Kcrush’s pics for best K-Pop tracks for April 2022.
(image from the AT&T website for AAPI Heritage Month https://about.att.com/inside_connections_blog/2021/aapi_heritage_month.html)
For those who hadnât known, May is observed as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States. It is when the achievements and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in various fields are acknowledged, and it also recognizes their influence to future generations.
The celebration is in efforts to strengthen the idea that AAPI people are not to be looked at as âforeignâ and treated differently, rather AAPI people should be appreciated for the role they play in todayâs society, and in the process doing so, their unique cultures are introduced and given notice.
The mere presence of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month seems to be an active step towards a holistic and accommodating society. The implication it gives is that the general public understands and accept that AAPI people are a part of the community and society and that their presence matters. And yet, the need for this publicly recognition also could mean that it somehow needs to be imposed due to the lack of the aforementioned acceptance and understanding.
Personally, the impression I get from AAPI Heritage Month is the latter reasoning, that it is being celebrated to spread awareness of the unique cultures of AAPI people, because there is still so many that are not aware. The ultimate goal seems to be in making the general public know of it, but honestly, it still has a long way to go. Most of the content and celebration I see of AAPI Heritage Month is from those who within the community and informing others of their culture, and the actual appreciation is still the minority. There still seems to be a substantial amount of people who are not accepting of AAPI people, and sadly would need more active efforts such as AAPI Heritage Month.
Calendar of ways to enjoy AAPI Heritage Month
(image taken from https://asiasociety.org/northern-california/31-ways-celebrate-aapi-heritage-month-2022)
The recognition of AAPI Heritage Month is based in the United States, so the celebration is usually centered within North American regions and resonates with those who are currently in or from that area. There may be other areas that observe a similar celebration, but it may be limited to places wherein the AAPI community is still in the process of being fully accepted, and is still considered a minority.
Given this analysis, AAPI Heritage Month isnât really observed or commonly practiced within countries wherein AAPI people are the majority, such as the countries in Asia, like South Korea.
Although South Korea is slowly progressing toward multi-culturalism, it is still strongly monocultural. Hence, many things are strongly leaning toward East Asian practices with slow efforts in accepting and coping with the âwesternâ ideal of things.
(Image taken from https://www.ktalktalk.com/studylog/?idx=3795315&bmode=view)
May is actually known under a different nickname in South Korea, as it is dubbed as âfamily month.â May has Childrenâs Day (May 5th) and Parentsâ Day (May 8th) together and adding that it is also a popular month for weddings, the month is more in line with the theme of spending time with family.
The extent of AAPI Heritage Month being felt in Korea is probably from those who came from North America, or through Koreans that have visited or moved to North American regions.
Most of the AAPI Heritage Month celebrations I observe are not first-hand, but rather from those that share it on social media platforms. And the content that is shared on social media does not seem to target those in South Korea or in Asia, but the international market outside of Asia.
Korean traditional patterns
(image taken from https://m.blog.naver.com/hellopolicy/150183585200)
A traditional Korean-style full-course meal
(image taken from https://www.korea.net/AboutKorea/Korean-Life/Food)
Based on the content that I see regarding AAPI Heritage Month, it seems to be filled with information regarding food and some cultural aspects that are rooted in the history. And with the rise of Korean media (music, movies, TV series, etc.), Korean culture is introduced as a way to spread and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. Iâve been seeing historically inspired content, and even people sharing their childhood experiences. But this is just touching on the surface and trying to catch peopleâs attention, because understanding and appreciating heritage doesnât happen overnight.
The general idea seems rooted in intending to show where you came from by adding a hint of personal memories. These add the idea that we shouldnât be ashamed of where we came from and that the AAPI community (along with other minority groups) should not be overlooked.
The reach of AAPI Heritage Month doesnât seem strong within South Korea, possibly because the majority are Asian and the perception that embracing oneâs (Asian) culture and heritage is not bound to a month, rather it is a lifestyle of accepting yourself.
Having said that, any attempt at sharing and educating others of AAPI Heritage that they are not fully aware of, is progressive and is note-worthy.
—-Eun Hae Oh
#AAPI #AAPIHeritage #Asianculture #AAPIHeritageMonth #SouthKorea #monthofMayinKorea #NorthAmericaAAPIHeritageMonthCelebration #kcrush #officialkcrush #KoreanTraditionalPatterns #KoreanChildrensDay #KoreanParentsDay
2022 is turning out to be the Year of the K-Celebrity Wedding as another singer announced her upcoming nuptials!
On May 11, 2022, Davichiâs Lee Hae Ri shared a handwritten letter on Instagram announcing her upcoming wedding. Her agency, WAKEONE, confirmed the news, mentioning she will wed in July.
View this post on Instagram
In her letter, Lee said:
Hello Davichi Chord!
How have you been?
The truth is, thereâs something I want to tell you first, so I came here with a nervous heart.
It feels like a dream that Iâm about to say this.
It doesnât feel real yet, but⊠Iâm getting married
Heâs a good person whom I can learn a lot from, and when Iâm with him, there are many reasons to laugh.
More than anything, heâs a person who respects and cares about me more than anyone else, and Iâll cherish him and be with him forever.
I will continue to sing as well as laugh and chat with Min Kyung as Davichiâs Lee Hae Ri.
Davichi Chord⊠thank you for always loving me unconditionally.
I am waiting for the day we can meet at the concert venue, and I will repay you with good albums.
From,
Davichiâs eternal eldest member Lee Hae Ri
In their statement, WAKEONE stated:
Hello, this is WAKEONE.
Davichiâs Lee Hae Ri Lee will marry her beloved lover in July.
It will be a small wedding with family, relatives, and acquaintances. We ask for your understanding that it is difficult to disclose details related to it in consideration of her non-celebrity fiancé and both families.
Please give warm blessings and support to Lee Hae Ri, who met her precious partner and started a new chapter in her life.
Lee is both a solo singer and half of the long-time duo Davichi, which debuted in 2008 under Core Contents Media. Throughout their career, Davichi has had a string of hits including âDonât Say Goodbyeâ (2011), âTurtleâ (2013), âBe Warmedâ (2013), and âTwo Loversâ (2015) among others.
Even though she is getting married, Lee promises to continue promoting as a singer.
Congratulations to Lee Hae Ri and her fiancé!
—-Olivia Murray
With Covid travel restrictions* lifting, many of us may be feeling the nips from the travel bug reminding us that life is short, and we need to go out to see and experience the world.
Thailand is one of Southeast Asiaâs major tourist attractions. According to 2021 data, over 39.8 million people toured the country in 2019 (6.7 million in 2020 while Covid restrictions were in place), making it one of the top countries visited prior to the pandemic. Before the pandemic, the numbers of foreign visitors coming to visit Thailand were trending upward before falling off due to travel restrictions. However, numbers are set to increase this year and in the coming years.
While many visit the country for the food, birding tours, inexpensive accommodations, beaches, backpacking and nature excursions, nightlife, and even plastic surgery tourism. Thailandâs culture-rich experiences have a lot to offer!
