The iconic actor and model has once again proven his skills and tenacity through his latest appearance on Netflix’s “Officer Black Belt” film released on September 13.
In an interview with a Korean media outlet, while promoting the movie, Woo Bin revealed how the character he plays reflects his life after the cancer diagnosis. In “Officer Black Belt”, Woo Bin plays the jovial Lee Jung Do, who utilizes his martial arts skills to prevent crime and protect civilians. Woo Bin states that after the cancer diagnosis and full recovery, he has been more intentional in making the best of every moment with gratitude and a positive mindset.
In a previous interview on the ‘Zzanbro Shin Dong Yup’ YouTube channel, Woo Bin stated that the doctors had given him 6 months to live after the 2017 diagnosis. Like any other human, Woo Bin hoped it was but a bad dream he would soon wake up from. Woo Bin further added that it felt like a movie scene. Woo Bin stated the support and prayers from everyone gave him the strength to achieve his 2019 full recovery.
In the Korean media outlet’s interview, Woo Bin highlighted that the diagnosis changed his perspective on life. Before the diagnosis, he lived in the future, always working hard for his future self, including pulling consecutive all-nighters. But the diagnosis was a wake-up call. He has learned to live in the moment, giving full attention to those around him, and finding happiness and meaning in every moment. Woo Bin further added that the “Officer Black Belt” role birthed his appreciation for the unheard heroes sacrificing their lives for the rest.
—-Karen Mwenda
#KimWooBin #diagnosis #OfficerBlackBelt #kdramaactor #topactorinKorea #kcrush #kpop #koreanactor #kdrama #kflix #kcrushamericamagazine #lifeafterasixmonthprognosix #KimWooBinspeaksabouthisprognosis #kcrushnews #breakingnews
Super Junior’s D&E, shared a snippet of their upcoming ‘INEVITABLE’ album through dazzling concept photos.
D&E sub-unit is scheduled to release its 6th album, ‘INEVITABLE’, on September 25. For the final touches, D&G released teaser photos with a toned-down futuristic concept. The album contains 6 tracks, four of which are composed by Donghae in collaboration with other artists.
D&E is Super Junior’s subunit comprising Donghae and Eunhyuk which debuted in December 2011 with the “Oppa Oppa” digital single. After their 1st world tour in 2023, the sub-unit changed agencies from SM Entertainment to ODE Entertainment owned by Donghae & Eunhyuk. The sub-unit also collaborated with Warner Music Korea to expand its Japanese reign.
—-Karen Mwenda
SuperJunior #SuperJuniorDnE #DandESuperJunior #INEVITABLEComeback #kcrush #kpop #kidol #kculture #kmusic #koreanpop #Donghae #Eunhyuk #OppaOppadigitalsingle #subunit #SMEntertainment #ODEEntertainment #WarnerMusicKorea #Japaneseunit #futuristicconcept #kcrushnews #INEVITABLE6track #SuperJuniorSubUnit
JEY, a former candidate for IKON will be walking down the aisle with his model girlfriend soon.
JEY was a contestant at the “MIX & MATCH” 2014 idol competition show by YG Entertainment. The winners of the competition were then chosen to debut under the renowned IKON boyband.
JEY and his soon-to-be wife, Kitazawa, shared the thrilling news on their social media platforms through captivating photos. After failing to join IKON, JEY debuted under S.F.R Entertainment in 2017 as an independent soloist.
—-Karen Mwenda
#JEY #Kitazawa #JEYmarriage #iKON #SFREntertainment #JEYindependentsoloist #JEYannouncessoonmarriage #kcrush #kpop #kidol #kindie #koreansoloist #iKONcandidate #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushnews #soontobewifeKitazawa #MIXandMATCH2014 #YGEntertainment #modelKitazawa #Kitazawamodel
What’s a Samurai in the Edo period do when he finds himself transported hundreds of years into the future to the chaotic and confusing world of filmmaking? In his time-slip comedy A Samurai in Time, director Yasuda Junichi gives audiences a highly entertaining look at just what could possibly go wrong or right in this unique premise.
Yamaguchi Makiya stars as Shinzaemon Kosaka, a member of the Aizu clan who awakes in a Kyoto as foreign to him as a film set. As he learns to navigate this world beyond anything he and his compatriots could’ve ever imagined, audiences are given a look at film production from the perspective of someone who’s truly an outsider in every sense of the world.
Having played in numerous jidaigeki genre films and dramas throughout the his career, Yamaguchi is the perfect fit to play a Samurai in both the Edo period, and in the meta context of a modern day Japanese film set.
In my interview with director Yasuda for A Samurai in Time’s North American Premiere at Fantasia Fest, he explained why he chose the Edo period for such a ‘fish out of water’ premise as this, his casting of Yamaguchi Makiya, and practical and creatives benefits of shooting a historical modern-day Samurai film.
