Netizens discuss the source of TWICE’s popularity

Although TWICE only recently debuted, the girl group has already become one of the most popular artists in the industry. 

And while many have attributed the JYP Entertainment group’s early success to their Mnet survival show SIXTEEN, others have argued that the girls’ impressive visuals are more to thank for their popularity. The debate between SIXTEEN and visuals being responsible for TWICE’s success is actually quite a common conversation among fans of the group, and fans still haven’t come to a consensus on the topic.

Netizen reactions:

[+ 114, – 95] It’s obviously because of SIXTEEN. Why do you think Somi from Produce is so popular?

[+ 95, – 13] I think it’s because of visuals. When TWICE first debuted they thought they were going to be 1st on Melon but what actually happened was they started gaining attention in January and went up to 6th place. This means their popularity isn’t really due to SIXTEEN

[+ 87, – 15] The reason they are so popular
1. SIXTEEN – gained amazing numbers of fans
2. Visuals – It’s a group where all 9 members have the visual of a center
3. Tzuyu incident – Even non K-Pop fans became aware of Tzuyu through this unfortunate incident.

Shinhwa Wraps Up Anniversary Concert, Celebrating an Impressive 18 Years

Shinhwa recently celebrated their 18th anniversary, wrapping up their commemorative concert “HERO” on March 27.

At the concert, the members of Shinhwa opened up about their thoughts on reaching 18 years together. “We were 18 and 19 years old when we first started,” they said. “Although the time we’ve walked the same path as the fans has been important to us, us members have become like blood brothers in the time that we’ve spent together. It’s very meaningful. Thanks to the fans supporting us, we’ve been able to put out albums and put on concerts. We’re so thankful and happy.”

The members continued, “There haven’t only been good times. Thanks to the incredible love we’ve felt from the fans over the last 18 years and thanks to them waiting, we reunited instead of dissolving under the weight of the bad times.”

Shinhwa also revealed their plans for the remainder of 2016. While the first half of the year will be devoted to individual activities, including solo tours, movie filming, and variety shows, the group said they plan to release a new album in the second half of the year. The members specifically mentioned that they hope to have collaboration stages with their junior performers at the end of the year award ceremonies.

Congratulations on your 18th anniversary, Shinhwa! Here’s to many more!

BTS fans apologize for the irrational behavior of a minority of the fanbase

BTS fans apologized for the behavior of a minor part of their fanbase.

The trot singer Hong Jin Young released a mini album recently called 'HwaYangYeonHwa', with title song "Thumbs Up". A few BTS fans took serious offense at this and claimed she was plagiarizing BTS' album, even though the title is actually a saying, there is a very famous Chinese movie of the same title, and there was actually a Korean album before even BTS by Lee Seung Hwan.

When this came to light to others, most of the ARMY fandom were quick to apologize in stead for the actions of the others in the fandom. Even BTS themselves seemed to take note of the situation and tweeted a few days ago, "Thumbs thumbs up, thumbs thumbs up. Jinyoung-noona's song is thumbs up! Let's listen to it together #ThumbsUp" with a photo:

What do you think of the situation?

New girl group 'Princess' member full of controversies

Group 'Princess'
Birthday: April 26, 2003
Height/weight: 158cm / 42kg

Netizen reactions:

1. [+139, -6] There was a top Pann that said that an iljin bitch is debuting in Princess

2. [+134, -20] Whatever, I'm only gonna stan my bias. It's obvious that she'll be a nugu.

3. [+117, -1] So if Princess debuts, their fandom name will be Prince?

4. [+48, -0] I knew Song Seung Chae since she was on Kakaostory. She's untalented and she got cast for her visual. She posted her grad photo on Facebook in February ㅋㅋ She was confirmed to debut after a month of becoming a trainee. She deactivated her Facebook. It's true that she has a bad personality. Her Facebook friends would know. She had a fight on Facebook with someone that she fought in grade 3 and cursed Kim So Hye on Facebook. Her Kakaostory friends are defending her. If an untalented and trashy idol is gaining attention as the youngest idol, how is this fair for Produce 101 trainees and other hard-working trainees?

