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South Korea wildfires: BTS Suga and J-hope donate 100 million won as relief
South Korean boy band BTS members Suga and J-hope donated 100 million won (Rs 58.5 lakh) as a part of relief efforts amid the country’s devastating wildfires that have taken the lives of 18 people so far. According to Koreaboo, J-hope donated to the Hope Bridge disaster relief fund, while Suga extended financial aid to the Korean Red Cross. BTS J-hope and Suga on their donations The K-pop idols shared a statement that read, “We hope that the ongoing forest fires will be extinguished as soon as possible. We hope that those who have lost their homes and thus facing hardships and those who are working hard to extinguish the fires will be able to return to a more peaceful daily life soon. We hope this donation can provide even a little bit of comfort and hope.” About the wildfires in South Korea The death toll from a series of wildfires in the southeastern region of South Korea has climbed to 18, with one person still missing, Yonhap News Agency reported. Firefighters are still working to control the rapidly spreading fires, fuelled by strong, dry winds. The fires have so far destroyed 17,000 hectares of forest and 209 houses and factories. The flames also consumed Goun Temple in Uiseong, an ancient site built in 681 during the Silla Dynasty, though the national treasures housed there had been relocated for safety. Suga’s first public appearance in 7 months While J-hope completed his military duties and got discharged in October last year, with his solo tour in process, Suga’s 2024 was taken over by the headlines of his drunk-driving. Suga was fined 15 million won (Rs 9.5 lakh) by a court for drunk driving while on an electric scooter. He is currently completing his mandatory military service in South Korea. He was investigated for drunk-driving an e-scooter on August 6 in central Seoul. His blood alcohol level was 0.227 percent at the time, three times higher than the 0.08 percent for getting one's driver's license revoked. The songwriter and rapper made an apology for the incident, calling it "careless and wrong behaviour".
27 March,2025 01:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS J-hope recounts naked showers in front of other men during military service
South Korean boy band BTS member J-hope, who was discharged from the military in October 2024, sat down for a conversation on Jung Jae-hyung's talk show YooJungJaeHyung which premiered on YouTube. During their candid rendezvous, the K-pop idol spoke about his life as a soldier, including the dilemma he faced while showering in front of other men upon his enlistment. BTS J-hope on showering in the military When Jung asked Hobi, “How did you bathe?” He answered, “We all did it together. As soon as I entered the training center, I immediately thought, ‘How am I supposed to shower here?’. I thought, ‘Just be bold about it’. ‘Oh, you’re all going to get a look at a celebrity’s body today’. So that’s why I ended up completely exposed. To avoid feeling embarrassed. I didn’t worry about it and decided I should be confident instead.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) He added, “About a month before discharge all sorts of thoughts began to fill my head, back then it was just.. ‘When will time pass?’ ‘When will I finally be discharged?’. As I had about a month left I slowly started to feel scared. It was the first time having such a long break. I worried, ‘Will I be able to adjust back?’ ‘How can I overcome this quickly?’. So I thought… ‘Let me just immerse myself in the culture I love’. So right after discharge I quickly decided what to do, got prepared, and immediately went to the US.” About BTS J-hope’s solo tour J-hope is currently in the US for his solo tour Hope on the Stage. He will conclude the North American leg at LA's BMO Stadium. The tour will then continue through Asia, including stops in the Philippines and Singapore, with more cities to be announced later. The Hope on the Stage tour marks a significant moment in the BTS member’s career as he resumed his professional life following mandatory military enlistment. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group who returned in June 2024. The group, who performed their final concert together in 2022 at the "Yet to Come" event in Busan, South Korea, is expected to reunite as a full group later this year once all members have completed their service.
