BTS Concerts Tickets Sold Out before Public Sale – ARMY raises Donation For Ukraine

BTS at New Jersey’s Met Life Stadium (Big Hit Entertainment)

 

Tickets for BTS’ upcoming “Permission To Dance On Stage – Seoul” concerts were sold out on the first day as were those for the group’s Las Vegas shows earlier, which is no surprise.

The tickets for all three BTS in-person concerts were sold out in a few hours after they went on sale exclusively for BTS fan base ARMY at 8 p.m. a day prior to the public sale.

The K-pop supergroup’s management did not reveal how many seats are available for the shows, but it is expected to be around 45,000 given that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism allowed the group to have 15,000 spectators to each of the planned three concerts at a 70,000-capacity stadium to provide some physical distancing due to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, tickets for the group’s four shows at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 8, 9, 15 and 16 were also sold out on the first day of booking.

Ticketmaster tweeted, “All shows are now sold out. There will not be a General Verified Fan Presale or General Public Onsale.”

All of the tickets were bought by ARMY – so there will be no tickets left for the general public for the four Las Vegas shows. Those wishing to see the Las Vegas concert will have to seek second-party sellers at a much higher price.

 

Ukrainians taking cover in front of J-Hope’s birthday billboard at Kyiv Metro Station

 

ARMYs who Failed to get Tickets for BTS Concert, chose to Donate the Money to Ukraine

BTS fans have yet again donated for a great cause – this time to the people in Ukraine during their time of Russian invasion.

Since the group’s fan base can be found all around the world, the Ukrainian BTS ARMYs reached out online about the troubles Ukraine is currently facing, and the International Army immediately took action in order to help.

BTS was holding several shows in Seoul and Las Vegas, so those who did not get to purchase tickets for any of the shows, decided to donate the money to Ukraine instead.

ARMYs united to actively raise funds to support the people of Ukraine to raise a donation goal of $1 million, which is the same amount they raised for the Black Lives Matter movement back in 2020. Some are even going beyond their means to help out the fellow ARMYS who had to flee from Ukraine.

 

-J.Chung.

 

#BTS #BTSARMY #soldoutconcert #BTSARMYdonationtoUkraine #kpop #HYBE #BIGHIT #BTSFans #PermissionToDanceOnStage #ARMYmembers #JHOPEkyivmetrostation #kcrushnews #kpopboygroup #BTSSeoulConcert #BTSLasVegas #BTSAllegiantStadium #kpopidol

 

Won Soju, the first alcoholic beverage launched by singer-songwriter and entrepreneur Jay Park, was introduced last month on Feb. 25 at the brand’s pop-up store at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, Seoul.

Visitors to the department store will be able to try the Won Million, a cocktail made by mixing soju with sparkling water and topping it with lime slices, and the Won Toddy, a mix of hot water, apple, cinnamon syrup and the company’s soju.

After the one-week promotion at The Hyundai Seoul, Won Soju will be available via the company’s website from the end of March.

Although it has only been available for a minute, Jay Park’s brand drink is already considered a hot commodity and high in-demand for soju lovers – due to being sold out whenever the bottles are stocked.

Won Spirits was established in 2021, and the company attracted an investment from TA Ventures, the investment arm of California-based entertainment company Transparent Arts.

Won Soju contains 22 percent alcohol content and the price is 14,900 won (approximately $12) for a 12.7 fluid ounce bottle.

The price is several times more costly than a regular soju in South Korea, and Jay Park has said to have initially envisioned creating a premium soju brand that could be served in posh bars all around the world.

Soju is a traditional distilled soju made of Korean rice, and other starches like potato and sweet potato, which dates back to the 13th century Goryeo era.

 

 

According to the Liquor Tax Act, it is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages online in Korea, but since Won Soju is categorized as traditional liquor, it will be available online.

Park said, “I’m so happy to introduce a premium soju brand that can represent Korea. Starting with the launch, we plan to globalize soju by introducing the specialties of soju not only in Korea but abroad as well.”

On top of his soju venture, Jay Park recently launched another entertainment label called MORE VISION.

Jay Park debuted in the K-entertainment industry in 2008, and has founded music labels AOMG (Above Ordinary Music Group), H1GHR MUSIC, and More Vision.

Covering music from hip-hop to R&B, AOMG houses rappers, vocalists, producers and DJs, including Code Kunst, Loco, Gray, and Lee Hi. Park is also signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation for his promotions in the States.

 

-J.Chung.

 

#WonSoju #JayPark #newventure #H1GHRMusic #AOMG #MoreVision #kpopidol #kpop #soju #traditionaldrinkofkorea #koreanrapper #TheHyundaiSeoul #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #DJ #Internationalentrepreneur #kpoprapper #founderofAOMG #JayParkSongs #JayParksSojuBrand

 

The 26th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN, Festival Director Shin Chul) is recruiting participants for its Fantastic Film School program until midnight May 1 (KST).

Applications can be submitted at BIFAN’s online entry site (http://entry.bifan.kr/en). Both active and aspiring genre filmmakers are welcome to apply. Even if you are not selected to take part in the program as a student, you may still be selected to audit the classes and attend all the lectures online.

The final list of participants will be posted on the BIFAN website on May 30, and each participant will be contacted individually. More information can be found under the Submission section of BIFAN’s website (http://www.bifan.kr/eng). Inquiries can be made to the BIFAN’s Industry Program Team by phone (032-327-6313/ext.143) or e-mail (naff.ffs@bifan.kr).

This year’s Fantastic Film School program will be taking place on and offline for 7 days, from July 7 to 13, while the film festival is in session (July 7 to 17, 2022). The program will be celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. On hand to serve as dean will be Brian YUZNA, the director, producer, writer, and actor who is well-known for his splatter films.

Fantastic Film School is a genre film production education and networking program for emerging Asian filmmakers. Experts from various fields within the global film industry are invited each year to give lectures on everything from the planning and development phase of filmmaking, to distribution and marketing strategies for completed films. Participants enrolled in the program are also given an opportunity to pitch their projects and receive mentoring.

Over the years, masters within the genre space, such as Ted CHIANG (science-fiction writer), Joko ANWAR (director and producer), Wayne WANG (director), Christian L. SCHEURER (visual artist), Mick GARRIS (director and producer), William FRIEDKIN (director), and Tony KAYE (director), have taken part in the program to teach in-depth master classes.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a metaverse space called the Bucheon Fantastic Castle (via gather.town) was built for Fantastic Film School last year. This space, along with an offline community room, allowed for the program to take place both online and offline.

“Over the years, Fantastic Film School has produced 325 genre filmmakers, who are making films all over the world,” said BIFAN’s NAFF managing director, Jongsuk Thomas NAM. He revealed, “We have high expectations for this year’s dean, Brian YUZNA. A master of horror film, Brian YUZNA has worked in the US, Italy, Spain, Canada, and Mexico as a producer, director, and writer, and the students will have a chance to explore his creative expertise and cinematic world.” NAM went on to add, “We hope to get many applications from participants who dream of making genre films.”

 

 

 

–J.Chung.

 

 

#Bucheon #BucheonInternationalFantasticFilmFestival #BucheonFilmFestival #FantasticFilmSchool #filmwriting #BIFAN #ShinChul #aspiringfilmaker #application #filmmakerapplication #Korea #KoreanFilmSchool #newfilm #BucheonFantasticCastleMetaverse #metaversespace #NFF #JongsukThomasNam #BrianYuzna #filmproducer #WayneWang #TonyKaye #MickGarris #kcrushnews

 

Korean actors Lee Jung-jae and Jung Ho-yeon have won for best male actor and female actor in the TV drama category at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for their roles in the Netflix drama “Squid Game.”

At the ceremony held at Santa Monica, California, Lee Jung-jae was honored as the winner of Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series, over Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong of “Succession,” and Billy Crudup of “The Morning Show.”

Jung Ho-yeon received the prize of Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series over Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon of “The Morning Show,” Elisabeth Moss of “The Handmaid’s Tale” and Sarah Snook of “Succession.”

The two became the second Korean actors ever to win the SAG Awards – since Youn Yuh-jung’s win for “Minari” last year.

 

 

Created and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the global hit Korean drama “Squid Game” earned three top honors, including Outstanding Action Performance as a Stunt Ensemble, during the Sunday night celebration.

The drama was also nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, but lost out to HBO’s “Succession.”

Since the early 90s, Lee Jung-jae has been an acclaimed actor in South Korea, starring in numerous works including New World, The Face Reader and The Housemaid.

Lee accepted the SAG Award on stage and spoke with the help of an interpreter. “Thank you so much! This is truly huge that it’s happened to me. Thank you so much SAG-AFTRA awards and thank you to the global audience for all of your love for “Squid Game.” And thank you to the “Squid Game” team.”

For Jung, this moment was even more special as she won the trophy for her acting debut. Her role in the drama was to play a North Korean defector Kang Sae-byeok who participates in the Squid games for very heartbreaking reasons.

“First and foremost, thank you so much. I have sat many times watching you on the big screen dreaming of one day becoming an actor. I just want to say thank you so much,” the model-turned actress expressed her words via the interpreter.

