Chie Izuno works full time at an office Branch. Though she’s 30, she’s very young at heart and kind of innocent. She tries hard to go into the dating field but finds herself struggling due to her weight and self-esteem issues. She meets up with one of the company’s investors, Jin Harada, a super sucessful and young business man. However Jin has a severe lack of social skills. Chie strives to make a deal with Jin in order to aide her in her goal to lose weight and gain confidence, she tells Jin she can help him with his own flaws. Where will this agreement lead them to, and can two total opposites and flawed individuals overcome their personal demons?
[FMV] BLACKPINK Lisa as an Assassin [Multifandom video]
His disappearance from the world for 20 days, how it shocked world politics
All the reports and speculations about Kim Jong Un’s health state turned out to be mere rumors; We found him alive and well. On May 1st North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un, once assumed to be dead or seriously ill, appeared on ribbon-cutting event of new Suncheon Phosphorus fertilizer plant in order to commemorate Labor’s day.
The event hit the headline of North Korean National news with 21 photo shoots and videos of him full of vigor – cutting ribbon, encouraging laborers and even smoking cigarettes.
The outline of Kim Jong Un’s death rumor
The initial rumor on his death or ill-health appeared from 15th April – when he didn’t show up on the “Day of the Sun” ceremony, in which he never misses visiting Sun Palace in Mt. Keumsu to commemorate his grandfather Kim Il-Seong’s birthday. As he stopped appearing on air, foreign press Kim Jong Un has recently gone through an operation on ‘unidentified cardiovascular disease’, which only fell him into ‘vegetative state’ or even ‘COMA’.
South Korean Newspaper <Daily NK> was the first to feature his cardiovascular operation rumor on 20th April, quoting a source inside North Korea. The following day CNN released an official report that Kim Jong Un is gravely ill, quoting this <Daily NK> disclosure and words from US government official about ‘ongoing fact check’.
With CNN report stating Kim Jong-Un’s serious condition, on the day of the breakout 3% of Korean stock price index (KOSPI) collapsed while Japan and US media are producing articles regarding North Korean Emergency. World media gave more weight on his death rumor after two North Korean defectors mentioned that they are “99% sure of his death”. US president Donald Trump mentioned that he holds ‘a very good idea that he can’t talk about now’ but left strong ambiguity by ‘wishing him well’, creating even more suspicions regarding Kim Jong Un’s safety.
What will happen if Kim Jong-Un collapses?
This is not the first time he dropped out of media spotlights. In September 2014 he was away from official appearance over a month, causing countless rumors of his ‘brain death’ but later revealed as a recovery after ankle surgery. Why is he susceptible to consistent speculations on his health, and what makes the whole world pay excessive attention to ill-founded rumors?
Considering his restricted exposure to media, the risk that his absence can bring turned much bigger. Drastic change in North Korean politics caused by his death can result into congestion of East Asian world worst of all, instability of nuclear power control that North Korea has. Entirely relying upon Chinese officials and anonymous North Korean line urges the media to create news out of the smallest traces.
Another factor is the distinctiveness of North Korean leaders’ position. Kim Jong Un’s obesity and genetic disorders allegedly caused multiple healthcare problems already. Due to successive nature of North Korean ruling power, his presence itself holds greater power and risks at the same time- compared to leaders of democratic nations. Turning 36 this year, Kim Jong-Un is said to have 3 kids all under 10 years old; none of them is eligible for strong political and military leader of North Korea.
Congressional Research Service (CRS) of the United States mentioned Kim Jong-Un’s sister, Kim Yo-Jong as the most convincing leader candidate for North Korea’s emergency state. She takes the advantage from her ‘blood descent’ and the closest bond with her brother from shared childhood in Switzerland. Meanwhile, more mature political figures such as his aunt – late leader Kim Jeong-Il’s sister – Kim Kyeong-Hee, Chief Secretary Kim Chang-Su, and his uncle Kim Pyeong-Il are considered as leader potentials.
But this does not guarantee the stability of leading power as none of these figures passed years-long idolization process including military power succession, which leads to weaker foundation of support. North Korean gender role also works negatively in securing female figures’ power. There comes a threat from North Korean high military generals to fight over the superiority.
One thing to be sure is if Jong Un collapses, there is no safest option for North Korean ruling power. US response to this incident shows the limit of trustworthy information the media and press can attain, forcing them to avoid more uncertainty on their nuclear weapon in the period of power conflict. China also fears instability in North Korea, regarding conflict between itself and the American forces in South Korea. While Kim Jong-Un and his reign face hostility from world, it is also visible that “the world is largely unprepared for instability in North Korea”.
—-Uinn Peng
KCrush Live support Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) from home event on May 2, 2020. Feel free to donate now and tell them they came from the KCrush website! Thank you.
KCrush Live support Hope Bridge from home event on May 2, 2020. Feel free to donate now and tell them they came from the KCrush website! Thank you.
