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.
Fans of the female quintet SPICA have a reason to celebrate as Bohyung and Boa will return to the music scene as a new duo!
On February 11, 2020, Bohyung and Boa announced that they will reunite as the duo KEEMBO. The caption excitedly says “Guys you can cry! Scream as loud as you want!”
Since SPICA disbanded in 2017, Bohyung and Boa have been busy with their own activites. Boa has performed backup vocals for several singles including Momoland’s “Bboom Bboom,” while Bohyung has released solo music.
Are you excited for KEEMBO? We wish them the best as they begin their new path as a duo!
—-Olivia Murray
After several requests on social media, BTS will finally appear on James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” segment of The Late Late Show with James Corden.
On February 25, 2020, BTS will appear on the popular segment that features Corden singing songs with popular artists while on the road.
#BTSCarpoolFEB25 pic.twitter.com/2zgTzmWxHy
— The Late Late Show with James Corden (@latelateshow) February 17, 2020
Fans have asked for BTS to appear on “Carpool Karaoke” since they performed “Black Swan” on The Late Late Show in January.
Given how their new album, Map the Soul: 7, comes out February 21, perhaps we’ll hear them perform their new tracks during the segment?
Check out their “Black Swan” performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden below.
Photo cr. Forbes
—-Olivia Murray
Entertainment following the expiration of their exclusive contracts. Polaris acknowledged the trio’s leave in a brief statement.
Hello. This is Polaris Entertainment.
We inform you that Polaris Entertainment’s exclusive contract with group Ladies’ Code has ended as of February 17.
Before we announce the unfortunate news, we would like to express our sadness for having to say goodbye to the members who carried out their activities passionately until the end. Moreover, we express our gratitude that can’t be expressed in words to the Ladies’ Code members who went through joys and sorrows as artists under our agency for seven years.
We send our unsparing support for Ladies’ Code’s future activities, and we will look forward to and wait for the members to promote again as Ladies’ Code.
Following the news, Ashley, Zuni, and Sojung posted messages to their fans.
In a heart-wrenching Instagram post that featured images of the Ladies’ Code members including the late EunBi and RiSe, Ashley wrote:
To my beloved Lavely.
Hello, this is Ladies’ Code’s Ashley. It’s very cold these days. Have you been dressing warmly? Seven years have already passed since we and Lavely met.
Many happy and sad things happened during those years. When we were happy, we were even happier because we had Lavely, and because Lavely were next to us when we were going through hard times, we didn’t give up and were able to keep going.
To be honest, I feel sad and apologetic about not having spent more time with Lavely, but we will halt our activities as Ladies’ Code for a while and show ourselves doing our best in our own respective positions. While I feel afraid because it’s my first time starting out alone, I will make a good impression as Choi Bit Na and Ashley instead of an idol, so please cheer me on a lot.
More than anything, I was so thankful and happy to have been able to promote with RiSe, EunB, Sojung, and Zuny as the group Ladies’ Code.
Thank you for the precious memories, our members and Lavely. Thank you for giving me so much undeserved love despite my many shortcomings. I will be thankful if you could cheer for the new paths taken by each of the three members Lee So Jung, Kim Joo Mi, and Ashley.
Also, thank you to the Polaris Entertainment family for being with us all this time! I will never forget the love we received until now. Be healthy and happy. I love you.
From Ladies’ Code’s Ashley.
View this post on Instagram
Thank you so much for the past 7 years. I love you ❤️ 감사하고 또 감사합니다. 사랑해요 ?
On her Instagram, Sojung said,
Hello. This is Ladies’ Code’s Sojung.
So much time has passed already… I feel like time is heartless for passing by so quickly, and I also feel sad and upset for not having been able to return the great amount of love you’ve sent me despite my shortcomings…
Meeting my beloved members [Ashley] unni, RiSe unni, EunB unni, and Zuny was the biggest gift of my life. I’m sincerely thankful to our Polaris family who sent me this gift and stayed with us during this long time.
Though we will each be taking on new challenges in our own places, we will be waiting for the day we can reunite as Ladies’ Code.