Of course, one of the best ways to see and experience Thailand is to visit the temples. The temples dotting the country have rich histories and meaning that will please any history buff or anyone interested in Thai belief systems including Buddhism and Islam. Of course, the architecture is something to behold! If you plan on visiting Thailand any time soon, these temples should be on your list!
Wat Samphran | Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom
A stately Eastern dragon wrapped around a pink building? Yes, please!
Located 40 kilometers (almost 25 miles) outside of Bangkok, the dragon protecting Wat Samphran (also known as âRose Buddha Prayerâ) looms and watches over the land, inviting visitors to come wander the gardens. The dragon, now mostly hollow, used to house a staircase, but due to deterioration, the dragon is no longer safe to climb. For the same reason, parts of the temple are closed off to the public, which might be a massive disappointment. However, photo opportunities can be found throughout the complex.
Colloquially known as the âDragon Templeâ in the West, Wat Samphran was registered in 1985 and is 80 meters (262.5 feet) tall to mark Buddhaâs death at 80-years old. At the foot of the building stands places of worship, a large gold Buddha statue, and gardens that invite you to take in the peaceful location while taking in the astounding dragon. In addition to the large dragon wrapped around the pink cylinder building, several smaller dragons will be found throughout the complex, especially on and within the shrines.
Traveling through the gardens will have visitors stumbling across all kinds of animal statues and a trail made from bricks marked with handprints and footprints. There are several ponds and wells that invite guests to toss coins to receive different blessings.
While a cool attraction, Wat Samphran, which is barely a blip on touristsâ radars, has a somewhat dark history. In 2004, several of the templeâs clergy were sentenced to prison following a sexual assault scandal. Buddhist abbot Chamlong Khonsue was sentenced to 160 years in prison for 28 counts of rape, molestation, and attempted rape on the girls under the age of 15. The scandal does stain the legacy of this beautiful structure, which may make it a âmust missâ on many peopleâs sight-seeing lists.
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Wat Rong Khun | Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
Known as the âWhite Temple,â Wat Rong Khun isnât a traditional Buddhist temple! Instead, itâs a privately-owned art exhibit built in the style of a Buddhist temple.
Designed and built in 1997 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple is a rebuild to honor the original Wat Rong Khun, which has been in a poor state since the beginning of the 20th Century. The temple features Kositpipatâs personal touches inspired by Orthodox Buddhist teachings. Kositpipat considers the White Temple to be a gift to Buddha that will grant him immortality.
Wat Rong Khun, which features buildings done in all white in exception of the golden building, is still in the construction phase. Currently, the compound has four structures present: Cycle of Rebirth bridge, Ubosot, the golden building, and the Gate of Heaven.
The bridge of âthe cycle of rebirthâ leads to the main building, the ubosot, which is guarded by statuary representing Death and RÄhu, making up the Gate of Heaven. Near the building is a small lake. After crossing the bridge to get to the building, youâll have access to an art gallery, a hall of relics, a meditation hall, and the monksâ living quarters.
The ubosot is all white and contains mirrors around the exterior. The buildings feature the three-tiered roof common in Thai architecture, and itâs decorated in nÄga serpents. Inside the ubosot, the white shades and traditional appearances from the outside fade to fiery oranges and dĂ©cor featuring Western pop culture icons including the Matrixâs Neo and pop singer Michael Jackson. There are some unsettling elements present that include images of 9/11 and nuclear warfare, but the point is to start conversation regarding the destructive nature of humanity and the damage humans cause to the earth and each other.
Finally, the Golden Building is the all-gold building on property. The building represents worldly desires, specifically money and material possessions. The goal of the Golden Building is to get people to focus on the mind and spirit instead of worldly possessions.
Visiting the temple is free for Thai citizens. Foreign visitors are required to pay 100 baht (almost $3 USD).
Wat Lok Moli | Chiang Mai
Located about 400 meters (a quarter of a mile) from Chang Phuak, Wat Lok Moli (or Wat Lok Molee) is at least 800-years old, but itâs unknown how old the temple actually is! There are references to the temple back in the 1300s during the sixth king of the Mangrai dynastyâs reign. During this period, Burmese (now Myanmar) Buddhist monks stayed at the temple to help spread their teachings. During the 1500s, the chedi and viharn were built, completing the structure as it appears today.
The tidy gardens enhance Wat Lok Moliâs picturesque appearance. The overall structure goes against the grain of other temples in the Chiang Mai area and in Thailand, in general. Bare brickwork, wooden façades, and North-South-aligning axis are key features that make Wat Lok Moli different as many temples use stucco and face an East-West axis. The temple features the traditional Lanna architecture style.
Inside the chedi, the ashes of Mengrai dynasty royalty reside, including the ashes of queen regnant Wisutthithewi who ruled Lanna from 1564-1578.
Itâs free to visit Wat Lok Moli.
Wat Arun | Bangkok Yai, Bangkok
As one of Bangkokâs and Thailandâs most famous temples, Wat Arun is one of the must-see attractions for many visiting the city and country. The templeâs located just west of the Chao Phraya River and can be reached via ferry or taxi.
Prior to being known as Wat Arun, the temple was called Wat Makok (olive temple) during the Ayutthaya era. During the 19th Century, King Rama II had the temple restored and the towers raised to the height they are today.
Wat Arun is Bangkokâs highest temple at 82m (270 feet) high! It utilizes Khmer architecture, so it resembles Cambodian sanctuaries with its appearance. The highest prang symbolizes Mount Meru, which for Tibetan Buddhists is considered the center of the world. The four smaller prangs represent and house four guardian gods.
The temple earns is âTemple of Dawnâ moniker thanks to the porcelain and seashell tiles that cover the façade. When the sun rises, its rays gleam off the exterior creating a shimmery effect. The tiles feature floral patterns; the ordination hall features murals from royal life. The temple also has a marble-clad courtyard and Chinese stone statuary depicting lions, dragons, and warriors.
Wat Arum is open from 8am to 5:30pm local time. It is free to visit, but the main tower, Phra Prang, costs 50 baht ($1.45 USD).
Of course, there are many other temples and sights to see in Thailand! We hope you enjoyed our selections. Please check out future Wanderlust Wednesday posts for more travel ideas.
*Note: As of May 11, 2022, Thailand requires proof of Covid-19 vaccine or a five-day quarantine period to enter the country.
Additional Sources: (1), (2), (3)
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—-Olivia Murray
#Thailand #ThailandTemples #WatArumTemple #PhraPrang #TempleOfDawn #TravelToThailand #WatMakok #WatRongKhun #whitetemple #olivetemple #ChaoPhrayaRiver #Ayutthayaera #Lannaarchitecture #SoutheastAsia #WatSamphran #RoseBuddhaPrayer #Kcrush #kcrushamerica #WatLokMoli #Mangraidynasty #ChalermchaiKositpipat #internationaltravel #funtravel #MueangChiangRaiDistrict #ChiangRai
Oklahoma-born K-Pop singer AleXa has a lot to celebrate as she was crowned the champion of the American Song Contest!
Thank you so much to every single person working behind the scenes! The songwriters, my fellow contestants, my friends, family, & loved onesâŠZanybros & ZB LabelâŠand my fellow Oklahomans- thank you for supporting me!! A.I TROOPERS I LOVE YOU!#AmericanSongContest #AleXaOnASC pic.twitter.com/8foJyH96w4
â AleXa â€ïžđ (@AleXa_ZB) May 10, 2022
During first-ever American Song Contest, which is the United Statesâ take of the Eurovision Song Contest, 56 entries from across the United States and US territories competed against each other to earn the top spot. Like the Eurovision Song Contest, points were awarded by 56 professional jury members that were divided into 10 geographical locations of the United States. Each juror announced during the broadcast which competitors earned 12 points while other points appeared on the screen during the show.
After its eight-week run, AleXa, who represented Oklahoma, found herself surviving each round. During the Grand Final, AleXa placed fifth in jury votes with 60 points. The professional jury voted Washington stateâs Allen Stone and his song âA Little Bit of Bothâ into first with 105 votes.
However, the public votes helped AleXa take the top spot! The televote earned Oklahoma an additional 650 points, giving AleXa 710 points total. Washington state only earned 254 points total following the televote, sending Allen Stone down to fifth place.
Coloradoâs Ryker Lynch, who was initially last in jury voting, rocketed to second place with 503 points after the televote with his song âFeel the Love.â
AleXa performed her song âWonderlandâ three times over the course of the competition. As the winner of the contest, hosts Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson revealed AleXa will get to perform âWonderlandâ during the Billboard Music Awards May 15, 2022, and iHeartRadio listeners will get to hear her song all summer long!
View this post on Instagram
Following her win, AleXa told Billboard, âIt felt like my brain exploded because my mother was holding onto my arm, and she was crying and shaking and so I cried with her.”
“It was a very emotional experience,” she added. “Sharing that moment with my team and all the ASC friends who were in the crowd meant the world to me.”
See both KCrush interviews with AleXa on our site.
Congratulations to AleXa and her incredible win during the inaugural contest!
—-Olivia Murray
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#AleXa #AleXaWonderland #iHeartRadio #Billboard #Oklahoma #AmericanSongContest #AleXawinsAmericanSongContest #BillboardMusicAwards #KellyClarkson #snoopDog #kpopidol #kpopsinger #koreanamericankpopstar #AleXacontestant #kcrushinterview #kcrushnews #kcrushoriginal #onstage
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! As we celebrate the contributions made by the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, we also need to look at their contributions in the literary world.
Asian/Asian American writers and other writers who are POC often arenât mentioned as often as their white peers, which is a travesty on many levels. We hope that our little article helps to change that! As we head into summer and, ultimately, Beach Reads season, we hope you add these books and authors to your personal libraries! Many selections are Young Adult books, but weâre sure older readers will enjoy these stories also!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea â Axie Oh
Axie Oh is a first-generation Korean American author. Oh writes young adult speculative fiction that delights the senses and transports readers to worlds akin to a Miyazaki fantasy.
In The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Oh puts her spin the Korean folktale The Tale of Shim Cheong. Dive between the spirit realm and the mortal realms as you follow Minaâs journey as she adventures through the spirit world to wake the Sea God in hopes of stopping the storms that have ravaged her homeland.
The story is considered a âfeminist retellingâ of The Tale of Shim Cheong. Fans of the original will like the life Axie breathes into the story. Ohâs ability to world build will take readers on an adventure that will touch and excite the heart. If youâre a fan of Yangsze Chooâs The Ghost Bride and Hayao Miyazakiâs films, this story is right up your alley!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, published by Feiwel & Friends, came out February 22, 2022. It is a teenage-friendly book, but adults will definitely enjoy the storytelling!
Other books by Axie Oh: XOXO, Rebel Seoul, Rogue Heart
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Symptoms of a Broken Heart â Sona Charaipotra
Released July 9, 2019, Symptoms of a Broken Heart is Sona Charaipotraâs debut novel. This young adult piece follows sixteen-year-old Saira as she navigates being the youngest medical school graduate trying to prove herself in the medical world while still being a teenager with normal teenage feelings and emotions and while still abiding by her parentsâ rules.
The story has an interesting point-of-view. Saira is driven and goal-oriented, so her character speaks to those who wish to achieve great things while theyâre young. Her Indian heritage hits the sweet spot within the literary worldâs need for more diversity. Charaipotraâs wit shines throughout the story, and the charming characters will transport you to a romantic comedy that is youthful, complex, and refreshing!
The Symptoms of a Broken Heart is a YA medical novel thatâs published by Imprint.
Other books by Sona Charaipotra: How Maya Got Fierce comes out July 12, 2022
Cold â Mariko Tamaki
For fans of Alice Seboldâs The Lovely Bones and Kei Sanbeâs Erased, Cold should be on your must-read list!
The story follows Todd and Georgia, two outcast, queer teens and a connection the pair have following Toddâs murder. As details behind Toddâs death unfurl, it is discovered the two teens do have a connection to one another.
While the book may feel like a murder mystery, it is a ghost story at its core and a story about teenagers navigating the world. As an LGBTQA+ novel, it has a certain vulnerability that forms a connection with readers.
Tamakiâs stories are usually well-rounded. Cold does have some underwhelming feelings at times, but itâs still a story that delivers overall.
Published by Roaring Brook Press, Cold hit bookshelves February 8, 2022.
Other books by Mariko Tamaki: Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, This One Summer, I Am Not Starfire
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The Stationery Shop â Marjan Kamali
Written by Iranian American Marjan Kamali, The Stationery Shop, published by Gallery Books, is a beautifully woven tale of lost love. The main character, Roya, will be someone youâll hold close to your heart as she falls in love with Bahram in 1950s Tehran only to be separated following the 1953 coup dâĂ©tat. While the story has hopeful moments, readers will find the tale bittersweet and sad. Readers may find themselves asking if the characters really do have a true love between them or if the unfinished business of teenage romance clouds their judgement.
Royaâs journey between Tehran and America as well as her connections to Bahram and Walter will move casual romance fans. If youâre a fan of James Pattersonâs The Notebook and the rich worlds crafted by Khaled Hosseini, this story will fill your niche wonderfully!
The Stationery Shopâs currently being adapted into an HBO series. Pick up the book before the series debuts!
Other books by Marjan Kamali: Together Tea
Aminaâs Voice and Aminaâs Song â Hena Khan
While technically listed as childrenâs books, Aminaâs Voice (book one) and Aminaâs Song (book two) are stories that have a lesson for everyone, especially readers who struggle to find themselves.
Through both stories, Khan does a great job portraying Aminaâs middle school journey of being torn between being true to herself, her Muslim background, wanting to fit in with her friends, and what it means to be âAmerican.â The themes presented are especially timely giving todayâs tumultuous environment, and they may give readers young and old a chance to learn about acceptance, inclusion, and personal growth.
Published by S&S Books for Young Readers, the stories are suitable for grades three and up.