YouTube Live event will feature entertainment from Asian artists while raising money for two charities helping in COVID-19 pandemic
APRIL 23, 2020 – The team at Kcrush America Magazine is excited to announce that they will be hosting an upcoming YouTube Live event called ‘Live From Home’. This exclusive event will raise money for charities that are helping children, single mothers, and the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kcrush America Magazine is a contemporary urban lifestyle digital and printed publication committed to keeping audiences up to date on the latest entertainment news and events coming from Asia, connecting people in America to K-pop culture. Over the past four years, Kcrush has worked behind the scenes to bring the latest news, interviews, and more with leading Asian artists and celebrities. By highlighting the Asian industry’s unique style, flare, and culture, Kcrush has brought K-pop to the U.S. by spearheading numerous events and continuing to offer articles on lifestyle, health, music, sports, tech, and more; K-pop and audio interviews; exclusive manga; and more.
Now, Kcrush is hosting the Live From Home event. This live YouTube event will be held live on May 2, 2020, at 9pm CST / 11am KST. The live stream host and emcee will be content creator Ashley Griffin. Details can be found at https://msha.ke/multifacetedacg/ and https://www.youtube.com/user/Multifacetedacg.
Audiences will enjoy live performances from some of their favorite Asian artists and celebrities, such as Lee Michelle, High School, Crucial Star, and others who will be offering their artistic talents for special one-time only performances.
Live From Home will benefits two charities that are giving back to children, single parents, and the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic has left virtually no corner of the planet untouched, and people and organizations have come together like never before to support those in need.
One of the two charities that will benefit from Live From Home is Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association. This award-winning organization was founded in 1961 by social organizations, broadcasting companies, and newspaper companies to help those who’ve been impacted by disasters. To date, Hope Bridge has raised KRW 1.4 trillion and collected 30 million items for donation. This humanitarian aid and disaster relief association enacts a network with government agencies, major corporations, and media outlets when disaster strikes to help those in need.
The second charity which will benefit from Live From Home is Eastern Social Welfare Society, which was established in 1971 for children and locals who were suffering and rejected from society at the time. Today, the organization operates social welfare services for children, single parents, disabled people, and the elderly. Eastern Social Welfare Society also operates social welfare services for people across Korea and other international regions.
The team at Kcrush America Magazine is always committed to spreading Korean culture and giving back. During the current COVID-19 crisis, Kcrush America Magazine’s team came together with talented K-pop stars to help support charities that are working diligently to provide for the most vulnerable during this time.
Live From Home will let audiences experience and enjoy live K-pop performances from the comfort of their home, which gives people an extra event to look forward to while sheltering in place.
About Kcrush America Magazine
Kcrush America Magazine offers the latest news, trivia, and information about Asian celebrities and culture. Kcrush America Magazine has been featured in eng.kofice.or.kr, a Korean publication.
Contact
Denise Coley, Founder/CEO
E-mail: events@krush.com
facebook.com/kcrushmagazine
twitter.com/kcrushmagazine
Instagram.com/kcrushsupport
UNVS – Solar Eclipse (절대 모를거야) (Feat. room102) Official Music Video English Sub
K-Entertainment world is facing a new trend now, challenge marketing events using Chinese social App ‘Tiktok’ is spreading like a wildfire.
Tiktok’s strongest point as a Short-form video platform is creating a synergy effect with new generations’ interest, as they like to present themselves to the world by showing their originalities. Until 2019 K-Entertainment was not visibly sharing this pie, but from a series of successful campaigns made recently, it is witnessing Tiktok’s outstanding media influence power.
Top K-pop boy group BTS has released a teaser video of new title song ‘ON’ in their latest 4th studio album <Map of the sol:7>. The earliest access was given to Tiktok users, however, putting aside most powerful streaming websites or even youtube. The new teaser achieved 5 million views in the first hour from Tiktok alone, skyrocketing to 6.5 mil views in the following hour. Starting its first Tiktok account at Sept 2019, BTS is also famous for fastest reaching 1 million followers in only 3 and a half hours – They also ranked top of the ‘Korean Artist Top 10’ selected by Tiktok, outpacing Blackpink, TXT, Park Ji Hoon, StrayKids, Cha Eun Woo, and Momoland.
Advent of K-Tiktok challenges
BTS is not a pioneer of Tiktok K-pop marketing, though. 2019 winter-release ‘FEVER’ by JYP founder and singer Park Jin-Young, and ‘Flower Shower’ by artist Hyuna has been using Tiktok challenge as a marketing platform. But we cannot really talk about ‘New Song Challenge fever’ without referring to rapper ZICO (former Block-B leader). When he posted a video of himself dancing by his new song on January 2020, celebrities including Hwasa, Chungha and uploaded dancing video with hashtag #anysongchallenge. As this went viral and turned into a public fad, overall view of this challenge has reached over 800 million by this February. The extraordinary success of this Tiktok campaign also earned him global awareness, helping his ‘Any Song’ rank #4 Billboard World Digital song. Starting from ZICO, New K-Pop Song challenge has flooded into Tiktok from Feb 2020 – such as ‘#HandsUpChallenge’ by Cherry Bullet, ‘#CrossroadChallenge’ by GFriend, ‘#SoWhatChallenge’ by LOONA, and you name it.