She added in English, “Thank you for making my dream and opening the door for me. I love my Squid Game crew!”

Veteran actor O Yeong-su, who played the role of Oh Il-nam and the mastermind of the Squid game, won a Golden Globe January of this year for Supporting Actor.

The Korean drama has broken numerous records as the first Korean TV series and first foreign-language show to be nominated for SAG Awards, and became Netflix’s biggest series launch with 111 million views.

 

 

The writer and the director of the hit series, Hwang Dong-hyuk said that “today has to be the happiest moment” from winning the SAG Awards.

“I am reminded of all the days spent on first meetings with the cast, the auditions, visiting theaters to see their performances, the script readings, rehearsals and the days on set.

“I want to truly thank not only the cast who have been nominated today but also all of the supporting and the near-300 background talent. “Squid Game” would never have been what it became without the devotion and hard work of every single one of you. You deserve all the glory and credit,” Hwang said during a statement to E! Online.

To the delight of the survival drama fans, “Squid Game” is said to be returning for a second season and a potential third chapter.

 

 

-J.Chung.

 

#SAG #SAGAwards #LeeJungJae #JungHoYeon #SquidGame #Netflix #kdrama #Asiandrama #NetflixKoreanDrama #koreanactor #topkoreanactress #AsianNetflixshow #SAGawardwinner #topratednetflixshow

 

JYP Entertainment’s newly launched girl group “NMIXX” recorded the highest debut album sales by a girl group ever in K-pop history.

NMIXX sold 227,399 copies of its debut album “Ad Mare” since its release one week prior, on February 22 – which definitely made a statement that the group is definitely the “it” girl group to look out for this year.

“Ad Mare,” means “from sea to sea” in Latin.

The much-talked-about music video for the EP’s title track “O.O” also marked over 20 million views on Youtube since the first day of release, and went on to gain 40 million views in five days.

 

 

The viewers’ reaction to NMIXX’s music video was mixed, however, what the majority of the viewers need to understand is that, the title track music videos are often created to mainly showcase what the act is capable of, so the whole concept and visuals may not be consistent and may leave many perplexed.

Some netizens commented that the concept and certain images of “O.O” music video plagiarized ATEEZ and AESPA videos.

Overseas, the EP topped iTunes albums charts in countries like Taiwan, Brazil and Mexico, and also scored high in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada and others.

On March 1, NMIXX attended a press showcase for their debut album.

Since they are a part of JYP Entertainment that also manages TWICE, and ITZY, NMIXX members have received a lot of attention and comparisons to the mentioned girl groups.

When asked about it during the showcase, NIXX’s leader Haewon said, “It is such an honor to be able to debut under JYP Entertainment, following in the footsteps of our sunbae artists who truly represent K-pop. It still doesn’t feel real, but we are trying to approach it not as a burden, but as a driving force.”

She added, “We were able to receive so much love and anticipation for our debut because we are new JYP Entertainment artists. To repay the fans for their faith in our sunbae artists, we constantly monitored the music, performances, and variety shows of theirs, so that we could take after their strong points. We will do our best so that we can also contribute to JYPE’s lasting title as the girl group powerhouse.”

NMIXX (Korean: 엔믹스 in Korean, and pronounced N Mix) is a South Korean seven-member girl group formed by SQU4D, a sub-label of JYP Entertainment.

The members go by the names: Haewon, Bae, Lily, Jiwoo, Sullyoon, Jinni, and Kyujin. All the members are Korean, and Lily is speculated to hold dual citizenship, since she is half Korean and half Australian, who grew up in both countries and trained under JYP since the age of 12.

 

 

 

-J.Chung.

 

 

#NMIXX #JYP #Girlgroup #Kpop #AdMare #Koreangirlgroup #kpopmusic #kcrushnews #SQU4D #Haewon #Bae #Lily #Jiwoo #Sullyoon #Jinni #Kyujin #AdMare #kcrushmedia #girlgroup #newmusic #topofcharts #newEP #kpopidol #kpopfan #kpopnewgroup #kpopdebut

 

After ten years, Nu’est have announced their disbandment set for March 14, 2022.

On February 28, 2022, Pledis Entertainment announced on HYBE’s Weverse* page that Aron, Ren, and JR will not renew their contracts with the agency, setting the stage for Nu’est’s disbandment. Baekho and Minhyun opted to renew their contracts according to Pledis’ announcement.

 

Hello.

This is PLEDIS Entertainment.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the fans who have shown boundless and unwavering support for NU’EST over the past ten years.

The exclusive artist contract with NU’EST will conclude as of March 14. Our company and the members of NU’EST went through careful consideration and discussions on the future of the individual members, what would be the best path for everyone, and how they can present their best selves.

JR, Aron, and Ren have decided to start afresh after leaving our company. Baekho and Minhyun will renew their contracts. We respect and support the decisions of every member as they are the result of careful and extensive consideration and discussions.

NU’EST is a valuable group that holds a special place in our company as the first boy group of PLEDIS Entertainment. The group has been loved by many with their stylish music, performances, and the way in which they write their dramatic narrative with their fearless attitude since their debut. We would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren who have always put their best foot forward over the past ten years.

NU’EST will cap off their official activities as NU’EST of PLEDIS Entertainment with their album that will be released in March. PLEDIS Entertainment wishes the best for the members’ new leap forward and growth and will continue to cheer for their bright future ahead of them.

We would like to express once again our gratitude to L.O.Λ.E who have always stayed by NU’EST’s side. We ask you to give your unchanging love and support to the members as they embark upon the next chapter of their careers.

Thank you.

 

Following Pledis’ announcement, each Nu’est member release messages to their fans.

 

From JR:

Hello, this is NU’EST’s JR. Now that it’s almost spring, it seems like winter is gearing up for one final cold spell. How are L.O.Λ.E doing?

I don’t know how to say this, so I’ve been rewriting this dozens of times. After a long period of thought and discussion, the members have each decided to go their own ways. When I look back on the past 13 years, counting both the time it took for us to prepare to debut as NU’EST and the time we spent with all of you as NU’EST, there was not a single day when I didn’t feel grateful. I know very well that that was possible due to L.O.Λ.E and the members, so I’m still afraid and scared of standing alone.

I feel like there is nothing I can say to comfort the disappointment and pain of L.O.Λ.E. I also don’t think I can express in writing how much I love L.O.Λ.E and thought of them. You watched over our teens and twenties and helped us walk only the best and most beautiful paths, and I sincerely thank and love you. This love and gratitude is not in the past, but in the present and future.

I also bow my head in gratitude to the staff at Pledis, including CEO Han Sung Soo, who led and watched over a country boy who didn’t know anything so that he wouldn’t fall into the wrong path.

I intend to keep piling up the experience properly and sincerely just as I have been doing until now.

When the spring snow blossoms and a nice breeze begins to blow, I’ll greet you again with good news.

This was NU’EST’s JR.

 

Baekho wrote:

 

Hello, this is NU’EST’s Baekho.

I’ve already spent 10 years as NU’EST member Baekho. If I think about everything that happened before our debut until now, I’ve cherished new dreams, achieved those dreams, made new dreams, and experienced things I’d never imagined.

To be honest, it hasn’t been long since I even believed that we would be able to say thank you on our 10th anniversary. I’m so grateful to the members and to L.O.Λ.E and to countless other people for making me able to say it.

The time we spent together has made me who I am today and will continue to make me who I am in future.

Even though there were moments when I felt desperate or frustrated, the more time I spent with L.O.Λ.E, the more I wanted to go slowly and for a long time with them. In future, I will continue to walk step by step while sharing emotions like love and laughter with you. To the NU’EST members, I love you.

 

Aron– who, in 2021, took six months off from promotions to focus on his mental health– said:

 

Hello, our L.O.Λ.E. This is NU’EST’s Aron. Even as I write this, I’m worried about what to say.

NU’EST debuted in 2012 and we ran all the way until this year, 2022, while only looking at L.O.Λ.E. In the past 10 years, there were many hard times and moments when we wanted to give up, but we were able to overcome them thanks to L.O.Λ.E. Thanks to you, I was able to learn a lot about love, gratitude, and what’s precious. Thank you so much. It was through NU’EST that I was able to meet L.O.Λ.E, and I have spent the happiest and most precious moments of my life with L.O.Λ.E. Thank you for giving me memories that I will never forget for as long as I live. I was really happy.

I’m very scared and nervous to do things on my own, but I’m going to stay with you, so don’t be too sad. I’m going to work hard to repay the love I’ve received over the past 10 years, so I’d be grateful if you kept on walking this road with me.

Please show your love and support for the other NU’EST members, who will continue to shine in the future.

To L.O.Λ.E, I’m sorry, thank you, I love you.

 

Ren added:

 

Hello, this is NU’EST’s Ren.

First, I can only say I’m sorry to the L.O.Λ.E who must have been waiting for the news about our contract renewal.

It feels like just yesterday that I was 16 and left my parents to become a trainee in order to achieve my dream of becoming a singer, but somehow it’s already been 10 years since I debuted as NU’EST.

