I.M ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER SOLO HEADLINING “OFF THE BEAT” WORLD TOUR DATES

Coming off the heels of his third EP, the K-pop superstar will kick off the tour in Seoul and visit 18 cities across Europe, North America and Asia

MONSTA X’s dynamic rapper and vocalist, I.M, embarks on his new journey as a solo artist by announcing dates for his ‘Off The Beat’ World Tour. The soloist will ignite the world with his first ever solo headlining tour that will kick off in Seoul before proceeding to showcasing storytelling performances for fans in major European cities, followed by a North American tour leg, before ending in Asia. As the sole member of MONSTA X to embark on a global solo adventure, the K-pop star is poised to captivate the audiences with his charisma, explosive energy, and genre-defying artistry.

Fueling the anticipation, I.M has dropped the latest music video from his third EP, “Off The Beat,” making this his second release of 2024. Earlier in April, he released the body of work with six new tracks, ‘LURE,’ ‘Bust it,’ ‘X0,’ ‘Skyline,’ ‘MMI,’ and ‘nbdy.’ While each song embodies a unique story, this extended playlist is all about being his genuine self and reflects the theme of ‘not following the regular path,’ and practicing ‘unconventionalism.’ The record-breaking artist delves deeper into uncharted territory with this new release, infusing his raw talent as a producer, singer-songwriter, and rapper with the genuine spirit of his avant-garde persona.

Beyond the stage, I.M remains stylish and iconic by straddling the worlds of both music and fashion. From collaborations with Versace and Swarovski, to turning heads at Polo Ralph Lauren and BOSS, I.M is a trendsetter, trailblazer, and fashion icon. This tour presents a new opportunity to witness I.M’s bold style, both musically and on stage.

Get ready to witness I.M embark on his first ever solo tour showcasing his distinctive storytelling live in 18 cities across the world. For more information on tour dates and tickets, please visit I.M’s social media channels on Instagram and Twitter. The general public can buy tickets starting from April 29 at 10 am PDT and 8 am EDT with presale taking place on April 26 at the same time for those with the presale code.

 

2024 Off The Beat World Tour Dates:

All dates and cities below are subject to change.

 

KOREA

May 25-26 Seoul

 

EUROPE

July 26  London, UK

July 28  Paris, FR

Aug. 1  Cologne, GE

Aug. 3  Berlin, GE

 

UNITED STATES

Aug. 8  Boston, MA

Aug. 10  New York, NY

Aug. 15  Toronto, ON

Aug. 17  Chicago, IL

Aug. 23  Houston, TX

Aug. 25  Dallas, TX

Aug. 27 Vancouver, BC

Aug. 29  San Francisco, CA

Aug. 31  Los Angeles, CA

 

ASIA

Sept. 19  Taipei

Sept. 22  Tokyo

Sept. 24  Bangkok

Sept. 29  Macau

 

(Credit: Sony Music Entertainment Korea Inc)

 

ABOUT I.M

I.M (Im Chang-Kyun) is a member and the lead rapper of the Korean boy group, MONSTA X, who debuted in 2015. Even as the youngest member of the group, I.M has shown his talent and potential as a soloist through numerous mixtapes and solo EPs, where he contributed to the composing, arranging, and writing of the lyrics. His solo debut EP “DUALITY”, released in February 2021, has gained massive success with five tracks ranking in Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, reaching 8.5 million views on YouTube for his lead track, “God Damn”, music video and holds over 15.9 million streams on Spotify. While remaining a part of MONSTA X, I.M is currently focusing more on his solo career. With the second EP “OVERDRIVE” released under Sony Music Entertainment Korea in June 2023, he showed a wider range of skills with a style change in his music compared to his work with MONSTA X. This EP ranked first in 14 countries on the iTunes Global Chart and achieved over 1 million streams within 24 hours of the release, which led to this extended playlist to place on the Melon Hall of Fame. The album carefully sets out the musical worldview pursued by I.M as a soloist through deep, sophisticated sounds and delicate melodies. I.M has been showing great success and growth as he continues to reveal a more unique side of him as well as connects with his fans through his latest albums and singles, such as his debut EP “Duality,” his last album “Overdrive,” and his latest single “Slowly.” All five songs in the “Duality” album charted on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart and has about 45 million all time global streams.

 

Connect with I.M on Instagram |Twitter |Facebook | Spotify | YouTube

 

 

#IM #2024InternationalTour #kcrushannouncement #OffTheBeatIMTour #musictour #kpop #MonstaX #solotour #IMChangKyun #kcrushamerica #worldtourannouncement #kpoptour #leadsingerMonstaX #18citytour #krapper #kmusic #kculture #koreansinger #IMofMonstaX

KCrush ‘In Flames’ Interview with Actresses Ramesha Nawal and Bakhtawar Mazhar

 

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

For his feature directorial debut In Flames, Canadian-Pakistani filmmaker Zarrar Kahn, gives audiences a densely layered psychological horror story of how trauma and the secrets we keep can end up imprisoning us in a life of uncertainty, fear, and insecurity.

Based on his 2018 short film Dia, 2023’s feature adaptation stars Ramesha Nawal who for her first lead and film role, gives an extremely impressive performance as Mariam, a young college student who’s foray into romance and first love turns into a nightmare following a tragic accident. Unable to cope with the trauma which brings to mind memories of past incidents that haunt her, Miram withdraws into herself and away from her mother Fariha, played eloquently by Bakhtawar Mazhar.

As Mariam becomes aware of the danger men pose to her safety and peace of mind, Fariha herself is learning how to stand on her feet for the first time after living under the controlling guidance of her late father and husband.

Though mother and daughter seem to be fighting their own personal battles and demons, they’re ultimately fighting the same dark spectre of patriarchy. This system that though intangible in a sense, has very tangible effects on their lives and relationship with each other. Khan does an extremely impressive job of depicting this system as the horror that it is for women and young girls to live under.

While he may have set the events of In Flames in Karachi, Pakistan, Zarrar understands that the system is the same the world over. It doesn’t matter the city, language, or culture, patriarchy is present everywhere and exists as a looming presence that can take physical form in men who claim to be heroes but turn out to be a woman’s worst nightmare.

Doing an excellent job of building the film’s tense and disconcerting atmosphere were cinematographer Aigul Nrubulatova, editor Craig Scorgie, and composer Kalaisan Kalaichelvan.

In my interview with Zarrar we spoke about the danger men who want to be feminist allies can end up being a hindrance to women, building the sense of trepidation Miram experiences, and the trauma she and Farriha must work their way through. And during my conversation with Ramesha and Bakhtawar, we spoke about the ladies’ own perspectives on their characters, growing up and living in patriarchal societies, and mothers and daughters growing together to be their own personal heroes.

In Flames world premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, and showed at various film festivals around the world including the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, and Regent Park Film Festival, and on April 12th, 2024 had its North American theatrical release.

 

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

 

 

#InFlames #ZarrarKahn #RameshaNawal #BakhtawarMazhar #kcrushinterview #kcrush #CannesFilmFestival #cinematographerAigulNrubulatova #KarachiPakistan #interview #composerKalaisanKalaichelvan #CanadianPakistanifilmmakerZarrarKahn #actress #producer #kcrushamerica #kcrushmedia #TorontoReelAsianInternationalFilmFestival #kcrushfilminterview

Written and directed by Fawzia Mirza, The Queen of My Dreams takes a technicolor look at the relationships between mothers and daughters and how their cultures, histories, and even political histories intertwine to create the most complex of bonds.

Adapted from Fawzia’s own stage 2012 play of the same title, the film stars Amrit Kaur as Azra queer Pakistani-Canadian woman whose disconnect from the traditional Muslim beliefs, and aspirations of being a filmmaker creates a rift between her and her mother Miriam played by Nimra Bucha.

With the expert editing of Simone Smither, The Queen of My Dreams seamlessly transitions between 1999 Toronto, 1969 Kirachi, Pakistan, and 1989 Sydney, Nova Scotia to show how time, circumstance, and misunderstandings changed Miriam from a young woman full of confidence and charisma dreaming of travelling the world and meeting new people as an Air Hostess, to a woman who seem lost her spark in a life dedicated to religion and fear, then grief from the sudden loss of her husband Hassan (Hamza Haq).

In her youth, Miriam – played by Amrit – is all smiles and open to whatever life has in store for her. Her personality matches the bright bustling city streets of Karachi, a city going through its own metamorphosis due to political and religious unrest that would last into the 80s.

As young Miriam and Azra, Amrit does a brilliant job of playing two young women whose confidence away from their mothers, turns to frustration when her mother’s constant mentions of being prayer and religious dedication for Azra, and being a proper young lady worthy of a husband for Miriam comes of as condemnation of who they are as people.

With a script carefully balanced to give the audience time to fully understand these women and the circumstances that shaped who they are and could be, Fawzia displays a skill that writers can struggle with when it comes to stories with different timelines and complicated histories.