Recently emerging campaigns are Tiktok challenges highly engaged with social welfare activities, and these are where you can find K-drama actors or actresses’ participation. With the recent global situation of COVID-19 lockdown, a couple of public ad challenges have been created by hashtag ‘#LemonChallenge’ (eating a lemon after washing hands according to COVID-19 guidelines, then donating $190), ‘#FlowerBucketChallenge’(gifting a bouquet of flowers in order to save endangered flowering industry), and more. Actor Lee Seung-Gi and actress Ha Jiwon has recently posted a challenge shots collaborating with UNICEF (#Short-but-steady-happiness), raising funds for children with Tiktok account they created last year.
How Tiktok Challenge interacts with K-Entertainment world
These new formats of marketing start from active collaboration of Tiktok and individual musician/celebrities. Global influence among younger generations, which Tiktok can provide, is such an attractive offer for celebrities; Consistent reactions from World-famous stars, and their social account activities help Tiktok expand its business toward global market. Either Tiktok or Individuals can suggest new marketing campaigns, while Individuals or their agency can make plans for content by themselves.
But even if celebrities create a new challenge and Tiktok promotes it, the entire plan does not work If there is no one who takes the challenge and performs it. Challenge marketing stands for ‘voluntary participation and diffusion’; instead of waiting for articles or social media postings of the favorite star, Fans enjoy their fan life uploading & sharing challenges, thus actively engaging into content creation. To lead successful viral marketing, K-stars and their Fans are working together now.
How Tiktok is changing public attitudes
As a social media platform, Tiktok has a strong merit of 15-min long video service. You don’t have to spend a great deal of your time to create such a short content; yet you can still put fun elements such as stickers, music, effect tools and make your video attractive. With these advantages Tiktok is getting spotlight as a new marketing breakthrough in the K-Entertainment world.
But how Tiktok changes K-Entertainment fans is even more interesting. Before then fangirls and fanboys found themselves far away from their stars, since these stars were the only ones who could put a lot of time and effort to provide attractive content. But with Tiktok’s 15-min video and some editing work people found content-making much easier, found K-stars lot more relatable and this is letting them engage in K-Entertainment more enthusiastic ways.
‘DancerSona’ is a Korean Tiktok celebrity with 2.2 million followers, and It’s easy to find her dancing Kpop choreos & taking part in Kpop challenges such as ‘#Anysong challenge’. But she is not one of those Kpop stars -what she shows her followers with her video is how she dances. She represents how ordinary people can enjoy memes from K-Entertainment & yet showing her own identity using Tiktok.
It is clear that Tiktok is slowly, but steadily changing the geography of the K-Entertainment world. Through Tiktok two-way communication is made between celebrities and their fans. Both Stars and Fans are creating memes among the social media world, and the boundary of content creator and its viewer is getting blurred. It is worth watching how the collaboration of Tiktok and Korean Entertainment Industry will lead to a new fandom culture.
—-Uinn Peng
The singer Yoonhak from the Korean group Supernova, formed in 2007, is the first Korean celebrity to be officially diagnosed with COVID-19.
Once Yoonhak was diagnosed on 1st April, the places he visited have become public knowledge. And it has recently been reported that just before he started showing symptoms, he met up with a female acquaintance who works at one of the “adult entertainment establishments” in the Gangnam area.
These establishments sell strong liquor and offer private rooms where sexual activities occur, though they do not usually admit it to be the case. This particular venue is known to have 100 members of staff working there, and dozens of private rooms underground. These rooms are kept very private and shut while the visitors are there, with the staff moving from room to room, so one virus carrier among the staff could do a lot of harm to a great number of people.
Yoonhak says that he never went into the venue and privately met the said worker in his car, but a great panic is caused by this revelation, nevertheless. Shortly afterwards the encounter, she was tested positive for the coronavirus as well. Her roommate, also a worker at a similar establishment, has also been tested positive.
It is impossible to tell how many people Yoonhak’s “friend” came into contact with, although the venue has provided the health authorities with a list of about 100 names. It is obvious that this kind of business will not reveal a lot of the names. It is also well known that celebrities, sports stars and other well-known persons visit these places often; they would definitely not want to be openly associated with their favorite venues of entertainment.
Yoonhak returned from Japan on 24th March and started showing symptoms a couple of days later. While it is now mandatory for anyone having been abroad to keep to themselves for two weeks and avoid going out, at that time it was only a strong recommendation. And it seems that the singer had refused to take it. He went and met the woman in question, and she in turn is known to have worked 9 hours the following day at the Gangnam venue.
The health authorities have recommended anyone who visited the establishment to get tested for COVID-19. One journal estimates at least 500 people to be at risk. We may be seeing the beginning of an outbreak in certain circles of the Korean society.
–J. Chung.
LIVE STREAMING DJ’S EVERY THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY NIGHT
9PM -MIDNIGHT (EASTERN) ON YOUTUBE.COM/POPGOESTHEWORLDTO
—
As everything changes for the events industry, our goal is still the same here at Pop! Goes The World!
Bringing people together across Canada is what we have been doing since 2012, organizing over 100 events since that time. Forming communities of like-minded fans through our clubbing parties, dance festivals, conventions and Korean concerts, it was the ‘in-real-life’ meeting of souls that made our activities truly magical. In the last year alone PGTW hosted events at venues in Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Our new online live-stream initiative started 2 weeks ago to great success, continuing the mission of bringing people together. Kpop fans from across Canada were in the live-stream chatroom making new friends, sharing stories, requesting music and dancing along with the live DJ’s to their favorite songs.