When I was young, I was homesick for my family and caused people around me to worry with my anxiety and nervousness about my debut, but because I was with the other members, we were able to run together toward our common goal. After we debuted, it was thanks to L.O.Λ.E, who were always with us and made happy moments with us and cheered us on, that I was able to endure everything. It was a very warm and happy time that I spent with L.O.Λ.E.

Since it’s been so long, it was that much more difficult to make this decision… but I’ve decided to leave NU’EST and walk in a slightly different direction. It’s not a path I’ve walked before, so I’m a little scared and cautious, but I want to take courage and walk it. It feels unfamiliar not to know what path will open up in front of me next, but I will use the work I’ve done until now as my driving force and be brave and walk forward.

I think that I am able to exist now because of the members and L.O.Λ.E. I won’t forget how I feel right now and walk with confidence. I am grateful for all the moments that I spent as NU’EST’s Ren.

 

Finally, Minhyun wrote:

 

Hello, L.O.Λ.E, it’s NU’EST’s Minhyun. It’s been a long time since I expressed myself through a handwritten letter, but I grabbed the pen because there was something I wanted to share.

I have a lot of worries about how to say this in front of L.O.Λ.E, who are waiting with excitement and happiness for our 10th debut anniversary. After many discussions about NU’EST’s future with the members and the agency, the members and I have decided to make a fresh start.

From our debut in 2012 to now in 2022, we only looked forward. There were many times when we were tired an exhausted and wanted to cry, but we thought of L.O.Λ.E and overcame and endured it. The reason we were able to run so far without tiring, our driving force, was L.O.Λ.E’s love and support. I will never forget the gratitude I feel for the love that you have given us.

L.O.Λ.E, thank you for giving us such warm and happy moments. I was happy. Through meeting L.O.Λ.E, I learned how to give and receive love. I will repay your love by working for a long time with sincerity.

Finally, I hope that you will also walk together with all the other NU’EST members, who are my closest friends and family, toward a bright future.

 

The quintet will release one more album prior to disbanding.

Nu’est debuted March 12, 2012 with “Face,” which was a powerful debut in a year that also featured the debuts of EXO, B.A.P, and BtoB. Over the years, Nu’est popularity ebbed with them regaining increased popularity following JR, Ren, Baekho, and Minhyun’s time on Produce 101 season two. Minhyun was later named as a member of Wanna One.

Nu’est had two sub-units: Nu’est W, which performed sans Minhyun while he was with Wanna One, and Nu’est M, which debuted in China with a sixth member, Jason, who hailed from Yuehua Entertainment.

We will certainly miss Nu’est, but we hope they’ll reunite in the future!

 

 

*HYBE became Pledis Entertainment’s majority share holder May 25, 2020.

Sources: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

 

 

 

—-Olivia

 

#NU’EST #NU’ESTDisband #kpop #LOVE #koreanboygroup #Pledis #HYBE #Aron #Ren #JR #Marchnewsingle #NU’ESTM #NU’ESTW #Weverse #kpopmusic #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #kpopidol #newmusic #March2022 #koreanboygroupdisband2022 #NUEST #willbemissed

 

The treasure technique of glass blowing is said to have originate from Syria back in the 1^st century. The technique quickly found its way in the Asian peninsula thanks to the legendary silk road glass trade in South east Asia and China. Since then, glass blowing has evolved into a specialty with the products used for luxury and commercial purposes among others. In the modern day, glass blowing is seen as an artistic work given its highly intricate prerequisites, especially the know-how on various aspects such as designs and color theory among others. Various Asian countries have embraced the glass blowing culture and have refined it into a cutting-edge work of art.

 

 

Japan; although famously known for lacquerware and bamboo, got introduced to glass blowing by the Portuguese in the 18^th century. The country has heavily invested on the technique, including embodying the art into its curriculum in institutions such as University of Osaka and Niijima Glass Centre. Another investment which has facilitated the glass blowing tradition in Japan is the presence of museums including Toyama, Hakone, Kai and Nakama galleries. Consequentially, most of Japan’s glass arts–whose complexity, pattern and design differ by an artist’s theme–have become the pinnacle of highly-rated galleries globally. The Japanese glassware evolution started with the Nagasaki glassblowers as pioneers to notable glass artists such as Kyohei Fujita, Tosichi Iwata, and Jutta Page.

 

 

Having been introduced to the skill right around the same era as Japan, South Korea has also advanced its glass blowing technique. Just like Japan, South Korea has also invested in transferring the technique’s knowhow and aptitude by integrating it in educational institutions such as Kook-mi University and Joon glass studio. The presence of museums–including Jeju glass museum–and exhibitions facilitates the continual perfection of South Korea’s glass blowing art.

 

 

China is alleged to have acquired the skill of glass blowing from the West in the 3^rd century with the glass artifacts made with lime and soda. However, the discovery of Chinese-shaped glass objects dating back to the Han dynasty of 206 BC and 220 AD suggests otherwise. Regardless, China has perfected its glass blowing technique throughout generations. One of China’s most iconic promoters of glass art is the Shanghai museum of art glass where pieces of notable aesthetics and skills are displayed. Programs in institutions such as Shanghai University and Tsinghua university further spread the glass art culture. Meng Du. Tittot and LiuliGongFang are some of China’s notable glass artists. Liuli art; also known as Chinese crystal art, is China’s most cultural and authentic glass art given its ancient Chinese-influenced designs

 

—-P. Earlkh

 

#glassblowing #Asianglassblowing #Chinese #ShanghaiMuseum #KookmiUniversity #JeJuGlassMuseum #JoonGlassStudio #LiuliArt #crystalart #UniversityofOsaka #NiijimaGlassCentre #glassartmuseum #Tittot #liuliGongFang

 

 

SKY-HI has released his first single of 2022, a collaboration with production unit 3RACHA. The track, ‘JUST BREATHE feat. 3RACHA of Stray Kids’, was released on February 21.

 

Download and streaming links:

https://sky-hi.lnk.to/JUSTBREATHE

 

3RACHA is a production unit made up of Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN; they are a sub-unit of ultra-hot Korean boyband Stray Kids.

‘JUST BREATHE feat. 3RACHA of Stray Kids’ is an experimental, dramatic track produced by UTA, who has worked with artists from Japan and abroad such as Daichi Miura, BTS, AI and TWICE. SKY-HI, Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN worked together to produce the lyrics and toplines.

Each drawing on their own unique style, the four artists express their “reason to exist” through the lyrics, a theme that is in sync with these difficult times. As the track progresses from one phase to the next, the technical and emotional rap lyrics in Japanese, Korean and English leave a deep and lasting impression, echoing what so many of us feel – in sometimes shocking ways.

Along with the new single, the music video for ‘JUST BREATHE’ has also been released. For this fully-CG video, a playable game program was created to resemble a driving videogame, with the “player” controlling the movement of a buggy ridden by SKY-HI and 3RACHA as well as a motorbike ridden by SKY-HI, moving through a virtual space while synchronized with the sound frequency of the drum line. The video makes use of cutting-edge tech to fuse the chaos of the modern world with the track’s dynamic vision.

 

SKY-HI / ‘JUST BREATHE feat. 3RACHA of Stray Kids’ (Prod. UTA) -Music Video-

Keep an eye on SKY-HI and 3RACHA, so you don’t miss the changing of an era.

 

 

Release information

Digital single

Artist: SKY-HI

Title: JUST BREATHE feat. 3RACHA of Stray Kids

Release date: February 21, 2022

Download and streaming links: https://sky-hi.lnk.to/JUSTBREATHE

Music video: https://youtu.be/nR_wFk5KfIU

 

SKY-HI profile

In addition to his incredible rap skills, SKY-HI creates a variety of self-produced entertainment works as an outstanding vocalist, dancer and track-maker. He is also CEO and artist producer of management agency and label BMSG. Through his active roles on all sides of the industry, he highlights new possibilities for the Japanese music scene.

He made his debut in 2005 as a member of the group AAA, and at around the same time, he began taking the mic at clubs in Tokyo under the solo name SKY-HI, where he quickly gained props in the hip-hop scene. He made his major debut in 2013 and has released five original albums so far, with the high quality of his music gaining him praise in not only the hip-hop community but across genre boundaries.

In 2020, he launched his management agency and label BMSG, of which he is CEO. In the same year, he hosted the boyband audition series ‘THE FIRST’, and the following year he produced the boyband BE:FIRST.

BMSG: https://bmsg.tokyo/

Official website: https://avex.jp/skyhi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyhidaka/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkyHidaka

Ameba blog: https://ameblo.jp/sky-hi-blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyhi19861212

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SKYHICHANNEL

Subscription services: https://avex.lnk.to/SKY-HI_music

 

3RACHA profile

3RACHA is a three-member production unit within boyband Stray Kids consisting of members Bang Chan, Changbin and HAN. Last year, ultra-hot Korean boyband Stray Kids achieved JYP Entertainment’s first million-selling album release, having reached excited fans around the globe when they won the survival show ‘KINGDOM: LEGENDARY WAR’, quickly climbing to the top of the K-pop world.