In my KCrush interview with Fawzia, we speak about The Queen of My Dream’s Bollywood inspiration in screen legend Sharmila Tagore, why mothers and daughters struggle to understand each other despite their similarities, and how women and girls are the most impacted during significant cultural changes.

The Queen of My Dreams, screened at Cannes Film Market before its official world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) where it was named in Canada’s Top Ten List, and had its theatrical release March 22nd.

It has been nominated in multiple categories including Best Lead Performance in a Drama film for Amrit, at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards.

 

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

 

 

#QueenofMyDreams #kcrushinterview #FawziaMiza #writerdirectorFawziaMiza #kcrush #interview #nominated #BestLeadPerformanceinaDramafilmforAmrit #Bollywood #2024CanadianScreenAwards #SharmilaTagore #motherdaughterfilm #KirachiPakistan #SydneyNovaScotia #Canadian #kcrushamerica #TIFF #2023TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #HamzaHaq #AmritKaur

 

From the streets of Iwata City, Shizuoka to the world, GREEN KIDS takes the cultural stereotypes bull by its horns. This 6-member hip-hop group has become a voice of the people in its journey of pioneering a fresh and holistic perspective on identity matters in a world that unjustly labels people based on an ancient and archaic generational approach. KCrush America magazine had a conversation with GREEN KIDS to better understand their journey.

 

What’s the story behind’s the birth of GREEN KIDS and why the name “GREEN KIDS”?

Before the GREEN KIDS group was formed, they were separated by age into two “groups” in the apartment complex. One group had a Peruvian national, ACHA (the group leader), and the other had Flight-A, Swag-A, BARCO, and the only Japanese member, Crazy-K. Flight-A, Swag-A, and ACHA all went to the same elementary and junior high school, and as they grew older, they started playing together in the same complex, which brought them closer to one another. Around the same time, BARCO moved from the neighboring town of Fukuroi to the Higashishinmachi apartment complex. Crazy-K still lives at Asaba in Fukuroi City.

While we were all playing together, we started to get into music. “Since we’re all here, let’s make music together!” was something we mutually agreed on. ACHA and the members who are no longer with us decided on the group name “GREEN KIDS”, and everyone immediately agreed! As for the origin of the group name “GREEN KIDS”: We grew up in a public complex surrounded by rice fields and greenery. So we named the group “GREEN KIDS” in the hope that we would not forget our childlike spirit even as adults.

 

What is that core issue or message that GREEN KIDS sheds light on?

We write songs based on what we have actually seen and felt. In other words, we sing about the discrimination, poverty, and environmental differences we have experienced in Japan. As we sing, we represent the feelings of the many foreigners who are unable to express their feelings at school or at work, even though they are bullied and discriminated against. Discrimination and bullying isn’t limited to just Japan, being something that exists in all countries, but our songs appeal to the desire that we can eliminate it someday.

 

 

The Flight album has been creating ripples in the entertainment arena with tracks starting from “Start From Nothing”, to “SHAKE THAT ASS”, and other hits before wrapping up with the “Don’t Give Up” hit. What’s your lyrical creation process like?

The songs “Start From Nothing” and “Don’t Give Up” were created with the following thoughts in mind:

1. We had absolutely nothing when we formed the group, so we started from scratch. Anyone can achieve something if they don’t give up.
2. We know people who have committed suicide because they were bullied or tired of life. We hope that there may be one less victim like this.

We want to provide songs that can help those with negative thoughts become a little more positive. Flight-A often receives messages from people who listen to our songs.

“I’m listening to that song and will do my best today!”

“I look back on my life that I almost gave up on and try to be more positive.”

When we hear those kind of responses, it makes us happy that we wrote such a song! We want to continue to create songs that encourage people.

 

Who were your biggest musical influences while growing up?

When I was a kid at home, I used to listen to Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent. But by middle school, it was Anarchy and AK-69.

There have been a lot, but I’d say those two were the artists that inspired me the most.

 

You have had several live performances so far. What is the most embarrassing or funniest moment you’ve had on stage?

There are many funny things that happened, but if I had to pick just one: it would be a drunken member of the band sleeping behind the DJ booth. The most embarrassing incident was when I fell off the stage while singing into the audience along with the speakers, and the sound stopped😅.

 

 

You wrote two track songs (“Jailbreak” and “Don’t Give Up”) for the revolutionary “Familia” 2023 movie where even Flight-A was cast. How did all this opportunity unfold and how does it relate to your lives or career?

It all started when the film staff came to see our live performance in Tokyo. The lyrics had a lot in common with the movie, so we were invited to audition. But on the day of the audition, all the members were late. We all thought we failed, but Flight-A was the only one who passed the audition and got to appear in the movie.

 

If you could change one thing about the rap industry what would it be?

If we could change one thing, we would like to change people’s bad impressions of the rap industry. HIP HOP is amazing and we think music has the power to change the world. We want to continue to send music into the world where there are so many problems like poverty and discrimination.

 

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced during your music career and how do you deal with them?

We have had bad experiences both in our life and in our music career! We’ve had people make fun of us and say things like, “You can’t make it!” and “You’re not good enough!”. Some people probably still think this way. But we don’t succumb to negative thinking when we hear it; we turn it into a positive force. Even when we have a bad day, we are able to stay positive thanks to the support of our friends who are always around us.

 

Your musical pieces, including “Great Party” and “Enjoy Life” are pumped with hypnotizing and energetic beats fused in complementary rap. Which member of GREEN KIDS is most likely to accidentally start a dance party in a library?

Flight-A and Swag-A are twins, and although they fight every day, they always go everywhere together! BARCO is the quietest and smartest, and is considered a bit eccentric by those around him. He is also probably the one who has played the most pranks among the members!

ACHA is the oldest of the rappers and the most calm and well-spoken. He was a key figure in creating GREEN KIDS.

DJ PIG is one year older than ACHA and is from the same hometown (Asaba) as Crazy-K. He used to be an EDM DJ, but he was invited by the members of GREEN KIDS to become GREEN KIDS’ exclusive DJ! He’s a real lady-killer.

Crazy-K is the only Japanese member of GREEN KIDS, but he is often mistaken for a foreigner. He’s probably the craziest out of all the members, but he cares for music and his friends more than anyone else! Although he may not be popular with women, he is loved by the people around him the most.

 

As your lives are constantly busy, how does each member take time to relax and enjoy time away from rehearsals and performances?

When I am not performing or working, I like going out for BBQs and drinks in my hometown. I also spend time with my family and meet up with friends and seniors that I don’t normally get to see! We often chat over drinks.

 

What advice would you give to other artists with similar backgrounds who are trying to find their place in the music industry?

No matter how bad the circumstances are–even if you don’t have family or your family is far away–it is important to have a dream. We know there can be a lot of hardships, but there are also a lot of fun things, so if you keep looking forward and keep working hard, you will surely see the light! It’s with this belief that we continue to fight on.

 

 

What does the future hold for GREEN KIDS?

We will be releasing our work on GREEN KIDS in May or June of this year. Also, stay tuned as we begin a national tour! We will be releasing new songs and music videos, so be sure to check them out!

Thank you GREEN KIDS for your time and for such a deep dive into helping our readers learn more about you.

 

—-Makena Mwenda

 

 

#GREENKIDS #JHipHop #JPop #Japanesesinginggroup #kcrushinterview #Jrap #FukuroiCity #ACHA #Flight-A #SwagA #BARCO #CrazyK #songwriters #kcrushamericamagazine #bullyinginJapane #discrimination #nonegativethinking #newmusicfromGREENKIDS #nationaltour2024 #DJPig #youcandoit #Japanesegroup #JailbreakGREENKIDS #DontGiveUpGREENKIDS #StartFromScratchGREENKIDS #GreatPartyGREENKIDS #EnjoyLifeGREENKIDS #Familiamovie #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #Asiannews #interview #IwataCityShizuoka

 

Download & streaming links

Music video

 

As she celebrates the 26th anniversary of her debut, Japanese pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki has released the brand new single ‘BYE-BYE’. ‘BYE-BYE’ was written for the NHK series ‘Minna no Uta’, broadcast in April and May. As you’d expect from Hamasaki, the song’s immersive lyrics are dark and deep – generating tons of attention among her legions of fans. Along with the release of ‘BYE-BYE’, a music video was also released on Hamasaki’s official YouTube channel.

In a classroom in an apparently abandoned school, Hamasaki and 23 dancers perform intense choreography, especially during the chorus – and all of them, including Hamasaki, are dressed in school uniform.  As soon as this explosive video was released on April 8, social media it up with fan comments, such as “ayu looks so cute in uniform!”, “I have to learn the choreography!” and “This song is the perfect start to her 26th anniversary!” 26 years have passed since the release of Ayumi Hamasaki’s debut single ‘poker face’ on April 8, 1998. As she enters her 27th year, ayu continues to evolve – don’t miss it.

