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Since beginning his mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, BTS' V , also known as Kim Taehyung , has made impressive strides both in his military duties and as a public figure. In this article we will give a detailed month-by-month look at his journey over the past several months, showcasing his remarkable dedication and achievements! December 2023: The Beginning of a New Chapter V's military journey commenced on December 11, 2023, when he enlisted and began his basic training at the Nonsan Training Center . With a resolute spirit, he embraced his new role, preparing for the rigorous demands of military life. The buzz around his enlistment was palpable, as fans and media eagerly followed his transition from K-pop star to soldier. January 2024: Graduation and Advancement On January 16, 2024, V graduated from basic military training alongside fellow BTS member RM , earning the prestigious 'elite' soldier rank. This milestone was a testament to his exceptional performance and adaptability. Just two days later, on January 18, V was seen heading to Jonghaenggyo Bridge , dressed in full military uniform and carrying his gear, ready to embark on more specialized training. February 2024: New Assignments In February, V's journey took him to the 2nd Corps , also known as the Ssangyong Unit , stationed in Chuncheon , Gangwon Province . Here, he began serving in a special duty unit of the military police, directly under high-level command. This assignment marked a new phase in his service, focusing on more intensive responsibilities and training. August 2024: Ulchi Freedom Shield Drills One of the most significant events in V’s recent military career was his participation in the 2024 Ulchi Freedom Shield drills . Conducted from August 19, 2024, these joint exercises with U.S. and South Korean military forces were aimed at enhancing readiness and response capabilities in the face of potential threats. The 11-day drills, which involved around 19,000 South Korean troops, saw V actively engaged in various tactical exercises . A video from the drills, uploaded on August 30, 2024, quickly garnered attention on social media. Fans spotted V in the footage, where he was seen posing with his comrades in his Special Duty Team (SDT) uniform. This appearance highlighted his seamless integration into military life and drew admiration from both military personnel and his fanbase. Recent Developments: Continued Excellence In a recent update from September 8, 2024, V engaged with fans via Weverse , marking a special occasion. His post came as ARMYs celebrated the first anniversary of his solo album Layover , which was released on September 8, 2023. Despite his ongoing military duties, V made an effort to connect with his fans, sharing an endearing story about encountering a fan-made photo outside his military base. He humorously mentioned how the sight of the photo made him blush during his run. V's charming interaction extended to addressing his well-being, as he playfully noted the challenges of his service while expressing gratitude for the support from his fans. He assured them that their encouragement was a source of motivation, promising to reconnect with them soon. While V was updating his fans, ARMYs worldwide commemorated Layover's  anniversary with enthusiasm. Celebrations ranged from online hashtags and fan art to themed parties and baked goods. Fans took the opportunity to reminisce about the album’s standout tracks, including "Slow Dancing," " Rainy Days ," " Blue ," " Love Me Again ," " For Us ," and the piano version of "Slow Dancing," all of which were accompanied by music videos that enriched V’s artistic narrative. Additionally, V surprised his followers with a mirror selfie on Weverse and joined a KakaoTalk chat group. He humorously noted that the group's password was simpler compared to others. He also shared a photo of his beloved pet dog, Yeontan , and expressed his support for BTS RM ’s recent song collaboration, " Neva Play ." From his initial enlistment to his current high-profile military engagements, V ’s journey through his mandatory service has been nothing short of remarkable. Each month has brought new challenges and accomplishments, showcasing his unwavering commitment and excellence. Fans and observers alike have been inspired by his ability to balance his duties with the admiration of his global fanbase , proving that dedication knows no bounds. As he continues his service, the world watches with pride and anticipation for the next chapter in his extraordinary story. #BTSV #KimTaehyung #Taehyung #MilitaryService #TaehyungInService #VJourney #BTSArmy #LayoverAnniversary #SupportV #BTSInTheMilitary #UlchiFreedomShield #BTSUpdates #KpopStarToSoldier #VAndARMY #DedicationAndExcellence #BTS