 

Stray Kids official site: https://www.straykidsjapan.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stray_kids_jp　

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/straykids_official_jp/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@straykids_japan

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXhj2pPWvONXmvgHX5wllCA

Official fan club: https://skz-stayjapan.com/s/n104/page/about_main

 

#SKYHI #StrayKids #3RACHA #BangChan #Changbin #HAN #JustBreathe #JPop #KPop #kpopidol #JapaneseCollaboration #newrelease #newsingle #SKYHIChannel #BMSG #firstsingle #JYP #AAA #StrayKidsProductionUnit #Tokyo #TheFirst #BEFIRST #kcrushnews #kcrushpress #vocalist #dancer #Japanese #AMEBABlog

2012 was arguably one of K-Pop’s most influential years! It’s hard to believe a decade has passed since the releases of “Gangnam Style” and “Fantastic Baby,” perhaps two of the most prominent hits of the year that had non-K-Pop having fun with the viral crazes both songs launched. 2012 also gifted us the debuts of Ailee, B.A.P, EXO, EXID, Fiestar, SPICA, BtoB, Nu’est, AOA, VIXX, and Crayon Pop. The year also featured the disbandments of Big Mama and Loveholics.
There are many fans that consider 2012 the year that got them into K-Pop. Here is a look back at the many songs released during the year. Of course, this isn’t every song that came out!

 

In addition to this look back, we also created a Spotify and a YouTube playlist for your Throwback Thursday listening pleasure!

Spotify

YouTube

 

Now it’s your turn! What were your favorite songs, stories, and moments from 2012? Share and reflect in the comments below! What was 2012 to you?

 

– Olivia

 

HID&GEM (힏엔젬, stylized HDnG) consists of four members: Roars, Airson, GoldenAge and X. HDnG’s main concept is to have the members’ identities concealed until the group reaches 1 million views.  

The four-member group made its debut on 25 December 2021, with 4SHADOWS.

We’d like to thank the members of HID&GEM for this interview, and we wish them all the best in all their ventures!

 

Would you introduce yourselves to our readers, please?

Roars: Hello, dear KCRUSH readers, we are HDnG! Thank you for liking a small group. HDnG has a lore concept and a shadow concept. We hope to give everyone something new every day.

Airson: For the HDnG interviews we have done before, we said hi to everyone in countries like Poland and Brazil. To all the readers of KCRUSH around the world, HDnG says hello to you! I am Airson!

GoldenAge: Hello! For HDnG Lore, all 4 members have special characters. We have a mission, to find real identity from 100 characters. In the first HDnG Lore, I am Nyeve, a girl who can make thunder.

X: Hi, KCRUSH America, we are so happy to meet you. Airson’s English is bad, but he will translate for us today.

 

Tell us the meaning behind all your names, and enlighten us on how the names were created.

Roars: Every member has a Korean stage name created in the summer. I am Jae-in, the other members are Hayan, Gu, Da-il. But our company decided on a shadow concept, so it is hard to know which member is which. Then in the summer, every member got a new English stage name with English meanings to fit each member’s voice. My voice is a lion.

Airson: Hello! Airson sounds like the wind. Hope my voice gives you calm, comfortable vibes.

GoldenAge: My voice sounds like a memory from like 100 years ago. Maybe like a boy, like a girl, like an old person, like a child – all together at the same time.

X: The real story is, because I am a rapper, I don’t have a very unique voice like the other three members. So my voice is a mystery, X.

GoldenAge: Actually, staff have a special answer for X’s voice – it sounds like cream black charcoal, drawn on rough paper.

 

What are HDnG’s concept, direction of music, and musical qualities?

Roars: HDnG’s concept is that we are four shadows in a card game, we have to find identity from 100 people. If we guess wrong, then we also disappear. To make the concept more fun, 100 people all have a story. HDnG Lore will have 100 stories. I hope all 100 characters can become your friends.

Airson: HDnG’s music concept… Before, we did not answer in interviews, but now, 4 SHADOWS and secret B-side HEALON’S THEME both are on Youtube, so we can say our concept, lol.

The concept is that each member has a special music genre, and four genres clash together to become DUBSTEP. In 4 SHADOWS, Roars is 1980 dance music, X is trap, Airson is celtic, and GoldenAge sounds like a 1910 old CD. Okay, the staff told Airson that it is not a CD. It is vinyl.

GoldenAge: Airson takes all the answers, he’s a very naughty lead vocalist. Pre Chorus in 4SHADOWS, is traditional Korean music style with bells. One PRYSMA in the world wrote a comment on December 25, saying that 4SHADOWS is like Pansori. Dubstep Pansori, is 4SHADOWS concept, haha.

X: Actually, I remember, PRYSMA said Pansori for HEALON’S THEME Secret B-side. In Pansori, there is some talking, so maybe in the future, HDnG will do very traditional Pansori? For now, we are finding new things we can bring from Korea, then we’ll see if the world likes it!

 

 

Tell us how you all got into music and was this something that you wanted to do growing up?

Roars: I liked music from childhood and watching TV with my nanny. I would stand in front of the TV to watch idols sing. But my childhood dream was to join a surfing competition in Hawaii.

Airson: Roars forgot his old answer, lol. Roars like music, because of movie music back then, and he introduced some good movies to me. I like music because of music from overseas like Celtic songs. Also, the elvish themes from Lord of the Rings! My childhood dream was to become an elf, haha.

GoldenAge: My mom. Mom taught me many old songs and hymns. My dream was to have talent in the future. I didn’t know what kind of talent, but in childhood, I hoped I could have talent in the future.

X: I like many rappers, and Roars is the lead rapper, so I like him. For singing, I can say that it’s something special because of HDnG’s concept, and many songs sound like OST for movies or anime. And to have rap in every OST, like HEALON’S THEME sounds bad, so the staff say that X also has to learn singing. So for music, I learned a lot from the three members. One special thing is that the three members have to sing in a unique way, so their voices will not mix up with my voice. Those three members keep a space for me, so I can have an easy time singing.

 

How would you describe HDnG’s musical sound in one word?

Roars: Hard.

Airson: Dark.

GoldenAge: Roars and Airson answered like that because HarDark is HDnG’s old group name. I would say it’s OST.

X: Fantasy.

 

Which artist would you most like to collaborate with?

Roars: We had TikTok before we had our debut, and on TikTok, we shared dance videos we like from many groups who inspire us to be good idols. So there are maybe 200~300 groups, and it is true, HDnG members like too many groups, small groups, and even disbanded groups. If you like, you can come see HDnG’s old TikTok from 2021, and watch some very good dance videos from 300 groups, lol.

Airson: One other thing that we may like to try is to sing together with some singers outside of our country. I mentioned in an interview before that we’d like to work with Enya, and Miriam Stockley, now I will add one more: Afro Celt Sound System.

GoldenAge: Maybe it is hard to find a different answer because Roars already answered 300 groups… GoldenAge will say, any group who disbanded that we like. We want to say thank you to them for giving us a happy childhood. 1st generation group, 2nd generation group, 3rd generation group, thank you for making our hearts warm in 2022 and in the future.

X: Ok, I have to think of a new answer, maybe for something new, partner up with a vocaloid person, like Japanese singer Hatsune Miku. Or anyone who likes to sing together with HDnG, HDnG will run to sing with  you!

 

Please recommend any songs that you listen to frequently nowadays.

Roars: At the company, we listen to new comebacks every day. Then we train their songs and learn their choreography. So everyday, there are so many new things to do for us, so it is hard to answer!!! Today is the second month in 2022, and song we learned is TAN 낙하산은 펴지 않을게요

Airson: TAN!!!! TAN!!! I was very happy to see TAN because C-CLOWN and 24K are the groups we like very much. The one song I like very much is TREI – TURN THE LIGHT.

GoldenAge: It is an old group, but because Airson said TREI, which makes me think of  EXID. EXID songs UP DOWN and WHO’S THAT GIRL make me have hope – many songs, even when people do not like them, or do not know them, can still be good songs.

X: Roar’s snoring.

 

When do you feel the most content or happy?

Roars: When PRYSMA feels happy, because it makes us feel, HDnG’s work is affected by them.

Airson: Maybe when I see something amazing in nature like white clouds.

Or when the staff give us some new information from outside the country, like we have a new interview today. Thank you!

GoldenAge: When together with family. Or when people who work very hard, the world sees them work very hard. When the world sees these people, I feel very happy. Also, this answer is not for HDnG, HDnG does not work very very hard, Airson and X eat snacks every hour.

X: Maybe when everyone cheers for the same goal. When everyone works for the same goal, I feel very happy.

 

What’s the first thing that you tend to do when you get up in the morning?

Roars: Wow, this is a special question. I check the time, then count how many hours of sleep I had. I know from the clock if today will be very tiring for training, I would have a plan for the day’s training.

Airson: I wake up, and think about what kind of work I’ll be doing today, how to do work very well and how to be better. Then realize everything is in a dream, actually, I am still in a dream world and did not plan on anything.