 

 

About Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki made her debut on April 8, 1998, with the release of her single ‘poker face’. Her first album, ‘A Song for ××’, was released January 1, 1999, becoming a million seller. She received the Japan Record Award in 2001, 2002 and 2003 – an unprecedented three-year streak. She made history as Japan’s first ever solo artist and third group to sell over 50 million singles and albums. The worldview depicted in her self-written lyrics and expressed by her incredible singing voice pierce the hearts of all who listen, while her fashion sense and uncompromising approach to life have struck a chord with women across generations.

 

Further information 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

 

#AyumiHamasaki #JapanRecordAward #Japanesesinger #JPop #kcrush #kcrushamerica #pokerface #ByeBye #26thAnniversary #newsingle #selfwrittenlyrics #jfashion #japanesefashion #kcrushnews #NHKseriesMinnanoUta

 

“Crash Course in Romance” is a rom-com drama series highlighting the complexities of love and success amidst criticism from society and jealousy from the most unexpected individuals. Nam Haeng Seon is a side dish shop owner who strives to raise her differently-abled brother and supposed daughter, Nam Hae Yi. Choi Chi Yeol is a self-established iconic Maths teacher with a huge following across Korea. A trade of talents between Choi Chi Yeol’s teaching skills and Nam Haeng Seon’s cooking skills allows Nam Hae Yi to enter Choi Chi Yeol’s coveted Maths class which is the start of a roller coaster of heartaches fused with glimpses of joy and heart-flattering moments. Selfishness, jealousy, and obsession are highly eminent paving way to family breakouts and serial killings.

 

Nam Haeng Seon

Nam Haeng Seon is a side-dish shop owner who gave up her national handball player to take care of her brother and niece. Nam does all she can to ensure that her niece, whom everybody assumes to be her real daughter, a better life. in a bid to offer her supposed daughter the best education possible, Nam trades her cooking skill to a malnutritioned teacher which marks the beginning of an endless drama from her neighbors to other school parents and beyond.

 

Choi Chi Yeol

Choi Chi Yeol is a self-made Maths tutor ranked among the best tutors nationally with only a few of the best students being accepted in every enrollment. Despite being a guru with numbers, Choi Chi Yeol has failed to master a proper eating habit which lands him in a hospital for malnutrition. With his demanding career on the line, Choi Chi Yeol has no option but to trade his tutoring skills in exchange for food from the only shop whose food blends with his body. This trade births numerous emotions amongst several individuals to the point of triggering psychopathic actions.

 

Nam Hae Yi

Nam Hae Yi is Nam Haeng Seon’s niece who was abandoned by her birth mother years ago. She works and studies hard to one day repay her aunt who had devoted her loving to take care of her. With most of her fellow smart classmates attending Choi Chi Yeol’s Maths class, Nam Hae Yi can only dream of being part of the class given it’s very expensive. A golden opportunity presents itself and Nam Hae Yi’s dream comes true only to be accompanied by heart-wrenching events, especially from those she held dearest.

 

Su Ah

Su Ah is Nam Hae Yi’s biggest nemesis in school. Her obsession with being the top student, which roots from her demanding mother, leads Su Ah to the jealousy path. She perceives Nam He Yi as her competition and gets overly agitated when she realizes that Na Hae Yi is Choi Chi Yeol’s private student. The ensuing events worsen Su Ah’s jealousy and resentment, out of privilege, which births heartaches in many people’s lives.

 

Ji Dong Hee

Ji Dong Hee is, and has been for the longest, Choi Chi Yeol’s manager at the tutoring school. He is Choi Chi Yeol’s best friend and confidant and is known for his easygoing personality and unwavering loyalty to Chi Yeol. Some episodes into the series, Dong Hee is confronted with some serious allegations that could wreck his friendship with Chi Yeol or risk Chi Yeol’s career and social status.

 

My thoughts

“Crash Course in Romance” is a light-hearted drama that sheds light on relatable issues in society including how power and influence intertwined in jealousy and resentment out of privilege can destroy so many lives. The drama also focuses on several characters, and not only the core actors, making the drama catchy and more interesting. The grueling search for the serial murderer also keeps viewers glued to the screen only to be dumbfounded upon knowing the murderer’s identity.

 

—-Makena Mwenda

 

#CrashCourseInRomance #kcrushmindmap #kdramamindmap #kactor #kactress #koreanactor #kdrama #JiDongHee #SuAh #NamHaeYi #ChoiChiYeol #NamHaengSeon #romcomkdrama #koreankdrama #kfashion #kpop #kcrushamerica #funkdrama #makemesmilekdrama #makemelaughkdrama #kcrush #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kcrushonline #kcrushkdrama #CrashCourseInRomanceMindMapOnKCrush #findmindmap #mindmaponkcrushmagazine

 

Episode 3 continues with episode 2’s guest, Boogaloo Kin. This time the focus is on locking. There’s a great performance to RM’s song “Still Life” at the beginning of the episode. J-Hope exudes so much joy dancing with Boogaloo Kin in this scene. The colors are vibrant and match the overall mood. I really enjoyed the special effects in this performance as well, like the added animations and the groovy light-lined tile floor. Their outfits reflect their emotions, and it’s both energetic and wholesome. Overall, it’s a wonderful opening to the episode!

Locking is a dance style that originated in the 1970s in Los Angeles. It bears the name because the movements give a sensation of locking the body in a manner that reflects a lock, creating frozen moments within the dance. J-Hope was overjoyed to meet with a locking master, Lock Woong.

As all three dancers–J-Hope, Lock Woong, and Boogaloo Kin–warm up, there’s a palpable joy in the room. Hobi is laughing and practically a ray of sunshine. He is so stoked to be there!

Lock Woong was the DJ at J-Hope’s listening party, and met him soon after he debuted. Lock Woong comments that Hoseok is still the same, even after becoming a huge star. Even the way he thinks about dance is the same. This was touching to hear because in previous episodes, J-Hope mentioned that he felt like he lost that spark for dance. But in this episode, it’s evident that he can fan the flames of that passion again!

These three dance to “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang, with each dancer taking turns in the spotlight. It’s a great segment to see how each of them interprets locking in their own style.

The episode ends with a meal, just like the last. Here they discuss how Lock Woong learned to dance by watching videos. He then went on to college to major in dance, where he even learned some ballet! However, he was slow to join the street dance movement because people were often made fun of in the early 2000s for it. However, once Lock Woong got his hands on more media that involved locking, he saw that it was a dance style worth standing up for!

Lock Woong commented, “Locking, unlike other dance genres, is something you can do as a group. You can emit good and cheerful energy as you dance. I think that’s why I still like locking.” This was clearly proven in episode 3 with the amount of joy leaking from J-Hope in every dance!

 

 

Episode 4

This episode starts in Paris, where the focus is on house music and dance. J-Hope describes the music as something that gets him pumped up and makes him feel excited.

He meets up with Massangila Lumengo, whose dancer name is Yugson. He notes, “House is all about culture and freedom.” He goes on to say that house allows people from different places around the world to connect and share the same energy.

Hobi and Boogaloo Kin have a conversation in a cafe where J-Hope confesses, “Sometimes I ask myself if I’m really enjoying this. I mean, I love my work, and I love writing songs. So I continue to do it, but I’m not sure if I actually enjoy it. I feel a sort of disconnect from what I really like. Not just in dance, but in life as well.”

This was an interesting admission. Most would assume that he’s extremely fulfilled and has a rush from accomplishing his dreams of being a performer, but at the end of the day, he’s human like everyone else. These deep conversations really make the show engaging on a personal level. As much as J-Hope displays his talents, he also shows you that he’s normal too.

 

 

Their dancing in this episode is chill and smooth. It’s relaxing to watch! J-Hope doesn’t speak French and Yugson doesn’t speak Korean–but they both speak dance! It was great to see these worlds collide and see the joy in Hobi as he danced with this house professional. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

#HopeOnTheStreet #HopeOnTheStreet3 #HopeOnTheStreet4 #kcrushreview #kcrushamerica #Yugson #Hobi #BTS #BTSARMY #MassangilaLumengo #streetdancing #bboying #hiphop #kpop #kmusic #Jhopedocumentary #Korea #LockWoong #BoogalooKin #locking #dancing #SugarHillGang #RappersDelight #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kfashion #klife #Asian #koreanstreetwear #JHope #Jhopedancing #Houseisallaboutcultureandfreedom

 

BTS band is still a reigning champion despite the subsequent absence of some members on mandatory military service. Jin was the band’s first member to enlist in the military back in December 2022, and some other members have followed suit. But just as expected the band’s agency, BIG HIT Entertainment seemed to have fully prepared for this season, especially with new releases that have kept the band’s fans entertained all through. Despite the military enlistments, BTS still managed to make global headlines and milestones. Here are some of BTS band’s 2024 wins so far.

