- What’s the Korean word for Korean pop? (Hint: Starts with a “G”)
- Which Korean artist/band sold the most albums? (This record was broken in 2019)
- Where was Mnet Asian Music Awards held in 2019?
- Name the stadium in Seoul that holds the most seats.
- How do you say “the youngest” in Korean? (Starts with a “M”)
- Who is the founder of Big Hit Entertainment?
- Who is the founder of SM Entertainment?
- Name the oldest member of BTS.
- How many albums has Super Junior released?
- When did BIGBANG hit their debut?
- Name the 5-member group in YG that has existed since the 90s.
- Which K-pop group has yellow as their unofficial color?
- How many members are there in EXO currently?
- Name all the four members in BLACKPINK.
- What’s the name of Itzy’s management/agency?
- What does NTC stand for?
- Which town in Korea is BTS’ Jimin from?
- What does AKMU an abbreviation of?
- Which girl group was Suzy a part of?
- Name all the members of TWICE.
- Which state in America was Jay Park born in?
- What is the name of iKON’s fandom?
- Who is the oldest member of EXO?
- Which member of Red Velvet recently got discharged from hospital?
- How many members are there in WINNER?
- How many members are there in Momoland?
- Which member of BIGBANG left and retired due to numerous scandals?
- Name 5 K-pop bands that have 5 members.
- Name the biggest selling Korean female singer songwriter of all time.
- Which year did GOT7 debut?
- Which year did Girls’ Generation debut?
- Which year did TVXQ debut?
- How many members are there in Seventeen?
- Which year did Wonder Girls disband?
- Which year did 2Ne1 disband?
- Name all the members in SuperM.
- Name all the members in EXO-K.
- Name the oldest surviving boyband.
- Name 3 sets of K-pop duos.
- Who is the oldest member in Stray Kids?
- Which year was JYP Entertainment founded?
- Which year was Big Hit Entertainment founded?
- Which member of BLACKPINK is not an English speaker?
- Name the most viewed K-pop music video of all time.
- Name some of the K-pop acts that made it to the billboard chart.
Answers
- Ga-yo
- BTS
- Nagoya, Japan
- Seoul Olympic Stadium
- Maknae
- Bang Si-hyuk
- Lee Soo-man
- Jin
- 9
- 2006
- Sechs Kies
- Shinhwa
- 12
- Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa
- JYP Entertainment
- Neo Culture Technology
- Busan
- Akdong Musician
- Miss A
- Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu.
- Washington
- iKONIC
- Xiumin
- Wendy
- 4
- 7
- Seungri
- –
- IU
- 2014
- 2007
- 2003
- 13
- 2017
- 2016
- 7
- Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O, Kai, and Sehun
- Shinhwa
- –
- Woojin
- 1997
- 2005
- Jisoo
- Psy – Gangnam Style
- BoA, Wonder Girls, Psy, G-Dragon, Girls’ Generation, MonstaX, BLACKPINK, EXO, BTS and etc…
—-J.Chung
When the Weather Is Nice (Korean Drama) 2020 Review
On March 11, 2020, the remaining BIGBANG members, T.O.P, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung, renewed their contracts with YG Entertainment for the third time.
“Going beyond musical influence, BIGBANG has changed the course of Korean pop culture. YG will continue to support BIGBANG so that they can continue to make K-pop history as a representative group of our label,” a YG Entertainment representative said.
BIGBANG plan on making a comeback this year. Initially, their comeback was rumored to be before Coachella, a concert event where the quartet is slated to perform. However, Coachella has been postponed until October due to the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
T.O.P, G-Dragon, Daesung, and Taeyang have all wrapped up their military service. The group has made news over the past few years due to various issues and accusations. Hopefully 2020 will bring a fresh start to the senior group that debuted in 2006.
—-Olivia Murray
On March 10, 2020, Takada Kenta’s mother passed away following a long illness. Star Road Entertainment confirmed the news.
“Takada Kenta’s mother passed on the 9th after a long illness. “We hope she rests in peace, and we ask that you give Takada Kenta warm words of comfort,” the agency said.
Kenta, who appeared on Produce 101 Season 2 and is a current member of the duo JBJ95, has flown to Japan to be with his family.
A private funeral will be held for Kenta’s mother.
We send our condolences to his family.
Photo cr. Soompi
—-Olivia Murray
Earlier this year, reports indicted YG Entertainment would be debuting their new girl group in 2020. The company has since confirmed the rumors by stating the currently unnamed girl group will debut in the second half of the year!
“It is true that we are planning to debut a new girl group. The exact details will be revealed through an official press release later on,” a YG representative said. “We are currently focusing on new album preparations for BLACKPINK and WINNER.”