In the last few weeks, the BTS fandom, ARMY , has been angry and upset over what many of them consider mistreatment and abandonment of Taehyung by HYBE . Read on to find out more details! It all revolves around his new album "Layover" particularly the vinyl versions of the album and fans are not holding back. So what’s Going On? 1) Shipping Delays Fans are upset that pre-orders for the " Layover" vinyls haven’t been shipped in Korea . Many have been asking on Twitter why there haven’t been any updates or promotional posts from BigHit about the album’s release. This lack of communication and silence feels unprofessional, especially for such a major label. 2) Stock Issues Fans have noticed that " Layover" merchandise is constantly out of stock in different outlets. They’re frustrated that they have to keep tagging HYBE to restock, raising suspicions that the label might be intentionally understocking Taehyung's releases. It feels like a disservice to an artist who has proven he can sell out anything. 3) Support for Taehyung There are some hashtags like #HYBESTOPSABOTAGINGTAEHYUNG trending right now as fans come together to urge Taehyung to receive the respect he deserves. They do not comprehend how a person with such potential and who would be appealing to any company’s advertisers can’t be advertised properly. 4) Company Reputation Many fans are worried that HYBE’s handling of Taehyung could damage their reputation . They believe that neglecting their artists sends a bad message, not just to fans but to the entire industry . 5) Calls for Action With all this frustration building up, fans are encouraging each other to come out and express themselves. They want to shine a light on what they see as systemic neglect and advocate for better treatment of Taehyung . Some even wonder how a company could sabotage one of its stars. The outcry from ARMY shows just how much they care about Taehyung and his success. As the conversation continues, fans are left wondering how HYBE will respond to their concerns and if they’ll step up to give Taehyung the support he rightfully deserves. They’re not going to stay quiet until they see some changes or improvements. #TAEHYUNG #BTSV #V #KIMTAEHYUNG #HYBESTOPSABOTAGINGTAEHYUNG

South Koreans have been known to be workaholics and at times, for good reason. We look into the South Korean working environment in 2024 and whether it has changed to a more flexible work-life balance. Coming from the UK and receiving 30 days of annual leave per year, and a full-time working week of 37.5 hours, now I look back at it, seems like a blessing. New Zealand and some other European countries have introduced a 4-day working week , and Australia has a laid-back working culture. These countries are all at the top of their game, so to hear that Korea has around 15 days annual leave per year and a tiring 52-hour work week minimum seems like a step backward to me, and this is before the proposed but failed bid to make it a 69 hour work week earlier in the year. Just 50 years ago, South Korea was not like we know today. It was a poor country with many citizens being unable to buy food or farm on the land giving its citizens the drive to work longer and harder. However, in 2024, much of that has changed with many young Koreans being wealthy and Korea promoting their culture ( Hallyu ) or big firms such as Samsung and LG paving the way in the electronic market. The Korean work culture shows many Koreans not working a 9 AM -5 PM job, but instead a 9 AM - 9 PM job and even then receiving messages from their employers outside of work hours or having the mandatory work dinners. So where is the work-life balance here? Sadly the work-life balance — or rather the lack of it — has been the subject of heated debate after the government recently proposed raising the maximum weekly working hours from 52 to 69. In early March, South Korea’s labor minister laid out the framework for this plan, which has been under review since last year. "Raising the cap on overtime would provide employees with greater flexibility" , he claimed. The government has also said raising maximum work hours was meant to allow seasonal workers — such as delivery drivers, factory workers, and builders, to legally work and earn more when they’re most in demand, and take more time off during off-seasons. This sounded much better than it actually would be, and as a result failed. Despite a general shift towards a better work-life balance, employees in South Korea find themselves working longer hours than in other countries. It has been proven in other countries that working smarter, not harder, and taking more rest days, or flexible working hours, increases productivity and happier staff. Could this be why many young Koreans are not having babies? Could this be why many Koreans are looking to move overseas? Let's check out this video! Let us know what you think the perfect work-life balance is in the comments below. #worklifebalance #workinglife #southkorea

With the K-pop industry so competitive and saturated, this trainee was set to debut in a new rookie girl group, but what happened? We have all the details! If you are a trainee in the K-pop industry , it is expected that you are put through your paces in one of Korea's K-pop training schools. Depending on your skills, talents, and overall image, it can take a short time to graduate or an extended time. This is what has happened to Guinn Myah , a former contestant on the reality tv series Girls Planet 999 , who has spent an extended time as a trainee in the K-pop industry. During the past three years, she has been in the middle of a number of rumors regarding her debut and what it would entail, with each new girl group being launched, sadly she was not cast as one of the singers despite her persistence, mild fan base and