 

1. 1st Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA)

BTS golden maknae, Jungkook, has yet again helped the iconic band maintain its reigning vibe. Jungkook won ASEA award’s Song of the Year award. The ASEA awards show collaborates with @star1 magazine and Newsen to appreciate global Asian and K-pop artists. Jungkook scooped the awards for his solo debut single “Seven”.

 

2. Topping Billboard 200 chart

BTS’s J-Hope has finally clinched a position among the top artists in the Billboard 200 chart. On April 7, J-Hope’s ‘HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1’ album ranked No.5 in this coveted chart.  Moreover, the album is Billboard 200 chart’s highest-ranking solo album. This is a huge milestone given J-Hope’s previous album, ‘Jack In The Box’, also ranked No.6 in the Billboard 200 chart for quite a while upon release.

 

 

3. Spotify’s fastest streamed Korean-language song

BTS’s Jimin has officially joined the Billions Club as of April 5. This is after the K-pop star’s solo debut track titled “Like Crazy” surpassed a billion streams on Spotify.  Taking only 377 days to surpass the billion streams mark, “Like Crazy” has also broken history and clinched the “fastest Korean-language song in Spotify” title.

 

4. Gold certification in France

Jungkook’s “Seven” solo debut single has earned the made a ground-breaking record in France. On April 1, the debut single was certified gold in France after surpassing 15 million streams. This not only improved Jungkook’s rating but BTS group’s fame on a global level.

 

5. 1st Korean soloist to chart an album for 20 weeks.

BTS’s Jungkook has broken Billboard 200 chart’s record for longest-charting K-pop solo album. Jungkook’s ‘Golden’ album, released late last year, hit a record of 20 consecutive weeks in the Billboard 2000 chart with the “Standing Next To You” single.  As of March 8, Jungkook became the 1^st K-pop artist with three MVs of the same album hit 100 million streams each. All the 3 music videos, “Seven”, “3D”, and “Standing Next to You” gained over a million views making the ‘Golden’ album a hit.

 

6. Topping the UK’s official single chart

BTS’s V has been trending over the last few weeks for his “FRI(ENDs)” single. As of March 22, the single was charted at No.13 becoming the artist’s most highly rated single. Days before, the “FRI(ENDs)” single had topped several iTunes Charts across the world including in the US. V has so far won twice in Mnet’s MC Countdown shows and was named the 2nd best-selling song of the week in the US on March 26 after debuting in the Billboard 100 chart.

 

7. Ground-breaking YouTube views

BTS has over the years produced quality MVs that have had fans trickling in for more. On February 28, the band’s agency confirmed that the “Dynamite” single MV had clicked a whopping 1.8 billion views. The “Boy with Luv” MV follows behind with over 1.7 billion views followed by “IDOL” and “Fake LUV” both with over 1.2 billion views. The band’s “MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA” trailer featuring RM’s “Persona” solo track has already surpassed the 100 million views mark as of March 21. Suga’s “Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE” trailer released on March 13 already has over 1 million views. The movie hit the IMAX and theatres worldwide on April 10 and 13.

 

8. Awards

In addition to Jungkook winning in the Asia Star Entertainer Awards for the ‘Golden’ album, the star also scooped the K-Pop Artist of the Year award and the Best Music Video award for the “Seven” single at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. In the same event, J-Hope clinched the Favorite on Screen award for his “J-Hope IN THE BOX” documentary while V took the Favorite Debut Album award for his ‘Layover’ album. Jungkook also took home the Male Artist of the Year award at the People’s Choice Awards.

 

—-Makena Mwenda

 

 

#BTS #Jungkook #jHope #iHeartRadioMusicAwards #RM #V #Suga #Jimin #Layoveralbum #MaleArtistoftheYear #PeoplesChoiceAwards #kcrush #kcrushamerica #kpop #kpopidolsinthemilitary #LikeCrazy #MapoftheSoulPersona #InTheBox #knews #kfashion #kcrushnews #BoyWithLuv #BTSWins #BTSAwardsApril2024 #bestmusicvideo #MnetMCCountdown #BTSARMY

 

Exciting news came in this week for Eric Nam and Avatar fans. Eric announced that he will be voicing an adult Aang in an upcoming animated film! Another big name that will star beside him is Dave Bautista, who is known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, though we don’t know his exact role in this film yet.

The plot details have yet to be released, but the working title is Aang: The Last Airbender. Paramount announced in June 2022 that they were planning to make three standalone Avatar animated films. This one, starring Eric, is slated to be released in 2025.

Some fans of the animated series disliked the live-action studio attempts. Because of this, OG Avatar fans will be pleased to know that Lauren Montgomery is directing the film. She worked on the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series. Additionally, the original series creators, Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino, are listed as executive producers. Because of the project is in such good hands, there is an understandable excitement growing.

 

 

Fans of course would be on the edge of their seat awaiting news of who would voice Aang. Originally, this was done by child actor Zach Tyler Eisen. Though it would have been great to have him continue as an adult Aang, he stepped out of the spotlight. In The Legend of Kora, DB Sweeny voiced a much older version of Aang. Now the baton is passed to Eric Nam.

If you haven’t watched Avatar before, now is a great time to do so before these films start rolling out. You can watch this animated series on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+. It’s a classic that many describe as an easy binge. Additionally, you can catch the live-action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender on Netflix.

Who else would you love to see star in the three upcoming Avatar films?

 

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

 

 

#EricNam #EricNamtostarinAvatar #Avatar #Netflix #AmazonPrime #ParamountPlus #kcrush #EricNamToVoiceAang #kcrushamerica #DaveBautistafromGaurdiansoftheGalaxy #kcrushnews #kpopidoltostarinAvatar #kpop #kmusic #voiceover #AvatarAnimatedFilm2025

 

30-year-old K-pop star Park Boram died on Thursday, April 11th. The police report notes that on Thursday evening, Park Boram was having a private night with friends, which included drinking. She reportedly went into the home’s bathroom around 10 pm and was there for some time. Out of concern, a friend went to check on her and found her unconscious, leaning over the sink.

She was rushed to the hospital, where some reports say she was in cardiac arrest. After several attempts to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at 11:17 pm. This is shocking news considering how young she was and that she was among friends at her time of death.

Park Boram had a bright future ahead. It was previously shared that she was working on an album to commemorate her 10th year in the K-pop industry. On April 3rd, she released a single titled, “I miss you.” A haunting legacy.

Park Boram has contributed so much in that short decade. She came into the spotlight as a TV singing competition star in the show Super Star K2. At just 17, she became one of the youngest finalists and finished in 8th place.

 

 

Her official debut was in August 2014, with her single “Beautiful” which featured ZICO. This hit scored her an Artist of the Year honor. The song lyrics are based on her experience of going to great lengths to be considered beautiful for her debut, something that resonated with many and made her an approachable star.

She was also well known for her contributions to several K-Drama OSTs, like the famous “Hyehwadong (or Sangmundong)” for Reply 1988. She has been a collaborator with respected artists like Eric Nam, and is well-known throughout the industry.

It is truly heartbreaking that such a talented star is now lost. However, her memory will continue to be a bright light in K-pop.

 

—-Ellie Boyd

#ParkBoram #ParkBoramDeath #ParkBoramDiesAtAge30 #Reply1988OSTParkBoram #whathappenedtoParkBoram #kcrush #ZICO #Beautiful #ArtistoftheYear #SuperStarK2 #ImissYouParkBoramSingleReleasedOnApril3 #kpop #officialdebutApril2014 #kdrama #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushnews #condolencestoParkBoramsfamily #cardiacarrest

 

“Her Private Life” revolves around Sung Deok Mi and her struggles to balance her demanding double lives which she carries out with passion and perfection. By day, Sung Deok Mi is a talented museum chief curator, and by night a manager of a fansite that gives scoops on the famous Cha Shi An of the White Ocean boy band. Her private life as a fansite manager gets more complicated with the arrival of Ryan Gold, her new boss at the museum, and the inquisitive Kim Hyo Jin. Kim Hyo Jin owns a rival fansite blog that crumples Sung Deok Mi’s private life with the unfounded rumor that Sung Deok is dating Cha Shi An. The struggle to clear her name and that of her K-op idol crush, Cha Shi An, leads her into daring paths that forge her destiny.

 

 

Sung Deok Mi (Park Min Young)

Seng Deok Mi’s passion and talent as a museum curator balance with her passion for content creation inspired by her crush on Cha Shi An, a member of White Ocean boy band. Her curator work offers her a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with her dream crush. The opportunity turns into an ordeal after a rival fansite blogger fabricates rumors of Sung Deok Mi and Chai Shi An dating which not only threatens her blogging private life but also her curator career. The only option of warding off the false rumor is an unthinkable move with a being she has grown to detest for his demeaning character.

 

 

Ryan Gold (Kim Jae Wook)

Ryan Gold is a highly respected art curator known for his meticulous nature and sharp critiques. Just like Sung Deok Mi, Ryan Gold also harbors a secret side of his life which is his undying interest in pop culture. He keeps his obsession with K-pop idols, evident from a hidden collection of idol merchandise, a secret to maintain a professional image. Becoming Sung Deok Mi’s boss is a hurdle he has to overcome as both have strong personalities and a secret to hide.

