With mid-month around the corner, we have had outstanding comebacks from reputable individuals and groups in the K-pop industry so far. Some of them include CHEN (EXO) with “Beyond” MV, LEECHANGSUB with the ‘<1991>’ album, ATEEZ with the “Birthday” Japanese MV, LOCO with the” SEE YOU” farewell track to AOMG agency, BLACKPINK’s Lisa with “Moonlit Floor”, WOOOSUNG with the ‘4444’ album, and Yoon Seobin’s “Rizz” single. Below are some other notable comebacks to expect this October.
1. Jay Park
This RnB legend will make a comeback on October 8 with “Gimme A Minute” track under the album, ‘THE ONE YOU WANTED’. The track will also be featuring another RnB legend, CHUNG HA.
2. AB61X
This boy band will be releasing their 9th EP titled ‘BORN LIKE THIS’ in October 10. The album will be released 6pm KST time.
3. BLACKPINK’s Jennie
BLACKPINK’s Jennie will be releasing the highly anticipated single in October 11. The single, titled “Mantra”, is making headlines as it’s expected to launch Jennie’s solo journey.
4. SEVENTEEN
This iconic boy band is set to make a comeback in October 14. SEVENTEEN with return with their 12th mini album titled, ‘SPILL THE FEELS’.
5.CNBLUE
This pop boy band will return to the screens on October 14th with their 10th mini album. The album, titled ‘[X]’, will mark the group’s first comeback in 3 years.
6. ITZY
ITZY will make a comeback on October 15 with the “GOLD” MV and album release. This will be followed by the “Imaginary Friend” MV release in October 28.
7. KISS OF LIFE
The band will release the “R.E.M” MV and 3rd mini album, titled ‘Love Yourself’, on October 15. This will be a follow-up to the pre-release done in October 4.
8. Billlie
Billlie will return with their 5th mini album titled, ‘[appendix: Of All We Have Lost]’ on October 16. This will follow the album’s “Trampoline” MV pre-release scheduled for October 11.
9. AESPA
AESPA will make a comeback with their 5th mini album titled ‘Whiplash’ on October 21. The girl group, which recently did the “SYNK: Parallel Line” world tour, will a few days release four solo tracks performed by the members during the tour in a few days.
10. ILLIT
ILLIT will return to the spotlight with the 2nd mini album titled ‘I’LL LIKE YOU’ on October 21. Despite a previous cloud of plagiarism controversies, ILLIT is expected to set the record straight and reclaim their glory through this album.
11. PURPLE KISS
Renowned for their dancing concepts, PURPLE KISS is set to comeback with their 7th mini album titled ‘[Headway]’. The group recently finished the “2024 BXX” world tour across 18 cities in promotion of the ‘BXX’ EP released in May 2024.
12. THE BOYZ
THE BOYZ will be coming back with their 9th mini album titled ‘도화선’. The boy band recently finished the ‘ZENERATION II’ tour across the U.S.
—-Karen Mwenda
#OctoberKPopCombacks #NotableOctoberKPopComebacks #THEBOYZ #ZenerationIIWorldTour #PURPLEKISS #BXXalbum #ILLIT #ILLLIKEYOU2ndminialbum #AESPA #kcrush #kcrushamerica #kpopcombacksinOctober #kpop #kpopgroups #Billie #KISSOFLIFE #ITZY #GOLDbyITZY #CNBlue #XalbumCNBlue #SEVENTEEN #SPILLTHeFEELSbySEVENTEEN #BLACKPINKJennie #Jennie #AB61X #BornLikeThisbyAB61X #newmusic #newalbums #combacks #JayPark #GimmeAMinutebyJayPark #MantrabyJennie #TheOneYouWantedJayParkalbum #kcrushmagazine #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #koreansinger #koreanpop #hallyu #musicofkpopifols
Belift lab has denied claims that ILLIT girl band manager commented telling the girls to ignore NewJeans’ Hanni.
In a live broadcast on September 11, Hanni claimed that ILLIT’s manager had told one of the members to ignore her which gave room to harassment at work. Following this damaging allegation, Belift Lab, ILLIT’s agency released a statement refuting the claims.
Belift Lab claimed that such a case would never occur since ILLIT’s manager also speaks to NewJeans members in honorifics. Belift backed their claims with through CCTV footage showing an interaction between the two parties. In the CCTV, ILLIT members were seen giving a 90 degree bow greeting upon encountering Hanni in the building corridors.