buzz. Guinn Myah has yet to debut officially. Let's check out this trainee in action! This has of course led to speculation amongst fans as to when she will be likely to join a girl group if at all, to enable her to finally make her entrance in the K-pop industry. One netizen shared, " A frequent name in the countless rumored debut line-ups for upcoming girl groups. Whenever a new girl group was announced, people would always include her in the predicted line-up without fail. " So this has led to my question. "What is this singer missing and what does she need to do?" As the main ages of K-pop singers are during their 20s to early 30s, the industry will adapt and sadly not wait around for anyone. She's apparently is still a trainee under TOP Media Ent, a little bit after the show ended there was a rumor going on that she was going to debut in a group, ODD YOUTH , with Jeongmin who was also a contestant on the show and an ex SM Trainee, however this never came true and Jeongmin ended up leaving the company and even debuted solo. Will she finally be able to debut in 2024? It seems that fans are pushing for this to happen, and as she is getting older, I hope she is able to debut before she hits the cut off mark. ODD YOUTH is expected to debut before the end of 2024, but for now, only Guinn Myah has been officially announced as the first member. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below! #GuinnMyah #ODDYOUTH #TOPMedia #GirlsPlanet999

Fans are protesting on social media against HYBE and requesting a boycott of all recent comebacks. This all began when, on September 15, 2024, Soobin from TOMORROW X TOGETHER shared a concerning update on Weverse about his health struggles. He revealed that he was experiencing extreme fatigue, so severe that eating had become a challenge. “Passing out, I’m so tired… I don’t even have the energy to swallow food so I only ate half of it. For starters, I’ll wash up and be back. I might not be back either…” Soobin’s candid message, paired with a photo of him resting, quickly caught the attention of fans. The issue of overwork is not isolated to TXT alone. Recently, other artists have also been affected by health issues linked to their intense schedules. Beomgyu from TXT sustained an ankle ligament injury during activities. ILLIT’s Wonhee suffered an ankle injury while filming content. NewJeans' Hyein experienced a microfracture in her foot, and Katseye's Daniela also faced an injury. This growing pattern of health issues among idols highlights the broader problem within HYBE’s management practices. Historically, groups had fewer comebacks per year, but the current trend has increased stress and exhaustion. HYBE has been facing additional challenges, including financial difficulties and internal conflicts , such as the ongoing dispute with Ador's CEO Min Hee Jin . Rumors about financial instability and mismanagement have further complicated the situation. Although these rumors remain unconfirmed, they contribute to the overall frustration. As fans, we genuinely care about the well-being of our favorite artists. The movement to boycott excessive comebacks reflects a sincere desire for a more humane approach to managing idols' schedules. We want to see our idols happy and healthy, and we support calls for significant changes in how they are treated. Let us know your thoughts about this very important matter in the comments below! #NewJeans #KATSEYE #TXT #Soobin #Hyein #Daniella #ILLIT #Wonhee #injury #healthissues

Diversity and representation are global issues right now, and many entertainment companies have started to incorporate them into their work. So why is it lacking in K-entertainment? We dissect the cause and how Korea is adapting to this new issue. There are calls for greater diversity in K-pop in terms of race, ethnicity, body type, and gender identity representation. Debates examine the lack of inclusivity within the industry and rightfully so. Overseas in Western music, this has already started to be done, so why is Korea lacking? While K-pop is not seen as progressive in Korea, where it is part of mainstream commercial culture, in places like Europe and the US it remains subcultural. I find this interesting as I would have imagined that it was universally blanketed, however, to be successful you need to be tailored to each market and interest right?! You need to have a certain interest in other cultures and the willingness to put in the time to find information about this culture, looking for translations and ways to access this whole subculture that requires a great deal of media-savviness to reach and remain at the top of your game. Take LGBTQ fans for example, they might feel within a fandom space for Asian pop artists has to do with a perceived lack of aggressive heteronormativity, and therefore some sort of safety which, might be “based on racist stereotyped views.” LGBTQ is not as widely spoken about in Asian culture as opposed to the West, which is why it is lacking in many streams of media especially in conservative Korea. Despite the diverse and global makeup of the fandom, its members are quick to come together when it comes to achieving a collective goal, and that comes from practice. K-pop is evolving That being said, K-pop is evolving and its core, its idols, are becoming more and more diverse as we can see with the first UK K-pop boy band, Dear Alice , Katseye , and JYP's, VCHA . Not only in the realm of music is Korea becoming more accepting but on the screen as well. Some K-pop idols have starred in LGBT dramas ! You can read more about them here ! So I'm not saying that diversity is completely disregarded, maybe just a little slower than your average Western country. So what are your thoughts about South Korea's hesitation to embrace diversity in its entertainment culture? Comment below! #VCHA #DearAlice #KATSEYE #LGBTQ #diversity #equality #reprsentation