GoldenAge: Sleep. Sleep is a very good feeling. I sleep, until the staff comes.

X: Is going to the washroom a good answer? Maybe not. New answer: I take the phone and take a picture of the three members sleeping.

 

Tell us about your interests or hobbies you have.

Roars: I hope to direct a movie one day. Then go to a different country of the world, maybe a small place of nature, where no one will find me. Turn my life like an adventure movie.

Airson: Drawing!

GoldenAge: Draw, watch old videos, maybe read books from child time.

X: Gaming. One day, I hope I can make a game. A game in “Ri”, based on the world of HDnG Lore. Fashion design.

 

Tell us which artists you admire, and what direction of music you’d like to pursue in the future.

Roars: Wow, this is hard! To choose an answer, maybe for now, EXID’s SOLJI, because her group disbanded, then she joined EXID. Also, she has a lot of health issues and she is so strong. Any person who works very hard to make people feel happy, we want to learn from them.

Airson: In the future, I hope HDnG makes something to show the world, and show that HDnG can perform many different types of songs. But I also need to keep HDnG style. So it is hard. Dear PRYSMA, thank you for waiting for us, HDnG feels so happy when we know PRYSMA around the world is waiting for us four members.

GoldenAge: HDnG has one dream. In 200 years, when people find a HDnG song, maybe 4SHADOWS, they can still say: Oh, what a good song! I hope every song we sing can make this dream come true!

X: Hip hop, more rap. It is hard, because rap and HDnG Lore concept do not match together, LOL.

 

Share with us the goals and plans for the year ahead.

Roars: It will be hard, but I hope we can have a new song each year, and new Lore characters for PRYSMA. Every day, we will train and try to make our dreams come true. We hope we can achieve our goal! If we achieve this, HDnG wants to say thanks to everyone from all different countries for giving four boys a chance, a chance in Korea, and a chance in the world.

Airson: I hope 2022 is the year when the new PRYSMA will have many happy times and make new friends. The members sometimes use a translator to read PRYSMA messaging each other, which makes us happy.

GoldenAge: Small secret, no spoiler, there are some “hidden” words in 4SHADOWS video, and in Lore wiki, it tells secrets regarding HDnG’s future. Hope one day, all hidden words come true.

X: My plan is to try out new things. HDnG’s goal is the same as the company’s, which is to always try out new things. If the new things have a  0.00001 chance to meet a new PRYSMA, and make more PRYSMA happy in the universe, we will try to do that for you. Thank you!

 

– J.Chung.

 

 

#PRYSMA #HDnG #HDnGX #HdnGGoldenAge #Airson #Roars #kpop #gaming #gaminggroup #newconceptgroup #4SHADOWS #newsong #HID&GEM #fourmembergroup #DUBSTEP #HealonsTheme #Koreangroup #koreanpop #OSTmusic #fantasymusicsound #hiddenwordsin4Shadowvideo #kcrushinterview #kcrushnews #HatsuneMiku #AfroCeltSoundSystem #EXID #Pansori #SecretBSide #4shadowsinacardgame #cardgame #traditionalkoreanmusic #musicwithbells

 

HYBE Corporation peaked at its all-time high in its revenue, as the first K-pop management agency to surpass $838 million in its annual sales.

The South Korean entertainment company which houses acts like BTS, TXT, NU’EST, ENHYPEN, and ZICO, stated that its operating profits increased to a whopping 30.8% in 2021.

HYBE revealed that the annual sales for 2021 was 1.25 trillion KRW, up 58 percent compared to the year prior. Its operating profit leaped to 30.8 percent on-year to 190.3 billion KRW with a net profit at around 141 billion KRW, an increase of 62 percent.

This marks the first time HYBE has exceeded 1 trillion KRW ($838 million) in its annual sales, and it’s the first time ever for any K-pop agency to do so.

HYBE’s massive increase is undeniably due to the success of BTS and the company’s ventures like Weverse, games and digital webtoon that feature BTS.

The K-pop group’s album for “Butter” raked in a lot for the company by selling an estimated 7.4 million copies, and the single topped the Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart for 10 weeks.

HYBE’s album sales increased overall by 18 percent from the previous year to 378.5 billion KRW, with groups like Seventeen, TXT and Enhypen selling 3.7 million, 1.8 million and 2.2 million copies, respectively.

The entertainment company which started off with very humble beginnings, also owns Ithaca Holdings, the music label of Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and other American acts since the company fully took over the label last year. Ariana Grande sold 2.4 million copies, and Justin Bieber 2.35 million copies last year.

With everything on the increase for HYBE, its earnings from concerts however were otherwise, compared to 2019. Due to the pandemic in 2020, BTS cancelled what would have been their biggest tour ever, and held online shows for their fans instead.

HYBE’s sales from live performances surged 980.5 percent year-on-year to 49.7 billion KRW in 2021, and 45.3 billion KRW of them came in the fourth quarter.

BTS’ concerts in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at the end of last year generated 40 billion won (33.3 million) in sales from just the in-person events. HYBE stated that when sales from YouTube Theater and online streaming are included, it recorded its biggest-ever sales.

 

– J.Chung.

 

 

#HYBE #Kpop #BTS #TXT #Enhypen #YouTubeTheater #onlinestreaming #HYBEsales #kpopidol #kpopmusic #SoFiStadium #LosAngels #Ithaca #TXT #ARMY #BTSConcert #April2022 #Seoul #ConcertsInKorea2022 #kcrushnews #ZICO #HYBEAnnualSales #SEVENTEEN #HYBELabel #BIGHIT #Weverse #Butter #Billboard #BTSWorldTour #PermissionToDanceOnStage

 

K-pop superband BTS are delighting US-based ARMY by announcing a four-night residency ‘BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – LAS VEGAS’ on April 8, 9, 15 and 16 at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

These are the latest dates the Bangtan Boys have added to their Permission to Dance world tour to headline the nearly 65,000-capacity stadium in Las Vegas.

Registration for tickets are currently available and open until Saturday, February 26th at 5pm PT on HYBE website.

Those who can’t get tickets for the in-person shows have an option of  attending watch parties at the MGM Grand Garden Arena or stream the concert from the comfort of their homes during a live stream of the April 16 show.

The in-person live broadcast event “LIVE PLAY in LAS VEGAS” will also be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena for four days, and streamed online on April 16, the last day of the BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE tour.

 

 

For the Korea shows that were announced earlier this month, an online stream will be available on the March 10 and 13 shows, while the March 12 concert is scheduled for live broadcast in movie theaters worldwide.

The abrupt news of the BTS Las Vegas shows follows an announcement earlier this month that the group would perform three shows in Seoul on March 10, 12 and 13 at the Seoul Olympic Stadium in front of a live audience. This will be the group’s first concert to an in-person audience in South Korea in two and a half years or so.

While the K-pop group is currently said to be taking a break since the end of last year, the members are also working on a new album to release this year.

Big Hit Music revealed that it would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the fans around the world who continue to show support for BTS and they will return as their best, healthiest selves after recharging so they can return all the love from the fans.

The management also released a statement via Weverse on February 22 that BTS member V was released from isolation today since he has fully recovered from COVID-19.

 

 

-J.Chung.

 

 

#BTS #LasVegas #Kpop #PermissiontoDanceonStage #WorldTour #HYBE #BIGHIT #Weverse #SeoulOlympicStadium #March2022 #kpop #kpopidol #ARMY #BTSTickets #TicketMaster #onlineevent #livestream #kcrushnews #koreangroup #newmusic #BTSConcert #kpopmusic #April2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

A line-up of musicians performing at the 2022’s SXSW (South by Southwest) yearly event is out and Asian artists, including K-pop idols, are representing their peninsula in this global happening. Over the years, the SXSW festival and concert has seen an increasing representation of diversity through a fusion of the entertainment industry’s artists and professionals from all walks of life. This year’s event; taking place online, in-person and remotely amid the Covid-19 pandemic, takes it a notch higher by giving the enthusiasts of Asian music an occasion to anticipate. In addition to South Korea’s AOMG artists; including Coogie and DeVita, here are some of the Asian musicians who have been selected for the SXSW’s line-up.

 

 

1. Y2K92

This hip-hop duo is one of South Korea’s well-known pact in the SXSW arena having performed in last year’s 2021 SXSW online event. One of the musical pieces the fans expect to hear is “Be-elijah” from their 2020 EP titled The Songs for The NOT-YETs among others. The duo is expected to represent South Korea’s musical culture through their genre-shredding and experimental hip-hop roots.

 

 

2. HAEPAARY

This alt-electronic duo of South Korean-decent is known for its exceptional reinterpretation of lyrics and melodies from legendary Korean artists. The group has radically redefined the ancient traditional Korean musical pieces into an appealing modern version that has taken the international scene by storm. This treasure duo is expected to awaken the ancient Korean rhythms on a global scale in the 2022 SXSW event. See our interview with them here.