For more information contact Gerald Belanger, CEO at 647-677-7489 (text) or pgtw@kpopcanada.com
The global music platform MyMusicTaste is launching “JTBC Traveler-Argentina Special Package Project” in collaboration with South Korean reality show JTBC Traveler-Argentina.
This project, which opens on March 28, will provide fans with opportunities to participate in the production of exclusive merchandise. The project was organized by MyMusicTaste and JTBC to empower the audience, expanding and enriching their experience from simply watching the show to actually taking part in the content production.
The package will include three main products: Behind-the-Scene DVD, OST album, and a photobook that will capture diverse and vivid moments from the cast’s trip in Argentina. In addition, it will also include other practical products such as a canvas bag, a luggage tag set, and more based on the different rewards. Those who join the project by March 31, 2 PM (KST) will have access to an early bird gift, a Traveler-Argentina grip tok, when the project reaches its 100% goal.
When the project meets the stretch goals, a lucky-draw event will proceed. These lucky winners will be able to receive limited prizes such as autographs on their purchased package or polaroids pictures.
As fan engagement is the core value of this project, exclusive clips from the talents will be released through MyMusicTaste social media channels by the time the project reaches its 200% and 300% stretch goals.
JTBC Traveler had aired its first season in early 2019, starring actors Ryu Jun-yeol and Lee Je-hoon who traveled to Cuba. The show had attracted both Korean and international audience’s attention. The new season, which premiered in February 2020, features the grand scenery of Argentinian nature and the liveliness of the capital city, Buenos Aires. The fan project will be available on https://mmt.fans/ASfp from March 28 until May 11.
Previously, MyMusicTaste has successfully completed several fan projects with K-pop groups such as DREAMCATCHER (by 800% appx.) and A.C.E (by 1100% appx), enabling the fans to participate in the production of the exclusive photo book.
You can find more detail on JTBC Traveler Argentina Special Package on https://mmt.fans/ASfp.
Email: media@mymusictaste.com
About MyMusicTaste:
MyMusicTaste is a fan initiated live event making service that brings fans, artists and promoters from all over the world together in one place to create a valuable and meaningful concert experience for everyone involved. MyMusicTaste puts the power in the fans’ hands, allowing fans to request their favorite artist’s concert in their city. With the mission to connect and amplify the voices of fans all over the world, MyMusicTaste successfully promoted concerts of artists such as EXO, GOT7, MONSTA X, The xx, Machine Gun Kelly, and more in over 52 different cities. With the simple idea–empowering fans to bring their favorite artist’s concert in the city of their choice based on fan demand–MyMusicTaste is challenging the $27 billion concert market through cutting-edge technology and a sophisticated, user-friendly service. Currently, www.mymusictaste.com supports more than 30 countries and offers 15 different languages.
The field of Korean politics is known for its dynamics. And with the elections coming up, there is not a day gone by without some excitement.
The 21st legislative election is to be held on the 15th this month. The Korean National Assembly, the equivalent of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, consists of 300 members who will all be either re-elected, or leaving their office.
The public sentiment, perhaps not entirely reflected by the polls, is more negative than otherwise against the current government made up of the Democratic Party. It is due partly to the recent outbreak of the new coronavirus and its effect on the economy, but it is undeniable that the Korean economy had been suffering quite badly for quite some time. The most significant opposition, the United Future Party is a new formation of mostly conservative factions. Its main objective is to pull the reins in on President Moon’s policies.
In the recent days, there have been endless happenings in and around the party. On 9th April, there was an attempt to attack its candidate for the district of Gwang-jin, Seoul. The said candidate is a Mr. Oh Se-hoon, who is a former mayor of the capital. The apprehended attacker was said to be in his fifties, and was caught with a knife in hand. He was stopped before anyone was hurt.
Despite the fact that guns are practically non-existent in the civic life of Korea, there is the occasional violent attack for political reasons. As it happens, the legislator-candidate Oh was on his election campaign with the former President Park Geun-hye when a man cut her face just below the ear with a knife.
In 2015 there has also been an American Ambassador, Mark Lippert, who was terrorized and cut in the arm and around the same area as the former President Park. The weapon in this incident was also a knife. During and after Park’s impeachment, the streets filled with protesters on her behalf have also been attacked by cars and knifes.
Most of these acts of terror are usually explained away with a mental illness, but there is no denying the fact that the perpetrators also had very pronounced political inclinations. It is perhaps just as well that, because of COVID-19, these are not exactly the time for travelling the country or being on a crowded street. For the time being, caution is advised for residents in Korea.
–J. Chung.
CIGNATURE is a Korean girl group signed under J9 Entertainment. The group consists of Chaesol, Jeewon, Ye Ah, Sunn, Seline, Belle, and Semi. We’d like to thank the girls and their management for this great interview. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
Please introduce yourselves to our readers.
Chaesol: Hello, KCrush America readers~! I am Chaesol of Cignature! It’s great to meet you.
Jeewon: Hello, I am Jeewon of Cignature.
Ye Ah: Hi, I am Ye Ah, the main vocalist of Cignature.