This will be YG’s first girl group debut since BLACKPINK debuted in 2016. While there is excitement surrounding the new group, some YG-fans are upset that a new group is debuting when BLACKPINK has yet to be properly promoted despite the group’s massive popularity. As it stands, BLACKPINK’s promised comeback has already been pushed back.
While the new girl group is unnamed, fans suspect they may be called Baby Monster or Bae Mon as YG trademarked both names in January 2019.
Concepts for the group are widely speculated as well with some fans expecting them to continue with YG’s signature sound or to follow in the footsteps of 2NE1, BLACKPINK, or even recall the Swi.T vibe. Swi.T was YG’s first girl group that debuted—and disbanded—in 2002. YG founder Yang Hyun-suk married Swi.T’s Lee Eun-Ju in 2010 after they dated for years. They share two children.
Another speculative concept is that the new girl group may carry an SNSD-vibe as Yang Hyun-suk has wanted to create a group with a similar styling to Girls’ Generation in the past. We’ll have to wait and see what the second half of the year brings!
—-Olivia Murray
On March 9, 2020, Taeyeon’s father passed away following a heart attack. SM Entertainment confirmed the news to eDaily and through a statement.
Hello. This is SM Entertainment.
Taeyeon’s father has unfortunately passed away on March 9.
May he rest in peace. Please send Taeyeon warm words of consolation.
We inform you that the release of Taeyeon’s new single “Happy” and its music video that was scheduled for today will be postponed.
We ask fans who were waiting for the new release for their understanding, and we will provide an announcement later regarding the plans for the song’s release.
“The funeral will be quiet with the family,” SM Entertainment to eDaily.
Taeyeon, who’s 31st birthday is also March 9, is currently with her family.
The Girls’ Generation leader was also expected to release a single, “Happy,” today, but it has been postponed in light of her father’s passing.
We send our condolences to Taeyeon and her family.
Photo cr. Soompi
—-Olivia Murray
Former BIGBANG member, Seungri, enlisted as an active-duty soldier March 9, 2020.
Seungri, who is under investigation for habitual overseas gambling, illegal monetary transfers, and solicitation of prostitution, reported to the ROK army’s 6th division new recruit training center in Gangwon-do’s Cheorwon-gun. He will serve in the army for 18 months.
While serving in the military, Seungri will also be subject to a military trial due to the aforementioned charges that were brought down January 30 of this year.
“We will work closely with prosecution to ensure a fair and just trial and will also take into consideration factors such as the position of the citizen’s jury throughout the procedures,” the Military Manpower Administration stated.
Seungri avoided press questions as he stood at the photo wall prior to entering the recruitment center.
Seungri is scheduled to end his service September 26, 2021.
Photo cr. XportsNews
—-Olivia Murray
On March 9, 2020, J.Y. Park and his wife welcomed a new baby into the world! Their new child is the couple’s second daughter. J.Y. Park made the announcement on his personal Instagram.
Knowing there’re so many people struggling these days because of the disease, it’s so hard to write anything on SNS but I thought I had to let you know this news. I was just given a beautiful little girl. Two years in a row, and now I became a father of two girls. Will do my best to raise them to be good influences in this complicated world. My heart is heavy to receive this blessing when so many people are struggling. I wish we can all come together to overcome this crisis.
Congratulations to J.Y. Park and his family!
Photo cr. MoonROK
—-Olivia Murray
Hyukoh’s guitarist, Lim Hyun-Jae, shared exciting news on the March 7, 2020 episode of MBC’s Hangout with Yoo!
On the show, Lim stated that he and his longtime love will be getting married this coming May!
“They have been together for a long time,” leader Oh-Hyuk said of Lim and his soon-to-be-wife. “She is his first girlfriend.”
Lim said, “We have been friends since middle school, and we started dating each other in our twenties.”
Congratulations to the soon-to-be-newlyweds!
Photo Cr. Twitter
—-Olivia Murray
As Coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to spread globally, more K-Pop acts and events have been canceled or postponed in order to protect artists and fans from catching the virus.
After initially denying the cancellation, KBS confirmed that Music Bank World Tour in Dubai has been canceled. Music Bank in Dubai was supposed to take place March 21, 2020 and was supposed to feature Baekhyun, JUS2, Monsta X, TWICE, and Seventeen. Ticket refund information has yet to be released.
The K-Pop Super Concert in Dubai had Laboum, Super Junior, Jun, NCT-127, and RGP scheduled to perform. It has not been announced yet if the concert is postponed. Tickets and event information are still available on the Coca-Cola Arena website.
tvN’s travel variety series, Cheap Tour, also announced that taping would be temporarily halted due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
“Starting March 23, Cheap Tour will take a break for broadcasts while observing the developments of the Coronavirus,” tvN told the media. “Due to the COVID19 situation, we will be halting filming temporarily. Currently, we have previously filmed episodes scheduled to air until March 16.”