Many things have happened, but I was able to hang on because of our fans who always cheered us on, cared for us, and loved us. Thank you so much.
I was so happy during every moment we spent together. I won’t forget.
Though I feel sad, I’m going to do my best to show my other sides as ‘Lee So Jung’! Please support my new beginning!
Thank you to all the fans overseas who have supported and watched me from afar (written in English).
I will become a good artist who brings good music as well as a good person. I love you a lot and thank you so much. From Sojung.
Finally, Zuny wrote:
Hello. This is Ladies’ Code’s chic cool guy Zuny.
It’s my first time writing a letter like this so I’m not sure what I should say to start it off.
It’s already been seven years with Ladies’ Code and Lavely. Now that I think about it, time really feels fast.
We’ve gone through many things together, crying and laughing, and it’s time for us to stay apart for a while, so I’m handwriting a letter to express my heart to the members and Lavely. It breaks my heart to think about the Lavely who will be sad to hear this news, but we are not parting—we are only staying apart temporarily to go our own ways. So please don’t be too sad, and I would like it if you could support the paths we take!!
I was the maknae who didn’t express herself much and had many shortcomings, but I’d like to express my gratitude to the members and Lavely who gave me many great memories, love, and happiness that can’t be expressed in words. My current self exists because there were the members and Lavely, and I will always work hard in life, engraving those thankful people in my heart who always believed in me and waited for me by my side. The people who were by my side even during hard times…
I will always work hard with a thankful heart. Thank you for helping me realize many things during the seven years, for providing nice relationships, for always taking care of me, waiting for me, and giving me strength by my side, and for giving me bountiful love.
Now, I will work even harder to give a good impression as Kim Joo Mi, not Zuny. Our house owner grandma~ Soju Sojung~ Lavely, I love you, and I really care about you a lot. Thank you for being someone precious to me. Thank you for everything so far.
From Zuny.
All three girls acknowledge that Ladies’ Code will be on hiatus while each of them pursue new solo activities. Going forward, Zuny will be going by her real name, Kim Joo-Mi, while Sojung will go proceed as Lee So-Jung, and Ashley will use both Ashley and her Korean name, Choi Bit-Na.
When Ladies’ Code debuted in 2013, they were one of the up-and-coming girl groups to watch. Sadly, in 2014, a car accident took the lives of EunB and RiSe and since, promotions were seldom as the group reformed as a trio and Polaris failed to promote them properly. Ladies’ Code last release, “Set Me Free,” on October 10, 2019.
We wish Ashley, So-Jung, and Joo-Mi the best in their futures!
Photo cr. AsianStar
—-Olivia Murray
ONCEs can rejoice as TWICE may soon be whole again!
Mina, who has been absent from group activities since July 2019 due to anxiety, recently joined TWICE on stage to perform “Feel Special” during the group’s TWICELIGHTS in Japan Tour stop in Fukuoka to the delight of fans worldwide. Soon after her appearance on stage, #ProudofYouMina trended on Twitter.
JYP Entertainment recently shared that Mina has been feeling increasingly better, but she is still undergoing constant treatment to help her with her anxiety disorder. Starting in January, Mina has made a few appearances with TWICE during fan meets and a few other activities.
On February 12, 2020, JYP Entertainment said, “The condition of Mina’s health has stabilized a lot. Future activities will continue to be carried out with careful consideration of Mina’s health.”
JYP Entertainment will take Mina’s feelings into account, but there seems to be hope that TWICE will be a nine-member team soon!
Check out Mina’s triumphant return below.
Photo Cr. Kpopmap
—-Olivia Murray
A trainee from the multi-national group and talent agency Yuehua Entertainment (Everglow, UNIQ, Cosmic Girls) has been arrested for fraud and dropped from the company.
On February 5, 2020, Huang Zhibo, who appeared on the Chinese survival show All for One, was arrested for fraud after scamming Chinese citizens by selling masks that were supposed to protect against the spread of the Coronavirus. However, the masks he allegedly had did not exist.
A week prior to his arrest, Huang posted on his Weibo account offering to help people during the Coronavirus crisis.
While running his alleged scam, Huang supposedly made close $40,000 USD.
Upon his arrest, Huang’s contract with Yuehua was terminated.
“It’s true that Huang Zhibo was arrested on charges of online scamming,” Yuehua Entertainment said in a statement. “We will participate as necessary in the police investigation. We have terminated Hwang’s trainee contract, and we would like to apologize for the bad influences this incident may have.”
Police were alerted to the purported scam when Huang didn’t show up to the meeting locations where he promised to hand out masks.
Shanghai police arrested Huang and seized his property when they arrested him. While searching the property, the police did not find the medical masks Huang claimed he had.
According to XportsNews, Huang did not have anything to say regarding his arrest beyond the statement that his head hurt.
Currently, Huang is being held in police detention and questioned.
—-Olivia Murray
Following the release of their new single “BOUNCY,” Woollim Entertainment announced that Rocket Punch’s Yunkyoung will sit out the group’s music show appearances due to a knee injury. Woollim made the announcement through a statement on February 17, 2020.
Hello, this is Woollim Entertainment.
First, we wish to thank the fans who always care for Rocket Punch. We would like to give a notice regarding the activities of Rocket Punch member Yunkyoung.
In the process of preparing for the new album, Yunkyoung felt pain in her knee and was diagnosed with traumatic synovitis.
The doctor stated that this would not impede on her carrying out promotional activities, and though we minimized Yunkyoung’s activities and made efforts in various ways to work towards a successful comeback while maintaining her health, we have observed throughout the start of “BOUNCY” activities that it will be difficult for Yunkyoung to partake in scheduled activities such as music shows that require her to perform choreography.
However, Yunkyoung has a strong desire to not worry fans who have been waiting for this comeback for six months, and as she is not suffering from any health problems other than her knee, she will be greeting fans at all scheduled activities other than music shows.
Following this decision, Rocket Punch will be promoting “BOUNCY” with five members on music shows from this week, and Yunkyoung will rejoin her members to greet fans once she has recovered.
Once again, we wish to sincerely thank fans for supporting Rocket Punch’s second mini album “red Punch,” and we will continue to do our best to support our artists while putting their health first.
We also ask for your unending support for the five members who will continue with promotional activities for “BOUNCY.”
Thank you.
While she will sit out music show performances, Yunkyoung is expected to still participate in fan meets. Hopefully Yunkyoung will heal well.
Photo Cr. Korean CELEB
—-Olivia Murray
On Monday January 10 and Tuesday January 11, 2020, the 144th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The event hosted hundreds of dogs vying for the coveted Best in Show, with the standard poodle, Siba, taking home the prize.
While it’s fun to watch the annual event, there’s nothing better and more loyal than the pooch right beside you if you’re a dog owner.
Dogs are known for their loving hearts and loyalty, and for years, stories of their love and devotion earn viral attention whenever someone needs to hear something positive and uplifting.
Naturally, we want to celebrate “man’s best friend” here at Kcrush in honor of one the United States’ most popular February events by celebrating some dog stories that captivated people across the world and stem from Asia.
One of the world’s most famous stories of love and loyalty comes from Japan where an Akita named Hachikō waited for nine years, nine months, and 15 days at the Shibuya Station for his master, Hidesaburō Ueno, to return home from work.
Born in 1923, Hachikō was the loyal canine of Ueno and would follow Ueno to the Shibuya Station when he would leave for work at the Tokyo Imperial University. In turn, Hachikō would go to the station to meet Ueno after work when they would travel home together.
On May 21, 1925, Ueno suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while teaching a class at the Tokyo Imperial University. Unfortunately, the hemorrhage caused Ueno’s untimely death at the age of 53. Hachikō’s master was never to return home.
However, Hachikō continued to go to the Shibuya Station every day at the time Ueno was supposed to come home. The dog waited for his human in hopes that he would return until his death March 8, 1935 when he was 11-years old. Hachikō’s official cause of death was terminal cancer and a filaria infection.