#KCrush #FantasiaFest FantasiaFestiInternationalFilmFestival #JapaneseCinema #SamuraiFilm #Samurai #AsianCinema
For the World Premiere of his latest dramatic feature Seven Days / Haft Rooz, at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, renowned Iranian filmmaker Ali Samadi Ahadi spoke with Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds.
The film quite literally follows Iranian human rights activist follows Maryam (Vishka Asayesh) on the tense and isolating journey she takes through the bitterly cold mountains of Southern Iran to Turkey to possible freedom and her family.
Having spent six years in prison for her work as an activist advocating for the rights of girls and women, Maryam is granted seven days release for medical treatment due to a heart ailment. But as she undertakes this dangerous journey, her estranged family husband Behnam (Majid Bakhtiari), teenaged daughter Dena (Tanaz Molaei), and her little brother Allorz (Sam Vafa), each have to examine for themselves what her return could mean for them.
In my interview with Ali we spoke about his collaboration with the film’s writer Mohammad Rasoulof (The Seed of the Sacred Fig, 2024) to bring this compelling story of resistance and sacrifice to the screen, how the distance between Maryam and Dena are more than geographical, and how the camera serves as a character within the story and in filmmaking.
#KCrush #TIFF24 #TIFF #SevenDaysFilm #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #GermanFilm #AsianCinema
(Photo Credit: AM Photography Team / Adam Yoshihara)
Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist AGNEZ MO, known globally for award-winning and chart-topping collaborations with Timbaland, and French Montana, released a new version of her “Party in Bali” celebration anthem with Korean American hip-hop and R&B artist Jay Park. This collaboration showcases the perfect blend of these two’s voices and carefree vibe. The song transports listeners to a carefree and exciting trip to Bali with romance and adventurous fun. AGNEZ’ bright voice paired with Jay’s sweet vocals creates the perfect pair to create an upbeat yet romantic feeling that keeps listeners wanting more.
The official music video for “Party in Bali x Jay Park” features romantic, candid, and exciting moments between the two global superstars. The simplicity of the scenes highlights AGNEZ and Jay’s undeniable chemistry. The two can be seen dancing, giggling, and having a romantic dinner throughout the music video and are even asked the question everyone has been dying to ask, “…Are you guys a thing?”. This music video follows the release of the original “Party in Bali” music video, released in mid-August which gained over 1.3 million views on YouTube. This new video gives viewers butterflies with the chemistry shared between these two icons.
“I’ve known Jay for so long and have followed his work for even longer! I respect his work so much and have always wanted to find the perfect project for us to work on together. Party in Bali is that perfect project!! I had the BEST time creating this with Jay and am SO proud of how the project turned out.” – AGNEZ MO
“Teaming up with AGNEZ on this remix was a great way to bring our long-standing friendship into the music. From the moment I heard the track, I was into it, so working on it was a genuinely enjoyable experience. I’m looking forward to seeing how it lands with our fans, and performing it live together would be an exciting next step!” – Jay Park
WATCH PARTY IN BALI REMIX MUSIC VIDEO
AGNEZ MO is Asia’s most highly awarded recording artist and actress, with over 350 accolades. After rising to stardom at the age of six, she evolved into an award-winning, multi-platinum singer and highly acclaimed actress, garnering over 60 million followers across social platforms and over 150 million total views on her YouTube channel. The songwriter has made a significant impact on the global music scene, with her song “Patience” reaching the Top 10 in the U.S. and peaking at #11 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Chart. Additionally, she has been nominated for the iHeartRadio Music Awards three years in a row and won back in 2019 for the Social Star Award. Last year, the pop sensation performed at the iHeartRadio Music Festival and introduced R&B icons TLC onto the stage. As an icon, she’s also been recognized with awards at the Shorty Awards and World Music Awards, further establishing her global influence.
As a cultural and fashion icon, she has graced the covers of renowned magazines such as ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Tatler, and more. Her presence has been featured through interviews with Vogue, NYLON, Billboard, as well as performances on GRAMMY.com. As she continues to break boundaries, preparing to carry that momentum forward with new music later this year, solidifying her status as an international star.
