Netflix's Korean drama series East Palace (filming title) faced an unprecedented challenge as a fire broke out at the shooting location. The confirmed cast of the series was announced a few days ago. The streaming giant, Netflix, announced the cast of East Palace which confirmed the entry of Nam Joo Hyuk (Twenty-Five Twenty-One fame), Roh Yoon Seo (Crash Course in Romance fame), and Seung Woo Cho (Divorce Attorney Shin fame). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix Korea | 넷플릭스 코리아 (@netflixkr) Fire breaks out on the set of Netflix's series East Palace It was reported that around 2:08 am KST, a fire broke out at the Netflix show’s filming location in Misan-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The fire department issued a Level 1 response to the abrupt fire breakout. Thankfully, firefighters came to the rescue and the day was saved as the burning set was controlled within two hours. The damage control required equipment from three to seven fire stations. The news went viral immediately and started doing rounds on social media. 넷플릭스 드라마 ‘동궁’ 연천군 세트장 화재로 전소 https://t.co/0v7dqkawUZ소방 당국은 대응 1단계를 발령하고 약 2시간 만에 진화 작업을 완료했다. 이 불로 3천655㎡ 규모 세트장 건물 1동과 조명기기 등이 불탔다. 불이 났을 당시 세트장에 사람이 없어 인명 피해는 없는 것으로 파악됐다. pic.twitter.com/zXkZZx4T8W — 취향 (@loverdramas) December 21, 2024 Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported as neither the cast nor the crew was present when the accident took place. But, a 3,655 m-square set and some lighting equipment were burnt down. The reason for the accident is still unknown. Since the production is at an early stage, it should not impact the schedule and the series release as nothing related to that was announced. Nam Joo Hyuk's first K-Drama after military service This will be Nam Joo Hyuk's first K-Drama after completing his mandatory military service. He was released from his duties in September 2024. According to an official statement, Nam Joo Hyuk has special powers in the drama series. He “can traverse the world of ghosts and defeat them with his sword” as Gu Cheon. On the other hand, Roh Yoon Seo plays Saeng Gang, “a court lady born with the ability to hear ghosts,” and Cho Seung Woo portrays a complex King's character, “who quietly enlists these two extraordinary people to take care of the palace’s curse.”
21 December,2024 06:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBTS member Jungkook surprised his fans with an unexpected live session a year after his military service began. Jungkook, known for his spontaneous and engaging lives, broke his own record with over 20.2 million real-time viewers on Weverse live on December 18. The unexpected live went on for two hours and became a mini concert for his fans. He gave a tour of his new house and also asked fans not to send him gifts. Fun Fact: JUNGKOOK's surprise livestream smashes records, drawing over 20.2 MILLION real-time viewers in under three hours on Weverse, surpassing even the viewership of the last Grammy Awards ceremony (16.9m)! pic.twitter.com/SznmJlJjWB — Pop Core (@TheePopCore) December 18, 2024 🐰 "i won't sing BTS songs because we have to sing it together" OMG BRING MY FAMILY BACK TOGETHER🥺🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/bH2c0DLvEp — Carolyne🌱⁷⁼¹ (@mhereonlyforbts) December 18, 2024 Jungkook's live takes the BTS ARMY by surprise As fans are well aware, JK's lives are never complete without a karaoke session and the singer sang Big Bang's songs, BLACKPINK Rose-Bruno Mars' APT., Bruno Mars-Lady Gaga's Die With A Smile, and the OST Love You With All My Heart By Crush from hit Kdrama Queen of Tears, Winter Head and more. Fans also requested the 27-year-old K-pop idol to sing BTS songs but the singer replied that he will sing those songs with other members soon. jungkook singing APT pic.twitter.com/79QIlQquLn — random jk things (@randomjungkook) December 18, 2024 Jungkook sings Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. pic.twitter.com/Ppszux96EC — About Music (@AboutMusicYT) December 18, 2024 🐰 "i won't sing BTS songs because we have to sing it together" OMG BRING MY FAMILY BACK TOGETHER🥺🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/bH2c0DLvEp — Carolyne🌱⁷⁼¹ (@mhereonlyforbts) December 18, 2024 During the live, Jungkook also interacted with fans enthusiastically sharing anecdotes from his life. The first thing he asked was if his fans were keeping well and he concluded the live with the words, "I miss you." He also reassured fans that Jimin, who is doing service with him is also doing well. The singer also gave a tour of his new house, requested his fans respect his privacy, and asked his sasaeng (obsessive) fans not to visit his house. He also asked fans not to send presents and letters to his address. If they want to send letters, they should send them to the company's address. He also addressed the trolls targeted toward his pet dog, Bam, with love. Black furniture, black floors, drinks, stereo equipment, and a rainbow hello kitty. This is the epitome of Jungkook 😂 pic.twitter.com/vgBTGsnsq0 — Cate⁷⁼¹ (@pkuptrucks) December 18, 2024 Jungkook's military service and details about BTS Jungkook also launched a YouTube channel recently, titled Bam's Dad, which left his fans brimming with excitement. For the singer's fans, this unexpected live session proved to be a blessing as his cheerful personality and melodious voice brought happiness to fans who had eagerly been waiting for an update about the singer. His dedication to connecting with ARMY over a break tells a lot about his unparalleled love for his fans. Jungkook is the youngest member of the popular boy band BTS, and currently, he is fulfilling his mandatory military service in South Korea along with other band members- RM, Jimin, Suga, and Taehyung. This live was possible because the golden maknae of BTS is currently on a break from his military service. For those unversed, South Korea has a mandatory military service in its conscription for men between the ages of 18 to 35. He will sign off from his military duties by June 2025.
