‘My Sweet Moster’ k-drama tells the story of Seo Ji Hwan, a reforming gangster who dismantles his gang and strives to give them a fresh beginning through his company, Thirsty Deer. While on his newly found venture, Seo Ji Hwan bumps into the bubbly Go Eun Ha, whose bubbly spell traps him. Go Eun Ha is a kids’ content creator whose career is on a rocky road with the only source of hope finding her long-lost childhood friend, Hyun Woo. Jang Hyun Woo is a prosecutor famous among girls for his good specs but has a secret crush on Go Eun Ha. In addition to her rocky career, Go Eun Ha’s life is about to get complicated given her attachment to the two opposite beings. Whether she follows her newly found happiness or on her finally found childhood happiness is a dilemma she has to endure. Whether she gets any, loses all, or gets it all is up to fate.
Seo Ji Hwan (Uhm Tae Goo)
Seo Ji Hwan is a reformed gangster and founder of Thirsty Deer Company. The company is meant to keep ex-convicts from falling back into crime by providing jobs and a sense of belonging. An encounter with the bubbly Go Eun Ha wages war in the cold and insensitive world of Seo Ji Hwan bringing down walls of seclusion. fighting against these bubbling feelings he’d never had while trying to fight for the survival of his ex-convict friends whom he considers brothers becomes Seo Ji Hwan’s reality. What’s worse is the annoying rival who is out to finish his romantic and corporate life.
Go Eun Ha (Han Sun Hwa)
Go Eun Ha is a bubbly and optimistic kids’ content creator. With her career going south, Go Eun Ha finds herself involved in the life of a reforming gangster. In the process, she meets the man she’s been looking for all her life. life throws her a puzzle leaving her torn between a childhood
Jang Hyun Woo (Kwon Yool)
Jang Hyun Woo is a respected and skilled prosecutor famous for his charming personality. Despite the seriousness of his career, he finds himself enchanted by the inner beauty of a kid’s content creator, Go Eun Ha. As feelings build up and the thought of him being Go Eun Ha’s long-lost childhood friend, Jang Hyun Woo makes it his life’s purpose to protect Go Eun Ha at all costs.
My thoughts
‘My Sweet Monster’ k-drama’s synopsis culminates into a story about new beginnings and redemption. The tale highlights that we should not judge a book by its cover. It also highlights that anybody can lose their way given that life is unpredictable. The beautiful part is that nobody is far from redemption. This comedy romance drama charms its way into the viewers’ hearts with light humor and heart-melting stunts. With new revelation in each episode ‘My Sweet Monster’ is a drama worth watching.
It is a tale of redemption and new beginnings. Seo Ji Hwan, a former gangster, embarks on a journey to leave his troubled past behind. Traveling across Korea, he dismantles criminal organizations and offers a fresh start to ex-convicts. Along the way, he reconnects with Go Eun Ha, his childhood friend and now a beloved kids’ content creator.
Eun Ha, affectionately known as ‘mini sister’ to her young audience, radiates warmth and positivity in her videos, drawing inspiration from her cherished memories of Ji Hwan, her only childhood playmate, and protector. She sees beyond Ji Hwan’s rough exterior and, with unwavering affection, endeavors to help him reclaim the innocence of their shared past, offering him a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of his former life.
—-Karen Mwenda
#MySweetMobster #kdrama #kdramanews #kcrushMindMapThis #MindMap #kcrushamericamagazine #UhmTaeGoo #HanSunHwa #KwanYool #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kdramasearch #koreandrama #koreanculture #hallyu
iKON’s Junhoe is making his solo debut this coming July. Junhoe is scheduled to make a debut with the ‘BRUISE’ mini-album on July 3.
Junhoe, also a talented actor, will be following the steps of his other group members who have walked before him in the solo artist realm, including DK, Bobby, and Song.
Junhoe’s solo debut also comes days after iKON’s Chanwoo and Bobby enlisted into the military. This is a monumental moment for Junhoe who has been in the K-Pop industry for the last 9 years.