Other books by Hena Khan: More to the Story, Like the Moon Loves the Sky, Night of the Moon, Under My Hijab
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Heaven â Mieko Kawakami
Heaven is probably the darkest book on this list, and because of this, it comes with several trigger and content warnings due to bullying, depression, and suicidal ideation among others. It is a read guaranteed to make you cry as the main character, a nameless 14-year-old boy, slips further into nihilism as his cruel reality continues to haunt him and made more prominent by newfound âfriendâ Kojima.
This story is a well-crafted downer. The characters embrace bleakness and reflect it well, so much so that there feels like there is no hope in the story at all until the main character starts discovering things on his own outside of Kojimaâs influence. While the ending isnât exactly a positive one, there is some odd semblance of hope, so Heaven will make you think.
Heaven, published by Europa Editions, is Mieko Kawakamiâs second novel translated in English. It is worth the read even if it is a darker story. Fans of J.D. Salinger (more specifically The Catcher in the Rye), Banana Yoshimoto, and Haruki Murakami will find Heaven up their alley.
Other stories by Mieko Kawakami: Breasts and Eggs, March Yarn, Where Have All the Sundays Gone?
What have you been reading lately? Share your reading list with us in the comments!
—-Olivia Murray
#asianwriters #MiekoKawakami #MiekoKawakamiHeaven #HenaKhan #AminasVoiceandAminasSong # #TheStationeryShop #MarjanKamali #ColdMarikoTamaki #MarikoTamaki #Asia #youthbooks #SymptomsofaBrokenHeartSonaCharaipotra #TheGirlWhoFellBeneaththeSeaAxieOh #AxieOh #AsianAmericanwriters #summerbooksuggestions #beachbookreading #youngadultbooks #AsianAmericanandPacificIslanderMonth #fiction #authors
In late April, the 29-year-old Japanese-born, Korea-based singer and actress posted a handwritten message announcing her upcoming nuptials.
View this post on Instagram
Yukika (Teramoto Yukika) said:
Hello, this is Yukika.
Iâm writing this letter because I want to share some news with the fans who are always rooting for me.
I came to Korea in 2016, and six years have already passed since then.
Starting from group activities to my solo debut, many things have happened, and Iâm both happy and amazed that Iâm continuing to gain so many different memories and experiences here in my second homeland.
And then I met someone who leads my life in an even happier and brighter direction, and we will be getting married.
Iâm sure there are people who will be surprised by this sudden news, but I hope that you will congratulate me and cheer me on for the future.
I will work hard to show you even better things in the future and bring you good music through my next album!
Thank you.
Ubuntu Entertainment confirmed Yukikaâs news by saying, âYukika is engaged to be married with her Korean boyfriend, whom sheâs currently dating.â
The singer, best known for her City Pop tracks, will be marrying a former Korean celebrity who is no longer involved in the industry. She and her company have chosen to keep his identity private.
âHe once promoted as a celebrity, but he is currently working in a different field,â Ubuntu Entertainment said. âAs he has left the entertainment industry, we ask for your understanding regarding the fact that we canât reveal the details of his identity.â
Yukika has been involved in both the Japanese and Korean entertainment industries since 2006. The voice actress and former model took a break from the industry between 2012-2015 to attend university before returning to acting in August 2015. From there, she appeared in Idolmaster KR and was part of the Real Girls Project. She appeared on Mix Nine and finished 34th. Yukika made her solo debut in Korea with âNeonâ February 22, 2019.
We wish Yukika the best of luck on her upcoming marriage!
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—-Olivia Murray
#Yukika #JPop #Japanesesinger #CityPop #Neon #UbantuEntertainment #Kpop #MixNine #voiceactress #model #IdolmasterKR #RealGirlsProject #kpopidols #kpopsinger #kpopmarriage #2022marriage #koreanidolmarriage
Another K-Pop marriage is about to take place soon as U-KISSâ Hoon announced his upcoming nuptials May 29, 2022!
Hoon made his marriage announcement via a handwritten letter.
Hello. This is U-KISSâs Hoon.
Iâve mustered the courage to write this because thereâs news that I want to personally share with fans. After pondering for a long time how to share this, although I feel nervous, I will try to write letter by letter.
By sharing this news, more than anything, I worry that my fans who cherish me more than anyone might feel upset. Since my fansâ love and support is the biggest reason why Iâm able to be here today, I feel that much more careful.
However, I think itâs right that I share lifeâs important decisions with fans. While you must have been surprised at this sudden news, this is a road Iâve decided on after a lot of consideration, so with the belief that you will send support and blessings, Iâm getting up the courage to say this.
To be honest, I have a girlfriend Iâm dating. I want to introduce her for the first time through this letter. Her name is Hwang Jiseon and she may be someone you all already know through her wide variety of promotions. I grew determined to spend forever with the person who more than anything, respects my work, helps my family, and really, really cherishes the fans who love and support me, so we will be holding a wedding on May 29.
Although Iâm awaiting a new start, I promise that I am not suddenly stopping or giving up as U-KISSâs Hoon. I will showcase an image that better repays the love and support Iâve received until now. Through this letter, I also want to say thank you again to my U-KISS members and Tango Music family who supported my decision and wished for my happiness, more than anyone else.
I sincerely thank you for reading my long letter. In the future, I will become a U-KISSâs Hoon who showcases an unchanging image. Thank you.
Hoonâs agency, Tango Music, confirmed the news in a statement.
Hello. This is Tango Music.
We are announcing news related to our agency artist, U-KISSâs Hoon, getting married.
After meeting in a past project, Hoon and Hwang Jiseon have promised forever after a long period of dating.
The two will hold their wedding somewhere in Seoul on May 29 and tie the knot. They plan to proceed privately with the wedding, with only their parents and close acquaintances.
As they embark on a special life start following this precious decision, we ask that you give warm encouragement and blessings for their future.
Thank you.
Hoonâs bride-to-be is Hwang Jiseon, a former K-Pop idol. Jiseon made her debut July 2010 when she was briefly a member of Girlâs Day. From 2011-2012, she was a member of New.F.O (as JN). From 2018-2019, she was also a member of S#aFLA. Prior to debuting for a third time with S#afla, she appeared on The Unit.
Prior to being in U-KISS, Hoon (Yeo Hoon Min) debuted as a ballad singer in 2009. He joined U-KISS in 2011 as a lead vocalist. In 2022, Hoon, as well as fellow U-KISS members Kiseop and Soohyun, signed contracts with Tango Music.
We wish Hoon and Jiseon the best with their upcoming marriage!
—-Olivia Murray
#UKISS #HwangJiseon #YeoHoonMin #TangoMusic #marriage #2022marriage #kpopmarriage #marriageannouncement #May2022marriage #Seoulwedding #GirlsDay #NewFO #S#afla #TheUnit #kpop #kpopidols #kpopsingers #kcrushnews #originalkcrush #kcrushamerica
On May 7, 2022, Kang Soo Yeon, 55, passed away after being found unconscious in her home two days earlier.
The actress, who is best known for her roles in 1987âs The Surrogate Womb, Come Come Come Upward (1989), Road to the Racetrack (1991), and That Woman, That Man (1993), suffered a heart attack. She was rushed to the hospital where she later passed from a cerebral hemorrhage.