A former Manchester United player is being investigated for riding an electric scooter in Seoul without a license. Who is he and what happened? We have all the details! With recent global news coverage of BTS member SUGA , being arrested for a DUI (Driving under the influence) for riding an electric scooter around Yongsan Station in Seoul, another high profile celebrity has also been charged with the same offense, however this time it is a UK football player. Former Manchester United player and current K League 1 FC Seoul star Jesse Lingard is under police investigation for allegedly riding an electric scooter without a license, according to YTN on September 17, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has begun a pre-investigation into Lingard's case. The charges stem from an incident at 10:20 PM on September 16 in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul, where Lingard allegedly operated an electric scooter without a license. A year ago, Lingard was fined approximately 100 million KRW (~75,457 USD) in the UK for drunk driving and speeding. At the time, he was also handed an 18-month driving suspension, as reported by local media, so my question is will he ever learn his lesson if he has not already?! It appears not, as since he has had a suspension which is still ongoing in the UK since Korea and the UK have a mutual recognition agreement for driving licenses, his suspension means that he cannot legally drive in Korea. Perhaps he did not know this, or was he being ignorant? It does, however, appear that since the SUGA incident, police have been cracking down harder on checking for driving licenses. However, I also feel that scooter companies should enhance their checks when they allow scooters to be rented out through more verifications on the app or booking system. Seoul authorities have also confirmed that the football player was not wearing safety gear while operating the scooter, which is most likely why he was stopped and checked in the first place, however, in the UK, it is not mandatory to wear such safety gear, though it is strongly recommended. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #JesseLingard #electricscooter #SouthKoreanews #footballnews

Weeekly rocked the house during their 2024 Grand America Tour in Orlando, Florida and we have special concert photos to share with you all! Dojeon team member, Maria, got to experience it firsthand with hits such as "After School" ! Weeekly started their US tour in Orlando on September 11, 2024, at the Plaza Live, so I could not see any clips or expectations online yet, so I could watch each performance new for the first time. Here is my personal experience! Concert Begins! The lights dim and the crowd starts cheering as the six members move to their first formation. The lights turn on, "Good Day" (Special Dailee) starts, and the members “Jaehee, Soeun, Monday, Jihan, Soojin, and Zoa appear in graduation gowns with stoles. Their excitement and energy radiate off the stage as they perform the choreography. Halfway through "Good Day" they take off the graduation gowns to reveal their new outfits variety jackets with dark skirts. From the first song, I knew this was going to be a satisfying performance from Weeekly, just from their dance alone! Each member danced in sync, the angles, steps, and positions, I almost forgot to listen to them sing as their dance was so mesmerizing. “This week is for Weekly, hello we are Weeekly” they each introduced themselves before continuing with their performance to tag me…. I start to recognize each song they perform. I did not realize they sang these songs, so I was enjoying the concert more and more! Once "After School" started playing, the whole crowd continued their loud cheers and with some space in the back, fans were even dancing to the choreography with Weeekly.  The VCR segment finishes and Weeekly returns to the stage with a new set of outfits and begins their stage with "Hello". Again, watching their in-sync choreography you can’t take your eyes off from them. As a photographer myself, I absolutely loved that their facials were always on point even if they were not in the center, I could take a picture at any moment, and they would always be ready. After "Dance Dance Dance!" they introduce their next stage as a special stage and start playing "One Last Time" by Ariana Grande. Originally, I thought it was going to be just like any other cover but just as the chorus starts Jihan, Seoun, Soojin, and Zoa are singing 4 different harmonies, I was blown away by how beautiful they sounded! Weeekly continues the rest of the song with the chorus singing 6 different harmonies, and again it was such a joy to listen to this arrangement prepared for the tour. They end