5 Notable K-Pop Groups’ Comebacks in April 2024

 

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

 

Two popular K-drama actors made waves recently for their romance. Han So-hee, known for acting in the drama Nevertheless, and Ryu Joon-yeol, known from Reply 1989, were a surprising pair to come onto the scene less than a month ago. They were spotted and photographed by a fan together in Hawaii. The fan noted that they appeared affectionate. Mid-March, their agencies initially did not confirm the rumors that the photos sparked, but soon they confessed that these two were indeed an item. However, this whirlwind romance has quickly come to an end, with the first reports of the break up coming March 30th. This means the couple was only public for two weeks!

Here’s the tea, and why this has caused a buzz. Previous to this, Ryu Joon-yeol had been in a long-term public relationship with Lee Hye-ri, his Reply 1989 co-star. This relationship lasted nearly 8 years! It was only last November (2023) that they announced their break up, though it was speculated as early as June 2023 that their relationship was on the rocks when Ryu Joon-yeol wasn’t at Lee Hye-ri’s birthday party.

After the Hawaii photographs started making rounds, Lee Hye-ri posted a picture of palm trees on her instagram story with the caption “That’s fun”. Fans also noticed that she unfollowed Ryu Joon-yeol. This only bubbled up the buzz about the new relationship.

 

 

Han So-hee created a social media post not too long after saying, “I like the ‘Transit Love’ program, but it’s not in my life.”

Then, Lee Hye-ri posted on her social media, “I sincerely apologize for the speculations and controversies that arose due to my personal feelings. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was harmed by me.”

There were several more back and forths on social media between Han So-hee and Lee Hye-ri, while Ryu Joon-yeol stayed quiet. Lee Hye-ri’s comments caused fans to speculate that Han So-hee may have spoiled her relationship with Ryu Joon-yeol. However, it seems that the first time Han So-hee and Ryu Jun-yeol spent a decent amount of time together was at Ryu Jun-yeol’s photo exhibition in November 2023. At the time, it was a business meeting, as Han So-hee had received an offer to appear in Deception alongside Ryu Jun-yeol. Because this was around the same time as the Lee Hye-ri break up announcement, and not months prior, it’s hard to believe that Han So-hee is the one who caused the break up.

 

 

Now, post break up, it seems neither will appear in Deception. Han So-hee’s agency commented that these actors wanted to focus more on their careers and that is why their relationship ended. The agency also commented that “Han So-hee gave herself and the public a difficult time due to her personal emotions. Her method of communication was incorrect. She will accept any criticism. Above all, the agency is greatly responsible for not looking after its actor. The agency is reflecting on failing to properly play its role. Although it is very late, we will go on to right things from now on. Please continue to watch with a warm gaze.”

Why do you think they broke up? Is it because of the public drama and emotional stress of their relationship so early on? Or was it just a fling?

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

#HanSoHee #RyuJoonYeol #breakup #idolbreakup #Deceptionkdrama #kcrushnews #kdrama #kidols #kcrushamerica #koreanactors #asiannews #koreanactorsbreakup #unfortunatebreakups #kcrushmedia

 

Entertainment households, from SM to CUBE entertainment, are on a spree to strengthen their labels with new and fresh K-pop acts. With the number of independent entertainment labels rising daily and the global craze for K-pop entertainment, the debuting of new K-pop acts and rebranding of iconic ones has become a marketing norm. Here are some K-pop acts that will be debuting this April 2024.

 

1. NOWADAYS (나우어데이즈)

NOWADAYS is a quintet boy group under CUBE Entertainment set to debut on 2^nd April  2024. Composed of Hyeonbin, Jinhyuk, Yoon, Yeonwoo, and Siyun, NOWADAYS is scheduled to venture into the K-pop realm with their 1st single titled “Nowadays”. With the band’s official social media accounts up and running, the group’s self-titled single is a highly anticipated release among fans whose latest hashtag is #NOWADAYS. NOWADAYS has so far released some teasers for its upcoming singles including “ooWee” and “Ticket” with overwhelming views on YouTube.

 

2. VVUP (비비업)

Ego Ent is also striving to become a worthy entertainment giant label with its latest girl group in town, VVUP. VVUP is a four-member girl group planned to debut on 1^st April 2024, with their 1^st single album titled ‘Locked On’. The group released its 1^st pre-debut single “Doo Doom Chit” in February which was followed by an official reveal of its members who include Hyunny, Kim, Paan, and Suyeon.

 

3. NCHIVE (엔카이브)

NCHIVE is a septet boy group under AUBEMOON STUDIO. NCHIVE was set to debut in early March but was pushed until 9^th April 2024 due to Minjun’s injury during practice. The band comprises HA.L, E.aN, Kangsan, Yuchan, Minjun, Juyoung, and N. NCHIVE is set to debut with its 1st single album titled ‘DRIVE’.