 

 

Kim Hyo Jin (Kim Bo Ra)

Kim Hyo Jin also runs a fansite blog devoted to the talented Cha Shi An of the White Ocean boy band. She witnesses Sung Deok leaving Cha Shi An’s house with his coat on and spreads the rumor of the two dating, which also crushes Sung Deok’s fansite blog. In a bid to convince fans that she is right and that Sung Deok’s relationship rumors are true, Kim Hyo Jin uses her mother’s connection and becomes an intern at Cheum Museum of Art. Her investigative road becomes a destiny-defining alley that she never expected.

 

Nam Eun Gi (Ahn Bo Hyun)

Nam Eung Gi is a Judo Olympics silver medalist and Sung Deok’s adopted brother. Currently running his gym, Nam Eun Gi’s true feelings for Sung Deok Mi start overpowering him escalated by occasions where he is forced to be her shield and emotional support. Nam Eung Gi’s listening and attentive character sinks him into deeper troubles as he becomes Kim’s confidant.

 

 

My thoughts

“Her Private Life” is a heartwarming and engaging story revolving around the complexities of modern life and the balance between hobbies and careers. The well-rounded characters bring the story to life with top-notch acting skills keeping viewers glued to the end.

 

—-Makena Mwenda

 

#HerPrivateLife #MindMap #kcrush #ParkMinYoung #KimJaeWook #KimBoRa #koreanromcom #kdrama #kcrushcontent #kcrushamerica #kcrushamericamagazine #AhnBoHyun #kfashion #kpop #kactor #kactress #koreandrama #kpopfanstory

 

April 2024 is a destiny-defining month as several K-pop acts make a grand entrance in a bid to solidify and expand their eminence grounds. Entertainment industries, from YG to SM entertainment, are on the lookout to amplify their project groups to another level with some making up for lost glory due to controversies while others aim at rebranding their image. Here are some of the 5 notable K-pop groups’ comebacks in April 2024.

1. BABYMONSTER

The iconic YG Entertainment’s rookie girl band, which debuted last year and went viral for the “Batter Up” and “Stuck in the Middle” singles, is set to make a groundbreaking comeback this April 2024. The rebirth is scheduled to happen through the Summer Sonic music festival in Japan which features other globally renowned musicians and Japan’s top local artists. The confirmation of BABYMONSTER’s Ahyeon is an additional incentive given her debut had been delayed because of health issues. BABYMONSTER is also scheduled to release the BABYMONS7ER first mini album on April 1. The album title is a thrill to fans as the number ‘7’ in the album name symbolizes wholeness and the comeback of BABYMOSTER band as a whole unit with all members on board.   

2. TOMORROW X TOGETHER

Famously known as TXT, TOMORROW X TOGETHER is making a grand comeback this April 2024 after a series of mini-episodes (2020’s Blue Hour minisode and 2022’s Thursday’s Child minisode) that have kept the fans craving for more. TXT is scheduled to release the long-awaited TOMORROW mini album on April 1 after its trailer, released early this month, created an online frenzy among fans.  The TOMORROW mini-album comes months after the Name Chapter: Freefall 3^rd album which has become an anthem to TXT’s fandom. TXT will also be performing in the ‘Music Bank in Antwerp’ event scheduled for April 20, 2024, at the Sportpaleis, Belgium.

 

 

3. BOYNEXTDOOR

This entertainment giant act is reportedly on a journey to reclaim its glory through a groundbreaking comeback this April. BOYNEXTDOOR made it to Korea’s most coveted and largest music platform, Melon Chart, with its May 2023 debut song “Who” which topped the chart’s 100 top songs. Their subsequent “Why” single further elevated their glory and accredited them a massive global fandom. BOYNEXTDOOR is scheduled to make a comeback with the highly anticipated EP titled HOW?  The boy band is set to unveil the EP at KCON HONG KONG 2024 on April 15.

 

4. ONF

This “ON/OFF’ song hitmaker is on a quest to reclaim its eminence in the K-pop world this April 2024 with its 8^th mini album titled Beautiful Shadow. ONF ventured into the K-pop industry back in August 2017 and has been a force to reckon with throughout the years.  ONF’s latest album storyline is reported to be a continuation of the story in the band’s “Beautiful Beautiful” hit single (from ONF group’s 1^st full album titled ONF: MY NAME). The Beautiful Shadow mini album is set to be released on 8^th April and will be followed by the boy group’s ‘SPOTLIGHT’ 2024 solo concert on 6^th and 7^th April at KBS Arena, Seoul.

5.RIIZE

RIIZE is rising beyond its recent controversy of copying marketing strategies with the highly anticipated April 2024 comeback. Despite having debuted not too long ago, in September 2023, RIIZE has amassed a huge global following which further intensifies their April comeback craze. The “Love 119” hit-maker is scheduled to initiate the comeback with a performance at the ‘Music Bank in Antwerp’ event on 20^th April at Sportpaleis, Belgium. RIIZE will then go full gear with the 2024 RIIZE FanCon Tour ‘Rising Day’ which is expected to run from May through August and will take place in Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. 

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#KPOPAprilComebacks #5kpopgroupcomebacksinApril2024 #2024KPOPcomebacks #kcrush #kcrushamerica #RIIZE #TXT #ONF #BoyNextDoor #kpop #kpopidols #kpopmusic #kpopcombacks #TomorrowXTogether #BabyMonster #kculture #hallyu #koreankpop #kpopgroups #upcomingcomebacks #April2024 #kpopnews #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamericatiktok #kcrush2014 #kcrushtopasianamericanentertainmentmagazine #onlinehallyumagazine #onlinekpopmagazine #onlinekpopblog #topkpopmag

Welcome back to Candid Conversations, in this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Alice Chun. She is the founder and CEO of Solight Design, the inventor of the SolarPuff lantern and the co-author of “Ground Rules in Humanitarian Design.” She has also been a professor for the Parsons School of Design and Columbia University. Alice also appeared in “The Book of Gutsy Women” by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton, as well as the Apple TV docuseries “Gutsy,” based on the book. She has also been featured on Good Morning America and The Tamron Hall Show.

 

 

Using her solar powered origami designed lanterns, Alice Chun has brought light to countless people around the world during their time of darkness. Her Solight Design lanterns have provided humanitarian aid in countries such as: Haiti, Puerto Rico, Ukraine and Africa. Alice was inspired to create them when she came across a family using kerosene for light. Knowing that the chemicals can be harmful, especially to children, she wanted to create a sustainable option for those without electricity.

 

 

I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did conducting it. Alice is such a kind and wonderful person. In this episode we discussed her early life and humanitarian efforts, as well as her Solight Design lanterns.

Interview Conducted by Cwamne Howard

 

#CandidConversationswithKCrushAliceChun #AliceChun #kcrushinterview #Episode6 #TheBookofGutsyWomen #SolarPuffLatern #GroundRulesinHumanitarianDesign #ParsonsSchoolofDesign #ColumbiaUniversity #GutsyTVDocuseries #GoodMorningAmerica #TamronHallShow #SolightDesignLaterns #sustainableelectricityoption #kcrushamericamagazine #audiointerview #solarpoweredorigamidesignedlantern #kerosenefree #humanitarianaid

 

Over the last decade, fans have learned to accept that K-pop and K-drama stars are also human with desires for relationships and families. The celebrities have also been courageous enough to choose their spouses, including non-celebrities, which has earned them more respect and admiration from fans.  With tight schedules and the weight of stardom on their shoulders, starting a family is a heavy matter with a lot of sacrifices. Moreover, given the overwhelming difficulties surrounding the pregnancy process, the news of these stars becoming fathers and mothers is a joy to behold. Here are some of the K-Pop and K-drama celebrities who’ve announced the pregnancy or birth of their bundle of joys alongside their partners as of April 2024.

 

1. SECHSKIES’s Jang Su Won

Jang Su Won’s dream of becoming a father is finally falling into place. The SECHSKIES band member walked down the aisle with his girlfriend, iconic stylist Ji Sang Eun, back in 2021. The confident and unapologetic YG Entertainment star once commented about their journey with IVF treatment in a bid to become parents. Fans applauded Jang Su Won for his bravery and an inspiration to those going through the same path. After 3 years of waiting, the couple’s dream finally became a reality. Jang Su Won’s wife posted photos of the ultrasound images in March 12, 2024 confirming that they were finally pregnant. Ji Sang Eun applauded her husband for being her rock and the medical team who were with them through the IVF journey.

 

2. Park Soo Hong

The legendary comedian and presenter is finally enjoying life’s good side after an emotionally draining family feud last year.  Park Soo Hong and his supportive life-partner Kim Da Ye are finally going to become parents after 3 years of marriage. The couple registered their marriage in July 2021 and held a wedding ceremony in December 2022. Kim Da Ye shared a heartfelt pregnancy announcement post of the couple’s YouTube channel where they have shared their IVF journey with fans.  Kim Da Ye highlighted that this new blessing will be a relief and a source of joy and comfort, especially to her husband who’s been in pain caused by those closest to him. The announcement was made on March 18, 2024.