Sunn: I am Sunn, who is the main dancer and rapper of Cignature.
Seline: I am Seline, the vocalist of Cignature.
Belle: Hi, I am Belle from Cignature.
Semi: Hello, I am Semi – the youngest of the group.
How did you all make it in the group?
Chaesol: I enjoyed singing and dancing as a child – I feel happy when I deliver happiness to others.
Jeewon: It was my dream as a youngster, so I worked hard to get where I am.
Ye Ah: I loved to sing and dance since I was young. I fell in love with Wonder Girls performance, so I wanted to become a singer myself.
Sunn: I passed an audition to get in the group.
Seline: I thought the artists on TV looked so cool, so I enrolled into an art high school, where I started to take the career seriously.
Belle: I was enrolled in a dance academy then I passed the audition.
Semi: When I was young, I was mesmerized by the artists on TV that got me interested in taking this path of career.
What have you all been up to?
Chaesol: We’re working hard to showcase a great comeback stage.
Jeewon: We’re doing our best to show you great performances for our lead sing B side, Assa.
Ye Ah: I’m working out a lot and practicing hard on live performances for our single, Assa.
Sunn: I have a lot of thoughts to sort out and working hard on our performances.
Seline: Our second digital single, Assa is being released on April 7th. We’re working on the performance.
Belle: We’re doing our best and working hard to showcase great performances for Assa.
Semi: We’re practicing hard to do well for our lead single B side, Assa.
Tell us about your taste in music.
Chaesol: I love acoustic music and enjoy all diverse genres of music.
Jeewon: I like songs that have a soft feeling to them.
Ye Ah: I love all kinds of music but I especially love rock and Hip Hop.
Sunn: I love Tropical House music.
Seline: I love calm ballads rather than dance music.
Belle: I love relaxing songs with great lyrics.
Semi: I love all genres depending on how I am feeling at the time.
Which song or album do you listen to the most frequently?
Chaesol: Tom Misch – Geography album and our latest single Assa.
Jeewon: Honestly, Assa is something I’m listening to a lot these days.
Ye Ah: These days, I am listening to a lot of our songs but I also listen to AKMU songs.
Sunn: Yunha – Winter flower.
Seline: NCT127 – Love Song.
Belle: Heize – She’s Fine album.
Semi: I think I’m listening to Assa the most.
Who do you respect the most?
Chaesol: My parents.
Jeewon: My parents.
Ye Ah: I respect Younha sunbaenim who is continually loved for her music and her voice.
Sunn: My dad.
Seline: I respect my parents the most.
Belle: My parents.
Semi: My parents.
What color goes well with your voice?
Chaesol: White.
Jeewon: Hologram.
Ye Ah: Black. It seems simple, yet it’s special. It goes well with anything, and it seems cold but gives off a warm feeling at the same time.
Sunn: Black.
Seline: I think red is the color that goes well with my voice.
Belle: Purple.
Semi: Sky blue.
What kind of person is your ideal?
Chaesol: A kind person whom I can easily converse with.
Jeewon: Someone who has multiple charms.
Ye Ah: A person like my daddy.
Sunn: Someone who is huggable.
Seline: Someone full of love.
Belle: Someone I can connect with easily.
Semi: Someone who is considerate of my feelings and thoughtful.
What is your fav food or beverage?
Chaesol: I like to eat at home and in a healthy way.
Jeewon: I love cakes.
Ye Ah: I love Korean food the best and love tarts as desserts. Bubble tea and coffee are my fav beverages.
Sunn: Meat.
Seline: I love all kinds of meat and love iced tea and iced chocolate drinks.
Belle: I love to eat any kind of food. Milkshake and Americano are my favorite.
Semi: I love meat.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Chaesol: I read books, watch movies and dramas, play the piano and do sports.
Jeewon: I always love playing games, and like to look for a new hobby continuously.
Ye Ah: I normally watch drams and listen to music.
Sunn: Playing games and watching dramas.
Seline: I tend to watch dramas all day as a hobby.
Belle: I watch videos (movies, dramas, variety shows and YouTube).
Semi: I usually watch YouTube or films.
Where do you think is the best place to travel in?
Chaesol: Since I love traveling so much, it’s so hard to recommend you just one place. Anywhere is great to travel in.
Jeewon: Seoul, because it has so many places to hang out and you can enjoy the beautiful nature and scenery.
Ye Ah: I definitely think it’s Korea! I especially recommend Jeonju and Jeju Island!
Sunn: Gwangju, which is my hometown.
Seline: I love the sea, so I think Busan is a great location. I recommend you to all visit if given the chance.
Belle: Jeju Island.
Semi: Incheon, my hometown!!
Tell is about your goals and plans for the future.
Chaesol: We want to keep releasing great music and showcase cool performances, in order to give out happiness and positive energy to people. My goal is to remain a modest and unchanging person that effects the world in a positive way.
Jeewon: We’re planning to show you different concepts of music and performance. Our goal is to remain in people’s memories as a great group.
Ye Ah: We plan to keep making comebacks so you don’t forget us. Our goal is the become a signature group in the K-pop world.
Sunn: We’ll work hard to become a signature K-pop group.
Seline: The goal right now is to make a comeback in April and win the rookie of the year award for 2020.