this section with "Vroom Vroom" before the second VCR segment. Weeekly's Grand America Tour in Orlando, Florida (Photo: Maria Vanderbilt) The last part of their stage included "Classic’ and ‘Backwards", their energetic performance included floor choreography before a slower, funk song "Backwards" that showcases their innovative formations and precise moves. Saying their final goodbyes before the ‘last stage’, you can see how much work they put into their performance as they are catching their breath from the previous stages. They end the show with their slower, more touching song "Stranger". And to my surprise, it was the English version. I love how they ended the performance with a song they could sing together with their American fans. They are coming up closer to the fans to have fun with them for their ‘last moments'. Encore time! The lights dimmed as the crowd shouted “encore, encore, encore” then “Weeekly, Weeekly, Weeekly” After a quick change Weeekly appeared in their tour merch and began singing "Page: A Story That Reached Me". Their leader, Soojin was seen turned away from the fans, tearing up as she is proud of Weeekly’s performance and the fans there to support. They proceeded to their final song of the night "Top Secret" and you could see their happiness and energy on stage almost as if they hadn’t just performed an hour-and-a-half-long concert. Expectations? Weeekly's Grand America Tour in Orlando, Florida (Photo: Maria Vanderbilt) Weeekly exceeded any expectations I had, just from their stage presence alone, you can see how much fun they are having on stage and with their fans. They have put so much work into their performance and it clearly shows on stage. If you have the chance to see them on their tour or any other performance I would take the opportunity to see them live. I can firmly say I am now a Dailee and I can’t wait to see what they are going to release next! Comment below if you've ever been to a Weeekly concert and let us know your thoughts! #Weeekly #Dailee #WU   #Weeekly_University #WeeeklyGrandAmericaTour

P1Harmony ( @P1H_official ) delivers a heroic 7-track project “ SAD SONG ” tackling themes of overcoming loneliness through positivity; performed over lyrics and productions composed by the group members and collaborators. The project covers the terrain of many genres, extending K-pop’s influence into new musical territory. Read on to find out more about this exciting new release! Starting strong with the title track “ SAD SONG ,” P1Harmony instantly captivates in this quintessential dance track with its quick Hip-Hop Latin-inspired beats and catchy lyrics. It features an upbeat yet addictive piano riff, complemented by the distinctive voices of P1Harmony members. The album also includes an English version of the song as its last track, welcoming even more global fans to connect with their lyrics. The song is centered around sadness and feeling stuck while incorporating addictive songwriting elements.  “ It’s Alright ” follows, which helps establish the groove of the project.  It features an upbeat yet addictive piano riff, complemented by the distinctive voices of P1Harmony members. Its relaxed tempo, percussive embellishments, and vocal melismas help the listener settle into its suave and addictive vibe. The lyrics convey the message of self-determination connecting even more so to the audience.  Next is the ultimate K-pop group anthem “ Last Call ”. With many musical ties to the 2010s, this song’s timbre creates a familiar yet enticing addition to the classic style. The intense electronic sound and refreshing electric guitar create an energetic melody. The song shows the reward for pushing through, celebrating the heat of the moment, and making the final moments of the party even more electrifying.  As the group shifts back to earlier harmonic themes, “ Welcome To ” intensifies the overall project by mixing traditional rock elements with electronic percussive themes. It combines an addictive trap beat, powerful electric guitar sounds, and dynamic vocals. It delivers a message of hope, encouraging listeners to trust each other, rise again, and embark on a new chapter even in the face of hardship.  Gallery 1: The work connects various elements from many genres and continues to do this with “ All You ”. Starting out feeling like a 90s hit with its R&B piano feel, it soon develops into a beautiful blend of past and present with its captivating synth and electric sound components. The song is about a shy confession with the subject realizing they're like the other person and wondering if it’s love, with a hope to keep their connection forever.  Furthering its nostalgic elements, this is followed by P1Harmony’s first “unit” track “ WASP ” featuring their members INTAK and JONGSEOB, in a new light. It’s an experimental hip-hop track with a strong, challenging vibe, characterized by a gritty bass sound. As an instant callback to the 2016/2017 United States rap, this expands the musical attributes of their discography.  Gallery 2: The dark, intense vibe, with sharp raps and lyrics, evokes a wasp—symbolizing a rebel striving for success in the music industry. With a callback to their first track on the project, “ SAD SONG ” in English proves the perfect cadence as their last song for their release.  