However, CEO Min Hee Jin claimed that the respective video had been deleted. On their end, HYBE Entertainment’s security personnel claimed that the 30-day footage retention period was over hindering further retrieval.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BeliftLab #BeliftLabDeniedILLITsBullyingClaims #NewJeansHanni #Hanni #MinHeeJinCEO #HYBE #CCTVFootage #kpop #kpopgroup #kpopstories #kcrush #kcrushmagazine #kpopnews #ILLIT #harassment #bullyingallegations #ILLITsManager #newswithinkpop
Fans of Fromis_9 band’s Jiwon and TV personality Jun Hyun Moo have been in an internet frenzy with the rumors of the two influential figures probably dating.
This comes after Jiwon and Jun Hyun Moo were seen attending the 2NE1’s October 5th ‘Welcome Back in Seoul’. The two were reported to have had several interactions, including the ‘Idol Star Athletics Championships’.
Nonetheless, the rumors were put out after Pledis Entertainment denied them. In a comment, the agency agreed that both celebrities are close friends given that they also share the same English teacher. The agency went on to clarify that the two are just friends and are not dating.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Fromis9Jiwon #Fromis #datingrumors #JunHyunMoo #aretheydating #kcrush #PledisEntertainment #kpop #tvpersonality #kculture #JiwonandJunHyunMoonotdatingaccordingtoPledis #2NE1WelcomeBackToSeoulConcert #sameEnglishTeacher #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #breakingnews #kidolnews #whoisdatingwho2024 #IdolsStarAthleticChampionship
NCT member, Moon Taeil, has been undergoing grueling police investigations over the last few months for aggravated quasi-rape allegations.
After the August 12 police investigations, Taeil was referred to the Seoul Central District Prosecution office which is yet to officially summon him. The allegations stem from an incident in June where Taeil and two other non-idol acquaintances were accused of sexually abusing an intoxicated woman.
Despite the police investigations, SM had laid low regarding the matter even as Taeil continued his idol activities. However, SM Entertainment recently spoke on the matter stating that given the gravity of the issue, they have decided to discontinue Taeil from group activities. SM Entertainment also claimed that Taeil had also agreed to conclusions. If found guilty, Taeil could end up facing about a 7-year jail term or a life sentence.
—-Karen Mwenda
#MoonTaeil #NCT #NCTMoonTaeil #SMEntertainment #commentsonNCTTaeilsSexualControversy #kpop #kpopnews #breakingnews #kcrushamerica #kcrush #Taeilwilldiscontinuegroupactivities #sexualallegations #SeoulCentralDistrictProsecutionOffice #hasnotbeensummoned #allegations #kcrushmagazine
‘Love Next Door’ is a romantic comedy K-drama showing how fate can turn meaningless encounters into lifelong cherished moments while revolving around a childhood trios’ friendship over the years. Bae Seok Ryu is one of the trio friends whose perfect life abroad tumbles town at its peak landing her back to her village. Choi Seung Hyo on the other hand, is forced to change careers from a leg accident that happened at the peak of his career. Jeong Mo Eum is a free spirit whose obsession with superheroes lands her not only in the firefighting industry but also on a love roller coaster with a superhero reporter. Despite not having been a part of the trio’s childhood life, Kang Dan Ho ends up being entangled in the trio’s lives, especially given his great listening therapy skills.
Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min)
Bae Seok Ryu is a hardworking and talented being who works herself to the bone to be the best. Despite her hard work, which turns out to be a cry for attention, Seok Ryu falls from working in the best companies overseas and being engaged to being jobless and calling off her wedding. Seok Ryu, who is also severely battling post-cancer survival trauma, falls back on her two neighbors and long-lost friends for sanity and a sense of belonging.
Choi Seung Hyo (Jung Hae In)
Choi Seung Hyo is a kindhearted being whose swimming career was cut short from a lag accident in his high school years. To find meaning in life and in a bid to ease his secret childhood crush’s heart, Seung Hyo lands in the architectural field and ends up becoming one of the best in the industry. Behind the kind heart and heart-melting smiles, Seung Hyo hides lifelong scars from his parents’ unsettling relationship. Things get tricky when her secret childhood crush slides back into his neighborhood single after calling off her marriage.