Belle: We want to become more loved by the public as a group.
Semi: We plan to showcase a lot of diverse sides to us. We hope that people will remember us as a cool group.
Please say something to your fans!
Chaesol: Thank you for staying with us! We’ll always do our best to repay your love in a modest way. Please stay fit and stay with us for a long, long time! Love you! ❤️
Jeewon: Thank you for always being there for us. We will also always be there for you. Please stay in great health! ❤️
Ye Ah: Thank you for your support. I want us to stay together and be happy! I love you.
Sunn: We’re back with an exciting single called Assa! We will deliver great energy your way. See you soon. I love you.
Seline: Thank you all for supporting us! We have so much to show you all in the future. Please stay with us and let 2020 be a happy one for us all. Love you. ❤️
Belle: We’re back with Assa on April 7th, so please show us love and support! We always love you and am so grateful for you. ❤️
Semi: We wish you’d stay with Cignature. Love you, all. ❤
–J. Chung.
The Power of Nunchi: The Korean Secret to Happiness and Success is out. Translation rights have been sold in 17 regions, and this US release comes on the heels of a triumphant debut in the UK and France.
What is nunchi? To find out, read the New York Times piece that ran earlier. Also, it’s #1 on Amazon for the category of “Interpersonal relationships” in New Releases. And the book has only been out for a short time!
Nunchi, which translates to “eye-measure”, is the subtle Korean art of reading the room. If you’re Korean, your parents probably yelled at you for not having any. Koreans have an expression, “A person with quick nunchi can eat shrimp at a temple” , which makes sense if you understand that Buddhist temples are vegetarian. In other words, someone with fast nunchi can part the waters. And if you lack nunchi? People simply won’t want to be around you and they will never tell you why. This impairs your relationships, your career, and overall sense of grounding.
You know people with quick nunchi: They’re the first among your friends to sense when two people have a crush on each other. The person in your office who accurately predicts who is going to be laid off. The host who creates a smooth distraction when a guest breaks something or farts loudly.
You also know people without nunchi: That person in the work meeting who says, “Wait, I have one more question actually,” as you’re about to break for lunch. The friend who doesn’t notice that everyone rolls their eyes when they talk. The world leader who tries to buy an autonomous Danish territory and, upon discovering he has made an error, draws even more attention to it.
Read The Power of Nunchi to find out why Koreans say “Half of social life is nunchi!”
Early praise for The Power of Nunchi:
“Deceptively simple yet profoundly wise”–Publishers Weekly
“It should also be read by all politicians, as Brexit negotiations drag on, and by those struggling in fractious relationships, or families squabbling on holiday.”–The Times (UK)
“This book is my essential reading for 2019; it’s the golden buzzer – a simple, but life-changing, book for society” (Sunday Independent (Ireland))
“Given how powerful nunchi can be in our relationships and careers, I’ve often wondered whether it could be taught. Putting a modern spin on an ancient concept, Euny Hong shows that it can be, and had me laughing at and relating to her observations in this wise and witty guide.” (Juju Chang, co-anchor of ABC News’s NIGHTLINE)
“A must-read for anyone interested in the art of intuitively knowing what others feel.” (Haemin Sunim, bestselling author of THE THINGS YOU CAN SEE ONLY WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN and LOVE FOR IMPERFECT THINGS)
“Whip-smart, hilarious, and filled with eye-opening insights on every page, The Power of Nunchi will make you rethink the way you approach the world and help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be. I couldn’t put it down.” (Amy Chua, author of BATTLE HYMN OF THE TIGER MOTHER)
“A life-changer for someone like me who struggles with emotional intelligence and personal relationships. Beautifully written and filled with actionable advice, it has changed the way I deal with social situations. It really feels like having a superpower!” (Héctor García, co-author of IKIGAI: THE JAPANESE SECRET TO A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE)
“I’ve been using The Power of Nunchi in all aspects of my life and I’ve been truly kicking ass . . . The best twenty dollars you’ll spend all year!” (Gary Shteyngart, New York Times bestselling author of SUPER SAD TRUE LOVE STORY)
You can find Nunchi, on amazon or goodreads.
The Power of Nunchi compels you!
Author: Euny Hong
Please follow me on Twitter @euny and Instagram @eunyhong
www.eunyhong.com
“Rejected Goya study” (photo: Jayna Wal—lach)
Please follow me on Twitter @euny and Instagram @eunyhong
More than four months have passed since the tragic suicide of Goo Hara, best known as a member of the Korean girl band Kara. Besides a self-restraining effect it has had online commenters who are often less than kind, Goo’s death has given rise to discussions on two ethical issues in the Korean society today, most ostensibly led by her older brother’s campaign. These issues are significant because they could well end up bringing about changes in the law.
The first is about Goo’s closest blood relation who will benefit from her death: her mother. Goo’s brother has openly declared that her (and his) mother had abandoned them when they were very young, and that it is not fair for her to benefit by her daughter’s inheritance.
This issue has been raised before. For example, after the drowning of school children in the Sewol ferry, and the death of a single father with children whose mother had abandoned them, the question was raised whether it was right for the “underserving” parents to benefit by the government’s compensation or insurance money.