This project follows a successful first half of the year, charting on Billboard , and performing and appearing at many special events in the US market, aligned with their packed-house P1USTAGE H: UTOP1A headline world tour. The group performed at Governer’s Ball, marking their first US festival; they made a special first US award show red carpet appearance at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Dallas, which saw the group hanging out with Gov Ball headliner Post Malone  backstage among other acts on the red carpet. It also followed a first pitch toss from THEO at a Cubs game in Chicago at Wrigley Field  where KEEHO also sang the 7th inning stretch. Hitting special landmarks in each city they visited, the group went on an exclusive tour of  Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts exhibit “Hallyu! The Korean Wave”, which caused a stir on social media ( @MFABoston ). Most recently, the group participated in the annual KCON LA 2024 at Crypto Arena. P1Harmony (피원하모니)’s six multi-talented and bilingual singer-songwriters and rappers (KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL, and JONGSEOB), continue to build their P1ece  fanbase across the globe with consistent catchy releases and intoxicating dance choreography that permeates language barriers. Nearly four years since their debut, the bilingual K-Pop group has released seven mini albums and a debut full length album. P1Harmony’s ongoing sonic evolution attracts adoring fans, including more than 1 Million monthly Spotify listeners , to their signature harmonization and captivating raps.  Gallery 3: P1harmony’s 10-track debut full-length album “ 때깔 (Killin‘ It) ” marked the group’s first #1 album in a Korean music show. It also debuted at #1 on Billboard  World Albums chart, #2 on the Billboard  Top Album Sales chart and #10 Spotify  Debut Albums chart. Group members  INTAK  and JONGSEOB  co-wrote the lyrics for the entire project and KEEHO , and JIUNG  co-wrote tracks as well.  The synth-driven title track/single, ‘ 때깔 (Killin’ It) ’ incorporates a catchy 808 base with well-crafted rap flow paying homage to a fusion of K-Pop and 90s hip-hop. P1Harmony’s “ Fall In Love Again ” rose to #24 on  Top 40 radio , an impressive achievement as the first independently-signed 4th generation male Korean group to chart the longest time on US Top 40 radio. The 3-albums of ‘DISHARMONY’ series and the most recent 3-album ‘HARMONY’ series were highlighted by break-out singles: “ JUMP ,” nodding 25 Million YouTube views, “ Back Down ,'' also performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show , and “ Do It Like This ” which sees the fans dance… and chant at every one of the live shows!  The group members have won over the hearts of music peers alike, including Jelly Roll, Post Malone ,  Paul Russell, Sabrina Carpenter, Paris Hilton, Nessa Barrett , while on the road; and support from tastemaker media including NY Times, Vogue, Billboard, Rolling Stone, Kelly Clarkson Show ((( watch here ))), The Daily Show  ((( watch here ))), GMA3 ((( watch here ))). TIME, Forbes, NME, Teen Vogue, PAPER, PEOPLE, HYPEBAE, Refinery29, and Grammy   named P1Harmony one of the “... K-Pop Boy Groups To Watch ….” Stream the new album here ! https://p1h-official.lnk.to/SAD_SONG Let us know your favorite track from their new album! #P1Harmony   #피원하모니   #P1H   #SAD_SONG

A former K-pop idol has been charged with faking medical records to avoid military service! We examine why this has been happening and what other Korean celebrities have tried to do the same! In South Korea, able males must join the Korean Army (National Service) between the ages of 18 and 35, as technically South Korea is still at war with North Korea. If you are part of the National team for the Olympics , for example, then you can be exempt from mandatory military service . When BTS were conscripted , there was a big debate as to whether or not they should be exempt due to their outstanding work in the K-pop and K-culture industry, however after a lot of backlash the BTS members went ahead with their mandatory military service. This can not be said however for other K-pop or K-drama stars, who have tried to get out of their duty to their country, and some stars have tried to fake their medical records to get out of completing service due to ill health (such as being underweight or having bad eyesight). Due to the sensitivity of this topic, the actual names have been blanked out. However, on September 9, 2024, the Changwon District Prosecutor’s Office announced that it had indicted A without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act, forgery of documents, and violating the Information and Communication Network Act. The prosecution also indicted A’s mother, “B,” and a nurse, “C,” who helped falsify the medical records. According to the prosecution, in May 2021, A and B forged medical records from a doctor to lower A’s military classification from Grade 1 (fit for active duty) to Grade 4 (reserved service). This means that they can work within their community such as helping the elderly, less privileged, etc. If you have not completed your mandatory service, this is often looked down on in Korean society. However, after reviewing computer log records, phone call recordings between the co-conspirators, and other evidence, the prosecution determined there was enough evidence to proceed with the case. Earlier, in March, the prosecution requested a reinvestigation, and by May, A was charged with violating the Military Service Act, while B faced additional forgery charges. Further investigation, including two rounds of medical evaluations of the MRI submitted during A’s military examination, revealed that A did not suffer from the illness that was cited as the reason for his military exemption. C, the nurse who accessed the hospital’s computer system to falsify the records at B’s request, was also identified and charged.  