Jeong Mo Eum (Kim Ji Eun)
Jeong Mo Eum is a dedicated, lively, and outgoing being who is not shy about speaking her mind. Because of her childhood obsession with superheroes, Mo Eum finds herself in the firefighter’s field. Her unquenched obsession with superpower beings also spills over into her love life making finding a superhero partner a lifelong task. The return of her best friend becomes a solace to Mo Eum, especially since she just found the ideal superman reporter who seems way out of her reach.
Kang Dan Ho (Yoon Ji On)
Kang Dan Ho is a protective father and a dedicated reporter with impressive listening skills. despite a previous tragic accident, Dan Ho has strived to become the most responsible person. Nonetheless, the scars left a deep trauma that only a dedicated fairy could heal. His good nature lands him in the path of a potential fairy but Dan Ho is torn between his fatherly responsibilities and allowing the fairy to break him out of his shell of scars.
My thoughts
Just like its title, ‘Love Next Door’ drama is all about the possibility of finding love next door and the tension that comes with the possibility of forever losing a cherished bond. The intensity of feelings, both love and tension, in this drama will keep you on your toes the whole time. The actors owned their characters to the core bringing the storyline to life.
—-Karen Mwenda
#LoveNextDoor #koreandrama #kdrama #koreanactors #kcrushmindmap #mindmap #kpop #hallyu #kactors #YoonJiOn #KimJiEun #JungHaeIn #JungSoMin #kdramamindmap #kdramareview #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #kfashion
Former BTOB’s Ilhoon has been working hard to redeem himself from the 2020 drug controversy.
Ilhoon, who debuted in the entertainment industry in 2012 through BTOB boy band, has had his share of ups and downs over the last few years. Despite submitting about 88 self-reflection letters during his appeal process to plead for leniency, Ilhoon still received an imprisonment verdict. After faithfully paying his dues, Ilhoon is a free man courageously going against the norm and fighting to reclaim his glory.
Inspiration, Ilhoon’s Tiny Ark Exhibition
Upon his return, Ilhoon shared a heartfelt apology promising to live a better life. Despite the norm of cowing down after a controversy, Ilhoon took the bull by its horns and is now using his artistic talent to be a beacon of hope for others. Ilhoon opened his very first exhibition in Seoul early this month.
Titled ‘Tiny Ak’, this exhibition represented Ilhoon’s heart throughout his self-reflection period. The exhibition, held from the 4th to the 6th of October in Seungdong, Seoul, also showcases the artist’s unwavering love and respect for his fans. In a post during the exhibition, Ilhoon shared his heartfelt appreciation for all those who showed up. A more touching part was when he stated, “I was surprised that many people loved me more than I thought, and today is indeed a happy day that I will remember for the rest of my life”.
In addition to the exhibition, Ilhoon is also actively working hard to connect with fans through updated merchandise. The artist is selling various merchandise including t-shirts and photo books under the Tiny Ark brand. The merch was also available during the exhibition.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Ilhoon #BTOB #Ilhoonapology #Ilhoonmerchandise #kcrush #TinyArkExhibition #SeungdongSeoul #kpop #kpopidol #formeridol #IlhoonMJ #selfreflection #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #TinyArkBrand #Ilhoonreturns #IlhoonmjFans
T-ara’s Jiyeon and baseball player Hwang Jae Gyun have filed for divorce.
The couple, who walked down the aisle in December 2022 four months after publicly acknowledging their relationship, have filed for divorce and will be undergoing mediation soon. The divorce was confirmed by media outlet reports on October 5. Divorce rumors started early in June after a commentator’s on-air hint. This was further fueled by Jiyeon’s halting YouTube activities and Hwang’s drinking gathering with other women.
On October 5, both parties released statements regarding the divorce rumors. Jiyeon’s attorney stated that the couple agreed to divorce after a period of separation and confirmed that they had submitted a divorce mediation request at Seoul Family Court. Jiyeon also posted apologizing for the unpleasant news and asked for understanding from fans. Hwang also commented outlining that the two agreed to divorce after much consideration due to personality differences. He also added that the two will continue supporting and cheering for each other in their future endeavors.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Jiyeon #JiyeonDivorce #Hwang #TARAJiyeon #SeoulFamilyCourt #kcrush #HwangJaeGyun #koreanbaseballplayer #kpop #kpopidol #HwangJaeGyundivorce #korea #koreanpopidol #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #breakingnews #koreannews
September was all about ‘Love Next Door’, ‘No Gain No Love’, and ‘DNA Lover’ among others. The month of October kicks in with new hot dramas that will keep you on your couches all day. Below are some of the k-dramas to binge on this October.