—-Karen Mwenda
#JunhoeofiKON #iKON #Junhoe #JUNHOEminialbum #kcrushnews #Chanwoo #Bobby #militaryenlistment #kpop #kidol #kmusic #knews #kbreakingnews #koreanculture #BRUISEminialbumbyJunhoe #kcrushamericamagazine
The former Wonder Girls member is above the moon with the joy of becoming a mother again. Hyerim, who walked down the aisle with her lover in 2020, first joined motherhood in 2020 after giving birth to their firstborn, Si Woo.
On June 25, the former Wonder Girls member shared the joyous news about her pregnancy thrilled that Si Woo would finally get a sibling. With the baby’s gender still a mystery, fans have shown their unwavering support through heartwarming congratulatory messages on her social media platforms. Hyerim promised to keep her fans updated, including through her YouTube channel.
Congratulations on this well-deserved milestone and happiness!
—-Karen Mwenda
#Hyerim #Hyerim2ndPregnancy #WonderGirls #congratulations #Hyerimbecomingamotheragain #kcrush #kpop #kfashion #kidol #koreanmusic #kculture #kcrushamericanmagazine #knews #kpopbreakingnews
On June 28, BTS’s Jimin graced fans with a pre-release single in collaboration with the talented rapper Loco. Titled “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band”, this lyrical piece is a track from Jimin’s upcoming solo album, ‘MUSE’.
‘MUSE’ will be Jimin’s 2nd solo album scheduled for release on July 19. The “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” pre-release single comes days after a full track list for the upcoming ‘MUSE’ album was revealed.
With the track list reveal, fans cannot wait to see how Jimin’s voice blends with the various artists he has collaborated with in this ‘MUSE’ album. Loco, Jimin’s iconic collaborator for the “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” re-release single is a legendary rapper who’s collaborated with reputable artists like Jay Park and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BTSJimin #Jimin #Jiminnewalbum #kcrush #JiminMUSEalbum #Loco #Hwasa #JayPark #kcrushnews #tracklist #kpop #kidol #koreanmusic #koreanpop #BTSARMY #BTS #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kcrushgooglesearch #kfashion #kculture #kmusic #kcrushamericamagazine
In this interview, Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks with director Raita Yabushita about his black & white short film ‘AI Love You’, which screened in the Asia & Japan Program of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, 2024.
It stars 柄本時生, 佐々木春香, 広岡由里子, 谷川昭一朗. Interpreting for the interview was done by John Haggerty, MC for the festival.
#SSFF2024 #KCrush #JapaneseFilm #ShortFilm #AsianCinema
KARA, a legendary second-generation girl group, is set to make a comeback this coming July according RBW Entertainment. KARA, which debuted in 2007, was among the leading contributors to the rise of Hallyu wave, especially with the 2012’s “Mr.” hit song.
This comeback will be KARA’s release in a while with their last release being the ‘Move Again’ special album in November 2022 for their 15th anniversary. The album gained massive views confirming that KARA is indeed the queen on Hallyu.
The “When I Move” single, a track from the ‘Move Again’ album, was also selected among Billboard chart’s “Best K-Pop Songs of 2022” list. The K-pop veteran is also expected to hold full-group concerts in Osaka and Tokyo in August.
—-Karen Mwenda
#KARA #QueenofHallyu #kfashion #kidols #kcrush #hallyucomeback #julycomebackinkpop #kpopnews #koreangirlgroup #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kpopupdate #koreankpopsinger #comebackinJuly2024 #kpopnewsstory #MoveAgainKARA #WhenIMove #BestKPopSongsof2022KARA #RBWEntertainment #newsofKARAsreturn #newmusic #newsingle #newalbum #koreanidol #kcrushannouncement #KARAComeback2024
The wait is over for Germany’s, and neighboring states, K-fans. The biggest international K-Pop culture and entertainment festival will be heading to Germany for a 2-day packed-up event.
Featuring performances from notable K-Pop artists, KCON Germany is scheduled to take place on the 28th and 29th of September at Messe Frankfurt.
KCON Germany will be the fourth KCON event, including the upcoming July 26th to 28th KCON Los Angeles. The other two global KCON events happened in Japan and Hong Kong. KCON is also hinted to be gearing up for an event in Saudi Arabia. The KCON Germany artist line-up and ticket details will be communicated soon.