5. [+47, -0] Her company isn't even registered and the members were picked on Facebook ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

6. [+36, -7] They won't be popular like April

7. [+33, -0] Yeah, she just graduated elementary school

(before & after makeup)

8. [+33, -1] She bashed Kim So Hye on Facebook. Does she think she'll be more successful than Kim So Hye?

9. [+24, -0] Wow, I'm so dumbfounded. I'm currently learning singing and dancing to become a singer. But she got in for her face and is confirmed to debut after a month ㅋㅋㅋㅋ I guess my life wasn't worth it, maybe I should give up. I'm trying so hard because it's my only hope. If she debuts, I'll reveal everything about her.

10. [+21, -0] It wouldn't matter if she flops because she'll have a plenty of time to find some other career.

Netizens shocked upon discovering that Lee Sung Kyung had plastic surgery

Although actress and model Lee Sung Kyung is known for her unique visuals, netizens were shocked to discover that her looks aren’t entirely natural. 

After doing some research on Lee Sung Kyung, netizens discovered some old photos the actress that prove she’s had cosmetic surgery to enhance her visuals. In the old photos, it’s clear that she used to have monolids, whereas recent photos show that she currently has double eyelids. Although some netizens criticized the actress for having had plastic surgery, many instead praised her for looking so beautiful despite not being naturally gifted with perfect visuals.

     

Netizen reactions:

[+ 131, – 6] I thought she was all natural because her double eyelids looked so natural

[+ 115, – 39] She is crazy pretty right now but she used to be ugly as heck before surgery…this is too much

[+ 114, – 5] Her double eyelid surgery was the best decision ever

[+ 41, – 7] It looks like she only did double eyelids but she got real pretty…

Top 10 Tallest Girls Of K-Pop

Here are the top 10 tallest girls of K-Pop! With long slender legs and graceful auras, these girls are some of the most beautiful women you will ever see, and their actual heights just might make you gasp with surprise. *The heights of the following idols may or may not be true. These measurements have been released by their respective entertainment companies, but are always under speculation by fans.*

10. Girls’ Generation – SooyoungSooyoung is the shortest giant on our list. She is the tallest member in Girl’s Generation, standing at 170 cm (5’6.9”) and her height is no joke.
 

9. EvoL – YullSlightly taller, Yull from EvoL stands at 171 cm (5’7.3”). She augments her height her height by wearing high heels that make her stand heads above everyone else.

8. After School – NanaNana, who is also 171 cm (5’7.3”), loves to show off her enchanting long legs, everywhere she goes fanboys drop dead.
 
 

7. 9MUSES – SungahThe first of three idols that stand at 172 cm (5’7.7”) is Nine Muses’s Sungah. One of the biggest advantages of having a tall figure is having such amazing long legs.
 

6. Former Dal Shabet – GaeunDal Shabet’s Gaeun measures 172 cm (5’7.7”) as well. She has many talents and having the ability to walk around, flaunting what she’s got, is one of them. Showing off her perfect slender figure is second nature to her.

5. Nine Muses – HyunaThe third idol on our list who measures 172 cm (5’7.7”) is Nine Muses’s Hyuna. Nine muses is known for having giants in their group and Hyuna is no exception.
 

4. Gangkiz – HyejiIn 2010, Gangkiz’s Hyeji was the Runner-up of the “19th Supermodel Contest” and with good reason. She stands at a whopping 173 cm (5’8.1”). Her height, as well as her looks, are equally stunning.

3. Nine Muses – EuaerinEuaerin stands at a jaw-dropping 174 cm (5’8.5”). She is the second tallest member in her group and her looks are also top-notch.

2. Dal Shabet – SubinNearing our tallest, Subin from Dal Shabet comes close standing at 174 cm (5’8.5”). Her legs are considered her sexiest feature and when she shows them off like she does, who would disagree?