19 December,2024 03:12 PM IST | MumbaiSouth Korean boy band BTS member J-hope took to Instagram on Monday and shared his December photo dump. In the pictures, the BTS idol offered a sneak peek at his luxury shoe closet as well as flaunted his wristwatch worth crores. The post, simply captioned as “December” put a smile on the ARMY’s face as they swiped through his stunning carousel. View this post on Instagram A post shared by jhope (@uarmyhope) BTS’ J-hope’s December photo dump J-hope’s latest Instagram post shows him spending most of his time at the dance studio. He was also gifted a blue Christmas tree. The K-pop idol, who is the brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton also received an advent calendar from the label. The standout part of the post was J-hope’s extensive shoe closet with nearly a hundred pairs of footwear. He also shared pictures with the Squid Game doll and flaunted his KAWS x Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon watch. It is part of a collaboration with KAWS, a renowned artist known for his signature "XX" motifs and cartoon-like skull designs. The limited edition piece costs Rs 4.08 crore. BTS' J-hope at the 2024 KBO Korean Series J-hope, who was discharged from the military in October attended the 2024 KBO Korean Series (baseball match) in Gwangju where he made the first pitch. At the event, he shared how nervous he was to face the crowd. “I’m not as athletic as I seem. The guys in military school were shocked to see my soccer skills. So don’t get your hopes up too high,” said J-hope. For those unversed, 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. Besides J-hope, Jin is the only member who has been discharged. Earlier this year, J-hope came out with 'Hope On The Street' a 6-episode docuseries that highlights his story and love for dancing as he begins a new journey in his 12th year since debut, returning to his dancer roots.
16 December,2024 10:18 PM IST | MumbaiNetflix India is thrilled to announce the release of 'The Game Don’t Stop', an anthem crafted by the dynamic trio of Hanumankind, Kalmi, and Parimal Shais for Squid Game 2. This powerful track celebrates the highly anticipated return of Squid Game with a fresh, Indian perspective that pulsates with energy, grit, and unrelenting determination. Hanumankind's latest anthem 'The Game Don’t Stop' for Squid Game 2 is out Hanumankind, best known for Big Dawgs, channels his fervor into razor-sharp bars that cut through the beat precisely. The lyrics vividly depict the relentless nature of the games, capturing each player's desperate fight for survival against impossible odds. Hanumankind’s flow and intricate wordplay bring an added intensity, making the anthem a tribute to the high-stakes drama of Squid Game season 2. Accompanying the anthem is a visually arresting music video that reimagines the gripping world of Squid Game through an Indian lens. With its vivid storytelling and striking visuals, the video not only pays homage to the show’s iconic elements but also brings its essence closer to home. As Young-hee has begun the countdown to Season 2, "The Game Don’t Stop" stands as a testament to the series’ unstoppable nature and its profound connection with audiences around the globe. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Within two hours of release, the anthem has garnered more than seven hundred thousand views on Instagram and more than twenty-six thousand views on YouTube and the number is constantly increasing. Many celebrities have commented on the video. Netflix's Never Have I Ever fame Indo-Canadian actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan commented, "hell yessss" with fire emojis. Famous YouTuber Ian Boggs also commented with two fire emojis. More details about Netflix's Squid Game 2 With the release date of Squid Game Season 2 just around the corner, fans cannot keep calm. the first season of the Korean Drama came out in 2021 and took the Internet by storm. The series starred an ensemble cast of Lee Jung-Jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, HoYeon Jung, O Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Anupam Tripathi, and Kim Joo-young. The show's songs, clips, and memes were trending for weeks. Squid Game's gripping and nail-biting plot kept the viewers on the edge and since the announcement of Season 2, fans can't wait to enter the world of their favorite game. The second season will stream on Netflix from December 26.