 

4. LUCAS

This iconic Hong Kong-born singer is set to redefine himself as a solo artist through an official solo debut scheduled for 1^st April 2024. LUCAS ventured into the K-pop industry as a member of NCT boy group in 2018 and later joined the group’s WayV subunit in 2023 before leaving the group to pursue solo projects. Under SM Entertainment, LUCAS is set to grace the solo debut through the ‘Renegade’ album which is said to feature three English tracks as well as hip-hop and rock themes.

 

5. SPIA (수피아)

SPIA is a girl group under Campus Entertainment scheduled to debut on 2^nd April 2024. SPIA is a quintet group comprising Nahee, Hana, Kaya, Beeney, and Sera. Formerly CAMPUS GIRLS, SPIA signifies ‘a beautiful fairy spreading wings among the trees’. This upcoming girl band aims to showcase its unique beauty and capability across the entertainment world.  SPIA is scheduled to debut with the “Daddy’s Little Girl (대디스리틀걸)” digital single.

 

In the thematic music video for her song ‘Seven Sisters’, singer, lyricist, composer, and producer Chun Yun Rainbow Chan looks into her ancestry to the ways of the Weitou people and the ‘bridal lament’ of the women yearning to be free of marriages they can’t escape.

 

 

Directed by Anne Berry, Creative Director and Lead Editor at the Hong Kong based boutique marketing and media production company Capsule48, ‘Seven Sisters’ combines the traditional with the modern and contemporary as the ‘Bride’ played by Rainbow (her stage name), sings her own version of a modern-day bridal lament.

The music video is based on the stage play The Bridal Lament (哭嫁歌) where Rainbow demonstrates the various practices young brides took on their way to marriage; putting on the traditional red Qun Kwa, veiling themselves, and eventually being lifted into the carriage that would ultimately take them away from their families and homes for good. The Weitou who are documented as the indigenous people of Hong Kong, was a traditionally patriarchal society, and as with every ancient (and modern) society, young girls and women had very little to no say in determining their destinies. Marriages were arranged for daughters to men not of their choosing or even knowledge, and for the Weitou women, the only way they had to speak out in objection was through their ‘Bridal Laments’; songs in a dialect of the Weitou language completely their own, passed down from mother to daughter, aunt to niece. Not understood by the men.

 

 

Born in Hong Kong before her family emigrated to Australia, Rainbow feels a special calling to honor these women of whom she is a descendant of through her mother. She spent five years researching and learning the language from elders still alive in the city – some of whom can be seen at the end of the music video – preparing the play and eventually the music video which screened as part of the 2024 SXSW Music Festival.

In my interview with Rainbow and Anne we discussed creating the visual identity of the film that borders between the old dark passageway of traditional Hong Kong homes and the new of Hong Kong famous city streets lit up with their trademark halogen signs. We spoke of Anne being inspired by the music and lyrics of ‘Seven Sisters’, and Rainbow’s journey learning about the Weitou, paying homage to her elders, and what the Bridal Lament means to her and her mother.

Rainbow is a multi-disciplinary performer and filmmaker who’s won multiple awards for her work. She’s performed at world renowned venues such as the Sydney Opera House, composed scores for film and TV, and her documentary Songs from a Walled Village was a finalist in the 2021 Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union Prizes.

 

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

 

#SevenSisters #RainbowChan #AnneBerryDirector #SXSW2024 #kcrushinterview #kcrushfilminterview #SongsFromAWalledVillage #Weitou #traditionalredQunKwa #BridalLaments #WeitouWomen #HongKong #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushtopasianentertainmentmagazine #HongKongculture #Capsule48 #music #arrangedmarriage #musiccomposer #musicvideo #kcrushnews #kcrushinterviewSXSW #SXSWinterview

 

Famous for its historical buildings, Korean traditional cuisine, and sporting activities, Jeonju is a one-of-a-kind beehive of activities city. Jeonju City, Jeollabuk province’s largest city, is a blend of urban and rural life intertwined with historical and modern vibes. Jeonju joined UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network after being named a Creative City for Gastronomy in May 2012 for the preservation of archaic traditional cuisine.  The good and gastronomy industry has also credited Jeonju with the “Taste City” nickname amplified by the city’s active involvement in food research and innovative local and international food festivals.

 

 

Jeonju belonged to the Baekju Kingdom before the takeover by Silla Kingdom in 660 AD. In the Goryeo dynasty, Jeonju City became the Confucianism and education center. The city flourished into a cultural and administrative center during the Joseon Dynasty heavily influenced by the Yi family. Despite destruction during the Japanese rule,  Jeonju city’s cultural heritage, traditional cuisine (especially bibimbap), and historical sites were salvaged making the city an international tourist hub.