—-Karen Mwenda
#KCONGermany #KCONEvent #Kcrush #kcrushnews #Germany #KCONGermany2024 #MesseFrankfurtKCONGermany #kpop #kidol #knews #koreangroup #kpopevent #kpopfanevent #hallyuevent #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kfashion #kculture #kpoppanel #KCONGermanyannouncement #kcrushnews #kpopnews #KCONLosAngeles
WINNER’s Lee Seung Hoon, famously known as Hoony, is set to officially debut as a solo artist this coming July. The solo debut comes days before the band, which debuted in August 2013, celebrates its 10th anniversary. According to YG Entertainment, the star is finalizing the debut album which is set to be released in mid-July.
In addition to being a skilled dancer and choreographer, Hoony has showcased his capability through WINNER band’s lyrical pieces. One of his most memorable lyrical masterpiece is the “FLAMENCO” track, his solo track, which featured in WINNER’s ‘CROSS’ album released in 2019.
Hoony is also skilled as a songwriter, skills which he flaunted upon self-composing WINNER’s “Serenade” track for the band’s “Remember” album in 2020. Hoony is the last member of WINNER to venture into the solo artist realm.
—-Karen Mwenda
#WINNERs:eeSeimgJppm #solodebut #LeeSeungHoon #YGEntertainment #kcrushnews #kidol #kpopnews #korea #WINNER #soloartist #selfcomposing #Serenadetrack #Rememberalbum #Hoony #songwriter #soloventure #kcrush #hallyu #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kmusic #krap #koreanartist #Flamenco #Crossalbum #Julysolodebut
GOT7’s Yoongjae and Bae In Hyuk have switched agencies.
Yoongjae of GOT7 boy band has transferred agencies to AndBut Company. The talented musical guru, who also ventured in to the solo artist realm back in 2021, released a teaser of his upcoming comeback digital single titled “T.P.O” late last month. On June 24, AndBut Company shared their joy of working with the star who was formerly under JYP Entertainment. AndBut Company is said to be owned by a former employee of JYP Entertainment.
Bae In Hyuk also changed agencies and joined YY Entertainment family that houses legendary artists like TOZ boy band. The talented actor, including in My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021) and The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract (2023-24) k-dramas, joined YY Entertainment on June 24 after his contract with UU Company expired.
—-Karen Mwenda
#GOT7 #YongjaeGOT7 BaeInHyukGOT7 #kcrushnews #newagency #kpop #kpopnews #kpopupdate #YYEntertainment #UUCompany #AndButCompany #JYP #koreanartists #kcrushamericamagazine #kdrama #MyRoommateIsAGumiho #TheStoryofParksMarriageContract #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kidol
Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks to Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Nedda Sarshar about her short film ‘Unibrow’, beauty standards, teenage and cultural insecurity and acceptance. The film screened in the Shibuya Diversity Program at SSFF & Asia.
#CanadianFilm #BeautyStandards #JapaneseFilmFestival #AsianFilmFestival #Interview #KCrush
In this interview film critic and journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks with filmmaker Nguyễn Hồng Anh about her queer romance short film ‘Saigon Kiss’ which screened in the Rainbow Program at the Japanese festival (SSFF& Asia)
#VietnamesFilm #Saigon #ShortShortsFilmFestival #LGBTQ #kcrushfilminterview #QueerRomance #kcrushamerica #filmfestivalinterview #2024kcrushinterview #KCrush #AsianFilmFestival #Interview
BTS’s jovial Jin has been discharged from the military. On June 12, Jin celebrated the milestone with other BTS members as they congratulated him for the hardwork.
Jin enrolled into the military last year in June. The star was serving in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, under the 5th Infantry Division recruit training center.
Jin was the first BTS member to undertake the mandatory military training. J-Hope and Suga followed months after. Jung Kook, V, Jimin and RM were the last members to enlist in December 2023. BTS is expected to reunite as a band in 2025 after all the members have finished the mandatory military service.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BTSJinCompletesMandatoryMilitaryService #kcrushnews #breakingnews #kcrushamerica #BTSARMY #announcement #koreanmilitaryservice #BTSmilitaryservice #koreanpop #kpop #koreanidol #kpopmusic #returnfrommilitaryservice
In addition to the recently finished “Queen of Tears” and “Lovely Runner” k-dramas, the first half of June 2024 has seen a trend in k-dramas of diverse genres. Here are 8 k-dramas that have received high ratings and are worth bingeing on this June.