16 December,2024 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBTS member Jungkook has won two awards at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, marking his second consecutive year winning at the BBMAs. BTS triumphed at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs), highlighting their global dominance. With Jungkook bagging two awards, ARMY is going crazy and buzzing with excitement. Jungkook wins two awards at 2024 Billboard Music Awards Jungkook, the youngest member of the BTS group, claimed the title of Top K-pop Album with his debut solo album, GOLDEN. He also took home the award for Top Global K-pop Song with its title track, Standing Next to You. Jungkook is currently completing his military service, which will finish in 2025 before he reunites with his fellow BTS members. However, this was not the only exciting news for the BTS group. Another equally thrilling update for the ARMY is that Kim Taehyung, also known as V, just topped the Billboard Holiday Digital Song Sales chart with his single Winter Ahead. With Jungkook bringing home two awards, he was not the only K-pop artist to earn acclaim at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. Other K-pop acts also made their marks at the awards. Boy group Stray Kids took home the Top Global K-pop Artist award, while Seventeen won the Top K-pop Touring Artist award. Taylor Swift dominates the chart All of this said and done, no one could beat the global superstar Taylor Swift, who dominated this year's BBMAs. The global icon took home about 10 awards, including the prestigious Top Artist award. With these wins, Swift has now accumulated 49 BBMAs trophies, becoming the most awarded artist in the history of the ceremony. BTS’ youngest member Jungkook, who took the K-pop world by storm last year with his album GOLDEN, received a total of six nominations, including Top Global K-pop Artist and two nominations for the Top Global K-pop Song category for his tracks Standing Next to You and 3D. Fellow BTS member Jimin, too, got a nomination in this category for the track Who. The Billboard Music Awards 2024 aired on December 12, with Michelle Buteau hosting the ceremony.
13 December,2024 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member J-hope, who was discharged from the military in October attended the 2024 KBO Korean Series (baseball match) in Gwangju. In a video shared by BANGTAN TV on YouTube, J-hope can be seen training for his first pitch at the game, commuting via public transport with his dad, and also doing the victory dance while gorging on some snacks at the stadium. BTS’ J-hope enjoys watching the 2024 KBO Korean Series with his dad The video begins with J-hope training for his first pitch at the baseball game. He says his military juniors got excited when they heard the news of him attending the main event. He then boards a train to arrive at the stadium. The K-pop idol expresses how nervous he is to face the crowd. “I’m not as athletic as I seem. The guys in military school were shocked to see my soccer skills. So don’t get your hopes up too high,” he says in the clip. For those unversed, 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. Besides J-hope, Jin is the only member who has been discharged. As the video proceeds, J-hope nails the pitch and then sits in the stadium to enjoy the match. He relishes some snacks, does the victory dance, signs the ball as memorabilia, watches over the crowd while his dad captures the adorable moment, and finally departs. BTS’ J-hope released his docuseries Earlier this year, J-hope came out with 'Hope On The Street' a 6-episode docuseries that highlights his story and love for dancing as he begins a new journey in his 12th year since debut, returning to his dancer roots. Accompanied by his former instructor, the popping champion Boogaloo Kin, J-hope explores the streets of Osaka, Seoul, Paris, New York, and Gwangju, meeting inspiring street dancers along the way.
11 December,2024 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member Jin recently appeared on Since Those Days with Japanese singer, actor, and television personality Masaki Aiba. On the show, the K-pop idol, who was discharged from the military earlier this year spoke about his latest solo album Happy, and bonding with other members such as Suga, J-hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. BTS’ Jin speaks about his bond with other members Speaking about treating his members with respect and maintaining sheer professionalism, Jin shared, “I think to be respectful, we need to recognize that we’re not friends, we’re partners who work together. Among friends, when you get mad at each other, sometimes you won’t help each other because you are mad. But here it’s that kind of concept. Basically, we’re working together, so I think the most important thing is to have an attitude that even if there’s a situation where our feelings get hurt, we still have to work together professionally.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) BTS’ Jin’s goal is to bring joy to the ARMY Jin, who loves the BTS ARMY, unveiled his latest album Happy last month. He said, “I just want to be happy. But for me personally, finding happiness isn’t easy. When I make someone else happy or bring a smile to their face, I naturally feel joy and happiness as well. So ultimately, my goal is to make my fans happy and bring them joy because that’s how I’ll find my own happiness. That’s my dream—to create happiness for my fans, which will in turn, make me happy.” Jin was discharged from the military in June, coinciding with the band’s debut anniversary. He conducted a meet and greet with fans, collaborated with luxury brands, and also became the torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He recently appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon where he discussed his new album Happy and even performed the song ‘Running Wild’ which marked his solo debut on the chat show. 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.