(Photo Credit: AM Photography Team / Adam Yoshihara)
About AGNEZ MO
AGNEZ MO is Asia’s most highly awarded recording artist and actress, with 350 accolades. After rising to stardom at the age of six, she progressed to an award-winning, multi-platinum singer and highly acclaimed actress. And she gained commercial success in countries worldwide, including her homeland of Indonesia, as well as Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, and even the Netherlands. Fun fact: Madame Tussauds has created her wax sculpture in their Singapore museum. After breaking out in to the Pop/R&B scene in the United States in 2018 with her song and music video “Overdose,” which featured Chris Brown and became a bonafide radio hit charting across five Billboard charts, she became a beloved artist among her peers with everyone wanting to work with her. Her next single, “Diamonds,” featured French Montana, and she’s worked with everyone from Juicy J, T.I., Steve Aoki, and Desiigner to Timbaland, Keith Martin, and more. Her single, “Patience,” has peaked on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart at #11. At the heart of it all, AGNEZ MO is a powerful visionary that owns every element of her creative vision that extends beyond her songwriting and performances and into cultivating editorially into fashion and even producing and directing her music videos. Yet internationally, a quick glimpse at her Wikipedia page will reveal that while she is still the most awarded artist in Asia (with over 350 in total), including 8 Panasonic Awards, 5 Nickelodeon Indonesia Kids’ Choice Awards, and 4 MTV Indonesia Awards, she has also received multiple international awards, including 1 Anugerah Planet Muzik (Singapore-Malaysia), 3 Asia Song Festival awards (Korea), 7 JPopAsia Music Awards (Japan), 2 Mnet Asian Music Awards (Korea), 1 Shorty Awards (USA), 3 Socials Star Awards, 1 World Music Awards, and 1 iHeartRadio Music Awards (USA). Mo is also an anti-drug ambassador in Asia and was directly appointed by the joint forces of the Indonesian Anti Narcotic Police Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. She’s also become the brand ambassador of MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) in its mission to combat human trafficking. As the world is brought closer by the internet, global superstars that can find balance among cultures all over the planet are the rare top-tier gems of the industry. There is no better example of that than AGNEZ MO.
Connect With AGNEZ MO: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | Spotify
About Jay Park
As one of the biggest global names in entertainment, Jay Park has established an illustrious career as a recording artist/performer, entrepreneur and CEO of renowned Korean music labels. He’s worked his way into the upper echelons of the music industry, both in the US, where he became the first Asian artist signed to Jay-Z’s label, Roc Nation, and in South Korea, where he is a top 1% streaming artist. He helped define the Korean hip-hop scene and ushered in the mainstream acceptance of the genre, especially through the success of AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC, two labels he founded in 2013 and 2017, respectively. Dedicated to cultivating the next generation of stars, Jay Park specifically created H1GHR MUSIC to support talented but undiscovered artists in his hometowns of Seoul and Seattle. Now with his latest label venture, MORE VISION, launched in 2022, Jay Park is hoping to explore new avenues and shift the industry with unconventional approaches. Jay Park’s knowledge of how to build a career from the ground up is second to none, having engineered his own success through the release of hit songs like “MOMMAE,” featuring Ugly Duck, and “All I Wanna Do,” featuring Hoody and Loco, which together have well over 200 million views on YouTube. He was honored with the “Game Changer” Award by the Smithsonian at its Celebration of Asian Pacific Americans in 2019 for his impact. He’s collaborated with 2 Chainz, Charli XCX, Hit-Boy, KYLE and Vic Mensa, as well as some of the biggest names in Asian entertainment, including IU, Epik High and Yuna. His accolades include revitalizing the spirits industry with his top of the line soju brand, WON SOJU, which sold out at a record rate and is establishing itself as a global brand and he has continued to make waves in the fashion world, being named a Gucci Global Ambassador in 2023. The busy multi-hyphenate excelled in his business endeavors while remaining one of the highest streaming artists in Asia. Steady in the single’s game, his latest hits include, “GANADARA” featuring IU, “Need To Know,” “Candy,” “Yesterday,” and “Love Is Ugly” featuring Hwa Sa of Mamamoo. With nearly 15 years under his belt, Jay Park has proven time and time again that he’s the best at what he does and 2024 is set for a larger comeback for the trailblazer.
More of Jay Park on : YouTube – Instagram – Twitter – TikTok
#AgnezMO #JayPark #PartyInBaliRemix #kcrush #kpop #pop #MOPARKCollaboration #kcrushnews #Korean #kcrushnews #Overdose #ChrisBrown ##AgnezMOsinger #AgnezMOfashionicon #AgnezMOandJayPARK
The legendary global icon, Jungkook is reportedly facing backlash from HYBE employees for supporting his juniors.
On 14th September, Jungkook posted a picture of Bam, on the dog’s Instagram page, with a viral caption as fans cheered him on for his courageous stunt to speak for the weak. The caption, which read “Artists are not guilty” caught the eye of many especially after speculations led to the fact that the post was in support of NewJeans.
Despite their success, NewJeans have been under a series of controversies with their management. Jungkook’s ensuing post on 15th September read “Don’t Use them”. This further heightened deep conversations on the internet.
It later turned out that not everybody was happy with Jungkook’s so-called “support for NewJeans”. It has been alleged that HYBE employees were backlashing Jungkook for his actions on BLIND, an anonymous platform that allows verified employees to discuss issues.