In the case of Goo, her brother has led a formal petition for a “Goo Hara Bill” to be passed by the National Assembly. The petition has been signed by a hundred thousand people and therefore qualifies to be reviewed by the relevant committee made up of legislators.
The gist of the bill is to disqualify “immediate family members of the deceased who have grossly neglected the duty to protect or support the deceased”. If the bill is passed, it will not stop Goo’s mother from inheriting, but things may be different for others who abandon or neglect their family members.
The second issue to be raised recently by Goo’s brother is related to her ex-boyfriend Choi Jong-beom, who at the first trial was found not-guilty of illegally photographing her, though guilty of physical assault and blackmail. The court acknowledged that Choi’s photographs of Goo were sexual and could invoke humiliation, but that there were insufficient grounds to suppose that they were taken against her will.
Goo Ho-in, Goo Hara’s older brother, is addressing this issue as a date-violence problem. He has openly accused Choi of driving his sister to suicide. After being released on probation, Choi was allegedly unremorseful and threw a party at his new venue of business, a couple of months before Goo Hara’s suicide.
This is clearly a moral or ethical issue. In the eyes of the law Choi is not a murderer, and callousness is not punishable.
However, in Korea, public sentiments tend to go a long way in establishing a precedent that may redefine a crime. It may be that “date violence” could be stretched to include something that ended up in an unforeseen tragedy, or it may be that Choi’s apparent lack of remorse may render him guilty in more ways in the appeal court, which opens in May.
It will be interesting to see what changes, if any, are brought about in Korea regarding “undeserving beneficiaries” and “date violence”.
–J. Chung.
COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) doesn’t discriminate as celebrities, sports stars, and regular citizens have been struggling with the effects of 2020’s global pandemic. In South Korea, a K-Pop idol active in Japan has tested positive for COVID-19 becoming the first South Korean celebrity to do so.
Yunhak, who is a member of the group Supernova that is mostly active in Japan, became the first Korean celebrity to come down with the virus.
According to reports, Yunhak returned to South Korea from Japan on March 24. When he returned home, he noticed symptoms of the virus and was tested March 31. His test came back positive on April 1; he has since been in quarantine and treated in a Seoul-area hospital.
In related COVID-19 news, Kim Minkyu and The Boyz’s Juyeon both tested negative for the virus. Juyeon and Minkyu co-host The Show with EVERGLOW’s Sihyeon. The pair were tested after one of EVERGLOW’s staffers tested positive for the novel Coronavirus. The Show has halted production while staff undergoes quarantine; Minkyu, Juyeon, and Sihyeon will also engage in quarantine.
Meanwhile, all members of EVERGLOW also tested negative for the virus following news of the first staffer’s diagnosis but will also follow quarantine precautions. Yuehua Entertainment announced the results of the staffer and EVERGLOW members in a statement; they announced that EVERGLOW’s schedule is now postponed.
Hey, it’s Yue Hua Entertainment.
We report that as of April 2, one person of our company’s personnel tested positively for COVID19 and as a measure, the EVERGLOW members were also screened; as of April 3, all six members checked negative.
Certain employees of the company who potentially had interaction with this employee also undergone testing, with several of them reported negative and some others are waiting for their pending tests. When they are available, we will inform you all with additional information
In the case of EVERGLOW, whilst all the members screened negative, we agreed to postpone the whole of their forthcoming activities in order to guarantee their safety; The members must follow self-quarantine protocols during the next 2 weeks in compliance with the Government’s health and safety decree.
In the future Yue Hua Entertainment will instead choose to cooperate in whatever way we can, understanding the seriousness of this present situation.
We apologize for raising worries and we pledge to double our measures to protect everybody’s health and safety from COVID19.
A second EVERGLOW staffer also tested positive for the virus. Yuehua Entertainment announced the news via a secondary statement.
This is Yuehua Entertainment.
We are here to share the news that another staff member in our agency has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The second staff member was someone who worked most closely with the first staff member who was diagnosed, and they ate a meal together on March 27. The second staff member received their test results on April 3.
The staff member is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, and we will continue to monitor the situation.
We wish to once again express our apologies for causing concern to fans and representatives, and we will continue follow the guidelines given by the government and related institutions and do as much as we can.
Rapper Kisum is also self-quarantining as she shared a waiting room with the EVERGLOW staff. While she has currently tested negative, her schedule for the next two weeks has been canceled.
“Everyone, don’t worry too much! I’m healthy,” Kisum wrote on social media. “After I safely self-isolate, I’ll be back. You should all also always wear a mask, wash your hands as soon as you get home, and use hand sanitizer. Together, we can beat this.”
While she is no longer in the K-Pop industry since leaving SNSD, Tiffany Young’s tour manager, Tara Anne, has also tested positive for COVID-19. The announcement was made on a GoFundMe set up for her to assist in paying for medical care.
Our friend Tara has recently learned she has come down with a case of Covid-19 caused by the Coronavirus strain, which has also resulted in her developing pneumonia as well.
As any of us would assume, this is an unexpected hardship to face physically and financially, which can require a little monetary support to get through it. Tara has played an important role for many musicians and touring artists, ensuring everyone is taken care of and in good spirits. Let’s help with doing the same for her.