08 December,2024 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile India is hosting concerts of a bunch of international artists this month and the next, one band that K-pop fans here have been eagerly waiting for is BTS. While it is uncertain when the South Korean superstars will finally land in India, one person very close to the band is heading this way very soon. BTS member J-hope's sister Jiwoo will be in India on December 8 to promote her skincare brand. Who is Jiwoo? Jiwoo is a popular skincare influencer in South Korea, with multiple brands under her name and a massive following on social media. She is the CEO of AJ Look, MEJIWOO, Fun The Mental, and Neaf Neaf. Ji-woo launched her YouTube channel on September 11, 2020, and gained over a million followers in just two weeks. When is J-hope's sister coming to India? She will be in India to launch her mask pack brand Neaf Neaf on December 8 in New Delhi. Kindlife Kosmos, an online marketplace for new age beauty and wellness products, shared a Reel collab with Jiwoo and YouTuber Sherry Shroff, announcing the same. "OMGGG IT'S FINALLYYYY HAPPENINGGGG! @mejiwoo103 X @sherryshroff are taking over @kindlifekosmos for @neafneaf_official India launch on 8th December. Kannot Keep Kalm because it doesn't get BIGGER & BETTER than this! Korea-Verse calling people, get ready to turn up," they posted. View this post on Instagram A post shared by kosmos (@kindlifekosmos) Fans can't believe that someone related to BTS is finally coming to India. Check out some of the reactions: "WHAT ? Jiwoo coming to Delhi??" "We got mejiwoo's product in India before bts!" "Bring jhope too" "Jiwoo in India before her brother? Really unexpected collabs!" J-hope (real name Jung Hoseok) finished his mandatory military service last month and is back to leading his life as a K-pop idol again. Five of the seven members - RM, Jungkook, Jimin, V and Suga - are still serving in the South Korean military. The band members are expected to be back mid-2025. Till then, everyone has been working on their solo projects. Eldest member Jin launched his new album, Happy. J-hope has been making appearances to promote the brands he is associated with.
04 December,2024 01:33 PM IST | DelhiSouth Korean boy band BTS member Jin celebrates his birthday on December 4. The eldest member of the septet comprising of Jimin, Suga, Jungkook, V, J-hope, and RM was discharged from his mandatory military service in June this year. Here’s everything the K-pop idol has done so far after returning to his normal life. Meet and greet with 1000 fans on BTS’ debut anniversary Jin hugged nearly 1000 fans during the meet and greet which took place as a part of the FESTA celebrations on BTS’ 11th debut anniversary in June. Jin had enlisted for military services in December 2022. Torchbearer at Paris Olympics 2024 Jin scripted history as he became the first Korean singer to participate as the torchbearer at the Paris Olympics 2024. While speaking to a media outlet, Jin said, “I am so honored to be able to participate in the torch relay. And to the ARMYs, who made it possible for me to bear the torch, I really want to express my sincere gratitude.” Gucci site crash Jin was announced as the brand ambassador for Gucci. After the luxury brand revealed the K-pop idol as its global face, ARMY bombarded its website, causing it to crash. The system received unusual traffic, leading to Gucci's Japanese website temporarily shut down. Milan Fashion Week 2024 Jin looked dapper in a brown outfit for the Gucci showcase at the Milan Fashion Week. He said on Weverse, “I'm a superstar. I went to a Gucci show. You guys came and I became a superstar, so I went to the Gucci show as an ambassador. It was fun. A lot of fans, ARMY, came. I got emotional in the car. It's been a long time since I've been nervous. Jin turned MC at his best friend’s wedding Jin returned to his ‘worldwide handsome’ aura as he attended his best friend’s wedding. At this intimate affair, Jin donned the MC's hat and grabbed eyeballs with his endearing speech, all while wearing a stunning suit. Solo appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon Jin marked his solo debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The K-pop star performed his new song 'Running Wild' from the new album ‘Happy’. He said, "Happiness is a very important word and holds value for me simply because it is so important to me. I wanted to express happiness through music, so that’s why the title of my album is Happy.”