 

 

Nick-named the “Taste City” and credited the title Creative City for Gastronomy, Jeonju is famous for its rich food culture, especially its traditional Korean cuisine. Jeonju is famous for its Bibimpap version, a Korean traditional signature dish of rice topped up with vegetables, fried egg, and spicy red pepper paste among other ingredients. The savoring deep taste, further facilitated by the high-quality locally-sourced ingredients, and colorful presentation completes the dish. Other famous regional specialties include beansprouts broth and Jeonju Hanjeongsik (traditional full-course meal). Jeonju’s makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) and the delicious street foods are a must-try as well.

 

 

Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village is a must-visit destination. Lined with well-preserved traditional Korean houses with narrow alleyways, this traditional village oozes a deep sense of Korea’s cultural heritage. Visitors can try on a hanbok or explore the art galleries, traditional tea houses, and craft workshops. Other must-visit places include Jeonju Hanji Museum (showcases the traditional Korean handmade paper culture and craftsmanship), Hyanggyo Confucian School (a Joseon Dynasty treasure), and Omokdae and Imokdae (historic sites offering panoramic views of Jeonju Hanok Village) among others. Jeonju City also offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy while catering to various interests. Some of them include hiking in the Jangtaesan recreational forest, bike riding, and boat riding among others.

 

 

Jeonju City is indeed a testament to Korea’s rich cultural heritage, traditional architectural wealth, historical landmarks, and culinary delights. The city is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and thrilling Korean experience.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

 

#JeonjuCity #Korea #KoreanCulture #traditionalarchitectural #traditionalkorea #kcrush #historicallandmarks #kpop #JeonjuHanjiMuseum #TheTasteCityJeonJuCity #kcrushcontent #visitkorea #traveltokorea #tourkorea #funkoreanactivities #topasianentertainmentmagazine #kcrushamericamagazine #magazine #americanasianmagazine #koreanfoods #khistory #culinaryinkorea #JeonjuHanokHeritageVillage #Koreanhandmadepapercultureandcraftsmanship #HyanggyoConfucianSchool #JoseonDynasty #Omokdae #Imokdae #Jeollabukprovince

The phrase “Girls will be girls”, shouldn’t seem like a revelation, but if you pause and think about it…it is. Award-winning writer and director Suchi Talati takes the well-known adage “Boys will be boys”, and recontextualizes it to describe the at times strained relationship between a young mother Anila (Kani Kusruti) and her teen daughter Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), in her debut feature film Girls Will be Girls.

Set in a boarding school in the Himalayas of northern India, Girls Will be Girls, takes the typical coming-of age story and positions it to the coming of age for Mira who, having gained the status of Head Prefect at her school, thinks she’s mature enough to take another step, sexual discovery. Sri (Kesav Binoy Kiron), a new student recently moved from Hong Kong, offers Mira the perfect opportunity to explore her burgeoning emotions as she believes his worldliness and maturity which are vastly different to the other male students, makes him the best choice for her.

As Mira and Sri enjoy their quiet discussions in secluded areas of the school, surreptitious glances across the classrooms, and whispered conversations over the phone, her mother Anila takes note of the changes in her daughter. As Mira becomes more confident in her budding sexuality, her emotions towards her mother become ever more abrasive and dismissive. What Mira sees as jealousy and selfishness in Anila’s interventions in her and Sri’s interactions when he comes to their house, Anila, sees as her duty as a mother looking out for her daughter because she has the foresight to see where wrong move could spell social disaster for Mira in a patriarchal society where image, social status, and female decorum are paramount.

Following the films screening at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, Shuchi and I had a terrific conversation where we spoke about Girls Will be Girls being a coming of age story for Anila, whose loneliness caused her to cling to the attentions of Sri, as a substitute for what she doesn’t receive from Mira and her husband who’s barely a presence in their home and lives.

We also spoke about the pressure to always think about what boys and men think of the way we look, and behave from girlhood to adulthood creates self-consciousness and insecurities that are hard to get over.

Girls Will be Girls had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Award and an Audience Award. For the film, Shuchi has also received Aide Aux Cinémas du Monde and Sørfond grants, and the ArteKINO and VFF Talent Award at the Berlinale Co-Production Market.

 

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

 

 

#GirlsWillBeGirls #SundanceFilmFestival2024 #SuchiTalati #BoysWillBeBoys #kcrush #filmdirector #filmwriter #SundanceFilms #AideAuxCinémasduMondegrant #film #kcrushamerica #Sørfondgrants #kcrushfilminterview #2024SXSWFilmFestival #kcrushinterciew #interview #kcrushamericamagazine

NU’EST was a five-member South Korean boy band that debuted on March 15, 2012, under Pledis Entertainment. This pop, R&B, and electronic music band gathered a massive following, especially with its “Face” debut single whose message on self-acceptance and resilience resonated with many. NU’EST band’s fame further skyrocketed when they participated in Produce 101 Season 2 survival reality show. NU’EST was further promoted by Minhyun, one of its members, whilst a member of the Wonna One group project.  Minhyun’s return solidified the identity of NU’EST in its new journey of evolution and growth. The group’s rebirth showcased their musical diversity and maturity through subsequent albums like the renowned The Nocturne album. NU’EST band’s dedication propelled them to gain accolades both in Korea and across the world.  However, the NU’EST officially announced its disbandment on March 15, 2022, after a decade of impacting the world through its deeply introspective lyrical pieces and captivating performances. Despite their disbandment, the members are still close and even reunited in 2023 to thank their fans for their beautiful journey together. Upon their disbandment, all members went on to undertake solo projects.