A furious legion of local and global fans has since been creating a frenzy on the internet demanding the firing of these employees. Fans claim that Jungkook has the right to speak his mind and that the employees should be mindful of their approach and not “cut the hand that feeds them”. despite distancing itself from this issue, HYBE commented that Jungkook’s post meant that young artists should not be dragged into disputes or used as shields under any circumstances.
—-Karen Mwenda
#HYBE #Jungkook #HYBEJungkookpost #NewJeans #BLINDplatform #kcrush #BamInstagram #doginstagram #kpop #kpost #defendingNewJeans #kcrushbreakingnews #kcrushamerica #korean #BTS #BTSJungKook #ARMYBTS #fansofkpop #kpopnews #kcrusharticles #kfashion #kculture #koreanboygroup
Gyuna, NewJeans Danielle’s older sister is set to debut next month, October.
Gyuna made her debut in the K-Pop industry with the “Lava” OST for the drama, ‘Hide’ starring Lee Bo Young. Born in 2000, the Australian-Korean star has been in the limelight for the longest as she started as a Kid model. Her vocal ability went viral after she did a cover of Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity” hit in 2018’s Young Artist Festival.
Gyuna is set to follow in her younger sister’s footsteps and debut in a girl group. Gyuna will debut under Warner Music Korea’s subsidiary group, MPLIFY. Gyuna is also said to be a talented composer with several successful projects in the K-Pop industry.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Gyuna #MPLIFY #WarnerMusicKorea #kcrush #kpop #kpopindustry #NewJeansDanielle #GyunaOSTLava #OSTforHide #kidol #koreangirlgroup #koreanpop #kculture #kcrushbreakingnews #kcrushamericamagazine #kdramaOSTLava #NeJeansDaniellesSistertodebutinOctober2024whenwillGyunaDaniellesSisterfromNewJeansdebut
The former Iz*One member has finally been confirmed as a member of the upcoming iNKODE label’s SAY MY NAME girl group.
This Japanese actress, model, and singer rose to fame after appearing on ‘Kodomojikan’ program between 2012 and 2014 while in elementary school in Japan. Honda later joined AKB48 Japanese idol musical girl group in 2014 before debuting as a member of the Korean girl group, Iz*One, in 2018.
Honda was the last member to be confirmed for the SAY MY NAME girl group set to debut in October. iNKODE, SAY MY NAME group’s agency, houses other reputable icons including singer and actor Kim Jae Joong. Kim Jae Joong is currently on the ‘FLOWER GARDEN’ Asia concert tour while still satisfying K-drama addicts with his skills in the ongoing “Bad Memory Eraser” drama. Honda now joins Dohee, Kanny, Mei, Junhwi, Soha, and Seungjoo making SAY MY NAME a 7-member group.
—-Karen Mwenda
#HondaHitomi #HondaHitomitojoingirlgroupSAYMYNAME #7membergroupSAYMYNAME #kcrushbreakingnews #kpop #koreanpop #SAYMYNAME #iNKODE #kpopOctoberdebut #Dohee #Kanny #Mei #Junhwi #Soha #Seungjoo #koreannews #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #AKB48 #Kodomojikan
Seventeen boy band’s Jeonghan has been confirmed to enlist for mandatory military service at the end of September.
Jeonghan had his last appearance with the group days ago at Seventeen’s event in Lollapalooza, Berlin. This means Jeonghan will also be absent from the band’s October promotional activities for the upcoming 12th mini album. The start will also miss out on the scheduled SEVENTEEN RIGHT HERE WORLD TOUR which starts in October.
On September 12, Pledis Entertainment confirmed that Jeonghan will enlist in to the military on September 26. Jeonghan will be Seventeen band’s first member to enlist in the military. This comes months after Seventeen’s S.Coups was granted exemption from mandatory military service due to a knee injury he sustained last year.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Jeonghan #SEVENTEEN #JeonghansMilitaryEnlistment #JeonghansSeptemberEnlistment #kpop #kcrush #kmilitary #korea #SCoupsofSEVENTEENexemption #PledisEntertainment #SEVENTEENRiGHTHEREWORLDTOUROctober2024 #kmusic #koreanculture #popmusic #SEVENTEENsFirstMembertoEnlist #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kcrushamerica #breaking
Amidst the debilitating legal battles, HYBE label has chosen Lee Jae Sang as their newest CEO.
Taking over Park Ji Won, Lee Jae Sang did not shy away from commenting on the status of HYBE with regards to ADOR. This comes after the global sensation NewJeans girl group released a statement requesting that Min Hee Jin be reinstated as ADOR’s CEO. NewJeans was formed by ADOR in 2022.
HYBE Label dismissed Min Hee Jin in August on the basis of misconduct and embezzlement. Lee Jae Sang, previously HYBE Label’s chief strategy officer, commented that HYBE would respond to the dismissal issue and NewJeans group’s request with time but according to the rules and regulations.