If convicted, A, who completed his service as a Grade 4 reservist, may have to re-enlist as an active-duty soldier. Let's take a look at some Korean celebrities who have already tried to dodge their mandatory military service. Although in the UK conscription (mandatory military service) is not required, I believe that it is a good thing as it helps you gain discipline, become more grounded, and respect society and other people, not to mention that it is good for health and learning new skills. Being in the public eye, there is no question that the documents would have been leaked by someone to either gain some fame for themselves or to remind the stars involved that they too simply, are no different from everyone else. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #kpopidols #mandatorymilitaryservice #BTS #military #service

Legendary K-pop girl group 2NE1 has announced their "WELCOME BACK" Asia tour dates! We give you all the details on what to expect! I have been waiting for 2NE1 to announce their tour for a while now, and I am delighted that the first stops for their tour have been released. Let's take a look at their tour poster! Following concerts in Seoul which will be held from October 4 - 6 , 2NE1 will also head to Manila , Philippines on November 16th and Jakarta on November 23 , 2024 . It will be followed by more stops in Kobe, Hong Kong, and Tokyo from late November to December of this year before continuing further throughout 2025. This tour has come at the perfect time as it marks the reunion of the group, and this tour will see members perform together after taking a short break since 2022. I also hope that in light of the "Welcome Back" Asia tour, the band will release a new album, which tends to happen with other artists. I do think that it is the best move in this case to start in their native Korea for their tour. Fans in the US and Europe are also hoping that the band will perform there in 2025 as well. I am sure if their tour in Asia goes as planned, then they will announce a tour there. If they perform in the UK I am sure some of my younger cousins would love to see them perform, as I have to say their dance routines and catchy lyrics are addictive. Purchase your tickets on the YG official site ! Let us know if you plan to attend this event in the comments below! #투애니원   #TOUR   #WELCOMEBACK   #ANNOUNCEMENT   #YG #2NE1

Written by the same author of Lee Min Ho's upcoming drama Ask the Stars , Kim Jung Hyun, and Keum Sae Rok reunite after eight years in KBS2's new highly-anticipated romantic/family series Iron Family ! We give you the details of why this drama has us intrigued and has us waiting for more! Airing on September 28, 2024, Iron Family is set to be one of the must-watch K-dramas this year, and for good reason! Staring household names such as Kim Jung Hyun ( Mr. Queen 2020 — 2021) and Keum Sae Rok ( Youth of May 2021), this story of love and conflict portrays the modern hardworking Korean family at its best! Let's check out the teaser images from the drama! This story of love and conflicts follows three generations of laundry business owners and mindsets have changed over time, which should help the business adapt to modern times. The 3rd generation business takes an unexpected financial windfall (how lucky for them). The drama mainly centers around Da Rim's family ( Keum Sae Rok ) as they work through the challenges and changes that are brought to them by this sudden fate and twist. Let's check out this trailer below! Having watched the trailer, I find it funny how it is filmed, although the storyline should be easy to follow and that of a feel-good end-of-the-night drama. I think it will be interesting to see how different generations of Koreans adapt to the windfall in terms of how they view spending money, as generations have different views on how money should be spent. Synopsis Seo Kang Joo ( Kim Jung Hyun ) is the son of the wealthiest family in the Cheongreyom neighborhood and is currently the senior director of the Jiseung Group. Eight years ago, Seo Kang Joo and Lee Da Rim attended the same university and had an unforgettable experience before Kang Joo enlisted for his mandatory military service. Why we think this drama will be a hit I also think that this drama will hit home with many young Koreans, showing the generational differences. Iron Family is confirmed to premiere on KBS2 on September 28, 2024 . The show will air every Saturday and Sunday. The series will only be 36 episodes, breaking the initial rumors that the show will be a draw dropping 50 episodes long. Will you be tuning in to watch this new K-romance drama? Let us know in the comments below. #IronFamily #KimJungHyun #KeumSaeRok #BlackComedy #Family #Romance