 

1. JR

JR was and will always be known as the face and leader of NU’EST as well as the band’s main rapper, main dancer, and vocalist. After NU’EST band disbanded in March 2022, JR signed under Evermore Entertainment in May 2022 to undertake his solo artist and acting career under the brand name Kim Jong Hyeon (his birth name). Afterward, JR, now Kim Jong Hyeon, made a cameo in Yung Sung (Wonna One member)’s “Summer Drive” single in April 2022. In July 2022, JR held his first-ever fan meeting as a solo artist labeled Hi. JR’s first solo debut Meridiem album was released in November 2022. His second album, Brilliant Seasons, was recently released early this year. In addition to making an appearance in Sound Candy K-drama OST in 2023, JR recently released his latest “Motto” single early this year. JR has also been creating waves in the acting arena as he was cast in several noteworthy dramas and web series including  My Friend’s Graduation Ceremony (2023), Sound Candy (2023), and Kiss is the Start (2023).

 

 

2. Baekho

Baekho is known as NU’EST band’s main vocalist. After the group disbanded, Baekho decided to renew his contract with Pledis Entertainment. In March 2022, Baekho released the “Bite!” song for the Crazy Love K-drama. In July 2022, he held his first fan meeting as a solo artist titled, “Baekation”. In October 2022, Baekho released his first solo EP Absolute Zero before embarking on the “BAEKHoney Day” mini-Asia tour in January 2023. Baekho has MCed in various shows including Idol Departure Dream Team season 2 and is currently one of the judges in the Build Up: Vocal Boy Group survival show that started airing early in January 2024.

 

 

3. Aron

Aron is and will always be NU’EST group’s lead rapper, lead dancer, and sub-vocalist. After NU’EST disbanded, Aron renewed his contract with Pledis Entertainment. In March 2022. Aron became a co-host of the Korean Cowboys podcast alongside the television personality Joel Lane. In May 2022, Aron hosted Real Korea 5 season 2 before holding his first fan meeting as a solo artist the same month. In July 2022, Aron became a co-host for the After School Club television show and later opened his private messaging service in November 2022 through Wonderwall’s “Fromm”.

 

 

4. Minhyun

Minhyun is still considered NU’EST band’s visual and lead vocalist. After NU’EST disbanded, Minhyun also renewed his contract with Pledis Entertainment. In September 2022, Minhyun released the “Again” single for the Votiz vol.3 album. In February 2023, Minhyun released his first mini-album, Truth or Lie, with the captivating “Hidden Side” hit single. In September 2022, Minhyun hosted the KCON 2022 JAPAN. Minhyun solidified his acting career and appeared in notable dramas including Alchemy of Souls (2022-23) and My Lovely Liar (2023). He was recognized for his acting skills by winning the New Wave Award (Actor) and Best Acting Performance awards in 2022 for his role in Alchemy of Souls drama.

 

 

5. Ren

Ren will remain NU’EST band’s maknae and sub-vocalist. Upon NU’EST group’s disbandment, Ren signed up with BPM Entertainment in May 2022. Ren was cast in the Longing for You mystery-thriller drama in November 2022 and in The Three Musketeers musical theatre in September 2022. Ren held his first solo fan concert titled “The Day After” in Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong from November 2022 to February 2023. In June 2023, Ren officially debuted as a solo artist with the EP Ren’dezvous which was followed by a mini-Asia tour. In November 2023, Ren was cast as the male lead in the Winter Wanderer musical. Ren then ventured into acting after landing a role in the Shadow Confession drama that saw him earn his first award nomination at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards.

We want to wish all members great success in their solo careers.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#NUEST #wherearetheynow #kcrushwherearetheynow #RenofNuest #ShadowConfessionRen #NUESTdisbandmentnews #kpop #MinhyunNuest #MyLovelyLiarMinhyunofNuest #AronofNuest #AfterSchoolClubAronNuest #BaekhoofNuest #kdramawithidol #BuildUpVocalBoyGroup #SoundCandyJRofNuest #JRofNuest #KissinthestartJF #kdramawithNuestmembers #kcrusharticle #kcrushTopamericanasianentertainmentmagazine #kcrushamericamagazine #disbandedkpopboygroup #kpopboyband

 

Due to unforeseen production challenges, we have made the difficult decision to not return this April 2024 for WE BRIDGE. Our team is dedicated to providing a high standard for all the wonderful fans who travel far and wide to see their favorite artists in person.