During her career, Kang was a child actress in the 1970s, but she was considered a pioneer in the 1980s and 1990s where she was regarded as a feminist icon in films such as Girlâs Night Out.
The multi award-winning actress was the co-chair of the Busan Film Festival from 2015-2017 alongside Kim Dong-ho.
Kang was set to return to film this year in the Netflix original Jung_E. In Jung_E, which is set in the future when Earth is no longer habitable,Kang plays a scientist who create a replica of a mercenary.
Kangâs funeral will take place Wednesday May 11, 2022 and will be led by Kim Dong-ho. The ceremony will be livestreamed on Korean Film Councilâs YouTube channel.
We send out condolences to Kangâs family, friends, and colleagues.
– [1ST] MCND EUROPE TOUR 2022â successfully completed in 7 cities in 6 European countries
– MCND to hold their first K-Pop European concert after the pandemic!
– MCND held the first K-pop concert in Switzerland
MCND successfully completed â[1ST] MCND EUROPE TOUR 2022â.
MCND met European audiences by visiting Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on April 9, London, England, Budapest, Hungary, Cologne, Germany, Paris and Toulon, France, and Lausanne, Switzerland. The concerts held in 7 cities in 6 countries were sold out.
#MCND showed their energy at their first offline concert!
MCND, which debuted in February 2020, held their first offline concert through this European tour. Although they performed on the offline stage for the first time, they captivated European audiences with their stable skills.
European audiences who watched MCND’s performance were amazed by their dancing skills and live performances. MCND’s concert consisted of a set list of 20 songs, including the new song ‘JUICE’. European audiences were amazed by the variety of attractions they provided.
Also, a video in which MCND appeared as a surprise at the ‘Random Play Dance’ event held in Paris became popular. The global popularity of MCND was verified when European citizens gathered in front of the Eiffel Tower sang âICE AGEâ together.
MCND’s European tour concert is the first K-pop group’s European concert since the pandemic.
In particular, MCND’s Lausanne concert is the first K-pop concert held in Switzerland. They succeeded in making their way into countries other than those where K-pop was popular from the start!
#MCND’s next target is ‘America’
MCND will hold a concert in the Americas in June. Through the Americas tour, they plan to continue their global popularity by meeting fans in 10 cities in the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.
Global K-pop fans are looking forward to MCND, which opened the door for the 4th generation K-pop to enter Europe!
#MCND #soldoutconcert #Europeanconcert #April2022 #MCND4thgenkpop #MCNDYoungPower #boyband #Switzerland #kpop #kpopbias #kpopidol #inpersonconcert #concerttour #TOPMedia #London #Germany #France #Korea #Koreanboygroup #Hungary #kpopboyband #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #MCNDAmericanTourJune2022
The NFT collection is created from within the music video showcasing hidden perks to explore the artist’s creative universe
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WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “HUSH HUSH” HERE
LEARN MORE ABOUT MIYAVI NFT COLLECTION HERE
In collaboration with KLKTN and MIYAVI, the music start-up and multi-faceted Japanese rockstar has released an NFT collection accompanied with the official music video for “Hush Hush” today on MIYAVI’s official YouTube channel. Presented by the NFT platform, KLKTN, which focuses on cultivating unique, artistic experiences between fans and their favorite artists, the music video has fans raving about the powerful production and innovative artistic expression.
The iconic pop-rock song was released in 2021 as a track on MIYAVI’s 13th studio album, Imaginary, featuring the K-Pop megastar, Kang Daniel. Artistically, MIYAVI has always looked to expand the intersection between technology and music for his fans, gaining recognition as a visionary and Web3 NFT experimental creator, so his long standing partnership between him and KLKTN was inevitable for this highly anticipated music video.
The new collection is the final piece from a successful line of drops in the last few months being conceptualized and embedded from within the visually stunning special effects in the music video. The NFT collection is augmenting the music video viewing experience by creating hidden elements within it that allow fans to have another touchpoint in the MIYAVI alternate universe. Fans will have the opportunity to buy three ‘Special Edition’ NFT’s â two being 3D animated artwork while the other is a special alternative ending version for the music video, which fans can find via a QR code hidden in the peripheral view of “Hush Hush”. This assemblage of multimedia art includes special perks exclusively found on KLKTN’s platform, such as virtual meet and greets with MIYAVI, a photocard, as well as unseen video commentary on the process and ideation of the music video.
With the NFT dropping today, the rock icon has previously released multiple drops with this emerging digital collectibles platform that utilizes the energy efficient FLOW blockchain. These digital collectibles were first made available in the “Month of MIYAVI,” in January 2021 to celebrate the singer’s 20th anniversary as a solo artist. Previous projects include: MIYAVI KLKTN Pass, Moments, ArtKards, Kodex, and MIYAVI TELECASTERÂź Guitar NFT.
“I am excited that the Hush Hush music video is finally coming out. I’m always looking for ways to explore new technologies to showcase my artistic expression. Partnering with KLKTN allowed me to continue to evolve as a visual artist by using new mediums to connect with my audience. To celebrate the release of Hush Hush, we created exclusive content and perks dropping only on KLKTN with more to be released in the future.” – MIYAVI
As “Hush Hush” became an instantaneous hit with fans around the globe, a Korean version was released by Kang Daniel featuring MIYAVI. Achieving similar success as the original version, it also became an original soundtrack for the Korean drama, “Rookie Cops”, which recently aired on Disney+ starring Kang Daniel himself.
The production for the music video and NFT assortment took place during the middle of the pandemic while traveling was largely restricted around the globe. MIYAVI and Kang Daniel filmed the music video separately in Los Angeles and Korea with the recording process and ideation of the artwork culminating from Japan. Yet, the two separate filmmaking locations for the music video blended together seamlesslyâthanks to the advancement of technology and the global team working tirelessly to sew the scenes together.
The music video sets the scene with an other-worldly landscape as MIYAVI gives fans a glance into the life of being a public figure. Throughout the video, viewers feel as though he is being watched by Kang Daniel, who embodies the shadow of the men and women across the internet haunting, following, and judging his actions. After multiple attempts of MIYAVI trying to escape a world filled with scrutiny, the eyes and judgment embodied by Daniel catches up to himâleaving the vibrant singer voiceless. Despite the trivialities and challenges that have been thrown at him, the public figure choses to pick up another voice, his guitar, as a means to continue to express himself. Throughout this scene, the video subtly flashes the names of his fans, offering another layer of their support during this pivotal conclusion to the story. This powerful production embodies the pressure society can put on a person and the power of self-expression.
“We wanted to celebrate MIYAVI’s 20th anniversary by creating a close-knit community for the fans to connect and explore MIYAVI’s music through new innovations and technology. After some thinking, we realized the perfect way to do so would be through limited edition NFT’s related to the music video. With KLKTN partnering with MIYAVI, we were able to create an amazing assortment of Easter Eggs that fans can find throughout the music video and by focusing on sustainability with the collectible pieces, we are creating one-of-a-kind experiences for the fans.” – Jeff Miyahara, Chief Creative Officer at KLKTN
Recently, KLKTN collaborated with global pop star Kimbra, a two-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist and Kevin Woo, a Korean-American singer-songwriter as well as other top Korean talents such as R&B Artist Junggigo and A-listers Gang DongWon and Kang HyeWon. New artworks will continue to be released in the coming weeks exclusively in the curated platform as they set to be at the forefront of Asian NFT culture.