Cube Entertainment also announced that (G)I-dle will also postpone their I-Land: Who Am I world tour as well as their comeback that was scheduled for March. Cube shared the postponement notice February 28.
Hello.
This is CUBE Entertainment.
Our company made a decision to temporarily postpone (G)I-DLE’s first world tour, 2020 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR ‘I-LAND: WHO AM I’ as well as the release of their new album project, which were scheduled for mid-March.
After a thorough internal discussion, we unfortunately made the decision due to unforeseen circumstances around the globe.
Accordingly, detailed information regarding ticket refunds will be announced later through each promoter as well as the ticket site.
To the fans who may have been looking forward to (G)I-DLE’s first world tour and the new album, we ask for your kind understanding.
We hope to update you soon.
Thank you.
In Los Angeles, the Korea Times Music Festival, which was scheduled for April, has also been postponed.
The April 25 event, which is in its 18th year, “has provisionally been postponed due to the increasing uncertainty threat of coronavirus.”
The show, which would have been held at the Hollywood Bowl, had Momoland, No Brain, and Ha Sungwoon slated to perform. Other acts were expected to be identified in the coming weeks, which may still be the case when a new date will be announced.
“Concert goers can opt for a refund or keep the existing tickets,” festival organizers said. They added that tickets “will remain valid and transferable to the rescheduled concert date.”
Also in California, the Overpass Music Festival in Oak Canyon Park has been moved from March to September 26, 2020. The festival’s acts include Malaysia’s Yuna, Phum Viphurit from Thailand, DPR Live and iKON’s Mino.
JYP Entertainment announced that Stray Kids’ Osaka, Japan and Singapore concerts that were to be held March 21 and 22 and April 18, respectively, have been canceled (Osaka) or postponed.
KCON Japan 2020, slated for April 3-5, 2020 at Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Chiba, Japan has also been postponed according to Mnet.
Due to the spread of new coronavirus infections, KCON 2020 JAPAN, which was scheduled to be held from April 3 to 5, has been postponed.
We decided to postpone as a result of giving top priority to the safety of customers, artists and staff coming to KCON. We apologize for the inconvenience to everyone who supported KCON and waited for us. The transfer schedule is currently being adjusted and will be announced on the official website and SNS as soon as it is determined.
The refund method and period for tickets already purchased will be announced on the official site and official SNS at a later date as soon as they are determined. If you have purchased a K-DRAMA FANMEETING ticket, please keep it in a safe place, as your current ticket will be required for refund processing.
We will do our best to keep KCON in a safe situation for you. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused to everyone who looked forward to the event.
Dreamcatcher, TWICE, OnlyOneOf, Day6, Nature, Everglow, JO1, Pentagon, The Boyz, Verivery, DKB, and IMFACT were expected to perform, while ASTRO, Oh My Firl, SF9, fromis_9, OneUs, TXT, and AB6IX were expected to hold fan meets and showcases during the event.
Finally, the previously postponed The Fact Music Awards, which was supposed to be held February 29, 2020, will be held online. Originally, organizers expected to postpone the event until the second half of the year but opted to announce the winners March 16 at 10am KST. Organizers will upload videos of the artists receiving their awards.
As Coronavirus continues to spread, artist scheduling and performances and show tapings will continue to be postponed and canceled as the situation remains fluid.
Photo cr. Allkpop, Reddit, Koreaboo
—-Olivia Murray
Days after the announcement that Roy Kim is innocent in connection to the Jung Joon-Young chatroom controversy, the charges against Eddy Kim have been dropped in connection to the same chatroom.
On April 4, 2019, Eddy Kim’s name surfaced as one of those involved in the now-infamous KakaoTalk chats.
On March 6, 2020, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office suspended Kim’s indictment after finding the singer only distributed one lewd photo in a hobby-related chatroom for fishing which was outside the controversial chat. The image was one found online and not taken by Kim.
Mystic Story, Kim’s label, confirmed the suspension in a statement.
We would like to notify you of the results of Eddy Kim’s investigation.
In late March of last year, Eddy Kim was investigated by the police on charges of spreading pornographic material, and his case was then forwarded to the prosecution and he has now received a suspension of indictment.
Eddy Kim did not personally film illegal material or spread such content, but he was investigated for taking a screenshot online and sharing the image. In the process of the investigation, it was confirmed that the group chatroom that Eddy Kim was a part of was not the group chatroom that became an issue for sharing illegally filmed material, but a separate group chatroom based around a shared hobby.
Regardless, Eddy Kim is regretting the error of his ways and reflecting on his actions. We sincerely apologize to all those who are disappointed by his actions.