If you’ve bought tickets, please look out for an email coming shortly with more information regarding a full refund. We are looking forward to coming back next year to see all of you and thank you for your continued support!

 

Japanese group GENIC have released their third album, ‘N_G’, on March 6, 2024.

 

GENIC third album ‘N_G’

Released March 6, 2024

Download and streaming links: https://genic.lnk.to/N_G

GENIC / ‘N_G’ official music video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_z0ETA8pP8

GENIC / ‘N_G’ YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJThXH8HWXOjrKApLtfjUAlejlhlrUnk0

The album’s title ‘N_G’ comes from the “SeveN_Gifts” of its seven talented members,

and is also a reference to the Japanese phrase “Negai_Goto”, which means a wish from the heart.

With songs based on these themes, the album is filled with the type of vocal harmony that is unique to this seven-member co-ed dance and vocal group, and all the excitement and playfulness that J-pop brings.

The album includes 15 songs. Seven of these were created through a combination of the seven members’ individual talents, from composition to lyric writing to choreography, and others were produced by artists including Taiki Kudo from boyband Da-iCE, 2023’s Best Global Music Album Grammy Award winner Masanori Takumi, and Jazzin’park hitmaker Shingo Kubota.

From the deep meanings underpinning the album’s title to the worldbuilding of its songs, ‘N_G’ is the perfect introduction to GENIC and their music.

 

 

About GENIC

GENIC are a new-generation seven-member co-ed dance and vocal group, who formed in Japan in 2020.

The group’s seven members are ATSUKI MASHIKO, JOE NISHIZAWA, KAKERU AMEMIYA, MAIKI NISHIMOTO, MARIA KANEYA, RYUKI KOIKE and YURARI UI.

Recently, MASHIKO has also been pursuing a career as an actor, attracting attention from fans around Asia after starring in the hit drama series ‘My Personal Weatherman’;

and since March, he has appeared as Haku in the stage adaptation of ‘Spirited Away’, taking his popularity to new heights.

 

Further information

Website | bio | Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube

 

 

#GENIC #ATSUKIMASHIKO #JOENISHIZAWA #kcrush #KAKERUAMEMIYA #MAIKINNISHIMOTO #MARIAKANEYA #RYUKIKOIKE #YURARIUI #MyPersonalWeatherman #Asia #Japanese #JPOP #co-ed #HakuinSpiritedAway #MashikoinSpiritedAway #GENICNG #kcrushaboutGENIC #kcrushamerica #Japan #GENICThirdAlbum #SevenGifts #NegaiGoto

The Himalayas are majestic mountains known around the world for their awe-inspiring beauty. You can find Himachal Pradesh nestled away in Northeast India among the Himalayas. It’s filled with peaceful valleys, breathtaking views, and a colorful culture. There’s a timeless mix of tranquility, spirituality, and adventure. Below are some of the best sites and experiences to take in from this beautiful part of the world!

 

 

Shimla Kalka Toy Train

If you visit Northeastern India, a wonderful experience is riding the iconic toy train from Kalka to Shimla, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This train journeys through Himachal Pradesh, taking you on a ride with picturesque views. The railway runs about 96 kilometers, traveling through plains, mountains, and villages nestled in the hills. The route also has many tunnels and bridges, making for an interesting passage.

The vintage cars call back to the 19th century when the railway was constructed during the British era. For visitors who want to see the landscape in a leisurely way, this train is the perfect opportunity. With serene views and an experience calling back to times past, the Shimla Kalka Toy Train is a must!

 

 

Solang Valley

If you’re ready to go on a thrill-seeking adventure, Solang Valley is the place to be! Located near Manali, this valley has plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities, as well as breathtaking views and a serene ambiance.

If you travel here in winter, you’ll see snow-capped mountains, and plenty of snow activities like skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding. During other months, you’ll be able to enjoy paragliding. Flying above the valley is an amazing way to see the stunning landscape with green meadows and thick forests.

If you aren’t about the high thrills, you’ll likely enjoy hiking here. Many stunning trails will allow you to take in waterfalls and lakes. With plenty of serenity waiting for you, the Solang Valley is truly a Himalayan treasure.

 

 

Dharamshala

If you enjoy a spiritual getaway, Dharamshala is the place to be. McLeod Ganj is located here, which is the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as Tibetan refugees and monks. Visitors will be surrounded by monks in maroon robes going about their daily rituals and prayers. You can attend teachings and meditation sessions from Buddhist masters, sharing Tibetan Buddhism.

An iconic landmark, the Tsuglagkhang Complex, is a custard-colored monastic village. You can go inside a temple here and pray. The area is beautiful, with colorful prayer flags hanging around the village. There is a palpable tranquility, perfect for finding a sense of inner peace. And don’t forget to hike the Triund Hill for amazing panoramic views.