—-Karen Mwenda
#HYBE #HYBENewCEO #MinHeeJinreleasedfromHYBELabel #kcrush #NewJeansADOR #LeeJaeSangnewHYBECEO #kpop #koreanmusiclabel #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kcrushbreakingnews #kcrushamericamagazine #korean #kculture
The global hit “Moving” k-drama actor, Zo In-sung, candidly shared the marriage questions he is getting from his loved ones.
Also famously known for his lead role in “It’s Okay, It’s Love”, Zo In-sung shared on Zzanbro Shin Dong Yub’s YouTube channel regarding the increasingly mounting questions about his love life. In the interview, done early this September, the actor hinted that his parents have become quite inquisitive about his plans and desires to have a family.
Zo In-sung, who is in his early 40s, joked about the marriage pressure issue and left fans wondering in a sea of curiosity having not clarified his stand or plans on the issue. Early this year, Zo In-sung successfully held the “2015 So in Love with Jo In Sung Fan Meeting” in Bangkok, Thailand. In June, Zo In-sung was confirmed to star in Director Ryu Seung Wan’s upcoming project, ‘Humint’.
—-Karen Mwenda
#JiInSong #marriage #Humint #kcrush #kdrama #Moving #koreanactor #RyuSeungWandirector #ItsOkayItsLove #ZzanbroShinDongYubYouTuber #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kcrushamerica #koreannews #actor #JiInSongrelationship #questionsofJiInSong #kcrushnews #fanmeeting #BangkokThailand
LISTEN HERE
WATCH HERE
The fierce new K-Pop girl group MEOVV release their feverishly anticipated debut single “MEOW“. Listen HERE via THEBLACKLABEL / Capitol Records. The booming track delivers a razor-sharp mesmerizing introduction to the globally minded idol five-piece. “MEOW” comes with a stunning visual highlighting the group’s dynamic performances. Watch it HERE.
MEOVV (pronounced “meow”) are the first ever girl group launched by THEBLACKLABEL and represents the vision of label founder and mega-producer Teddy Park (a.k.a. TEDDY). TEDDY who has played an integral role in shaping the overall direction and creative for BIGBANG, G-Dragon, 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, hand-picked the members of MEOVV and directed all facets of the creative and production. Under his vision, MEOVV put the world on notice as this is his first girl group in 8 years after debuting BLACKPINK.
The track kicks off with an enchanting loop that speeds up as the powerful bass drops and sends a dozen percussive bits flying. It showcases MEOVV’s confident vocal prowess as they slide effortlessly between languages, notes, and styles. “MEOW” was written by TEDDY, Claudia Valentina, Zikai, Billy Walsh, Vince and was produced by 24, and Jumpa.
The distinct and always inventive production is a hallmark of THEBLACKLABEL and further affirms that MEOVV aims to break from the conventional K-Pop mold. MEOVV is a multidimensional group who bring powerful charisma and energy to every mood, whether singing or rapping, serving up smooth allure or fierce attitude.
The group’s name was announced on August 15, and K-Pop fans and press have been devouring every morsel of information and speculation since. In addition to the early reveal of an animated image of a pierced and charmed cat paw (HERE),THEBLACKLABEL shared a visual (HERE) of their sleek new Seoul HQ being overtaken by five giant felines. Those same black cats were recently spotted in Hollywood, roaming the iconic Capitol Records Tower (HERE). Download the hi-res asset HERE.
With rumors swirling, MEOVV’s members were revealed one at a time over the past week and a half. Each was announced with an “EYES OF MEOVV” close-up teaser, then a mysterious short film. Watch the trailers for idols ELLA (HERE), GAWON (HERE), SOOIN (HERE), ANNA (HERE), and NARIN (HERE). Combined views of those clips have already surpassed 94 million — all before the group released a single song.
With the ascension story continuing to unfold, the MEOVV takeover has only just begun.
(Left to Right: Gawon, Ella, Sooin, Anna, Narin)
Download hi-res photo here
Photo Credit: THEBLACKLABEL
FOLLOW MEOVV
TikTok | Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook
About MEOVV:
‘MEOVV’ Pointedly Yet Softly Piercing Through Hearts. MEOVV is TEDDY’s first ever girl group from THEBLACKLABEL consisting of five members: SOOIN, GAWON, ANNA, ELLA, and NARIN. Each member’s prowess and charisma has stood out to gain recognition. Effortlessly alternating between razor-sharp and smooth, MEOVV’s multidimensional charisma and energy is captivating.
About THEBLACKLABEL:
THEBLACKLABEL is a South Korean Entertainment Company, Record Label & Creative Agency founded by TEDDY. THEBLACKLABEL was established in 2016 and is home to acts such as TAEYANG, JEON SOMI, ROSÉ, LØREN, & Vince.