 

3. Actress Bae Seul Gi 

The “Oasis” actress created an internet frenzy when she shared news of her pregnancy on her vlog. Bae Seul Gi got married to Lee Seon, a YouTuber, back in 2020. After 4 years of marriage, the couple announced that they are expecting their first child on Bae Seul Gi’s “Shy Confession” YouTube channel. The actress expressed her joy of finally venturing into the motherhood journey with her supportive husband.  Bae Seul Gi went ahead to share the incoming blessing’s nickname, Leeseul, which is a combination of both partners’ names.  The announcement was made in March 17, 2024.

 

4. Actress Cha Chung Hwa

Cha Chung Hwa, known for her impeccable acting skills including in “My Demon” and “Crash Landing On You” dramas, has joined the coveted motherhood league. Cha Chung Hwa recently tied the knot with her non-celebrity boyfriend in October 2023. Her agency, IOK Company, confirmed the exciting news of her pregnancy through an official statement released in January 24 2024.

 

5. Actress Yoon Jin Seo

Yoon Jin Seo, the “A Model Family” and “Secret Love” actress, if now a proud mother after 6 years of marriage. The star tied the knot with her non-celebrity boyfriend back in 2017. Big Picture Entertainment, Jin Seo’s agency, shared the exciting news of her pregnancy last year in July. In January 9 2023, the agency confirmed that the actress and her husband are now parents to a beautiful girl.

 

6. Former TAHITI member Jisoo

Jisoo, the former TAHITI girl group member, is enjoying the motherhood phase of life. Jisoo, who left TAHITI group in 2017 and got married to her non-celebrity boyfriend in 2021, announced that she was pregnant in June 2023. In January 2 2024, Jisoo shared that she is finally a mother to a boy. The star when to thank the fans for their unwavering support through the whole pregnancy journey.

 

7. U-KISS’s Hoon and Hwang Ji Seon

Former Girl’s Day member Hwang Ji Seon and her husband, U-KISS’s Hoon are the newest parent in town. The couple tied the knot May 2022. In October 2022, Hoon announced that he was becoming a father as he flaunted an ultrasound photo of the baby. In January 2 2024, Tango Music, Hoons ‘agency, confirmed that Hoon was officially a father to a bouncing baby boy.

 

8. Former Sugar member Ayumi

The iconic K-Pop star’s desire of having a family is finally becoming a reality. Ayumi, the former Sugar band member, got married to her business man husband in October 2022.  In January 9 2024, Ayumi took to Instagram sharing that she is 5-months. The actress went on to express her joy in motherhood and even shared the nickname of her incoming blessing, “Lucky Eggplant”. Ayumi’s agency, Bonboo ENT, confirmed that the star is expected to give birth in June 2024.

 

 

9. Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In

K-drama icons Lee Seung Gi and Lee Da In are officially parents. The couple confirmed their relation in May 2021 and walked down the aisle in April 2022. Lee Seung Gi’s agency, Human Made, confirmed the arrival of the couple’s daughter and first child in February 5, 2024. Lee Seung Gi, the celebrated singer, actor, host, and entertainer, has finally added the best title of being a father to his name. The legendary Lee Da In, whose biological parents were both renown actors and hails from the Hwanggan Kyeon clan through her maternal side, has also finally embarked on a motherhood journey which she has eagerly awaited.

 

 

10. Former Gymnast Son Yeon Jae

The former Olympian gymnast is finally a mother. Son Yeon Jae got married to her non-celebrity boyfriend back in August 2022. The champion became a hot topic last year when she announced she is expectant in an interview with JTC. On February 20, 2024, Son Yeon Jae’s agency, Next Euphoria, shared a heartwarming announcement indicating that the former Olympian had safely given birth to a baby boy. Son Yeon has been nurturing the younger generation through a gymnastics academy she became involved in after retiring in 2017.

 

11. Boom

TN Entertainment, Boom’s agency, surprised fans with the news of Boom’s newly acquired ‘dad’ title.  Boom is known for his hosting and entertaining skills including in “Amazing Saturday” variety show. Boom tied the knot with his non-celebrity girlfriend in April last year. The arrival of this couple’s baby girl was announced in March 22, 2024.

 

12. Sleepy

The former Untouchable duo band member shared his exciting new journey as a father through his Instagram page. Sleepy, who formed his PVO Entertainment agency upon leaving TS Entertainment, is a renown soloist rapper whose contributions in Korean entertainment’s hip-hop industry is highly appreciated. Sleepy, who doesn’t shy off from flaunting his beautiful family announced shared a sonogram picture of their long-awaited baby back in November 2023. Sleepy broke the news about the arrival of their beautiful baby girl in March 29, 2024.

We want to wish each couple the best and much happiness with their family life and career.

 

—-Makena Mwenda

 

#kpopnewbirths #kdramabirths #kactorsbabyannouncements2024 #kcrushnews #kchildbirth #Sleepy #UntouchableduoSleepy #kcrushamerica #PVOEntertainment #AmazingSaturday #TNEntertainment #BOOMAmazingSaturday #SonYeonJae #gymnist #LeeSeungGiandLeeDaIn #LeeSeungGinewfather #Ayumi #SugarmemberAyumi #newmothers #knewmothers #newfathers #knewfathers #kpopnewbirths #BonBooEnt #HumanMadeLeeSeongGi #HwangJiSeon #GirlsDay #HoonUKiss #Hoon #TangoMusic #Jisoo #TAHITI #kcrush #BigPictureEntertainment #YoonJinSeo #AModelFamily #SecretLove #ChaChungHwa #CrashLandingOnYou #MyDemon #LeeSeon #YouTuber #BaeSeulGi #ShyConfessionVlog #TheOasis “kdramaactress #JangSuWon #SECHSKIES #kidols #kpopannouncements #kdramaannouncements

 

From K-pop stars to K-Drama icons and notable bands like NCT to NU’EST, the compulsory military service has come knocking this year. The mandatory service, in honor of their country, is a rite that every man in Korea is deemed to go through. Here are some of the Korean entertainment icons who have enlisted or have been scheduled to enlist in the military from January to mid-April 2024.

 

1. NCT’s Taeyong

Taeyong will be leading the iconic NCT boy band in military enlistments. Taeyong shared a handwritten heartfelt message on Weverse thanking the fans for their continued support and hopes of connecting again upon finishing his military duties. NCT band’s agency, SM Entertainment confirmed that Taeyong, the band’s leader, will be enlisting on 15^th April 2024.

 

2. VIXX’s Hyuk

Hyuk, VIXX band’s maknae, is scheduled to finally enlist in the military. Hyuk will be the last member to enlist as others completed their mandatory military service months ago. VIXX group’s agency, Companion Company, confirmed that Hyuk will be enlisting on 18^th April 2024.

 

3. VANNER’s Sungkook

VANNER band’s Sungkook will be undertaking his compulsory military service in early May. KLAP Entertainment, VANNER’s agency, confirmed that Sungkook will take a leave of absence to focus on his military duties as of 7^th May 2024.

 

4. Kim Min Kyu

The iconic “Business Proposal” actor recently started his mandatory military service. Kim Min Kyu flaunted the famous military haircut on his social media platforms before officially enlisting on 1^st April 2024. His agency, Companion Company, shared a heartwarming message last month showering the actor with praise and well wishes.

 

5. Song Kang

Song Kang is officially on his military service duty as an active-duty soldier. The “My Demon” and “Sweet Home” actor posted his freshly cut hair on Instagram with a handwritten message thanking his SONGPYEON fans for all the love and support. Song Kang enlisted on 2^nd April 2024 as indicated by his agency, Namoo Actors, back in February this year.

 

6. Hwang Minhyun

NU’EST band member, “Alchemy of Souls’ actor and former Wanna One member Hwang Minhyun is among other K-Pop acts who have enlisted in the military as of April 2024. Just as indicated by his agency, PLEDIS Entertainment, Hwang enlisted into the military after releasing his “Lullaby” digital single. Hwang Minhyun officially enlisted on 21^st March 2024.

 

7. Woo Jin Young

Former D1CE member Woo Jin Young is also almost finished with his first month of mandatory military service. The “Unbelievable” hitmaker and a popular face on Produce 101 Season 2 survival show enlisted on 4^th March 2024. With overwhelming support from his agency, Happyface Entertainment, Woo Jin Young shared his new up-taking with fans on his Instagram page with a promise to come back stronger.

 

8.Woodz

Former UNIQ and X1 member Woodz is another K-Pop star who started his military enlistment this year. Just as announced by his agency EDAM Entertainment, Woodz was scheduled to enlist for mandatory military duties after his World Tour ‘OO-LI’ finale set for 19^th January 2024. Woodz enlisted on 22^nd January 2024 graced by a private ceremony by his agency.