 

 

3. Kiana V

Having been raised in a Filipino musical family and attending her father’s–Gary Valenciano–concerts, Kiana recently began flourishing in her music career, especially just before the pandemic hit. The R&B artists is expected to make yet another statement through a massive performance at the 2022 SXSW event with fans eagerly waiting to hear from her latest pieces, EP Dazed.

 

 

4. Haru Nemuri

This Japanese star has developed into an internationally acclaimed artist since playing the synth for the Yukue Fumel band at the age of 17. Since then, she has become a brand in the entertainment world and engaged in other facets, including composing songs for notable groups such as TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE and broadcasting on FM Yokohama for her “Nemuissu.com” program. Having rocked the fans in SXSW’s 2021 online event, the fans are eager to yet again tap into Haru’s energy and talent this year. In addition to other tracks, the enthusiasts also expect a peak of Haru’s latest album whose release is expected for April, 2022.

 

 

5. Sorry Youth

The indie rock trio of Taiwanese descent is among the artists representing Asia in the 2022 SXSW event. The fans are eager to hear tracks from their Bad Times, Good Times album which accredited them a ‘Best Rock Album’ at the 2021 Golden Indie Music Awards. The audacious blend of rock and traditional Taiwanese sounds is an item worth looking forward to.

 

—-P. Earlkh

 

 

 

#SXSW #SXSWFestival #AustinTX #SXSW2022 #musicfestival #indierock #Taiwanese #Korean #Chinese #Japanese #SorryYouth #SXSWPerformerances #HaruNemuri #KianaV #HAEPARRY #Y2K92 #Hallyu #Asia #SXSWAsianMusic #GoldenIndieMusicAwards #KcrushAmericaMusicAwards #SXSWonlineevent #RnB #Filipino #traditionalkoreanmusic #kpop

 

The 2022 SXSW festival and conference is here! What does it mean to K-Drama enthusiasts and the Hallyu wave?

The SXSW festival and conference is an annual multi-media event which started back in 1987 and entails the convergence of artists, professionals and enthusiasts from the entertainment industry. The event creates a platform for global connections even as legendary and fresh talent of diverse backgrounds and cultures congregate and deliver live performances. This year’s SXSW festival and conference is set to commence on 11^th to 20^th of March. Despite the global pandemic status, this international event is still kicking off but through a monitored approach–remote, in-person and online–that aligns with Covid-19 guidelines. As such, anyone can encounter this epic happening in their most preferred version.  Attendees are expected to experience various activities including virtual cinema and live panels among others. In addition to enjoying the numerous specially-designed conference sessions in the 2022 SXSW digital events, exhibitions, and film screenings among others, participants get to network, win awards from competitions, and celebrate their idols during award ceremonies.

 

 

For the K-drama enthusiasts, this event is a must-attend. For the first time ever, a highlight of Korean dramas will be featured during the 2022 SXSW festival and conference. This confirms the increased expansion of K-dramas into the global, and especially the American, culture’s mainstream. With reference to a SXSW’s press release, a panel presentation focusing on the association between the U.S. market and Korean dramas will transpire on March 14, 2022. The panel’s hosts will be Korean entertainment podcasters and journalists such as Melissa Kim of NBC News and Korean Entertainment Content Creator | Podcaster Sara Layne (@youngajummah) and article contributor to “The Kraze Magazine.”  The Hallyu wave will further be skyrocketed since the presentation also covers on matters of navigating the K-drama future. As such, to have a full familiarity with all things K-drama, contribute towards steering K-drama aspirations, and network with like-minded parties, make a point of getting the tickets beforehand.

 

—-P. Earlkh

 

 

#SXSW #kdramapanel #SaraLayne #youngajummah #Hallyu #SXSWFestival #AustinTX #musicfestival #comedianshowcase #MelissaKim #Koreanactors #kpop #kpopmusic #korea #koreanmovies #koreandramas #KRAZEMagazine #NBCNews #Forbes

 

Vegetable carving is concurred to originate from Asia with the dispute being the exact country amongst China, Thailand and Japan. Some of the world’s most eminent vegetable carvings include Mukimono from Japan and Thaeng.yuak from Thailand. Since the mid-20^th century, the art of vegetable carving has proliferated in Asia and consumed the cuisine industry given the increased celebration of cooking as an art. Garnishing is another novel technique of an embellishing or decorating aspect used to finish up dishes before serving. Other than adding a decorative hue, garnishing can be used to add flavor–where in such a case, the garnishing ingredient’s taste ought to harmonize with the main dish. Garnish types range from leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, and vegetables among others. Vegetable garnish carving is a cutting-edge skill used to express art and beauty, among others. The most used vegetables in various garnish carvings in Asia include; cucumbers, carrots, radish, and tomatoes and broccoli. Below are some of the DIY vegetable garnish carvings to try out.

 

 

1. Radish

This vegetable can be eaten raw, grated into a topping (to counteract oiliness in some dishes, or cooked. A white radish’s bottom half is quite bitter and thus more preferable for cooking purposes.

 

 

2. Carrots

Apart from being enjoyed in salads, carrots are the most widely used vegetables in garnish purposes worldwide. This vegetable’s sturdy consistency and bright color, it is mostly use for embellishment purposes.

 

 

3. Cucumber

Compared to other cucumbers, the Asian ones are thinner and often eaten unpeeled. They are also often used as pickles, salads and garnishes.

 

 

4. Tomatoes

Compared to the western culture where tomatoes are preferred in cooking, the Asian peninsula fancies them more in their raw nature; either in salads or garnishes.

 

 

5. Broccoli

The broccoli is mostly enjoyed as a salad or when blenched, but its garnish purpose is on the rise with unique carving styles.

 

—-P. Earlkh

 

#DIY #garnishcarving #vegetablegarnishcarving #carrotcarving #garnish #broccoligarnish #cucumbergarnishcarving # Mukimono #Japan # Thaengyuak #Thailand #kcrusharticle #kcrushamerica #kcrush #dinnerplategarnish

Rating: 5 stars

 

 

For over a decade, this institute has produced a substancial number of Korean speaking students. Currently affiliated with Kenyatta University, the institute offers free Korean classes to the university’s student fraternity and the community at large. The director, who initiated and also teaches at this institute, is a Korean and so is his beautiful wife. One of the two main teachers is a Kenyan who has studied in Korea for over 7 years making her perfect for the job. The institute also endorses a student as an assistant thus promoting leadership qualities. The institute also receives a K-pop teacher; who is usually a Korean university student, from Korea’s main office on a yearly basis.

The institute offers various Korean related activities including; k-pop, k-drama, k-cuisine, k-culture, and Korean lessons. The class has an inbuilt library with numerous books ranging from Korean novels, newspapers, and language books. The lessons are divided in terms of levels in addition to a single common class every end week for students of all levels to mingle. Each lesson is divided into reading, writing, listening and speaking sections with certificates awarded at the end of each semester and level. There are numerous contests and competitions amongst the students of within the institute and against those of other Sejong Institutes; including ones were international finalists compete in Korea, with prestigious prizes and certificates to be won. The students get the opportunity to interact with both the Kenyan and international Korean community.

During the pandemic, the institute switched to online mode as with other fellow King Sejong institutes worldwide meaning individuals outside Kenya can gain access to the class. Other than participating and enjoying Korean cuisine, one of the other most interesting aspect is the numerous scholarship opportunities available to the Korean students. The staff is very patient, understanding, hospitable and always available to offer whatever help they can. I would highly recommend the Nairobi King Sejong Institute to any individual interested in furthering their Korean language.

 

—-P. Earlkh

 

 

#learnkorean #koreanlanguage #kenya #koreancuisine #kenyattauniversity #kpop #kdrama #kcrusharticle #kcrush #kcrushamerica #NairobiKingSejongInstitute #onlineclass #internationalkoreanclasses #koreanclasses #koreanlanguageclass

 

Upon leaving B.A.P boy band and his former agency, Bang Yong-Guk proved his worthiness and resilience in the music industry through the 2019’s self-titled Bang Yong-Guk album. The B.A.P’s former leader/vocalist; famously referred to under the “baby” fandom name, is back after a two-years hiatus period which also gave him room to undertake his mandatory military service. The legend graced his comeback through a teaser of his freshest hit, “Race”, on various music sites. On a more surprising note which solidified Yong Guk’s determination to reign in the music industry, his comeback was accompanied by the establishment of his CONSENT agency which took off by producing JUST B’s “Damage” debut single.

 

 

The dynamic MV “Race”–pre-released on November 23, 2021–is said to be inspired by F1 documentary films where Yong Guk compares life to F1 racing. The single’s concept outlines that just as F1 sports requires the cars to often stop at the pits for maintenance, the race to any fulfilled life requires some stopovers as well. Right from its teaser phase, “Race” oozed out a wild and mysterious atmosphere embedded in a unique neo and electronic-funky background.