THE FINAL MEMBER OF THE QUINTET REVEALED THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
PRE-SAVE THEIR DEBUT SINGLE HERE
Capitol Records, in partnership with THEBLACKLABEL, announces the signing of the fierce, feverishly buzzing new K-pop girl group MEOVV (pronounced “meow”). The globally minded, five-piece group comes via THEBLACKLABEL founder and mega-producer Teddy Park (known as TEDDY), whose credits include hits by BIGBANG, G-Dragon, BLACKPINK, and 2NE1, among others. Capitol, a label with a rich tradition of signing groundbreaking artists, is also currently home to Doechii, Ice Spice, J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Katy Perry, Maggie Rogers, Niall Horan, Sam Smith, The Beatles, Yeat, and Young Miko among many others.
The group’s name was announced on August 15th, and K-pop fans and press have been devouring every morsel of speculation since. What’s confirmed: MEOVV, which is THEBLACKLABEL’s first ever girl group launch, breaks from the conventional K-pop mold.
In addition to an animated image of a pierced and charmed cat paw reveal (HERE), THEBLACKLABEL released an early visual (HERE) of their sleek new Seoul HQ being overtaken by five giant felines. The same black cats were recently spotted in Hollywood, roaming the roof of the iconic Capitol Records Tower (visual HERE). Download the hi-res asset HERE.
The members of MEOVV have been revealed one at a time. First came an “EYES OF MEOVV” close-up teaser followed by a mysterious short film for each idol. Watch the trailers for members Ella (HERE), Gawon (HERE), Anna (HERE), and Sooin (HERE). The final member was revealed Thursday, August 29th. Combined views on the teasers have already surpassed 56 million – all before the group has released any music.
With the story continuing to unfold, the MEOVV takeover has only just begun.
FOLLOW MEOVV
TikTok | Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook
About MEOVV:
‘MEOVV’ Pointedly Yet Softly Piercing Through Hearts.
MEOVV is TEDDY’s first ever girl group from THEBLACKLABEL consisting of five members: SOOIN, GAWON, ANNA, ELLA, and the final member, who will be revealed on Thursday, August 29th. Each member’s prowess and charisma has stood out to gain recognition. Effortlessly alternating between razor-sharp and smooth, MEOVV’s multidimensional charisma and energy is captivating.
About THEBLACKLABEL:
THEBLACKLABEL is a South Korean Entertainment Company, Record Label & Creative Agency founded by TEDDY. THEBLACKLABEL was established in 2016 and is home to acts such as TAEYANG, JEON SOMI, ROSÉ, LØREN, & Vince.
About Capitol Music Group:
Capitol Music Group (CMG) is comprised of Capitol Records, Blue Note Records, Motown Records, Astralwerks, Priority Records and Capitol Christian Music Group. CMG is based in Hollywood, California within the iconic Capitol Tower. During its more-than-80-years as one of the music industry’s preeminent record labels, Capitol has been home to some of the world’s most important and acclaimed recording artists, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Nat “King” Cole, Peggy Lee, Linda Ronstadt, Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner and countless others. Capitol’s impact on popular music continues through the work of some of contemporary music’s most popular and noteworthy artists, including Doechii, Ice Spice, J Balvin, Kali Uchis, Katy Perry, Maggie Rogers, Niall Horan, Sam Smith, The Beatles, Yeat, and Young Miko among many others.
#MEOVV #Newgroup #TheBlackLabel #CapitolMusicGroup #TEDDY #MEOVV #BLACKLABEL #WhoIsMOVV #TEDDYandKush #MELON #HiRising #kcrush #Melonsrookieartistproject #kpop #CapitalRecords #UniversalMusic #newmusic #KoreangirlgroupMEOVV #Sooin #Narin #Anna #Gawon #Ella #kmusic #knews #kcrushamerica #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #koreannews #upcomingBlackLabelfirstevergirlgroup #GermanKorean #KoreanAmerican #Japanesemodel #newgroup
MEOVV is an upcoming 5-member girl group under BLACK LABEL agency. Consisting of Gawon (19), Sooin (19), Anna (18), Narin (17), and Ella (15), MEOVV is scheduled to debut on September 6, 2024. MEOVV, whose members’ training period ranges between 3 to 7 years, stands for “My Eyes Open VVide”. The group’s SNS accounts were launched on August 16. The member reveal was done through debut trailers from August 21 to August 29 starting with Ella and wrapping up with Narin.
MEOVV is a multinational group. Ella is a German-Korean born in America who joined BLACK LABEL in 2018 and has often interacted with the label’s BLACKPINK members. Gawon is a Korean-American and former YG Entertainment trainee who participated in Adidas campaigns as a child model. Sooin is a Korean-born dancing guru and former SOPA (School of Performing Arts Seoul) student. Anna is of Japanese descent famously known as a reputable social media influencer and former Seventeen Japan’s exclusive model. Narin was born in Korea and has been a BLACK LABEL trainee since 2021.