1. Connection
A reputable narcotics unit detective is forcibly addicted to drugs and his best friend is murdered. Uncovering the mystery behind those who made him addicted and his friend’s murder unveils a web of dark secrets tied to the most powerful figures. With every episode revealing the connection between the over decade-long rogue deals and lies, the series leaves viewers in anticipation and suspense throughout. The starring cast includes Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, Kwon Yool, and Kim Kyung Nam.
2. Crash
A traffic crime investigation team becomes the center of attention for the increasing traffic-related offenses connected to other illegal acts. With an intriguing twist of events from adamant villains, the traffic investigation team engages in all means to ensure the offenders are put behind bars. The starring cast includes Lee Min Ki, Heo Sung Tae, and Kwak Sun Young.
3. High School Return of a Gangster
A 47-year-old gangster, 2nd most important in his gang, works hard towards his dream of attending university despite his age. While saving a teenage boy from committing suicide, the two exchange bodies leaving the elderly gangster’s spirit in the boy’s body. In time the elderly man realizes the messed-up life the teenager had been experiencing, especially bullying at school and from those after his father’s wealth. The gangster vows to restore the teenage boy’s life to normality before leaving his body. The starring cast includes Lee Seo Jin, Yoon Chan Young, Bong Jae Hyun, Won Tae Min, and Hwang Bo Ra.
4. Missing Crown Prince
In a bid to cleanse her daughter’s ill fate, a royal physician accidentally kidnaps the crown prince, who is later rescued by the physician’s daughter. The crown prince gets into a bigger problem as the queen sends inside men to kill him to cover up the mistakes. Bleeding to death and not sure those who are for him, the crown prince goes into hiding to uncover the web of lies that have even left the king helpless. The starring cast includes Suho, Hong Ye Ji, Myung Se Bin, Kim Joo Hun, and Kim Min Kyu.
5. The Player 2: Master of Swindlers
Currently in its season 2, the drama involves a team of highly skilled individuals who regroup to take revenge after the tragic loss of their teammate during a mission. the team, comprised of a scammer, hacker, driver, and fighter, resumes its mission of putting powerful and untouchable figures behind bars. With win-win deals diligent prosecution officers and sponsors with a similar goal, the team plots their way to success and manages to steal dirty money illegally collected by the rich. The starring cast includes Song Seung Heon, Lee Si Un, Tae Won Seok, Jang Gyu Ri, Oh Yeon Seo, and Kim Won Hae.
6. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
A quirky student who returns after a decade to fulfill his heart’s yearning desire. After getting accepted as a teacher, he goes full mode and tries to win his long-term crush, a cram school instructor. The tricky part is that this school instructor was the quirky student’s designated teacher during his school days a decade ago in the same school. The struggle between love and responsibility fused in a past student-teacher relationship and the present teacher-teacher professional relationship is an intriguing factor that keeps viewers glued to the screen. The starring cast includes Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon.
7. Hierarchy
Jooshin High School is the country’s most elite school with a long history of attendees from conglomerate corporations. A small percentage of students from the country’s most privileged families control the school. A scholarship student is killed but the matter is covered up to avoid tinting the school’s image. Kang Ha enters Jooshin High School to reveal his twin brother’s murder and take revenge. A series of unexpected twists surface as Kang Ha realizes the power he is up against. The starring cast includes Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, Kim Jae Won, Ji Hye Won, and Lee Won Jung.
8. My Sweet Mobster
A former reforming gangster owns a food company overseen and managed by fellow ex-convicts. The ex-gangster finds himself head over heels for a kids’ content creator who on the other hand is obsessed with looking for a man named “Hyun” from her childhood. The ex-gangster is up against a prosecutor, who has a clean criminal record and is good with kids just as the kids’ content creator. With the series in its first episodes, the anticipation of a fight based on flaws and perfection is quickly building up. The starring cast includes Han Sun Hwa, Eom Tae Goo, and Kwon Yul.