This support will help Tara with not being able to work while focusing on recovering and also contribute to a yet unknown amount of medical expenses which have been incurred so far. There will be limitations in health insurance and out of pocket costs for testing including an ER visit and medication costs, upwards of $500 at minimum. There is rent, bills, and a soon to be lack of health coverage on the horizon that monetary support can help supplement.
Now is as great of time as ever to lend a friend a hand if we are in a position to do so- Tara surely would do the same. Thank you!
Earlier in March, singer Chungha self-quarantined after two of her staff members tested positive for COVID-19 after being in Italy, one of Europe’s hardest hit areas. Her promotions were canceled following the news.
Global health organizations continue to ask citizens to take the necessary precautions to help fight the virus. Avoid touching your face, wash your hands, and stay at home!
Photo cr. Kpopstarz, Kpopping, Kpopprofiles
—-Olivia Murray
SM Entertainment recently provided an update on Red Velvet’s Wendy following a serious fall at the SBS Gayo Daejeon rehearsals in December 2019.
“Though Wendy has gone far in her recovery, she is still receiving hospital treatment. She’s improved a lot, and she’s currently recovering and receiving treatment,” SM said on April 3, 2020.
Wendy suffered facial, pelvic, and wrist injuries during her accident on December 25, 2019. The severity of the injuries were not disclosed, but she was hospitalized for a period of time and is currently receiving out-patient care. In a February 20 Instagram update, Wendy said she is in good spirits.
Additionally, Wendy has been cast as the voice actress for the Korean dub of the film Trolls World Tour. For the English version, Red Velvet participated in the OST “Just Sing” and appeared as K-Pop trolls.
We wish Wendy the best in her continued recovery!
—-Olivia Murray
GWSN are gearing up to make their comeback this month, but they will do so while down as a member as Soso will be sitting out this comeback.
“GWSN member Soso is unable to participate in the group’s comeback album due to health issues,” Kiwi Group Media said. “GWSN will promote as 6-members for the time being.”
Soso has struggled with persistent ankle issues as well as anxiety since getting injured since the group’s third album promotions last year. MILES, a sub-label of Kiwi Group Media which now houses GWSN, decided to give her more time to recover from her injuries before returning for any activities.
“For the time being, GWSN will be promoting as a six-member group, and we will do our best for the quick recovery of Soso. We would like to ask everyone to support Soso, and other members of GWSN,” Kiki Group added.
Hopefully, Soso will recover soon! Meanwhile, keep an ear out for new music from GWSN at the end of the April!
Photo cr. ChannelKorea
—-Olivia Murray
On April 5, 2020, actor Jung Woo Sung lost his father to natural causes.
“Jung Woo Sung’s father passed away of old age this morning,” Artist Company, Jung’s agency, said. “Jung Woo Sung and his family are all mourning and preparing for the funeral.”
Jung received the news while filming the new movie Guardian. Guardian will be Jung’s directorial debut.
We send our condolences to Jung and his family.
Photo cr. Allkpop
—-Olivia Murray
Sad news struck the AOA family as Jimin’s father passed away unexpectedly following a heart attack. FNC Entertainment announced the news April 3, 2020.
“Jimin’s father passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest,” the company said. “Jimin is currently keeping watch at his wake with her family.”
Jimin’s father’s funeral will take place at a hospital in Gyeonggi Province.
We send out condolences to Jimin and her family.
Photo cr. Koreaboo
—-Olivia Murray
Inner Circles had to say goodbye temporarily as WINNER’s Kim Jin Woo becomes the first member to enlist in the military.
Jin Woo entered the Nonsan Army Training Center in South Chungcheong on April 2, 2020. Here, he will begin four weeks of basic training before serving as a public service worker.
“Thank you for coming such a long distance during these times,” Jin Woo said. “I’ll return after safely receiving training well.” He continued, “Furthermore, thank you to Inner Circle who have always supported me by my side. Please look after my dongsaengs Lee Seung Hoon, Song Mino, and Kang Seung Yoon. Thank you.”
Jin Woo announced his plans to enlist two weeks ago via a letter to fans.
Inner Circle, hello.
I’m here because I have some news and I wanted you to be the first people to know about it.
Hm… I will be enlisting on April 2!
Though I will be apart from our Inner Circle for a bit, I will be healthy, brave, and do well, so our Inner Circle should also do your best in whatever you’re doing and put your health first! I hope you will be well.
And most of all, I am happy that we released news of our album, which is like a gift to us and you, before I go! We prepared it with so much joy in our hearts, and I’m so happy that we’ll get to listen to it with Inner Circle.
We still have good times ahead of us, so let’s smile and be happy! Though I haven’t been able to repay everything I have received, you know that Inner Circle is always No. 1 in my heart, right? Hehe.
And to my dongsaengs, who are now like real brothers to me.
I’m always grateful and I love you!
To Inner Circle, who always hold us up whenever and wherever! I’ll be well while I’m gone! Please take care of my dongsaengs.
Let’s meet again after I’m back! Stay healthy! I sincerely love you.
We wish Jin Woo well during his service.
Meanwhile, WINNER recently release the pre-release single “Hold” for fans. Their full album, Remember, comes out April 9. The group will then go on hiatus.
—-Olivia Murray