 

 

Palampur Tea Gardens

Located in the Kangra Valley, the town of Palampur has several lush tea gardens amongst the picturesque mountain range. Dating back to the British colonial era, the Palampur Tea Gardens have become a staple in the community. For those who want to learn about tea cultivation, there are plenty of guided tours in the area to show you everything from tea production to processing. You can also experience a tea-tasting session, allowing you to enjoy the brews that make the area famous and distinct.

If you enjoy tea, you’ll need to bring your wallet. There are plenty of varieties to try and take home. This is a wonderful experience for anyone who enjoys a relaxing, yet educational, trip.

 

 

Madras

Himachal Pradesh has some amazing food options. One of the staples here is madras, a creamy curry. The main ingredients are chickpea flour, aromatic spices, and yogurt. The chickpea flour is first roasted and then mixed with the yogurt to form a paste. This is then heated until it forms a creamy consistency, when the spices are mixed in. Madras can feature vegetables, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), chicken, or lotus stems. Served with naan or rice, it’s a dish you can’t miss.

Himachal Pradesh is a destination that is sure to impact any traveler. From the stunning mountain views, to the adrenaline rushes, spiritual centers, and incredible food, there’s something for everyone in this part of India!

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

#Himachal #HimachalPradesh #kcrush #travel #traveltoHimachal #Madras #PalampurTeaGardens #KangraValley  #Palampur #Dharamshala #kcrush #kcrushamerica #vacationinHimachalPradesh #vacation #sightsee #foods #Himachalfoods #Himalayan #mountains #trainrides #travelthroughmountains #peacefulvacations #wintervacation

 

As one of Cocone’s most ambitious projects yet, AlterEgo City seeks to redefine digital social interaction with deep levels of player choice and customization

Cocone, a leading Japanese immersive entertainment studio at the forefront of avatar and digital fashion creation, today announced the launch of AlterEgo City (formerly known as Centennial and AlterEgo City), a unique digital experience at the intersection of art, fashion, and music, now available on iOS and Android devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play. The launch of AlterEgo City represents the first major games release from Cocone in the US market, and stands as a testament to the company’s work in digital avatar creation.

AlterEgo City transports players to the visually stunning and bustling world of Centennial, an immersive experience that offers them the chance to customize and design their own unique digital avatar. This customization is present through all aspects of the game, with unique designer digital fashion items to collect and their own personalized living space to decorate within the city.

Players will also have the chance to choose their own unique companion in the form of an Alter Ego, which can then evolve into different forms based on player choices in-game. AlterEgo City also offers players the chance to produce their own music, with the ability to develop custom tracks that can be heard through the player’s AlterEgo. Each of these customization options are able to be shared with friends online, creating a user-driven social environment.

“Starting today, players can experience the incredibly vibrant and densely packed world of AlterEgo City and have the freedom to express themselves however they see fit, through art, music and fashion that they choose,” said Mari Kim, CEO of Cocone Xenon (formerly known as Cocone NY) and lead creative visionary for AlterEgo City. “With virtually endless customization options, we can’t wait to see what the player base creates within our world, where they can be the version of themselves they have always envisioned.”

Cocone has grown to be one of the most popular digital entertainment developers in Japan, with over 15 years of experience crafting genre-defining experiences throughout their many services. With the launch of AlterEgo City, Cocone looks to bring their trademark digital avatar customization and social interaction experience to players in the US, the first major step for the company as it expands into the global games market.

For more information about AlterEgo City, including how to download the game for iOS and Android devices, please visit https://www.alter-ego.city/

 

 

About Cocone

Cocone is a Japanese immersive entertainment studio at the forefront of the avatar and digital fashion creation space. Founded in 2008, Cocone is a global company with offices in Japan, Korea, Estonia, and the United States. Cocone is committed to creating innovative and engaging avatar social experiences that connect people across the world. To date, the company boasts over 140 million downloads of its games, over one million unique digital items created, and over 17 billion digital items sold across 15 services, headlined by Livly Island and Pokecolo.

For additional information, please visit: https://cocone-one.com/.

 

—- Jiyoung Lee

 

#AlterEgoCity #MariKim #kcrushinterviewwithMariKim #kcrush #IOSgame #appleIOSgame #MariKimdeveloper #Cocone #CoconeNY #MariKimCEOofCoconeXenon #Androidusers #CentennialandAlterEgoCity #applestore #kcrushannouncement #kcrushmedia #videogame #kpopvideogame #fansofkpop #kcrushamerica #digitalavatar #designavatar

The 2024 Autumn/Winter Seoul Fashion Week, hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, unfolded from the 1st to the 5th at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) and E-Factory. This event, under the banner of “Change, Expansion, and Diversity,” captured significant attention by introducing a novel format of shows and sales across Seoul, marking a transformative approach in engaging audiences and participants.

Innovative Exhibition Formats and Expanded Participation

The Seoul Metropolitan Government enhanced the “Off-Show” system, allowing individual designers to freely conduct their shows at external locations. This initiative successfully reduced overall event congestion, offering designers more freedom and creativity.