 

 

Composed alongside Junik, Mook and Coup D’etat, “Race” is indeed the appropriate artistical piece for Yong Guk to return with. This is since the artist’s musical journey depicts that of an F1 race with his current status being the rebirth phase; after having taken some refreshing “stopovers”–which resulted in a one-man agency, venture in the producer field, and crafting of a notable musical piece. In the MV, Yong Guk’s determination to dominate the race can be articulated to the highly intricate tire wheels that depicts his ambition to not only start afresh as an artist, but also rule the K-Pop industry. Moreover, the “Race” single’s unique hip-hop/rock-genre, well-crafted lyrics, and complex concept portrays and solidifies Yong Guk’s sovereignty and aptitude as a solo artist. Additionally, such competence confirms the basis of Yong Guk’s adept leadership during his B.A.P membership epoch.

 

 

The artist once again had the fan’s wild with the latest February 2022 teaser of his upcoming extended album, 2, whose release is expected in March 2, 2022. The album’s lyrical teaser and concept photos among others were sequentially released starting February 15, 2022 coupled up with a global pre-sale session. The 2 EP is a full-length solo album featuring six tracks; including “G.M.T”, “Up”, “Screwed Up”, “싲”, “Off”, and “Race”. EP 2 will be released in the CHAOTIC and WANDERING versions of sizeable playlists. In a recent interview dated 19^th February, 2022, Yong Guk hinted that running a company has given him much insight on various aspects, including the complex process of creating pieces to completion. He also highlighted that, in addition to music, his CONSENT company will also touch on matters art and fashion. As an artist, Yong Guk expresses his aspirations of rising into a global brand through his music; whose race is officially on. Yong Guk is expected to have another interview coming 25^th February, which fans hope will reveal more regarding his career and personal life.

 

—-P. Earlkh

Sony Music Labels Inc.

TK from Ling tosite sigure announces striking new singles with guest vocalist Koshi Inaba （B’z）!

It will be featured in the advertisement for “Magic: The Gathering” the trading card game that holds Guinness World Records!

 

◀①TK (Ling tosite sigure)

 

◀②Koshi Inaba (B’z)

 

TK from Ling tosite sigure announced two new songs with guest vocalist Koshi Inaba (B’z), which will be released as a double A-side single “As long as I love / Scratch (with Koshi Inaba)” on March 16.

“As long as I love (with Koshi Inaba)” is a rock number with lyrics written by Inaba and music composed by TK. This song with Inaba’s powerful vocals along with TK’s intense guitars and his typical roller coaster-like composition will make everyone explode with excitement. On the contrary, “Scratch (with Koshi Inaba)” is a stunning ballad with a sad, solemn piano and strings, and the powerful voices of the two singers will touch all hearts.

“Scratch (with Koshi Inaba)” will be used in an animated advertisement for “Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty” which will be released on February 18. This is the latest product of the original strategic trading card game “Magic: The Gathering” which has over 40 million players and fans worldwide. The song will be available on YouTube and other sites from noon on February 16 and will also be available for pre-order on music distribution sites from 0:00 on February 17.

This collaboration came about from TK’s strong respect for B’z which impacted him since he started playing the guitar during his schooldays. To close off the 10^th anniversary of TK’s solo project, he sent Koshi Inaba a demo and the project became reality.

In October 2021, on the occasion of TK’s 10^th anniversary solo project, he released a best album “egomaniac feedback” including new songs and those collaboration songs with various musicians created a buzz.

In November, when Spotify had their 5^th anniversary in Japan and announced various rankings, TK’s song “unravel”, which was the opening theme song for the anime “Tokyo Ghoul” released in 2014, ranked first in the “most played Japanese songs overseas” ranking. It will soon reach a total of 200 million streams and has a great reputation overseas, especially in Europe and the United States.

The new single with Koshi Inaba, Japan’s leading vocalist who needs no further introduction, is a must listen to.

<Comment from TK (Ling tosite sigure)>

I’d always stay in my room, constantly playing B’z on my guitar. Their sound fascinated everybody and of course I was also blown away by their sound too. In this dream-like collaboration, Inaba-san listened and paid close attention to all my detailed requests. It was surreal and every single moment that he was involved in has been engraved in my new musical DNA. The voice that could be heard right next to me, sounded even more radiant than ever before, and it felt like an essential element was being poured from an unreachable place. The person that opened the doors to music for me, continues to be an overwhelming existence that still shook my heart, and it was a collaboration filled with joy. I hope that this song will leave a lasting impression for many people.

<Comment from Koshi Inaba>

When I was approached about this project, I had no idea what TK and I would be able to create together. So, we started on the premise that if we create something interesting and we’re both satisfied, then we would release it. And the moment I listened to the first demo he sent me, all my hesitations disappeared, and I let the momentum of TK’s creativity take over and ran with it until the end.

TK is a musician with great ears, open-minded with lots of ideas and above all has the ability to hold stimulating conversations. I am grateful for the wonderful musical experience.

And, of course, the finished song is amazing.

Koshi Inaba

[Release details]

★TK from Ling tosite sigure / “As long as I love / Scratch（with Koshi Inaba)”

March 16, 2022

Released from: Sony Music Labels Inc.

[Limited production edition (CD)] AICL-4218   1,430 Yen (tax incl.)

1. As long as I love (with Koshi Inaba)
2. Scratch (with Koshi Inaba)
3. As long as I love (with Koshi Inaba) Instrumental
4. Scratch (with Koshi Inaba) Instrumental

 

Click here for product purchase⇒ https://smar.lnk.to/H2Lk47

 

 

Click here for music distribution sites⇒ https://smar.lnk.to/jgPClj

 

[Biography]

■TK from Ling tosite sigure

He is the frontman, vocalist, and guitarist of Ling tosite sigure. He is in charge of all the music, lyrics and engineering and expresses his music with a sharp and original perspective.

The song “abnormalize” released in 2012 created a buzz as it was the opening theme of the anime, ”PSYCHO-PASS”.

In his solo project “TK from Ling tosite sigure”, he has taken on a wider range of forms of expression, from band style with piano and violin to solo acoustic.

Among the various rankings released during Spotify Japan’s fifth anniversary in November 2021, “unravel” which was the opening theme for the anime “Tokyo Ghoul” released in 2014, ranked first in the “most played Japanese songs overseas” ranking and will soon reach a total of 200 million streams.

In 2019, his song was chosen as the theme song for the Japanese release of the animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and has been highly acclaimed from Japan and abroad.

In 2021, he released a best album “egomaniac feedback” to commemorate the 10^th year of his solo project. And the collaborations with milet and Kosuke Saito (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN/XIIX) drew much attention.

He has provided music for the popular Japanese idol SMAP, Aimer and Yuko Ando, and is active in a wide range of fields.

 

[Official Site]           http://tkofficial.jp/

[Official Twitter]                @sigure_official

[Official Facebook]   @sigure.official

[Official Instagram]  @tk_snsfakeshow

 

■Koshi Inaba

Debuts as B’z in 1988. He is the vocalist and writes all the lyrics.

In 1997, he released his first solo artist album “Magma”, for which he wrote, composed, and arranged all the music. With the diverse sound, lyrics projecting his personal side, and the overwhelming yet delicate vocals, he established his identity as Koshi Inaba the musician. In parallel with all the B’z creative and concert activities, since 2004 Inaba has been holding solo tours titled “en”, a word that he cherishes in his solo project. Since 2017, he has also teamed up with guitarist Stevie Salas to release two albums as INABA / SALAS.

 

■What is “Magic: The Gathering”?

<World’s first, world’s best strategic trading card game in digital format>

“Magic: The Gathering” was created in 1993 in the United States. It was developed by mathematician Richard Garfield and is published in 11 different languages in over 70 different countries, with over 40 million fans and players. The goal of Magic is to win by meeting the victory conditions such as summoning powerful creatures and drawing powerful spells that can lower your opponent’s life to zero. With new card sets being released throughout the year, the games environment constantly changes.

Official Japanese Site:                  http://mtg-jp.com/

Official Japanese twitter account:   https://twitter.com/mtgjp

 

■Magic’s first official trailer by a Japanese animation production company

In the feudal Japan-inspired distant future setting of “Kamigawa”, the animation depicts the story of the “bond” between the two main characters “Kaito Shizuki” and ”The Wandering Emperor”. The animation production was handled by WIT STUDIO, a company that produced the famous works such as “Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)”, “Osama Ranking” and many more.

It will premiere on the official YouTube channel at noon on February 16 (Japan time).

 

■Newest set “Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty” details

 

 

The newest set is a tribute set depicting the story 2,000 years after the “Kamigawa” block of “Champions of Kamigawa”, “Betrayers of Kamigawa” and “Saviors of Kamigawa” released in 2004 and 2005. This past set featuring creatures such as samurai and ninja with the abilities such as Bushido and Ninjitsu is popular amongst the Japanese fans too.

 

■Showcase version cards newly drawn by three famous Japanese artists are available

The showcase version cards were newly drawn by manga artist Tetsuo Hara, art director Yoji Shinkawa and illustrator Katsuya Terada.

In addition, this Set Booster pack includes Side Loaders (34 variations), and if you win the special one, you will receive a foil-spec card autographed by the artist himself in a specially designed, serial-numbered acrylic frame (with the autograph data printed)

 

■Ukiyo-e art style basic Land cards included

There are ten ukiyo-e basic land cards created

by a Japanese artist. The Japanese taste condensed

into a small card is a unique element of Kamigawa.