—-Karen Mwenda
#8TrendingKDramasRightNowJune2024 #bingewatch #kcrushcontent #bingewatchkdrama #MySweetMobster #Hierarchy #kcrama #koreandramasforJune2024 #MissingCrownPrince #kcrushamericamagazine #kpop #OST #KoreanActor #Connection #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kpopmagazine #onlinekpopmagazine #Asianmagazine #Crash
In a devastating heart-wrenching post, the former Hello Venus member shared the news of her battle with cancer. Yoo Ara gained fame after debuting under Hello Venus girl group with the “Venus” hit single in 2012.
In June 11, 2024, Yoo Ara shared a touching message on her Instagram page revealing that she had recently been diagnosed with cancer. The star poured her heart out sharing that she had undergone surgery to remove a malignant tumor. Yoo Ara shared that although the journey has been difficult, she is getting better and plans to work hard on recovering and being the best version of herself.
Yoo Ara thanked everyone who has been with her through this trying journey. Sharing this burden with her fans, the star ended her note urging people to take care of their health and promised to keep her fans updated.
We want to wish her well.
—-Karen Mwenda
#FormerHelloVenusYooAraCancerBattle #CancerBattleofYooAra #HelloVenus #kcrush #YooAraHealthIssues #koreanpop #kpopidol #HelloVenusmemberYooAra #Cancer #HelloVenusKoreanGirlGroup #kcrushamerica #breakingnewskcrush
The legendary boy band has made yet another groundbreaking stride through collaboration to appear in a Hollywood film, the internationally accredited Minions series. On June 14, “Despicable Me 4” hinted that BTS would be part of their highly anticipated film. Despicable Me 4 uploaded a teaser video showing BTS minions dancing to the band’s “Permission to Dance” song.
Produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, this American animated comedy film premiered in New York City on 9th June 2024, and is expected to be released next month. Pharell William, who performed the “Happy” hit song for “Despicable Me 2”, also graced “Despicable Me 4” with the “Double Life” soundtrack that has become an internet frenzy hour upon release.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BTSCollaborateswithDespicableMe4 #BTScollaboration #kcrushnews #DespicableMe4Movie #DoubleLifesoundtrack #BTSDM4 #koreanpop #kpop #kpopidol #BTSmovie #BTSARMY #ARMYForBTS #UniversalPictures #BTSMinions #July3rdRelease #kcrushamerica #kpopmagazine #Asiannewsmagazine #kpoponlinemagazinekcrush #BTSacting
Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks with Filmmaker Ikeda Kei about his latest short film ‘to I’ which screens in the Asia International & Japan Program of the 2024 ShortShorts Film Festival & Asia in Japan. Language interpretation was done by John Haggerty.
“All that glitters isn’t gold” Is a phrase I often heard growing up to describe how people can project an outward appearance of perfection while behind closed doors their lives would be anything but perfect. In her second feature film Time to Be Strong, which premiered at the 25th Jeonju International Film Festival, writer and director Namkoong Sun strips down the facade of perfection projected by the Korean music industry to show that the lives of its artists are anything but golden.
Following the success of her 2021 debut feature Ten Months which screened at numerous film festivals within South Korea and abroad, Namkoong Sun was chosen by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) to create a film for the organization’s 15h Human Rights Movie Projects.
To the hundreds of thousands of fans of the globally popular K-pop industry and its dozens (yes dozens, rather than hundreds) of successful groups, the bright lights, flashy costumes, tightly choreographed dance numbers, and catchy songs the lives of the performers seem glamorous. Seeing their “idols” smile and perform “aegyo” i.e. cute facial expressions, market their latest songs with viral TikTok videos, and engage in fanservice at fan meetings, and concerts seems like the best life imaginable. But the truth is that for the majority of K-pop artists real life off stage is far dimmer than the bright lights on the stage, especially for former artists forced to retire through disbandment when their groups fail to capture enough public attention to turn big enough profits to remain active.
In Time to Be Strong, former company mates Sumin (Choi Seung-eun), Taehee (Hyun Woo-seok), and Sarang (Ha Seo-yun) go on a longer overdue group trip to Jeju Island in an effort to reclaim parts of their youth lost to the industry. For most children going on field trips is an ordinary part of their childhoods and school experience. Traveling to different locations to enjoy a day or weekend of fun excursions at historical landmarks and museums, playing in parks, or frolicking at the seaside are typical, but for these 3 young adults life became more a series of missed opportunities and lost innocence.