Indeed, this initiative subtly optimized crowd distribution across venues. This innovative approach to show planning not only alleviated congestion but also enriched the attendee experience. Coupled with expanded exhibition formats and a broader geographical spread from Dongdaemun to Seongsu-dong, these strategic elements significantly contributed to the event’s success. Despite the more distributed audience, the event witnessed a notable increase in participation, with attendance rising by approximately 3,000 from the previous year, reaching a total of 37,650.

 

 

Diverse Designers and Collections

This year’s Seoul Fashion Week saw the integration of established designers’ “Seoul Collection” with the emerging designers’ “Generation Next,” showcasing a total of 21 designers. The event kicked off with designer Park So-young’s Julycolumn opening show, followed by positive receptions for collections from KwakHyunJoo, Sunwoo, AjobyAjo, WhySoCerealz, BLR, Greedilous, Demoo Parkchoonmoo, Doucan, Lie, Ulkin, and wrapped up with Hannah Shin.

 

Highlights of the 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week by Brand

AjobyAjo (아조바이아조)

AjobyAjo’s 2024 F/W collection garnered significant attention at Seoul Fashion Week with its theme, “The Chain”. This concept, inspired by the work of Taiwanese photographer Chien-Chi Chang from the Magnum Photos collective, explores the complex relationship between individuality and social connections through the imagery of people linked by chains. The collection is designed to appear as a unified image from afar but reveals individual uniqueness and stories through distinct poses and face tattoos up close.

 

 

Designer Kim Se-hyung reinterpreted elements of contemporary street fashion such as varsity jackets, loose-fit shirts, layering, cargo pants, and wide pants to highlight AjobyAjo’s unique color. Additionally, by selecting non-professional models from diverse social backgrounds, including drag queens, transgender individuals, people with disabilities, and the elderly, this collection powerfully conveyed messages of social diversity and inclusivity. This approach further solidified AjobyAjo’s position as a brand that transcends mere fashion to narrate personal and societal stories.

SUNWOO (선우)

Gaining attention for managing stage costumes for the LaChica team in “Street Woman Fighter”, SUNWOO, launched by designer Jang Sun-woo, draws inspiration from one-touch tents to represent “a movable temporary safe space”. This concept underpins the ‘fun-to-wear’ collection, focusing on expressing the attributes of clothing in a challenging and sophisticated manner. The 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week collection explored the space between the human body and clothing, emphasizing structural and experimental silhouettes under the themes of “Variation of Planes and Solids” and “Visualization of Mathematics”.

 

 

The stage showcased SUNWOO’s humor and wit through geometrically shaped looks and a particularly creative yellow geometric dress, all presented by models who stood barefoot, enhancing the brand’s unique ambiance.

 

KWAKHYUNJOO COLLECTION (곽현주 컬렉션)

The theme of KwakHyunJoo’s 2024 F/W collection was “Alice in Search of the Future”, presenting a collection filled with dreams and explorations of the future. This collection offered futuristic yet mystical girlish romantic looks, reminiscent of a journey to a future wonderland. Utilizing paper folding details and sculptural beauty, the designs showcased KwakHyunJoo’s creativity and signature style, while a collaboration with vegan cosmetic brand “WISMIN” conveyed a message of sustainable fashion.

KwakHyunJoo emphasized the journey of individuals seeking their own paths amidst an uncertain future through the collection. Incorporating recycled denim, check patterns, and signature dresses, the collection created a futuristic yet romantic atmosphere, proposing garments that allow wearers to encapsulate their stories. This approach highlights personal expression through fashion, encouraging everyone to harbor dreams and hopes for their future.

 

 

WhySoCerealz (와이쏘시리얼즈)

WhySoCerealz caught the eye at the 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week with a collection themed around “Friendship”. This show, blending various performance arts into a musical-like format, broke traditional fashion show molds. Drawing inspiration from the biblical friendship of Jonathan and David, it explored the true meaning of friendship through fashion. Designer Lee Sung-bin enriched the show by reflecting each model’s individuality and style in the garment designs, making each a muse, thereby enriching the fashion show’s depth.

 

 

WhySoCerealz focuses on conveying personal stories and social messages through fashion. This collection prompted a reevaluation of relationships and connectivity beyond mere clothing, introducing a novel reinterpretation of fashion show formats that left a lasting impression on the audience. Each design emphasized the wearer’s personality and freedom of expression, reaffirming the importance of self-expression through fashion.

 

BLR (Bluer Lives in the Rough)

BLR presented its collection under the theme “Quiet Riot: Capitalism” at the 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week, showcasing a deep philosophical and aesthetic approach centered around denim. This collection, which was held at S-Factory in Seongsu-dong, deeply explored the essence of denim, combining traditional allure with modern interpretations to offer a new aesthetic experience. BLR reimagined the denim archive with a rough and opaque mood, strengthening its identity as a denim-based brand.