 

—-Makena Mwenda

 

#militaryenlistments #koreanmilitaryenlistments #JanuarythroughMay2024enlistments #kcrush #kpop #kidols #ksingers #kwriters #kpopartists #Woodz #UNIQ #X1 #WooJinYoung #DICE #HappyFaceEnt #Hwang Minhyun #NUEST #AlchemyofSouls #WannaOne #PLEDISEntertainment #SongKang #MyDemon #SweetHome #kactor #KoreanactorSongKang #KimMinKyu #BusinessProposalKDrama #CompanionCompanyAgency #AprilMilitaryServiceKPop2024 #SungKookVANNER #KLAPEntertainment #EDAMEntertainment #HYUK #VIXX #TaeyongNCT #SMEntertainment #NCT #Weverse

 

HOPE ON THE STREET opens with J-Hope saying, “I’m about to start my military service, so this was a chance for me to look back on my life. What is it that made me who I am today? The answer I kept coming to was dance. If I didn’t have dance, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
And it’s on that note that HOPE ON THE STREET invites viewers into the love story between Hoseok and dance.
 

Episode One

The first episode gives viewers a sneak peek of all that is to come–his experience in 5 different cities with expert dancers. This is a great chance to see how much this artform means to Hobi and what an incredible performer he is.

In Osaka, he meets up with two world-famous dancers. Hak-nam, also known as Boogaloo Kin, is known internationally as a dancer with deep roots in street dancing. Gucchon also joins in, a master at popping. Standing next to this incredible talent, J-Hope gets a little shy. It’s heartwarming to see that though he has achieved fame beyond both of these men, he is still humble and recognizes them in their own right.

Next, in Seoul, J-Hope focuses on locking. Regarding this style of dance, he says, “There are times I have to lock myself up, and times I have to let myself go. My life is similar to the locking dance in this way.” I loved these comments along the way that show how interwoven Hoseok’s life is with dance.

Paris focuses on house music. “It makes my heart race, just like a song. It’s exciting! It gets me pumped and it gives me a rush. I think that’s what house is about.” J-Hope really did come to life in this segment; so much joy on his face dancing.

While in New York, Hobi highlights hip-hop. There we see him entering a delightful challenge–dancing a style that is difficult for him! Here, J-Hope enjoys pushing himself; no wonder he is an amazing dancer!

In the preview of the last episode, Gwangju brings the song “NEURON” into the picture. This segment will bring young Hoseok back into frame, and wrap up all the sentiment of the season.

I personally think anyone could skip this episode and be okay, as it really just serves as an introduction without getting into the heart of the season. But it was a nice watch nonetheless.

 

 

Episode 2

Episode 2 introduces the song, “I Hope.” J-Hope comments on it saying, “I was just curious what my future would be like and whether I would still like the things I do now in the future. I’m curious about the future I will build and the futures of dancers who are working with me.”

Hobi meets up with Hak-nam and Gucchon in Osaka, Japan. It was heartwarming to see him become excited to dance with these professionals. J-Hope already knew Hak-nam from years ago and playfully jokes with him, but also has an easily observable respect for this incredible dancer! He comments about being nervous to dance with him several times, but still jumps in and looks fantastic!

J-Hope confides in Hak-nam that his mind keeps turning over the future. He’s thinking a lot now, instead of just doing, and it makes him curious. His circumstances, with fame and success, have made him less desperate. He describes the feeling he used to have as “I have to do this or I’ll die.” Without that, J-Hope feels less motivated, and wants to find his drive for dance again.

Seeing Hoseok learn from Gucchon makes me feel like he will accomplish his goal of finding that motivation. He seems inspired by being around these dancers. And I’m sure this inspiration will only continue through the show.

After a day of dancing with Gucchon, J-Hope shares a heartfelt meal with Hak-nam. Here, Hak-nam shares how proud he is of J-Hope, and how he has watched him grow from his student into a loyal and fully capable dancer. Those words really seemed to touch Hobi’s heart, and my guess is it will light a fire in him that will fuel the rest of the episodes as he grows in desire for dance.

I’m excited to see who J-Hope interacts with next and what life lessons he will share in Episode 3!

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

#Jhope #JHopeBTS #Hobi #BTSdancer #BTSsinger #JhopeOnTheStreet #kcrushreview #kcrush #kpop #kmusic #koreanworldnews #HopeOnTheStreetdocumentaryreview #Episode1 #Episode2review #JhopeandGucchon #Gucchon #kstreetwear #kstreetdance #Haknam #OsakaJapan #Japandanceteacher #Hoseokanddance #locking #poplockingdance #Gwangju #NEURON #kcrushbboying #bboying #BoogalooKin #kcrushamericamagazine #kpopidol #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kculture #Seoul #SeoulandJHope #JhopeMilitaryService #Paris #housemusic #NewYork #hiphop #rap

 

Oneus kept their promise, they kept their promise to return to Dallas and make more memories! It was my second time seeing them in Dallas before their first world tour and the boys only showed excitement for being back. “To Moons”, we’re more than welcome to share how much we missed Oneus by showing off special outfits and many signs. The set list showcased their newer releases such as “Baila Conmigo,” “Erase Me” and “Simulation”.

 

 

From the beginning of VCR, it already felt like Oneus truly never left. When they performed you could see on their faces they loved performing for “To Moons” and seeing their reactions to them whether it was dancing or just posing for pictures. Xion even joked about how he looked at someone in the audience and they “fell in love with him”. Oneus truly felt comfortable joking with us in the audience and making little fun activities for us like asking us questions or even dancing together with them. Oneus was so excited to get us all to “Yeehaw” with them as we did during the first world tour.

 

 

I was excited to hear Oneus made the setlist themselves from what “To Moon’s” favorite songs were. My personal favorites seeing them perform were “Luna”, “Lion Heart,” “No Diggity” and my new favorite “Baila Conmigo”. They put everything into their performances, including the stunts they do. I will have to say my favorite part was when they did their encore songs and came down into the audience. We were sitting by the aisles and seeing them up close and getting to high-five them was an amazing experience. Oneus was my first high-touch experience ever from a K-pop concert, so even though we didn’t get high touch this year it was amazing to dance and have fun with the boys as they ran down the aisle. Oneus truly never disappoints when they go on tour. I feel like we all were excited to see each other, Oneus had a lot of fun in Dallas making TikToks, doing little challenges for Dallas fans and even remembering us from their last world tour.

 

 

Each time Oneus gets to come to the U.S. they get bigger venues and more “To Moon” to join the fandom and make memories with Oneus, which is the one thing the group wants more than anything. “A promise we get to see each other again and make more memories.” I am so happy I got to see Oneus as they continue to grow in popularity, now having two world tours, even as it comes to an end with less than 3 more shows until they go back home and make more music for us as “To Moons” to enjoy. I can’t wait to see what Oneus has in store and see them again on their next tour.

 

 

Thank you KCrush for the opportunity and please, go check out the website and social media pages to support.

 

 

— Ali Johnson (AliZNation)

 

#Oneus #worldtour #OneusWorldTour2024 #kcrushcoverage #kpop #kmusic #kfashion #kconcert #kcrushamerica #Oneus2ndworldtour #koreanboygroupOneus #LaDolceVita #OneusToMoons #LiveNationTours2024 #ToMoonsOneusfandom #kfandom #koreanfandom #OneusinDallas #kidols #DallaswelcomesOneusTour #OneusperforminDallas2024 #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine

 

Electricity. That’s what comes to mind when I conjure the images left burned behind my eyelids after Jjangyou’s performance at SXSW. I don’t know what I expected from a Jjangyou performance, especially one so driven by techno and dub house. What was simply experimentation for the effervescent rapper to learn how to DJ for himself has become something of a mythical turn of fancy. With the guidance, production and musical madness of Jflow and the aggressively unflinching lyrical mastery and chaotic delivery of Jjangyou, Hypnosis Therapy was born, and with it the epitome of controlled chaos.

Visa issues kept Jflow from performing in Austin for this year’s Taiwan Beats day party. However, Jjangyou is a man with very little in the way of fear. While he meanders behind the turntables to begin the set, when he emerges from behind the deck, it’s like the entire atmosphere warps into a black hole, atoms rearranged to bring us out on the other side into a universe unlike one we’ve ever known.

For those who’ve followed Jjangyou since his earliest stages as an MC (in group ILLAP) and Jflow from his melodic melancholy in Hippy Was Gipsy, the combination may come as a surprise. However, the amount of energy should be par for the course. That being said, even someone seasoned in the ways of the mercurial Jjangyou would be forgiven for being a bit in awe.

 

 

From the moment he steps upon the small stage on Palm Door on Sixth’s back patio, Jjangyou is all charisma. What I once described as piss and vinegar has transformed into pure battery acid, so potent it eats through atmosphere like a drop of saliva from a face hugger. What we get as a result is a performance with enough juice to power all of Downtown Austin. From the opening track, Jjangyou is determined to fill the void Jflow’s absence has left. He takes the task on like a man obsessed.