03 December,2024 10:23 PM IST | MumbaiSouth Korean boy band BTS member Jungkook’s documentary I Am Still Original, which is the extended cut of what was released in theatres dropped on Disney+ Hotstar on December 3. As fans binged onto the film that follows Jungkook through eight months of creating his solo album Golden, many were stunned to watch him change on camera on a sick day, eat shirtless, and leave his hairdresser in tears while getting his head shaved for the military. BTS’ Jungkook changes clothes on camera One of the clips from I Am Still Original that is making waves on social media shows Jungkook on a sick day. He changes his clothes on camera after indicating that he’s feeling a bit hot. As the maknae puts his ripped physique on display, the ARMY couldn’t help but react to it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) One user wrote, “I just opened Instagram, lord have mercy.” “Please this scene popped up on the screen and I was watching this documentary with my mom I panicked for real!!” added another. Another user commented, “He is just checking out survival instincts I guess. But you know what, I’m already dead Sir.” Another bit shows Jungkook gorging on a burger shirtless. View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) BTS’ Jungkook’s hairdresser cries while shaving his head for military The documentary also touches upon Jungkook gearing up to enlist in the military which required him to shave his head. The BTS member, who has always been known for his impeccable style sense left his hairdresser in tears in the process of getting his hair trimmed. Jungkook is seen consoling him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) Jungkook enlisted in the military in November 2023. He had 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." I Am Still offers an intimate look at Jungkook's eight-month journey, featuring exclusive interviews, never-before-seen moments behind the curtain, and mind-blowing concert performances that highlight his relentless dedication and personal growth. A look into the life of the chart-topping heartthrob who has established an identity outside of BTS and captured the attention of music lovers worldwide.
03 December,2024 04:23 PM IST | MumbaiSouth Korean boy band BTS’ member V aka Kim Taehyung, who is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service took the internet off-guard with a heartwrenching post informing fans about the demise of his beloved dog Yeontan. Affectionately called "Tannie”, the Pomeranian left for a heavenly abode. The news has left the ARMY heartbroken with several taking to social media to mourn the death of V’s furry friend. BTS' V mourns the demise of his dog Yeontan V took to his Instagram stories and penned a comprehensive note that read, “Hello ARMYs, are you all having a warm end of the year? I'm glad that the weather isn't too cold yet! I think I'm giving my greetings to ARMYs through a song for the first time in a while. All the fun memories I have of the duet with Hyo Shin hyung, whom I really like, and the carol with Bing Crosby, whom I respect so much, that will be released soon, and the time spent preparing for them, pass me by. And now, it's already December of this year.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) He added, “To be honest, the reason I've come to write a post like this is because Yeontan has left on a long journey to doggy heaven recently. I've thought a lot about how to tell you all about this, but I convey this news as I thought it would be right to tell all ARMYs who have sent so much love until now. I would be thankful if ARMYs would be able to think of Yeontan here and there so that he can be happy in heaven too. I hope it will be a warm end of the year where you can tell your loved ones around you that you love them one more time. I hope ARMYs will always be healthy until the day we meet again! I love you, thank you.” V also shared a carousal on his Instagram feed with the moments he has shared with Yeontan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by V (@thv) BTS ARMY reacts to V’s dog Yeontan’s death One user wrote, “I used to wonder how Taehyung would feel if Tannie died before finishing his military service 'cause he was unwell so long back... The inevitable happened and now I am crying for a pup whom I didn't even know personally, so how would Taehyung must be feeling rn... I wish him happiness and hope the lil puppy who brought joy to Taetae rests in peace.” “Taehyung loves his dog very much and parting with her will be difficult for him. I wish him good health and that he gets over it quickly, even though this is not possible at the moment,” added another. View this post on Instagram A post shared by taehyung⁷ 🐻 (@taetaebooo) One fan page paid tribute stating, “Every moment with Yeontan was filled with so much joy and happiness. sending strength to tae and his family, thank you for taking care of Tannie so well and fighting for him to the last. this fluffy ball was important to so many of us and I guarantee he will live in our hearts forever. Tannie, please be happy in Rainbow Land as well and if life exists there, then I hope you will live a long and healthy life without any pain. grateful you can be forever enshrined in the layover album, you were such a star. love you as if you were my pet.” Meanwhile, V had enlisted for his mandatory military service in 2023. His discharge date is set for June 10, 2025.
02 December,2024 04:24 PM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