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About KLKTN
KLKTN is a curated music, manga and art NFT platform connecting creators with fans through special experiences. The platform allows fans to access special edition digital art and behind-the-scenes moments of artists’ creative process. In collaboration with top creators and artists and powered by blockchain technology, KLKTN is taking artist-fan engagement and the best of creative experiential culture into the digital world. Artworks are available as a limited supply of authenticated digital products or NFTs, for purchase via credit card, with a fixed cost per item. KLKTN’s co-founders are Jeff Miyahara, Chief Creative Officer and a renowned record producer and songwriter who has produced over 260 international artists; Fabiano Soriani, Chief Technology Officer and former lead blockchain engineer for Dapper Labs; and Daisuke Iwase, Chief Executive Officer, Harvard Business School graduate, former World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, and a digital pioneer known for co-founding Lifenet, a disruptive fintech venture, which he took to IPO. Built on the Flow blockchain to achieve affordable and environmentally-sustainable minting, KLKTN leaves more for artists, fans, and the planet.
Connect With KLKTN: Instagram | Twitter | Discord | Website
ABOUT MIYAVI
MIYAVI is a musician, actor, and philanthropist, bridging cultures across the globe with his music and message. His unique style of guitar playing has taken him on 8 world tours in over 30 countries. Fans refer to MIYAVI as the “Samurai Guitarist.” He has released 15 studio albums. MIYAVI released his solo album with 2019’s NO SLEEP TILL TOKYO, kicked off by a concert at Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium followed by the 2020 release of Holy Nights. On September 15, 2021, MIYAVI released his new album titled Imaginary. MIYAVI made his big screen debut in the Oscar-nominated film Unbroken. He has since appeared in the 2017 blockbuster Kong: Skull Island and the live-action adaptation of the popular manga Bleach. His recent filmography includes the films Stray (2019), Maleficent 2 (2020) and the Netflix film KATE (2021). As a brand ambassador, MIYAVI has appeared as the face of Beats headphones in Japan and on billboards worldwide in Moncler’s Beyond campaign. MIYAVI is the brand ambassador for American Airlines, Rakuten Mobile and BMW. In 2021, MIYAVI released a signature Telecaster with Fender guitars. He is the face of Gucci Japan appearing in Gucci’s Off the Grid campaign alongside rapper Lil Nas X and veteran actress Jane Fonda. MIYAVI has also walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week 2018, modeling designer Yohji Yamamoto’s Y-3 collection.
Connect With MIYAVI: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Spotify
#KangDaniel #MIYAVI #Japan #NoSleepTillTokyo #GucciOffTheGrid #NFT #HushHush #singlerelease #KLKTN #poprock #kpop #idos #Korea #RookieCops #kangdanielkdrama #kddrama #kcrushnews #Stray #Maleficent #Kate #Beatsheadphones #musicvideo #RookieCopssoundtrack #kcrush #kcrushamerica #kcrushmedia #JeffMiyahara #FabianoSoriani
Staff picks for favorite songs from the past to today! This list is curated by Denise, Triana, Ellie, Jo, P Earlkh, Tina, and Olivia! Also, check out Brae Lynn’s “This is BTS” playlist!
Trigger warning: Article discusses sexual assault/harassment* and suicide
On April 12, 2022, former B.A.P member, Kim Himchanâs sexual assault appeals case was held at the Seoul Central District Court. During the hearing, Kim admitted to the charges against him.
Case Recap
The case, which has been ongoing since September 2018, involves accusations that Kim sexually harassed a female victim while at a vacation home in Namyang-ju July 24, 2018. Both Kim and the victim stated they were drinking, but the victim maintains Kim sexually harassed her while the two were alone. Kim alleges his actions were consensual and that the feelings between the two parties were âmutual.â
During his first trial in July 2019, Kim and his defense team denied the charges against him, pleading ânot guilty.â Kimâs defense claimed the victim allegedly tried to blackmail him, and she was sent to prosecution. However, in February 2021, after three years and 10 trials, the Seoul Central District Court convicted Kim and sentenced him to 10 months in prison and several hours** of sexual violence treatment courses. Seoul Central District Court ruled the female accuserâs evidence and witness statements were credible enough for conviction.
Kim was not immediately sent to prison; the judge opted to allow Kim to seek forgiveness from the victim.
âWhile the defendant is being sentenced to prison today,â Judge Jung Sung-hwan said at the time, âthe court is not placing him in detention so that he is given a chance to seek forgiveness from the victim.â
On March 9, 2021, Kim filed an appeal.
While the sexual harassment trials were ongoing, Kim attempted a solo comeback in October 2020. During the comeback attempt, he was booked for drunk driving. This case is still ongoing.
Alleged Suicide Attempt
Following the March 9, 2021 appeal announcement, Kimâs side remained silent until June 13, 2021 when he posted a now-deleted statement on his Instagram account.
Hello this is Kim Himchan. First of all, I apologize for the delay in response. I’m writing a belated apology. I wanted to personally apologize to those who supported me for what I’ve done and waited for me to this day.
There are a lot of reasons why I’m speaking up so belatedly, but I have been staying quiet because there are different stories than the truth. I apologize for causing you to worry after a series of incidents. Further, I’m aware of my mistakes and negligence, and I apologize for every aspect of those. I hope everyone could be happy. Please forgive me for returning your favor of trust in this way.
I apologize. And I am sorry again.
I hope everyone could stay safe and happy.
Goodbye. Thank you.
After the post, an acquaintance alerted Kimâs mother that something may be wrong. His mother managed to stop the suicide attempt.
“I’m sorry that Himchan disappointed his fans with this, after already failing to meet their expectations before,â Kimâs agency said following the attempt.
Since this incident, Kim and his defense were quiet until later in the year when the court cases resumed.
November 2021 and March 2022 Trials
In November 2021, an appeals trial was held. According to NewsDirectory, during this trial, Kimâs 6-month prison sentence was upheld. Another hearing was scheduled for January 2022 but was postponed until March 15, 2022. Details for the March case were not released.
Kim Admits to Charges in Latest Trial
After years of denial, Kim fully admitted to the charges against him. Kim and his defense also shared a reflection statement during the April 12 hearing.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Kim is also trying to pay a settlement (referred to as a âdepositâ) to the victim. The deposit system in place is for when a defendant doesnât agree with the plaintiff on the charges. A settlement amount is paid to the court to attempt to help the victim recover from damages.
Kimâs defense told the court that it will take about two months for the victim to be paid in full. The court agreed to the two-month grace period, after which they will decide to accept Kimâs appeal or not. If his appeal is dismissed, Kim will not be able to avoid arrest.
Kimâs appeals case has been suspended until June 14, 2022, while he attempts to pay the deposit in full. Stay tuned for updates as this saga continues to unfold.
*Different media sources switch between sexual harassment and sexual assault. In 2018, âharassmentâ was used, but since then, âassaultâ has been the operative term.
** Conflicting information: Some sources state he received a sentence of 40 hours of sexual violence treatment courses, others say 50.
Photo cr. NewsDirectory
—-Olivia Murray
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#KimHimchan #kcrushnews #assultappeals #kcrushofficial #kpop #kpopidol #courtcase #kcrushmedia
BVNDITBUL: You can breathe a sigh of relief!
BVNDIT, who are under MNH Entertainmentâhome to singer Chungha– debuted in 2019 with the song âHocus Pocusâ off the single album BVNDIT, Be Ambitious! Since debut, BVNDIT released a total of six singles, but havenât released anything since âJungleâ back in 2020. Fans of the group wanted to know what BVNDITâs status was and if they were even still a group given their long hiatus. Fans of the group turned to social media to demand answers from MNH Entertainment in order to find out what happened to the loved up-and-coming girl group.
During their hiatus, Sim Seung Eun participated in Girls Planet 999. She was eliminated in episode five and came in 21st in K-Group.
A month after #BVNDITDeservesBetter and #clarify_bvndits_situation trended on social media, fourth generation girl group BVNDIT celebrated their third anniversary April 10, 2022 and announced their May comeback!
On April 10, 2022, BVNDIT released a short video on their YouTube channel acknowledging their anniversary and thanking their fans for their support.
Following the anniversary video, the group announced on V Live they will have their group comeback this May. The announcement makes BVNDIT another anticipated name in an already exciting May comeback lineup that includes Seventeen and TXT as well as the debut of Le Sserafim, HYBEâs new girl group.
Weâre looking forward to whatâs next for BVNDIT! Stay tuned for teasers!
Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)
—-Olivia Murray
#BVNDIT #BVNDITcomeback #May2022comback #MNHEntertainment #BVNDITBUL #kpop #k-pop #hallyu #koreangirlgroup #kpopgirlband #kcrushnews #HocuPocus #Jungle #dancers #kpopidol #kpopbias #kcrushmedia #thirdanniversaryApril2022
Wedding bells will be ringing for John Park this coming June!
On April 8, 2022, Parkâs agency, Music Farm, announced he will be marrying his non-celebrity girlfriend this year.
“John Park is marrying a woman he’s been dating for a year on June 12,â Music Farm said in a statement. âAs it’s time for everyone to be careful due to COVID-19, a quiet private wedding will be held somewhere in Seoul. Please give a lot of blessings and support to John Park, who’s about to start a new beginning.”
Park also confirmed the news in a handwritten letter on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
Hello. This is singer John Park.
It feels like just yesterday that I made my debut as a naive 23-year-old, but 12 years have already gone by.
If it wasnât for the love and support of fans, I believe that this wouldâve been impossible.
Iâm writing this because there is good news that I want to tell fans first, who have cherished and been with me for such a long period of time.
There is a precious person who I met around this time last year who has given me a lot of strength. Iâve promised a future with this person who has shown me what happiness is, and weâre currently preparing for marriage with excited and nervous hearts.
You must be surprised at this sudden news, but I believe that you will bless my new start with the same loving heart that youâve always supported me with.
To everyone who Iâm always thankful for. I will live happily and well!
Park debuted in 2010 with his song âIâm Your Man.â He was previously a contestant on American Idol season 9 and season two of Superstar K2 where he came in second place. Parkâs released several singles over the years. His biggest hit is 2012âs âFallingâ with 2013âs âBabyâ and 2014âs âUâ also being among his most memorable. Currently, he is mostly active on OSTs. His latest OST contribution is âThe Day You Were Fallingâ from Forecasting Love and Weather.
Park also has roles on different variety shows including The More You Eat with Don Spike.
Congratulations to John Park and his fiancée as they begin their new journey!
—-Olivia Murray
#JohnPark #JohnParktomarry #TheMoreYouEatWithDonSpike #varietyshow #ImYourMan #kpop #hallyu #TheDayYouWereFallingOST #ForecastingLoveandWeather #MusicFarm #noncelebritygirlfriend #Falling #JohnParkfiancee #AmericanIdolSeason9 #SuperstarK2 #singer #koreanmusic #koreansinger #kcrushmedia #koreanOST
EXO member Lay (Zhang Yixing) has announced he is leaving SM Entertainment. The announcement came on EXOâs 10th anniversary since they debuted.
On April 8, 2022, Lay released a handwritten letter announcing his departure from the company.
View this post on Instagram
His letter reads:
Ten years of growth. Thank you all.
Thank you to my EXO brothers for your company and encouragement.
Thanks to my colleagues at SM for witnessing every step of my growth and achievement.
Thank you to all of my fans for your unconditional love and support.
Itâs time to say goodbye as an employee of SM. Itâs also my new beginning as a 30-year-old. But I will always be the Lay when my members need me.
Iâm your family member in China, Zhang Yixing.
Love you forever!
EXO
Letâs love
Lay also released a separate letter on his Weibo.
10 years is considered a very long time, but now that I have arrived at this day when my 10-year relationship with my company has come to an end, it feels like that time just passed by in a flash,â the letter reads. âIn just a blink of an eye, the young boy who entered the company has now become 30-years old.
Even though the 10-year contract has come to an end, my heart still remains with the company, and the years that I spent growing with everyone who helped me along the way, they will always remain.
âToday is a day which marks a new beginning. I will continue to go forward with a new relationship with SM Entertainment.
Despite his departure, SM Entertainment stated they will continue to maintain a relationship with Lay.
“It’s true that Lay’s exclusive contract has expired,â SM Entertainment said in a statement. âHowever, the agency is currently discussing various ways to maintain a new type of relationship with him.”
Lay has been active as a singer and actor in China in recent years where he set up his own entertainment company, Chromosome Entertainment Group.
On April 7, he released the song âJIU,â which features a short conversation with other EXO members.
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Good luck to Lay as he works on his future endeavors!
Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7)
—-Olivia Murray
#Lay #ZhangYixing #EXO #SMEntertainment #kpop #k-pop #kpopboygroup #chinese #kcrushnews #ChromosomeEntertainmentGroup #Koreanboyband #SM #EXO10thAnniversary #EXOFandom #kpopbias #kpopidol #chinesesinger #chineseactor #EXOmember #LayleavingSMEntertainment #kcrushmedia
Just ahead of Apinkâs 11th anniversary, Naeun announced her official departure from the group. IST Entertainment confirmed the news in a brief statement.
“After discussion with the two companies and Apink members, Naeun has decided to conclude her group activities,â the company said.
Naeun also made an announcement via a handwritten message on her official Instagram page.
View this post on Instagram
Naeunâs message reads:
Hello, this is Son Naeun.
I worried a lot about how I should say this, and even now, as I write these words, Iâm very nervous.
I will be leaving Apink, with whom I have been together for the past 11 years.
Because Apink is a place like family, with whom I have spent a long time together, I made this difficult decision after a lot of debate, and though it wasnât an easy decision, I plan to become a Panda and cheer on Apink starting from now on.