On August 28, it was announced that MEOVV had also signed a partnership contract with Capital Records label. Capital Records is a label under Universal Music Group known to raise global stars including the legendary Katy Perry. MEOVV is scheduled to race the “MEOVV Debut Pre-listening Pop-up” event on September 4 at The Hyundai Seoul.
Despite not having officially debuted, MEOVV has already been named the new star for Melon’s rookie artist project ‘Hi-RiSiNG’. BLACK LABEL, founded in 2015 by former YG producer Teddy and Kush, is an associate company of the reputable YG Entertainment. Blacklabel is a fast-growing record label managing reputable global icons including BIGBANG’s Taeyang, BLACKPINK’s Rose, and actor Park Bo Gum.
—-Karen Mwenda
#MEOVV #BLACKLABEL #WhoIsMOVV #TEDDYandKush #MELON #HiRising #kcrush #Melonsrookieartistproject #kpop #CapitalRecords #UniversalMusic #newmusic #KoreangirlgroupMEOVV #Sooin #Narin #Anna #Gawon #Ella #kmusic #knews #kcrushamerica #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #koreannews #upcomingBlackLabelfirstevergirlgroup #GermanKorean #KoreanAmerican #Japanesemodel #newgroup
Between the Two of Us – KCrush Interview With Filmmaker Sung Ji-hye by Carolyn Hinds
Written and directed by filmmaker Sung Ji-hye, Between the Two of Us looks at the intersection between disability, pregnancy, and loneliness in marriage through her characters Eun-jin a paraplegic who chooses to continue her pregnancy in spite the doubts of her husband Ho-seon, and doctors. Following the film’s premiere at the 2024 Jeonju International Film Festival in the Korean Cinema program, Film Critic and Journalist, Carolyn Hinds speaks with Sung Ji-hye
Played by Kim Si-eun, Eun-jin having learned to adapt to being disabled after losing her ability to walk due to a spinal cord injury at 18-years-old, must once again learn to adapt to her body in a new way when her pregnancy new causes changes within her body. Changes she can’t feel. Ho-seon (Seol Jung-hwan), Eun-jin’s high school sweetheart, distracted by his own concerns about what the pregnancy means for Eun-jin, and his impending fatherhood, is unable to emotionally connect the pregnancy and share his own fears with her. With both parties afraid to be misunderstood, distance and loneliness grows between them, causing Eun-jin to turn to a new friend, Ji-hoo (Oh Ji-hoo), a woman she suddenly meets one day that changes everything that Eun-jin believed about herself.
Editorial note: Due to copy right, the voice of the interpreter has been muted and subtitled.
—-Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, Podcaster & YouTuber
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Host & Producer Carolyn Talks…, and So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#KCrush #KoreanFilm #KoreanCinema #JeonjuIFF2024 #JeonjuInternationalFestival #AsianCinema #InternationalFilmFestival #SouthKorea #Korea #SungJihye #BetweenTheTwoOfUs
The Tenants – KCrush Interview With Filmmaker Yoon Eun-kyoung by Carolyn Hinds
For the Fantasia International Film Festival premiere of her noir psychological thriller The Tenants, filmmaker Yoon Eun-kyoung spoke with Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds about the intricacies of constructing a film depicting the realities of living in a society, where the promise of utopia is dangled as a prize for pushing our bodies and minds to the limits working in a capitalist society.
Starring Kim Dae-gun as Shin-dong, a 20 something young man working endlessly to be selected to live in Sphere 2 – a promised utopia where the air is clear and houses are spacious – who sublets his home through Wolwolse, a government program that allows tenants to sublet parts of their apartment to earn more income to achieve his goal quicker. But Shin-dong’s hopes are dashed as it becomes evident, his new tenants, a large imposing man who wears a distinctive feather adorned fedora, and his ever smiling but never speaking wife secretly sublet the ceiling space above their new domain, Shin-dong’s bathroom, to a mysterious woman who refuses to leave.
The husband, known only as The Tenant is played intriguingly by Heo Dong-won, who give the character an at times threatening and domineering air, and other times an almost child like fasciation with his own part in Shin-dong’s predicament. In the interview director Yoon and Carolyn speak about how the film is an apt interpretation of capitalism creates an oppressive environment physically and mentally over us.
Interpretation for the interview was conducted by April Kim.
—-Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, Podcaster & YouTuber
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Host & Producer Carolyn Talks…, and So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#KCrush #KoreanFilm #KoreanCinema #FantasiaFest24 #FantasiaInternationalFilmFestival #AsianCinema #InternationalFilmFestival #SouthKorea #Korea #TheTenants #YoonEunkyoung #Filmmaker
Jo Bo Ah, famously known for her role in “Destined with You” and “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” dramas, will be walking down the aisle in 2 months.