1. Former Nine Muses – SamStanding at an unbelievable 176 cm (5’9.3”), Sam is the tallest member in Nine Muses and tallest female idol in K-Pop! Known as a gentle giant by many, her instantly recognizable stature is one of her signature features, as well as being a skilled rapper.

LoveUs Disbanded?

It appears that girl group LoveUs has disbanded.

A Reddit user posted on March 26 that all of the members have removed the group’s name from their respective Twitter profiles. The user also noted that the group has been removed from the official website of Creative U Entertainment, the record label behind LoveUs.

Although there haven’t been any official statements regarding the group’s possible disbandment from the company, the official fan cafe hasn’t been updated since November of last year, and the most recent post on the officialFacebook page was in December.

LoveUs debuted in the summer of 2015 with “Tickle,” and followed up their debut single with “Lovely Boy” in the fall. Two of the members, Migyo andDanbi, were formerly members of the now-defunct group Bob Girls.

If the news of the disbandment ends up to be true, LoveUs will join the ranks of the girl groups gone too soon.

Koyote’s Shin Ji Suffers Injuries While Filming

Koyote‘s Shin Ji has suffered injuries while filming recently.

On March 25, Shin Ji fell down while filming a pet-related program and suffered abrasions on her face and all over her body. She also got a cast on her finger.

According to an affiliate of the hospital who was at the scene, Shin Ji was transferred to a nearby hospital and received emergency treatment, and now she is receiving outpatient treatment.

An affiliate of the pet program she was filming stated, “It is true that she was in an accident while filming. Thankfully, it’s not a serious injury. She is expected to film another program this week. She will do so without delay.”

It continued, “She has to receive treatment for about two to three weeks. She will come back looking well.”

Lee Hi's 'Hold My Hand' under fire for alleged plagiarism

Lee Hi's song "Hold My hand" is under fire for allegedly being plagiarized fromCharlie Puth's 2014 track "Marving Gaye".

According to many netizens, "Hold My Hand", from Lee Hi's recent 'Seoulite' album, is too similar to Charlie Puth's song written by the singer and Julie Frost. The video below cites some of the similarities between the tracks.


What do you think? Take a listen below, and let me know your thoughts.

Netizens Discuss Which K-Pop Entertainment Companies ABUSE Plastic Surgery The Most

Plastic surgery is incredibly common in South Korea, and even more so among idols and other celebrities. 

In fact, with so many idols having had plastic surgery done, netizens recently discussed which of the industry’s top companies abuse it the most. Out of SM, YG, and JYP, netizens largely agreed that JYP Entertainment artists seem to have had the least work done. However, netizens couldn’t seem to come up with a consensus on whether SM or YG is the bigger abuser.

Netizen reactions:

[ +116 / -10] The most as a single idol artist YG (2ne1 Miss. Park), The most in average: SM (Girls’ Generation)

[ +88 / -23] SM

[ +68 / -7] I don’t think YG is that behind SM considering Park Bom

MAMAMOO under FIRE for alleged PLAGIARISM in recent song

Group MAMAMOO recently released their recent song “You’re The Best” which has been very popular in various music charts in Korea. But was it plagiarism conducted by producer Kim Do Hoon who has been accused for similar acts in the past?

Originally posted on Pann, netizens accuse MAMAMOO’s “You’re The Best” to be plagiarized.

Titled “MAMAMOO You’re The Best Is Plagiarized,” here is the direct translation of the post and comments below.