24 March,2025 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS V flaunts his ripped physique, reveals losing 10 kg in latest Weverse post
South Korean boy band BTS member Kim Taehyung aka V took the internet by storm with his latest post on Weverse. The K-pop idol shared an update on his weight loss journey after getting buffed up while fulfilling his military service. V posted pictures from his workout session wearing a grey vest, baggy trousers, and a yellow beanie. He shared a mirror selfie and flexed his muscles while lifting a curl barbell. He wrote in the caption, "But recently...! I lost a lot of weight, right? I lost 10kg... Hahahaha. I'll try harder." BTS V begins the countdown for his military discharge V shared a series of pictures addressing himself as Sergeant Kim and also interacted with the ARMY for a brief moment. The K-pop idol is seen holding a bouquet, flaunting his new haircut, having a fun time with a friend at the photo booth, ripped muscles after a workout, and next to a snowman. View this post on Instagram A post shared by V (@thv) V had enlisted for his mandatory military service in 2023. His discharge date is set for June 10, 2025. Interestingly it coincides with the group’s debut anniversary. The decision by BTS to enlist in the military helped avert a sticky situation for South Korea's government. Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied males under 30 years old. The current system allows for some exceptions on the grounds of exceptional service to the country. Some top athletes and classical musicians have been excused on this basis, but pop artists have not. BTS V’s work front On the work front, Kim Taehyung is rumoured to join the third season of Netflix’s Squid Game. During an interview with BuzzFeed UK, Lee Jung Jae and his co-star Wi Ha Joon were asked directly about the possibility of V joining the cast for the upcoming season. Lee quickly dismissed the topic with a cryptic, “I can’t say anything about that.” He recently unveiled his new photobook titled Rêve which documented his time in Paris. The French text written on the same roughly translates to, “This feeling of freedom I experienced in Paris, the instant beauty, the dream scene seen through V’s eyes.”
23 March,2025 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS J-hope missed trying Chicago's famous pizza, but plans to eat Mexican taco
South Korean boy band BTS member J-hope, who is currently in the US for his solo tour Hope on the Stage hopped on a live session with the ARMY on Weverse after his performance in Chicago. The K-pop idol confessed that he wasn’t at his best and also shared that he was unable to try the city’s famous deep-dish pizza due to the snow. View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) BTS J-hope’s mukbang after Chicago concert Interacting with the fans, J-hope shared, “Since I came to Chicago, I thought maybe I should have some Chicago pizza while talking with you. But I thought I should eat what’s good for my health. The response was really the best. I blinked and the concerts were done. I was going to go out and get Chicago pizza since I was in Chicago, but it was snowing!” He added, “Today, I wasn’t in the best condition, but thanks to the fans, I was able to do well. I have this thought sometimes. Am I doing a good job? But so many of you come and enjoy it so that alone makes me think that I’m doing well. Performing and communicating with the audience is when I’m the happiest.” About BTS J-hope’s solo tour After Chicago, J-hope will travel to Mexico City. In the same session, he told the ARMY that he plans to eat some tacos after getting there. After that, he will head to San Antonio, and Oakland before concluding the North American portion of the tour at LA's BMO Stadium. The tour will then continue through Asia, including stops in the Philippines and Singapore, with more cities to be announced later. The Hope on the Stage tour marks a significant moment in the BTS member’s career as he resumed his professional life following mandatory military enlistment. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group who returned in June 2024. The group, who performed their final concert together in 2022 at the "Yet to Come" event in Busan, South Korea, is expected to reunite as a full group later this year once all members have completed their service.
20 March,2025 10:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Did BTS’ Jungkook attend aespa's Seoul concert? ARMY spots K-pop idol - see pic
South Korean boy band BTS member Jungkook, who is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service was reportedly spotted at aespa's concert in Seoul. The K-pop idol attended the group’s second encore concert, LIVE TOUR 'SYNK: PARALLEL LINE ENCORE' at KSPO DOME along with his manager. Several pictures and videos have surfaced on social media with ARMY speculating the singer’s presence. #JUNGKOOK delights fans, bopping his head as he enjoys #aespa's concert tonight at the KSPO Dome in Seoul! 👏🌟🤩🏟️💃💃💃💃 👑👑👑👑👑 ❤️🔥#aespaconcert pic.twitter.com/HAOEKnX0gh pic.twitter.com/R91hEDMufz — World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) March 16, 2025 BTS ARMY spots Jungkook at aespa's concert Jungkook was spotted in a black outfit with a fur hat trying to go incognito at the concert. However, eagle-eyed ARMY spotted him. One user wrote, “Aespa were rumored to have attended the Golden Listening Party, and Jungkook went to support them at their biggest arena show to date. He's truly the most supportive and kind-hearted artist. That's my lovable head gg stan, Jeon Jungkook!” “From what I am seeing Jungkook was seen sitting in a reserved area for celebrities. Not sure if it was AESPA team who organized it like that. When JK stands up you can see it’s the same zone where Gdragon, Itzy Ryujin, and Twice Jihyo were seated,” added another. BTS Jungkook’s discharge date Jungkook enlisted in the military in November 2023. He will be discharged in June 2025. Interestingly it coincides with BTS' debut anniversary. He earlier shared a statement which read, "Thank you so much for supporting my dream and walking with me silently. I'm careful to tell you to wait for me while I'm in the military a year and a half is a long time, so I can't say anything selfish. I promise that I'll be back on stage with a more mature side than I always am. I will miss you deeply in my heart as I wait for the day when we can meet again and share new stories. Please don't get sick, and stay healthy. I love you." The decision by BTS to enlist in the military helped avert a sticky situation for South Korea's government. Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied males under 30 years old. The current system allows for some exceptions on the grounds of exceptional service to the country. Some top athletes and classical musicians have been excused on this basis, but pop artists have not.