Even as they make it to Jeju, their time there turns into an exercise in coming to terms with the trauma they were subjected to at the hands of adults like greedy company owners, lascivious potential investors, and demanding fans who all wanted more of them than any child and teenager should ever be expected to give. For Sumin the de facto leader of their small group there—and the girl group LOVE&LEEDS of which Sarang was a member—the pressure of always taking the lead and conforming to destructive beauty standards presents in her compulsion to push herself beyond her physical and mental limits.
For Taehee, performing for audiences, for women, becomes second nature to the point that he thinks smiling when he doesn’t want to is normal. Having been conditioned to always put on his ‘best face’ for anyone watching, even as he’s burdened with debt forced upon him by his former CEO as a failed investment. Sarang, being given a suitcase in substitution for her own misplaced one, presents the opportunity for her to finally decide for herself what image she may want to project to the world, and acknowledging the fear of losing herself to bouts of depression and anger as a manifestation of all she’s seen and been subjected to.
Started in 2002 with an omnibus collection of short films by contributing filmmakers such as Im Kwan-taek and Park Chan-wook, the purpose of these projects are to highlight the often hidden and ignored struggles of social minorities and vulnerable people in Korean society through film with the aim of having audiences pay closer attention to the people and issues they consciously and subconsciously overlook. And with Time to Be Strong, Namkoong Sun does that with the K-pop industry which for decades has been an industry that relied on the exploitation of children and young adults for the profit of companies and entertainment of fans.
Though the film is fictional, the experiences of its three main characters are all real. Through dozens of interviews with former and current artists, Namkoong Sun was able to produce a story that is very true to the lives of the thousands of retired artists who were allowed to debut, or never even made it to that point having been fired as trainees by the dozens of companies within the Korean music industry.
To many, the traumas of these children and adults might night register or even be considered Human Rights Violations, but any industry that makes it a practiced of having children sign away 7 years of their lives in contracts they haven’t the capacity to understand on a legal and intellectual basis, and overworks them for years to the point of developing chronic debilitating physical injuries and mental illness, is one that deserves to be intensely scrutinized. No matter how glamorous its facade.
In our discussion during the festival, we spoke about the interviews she conducted to help her gain a deeper understanding of the K-pop industry and develop the characters, their stories representing a type of arrested development, and using the beach as a symbol of feeling overwhelmed.
Time to Be Strong won 3 awards in the Korean Competition category at the Jeonju International Film Festival; the Korean Competition Grand Prize, Best Actor for Choi Seung-eun, and local streaming platform Watcha’s top pick for Best Film.
Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Critic, Journalist & Podcaster
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Co-Host & Producer So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#TimeToBeStrong #3awardswon #KoreanCompetition #JeonjuInternationalFilmFestival #kcrushinterview #film #filmreview #bestactoraward #Watchatoppickforbestfilm #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushcontent #filmfestival #NamkoongSun #WriterandDirector #ChoiSeungeun #kpopcharacters #kpopindustry #kpopgroups #kpop #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #koreanmusicindustry #retiredkpopartists #currentkpopartists #kpopmusic #kpopstory #kpopfilm #kpopfictionfilm #25thJeonjuInternationalFilmFestival2024 #2024koreanfilmfestival #theNationalHumanRightsCommissionofKorea #NHRCK #HyunWooseok #HaSeoyun
The legendary American singer and songwriter, Billie Eilish, is set to appear on Korea’s popular tvN talk show, “You Quiz On The Block’”. The “Lunch” hitmaker is set to interact with Yoo Jae Suk and Cho Sae Ho with the filming scheduled for mid-June.
Billie Eilish released her 3rd studio album, ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’, early last month. On June 5, the star released a music video teaser of one of the album tracks. The “Chihiro” track MV teaser has skyrocketed the fans’ expectations, especially Korean fans as Bille Eilish is expected to visit Korea in June to promote the album.
Released on May 7, the ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ album became a commercial success and credited Billie Eilish with her first spot in Billboard’s Top 10 placement. The star has also gained massive respect over the last two years for fiercely championing mental health awareness: a crucial issue in today’s society.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BillieEilish #BillieEilishtoAppearOnKoreasYouQuizOnTheBlockShow #kcrushnews #YouQuizOnTheBlockShow #popmusic #koreanshow #koreanvarietyshow #HitMeHardandSoftalbumBillieEilish #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #koreantv #popidol #kcrushannouncement #kcrushbreakingnews #Chihiromusicvideo #tvN #YooJaeSuk #ChoSaeHo
Crayon Pop became a sensational K-pop act from the “Bar Bar Bar” single that gave them over 65 million YouTube views in 2021. Formerly known as Hurricane Pop, Crayon Pop girl band debuted in July 2012 with the “Saturday Night” single under Chrome Entertainment. Composed of Gummi, Choa, Way, and Ellin after Soyul’s departure, Crayon Pop band made international strides including occulting in doing an opening act for Lady Gaga. The group strived to maintain high ratings throughout their career earning a well-deserved credibility status in the history of K-pop. Crayon Pop band has been inactive since 2017 after their contract with Chrome Entertainment ended but has not yet disbanded. The band members have been undertaking individual projects that give fans hope for Crayon Pop’s rebirth.
Gummi
Gummi is Crayon Pop band’s leader and main dancer. After the group’s contract with Chrome Entertainment expired, Gummi signed a contract with Climax Entertainment. This meant that she would continue her Crayon Pop group activities under Chrome Entertainment but pursue her activities under Climax Entertainment. Under Climax Entertainment, Gummi went by the name Song Bo Ram and took up acting. With that, Gummi was cast in several dramas including the Lovers in Bloom (2017) drama. In 2020, Gummi walked down the aisle and gave birth to her first child. Gummi and her husband welcomed their second baby in 2022.
Ellin
Ellin is Crayon Pop’s lead dancer and visual. After the group became inactive, Ellin launched a YouTube channel and joined Afreeca TV as a broadcast jockey. Ellin was ranked among Afreeca TV’s highest-paid jockeys before being involved in the unfortunate “romance scam” controversy. Ellin was accused of costing a man 860,000 USD which she initially denied before admitting and apologizing for the incident. After a 3-months break, Elin resurfaced and continued reigning and cashing out of being a broadcast jockey.
Way
Way is Crayon Pop’s lead vocalist and main rapper. After the band became inactive in 2017, Way started her YouTube channel the same year. Her regular and catchy uploads have given the star a consistent and massive following over the years. Way also joined Twitch recently which had further sky-rocketed her fame.
Choa
Choa is Crayon Pop’s main vocalist. After the band went on hiatus, Choa ventured into the musical actress field and was cast in various works including “Hero” musical drama. In addition to opening a personal YouTube channel in 2019, Choa also released the “My Universe” single the same year alongside her twin sister and Crayon Pop member Way. In December 2021, Choa walked down the aisle with her non-celebrity boyfriend.
Soyul (Former Crayon Pop)
Soyul was the Crayon Pop band’s main vocalist and lead rapper. Despite being the maknae, Soyul became the first Crayon Pop member to venture into the parenting journey. Soyul left Crayon Pop in May 2017 to focus on marriage and parenthood after walking down the aisle with Moon Hee Jun, a former member of H.O.T. boy band. In 2020 Soyul returned to the spotlight by participating in MBC TV’s “King of the Mask Singer” program. Just like her former bandmate Gummi, Soyul also shared second-baby pregnancy news in 2022. With two babies to parent, a girl and a boy, Soyul is enjoying an interestingly busy life.
—-Karen Mwenda
#CrayonPop #Soyul #leadrapper #maknae #marriedMoonHeeune #HOTboyband #KingoftheMaskSinger #MBCTV #kcrush #Choa #MyUniverse #leadvocalist #kcrushamericamagazine #WayaCrayonPopmember #YouTubechannels #Twitch #kpop #Ellin #leaddancer #mainvisual #AfreecaTVJockey #AfreecaTVJournalist #Gummi #leaderofCrayonPop #maindancer #BarBarBar #SaturdayNight #ChromeEntertainment #ClimaxEntertainment #kdramaloversinbloom #kcrushamericamagazine
Bobby, who was set to join mandatory military service last month on the 21st finally enlisted on June 4, 2024. The iKON boy band member became the band’s third member to enlist in the military. Bobby shared a picture with his hair cut short as he thanked the fans for their continued support.