1. Spice Up Our Love
‘Spice Up Our Love’ is a fantasy romance K-drama revolving around the life of an R-rated web novelist. The novelist’s fantasy life turns to reality as she finds herself entangled in an unprecedented romance brew. Nam Ja Yeon (Han Ji Hyun) is no longer just a writer but lives to test the theory as fate molds her into a female lead striving to stay afloat against the protagonist Kang Ha Joon (Lee Sang Yi) in the sea of love.
2. Family By Choice
‘Family by Choice’ is a romantic comedy-drama based on the famous ‘Go Ahead’ Chinese drama. The story revolves around Kim San Ha (Hwang In Youp), Kang Hae Jun (Bae Hyeon Seong), and Yoon Ju Won (Jung Chae Yeon). This trio, who despite not being related by blood, spent most of their teen life living like a family. The story highlights their reunion as mature adults ten years later. The ensuing storyline is a mystery worth unraveling.
3. My Merry Marriage
‘My Merry Marriage’ is a romance comedy drama highlighting the ups and downs of marriage life. The drama revolves around two childhood friends of different backgrounds. Maeng Gong Hee (Park Ha Na), a contract fashion designer, finds herself in a love rollercoaster with Jayce Fashion’s heir, Gu Dan Soo (Park Sang Nam). A happy ending is a race against all odds as this young romance comes to terms with the reality of married life.
4. Doubt
‘Doubt’ is a psychological thriller drama about a father’s discovery of her daughter’s connection to a murder. Jang Tae Soo (Han Suk Kyu) is a top criminal profiler, who while on duty, discovers that his daughter Jang Ha Bin (Chae Won Bin) is a suspect in a murder case. The devoted officer’s life is shuttered into pieces as he is torn between loyalty to his country and his family.
5. Dongjae, The Good or the Bastard
‘The Good or the Bastard’ is a crime investigative thriller drama that revolves around Seo Dong Jae (Lee Jun Hyuk), a prosecutor struggling to redeem his reputation after a corruption incident. Despite the change of heart, his desire to do good is constantly cowed down by those threatened by his path. Whether Soe Dong Jae is ready to risk all he has or will eventually bow down to pressure is an ending worth looking forward to.
—-Karen Mwenda
#October2024KDramasToBinge #TheGoodortheBastard #LeeJunHyuk #thrillerdrama #kdrama #kcrush #koreandramas #koreanweeklydramas #Doubt #HanSukKyu #ChaeWonBin #MyMerryMarriage #ParkHaNa #ParkSangNam #kcrushnews #FamilyByChoice #HwangInYoup #BaeHyeonSeong #JungChaeYeon #SpiceUpOurLove #HanJiHyun #LeeSangYi #FantasyRomance #Thriller #RomanceComedy #upsanddownsofmarriedlife #romancenovalwriterdrama #TeentoAdultdrama
Actor Choi Tae Joon gave an honest perspective about his marriage life with the iconic actress, Park Shin Hye.
On October 2, Choi Tae Joon appeared on MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ alongside other reputable figures in the entertainment industry. On being asked about his marriage, Tae Joon started by clarifying that he had no intentions of interfering in another person’s work through his words. Nonetheless, the star went on to comment that the two acting gurus rarely talk about work but focus more on home and family-related matters.
In another instance, Tae Joon stated that he never peeks into his wife’s drama scripts beforehand. Just like other viewers, he waits until the works are released and watches them as any other viewer. Given he and Park Shin Hye have different personalities, Choi admitted that indeed fights are inevitable, just as with other couples and individuals. The couple walked down the aisle in January 2022 and were blessed with a baby boy in May 2022.
We want to wish them continued success with their careers, relationship and family life!
—-Karen Mwenda
#ChoiTaeJoon #ParkShinHye #marriedlifewithParkShinHye #babyboy #MBCRadioStarappearance #kactorrelationship #kdrama #ParkShinHyemarriage #kcrush #kcrushamerica #ParkShinHyeHusband #TrueLove #HallyuActorsBeingHappy #happyinlove
The undisputably reputable Loco has officially left AOMG agency after 10 years.
The rapper debuted through Jay Park’s AOMG agency in 2012. On October 3, AOMG posted on their social media platforms thanking LOCO for contributing to the company’s success and wishing him luck in his upcoming endeavors.
On the same day, Loco released the “SEE YOU” single through which he pours out his heart thanking AOMG for supporting and empowering him throughout the decade.
Over the years, Loco has become a powerhouse including winning several awards, releasing several OSTs, and even working as a producer in various notable projects. Loco adds to the list of other artists who recently graduated from AOMG including Woo Won Jae and Simon Dominic.
—-Karen Mwenda
#LOCO #AOMG #LOCOleavesAOMG #LocothanksAOMG #JayParkAOMG #LocoRnB #LOCORap #LOCOOST #kcrush #LOCOnewbeginnings #LOCOleavesAOMGater10years #wishinghimwell #kcrushamerica #kcrushamericamagazine #KoreanRaper #KoreanRnB #uptodaynews
Lisa’s unquenching closeness to Frédéric Arnault and his family as well as the global star’s latest “Moonlight Floor” hit have fueled rumors of the two being a couple.
Rumors of Lisa and Frédéric Arnault surfaced early last year after the two were seen hanging out in Paris. The rumors started holding water after the two global influencers posted pictures with similar backgrounds in August of last year.
Early in February, Lisa was spotted in Miami Beach alongside Frédéric Arnault’s brother and sister-in-law. On October 1, Lisa attended Louis Vuitton’s show at Paris Fashion Week and was spotted candidly conversing with Frédéric Arnault’s parents.
Lisa’s latest hit, “Moonlight Floor, ” fueled the relationship rumors,” which she performed at New York’s, Global Citizen Festival 2024 on September 28. Part of the song’s lyrics, including “Green-eyed French boy got me trippin'” and “How your skin is always soft, how your kisses always hit”, solidify the relationship rumors given Frédéric Arnault is French.
What are your thoughts?
—-Karen Mwenda
#BLACKPINK #LISABlackPink #Lisadating #FredericArnault #LouisVuitton #LouisVuittonHeirDatingLisa #kcrush #pop #kpop #MoonlightFloor #LisaMoonlightFloor #GlobalCitizenFestival2024 #NewYork #FrenchFredericArnault #breaking #LisaNews #BlackPinknews #relationshiprumorsLisa #kcrushamerica #kcrushamericamagazine #LouisVuttonParisShow
Famously known for her villainous acting in Netflix’s 2022 K-drama, ‘The Glory’, actress Park Ji Ah has passed on.
Park Ji Ah is said to have passed on September 30 after collapsing from a stroke. The actress’s agency, Billions, reported that the legendary actress has been battling a cerebral infarction. Ji Ah made her last public appearance in May at “Wonderland” movie’s primer.
Park Ji Ah, who was 52 years old, has been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Her first significant appearance was in ‘Coastline’ (2002). In addition to other dramas and movies, Ji Ah’s fame also skyrocketed thanks to her impressive acting in the ‘Gidam’ 2007 horror film.
May her soul rest in peace!
—-Karen Mwenda
#ParkJiAh #ParkJiAhpassesaway #koreanactresspassesaway #kcrush #breakingnews #TheGloryactresspassesaway #Gidamhorrorfilm #Coastline #BillionsEntertainment #Wonderlandappearance #Netflix #NetflixKdrama #kdrama #koreandrama #kcrushnews #kcrushamericamagazine #kactress #kcrushInRemembrance
Premiering in the Toronto International Film Festival’s 2024 Centrepiece program, filmmaker Johnny Ma’s (Oldstone, 2016, To Live to Sing, 2019), latest film The Mother and the Bear is a cosmic fairytale, but not quite, exploration of what it means for a mother and widow to rediscover her femininity and personhood as a woman, as she discovers who her daughter is following an accident.
Veteran South Korean actress Kim Ho-jung (Queenmaker, 2023, A French Woman, 2022) plays Sara, a widow from Seoul who rushes to the snow covered city of Winnipeg, Canada after receiving the call that her daughter Su-mi (Leere Park) has fallen into a coma after an accident. As she spends time in Su-mi’s apartment looking through the signs of a life removed from what she believes of her daughter, Sara herself realises that she herself has turned into a woman she stopped recognizing years ago.
Sarah, believing that what Su-mi needs to have in her is a husband to be complete, she embarks on a personal quest to find a potential son-in-law. Which is much harder than she anticipated in a new city and era she doesn’t understand, but is perhaps just what she needs to learn about who she can be.
In my interview with Johnny, we discuss his real life inspiration for Sarah, the film’s fairytale elements and ties to Korean and East Asian folklore, and what made Kim Ho-jung perfect to play the character of Sarah.