17 March,2025 01:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS J-hope on his new song Mona Lisa: ‘Wanted to do something sexy’
South Korean boy band BTS member J-hope, who is currently on his solo tour Hope on the Stage in the US, surprised the ARMY with his new song Mona Lisa while performing in New York. The K-pop idol took the crowd by surprise with his moves and the catchy new track days after dropping Sweet Dreams with Miguel. J-hope hopped on Weverse for a live session and discussed the song with his fans. BTS J-hope on Mona Lisa J-hope, who indulged in a mukbang session while interacting with the ARMY shared, “Mona Lisa was suddenly revealed. I wanted to show it to you as a surprise gift. I had this thought. What kind of a song is it that J-hope can do a surprise performance for? I can do all kinds of choreo, but for me, I had to do some hip-hop.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) He added, “I think I said this in the Weverse interview, but since I came back from the military, I wanted to show a more mature performance. I wanted to show you something fun. It’s embarrassing to say it myself, but I wanted to do something hip and sexy. I’m sure there are people in Korea who are sad they didn’t get to see Mona Lisa at the concert. And I feel bad about that too. It would have been great if I could have shown them together. That was a shame.” About BTS J-hope’s solo tour J-hope will travel to Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, and Oakland before concluding the North American portion of the tour at LA's BMO Stadium. The tour will then continue through Asia, including stops in the Philippines and Singapore, with more cities to be announced later. The Hope on the Stage tour marks a significant moment in the BTS member’s career as he resumed his professional life following mandatory military enlistment. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group who returned in June 2024. The group, who performed their final concert together in 2022 at the "Yet to Come" event in Busan, South Korea, is expected to reunite as a full group later this year once all members have completed their service.
17 March,2025 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS J-hope shares his love for American food: 'I ordered cheeseburger'
South Korean boy band BTS member J-hope recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This was the first time, the K-pop idol appeared solo sans his bandmates since most of them were fulfilling their mandatory military service. J-hope is in New York for the second leg of his solo tour Hope on the Stage. He also performed his latest song Sweet Dreams with Miguel on the show. BTS J-hope on his time in the US When Jimmy asks the Neuron hitmaker what he does when he comes to the US, J-hope answers, “I love everything about America, so whenever I come here I get to have delicious food and I get so much positive energy. When the host pulled up a picture of J-hope visiting In-N-Out for the first time, the BTS rapper revealed that he ordered a cheeseburger animal style, vanilla milkshake, and fries. It was good. It was very salty, cheesy, sweet, and not healthy.” Furthermore, J-hope expressed his desire to work with Kendrick Lamar and also said that his new song Sweet Dreams was for the ARMY. Watch the video below. BTS J-hope’s new single Sweet Dreams BTS’ music agency BigHit recently announced J-hope’s new single Sweet Dreams with Miguel. A statement shared on Weverse read, “The R&B pop track is a heartfelt serenade that expresses the genuine desire to boldly love and be loved. Grammy-award-winning artist Miguel lends his soulful vocals to the song. We hope you enjoy Sweet Dreams as J-hope and Miguel gently deliver this dreamy, sweet melody of love.” About BTS J-hope’s solo tour After a 3-day concert in Seoul, J-hope will begin his US performances on March 13 with two nights at New York's Barclays Center. After NY, he will travel to Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, and Oakland before concluding the North American portion of the tour at LA's BMO Stadium. The Los Angeles stop is expected to be a historic event, as it will mark the first time a Korean solo artist has headlined a US stadium. The tour will then continue through Asia, including stops in the Philippines and Singapore, with more cities to be announced later. The Hope on the Stage tour marks a significant moment in the BTS member’s career as he resumed his professional life following mandatory military enlistment. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group who returned in June 2024.