From now on, Eddy Kim will work hard to act prudently with a strong sense of responsibility. Once again, we apologize for causing concern.
The suspension ultimately means that the case against Kim has been dropped as the investigation will not continue.
Prosecutors in the case and Mystic Story stated Kim has shown deep remorse for his actions, and this remorse also played a role in the case being dropped.
Photo cr. High Yellow
—-Olivia Murray
On March 3, 2020, LU4US (formerly LU:KUS, L.A.U) rapper Haewon announced he will leave the group and idol life.
In a video posted on YouTube, Haewon describes his decision and opening a new chapter in his life.
“I have learned a lot about life that has changed me. I am already 30 years old now. I used to think my twenties would be eternal. I want to open a new chapter of my life now. Even though what I have chosen is a pity, but I will not regret,” Haewon said.
Haewon also wrote in the video description, “Hello, I’m HaeWon from LUKUS. You’re a real layman now. Yeah, I don’t know anybody. But I’ve been an idol for 11 years. 11 years ago, when I was 19 years old, the “Three Musketeers” (I’m sure you’ve all heard the song at least once.) I made my debut with a group called X-5 and made another debut as X-5. And now the LUKUS. a total of three times. Of course, there’s always been a problem. It’s already been 11 years since I’ve lived here and there. I am already 30 years old. Life begins at 30, but now I’m going to be more responsible. I dedicate this video to everyone I’ve been grateful for. Thank you for watching my video until the end and leaving your comments. I’m always grateful to my subscribers.”
It’s unclear what the future will bring Haewon, but we wish him the best.
Photo cr. MissKpop
—-Olivia Murray
Back in October 2019, rookie group AB6IX announced they would embark on a US tour. However, the group’s company, Brand New Music, announced on AB6IX’s fan café that the tour is now postponed due to the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
This is BRANDNEW MUSIC.
Due to the recent increase of the COVID-19 cases, ‘AB6IX 1ST WORLD TOUR <6IXENSE> IN THE U.S.’ that was scheduled for April 15th (Wed) in Newark, 18th (Sat) in Atlanta, 21st (Tue) in Chicago, 23rd (Thu) in Minneapolis, 25th (Sat) in Dallas, 28th (Tue) in San Francisco, and 30th (Thu) in Los Angeles has provisionally been postponed.
We made the decision after due consideration with the health and safety of the artists and fans at top priority, and we apologize for any inconveniences caused to those who have been looking forward to the concerts. Announcements regarding the ticket refunds will be posted on the official ticket reservation site, so please check the details through emails, which will be sent to the people who bought tickets.
We will make sure to provide you with prompt updates on potential changes to the tour schedule. Once again, we would like to offer our deepest apology and ask for your kind understanding.
Thank you.
While the tour is cancelled for now, new dates may be announced if the Coronavirus spread slows or halts. Hopefully fans will understand the postponement is for everyone’s safety.
Photo cr. Soompi
—-Olivia Murray
According to Sports World, on February 27, 2020, Gyeonggi Provincial Police Department released confirmation that ex-iKON leader tested negative for drugs.
“B.I has tested negative in his illegal drug use evaluation,” a Gyeonggi police representative said. “The Gyeonggi police carried out meticulous evaluations by sending B.I’s hair follicles to the National Forensics Department, and the results concluded that no illegal drug substances were found.”
“B.I’s illegal drug use and dealing case has now come to a wraps, and police will be forwarding the case over to prosecution soon,” the representative added.
In June 2019, drug allegations from 2016 surfaced involving B.I which later led to his departure from iKON and YG Entertainment. At the time, texts between B.I (Kim Han-Bin) and “A” (later to revealed to be former trainee Han Seo-Hee) surfaced that showed the two discussing marijuana and the possible purchase of LSD. In a statement, B.I admitted that he thought about purchasing the aforementioned drugs before ultimately deciding against it. In September 2019, B.I was questioned in the case.
The case has been forwarded to the prosecution. No further information has been obtained regarding the status of the prosecution’s case and investigation.
Photo cr. Kpopmap
—-Olivia Murray
Controversial swimmer, Sun Yang, who participated in the 2012 London Olympic games and the 2016 Rio Games, has been banned from the sport for eight years. The ban will likely end the 28-year-old’s career.
On February 28, 2020 the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) found that Sun refused to cooperate with authorities when they came to collect blood and urine samples for drug testing back in September 2018. The sample was destroyed with a hammer by one of Sun’s security guards after Sun’s mother instructed him to do so.
Initially, despite Sun’s mother and guard’s controversial actions, FINA (International Swimming Federation), gave Sun a warning. During the initial trial for this case, Sun stated he refused to give samples because the representatives from the World Anti-Doping Agency lacked appropriate credentials to let him know they were there to collect blood and urine samples from him.
The judge for the trial—which was marred with translation issues from the start—agreed with Sun’s testimony.
Following the warning, Sun was allowed to continue swimming, and he went on to win world championship medals in 200-meter and 400-meter freestyle events in 2019.
For the latest trial, CAS overturned the initial ruling by stating, “The athlete failed to establish that he had a compelling justification to destroy his sample collection containers and forego the doping control when, in his opinion, the collection protocol was not in compliance.”
The three judges agreed to enact the ban in a unanimous verdict.
The courts ruled Sun can keep his 2019 world titles as he tested negative for doping prior to the world championships.
Following the ruling, Sun stated he plans to appeal.
“I firmly believe in my innocence. I was shocked, angry and could not understand after receiving the ruling,” Sun said on Weibo.
The China Swimming Association added that Sun is “further pursuing his legal rights through litigation.”
Sun, who is the first Chinese swimmer to ever medal at the Olympics, is no stranger to controversy. In 2014, he was banned for three months after testing positive for trimetazidine, a classified stimulant at the time. Sun stated he’s been taking the drug since 2008 to treat a heart condition. While he could have filed a medical exception, he elected not to do so.
Across the sport of swimming, several athletes consider Sun to be a “drug-cheat” starting at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. During the 2019 world champions, South African and Australian swimming Chad le Clos and Mack Horton refused to stand next to Sun on the podium.
Following the February 28 verdict banning Sun, Horton received death threats on social media.
“I think, regardless of the outcome, it was always going to be a statement to the world, and my stance has always been about clean sport, never about nations or individuals,” Horton said February 29 on Seven Network television.
“…like many other clean swimmers, I have raced against Sun Yang and ‘lost’. Drug cheats have no place in sport and we need the governing bodies to reconsider the damage he has done to our great sport – and to the results / careers of many other clean swimmers,” le Clos said on Twitter.
Like many other clean swimmers, I have raced against Sun Yang and “lost”. Drug cheats have no place in sport and we need the governing bodies to reconsider the damage he has done to our great sport – and to the results / careers of many other clean swimmers #time4change
— Chad Le Clos (@chadleclos) February 28, 2020
Sun is one of China’s most popular athletes currently. He can now begin the appeals process. However, the ban currently means he cannot defend his Olympic titles at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
—-Olivia Murray
Earlier this week, it was revealed that singer-songwriter Roy Kim has been declared innocent in connection to the Jung Joon-Young molka chatroom after the courts found he did not share pornographic materials.
On February 24, 2020, Channel A’s Rumor Has It mentioned that Kim, Jung, and Choi Jung-Hoon were in a fishing chatroom together, but that he was not involved in the infamous chatroom.
“Many people don’t know that Roy Kim, Jung Joon-Young, and Choi Jong-Hoon were part of a fishing group chat,” journalist Kim Ji-Hyun said. “Fishing as in catching actual fish. In that room, there was a dissemination of pornographic images of an entertainer at the time. That’s why Roy Kim captured a picture from a blog to clarify and say ‘that’s not that person in the picture’ and this fact became twisted to him saying that he was releasing pornographic images. He didn’t upload the image to release pornographic images but to say that the picture was edited.”
“He didn’t receive any sentence but just the fact that he was investigated is continually degrading his image,” Kim Ji-Hyun said. “So, he can’t promote as of now and I wanted people to know this unknown story.”
Via a statement, Kim’s agency, Stone Music, also confirmed the court’s innocent ruling and further reiterated that he was not part of the incriminating chatroom.
Hello, this is Stone Music Entertainment.
Last April, our label artist Roy Kim was investigated by the police on charges of spreading pornographic material, and a final decision of a suspension of indictment has been made on his case. We wish to sincerely apologize to those who have been disappointed by the bad news, and to the fans who have waited for a long time.
Roy Kim fully complied with the police investigation, and during the process, it was confirmed that in 2016, Roy Kim took a screenshot of a blog image with his phone and shared it in a KakaoTalk chatroom.
Roy Kim is deeply regretting and reflecting on his ignorance of not knowing that, regardless of intention, this was an act of spreading pornographic material.
However, we would like to emphasize that the KakaoTalk chatroom that Roy Kim was a part of was a different chatroom from the one that has become an issue.
Roy Kim will do his best to be a model citizen with a humble attitude. Once again, we apologize.
Thank you.
On his fan café, Kim also published an apology letter following the news he was cleared of wrongdoing.
Hello, this is Roy Kim.
To everyone who has waited until today’s news was shared, I’m not sure if it’s even alright for me to dare to write to you now.
However, I’m writing because I want to express to you how sincerely sorry and grateful I feel.
I recently received the results of the investigation. I intended to tell all of you first, and I’m so sorry that it was revealed first through the news.
First, at the time in 2016, I found a blog post through a portal site search that explained that the photo that was the subject of rumors was an edited photo. I took a screenshot with my phone and sent that image, along with a message saying that the rumor isn’t true, to a group chat I was in with acquaintances who I shared a hobby with. I realized through this incident that it’s wrong to share such photos, regardless of the intention or the content [of the message], and I am deeply reflecting on that.
I’m sincerely sorry that I have greatly hurt people I love because of my ignorant and rash action. I’ve been worried about what I should say to you and how I should say it, and I’ve spent very fearful days seeing and hearing the talk that kept growing and growing. During that time, I humbly reflected upon myself, and I realized once again how precious and generous all the things you gave me and the love I’ve received is, as a person who is endlessly lacking.
To all of you who have supported and loved me without change during this long time, I am so sorry that I cannot even express it in words, and I am sincerely grateful. I will walk each step with a feeling of heavy responsibility and a cautious mindset so that I can be sure not to disappoint you, who have believed in and waited for me until the end, and so that I can return as the Roy Kim that you supported, loved, and watched over. Thank you. From, Roy Kim.
In 2019, Kim’s alleged involvement in the molka KakaoTalk scandal impacted not only his musical career but his final semester at Georgetown University as well. He missed the final month of school and was unable to attend his graduation. Close to 5,000 Georgetown University students signed a change.org petition asking the university to suspend him (even though there was not proof or evidence showing his involvement in the infamous chatroom) and to expel him if he was found guilty.
Kim, whose given name is Kim Sang-Woo, did receive his diploma.
Kim’s Korean music career started in 2012 when he appeared on Superstar K4. In 2013, he rose in popularity thanks to the songs “Bom Bom Bom” and “Love Love Love.” His last single, “The Hardest Part,” was released in 2018.
Currently, there is no timetable for Kim’s potential return to the Korean music scene… if he would be allowed to return at all if the Netizen Court of Public Opinion has a say.
—-Olivia Murray
On February 28, 2020, the K-Pop/Rock quartet, The Rose, filed for contract nullification against their company, J&Star Company. Each of the members—Woosung, Dojoon, Hajoon, and Jaehyung—confirmed the news by posting the article containing the news on their Instagram pages.
View this post on Instagram
In their nullification request, The Rose claim that J&Star Company did not provide the members with proper revenue calculation procedures since the quartet signed their contracts. The group states they were promised monthly revenue reports, but they’ve yet to see these reports. They also claim to have not been paid over the last three years.
In addition to the financial issues identified in their claim, The Rose state they were subject to rigorous schedules and not being included in the decision to go on a 17-city United States tour for 2020. The members claim the tour was decided upon without their consent.
“We hope to terminate our contracts with the agency as soon as possible. We apologize to our fans,” the group said via the media
J&Star Company refutes the band’s claims. The company states they will file a countersuit against The Rose to request compensation and criminal liability.
“The Rose unilaterally notified [the company of] the termination of their contract, and they claimed that they will stop [attending] performances and broadcasts arranged by the company,” a J&Star Company representative told Star News. “The terms [of the contract] and content discussed in the certification of contents have no legal force. The Rose must dutifully take on their current ongoing schedule.”
In a statement, J&Star said, “”The Rose’s claims that we ‘violated terms in the exclusive contract’ are entirely false.”
In regards to scheduling, the statement said, “We have always informed The Rose of all of their promotional schedules such as overseas tours, broadcast activities, etc., well ahead of time, also coming to agreements with the members regarding each activity, not to mention preparation schedules such as practices, makeup, and such.”
When addressing The Rose’s missing payment claims, the company added, “We also provided The Rose with a document detailing all of the expenses and revenues from the band’s full promotions since they signed the exclusive contract, and received confirmation that they saw the document.”
The Rose announced they will cease activities while pursuing their legal action. J&Star also responded to the group’s decision to do so.
“Currently, The Rose has refused to converse with the company, and after unilaterally notifying [the company] of contract termination, they have unilaterally notified that they refuse to participate in the scheduled broadcasts and performances, which they have promised to hold with the fans,” J&Star said in their statement.
The Rose debuted August 3, 2017 with “I’m Sorry.” Since debut, the group earned a solid fanbase, especially internationally where they’ve held several successful concerts. Stay tuned for updates regarding their lawsuit.
—-Olivia Murray
On February 27, 2020, BigHit Entertainment announced that BTS’ Map of the Soul Tour: Seoul has been canceled in light of the spread of Coronavirus. BigHit made the announcement on Weverse and shared it on Twitter.
[공지] #BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR – SEOUL 공연 취소 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN)https://t.co/at6Qtntrbj
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) February 28, 2020
The concerts were supposed to take place at the Seoul Olympic Stadium April 11, 12, 18, and 19.
In the statement, BigHit wrote:
Hello. This is BigHit Entertainment.
We regret to announce that the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR- SEOUL Concert, originally scheduled to be help on April 11 (Sat), 12 (Sun), 18 (Sat), and 19 (Sun) at OLYMPIC STADIUM, has been canceled.
Plans for “MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR-SEOUL” included the involvement of a number of global production companies and a large group of expert international crew with over 200,000 concertgoers expected to attend.
However, the current global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has made it impossible at this time to predict the scale of the outbreak during the dates of the concert in April, alongside increasing uncertainty about the cross-border movement of concert staff and equipment.
While we hope that the situation will improve, we must take into consideration the health and safety of hundreds of thousands of guests as well as our artists and the dire impact a last-minute cancelation may have on guests from overseas, production companies, and staff. We have thus determined that with approximately one month left before the Seoul concert is set to begin, it is unavoidable that the concert must be canceled without further delay.
Please understand that this decision was made after extensive and careful consideration in order to cooperate with the government’s measures on restricting public events as well as municipal advisories on the use of cultural and sports facilities.
Tickets already reserved will be refunded in full through INTERPARK, the official ticket agent. Please refer to the “Refund Notice” below as well as the INTERPARK ticket Webpage (reservation page) or contact the INTERPARK ticker customer service center (1544-155) for more information.
We would like to sincerely apologize for issuing this notice of cancelation to all of our fans who had been eagerly looking forward to the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR-SEOUL Concert, and we ask for your understanding.
Thank you.
BTS are the latest in a long list of K-Pop artists canceling concerts and events in light of the Coronavirus spread. We hope everyone understands that safety comes first.
Photo cr. Somag News
—-Olivia Murray
On February 18, 2020, K-Pop rookie group A.C.E’s vehicle experienced a super glue attack by an anti-fan. The group’s agency, Beat Interactive, released a statement that was shared on Twitter detailing the incident and the legal actions that will occur in the aftermath.
최근 에이스와 관련된 사안에 대한 소속사의 입장을 전달드립니다. pic.twitter.com/ywHOyMkGUI
— official A.C.E (@official_ACE7) February 19, 2020
Hello. This is A.C.E’s agency Beat Interactive.
As there are fans concerned about the incident that occurred with A.C.E last night, we will explain the current situation and the upcoming plans for action.
At approximately 10 p.m. last night, there was a super glue terror incident targeted at A.C.E’s vehicle by their practice room.
This incident has been found to have had the intention of causing harm to the artist and damaging property by figuring out the artist’s transportation time frame and route in advance. As soon as the situation was recognized, it was reported to the local police station. It is under thorough investigation with CCTV analysis, and strict punishment will be given without leniency.
Due to the incident yesterday, the agency artist A.C.E’s members Jun, Donghun, Wow, Kim Byeong Kwan, and Chan are experiencing mental uneasiness and feeling fear of the same or similar situation occurring again.
Therefore, Beat Interactive will take active measures to not compromise aspects related to the artist’s well-being and health.
In addition, the posts spreading groundless false rumors, explicit personal attacks, and malicious defamation of A.C.E are recently being discovered online and on social media, and the artists are expressing severe emotional pain as a result.
We have signed a delegation contract with a law firm specializing in this area to take criminal action, and we have decided to file criminal complaints regarding actions of defamation and interference with business.
In order for these situations to not occur again, we ask for your cooperation with continuous monitoring and tips.
As the mental and physical conditions of the members have significantly weakened, their scheduled activities will be adjusted, and they will receive psychiatric counseling as requested.
To conclude, we apologize for inevitably having caused concern to fans, and we express deep gratitude for the trust and support always sent to A.C.E.
As A.C.E’s agency, we will put in all possible effort in order for them to continuously promote in stable conditions. Thank you.
February 19, 2020 from Beat Interactive CEO Kim Hye Im
It’s unclear if the A.C.E members themselves were struck in the super-glue attack or if it was just their vehicle, but given the mental anguish the members are currently experiencing, it is clear they may have seen the event unfold. Hopefully the perpetrator will be caught soon!
Photo cr. Allure
—-Olivia Murray
Nearly two months after suffering severe injuries from a fall at the SBS Gayo Daejeon rehearsals, Red Velvet’s Wendy took to social media on February 21 to update fans on her health.
On two separate Instagram posts that features promotional images— one post written in Korean and the other in English— Wendy, who celebrated her birthday on February 20, addressed ReVeluv:
Happiness?????
Dear our ReVeluv,
Hello everyone, it’s Wendy!
Missed me much? 🙂 It’s been awhile since I’ve uploaded my latest post. I just wanted to thank you everyone for all the love and support you have shared with me on my birthday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Also, I’m recovering very well, thanks to all of our ReVeluv♥️ As I said during my Instagram live, I won’t be going anywhere but always singing right next to you as Wendy. I hope to see you all soon on stage!
Thanks to you all, our Reveluv, for coming into my life and taking a huge part of my journey. Miss you lots?Muahh?
While she didn’t state how well she’s recovering, it’s great to hear she’s in good spirits! We hope she continues to get better and stronger every day.
Photo cr. Channel Korea
—-Olivia Murray
Bong Joon-ho (Born September 14, 1969) is a widely-acclaimed South Korean film director, producer, and script writer who was born in Daegu, South Korea, as the youngest of 4 children. His father was Bong Sang-gyun who was a professor of Yeungnam Art University, and the first-generation art director of National Films Production. Bong’s maternal grandfather, Park Taewon, was an author during the Japanese colonial era. One of Bong’s older brothers is a professor at Seoul National University and his sister is a fashion designer. Bong has a son, Bong Hyo-min who is also a film director.
According to Bong’s older sister – Bong was quiet as a youngster, very studious and charismatic but didn’t stand out too much. He grew up in an environment where he got to read a lot of foreign literature on films, construction, designs and so forth. Bong is said to have loved art, literature and music from an early age.
When Bong was in 3rd grade in elementary, his family moved to Seoul. He later enrolled in Yonsei University to major Sociology in 1988, and learned that one needn’t be a film major to become a film director.
Bong served in the military and returned to college in 1992. He co-founded a film club Yellow Door and made his first films, Looking for Paradise and White Man. Bong then completed a two-year program at the Korean Academy of Film Arts. His graduation films Memory Within the Frame and Incoherence were invited to screen at several international film festivals.
He spent the next several years working with other film directors. He received partial screenplay credit on Seven Reasons Why Beer is Better Than a Lover (1996); screenplay and assistant director credit on Park Ki-yong‘s debut Motel Cactus (1997); and is one of writers for Phantom the Submarine (1999).
Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000) was Bong’s first feature film and he also wrote its screenplay. Bong’s second film, Memories of Murder (2003), was adapted from a real-life story of a serial murder/rape case. Released in April 2003, it proved to be successful, critically and commercially – this outcome saved production company Sidus from bankruptcy and won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Lighting prizes at the Grand Bell Awards.
The Host (2006) took Bong’s reputation as a director to a new level. The $12 million work featured on a fictional monster that appeared from the Han River to attack mankind. It was a challenge to create a realistic digital monster. Weta Digital was initially contacted, but due to the schedule, Bong ended up working with San Francisco-based The Orphanage instead. The film became South Korea’s widest release in history and set a new box-office record. Universal later purchased the rights to remake.
Bong, Michel Gondry and French director Leos Carax, each directed segments of Tokyo! (2008) – Bong’s part tells a story about a “hikikomori” man who falls in love with a pizza delivery girl.
Bong’s fourth film Mother (2009) is about a mother trying to save her intellectually challenged son from being a suspect to a murder case. The film became a critical success in Korea and internationally. It also made it on numerous top films lists of 2010 voted by critics.
In the following year, Bong served as a jury member for the 27th Sundance Film Festival, the head of the jury for the Caméra d’Or section of the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, and the 2013 Edinburgh International Film Festival.
In 2013, Bong’s first English-language film, Snowpiercer, was released, which was based on the graphic novel, Le Transperceneige, by Jean-Marc Rochette and Jacques Lob, where the passengers are separated according to their social status in a futuristic train.
As the tenth highest-grossing domestic film in South Korea, it is also the fastest movie ever to reach four million admissions, and made the highest weekend figure for a Korean film.
In 2015, Bong’s next film Okja was released. It premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, and received a four-minute standing ovation following its premiere.
Bong released film Parasite (2019), a black comedy thriller about an underprivileged family gets hired at an affluent home.
Parasite earned $115 million at the worldwide box office – Bong’s highest-grossing release yet. Bong was nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, and won the Best Foreign Language Film – the first Golden Globe nomination or win for any Korean film.
Parasite was nominated for 4 categories, and received 2 awards at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards.
Parasite became the first Korean film to receive an Academy Award nomination -receiving 6 nominations and winning Bong the Best Picture (shared with Kwak Sin-ae), Best Director, Best Original Screenplay (shared with Han Jin-won), and Best International Feature Film.
Bong is said to be currently working on another thriller and a Hollywood film.
–J.Chung.