Jjangyou is nothing if not completely transparent. With his limited English, he’s able to convey so much with a few words and a bit of tongue-in-cheek. He flings out a casual, “You understand?” when he finishes each sentence for his largely English-speaking audience. It’s both a delightful bit of levity under the weight of his talent and a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of an artist who uses his growl, cadence and lyrical voraciousness to (somewhat) mask the soft side of his persona. But it’s there, as he jumps around the stage, using every square inch of space afforded him.

 

 

 

His energy drips off him in sheets of sweat, so it’s no surprise when he removes his shirt. The slurred staccato cadence of track “+82” (an homage to his home country) is the perfect representation of what this performance, this man, this group is: unpredictable. Listening to the music through the limited decibels of a smartphone doesn’t begin to truly encapsulate the pure, bombastic sound blaring from the outdoor speakers. Sound waves bend and curl around the listener, causing each person in the audience to either stand in utter awe or begin to move in ways that embarrassment can’t tame. While he laments being “fucking tired,” Jjangyou is relentless. (Now, that’s a word for the entre SXSW experience.)

Then he crawls off the stage. It’s a nifty little bit of sex that those who know him are familiar with, but it still sends a stinging arc of electricity along the skin, a shiver up the spine when he allows his sensuality to sneak through. Jjangyou treats the performance like Halloween, and his audience is candy. Every track is his dare: trick or treat? Which really doesn’t matter because there are some treats in his tricks and vice versa.

 

 

The thumping electronica causes mini earthquakes with every down beat. Jjangyou, topless, fingers wrapped like a suggestion around the microphone and his voice textured like warm velvet, does exactly as the namesake suggests. This performance is hypnotizing. He’s waved the clock in front of us, clicked his spoon against the side of the teacup and opened a universe of endless possibilities to his audience.

With the way he performs and his ferocity on the mic, every person in attendance sent a silent prayer to the stage: “Water me.” So, it’s no surprise when the water bottle comes out, and even less of surprise when Jjangyou pours the contents on his head, then whips the bottle toward the audience. The barrierless stage does nothing to protect the first several feet in front of it, and all participants (as well as anything they brought with them) are subject to splash damage.

Once the set reaches its final song, Jjangyou stands there, a bit of shyness creeping in as the real world starts to meander to the stage to take him away from his adoring fans. He asks, earnestness dripping from his panting mouth, “Was it okay?” Needless to say, the audience is in hysterics.

 

 

Watching Jjangyou perform is muscular work. You have to be ready to wear yourself out trying to keep up with his seemingly boundless energy. Electricity. He is a ball of unadulterated electricity, rivers of the stuff pouring off him in waves. The ground finally stops shifting under foot, only to resume the tremors with the audience’s thunderous applause. Jjangyou has acquitted himself solidly, taking up the mantel for both his partner in melody and himself.

For those who didn’t know him, they sure as hell know him now! Jjangyou is an absolute force of nature. One only hopes that Jflow can join him in the future. If Jjangyou standing on stage was enough to manifest little earthquakes, when the actual DJ takes to the ones and twos, it’s bound to create a seismic shift beyond anything anyone could ever expect. What a way to kick off the music portion of SXSW!

 

—-Cy White

 

#Jjangyou #Jflow #SXSWconcert #SXSWfestival #2024SXSW #kcrush #Taiwan #HypnosisTherapy #kcrushamerica #SXSWfestivalinAustin2024 #ILLAPgroup #DJ #Jjangyouperformance #techno #dubhouse

 

Showcasing his unique colors, the ‘unconventional’ solo artist unveils new track ‘LURE’

Listen to 3rd EP ‘Off The Beat’

Watch LURE Music Video Here

MONSTA X’s I.M continues his ambitious solo artist journey with a new E.P, ‘Off The Beat‘.  With six new songs, each embodying a unique story, the extended playlist incorporates hip-hop and track all the while incorporating ‘atypical’ musical elements from various genres such as soul, R&B, and bossa/Latin music. The new extended play is available on all music streaming platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.

From his former releases ‘Duality’ and ‘Overdrive’, fans around the globe have been immersed in I.M’s unlimited and non-stereotypical musical worldview. ‘Off The Beat’ will be a fresh addition to his portfolio that portrays this distinguished artist’s unique self-storytelling as well as the motif of ‘not following the regular’ and being ‘unconventional’ by utilizing empathy in order to talk about the ambivalence in life that isn’t often mentioned through music.

The focus track, ‘LURE,’ is the first to stand out as a unique musical endeavor, showcasing I.M’s musical expansiveness between his vocals and his rap skills. With a punchy beat and Latin-influenced guitar sound, the tune becomes tangible in the listener’s mind. The opening starts with soft guitar strumming that lures us into upbeat hip-hop and trap sounds, carrying into smooth vocals. Ending with a type of serenading tone with the lyrics “Want ’em to know for sure, can’t keep it on the low, babe can you love me out loud,” I.M sure aims to hold onto the theme of ‘temptation’ and luring his listeners in to the lyrics.

Each song on the tracklist unveils I.M’s current identity and different aspects of his daily life. ‘Bust it’  conveys his self-confidence over a strong trap sound, ‘X0’ is a smooth sound that draws someone in late at night. ‘Skyline’ with its rhythmic beat and tempting lyrics. ‘MMI’ contains self-confessional lyrics in an uptempo exotic melody. ‘nbdy’ is where one is faced with the emptiness of someone’s absence. (Add more later)

With the challenges and opportunities he may face as a soloist, the superstar has been showing such great success as he showed such a more unique side of him and connected with his fans through his previous bodies of work. The rapper is a solo artist under Sony Music Entertainment Korea for his subsequent solo music ventures.

Still remaining as an active member of his group, MONSTA X, I.M takes the role as their rapper and maknae. MONSTA X is a global top tier K-Pop group that has expanded its fandom both domestically and internationally over the past seven years and has been picked up by Epic Records. The group was formed from a survival program called No.Mercy by Starship Entertainment and Mnet in 2015. Since their debut, they have shown many different musical elements of hip-hop, EDM, and pop. The super group has gone on to achieve international success with nine studio albums released. In 2019, MONSTA X signed to Epic Records for their English-language recordings and worldwide distribution. With their first U.S. release of their full-length album “All About Luv” in 2020, MONSTA X ranked number five on the U.S. Billboard 200 Chart. The second release of their English-language full-length album “The Dreaming” in 2021 (under BMG), debuted at number 21 on the Billboard 200. The group’s latest released music as a full group was in January 2023 with the mini album, “Reason.” The boy group has gained popularity throughout their years of being an active group and has even won Next Generation Asian Artist in 2015 at the MAMA Awards, Artist of the Year in 2018 at the Asia Artist Awards, Global Artist in 2022 at the Melon Music Awards, and was even nominated for the Choice International Artist in 2017 at the Teen Choice Awards. Fellow members also release music within units and solo albums.

 

(Credit: Sony Music Entertainment Korea Inc)

 

ABOUT I.M

I.M (Im Chang-Kyun) is a member and the lead rapper of the Korean boy group, MONSTA X, who debuted in 2015. Even as the youngest member of the group, I.M has shown his talent and potential as a soloist through numerous mixtapes and solo EPs, where he contributed to the composing, arranging, and writing of the lyrics. His solo debut EP “DUALITY”, released in February 2021, has gained massive success with five tracks ranking in Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart, reaching 8.5 million views on YouTube for his lead track, “God Damn”, music video and holds over 15.9 million streams on Spotify. While remaining a part of MONSTA X, I.M is currently focusing more on his solo career. With the second EP “OVERDRIVE” released under Sony Music Entertainment Korea in June 2023, he showed a wider range of skills with a style change in his music compared to his work with MONSTA X. This EP ranked first in 14 countries on the iTunes Global Chart and achieved over 1 million streams within 24 hours of the release, which led to this  extended playlist to place on the Melon Hall of Fame. The album carefully sets out the musical worldview pursued by I.M as a soloist through deep, sophisticated sounds and delicate melodies. I.M has been showing great success and growth as he continues to reveal  a more unique side of him  as well as connects with his fans through his latest albums and singles, such as his debut EP “Duality,” his last album “Overdrive,” and his latest single “Slowly.” All five songs in the “Duality” album charted on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales Chart and has about 45 million all time global streams.

 

#IM #MONSTAX #IMdebutEP #Duality #OffTheBeatIM #thirdsoloEP #ImChang-Kyun #kpoprapper #kcrush #MelonHallofFame #iTunesGlobalChart #OverdriveIM #BillboardsWorldDigitalSongSalesChart #kcrushamerica #kcrushnews #kculture #kidol #kmusic #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #whoisIM #MONSTAXIM #IMSolodebut #LURE #focussongLURE #IMnews #kpop