12 March,2025 09:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
South Korean soloist Wheesung passes away at 43
South Korean soloist Wheesung has passed away at the age of 43 According to multiple media reports, he was found dead at his home on March 10. The exact cause of his death is yet to be determined by officials. According to reports, the authorities were alerted about the incident by family members of Wheesung. The authorities arrived at Wheesung's residence at 6.29 pm KST (2.30 pm IST). According to preliminary reports, the officials stated that a significant amount of time had passed since Wheesung's death when he was discovered. Wheesung's agency announces his demise Wheesung's agency, Ostrich Entertainment, confirmed the tragic news in an official statement: "This is Ostrich Entertainment. We are sorry to tell you this heartbreaking news. On March 10, our artist Wheesung left us. He was found in his home in a state of cardiac arrest and passed away. Our company’s artists and executives are mourning alongside the deceased’s family. It is heartbreaking to share this sad news with his fans, who have shown him so much support and love. Please pray for the deceased so that he can rest comfortably," the statement read. They added, "We will share a notice about the funeral hall later. We sincerely ask that you refrain from any speculative rumours out of respect for the bereaved family, who are in a state of great shock and sadness. We send our deepest condolences to the deceased. May he rest in peace.” Who is Wheesung? He was a well known talent in the South Korean music industry and was celebrated for his powerful vocals and emotional ballads. He was also known by his stage name Realslow and dedicated more than two decades of his life to music. He started his career in 1999 as a member of the boy group A4, formed by DR Music. It was a quartet, consisting of Korean-Americans members Jay, Steve, Austin and Weeseung. The band was short-lived as they disbanded in 2001, following Weeseung's departure. Weeseung then made his debut as a soloist in 2002, by signing with M Boat, a former sister company to YG Entertainment. His first solo album Like A Movie was a big hit He released his second solo in 2003 titled It's Real. It made him the best -selling artist of 003 in South Korean. He was scheduled to hold a concert on March 15 along with fellow soloist KCM.
10 March,2025 06:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS J-hope and Miguel dance to Sweet Dreams as they prep for Jimmy Fallon show
South Korean boy band BTS member J-hope arrived in New York for the second leg of his solo tour as well as debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The K-pop idol will be performing with Sweet Dreams collaborator Miguel on the show. J-hope took to Instagram and shared a video where they can be seen practicing their dance moves. He wrote in the caption, “Pre-gaming for the tonight show w/ @miguel.” Watch the clip below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by jhope (@uarmyhope) BTS J-hope’s new single Sweet Dreams BTS’ music agency BigHit recently announced J-hope’s new single Sweet Dreams with Miguel. A statement shared on Weverse read, “The R&B pop track is a heartfelt serenade that expresses the genuine desire to boldly love and be loved. Grammy-award-winning artist Miguel lends his soulful vocals to the song. We hope you enjoy Sweet Dreams as J-hope and Miguel gently deliver this dreamy, sweet melody of love.” About BTS J-hope’s solo tour After a 3-day concert in Seoul, J-hope will begin his US performances on March 13 with two nights at New York's Barclays Center. After NY, he will travel to Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, and Oakland before concluding the North American portion of the tour at LA's BMO Stadium. The Los Angeles stop is expected to be a historic event, as it will mark the first time a Korean solo artist has headlined a US stadium. The tour will then continue through Asia, including stops in the Philippines and Singapore, with more cities to be announced later. The Hope on the Stage tour marks a significant moment in the BTS member’s career as he resumed his professional life following mandatory military enlistment. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group who returned in June 2024. J-hope to perform at Lollapalooza Berlin 2025 J-hope is all set to headline Lollapalooza Berlin 2025. This will be the Neuron hitmaker’s second time on the coveted stage. Earlier, he made history as the first K-pop artist to headline Lollapalooza Chicago, where he captivated a crowd of over 105,000, performing an energetic 18-song set. The music festival is set to take place on July 12-13 at Olympiastadion Berlin in the German capital. The date for J-hope’s performance has not been revealed yet.