The members⊠Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, Namjoo, Hayoung⊠the many people who have worked hard for Apink from the start, including the IST staff, and the fans, who are the most precious of all: As I look back on the times weâve spent together until now and our memories, there is no way to express all of my feelings through words, butâŠ
I want to sincerely thank from the bottom of my heart everyone who made my teens and twenties the most radiant, who gifted me this happy time.
I will engrave the name âApinkâs Son Naeunâ in my heart, and I think showing you better things in the future, so that I donât bring shame to that name, is one way I can repay you.
Please give lots of love to Apink, and I, too, will be sincerely rooting for them.
Up until now, this has been Apinkâs Son Naeun.
The news, while sad, is not shocking. Naeun was the only Apink member to not resign with IST Entertainment. Naeun signed with YG Entertainment to promote as an actress with the expectation that she would be able to do promotions with Apink when scheduling allowed. Unfortunately, scheduling conflicts have prevented Naeun from engaging in group activities, including the groupâs âDilemmaâ comeback promotions this past February.
Apinkâs leader, Chorong, also shared a message to fans on Apinkâs official Instagram regarding Naeunâs departure news.
Hello Pandas,
While wondering what words could possibly be of a little bit of comfort to our Pandas, I thought a lot while writing and re-writing this. Even though I know that our Pandas donât like when we apologize, it hurts my heart so much that as of right now, the only thing I have to say is that Iâm sorry. To Pandas who must have been really surprised and very hurt, I want to sincerely say sorry.
After our last special album, all of the members thought and talked a lot about Apinkâs future moving forward. As these are the members who have been together for the difficult and happy times over the past 10 years, this moment does not yet feel real to us either.
In order to maintain Apink for 10 years, each member has made numerous sacrifices and put in a lot of effort. Since we know that so well about each other, this is a decision weâve made after really thinking about what is best for each other.
Although our Pandas must be so sad, I hope that you will watch over our new start. While promoting as five members this time, it was also very difficult for us mentally, and we worked really hard in case Pandas noticed an empty space. In the future, I think we will have to work even harder.
While Pandasâ hearts likely wonât feel better in this moment, I promise that we will show you that we are working harder. Please trust this once that our members are always worried about Pandas and have always prioritized Apink. Letâs cherish our past pretty memories and I hope we can make new happy memories together.
Even if it takes a long time, we will work harder. Once again, I sincerely apologize Pandas. We will greet you again soon with good music.
From leader Chorong.
View this post on Instagram
Following the departure news, IST Entertainment confirmed Apink will continue as a five-member group.
âStarting with their upcoming 11th anniversary fan song, which is scheduled to be released on April 19, Apink will be reorganized and continue promotions as a five-member group with Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Jung Eun Ji, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung. Son Naeun has ended her activities with the group, and they will be cheering each other on from their separate paths.â
Good luck to Naeun and Apink on their future activities! In the meantime, look forward to Apinkâs anniversary song on April 19!
—-Olivia Murray
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#Apink #Naeun #ApinksAnniversarySong #Bomi #JungEunJi #KimNamjoo #OhHayoung #SonNaeun #11thAnniversary #ISTEntertainment #Pandas #ApinkFandom #kpop #kpop #kcrushnews #kpopgirlgroup #koreangirlgroup #kpopidol #kpopbias #kcrushoriginal #kcrushmedia #kpopmusic
Photo Source = TOP Media
MCND will begin its performance fever in the first half of 2022 with the AMERICA TOUR following the Europe tour, drawing attention to K-pop fans.
The K-pop group announced the hosting of its first AMERICA TOUR “1ST” MCND AMERICA TOUR 2022″ (First MCND America Tour 2022) on its official SNS, drawing attention from global fans.
Starting in June, MCND will visit 10 cities in four countries, including the United States, Mexico, Canada and Brazil, to meet the fans in person.
MCND’s AMERICA TOUR will start in San Francisco on June 4th, followed by LA on the 5th, Mexico on the 7th, Toronto on the 9th, Chicago on the 10th, New York on the 12th, Sao Paulo on August 12th and 13th, Rio de Janeiro on the 14th, and Porto Allegri on the 17th.
Global fans around the world are looking forward to the release of the new song for the first time on the Europe tour. Earlier on the 5th, the new song and choreography were released for about 30 seconds through TikTok Live, drawing attention. MCND met the fans on TikTok Live for 10 minutes every day for 9 days from the 30th of last month, revealing live practice of one of the songs on the set list, sharing their excitement about the Europe tour.
The five-member group steadily released short form content called “The Daily Life of Idols Preparing for the Europe Tour,” raising fans’ expectations by releasing unique videos with high expectations ahead of his first Europe tour, such as “Live while dancing ICE AGE at 1.5 times speed” and “Practicing costume quick change.”
Meanwhile, MCND will hold concerts in seven cities in six countries, starting with the Netherlands on the 9th, opening its first K-pop Europe tour since the pandemic.
- The European tour will begin from the Netherlands on April 9th, and the new song will be released for the first time.
- 10 cities in 4 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil from June to August.
-J.Chung.
#MCND, MCND2022Tour, #inpersontour #USmusictours #TheLifeofIdolsPreparingfortheEuropeTour #AmericanTour #EuropeanTour #kpop #k-pop #kcrushnews #kpopidol #ICEAGEDance #koreanboygroup #TopKPopBoyGroup #kcrushpressrelease #kcrushbreakingnews #MCNDFirstAmericanTour2022
(Photo: TOP Media)
Starting with the Netherlands on April 9, 5-member K-pop group MCND will be visiting seven cities in six European countries to start the first k-pop European tour since the pandemic hit after the 5-member bandâs debut in 2020.
The debut song of the group MCND’s ICE AGE in Europe is currently on the rise. Hundreds of teams participate in MCND EUROPE DANCE CONTEST 2022 held on a large scale ahead of MCND’s first European Tour [1ST] MCND EUROPE TOUR 2022. In particular, not only in Europe but also in other regions like Asia and the Americas, fans’ participation continues through YouTube and TikTok, adding to the heat.
The competition among participants was fierce as MCND’s own selection of the contest had a special pledge of inviting backstage and other performing stage opportunities. Quality videos reinterpreting the style and music video concept of “ICE AGE” as well as high-quality dance skills attracted attention.
MCND, which has been doubling expectations with the title of the first K-pop idol’s European tour since the pandemic, has been raising interest in the performance in a special way, such as releasing one song from the setlist every day through TikTok Live since the 30th.
From April 9th to the 17th, the K-pop group will be visiting Amsterdam, the Netherlands, London, Hungary, Budapest, Cologne, Germany, Paris and Toulon, France, and Lausanne, Switzerland, to meet the fans in Europe.
—J.Chung.
#MCND #kpop #MCNDICEAGE #EurpeonTour #covercraze #MCNDdancecontest2022 #MCNDTikTok #kpopidol #koreanboyband #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #kcrushbreakingnews #Apriltour #MCNDAmsterdam #MCNDParis #MCNDNetherlands, #MCNDLondon #MCNDHungary #MCNDToulon #MCNDSwitzerland