 

 

The collection utilized various materials like cotton, leather, nylon, and wool to create heavy silhouettes, offering a sense of comfort and coziness as if covered by something, reflecting the brand’s contemplation on quiet rebellion and capitalism. Notably, a collaboration with sports brand Reebok showcased new endeavors, elevating the brand’s uniqueness and completeness. Through this collection, BLR delved into the beauty of denim and the responsibility of sustainable enterprises in the fashion industry, voicing a unique stance at the intersection of fashion, art, and commerce.

 

 

—-Jiyoung Lee

 

#SeoulFashionWeek2024 #FallWinterSeoulFashionWeek #kcrushcoverage #kcrush #BLR #designerBLR #BluerLivesInTheRough #WhySoCerealz #friendship #KwakHyunJooCollection #WISMIN #vegancosmetics #kcrushamerica #SUNWOO #TheLaChicaTeam #SeoulMetropolitinGovernment #change #expansion #diversity #DongdaemunDesignPlaza #DDP #Efactory #kcrushtopamericanasianentertainmentmagazine #Reebok #kpop #kfashion #koreanfashion #fashion #asianfashion #kpopfashion #kcrushfashioncontent #denim #Seongsudong

 

Japanese boyband LIL LEAGUE have released their first full album, ‘TRICKSTER’, with all tracks available on download and streaming services now.

The album ‘TRICKSTER’ includes the song ‘Lollipop’, which began advance streaming on February 5, and whose music video is fast approaching 4 million views, as well as the up-tempo song ‘FeiLong’, which became a fan favorite at concerts and a much-requested release.

The album also includes ’15 Minutes’ and ‘Okay’, both of which were unveiled during the group’s LIL LEAGUE LIVE TOUR 2023 ‘LIL GATEWAY’ hall tour held in Japan last summer, as well as new bonus tracks ‘Tungsten’ and ‘I don’t care’.

‘Tungsten’ was performed by the group’s senior vocalists Sena Iwaki and Tatsuhiro Nakamura as a duo.

The song’s title refers to tungsten metal, which is so hard it can only be cut by diamonds. In a world where it can be so difficult to show individuality, the song expresses how we can overcome the barriers in society if we have determination and bonds as tough as tungsten.

‘I don’t care’ was sung by group members Kodai Yamada, Matora Okao, Haima Momoda and Sora Namba.

Over a piano and cowbell accompaniment, the members recount a time when they were forced to overcome feelings of hopelessness and apathy, creating a vibe that is different from LIL LEAGUE’s previous poppier, more upbeat songs.

The song was written by Yusuke Saeki, who has provided songs for many different artists, and British hitmaker Kevin Charge.

The ‘LIVE’ version of the album includes a Blu-ray packed with footage from the Tokyo performance of LIL LEAGUE LIVE TOUR 2023 ‘LIL GATEWAY’, as well as a behind-the-scenes movie from the tour, while the ‘MV’ edition includes the music video for ‘Lollipop’ and behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot, along with music videos for other LIL LEAGUE singles to date.

LIL LEAGUE made their debut in January last year and won the Best New Artist Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards, while their debut single ‘Hunter’ ranked No.1 on the Oricon Chart and No.2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart.

LIL LEAGUE were also selected by respondents in the Next Trend Prediction poll for the second half of 2023, based on the choices of 120,000 Generation Z voters.

The results of the poll can be seen here (in Japanese): https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000090.000020799.html

After a whirlwind debut year that included holding a headline hall tour of Japan just six months after their debut, LIL LEAGUE are moving into a new phase – and anticipation for their upcoming first full-length album is reaching fever pitch.

 

LIL LEAGUE

🎬 ‘Lollipop’ music video:

https://youtu.be/cCP1vluMi1Y

 

‘TRICKSTER’ download and streaming links:

https://lilleague.lnk.to/TRICKSTER

 

❏ LIL LEAGUE MEMBERS

Sena Iwaki (19)

Tatsuhiro Nakamura (19)

Kodai Yamada (18)

Matora Okao (15)

Haima Momoda (15)

Sora Nanba (15)

 

 

❏ RELEASE INFORMATION

‘TRICKSTER’

First album released February 28, 2024

 

List of formats (10 formats in total)

▼ General distribution editions

① Limited edition first pressing CD: RZCD-77898; 3,500 yen (including tax)

② LIVE version CD + Blu-ray: RZCD-77899/B; 7,700 yen (including tax)

③ MV version CD + Blu-ray: RZCD-77900/B; 5,500 yen (including tax)

④ CD only: RZCD-77901; 2,500 yen (including tax)

 

★ CD purchase links ★

https://lilleague.lnk.to/0228_1stAL

 

Tracklist:

Visit the link below for full details (Japanese):

https://lilleague.jp/news/detail.php?id=1112972

 

❏ LIL LEAGUE official links:

https://linktr.ee/lilleague