“Does Korea not have a conscious? Everything is plagiarized haha

All of the popular songs are plagiarized hahahahahaha

Most idols’ songs are plagiarized hahahahaha

Look at this video hahahahaha”

Netizen reactions:

[ +115 / -17] Plagiarism hunter really hate idols right? They always post videos saying ‘This is my opinion’ hahahahah  I mean there are many similarities in those accusations but sometimes, they always focus on idols’ songs so they’re not trustworthy

[ +106 / -15] I can’t trust plagiarism hunters… If what they post is correct, it means there are no other songs in Korea that isn’t plagiarized. It feels as if they pin point some parts and say its plagiarism

[ +105 / -82] I liked Block B before their debut and I really liked Zico but these two songs are similar to plagiarism… Don’t just give me thumbs down for no reason but these songs are so similar. T_T

Netizens SICK And TIRED Of Hearing About 2NE1 CL’s Impending U.S. Solo Debut

According to Korean media outlet Star News, 2NE1‘s CL is extremely close to making her solo debut in the United States. 

After hearing the news, however, netizens claimed that they’ve been hearing the same line for a year now and have grown sick of hearing the phrase. In addition to expressing their feelings about CL’s US debut, some netizens also voiced their concerns for the other members of the YG Entertainment group, who have also been on a hiatus for quite a while now.

Netizen reactions:

[ +2916 / -49] I’ve literally heard that she is about to debut for the last year alone

[ +1859 / -38] I think I’ve heard this news since 2 years ago. This is basically like Brad Pitt and Angelina’s divorce rumors

[ +1606 / -53] Is 2ne1 locked in water??? What are the rest doing while sending this member overseas

TWICE’s Tzuyu Under MORE Criticism For Bringing Over 30 Bodyguards To Middle School Exams

TWICE‘s Tzuyu recently made a trip back to Taiwan in order to take her middle school exit exam. 

And while many focused on her infamous autographed desk, which has since been declared a cultural asset in Taiwan, the JYP Entertainment singer has also come under fire for her actions during her short trip. According to reports, Tzuyu had thirty-five police officers escort her to her exam, causing some to criticize her for being excessively cautious. Upon hearing the criticisms, however, netizens defended the singer, arguing that the security might have been necessary considering her popularity and recent controversy.

Netizen reactions:

+494 / -30] Leave Tzuyu along. They always say anything with her is a controversy

[ +435 / -28] Leave this girl alone

[ +339 / -13] Tzuyu doesn’t want it that way but people are forcefully making their own stories… being antis

Netizens excited for Nam Goong Min’s first lead role

Despite being a long-time veteran in the industry, actor Nam Goong Min has yet to play the lead role in a public broadcast drama. 

So when it was revealed that the 18-year veteran was recently cast as the lead actor in upcoming SBS drama The Beauty of the Beast, netizens couldn’t hold in their excitement for Nam Goong Min. In addition to congratulating the actor, many netizens were also surprised that the role is his first lead in a public broadcast drama, as he often stands out so much in his roles, giving off the aura of a lead character.

Netizen reactions:

[ +1,260 / -15] He was the only true main character

[ +1,009 / -9] It is his first time as a main character? I thought he always was

[ +929 / -10] Congrats! I’ll watch it for sure

Jeon Do Yeon Reportedly Paid Astronomical Amount for “Good Wife” Role

Actress Jeon Do Yeon is said to receive a record-breaking salary for her role ontvN‘s upcoming drama “Good Wife.”

According to industry insiders, she is now the highest-paid star in Korean cable drama history. Her rate per episode is rumored to be 90 million won (approximately $76,900), which is significantly higher than those of other top actresses who recently starred in cable dramas, including Park Bo Young, Choi Ji Woo, and Kim Hye Soo.

“Good Wife” will mark Jeon Do Yeon’s highly anticipated return to the small screen after a 11-year hiatus, and it appears that this factor was considered in the salary negotiation process. She has exclusively appeared in films since the 2005 drama “Lovers in Prague.”

Jeon Do Yeon’s agency and tvN have responded to the reports via a press release, claiming that the actress’ actual paycheck is much lower than what has been reported, but they are unable to reveal the exact amount due to confidentiality reasons.

A remake of the popular American series by CBS, “Good Wife” starring Jeon Do Yeon and Yoo Ji Tae is expected to premiere in June.