At first, Hachikō’s daily visits were reportedly an annoyance to those working at Shibuya Station, but those who knew Ueno and Hachikō felt for the dog. However, an article written by one of Ueno’s former students for Asahi Shimbun brought attention to Hachikō, making him a national celebrity. Visitors to the Shibuya Station would feed him and give him water during his visits to wait for Ueno.
Following Hachikō’s death, his cremains were buried next to Uero at Aoyama Cemetery, Minato, Tokyo. At the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo, Hachikō’s fur is on display.
In 1934, a bronze statue of Hachikō was displayed at the Shibuya Station, but during WWII, the country took down the statue to use the materials during the war efforts. However, in 1948, a new statue was erected and remains today. Four other Hachikō statues exist in Japan and in the United States: Ōdate Station and the Akita Dog Museum in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Japan; the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Tokyo (the stature features Hachikō and Ueno); and in Woonsocket, Rhode Island at the Woonsocket Depot Square where the film, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale was filmed. Hachi was based on Hachikō’s story.
Today, Hachikō is still a symbol of love and loyalty in Japan. Each year on March 8, a remembrance celebration is held for Hachikō at the Shibuya Station. In 2003, Shibuya even created a four-route mini-bus called the “Hachikō-Bus” that travels in Shibuya. In schools, Hachikō’s example used to be used to teach students about familial loyalty. In popular culture, films, books, and even advertising feature Hachikō and his story.
For many dogs, loyalty is commonplace, but for Hachikō, loyalty was a way of life and example to all of us about the power of love and undying hope.
Photo cr. Wikimedia Commons, The Vintage News, Matcha
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—-Olivia Murray
It’s double the baby news for former LABOUM member Yulhee and her husband, FTISLAND’s Minhwan as their twins entered the world on February 11, 2020! Minhwan confirmed the news on Instagram in a post.
Hello, this is Minhwan.
Today, February 11, was the due date of our Ddo twins! Ddoya was born at 9:18 a.m. and Ddoddoya at 9:19 a.m. in good health!
My wife is also recovering strongly!
I still cannot believe that I am the father of three children, but I will work even harder to live a more beautiful life with our children!
Thank you so much to everyone who has shown support!!
Minhwan and Yulhee, who star in the reality show Mr. House Husband, learned they would be having twin girls while filming the show.
Ddoya and Ddoddoya are the girls’ nicknames. During a fanmeet featured on Mr. House Husband, Minhwan revealed the girls’ names are Ah-Yoon and Ah-Rin.
“The first daughter is Ah Yoon and the second is Ah Rin. I came up with one name and Yulhee came up with the other,” he said.
The girls will soon join big brother Jaeyul at home. Congratulations to the family!
Photo cr. Allkpop
—-Olivia Murray
Go Soo-Jung, 25, who is known for her roles in BTS’ “With Seoul” MV (2017) and as one of Ji Eun Tak’s (Kim go-Eun) ghost friends in the drama Goblin (2016) and had a role in Solomon’s Perjury has passed away following a battle with chronic illness.
Her agency, Story J Entertainment, confirmed the news via a brief statement.
“A few days ago, actress Go Soo Jung bid farewell to this world and became one of the bright stars in the sky,” the agency said. “We will always remember actress Go Soo Jung and her glowing smile which brightened the world. Please wish her a safe passage.”
Details surrounding her illness were not released.
The actress’ private funeral was held February 9, 2020. Friends and family were in attendance.
We send Go Soo-Jung’s family and friends our condolences.
—-Olivia Murray
On Monday January 10 and Tuesday January 11, 2020, the 144th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will take place in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The event plays host to hundreds of dogs vying for the coveted Best in Show. While it’s fun to watch the annual event, there’s nothing better and more loyal than the pooch right beside you if you’re a dog owner.
Dogs are known for their loving hearts and loyalty, and for years, stories of their love and devotion earn viral attention whenever someone needs to hear something positive and uplifting.
Naturally, we want to celebrate “man’s best friend” here at Kcrush in honor of one the United States’ most popular February events by celebrating some dog stories that captivated people across the world and stem from Asia.
On Jindo Island in South Korea, one of Korea’s national treasures resides. Here, the Jindo Dog thrives, and the residents raise up to 30,000 to 50,000 puppies a year, and no dog can leave the island without a government permit. The Jindo Dog is a source of income for those who live on the island, and now they are a tourist attraction thanks to Donji-ri’s Jindo Dog theme park and research center.
At Jindo Land, the dogs are trained and socialized daily while handlers at the park promote the skills and intelligence of the breed. Here, dogs learn tricks, do agility, and even perform daily shows for tourists where they even paint pictures and dance. During an NBC Sports segment during the 2019 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the dogs’ handlers even state the Jindo has an ear for music, particularly rap.
At the Jindo Museum, guests can learn more about the dog’s history, in particular the story about Baekgu, the dog that brought attention to the island and global attention toward the breed due to her 180-mile journey home from Daegu to Jindo Island. The Jindo Museum has information about breed traits, and you can see how they are trained for agility and obedience. Guests can even leave notes for the dogs.
The research center also is a place to learn more about the breed. Here, researchers can trace the dogs’ ancestry, especially when it comes to finding descendants of the island’s beloved Baekgu, and owners who have descendants of Baekgu receive certificates. The center also works and making sure the breed remains pure and true to breed standards. The research center also has a vet for the island’s dogs and also provides housing for the dogs.
Naturally, many do have issues with Jindo Land as rescue groups and animal rights advocates feel that those who run the theme park and museum do not do enough to educate people about the dog meat trade in South Korea, but with growing interest in the breed and with the theme park becoming a tourist attraction, there may be hope for change and education regarding this matter.
If you want to visit Jindo Island and the Jindo Dog Theme Park, it is located at 7 Dongoe-ri, Jindo-eup, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. More information can be found here. Tourists can also take guided tours around the island to learn more about the culture, landscape, people, and the dogs that call it home.
Photo Cr. Jindo.go.kr
—-Olivia Murray
Here’s an interview of Madi Davies – whom I met waiting outside the Seoul Fashion Week shows. I briefly talked to her and thought she could provide an interesting interview for our readers. We would like to thank Madi for offering her precious time and wish her all the best in the future.
Please introduce yourself and what you do to our readers please.
Hello, my name is Madison. I am 22 years old and from America. I am a Korean language student here in Korea, aspiring to be a model.
Share with us your story on how you initially came to live in Korea and how you got interested in the culture.
When I was in college back in 2016, I met a friend that asked me to attend a B.A.P concert with her in Nashville. This peaked my interest in KPOP. I became really interested in the way KPOP was portrayed, as it is the kind of production I’ve always wanted to do myself but never saw in America. I decided I would do what I could to make sure I was able to live out my dreams and attempt to do this kind of music in Korea, too. I moved to South Korea in November of 2017 and immediately started training at a KPOP school in Dance, Vocal ability, Acting, and the Korean language. While I enjoyed my experience and was always encouraged well by my teachers and mentors I quickly found that I had no passion in studying this way.
How did you learn Korean so quickly? Any advice on how to learn the language sufficiently?
I initially started studying inside my KPOP school with a mentor with 5 other students. I didn’t feel I was learning at the speed I could be learning so I decided to enroll at a college Language institute. In March of 2018 I went to Sogang University for 3 months to learn Korean. I learned a lot and very quickly but I found it was hard for me to get along with my peers due to the career path I had chosen and decided it was too toxic of an environment for me to stay in. I left Sogang and started spending more time making Korean friends and studying at home. This way I learn not as fast but still affectively and happily. I’ve made a lot of Korean friends and speak with them often. I’d say a key point in learning Korean fast and well is constantly putting yourself in a position where speaking Korean is your only option as well as making as many Korean only speaking friends as you can.
What kind of songs do you listen to the most these days? Do you still practice singing?
I LOVE Korean RnB music and its what I listen to the most. I love all different kinds of music and I am always listening to something different. Recently I’ve lost my connection with practicing my singing and I’ve fallen quite shy because of it when singing. I sing songs to myself here and there when I’m in my home or walking down empty streets at night.
What do you like to do in your free time?
These days in my free time I like going to cafes with my friend and Bullet Journaling. We order a cup of coffee and just write and talk about our days together. We also often take night walks, though these days its very cold.
Do you have a favorite place/location in Korea that you’d recommend people to visit?
I really love the Sinsa area recently! I often go to the cafes there! Wonderful service and a great atmosphere. Mangwon-dong is lovely too. Me and my friends love to explore and always find new spots in Seoul to hangout in.
What do you most miss about the U.S.?
I’d say what I miss the most about the U.S. is the daily human interaction. Often where I’m from in the states. We will stop and say hi or politely smile to the people we pass by even if they are strangers. In Korea it is very strange to do these things with each other and it often doesn’t happen.
What would you advise to someone who wants to come to Korea to pursue a career in the Korean show business?
In Korea its all about connections. Be social and utilize the small world of foreigners to help you make those connections in Korea. Try not to submit or conform completely to Korean standards but also don’t be too stubborn in your foreign ways that you don’t make any changes to fit in to the Korean standard. Learn Korean well! This is a MAJOR part of your business.
Name some memorable things that you’ve done in year 2019.
I got to enter into the world of fashion in Korea and became an intern with a fashion news photographer in Seoul. I got to go to fashion shows and meet lots of people. I got the opportunity to do this interview and introduce myself to you all!
What are your plans and hopes for 2020?
In 2020 I hope to sign with a Korean entertainment company for acting and modeling and perfect my Korean as best I can! I’ve loved watching myself grow into the person I am today over the years in Korea. Korea is my home and I can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store for me! ^^
–J. Chung.
Bong Joon-Ho had a big night at the 2020 Academy Awards!
Bong’s global hit movie, Parasite, took home four of the six awards it was nominated for during the February 9, 2020 ceremony.
Parasite is a dark comedy about a poor household that hatches a scheme to become employees of a wealthier family by pretending to be highly qualified for the tasks.
The film was highly rated by film critics and audiences alike, and it became a runaway favorite to win several awards during the 2019-2020 film award season internationally. However, foreign language films have a difficult time breaking into Hollywood let alone winning any awards, but Parasite has done what many have deemed impossible to some extent.
Parasite scored nominations in the Best Picture, Best Director, Film Editing, Production Design, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film; the film won for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film.
For Best Original Screenplay, which was announced first for Parasite’s four wins, Bong and Jin Won-Han became the first South Koreans to win an award at the Oscars and the sixth foreign language film to win the award.
“…writing a script is always such a lonely process,” Bong said. “We never write to represent our country. But this is very personal. I thank all the actors who are here with me today for bringing this film to life.”
The win for Best International Feature Film wasn’t a surprise to many as the film’s announcement brought a strong ovation.
“I am ready to drink tonight,” Bong said after the win. Then, Bong won the award for Best Director, which seemingly came as a surprise. He provided shout-outs to the other nominees before concluding with “Now, I’m ready to drink until tomorrow.”
With his Best Director win, Bong is only the second director to snag the award with a foreign language film. In 2019, Alfonso Caurón won the award with Roma. After Ang Lee with Life of Pi (2013) and Brokeback Mountain (2006), Bong is the second director of Asian descent to earn the award, but he is the first from South Korea to do so.
With its Best Picture win, Parasite became the first foreign language film to take home the Academy’s biggest award. Over the Academy Awards’ history, ten international feature films have been nominated for Best Picture but failed to snag a win. Like 2009’s Slumdog Millionaire, Parasite won Best Picture despite no one in the cast being nominated for any of the best acting categories. Parasite also became the first film to win both the Best International Feature Film award and Best Picture.
For an awards show that often doesn’t celebrate diversity, Parasite’s nominations and wins made it one of the few films starring and directed by minorities to be honored at the event. This year also marked the first time someone of Maori-descent won an Oscar with Taika Waititi’s win for Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit. Waititi is the first indigenous person to be nominated for the category.
Congratulations to Parasite and Bong Joon-Ho for their historic wins! Hopefully more doors will open for minority actors, films, and directors in the future.
—-Olivia Murray