The star debuted in the entertainment industry with the “Flower Band” drama in 2012. Jo Bo Ah, who has boldly expressed her desire to have a family in her early 30s, will finally visualize her dreams.
Jo Bo Ah is set to get married to her non-celebrity boyfriend in October. With the incoming dramas by the star, including Disney+ original’s “Knock-Off” series, Jo Bo Ah shows no signs of taking a bow from the entertainment industry amidst her new journey.
We wish the couple a beautiful wedding and a peaceful, happy long life together.
—-Karen Mwenda
#JoBoAh #JoBoAhgettingmarried #DisneyplusKnockOffseries #DestinedWithYou #kcrush #happylife #wedding #Koreanidol #kcrushamericamagazine #breakingnews #weddinginoctober #FlowerBandKDrama #kdrama #kdramaactress Korean #kdramanews #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine
There is nothing more mesmerizing than watching fiction evolve into reality. This rare phenomenon is about to be solidified as “My Sibling’s Romance” k-drama co-stars Yoon Ha and Yun Jae announce their upcoming marriage plans.
Famously known as the Yoon-Yun couple, Lee Yoon Ha and Kim Yun Jae announced their marriage plan on August 26. The couple also added in the YouTube announcement that they plan to walk down the aisle early next year.
Lee Yoon Ha and Kim Yun Jae met on “My Sibling’s Romance” show, a dating reality show that premiered in March 2024. In the YouTube announcement, the two revealed that they have been dating for a while and are grateful for all the heart-warming reception they have received so far.
—-Karen Mwenda
#LeeYoonHa #KimYunJae #MySiblingsRomanceShow #kcrush #engagement #kdramaactor #kidol #kcrushbreakingnews #weddingplans #LeeYoonHaandKimYunJaetomarry #kcrushnews #kcrushamericamagazine #koreandrama #koreanfashion
BTS’s Suga has written another apology with regard to his electric scooter accident while under the influence. This second apology, done on 25th August, comes after Suga’s police questioning that happened on 27th August at Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station in Seoul.
Burdened by the weight of the matter, Suga poured out his heart on Weverse apologizing to BTS fans and fellow BTS members. In this second apology, Suga admitted that his first apology was rather lacking and confusing due to urgent matters.
Hello. This is Suga.
It is with a shameful heart that I would like to apologize to you again. I am sincerely sorry for disappointing and hurting my fans and everyone who loves me due to my wrongdoing. I made a big mistake by forgetting my responsibility to repay the love I received with actions worthy of the amount of love that I have received
On the night of August 6, I made the mistake of driving an electric scooter on the sidewalk after consuming alcohol. Also, I would like to apologize for any confusion caused by the first apology that was hastily posted on the 7th. I should have been more thoughtful and cautious, but I failed to do so.
All of this is my fault. My carelessness has made things difficult for everyone who cares about me. I will bear this in mind for life and work hard not to commit any wrongdoings again.
Because of this incident, I have caused a huge dent in the precious memories I made with my members and fans, and I have tarnished the name of BTS. It is extremely impossible to express how sorry and distressed I am about the damage I have caused to the members and the team.
I am sorry to my members, who have always believed in me, for putting them through a difficult time. And I know very well the disappointment that my fans who support me must feel. I have nothing else to say but sorry to the fans who have always shown me immense love despite my shortcomings…
I know it is difficult to remedy the hurt and disappointment I have caused my fans with words. I deeply regret my actions and will reflect on it with a heavy heart every day.
Once again, I sincerely apologize to the fans I hurt.
In the latest lengthy apology, Suga expressed deep regrets for his actions and promised to reflect on them. Suga went further and indicated that he is ready to accept whatever comes his way because of his hurtful actions.
—-Karen Mwenda
#SUGA #BTSSUGA #BTSSUGAsQuestioning #SugasApology #BIHHIT #kcrush #kpop #kpopidol #pop #kcrushamericamagazine
After making waves in the K-idol dating world for months, Actor Lee Kyu Han and Former BB Girls’ Yujeong have decided to part ways.
After denying dating rumors back in July 2023, the two stars conceded and finally confirmed to the public that they were indeed a couple in September 2023. Despite the over decade-long age gap, Lee Kyu Han and Yujeong’s dating announcement was welcomed with praise making them a notable couple in the entertainment industry.
Lee Kyu Han’s agency, Billions, confirmed the two stars’ break up on 26th August 2024. R&D Company, Yujeong’s agency, also backed up the announcement and confirmed that the two stars have decided to part ways. Despite the separation, Lee Kyu Han and Yujeong stated they would continue to be supportive friends.
—-Karen Mwenda
#LeeKyuHan #LeeKyuHansbreakup #Yujeon #Yujeonsbreakup #Billions #RnDCompany #kcrush #breakup #kpop #ExBBGirl #datingannouncement #kcrushamerica #kactor #breakupannouncement #kidol #koreanactorLeeKyuHan