10 March,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Birthday boy Suga turns 32: 5 heartfelt lyrics that will make you emotional!
K-pop superband BTS member Suga celebrates his 32nd birthday on March 9. Suga, whose real name is Min Yoongi, also goes by the name Agust D. Known for producing and rapping a major chunk of the boy band’s songs, here’s a look at some of the best lyrics penned by him that will surely blow your mind. Agust D - Daechwita We so fly, we so fly, private jets, we so flyMmm, uh, born a slave but now a king Here comes my reality check, there’s nowhere higherI only looked up and now I want to look down and put my feet on the ground Love Yourself: Tear This is the real you and this is the real meNow we've seen the end and not even resentment is leftI've woken up from the sweet dream and I close my eyesThis is the real you and this is the real me Wings: Blood Sweat & Tears My blood, sweat, and tearsMy body, mind, and soulI know well they're all yoursThis is a spell that will punish me Map of the Soul: Persona - Boy With Luv From the moment I met you, ya, my life was all you, yaYou’re the star that turns ordinaries into extraordinaries, oh yeahOne after another ay, ay, everything is special ay, ayThe things you’re interested in, the way you walk or talk, and every little trivial habit of yours Agust D - Burn It Anytime, the choice and decision is yours to makeI hope you don’t forget that giving up decisively also counts as courage As a section of BTS members continues to fulfill their military services, Suga is currently engaged in social services due to a shoulder injury. He began his military service on September 22, 2023, following his tour in North America. He is set to be discharged on June 21, 2025. In 2022, BTS announced that they would be taking a sabbatical to focus on their professions individually while underlining that this would not be a permanent arrangement. They've certainly delivered on their promise, as the band continues to push group content. After announcing the hiatus, Suga was quoted by Global Economic saying, "It was hard to create music and lyrics. I have lost what I want to say, and now I really have nothing to say." Formed in 2010, the South Korean boyband BTS -- also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan comprising Suga, RM, V, Jin, Jimin, J-Hope, and Jungkook. (With inputs from ANI)
09 March,2025 10:03 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BTS J-hope heads to NY for his solo debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
South Korean boy band BTS member J-hope jetted off to New York for the second leg of his solo tour Hope on the Stage. After a 3-day concert in Seoul, the K-pop idol will begin his US performances on March 13 with two nights at New York's Barclays Center. J-hope connected with the ARMY through Weverse where he mentioned that he will be on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) BTS J-hope on Fallon Tonight J-hope took to Weverse and was heard saying, “I’m going to the airport. I was packing, there was a lot to pack considering I was going on a tour. I’m performing together with Miguel for Jimmy Fallon. Look forward to it. I’m taking out all the English I learned for interviews right now. The aim for this tour is to be safe and not get hurt and go and come back well after finishing the concert.” He added, “I just wanted to express my thanks for various things. There was a lot of time that I was together with you guys before leaving for NY, if you guys liked it, it’d have the best meaning for me. I’ll go and come back well.” About BTS J-hope’s solo tour After NY, he will travel to Chicago, Mexico City, San Antonio, and Oakland before concluding the North American portion of the tour at LA's BMO Stadium. The Los Angeles stop is expected to be a historic event, as it will mark the first time a Korean solo artist has headlined a US stadium, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The tour will then continue through Asia, including stops in the Philippines and Singapore, with more cities to be announced later. The Hope on the Stage tour marks a significant moment in the BTS member’s career as he resumed his professional life following mandatory military enlistment. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group who returned in June 2024. The group, who performed their final concert together in 2022 at the "Yet to Come" event in Busan, South Korea, is expected to reunite as a full group later this year once all members have completed their service.
08 March,2025 08:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent