19 to suspend the efficacy of their exclusive contracts with their agency, Attrakt.The group argued the firm failed to fulfill its contractual obligations, pointing out its lack of transparency in financial settlements and attempts to push for group activities without considering members' health conditions."The members were greatly disappointed and frustrated when the agency refused to pay attention to their voices, labeling their recent decision as an attempt by some outside forces to steal the group," said the lawyer, apparently referring to the group's decision to leave the agency. "The decision was made unanimously by the four members, acting independently and without any external interventiJun 28, 2023