 

■”Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty” product details

Product site                          : https://mtg-jp.com/products/0000223/

Release date (for Japan)         : February 11, 2022 (Friday)

Suggested retail price             : Set Boosters                             …… 550 Yen (tax incl.)

Draft Boosters                       …… 440 Yen (tax incl.)

Collector Boosters                        …… 2,420 Yen (tax incl.)

Commander Deck (5 variations)    …… 4,400 Yen (tax incl.)

Bundle Box (English ver. Only)      …… 4,400 Yen (tax incl.)

 

■What is MTG Arena?

<World’s best strategic trading card game on PC >

“Magic: The Gathering Arena (MTG Arena)” is a free-to-play digital collectible card game for PC and mobile devices that allows one to play Magic easily and professionally. With intuitive controls, powerful performances, and a matching system that instantly connects you with players worldwide. It offers a different Magic from the table-top experience. MTG Arena has been adopted by numerous tournaments and is now leading the way for Magic as an e-sport.

MTG Arena Official Japanese Site: https://mtg-jp.com/mtgarena/

MTG Arena Official Japanese twitter account: https://twitter.com/MTGArenaJP

 

■Company Overview

Company　：Wizards of the Coast LLC

Address　 ：(Headquarters)1600 LIND AVE SW SUITE 400 RENTON WA 98057

(Japan contact) 101-0041, 2-8-2 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

President　：Chris Cocks

Established：1990

Business　：Game publishing, digital dame development and operations

URL　　　：http://company.wizards.com/

 

#TK #Lingtositesigure #KoshiInabaBz#Bz #SonyMusicLabelsInc #WizardsOfTheCoastLLC #Japanese #MTGArena #AsLongAsILove #Scratch #unravel #anime #TokyoGhoul #WITSTUDIO #JPOP #egomaniacfeedback

 

-the original songwriter responded to MCND’s creative cover video, ‘Man On The Moon’.

– A Fresh attempt of MCND, combination of POP and K-Performance! The high-quality creative performance video drew attention.

Alan Walker, Famous Producer and DJ responded to K-pop boyband MCND’s creative cover video.

The MCND’s video, [PLAY MUSIC GROUND] ‘Man On The Moon’ (Alan Walker x Benjamin Ingrosso), which was released on February 17th through the official YouTube channel, was pleasantly answered by original songwriter Alan Walker.

 

 

[PLAY MUSIC GROUND] #MCND Alan Walker x Benjamin Ingrosso – Man On The MoonㅣCOVER – YouTube

 

Allen Walker, a famous producer of the electronic dance music, left a comment on MCND’s YouTube video, “you guys need to teach me some new moves for my next show🕺🏻” MCND also replied, “I think it’d be nice to do. it together!! Thank youuuuu ♥”

MCND has presented a various music, including cover songs and dances, in their own style through their own music project, ‘PMG (PLAY MUSIC GROUND)’. In particular, the cover video created a new choreography in POP. Global K-pop fans praised them for ‘the best creative choreography ever’, ‘It is so fresh attempt’, ‘amazing dance skills of all-main dancer’s’, and ‘best artist’.

 

 

On the other hand, on the 14th, MCND announced the holding of the first European tour ‘[1ST] MCND EUROPE TOUR 2022’. This is the first K-pop concert to be held in Europe, After the COVID-19 pandemic. MCND will hold their first face-to-face concert, from April 9 to 17. They will visit 7 cities in 6 European countries, from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, London, England, Budapest, Hungary, Cologne, Germany, Paris and Toulon, France, and Lausanne, Switzerland.

 

 

#MCND #MCNDEuropeTour2022 #kpop #koreanboygroup #AllanWalker #covervideo #ManOnThe:MoonCover #ManOnTheMoon #BenjaminIngrosso #chroreogrpahy #PMGPLAYMUSICGROUND

 

K-pop supergroup BTS is back this March with PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – SEOUL.

On February 16, Big Hit Music released the news that there will be “BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – SEOUL” concerts next month in March.

The three-day concerts will be held with audiences on March 10, 11, 12, and the March 10 and 13 dates will be streamed live online for fans who are unable to attend, while the performance on March 12 will be broadcast in cinemas across the world for live viewing events.

The BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE concerts will be held in southern Seoul at the Olympic Stadium – which seats approximately 70,000 – and this will be the K-pop group’s first concert in Seoul in over two years since their world tour “BTS WORLD TOUR LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF THE FINAL” was held at the same venue in October of 2019.

 

 

At the end of 2021, the septet successfully performed four-day concerts for live audiences at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which sold out in no time and became the biggest ever Billboard Boxscore in California.

These concerts at 2021 SoFi Stadium grossed $33.3 million with 214,000 tickets sold, making it the largest gross for a run of shows at a single venue since 2012, the biggest Boxscore in the U.S. in 18 years, only behind Bruce Springsteen’s 10-shows, and the second-biggest in the 30-year-plus history of Billboard Boxscore in North America. BTS is currently the sixth best-grossing engagement in Billboard Boxscore history.

Details on how to attend or watch the BTS concerts in March are said to be announced via BTS’ global fan community platform Weverse very soon.

 

 

The latest news from Big Hit Music is that Kim Tae-hyung, mostly known as V, is the latest member to test positive for COVID-19.

The statement revealed that V visited a hospital on February 15, after experiencing a sore throat and fever, and was confirmed of his diagnosis.

“V completed two rounds of COVID-19 vaccinations and is not presenting any extraordinary symptoms other than a mild fever and sore throat. He is currently undergoing treatment at home while waiting for further guidelines from the health care authorities.

There was contact with the other members on Saturday the 12th, but everyone was wearing a mask, and there was no close contact.

None of the BTS members other than V are presenting any symptoms, and everyone received negative results from the preemptive self-tests.”

Big Hit also stated that “the company places the artists’ health as our top priority and we will do everything we can to aid V in his speedy recovery. We will also diligently cooperate with the requests and guidelines of the health care authorities.”

RM, Jin and Suga had been tested positive for COVID and recovered in December. In January, Jimin was hospitalized, then discharged from the hospital on Feb. 5. It was revealed later that he also received surgery for acute appendicitis.

Here’s hoping that all the members will all be well in time for the upcoming concerts in March and we wish them well for all future endeavors.

 

 

-J.Chung.

 

 

#BTS #PermissionToDanceonStage #Seoulconcert #V #covid #Kpop #RM #JHOPE #JIN #JIMIN #Suga #JungKook #BillboardBoxscore #Weverse #BIGHIT #BTSWorldTour #kcrusharticle #kcrushamerica #koreangroup #appendicitis #kcrushmagazine

 

The most recent report from South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korean Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE) stated that the most popular Korean stars in the world right now are K-pop superband BTS and actor Lee Min-ho.

The 2022 Overseas Hallyu (Korean Wave) Report’s survey was conducted on 8,500 respondents aged from 15 to 59 in 18 different countries – the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, France, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Africa, and Russia.

As a result, BTS has been voted as the favorite K-Pop act for four consecutive years, and Lee Min-ho was voted as the favorite Korean actor for two consecutive years.

This survey, regarding Korean cultural questions, was conducted online for a month from November to December of 2021, and the same survey was taken last year of 2021 since it is published annually.

According to the data, 26.7% of the 4,679 respondents chose BTS as their favorite musical act for four consecutive years since 2018, followed by BLACKPINK with 10.4%.

 

 

BTS’s vote percentage increased from 22% when compared to the survey back in 2020, while BLACKPINK took the No. 2 position for the third consecutive year, their votes decreased slightly by 3% in a year.

This would be due to the fact the group hadn’t released new music since 2020.

IU came in third place with 2.8%, Lisa of BLACKPINK close behind with 2.4%, Psy and TWICE were both positioned fifth with 2.2%, followed by EXO with 1.7%.

 

 

IU emerged in the rankings for the first time since 2018, Lisa became the first Thai to make the list, while PSY managed to rank in the list even without any music releases or music activities in a long while.

 

 

And, 9.3% of the 8500 respondents voted for Lee Min-ho as their favorite Korean wave actor again this year, followed by Hyun Bin with 3.1%, Gong Yoo with 2.8%, followed by Song Hye-kyo with 2.2%, and Song Joong-ki with 2.1%. Lee Jong-suk with 1.7%, and Jun Ji-hyun came in seventh place with 1.6%.

The Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) was designated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to invigorate cultural exchange transcending national boundaries.

The Overseas Hallyu Survey was created by KOFICE in 2017 – its many goals include determining the consumption of Hallyu content each year, and works towards bilateral cultural exchange events, global networking, research and professional training programs for experts in related fields.

 

 

– J.Chung.

 

 

#hallyu #Kpop #favKoreanact #KOFICE #KoreanWave #BTS #LeeMinHo #Lisa #kpopgroup #koreanmusic #koreanactor #PSY #IU #KOFICESurvey #hallyuvoting #topvotes #kpopfan #bilateralcultureexchange #JunJiHyun