Bobby rose to fame after winning the 2014 Mnet’s Show Me the Money 13 survival reality program. Bobby’s agency, 143 Entertainment, announced it would hold a small private ceremony during his enlistment. Bobby has been quite busy in the first half of 2024 including releasing his 3rd solo album titled Sir Robert in February and the successful Asian “Zero Gravity” tour in March.
In 2021, Bobby walked down the aisle with the love of his life and have a son together. Therefore, Bobby will be enlisted for full-time reserve service given his responsibilities as a young father and newlywed.
We look forward to your return and family well wishes.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Bobby #iKON #militaryservice #fulltimereserveservice #143Entertainment #kcrushnews #Mnet #ShowMeTheMoney13 #kpop #hallyu #kmusic #kculture #koreanmilitary #kcrushannouncement #kcrushbreakingnews #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kpopidol #ZeroGravity #SirRobertBobby
Viral Music Sensation Gets Ready for 19-city Nationwide Tour on the Heels of Celebrating Two Billion Views Collectively
Jet Black, is a dark yet catchy song that highlights the group’s commanding presence and confidence. Along with the lead single, the group explores youthful recklessness and the excitement of young love in “Never Did This Before.” With, “Sunshine” offering a more emotional and softer touch with heartwarming lyrics. They continue the romantic theme with “You Are My Star,” which beautifully captures the feeling of being in love. “Bug” is an unforgettable song that delves into the idea of being love sick but they will not have it any other way. In the smooth R&B track “CYDIA”, the lyrics reflect on growing and sharing experiences together, and most importantly, healing and moving on from the past. Finally, “Nocturnal,” infused with Spanish lyrics, adds a more passionate and sensual vibe to the album.
The octet have also announced their 2024 CYDIA North America Tour Dates. The members will be performing in 19 cities across the U.S., bringing their new music and old tracks for a spin. They will be starting in Texas, make their way through the East Coast, and end back in the West Coast all throughout the month of June
“CYDIA” Album Tracklist:
- CYDIA
- Never Did This Before
- Nocturnal
- Sunshine
- Bug
- Jet Black
- You Are My Star
2024 CYDIA North America Tour Dates:
All dates and cities below are subject to change.
UNITED STATES
- June 5 San Antonio, TX
- June 6 Austin, TX
- June 7 Houston, TX
- June 8 Dallas, TX
- June 11 Atlanta, GA
- June 13 Washington, DC
- June 14 Philadelphia, PA
- June 15 Brooklyn, NY
- June 16 Boston, MA
- June 18 Columbus, OH
- June 19 Chicago, IL
- June 20 Minneapolis, MN
- June 21 Kansas City, MO
- June 23 Denver, CO
- June 24 Salt Lake City, UT
- June 26 San Francisco, CA
- June 27 Los Angeles, CA
- June 28 Las Vegas, NV
- June 29 Phoenix, AZ
The North Star Boys’ presence on social media continues to grow globally with over 55 million followers across their Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook and more.
About North Star Boys
The first Asian-American content and music group, North Star Boys was founded in August 2021 by Oliver and Sebastian Moy. In just a short amount of time, they have stolen the hearts of millions and millions of fans across major social media platforms such as Tiktok, YouTube, and Instagram. The group consists of eight members including the founders: Oliver and Sebastian Moy, Regie Macalino, Ryan Nguyen, Justin Phan, Darren Liang, and Kane Ratan, and Tyler Bray. United by a common goal, they aim to be the Asian-American representation in the media that they lacked to see while growing up. The boy band hopes to inspire the younger generation through their content and music.
#NorthStarBoys #OliverandSebastianMoy #PPop #kcrushnews #AsianAmericangroup #eightmembers #RegieMacalino #RyanNguyen #JustinPhan #DarrenLiang #KaneRatan #TylerBray #worldtour #music #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #CYDIANorthAmericanTourDates #newalbum #viralmusicsensationNorthStarBoys