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 http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#KCrush #TIFF24 #TIFF #The MotherandTheBearFilm #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #MultinationalFilm #AsianCinema #KoreanActress #KDrama #KoreanDiaspora
Yoo Young, famously known for the ‘Yeolmu and Altari’ webtoon series has died.
Yoo Young joined the Kakao family a few years ago and has been entertaining millions through her webtoon artistry skills. ‘Yeolmu and Altari’ was launched on Kakao Webtoon in 2019 and quickly became a favorite read for many given its stance of raising awareness on raising kids who are abled differently.
Yoo Young was reported to have taken a recharge break a few days before the demise. The legend passed on in her sleep from a cardiac arrest. As of now, there are 244 episodes of ‘Yeolmu and Altari’ with the latest release done about a week ago.
Yoo Young’s readers will forever be grateful for the smiles that she put on their faces.
—-Karen Mwenda
#YeolmuandAltariwebtoon #YooYoung #YooYoungpassesaway #kcrush #webtoon #latestrelease #Kakao #breakingnews #YeolmuandAltarilatestrelease #kcrushamerica #webtoonskils #YooYoungcardiacarrest
AKMU performing
Aespa and ZEROBASEONE wowed the crowd with a stunning performance both nights
Lauv was the surprised unannounced guest on day one who performed hit song with Lay Zhang
Krazy Super Concert, the two-day music festival made its way to Los Angeles area with a one-of-a-kind experience and stacked line-up of Asian-pop superstars and global artists from other regions. The concert’s inaugural series of concerts started in 2023 in New York. The two-day music festival was held at the Long Beach Arena. All attendees were encouraged to experience the variety of on-site activities such as food trucks and fan activations.
K-Pop mega girl group aespa performed at the Krazy Super Concert two-day music festival presented by One Pulse Group on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15 at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach.
K-Pop superstar boy group ZEROBASEONE performed at the Krazy Super Concert two-day music festival presented by One Pulse Group on Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15 at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach.
CL performing
The full music artist lineup consisted of Alaina Castillo, AKMU, Lay Zhang, Lauv, SUMNI, ZEROBASEONE and aespa performing on September 14, while AGNEZ MO, ZEROBASEONE, aespa, Bambam, DK of iKon and CL performed on September 15. Artists like Lauv and Alaina Castillo hail from the U.S. and AGNEZ MO is from Indonesia who complete the global lineup while K-pop superstars ZEROBASEONE, aespa and Kim JungKook performed both nights. The event saw over 18,000 fans come together this past weekend.
Lay Zhang and Lauv performing
The Krazy Super Concert series will announce future events at a later time. For information, head to: https://www.krazysuperconcert.com/.
Credit: Nightmode Team/Tania Hauyon
#KRAZYSuperConcert #twodaymusicfestival #aespa #Bambam #DK #kcrush #AEROBASEONE #kpop #pop #kcrushamerica #kidol #Koreanpop #Lauv #AlainaCastillo #iKon #CL #westcoastmusicfestival #kpopstar #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #AGNEZMO #musicfestival #koreanmusic #LongBeachArena #LongBeach #Californiafestival #California #KRAZYfestival #AKMU #SUMNI #findinfoaboutKRAZYconcert
The iconic IU and Lee Jong Suk couple has been in the limelight for the last couple of months.
For a while, there have been rumors speculating that the couple is no longer together. IU and Lee Jong Suk went public with their relationship back in 2022 despite being friends since before 2012. The two ventured into the entertainment industry at 15 years old before IU became a K-Pop sensation and Lee Jong Suk a K-actor legend.
The sensational couple’s breakup rumors were shattered after Lee Jong Suk attended IU’s 2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT ENCORE: THE WINNING” held on September 22 and 23. This concert marked IU’s 100th solo concert even as she claimed the title for being the first female artist to have a concert at Sangam Stadium. Reputable K-Pop stars also attended in support of IU including BTS’ J-Hope and V.
—-Karen Mwenda
#IU #LeeJongSuk #BTSV #BTSJHOPEE #IUHEREHWORLDTOUT #THEWINNING #KPOP #kactor #kcrush #relationshipa #nobreakupforIUandLeeJongSuk #happycouple #kculture #kculture #kcrushamericamagazine #breakingnews #SangamStadium #longkpoprelationships
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.
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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.
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